A love in time

by Marrei

Naruto's dreams, for as long as she could remember, always lead her to Tobirama. It was a phenomenon she could blissful ignore as she grew a budding relationship with him until she could no longer ignore why she kept returning. With more questions than answers, Naruto struggles when meeting with a shinobi different from history books Mature themes later TobiramaXFemNaruto

8. Chapter 8

A love in time 8

"You never turned up to dinner," Shikamaru closed the front door behind him. Begrudgingly taking off his sandals as he approached the quiet blonde sitting at her small dining room table. "I promised Ino that she could drag me around as her mule when she next shops to stop her from coming here," Taking a seat near her, he glanced at her face and saw her deep in thought. "So, who's in the other room?"

Naruto's lip twitched when she saw the calm look over Nara's face. Usually, he would be nagging her about his exchange with Ino. "I hope you've eaten because all I have here is ramen and spoiled milk,"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "Answer my question and don't try to avoid it again. I can hear their snores from here and that doesn't sound like Kakashi-sensei,"

Sighing, Naruto looked back to her clasped hands. She left her apartment dark for a reason. She was over-stimulated before and almost fell apart in Kakashi's arms. "You're aware of what I hold, don't you?"

He was silent. Shikamaru was aware of it for years and he had a feeling Naruto was aware he knew. Yet neither of them brought it up. It didn't matter to him and his clan. They knew better than to be afraid of the Kyuubi jailer and his father, Shikaku, never discouraged him from getting close to the blonde. Shikamaru believed in his father. "It's not hard to piece together. Your birthdate, the rumours...even the whisker marks on your cheeks are unique,"

Naruto touched her cheek gently with a bitter smile. Although she would never be as smart as her friend, the warning Tobirama left her a while ago was still fresh in her mind.

"Always be vigilant around the Nara Clan. Don't let their appearances fool you. Their wisdom goes beyond one who has 100 years of experience,"

"The one in there," She pointed to her room nonchalantly, "Is just like me,"

Shikamaru gasped, his eyes widening as his heart raced at the information. He was quick to collect himself and simply asked, "How?"

"There are nine Biju that exist on this continent. Each with a corresponding tail," Naruto felt her voice waiver as she explained. It still felt surreal to her, as if she'd wake up at any moment. She supposed it would be funny since she adapted to travelling to the past easier than she did handling this information. "They call the jailers of the Biju - Jinchuriki."

"A human sacrifice," Shikamaru muttered, feeling morbid at the label. "Then, the one in your room...which one are they?"

"Ichibi Shukaku," Naruto replied quietly, "Was sealed within the youngest child of the Kazekage," she glanced over to Shikamaru and saw him calmly looking at her yet she knew he was far from it. His pupils were shaking. Naruto quietly explained her encounter with Gaara up until Shikamaru arrived in her apartment.

Shikamaru had boiled some water as he listened to her speak. Returning to the table with two cups of tea. Blowing on the hot drink slowly, he processed everything she said. He always did. "I've been thinking, Naruto," He ignored her snort, "Why do you tell me all of this? Kakashi-sensei, I understand...but why did you choose me?"

Naruto tilted her head. She never really thought about it much but in a way, there were very few people she could speak freely with like this. "You're not the type to be prejudiced despite coming from a noble background," from the way his shoulder stiffened she knew he felt insulted by her words. She had compared him to the nobles from the capital. "It's because of who you are, Shikamaru. I feel like I can be myself around you and that's why."

Shikamaru relaxed at her words. Relieved. They were the same age yet Shikamaru respected her a lot. He had seen her go through a lot yet she always returned with a high head. Sometimes...sometimes Shikamaru worried because of it. There were only so many times a person could continue being strong and Naruto was barely an adult. When he saw her smile, Shikamaru's spine chilled over. It looked innocent but that was entirely the problem. Nothing ever good came from that smile. "Maybe this is why she is still standing,"

"Besides, you're the only one in the village that knows my true dream," Naruto tapped the table in annoyance. "I'm glad you stopped snooping around my belongings after that incident,"

Shikamaru drank his tea with clenched teeth. If anything, Shikamaru tried talking Naruto out of her dream several times yet he never pushed it because of one reason only.

The fire in her eyes burned the brightest when she spoke about it. "I feel like you'll drag the entire Nara Clan down with you,"

Naruto chuckled darkly, "I could never do that to you, Shikamaru. Whatever happens, it'll be on me."

Ignoring the sleeping Gaara for now, Nara asked, "Then what do you plan on doing? Outing the Elder Council to the village? Letting Sasuke know the truth? I still can't believe you're alive and unharmed after pulling off such a stupid stunt," He hissed at her angrily. Shikamaru was well aware of Naruto's ambition to unearth why Itachi Uchiha betrayed his clan by any means necessary. Although Shikamaru didn't know the traitor like Naruto, the blonde had convinced him not to tell anyone about her plan when he had found her mad scribbles around her room. He even swore not to tell Kakashi of all people.

"Now, why on earth would I tell that bastard about what happened? He chose a different path from me and I have no obligation to change that," Naruto rolled her eyes, annoyed Shikamaru even said his name in her home. "I've always known something wasn't right that night but what I do with the evidence isn't up to me."

It was Shikamaru's turn to snort. "Please, I know you're not satisfied. You're going after him, aren't you? After Itachi. You want to hear it from him," She sipped her tea in silence but that was more than enough for him. Biting his tongue, Shikamaru couldn't bring himself to scold her. The difference between the Naruto who had Itachi to guide her and the Naruto now was vastly different. If Shikamaru had to describe it, he would say Itachi was like a chain on a door that kept something at bay. Once his chain was broken, something eerie seeped through the cracks of the door. "You're scary,"

"I have every right to be," Naruto didn't deny that she could be frightening. "Are you scared of me?"

"Heh," Shikamaru smirked, "Of you? Never,"

Naruto chuckled. "I would be upset if you were,"

Shikamaru could only roll his eyes at her statement.

Tobirama:

Taking a deep breath, Tobirama felt his body relax as he sat comfortably outside of the cabin he finished building at his secret location. Whenever he was here it felt like time stood still. It was oddly peaceful despite a war happening outside the walls of this large cave. "It's been a while," He muttered, walking over to the flower field with his hands clasped behind his back. The Lake was calm and he felt at ease being here. "I could stay here forever,"

"That doesn't sound like you at all,"

Tobirama suppressed his smirk at the comment before turning around. He saw Naruto standing a few steps away from him. She was smiling brightly at him as he waited for her to come closer. "It is a close thought of mine," Looking down at her, he wasn't surprised to see her wearing an oversized t-shirt. He had seen her wear it often when she slept but he didn't dare to allow his gaze to look lower than her chin. "I give you my sincere gratitude." For now, Tobirama decided to keep his silence about what he saw in the mirror.

"For what?" Naruto teased as she approached him. She would be lying if she said she wasn't happy to see him. The last time she saw him, he was on the verge of death with a high fever and she was stressed from her team.

Although it didn't mean much, Tobirama held out his hand to her and focused his chakra to be able to hold her hand. It still felt like a cold wall but Tobirama didn't let that stop him from curling his fingers around hers. "For saving my life. I know it was you, Naruto." Her cheeks flushed slightly at his words. Unable to hold the concentration for long, Tobirama felt Naruto's hand fall through his and clenched his fist.

They stood in silence next to each other. Enjoying each other's company as they enjoyed the secret view. The flowers swayed gently around them as the fish in the lake pushed the water to make soothing noises.

After a while, Tobirama sneaked a peek at Naruto. The signs of anguish he saw through the mirror were gone. She seemed at ease with him. The words felt dry on his mouth as he asked, "Is there truly no way I can convince you to come to my village?" He watched as she looked at him in confusion. Tobirama could already see her refusal in her eyes and chuckled. "I understand,"

After hesitating, Naruto asked, "Do you really?"

"It's like you asking me to leave my village behind to come to you, isn't it?" Tobirama suggested. He had a lot of bonds within his family and leaving them behind would be hard on him. He didn't particularly like a majority of them but he loved his brother, his sister-in-law and respected very few.

"True," Naruto nodded, deciding to sit down between the flowers. She didn't even question when Tobirama threw his jacket over her lap. Although he looked like a lady-killer he was rather innocent. "But I wouldn't ask you to do that."

Tobiramam frowned, offended at her words. It sounded like she didn't want to rely on him. He kept his lip sealed when she smiled up at him. Her next words shook his core.

"This is where you belong, Tobi."

He looked away from her. "I cannot deny that,"

"Good, then stop trying to find me in the Land of Darkness," Naruto snorted when his neck snapped to look at her. It looked painful. Covering her smile with her hand, she explained, "Your fever made you delusional. I don't live there,"

Tobirama didn't believe her, "Then, where do you live?" When she hummed it only solidified Tobirama's belief that whatever she said next was a lie.

"Around here," Naruto didn't lie. Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "Then, where do you live?"

Tobirama scoffed. He was aware the blonde knew he lived in the Fire Country. "You're teasing me. Haven't you been told it's rude to tease your elders?"

"Yeah, Ji-chan tells me all the time," Naruto leaned back, tucking her hands behind her head and looked up at the natural skylight. The sky was slowly being dyed purple. "You should get some rest,"

"You'll be gone by the time I wake up," He heard her light laughter. It was as if she never went through any hardships. Had he not known her as well as he did, Tobirama would believe it.

"True," Naruto got up, the jacket slipping off her legs and stretched. "But I'll always come back. I've got nothing else to do around here anyway,"

"Liar," Tobirama called her out straight away as he picked up his jacket, "You'll go exploring the second my eyes are closed." Turning to face her, she didn't even attempt to hide her shameless look. "Naruto," He called to her, "I am your best friend,"

Naruto was surprised. She never expected Tobirama to admit it. It was true, the future Nidaime Hokage is her best friend. "Yeah, you're my best friend."

Tobirama nodded, walking past her and heading towards the cabin. "Good. Then let me do whatever I want."

Naruto didn't follow. She felt like she understood what he was saying and shouted to his retreating figure. "I'm not in the Land of Darkness!" She was baffled when he just entered his cabin without acknowledging her. "Is he an idiot?" Naruto muttered before shrugging her shoulders. "I need to meet Kyuubi and practice," Naruto clenched her fists. Although Tobirama helped soothe her, she still felt a sense of foreboding. "I need to get stronger,"

Seeing the light in the cabin go out, Naruto quickly left the secret area and headed towards the temple. Once she arrived, Naruto didn't bother to be polite and rushed straight into the Kyuubi, waking them up. "I'm here! Teach me!"

"Get lost," Kyuubi flung her off his body and snickered when she went flying through the temple walls. Getting up to stretch, Kyuubi ignored when the little human barged back in screaming. "You're too loud," Kyuubi grumbled and reached out to tap her head. Soon enough her physical body solidified and the spark in her eyes grew brighter. "It's been a while since I last saw you. I hope you haven't been avoiding your training with me,"

"N-no," Naruto sweated, she would never admit that his training methods were sadistic and brutal on her young body. "T-Tobirama was dying so I w-went to save him," She was quick to humble herself and held her hands politely. Naruto shivered when Kyuubi lowered himself to look her in the eyes. She clenched her teeth when his foxy smirk grew.

"Your control over wind has gotten better…" Kyuubi started off with a compliment and grinned ferociously when his future host began to pale and tremble, "So, do tell me, why does it smell like the foxfire element I've been teaching you has diminished, child?"

Naruto hated it. She hated training with Kyuubi. He was far more sadistic and cruel than Kurama within her. Naruto hated that Kyuubi could be so scary when she neglected him every time she returned to the past and she couldn't even deceive him. The seal he placed on her alerted him to every time she appeared. "It's hard~" She whined and screamed when Kyuubi flicked her with his tail. Naruto groaned when her back slammed against the marble wall. The pain rattled her bones.

"I'm upset that you would find my very own technique so difficult. To think a mere child like you is my future host."

Naruto was about to retort until she saw Kyuubi transform into his human form. "Shit, I should've just snuck into Tobi's room," Training was twice as bad when Kyuubi was in his human form.

A few hours later:

Kyuubi watched silently as a deep orange hue surrounded Naruto's body. She was beaten but in deep meditation as he observed her progress. "She's taking it seriously this time," Kyuubi enjoyed tormenting her during their training sessions to the point she would run away to the water boy in the middle of their training. However, today was different. She was quick to seek him out and learn.

The orange hue was obnoxiously large and unstable, however, Kyuubi's eyes narrowed when it'd shrink momentarily and stabilize. "Although fire is not her primary or secondary element, she has potential with foxfire," It was his prized technique. Channelling one's emotions into a blazing element hotter than fire and more dangerous than lightning. However, there was a drawback. Emotions. Should Naruto not be able to control her emotions while channelling foxfire it could lash out and harm not only her but her surroundings. Worst case, besides death, it could fry her chakra lines and she'd no longer be able to use chakra.

Kyuubi wondered what changed for Naruto. The fox within her was quiet too. "She is a cub now. Perhaps a beast in the future,"

(text this will be Kurama speaking. The one sealed in Naruto)

She is like her father,

Kyuubi could hear the future him speaking to him privately. He quickly connected their connection to speak. "Is that a praise I hear? I'm disappointed"

Kurama snorted, You will not be disappointed when you fight him. Although that idiot resembled a fool, his eyes can even make me hesitate to attack him

Kyuubi frowned.

You've had a taste of it, haven't you? The darkness in her heart that is being balanced by her beloved. Can you imagine what this human could do if her beloved was threatened or died? I always wonder who is her true beloved.

Kyuubi approached the blonde girl and tapped her forehead. Her clear blue eyes blinked open in surprise. There was still innocence in there. It was faint but it was there. Kyuubi didn't want to see this child being swallowed whole.

"Did I do something wrong?" Naruto asked she felt like she was close to understanding how to use foxfire.

With a snap of his fingers, Kyuubi released the seal that was binding Naruto the past and waved her off. "If you skip practising what I've graciously taught you, I'll kill you,"

Naruto paled as she felt herself being pulled forward to her time. Opening her eyes, Naruto saw the sun rising and looked around her apartment. Her body was stiff from sleeping on her beat-up couch and groaned. "I feel like I haven't rested at all."

Getting up, Naruto went to check on Gaara and saw him already awake. His pale green eyes were quick to land on her when she asked. "How do you feel?"

"What did you do to me?" Gaara asked, flexing his fingers calmly. Something felt odd...he couldn't hear Shukaku's deadly whispers nor the insatiable bloodlust that would consume him. He could only look to the blonde girl that he previously felt compelled to kill for answers. "What did you do to me?" He asked again, his voice trembling at the new sensation of being at peace.

Naruto swallowed a sigh. She was exhausted and had a lot of planning to do. "I fixed your seal," She pointed to his body and watched as Gaara was quick to look at his seal. There were no longer any cracks in it and the mark was no longer faded. Picking up a nearby scroll, Naruto threw it towards Gaara. "There is all you need to know about your new seal. Don't attack me ever again,"

Leaving the redhead behind in her apartment, Naruto headed towards the Hokage Monument with heavy footsteps. There was a lot on her mind. The nagging feeling that something wrong was going to happen never lessened, no matter how much she planned. "What am I missing? What am I not seeing?!" it frustrated her to no ends. It made her want to scream. "I need to grow up quickly," Naruto huffed as she climbed the stairs.

"You should enjoy your youth, Naru-chan,"

Pausing, Naruto clicked her tongue as she looked over her shoulder. She didn't even feel him sneak up on her. "Ji-chan," It was the kind old Sarutobi. Naruto waited until he was beside her before continuing her climb.

Hiruzen glanced down at the hardened face of the genin. The grim look in her eyes almost shadowed her father. "What is on your mind?" He had a feeling that it was around this time that he needed to be near her. What was written in Tobirama's diaries around this time in Naruto's life greatly unsettled him. Although Tobirama never wrote what happened with Naruto, he spoke of a sharp change in Naruto and then….and then, Tobirama never saw Naruto until she was at least 16. That was a big gap in unspoken time.

Naruto knew she couldn't hide anything from the old man. Even though she knew he hid things from her, it was different. At the end of the day, he was the Hokage. "I have no proof," She pulled at the jacket in frustration. "I have nothing just a stupid gut and no way of figuring things out!" Once they reached the top of the monument, Naruto whirled around on the Hokage. "I hate this! I hate this!" Her voice raised with each word. "I have these skills and nothing to show for it!"

Hiruzen stopped her rambling by placing a hand on her head. Giving her blonde locks a soft tussle. "You're still growing, Naruto. You have space to learn and fail. That is the beauty of growing."

"I can't fail," Naruto pleaded, "I just can't." She sniffed when Hiruzen rubbed her cheek and Naruto realised that she was crying. "My gut is telling me I can't fail this."

"Naruto," Hiruzen said gently. "You're always punishing yourself when you don't get the best results the first time around. You're a perfectionist." He lifted her chin so she would look at him. "However, we're still human. We're shinobi. Some things don't go to plan, no matter how many scenarios we come up with. Celebrate the success you do achieve."

"Easy for you to say. You're the Hokage," Naruto pouted yet she didn't break his gaze.

"Naruto," Hiruzen chided. He often forgot that she was still young. "Even as Hokage, I wouldn't have been able to break the Ichibi's seal and reseal them back into their host safely."

"Damn that scarecrow," Naruto hissed, pulling her chin out of Hiruzen's hand.

Hiruzen walked past Naruto, hearing her trail after him, and headed towards Yondaime's head. "Did you really think you could lay your hands on the Kazekage's son without me knowing? Much less turn my eyes when you allow a young boy to sleep in the same space as you." He glared at her firmly, making her cheeks pale.

"B-b-but…"

"No buts." He said firmly, "You're still a young lady living on your own. You made a vow to me that you wouldn't let boys sleepover if I allowed you to live alone." Flicking her nose, Hiruzen gestured for her to stand beside him. "Naruto…." He said softly.

Naruto got goosebumps and looked up at him. She felt her throat get tight. He looked so strong right now as the wind gently touched them.

"You still have much to learn, Naruto. I know you want to get stronger. To be stronger than Itachi," Hiruzen felt her chakra fluctuate. "Itachi is different from you. A natural-born genius. You, on the other hand, you're a hard worker." He looked over the village with love in his heart. "Your determination has led you to be calculating. Unfortunately, you will be met with more failures than successes in your growth. How you choose to deal with those losses will determine your strength in the future." Hiruzen glanced down at her. He knew she was listening. She always did. "The frustration you feel now is just a part of your journey. This may be another failure that leads to your success. It won't always be failures, Naruto. I believe once you've set your mind to it, you can obtain whatever you desire."

Although the churning in her gut didn't disappear, it did lessen when Naruto listened. Licking her lips, Naruto felt her heart flutter with nerves. "What...what if I let those failures consume me?" Her voice was small. Lately, she felt more frustrated and angry at herself than anything else. The more she was in the village, forced to interact with Sasuke and Sakura, brought her more resentment and bitterness. Naruto rarely felt at peace in the village. The only time she felt calm...was when she was with Tobirama...and it made her feel guilty. Tobirama made her feel like everything would be okay yet she swore to everyone that knew she wouldn't be tempted by the past. She made a promise.

"Well, it'll be easy to let it consume you." Hiruzen was honest. "It'll be difficult to continue. I would look at it as, what's causing you to move forward? Who is causing you to move forward?"

"Do you have that?"

"As a Hokage, you'd believe that everyone in the village is the reason why I keep being strong." He hummed lightly as he lit up his pipe. "However, if you asked Hiruzen Sarutobi, it'd be a different answer." Taking a drag, he was deep in thought when he answered. "You don't need a lot of people, Naruto. Just a few you don't want to behead,"

"Ji-chan!" Naruto gasped. Hiruzen just laughed.

Tobirama:

Sure enough, once he woke up, Tobirama couldn't find Naruto anywhere. He was surprised that she didn't try snooping around his place. "What's up with her?" He rubbed his shaggy hair as he made his way to the bathroom. Splashing his face with cool water, Tobirama looked into the mirror. Staring at his ruby eyes, he snorted and asked his reflection. "Let me see her," Sure enough, the mirror in his bathroom only showed his face. "So, it only works with my office mirror."

Shaking his head, Tobirama dried his face and finished brushing his teeth. He had one more day off before having to return to the compound. Putting on light clothing, Tobirama grabbed a fishing rod and headed towards the lake. He was craving freshly caught fish. "Grilled is best," He muttered to himself as he cast his line. Securing his line, he pulled out a scroll and began working on his latest Jutsu. "Perhaps I'm using the wrong base formula. Speed doesn't seem to be the correct answer. Is there another way to move faster?" He hummed in thought as he thought about his bet with Naruto.

"Uzumaki," He muttered as he traced his draft seal. "I can't believe that idiot shouted her name like that," He shook his head, bemused by her behaviour. "Surely smart idiots don't…" Tobirama didn't speak further when he thought of his older brother. Hashirama was the definition of a smart idiot.

Tobirama looked back at the formula he was working on for his new Jutsu. "Should I ask Mito for advice?" He snorted, Mito would only be curious as to why he was making such a complicated seal. "Speed...speed...swift Kekkei Genkai….hmm no, I would need permission from the clan...speed...speed...gravity? No, that's not a concept I should mess with. It's obvious Naruto knows more about gravity then I ever would." Tobirama shook his head as his mind went back to the blonde Uzumaki. She barely knew about shinobi armour yet knew about the theory around gravity to create a dangerous Jutsu.

Seeing his fishing rod bend, Tobirama looked out into the water and saw a few fish jumping out of the water.

Plop

Plop

Splash

Plop

Tobirama watched the fish. Almost enchanted with the way they appeared out of the water and then disappeared beneath the surface. He was unable to explain the nagging thought that tried to come forth and continued to watch the fish. So lost in through, he was unaware that his fishing line stopped bending and his breakfast was gone.

"Appear...disappear...hmmm…" Tobirama knew he was close to coming up with a concept. He was so close. "It's almost like a summoning Jutsu." He felt his brain jolt, "Summoning! A summoning Jutsu! I could appear in places at the speed of light. What is this called? What is summoning….ah! Space-time ninjutsu." He rubbed his chin excitedly, "How can I make this? How should I do this?" Tobirama began scribbling in his scroll, unaware of Hashirama approaching him.

Although forced by Mito to check up on Tobirama, Hashirama knew his brother would be fine at his new place and was corrected when he spotted Tobirama lost in thought. "It's been a while since I've seen you this way," Hashirama sat beside Tobirama and peaked at his scroll. His eyes widened in surprise and let out a low whistle. "The last time you made a new Jutsu, you didn't take care of yourself and almost starved to death. Not the mention you stunk out the house."

Hashirama wasn't offended when Tobirama didn't respond. This usually happened when his cute little brother got serious about his Jutsu. The last time Tobirama was like this was when they were young and the war wasn't as devastating. "I wonder how you came up with this, Tobi. It looks really good." Hashirama laughed, "Perhaps it was a good idea I came. I'll make you a snack and head back to Mito."

Hashirama left Tobirama and went inside his new home. Rummaging around his kitchen, the oldest Senju prepared a light meal of onigiri. Placing his crudely made rice balls on a plate, Hashirama paused when he saw a book opened on the table. "Hmm he won't mind if I peeped a little," Hashirama giggled and approached the book cautiously. Looking out for any traps Tobirama might've secretly put up. "Ohh? Huh?" Hashirama picked up the book and frowned. It was a rough sketch.

Only the frame of the face and eyes were done. "Who is this?" Hashirama put the book back carefully and didn't dare to read through the passages. Whoever Tobirama was drawing was done with great care. A lot of time was spent drawing their eyes. "They look tired," Shrugging his shoulders, Hashirama went to deliver the onigiri to his little brother. "Hey, that wouldn't happen to be Naruto you're drawing?" Once again, Tobirama didn't reply to him.

Hashirama sighed. "I wonder if I can see her again. She was rather cute...like a bunny!" He laughed loudly yet Tobirama didn't budge. Reaching out, he ruffled the white locked before leaving. "Don't forget to come back tomorrow!" Although it was useless, it didn't harm anyone to remind the absent Senju. "If he doesn't come back by noon, I'll send Mito to collect him," Hashirama muttered and made sure the entrance to the cave was perfectly concealed.

XXXX

"Damn that redhead," Tobirama cursed. Laying flat on his back as he was thrown into the bathing area by Mito. He was in the middle of the breakthrough when she manhandled him through the compound and forced him to bathe.

Getting up slowly, Tobirama groaned as his stiff muscles protested. "Damn it," Pulling his clothing off, he wrapped a towel around his hips and entered the bathing area. Feeling the hot water run down his body made him sigh in relief. "I'm so close to finishing the seal," He wouldn't complain to Mito's face. He wouldn't dare to. Easing his body into the hot water, a tense groan left his lips. "Space-time Jutsu…" It was a hard concept to grasp but Tobirama was confident that he would succeed in completing the Jutsu. He wasn't a natural-born genius for nothing.

"Heh," His mind wandered back to Naruto. No doubt she would've blown up at him for praising himself that way. "She'd call me arrogant," He thought of her again. His best friend. Someone that knew of his burdens, both laughed at and with him, someone who argued with him without fearing of his name. "Then again, she doesn't know who I am," Leaning his head back, Tobirama wondered when they would be able to know each other's identity comfortably. "Uzumaki Naruto…" It was an odd name yet it suited her perfectly. "Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Naruto,"

Their names together made him want to laugh. It almost made him roll his eyes at the ridiculousness behind it. "Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito suit better." They were a powerful couple. Both together and individually. "We're best friends," Despite it being her teacher that he saw comforting her recently, Tobirama firmly believed that he was Naruto's best friend. He wasn't her teacher but childhood friends. That's something her teacher could never have.

"Stop it," He forced himself to ignore her for now. There was a war still happening and soon it would come to its peak. It's conclusion and he had to prepare. "This new Jutsu could help end the war. It can help aniki. The war comes first." Tobirama suppressed his selfish desire of wanting to know everything about Naruto to focus on the upcoming missions and battles. His life would be on the line and he didn't need any distractions. He needed zero.