A/N: A little shorter, but you get a cute bonding moment between bros.


"Boruda-san?" Hideki's voice called out in uncertainty to the big man.

Said man turned, his usually-stern gaze softening when he beheld the younger boy.

"Sato, what's up little man?" He asked, putting down the board he was working with.

"I… need advice," he continued, tucking one of his bangs behind his ear nervously.

The man nodded, patting the spot beside himself.

Hideki sat down on the porch next to him, his head in his hands, and Boruda waited for him to speak.

"I…" the boy began in a quiet voice. "I need to get something off my chest. And… and my heart has been troubled about something for a while now."

He didn't speak, merely raising his eyebrows.

"I really, really like it here," the ginger boy started, looking into his face. "Like, this is the most fun I've had in a long time. Ever since my dad was alive. But I want to do more, y'know? I want to help. I want to make a difference. Sometimes I feel like what I'm doing now just isn't enough."

Boruda listened as the boy told him about his desires, his eyes softened at him.

"And I love all of you, I don't want you guys to think I hate you or something," he hastily added, "but… I feel useless. I wanna help more. I wanna be able to do more. Not just medical work."

After a moment of pause, Boruda stroked his chin. "My little sister would've really liked you, kid."

Hideki paused, off-guard and surprised for a moment. "You… have a sister?"

"Sure do, kid." He smiled fondly at the memory. "She's only a year older than you, I think, but she thought a lot like you. Always wanted to make a change in the world. Always thought she wasn't doin' enough."

"I wish I had a brother or sister," the teenager pointed out with a quiet sigh. "My parents always said they were trying, but they just couldn't do it."

"Sometimes the gods decide that a family is perfect just the way it is," Boruda offered a pat on the back. "Sometimes they decide a family hasn't grown enough. Who knows what they're thinking. But I'll tell ya something - I'd consider you an honorary little brother."

That seemed to put some light back in his eyes. As he looked up, gray-blue irises shining, he asked, "Really?"

"Really, kid." Boruda patted his back again, another fond smile on his face. "And as long as I'm here, I can promise you that ain't nothin' gonna happen to you, okay? You're safe and sound here with me. With us."

The boy smiled up at him, hopeful and innocent, and it made the soldier's heart clench.

"Then… then you're my honorary older brother too," the boy declared. "And I'll do my best to protect you!"

"Aw, hey now, if you're protectin' me, who'll protect you?" Boruda questioned teasingly. "How about we just have each other's backs instead? That sound good?"

"Okay!" The ginger boy hugged his middle, a happy grin on his face. "Thanks for listening to me, Boruda-san."

The man's gaze softened, and he hugged back. "Anything for you, kid."

Karin watched this exchange with a fond look on her face, Hinata at her side.

"Every day that kid reminds me more and more of Naruto," she sighed.

"He would have loved to have him around," Hinata added, a sorrowful look on her own face. "They would have gotten along nicely."

"That they would." The redhead chuckled, adjusting her glasses. "He would've been a horrible influence on the poor boy."


Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Arata came running into the living room, a sparkling look on his face. "Mama! Mama look!"

Mebuki paused in her sewing to look up at him over her glasses. "What is it?"

"I got another present from my angel!" He cheered, holding up the stuffed bear. "Isn't it cute?"

Mebuki tried her best to smile at her son, though the mention made her choke up a little.

"Also, that lady I met, the one that looked kinda like Onee-chan?" He asked. "I think Onee-chan and the lady are friends with my angel. My angel said that she loves me! She said that lady wanted to give me this from Onee-chan!"

Mebuki set aside the shirt she was working on and opened her arms. As soon as Arata jumped into them, she said, "Your sister would have adored you so much."

He pulled away just enough to smile at her. "I wanna see Onee-chan again someday! You said that if I'm good enough I'll be able to see her, right? Then I'll grow up to be a good person and I'll meet her myself!"

"No matter what you decide to do, my special boy, your father and I will always support you." Mebuki's eyes watered as she hugged him tight. "I'm sure your angel would say the same, were she here."


A/N: I love writing for the kiddos so much.

Please tell me what you thought!