The caress of hot water on my skin after my three-day retreat feels heavenly. When this or that particular patch of skin stops itching; perfection. Anyways.

I wrap myself in a towel and thank Kurama for, well, being here and helping me each time my missing arm becomes an annoyance. Damn you, Tomiko, seriously. I know Tsunade is working on an artificial replacement but I'd rather not have lost anything in the first place. Months afterwards, all of it seriously feels pointless. I can't even remember why we fought.

Right, she wanted to destroy the world or something. But Tomiko has always been a little touched in the head. I hope she'll accept some help. Mental health shouldn't be neglected.

"Look who's talking."

"The pot calling the kettle black, heh, Kurama?"

I see him raise a paw and separate his thumb and index fingers ever so slightly. I snort. "Bastard."

I kinda dry my hair, leaving it wet and utterly shagged, spiking every which way like some sort of ongoing catastrophe. I open the window and allow the steam to escape. In exchange, a slight breeze enters my bathroom. I stand before my mirror and clear a small surface of the glass with my hand. My blue eyes give me an unconvinced look. Tentatively, I attempt to style my hair. And I fail. Completely.

Well, that's that done. It seems like my eyes were right.

I put on a pair of black pants and an orange shirt. I stick my tongue out as I flex my remaining arm. Ready for a fight. Granny will probably give me one.

"You're being silly," Kurama tuts.

"Silliness is the spice of life. Or something."

"You need to write that down, gather everything inside a book and not sell it."

I adopt my whiniest voice. "Moo, you are mean, Kurama-chan!"

"You've seen nothing yet," he chuckles darkly. "There's a reason Shukaku despises me."

"Picking on your little brother? Not nice. You get people like Tomiko afterwards."

"I was born last. Hagoromo exponentially increased the chakra he released with each execution of his Banbutsu Sozo."

"Details. You're the strongest of all your siblings, that makes you the big brother."

I see Kurama puff out his chest and smile proudly. "Damn right I-" his face falls abruptly and he growls - "stop that."

I smile. "What?"

"Codling my ego."

"You're one big sucker."

Kurama mumbles and gripes under his giant breath and my lips lose my smile. I look down, unable to sustain the piercing blue of my own gaze in the mirror.

"You know it's not that!" I protest heatedly. "I just don't… I don't…"

Kurama radiates contrition in choking waves. "Sorry, Naruto. I didn't mean it."

Coming home after the war has been a harrowing experience. People give me the "Naruto-sama" treatment now. The same people who used to hate me to such an extreme that they went full-circle and back to crushing indifference. Every time a shopkeeper welcomes me with a smile, I see the empty, cold look they reserved me not so long ago. Every time I'm crowded by people who want my autograph - I swear, it's ridiculous - I remember the way they swerved around and away from me when I was younger.

Have you ever had your head grow the size of a pumpkin only to have it exploded by a painful dose of memories you'd rather keep locked deep down? No? It stings like a bitch and a half. I feel flattered. Who wouldn't? I just can't forget that they are the same people who turned away from a child. Also, I frankly don't know how to deal with any of it.

I've never been humble in my early days. I needed to inflate my head, to be cocksure. I know I must have been insufferable to many but the alternative would have been a knife. After meeting Gaara, I cannot say whom the knife would have been destined to. Nowadays, I drown in more praise than I've ever envisioned. People heap it on me like an overly enthusiastic farmer spraying too much manure on his fields and I'm afraid I'm going to turn rotten.

I don't want that. I know no one appreciates arrogance and boastfulness. No one loves false humility either but when do the lie of modesty end and the conceit of pride begin? Asura helps me, I have no idea.

"You accomplished what no other of your kind, in this day and age, could have done," chimes Kurama. "I think you are entitled to some self-esteem."

A lot of people seem to think so, too. However, they are those who matter not, not really. My "friends" and "surrogates", on the other hand, apparently don't see it that way. Remember that you were the dead last? Remember that you're the only genin of our generation? Remember that you're such a dunce, you get remedial lessons with Iruka?

I do. I also accept that I've been ignoring the jealousy spilling off them like water spills from a leaky faucet. Like anything that hurts, I shut it down and refused to address it.

It parallels my woeful lack of promotion. Some would argue that it matters very little; what does a flak jacket mean to someone with so much power? Symbols, principles, they do matter. A promotion acknowledges one's efforts, accomplishments and faithfulness. Fight a being as close to a literal goddess as can be, earn an official pat on the back.

Earn something.

That's why I cannot serve Konoha anymore. I was enrolled on the day of my birth thanks to Namikaze, I've been nothing but loyal, accomplished factually more than anyone and I got none of the rewards for my troubles. Instead, I got a whole lot of jibs from people calling themselves my friends and remedial lessons on subjects I never bothered with because, at the time, I was kinda busy ignoring my feelings so as to not off myself.

Maybe I should have stabbed a few of these pissants back in the days; that would have evacuated some of the rage and I'd have been free to focus on the Academy. I wouldn't have ended dead last and maybe my friends would actually act the part.

I breathe in and out, deeply. I repeat the exercise until my anger abates and my tension bleeds out of my system. I will not be treated like an immature brat under the pretext of unmanaged emotions.

Kurama approves silently.

There exists a small lag between Konoha and Myobokuzan - something to do with the curvature of the Earth - meaning the sun is already peeking above the Hokage Monument. Back by the Toads, it would still be an hour and a half before dawn. Nonetheless, it's still quite early, which is why I'm surprised to hear someone hammering on my door.

"Nii-chan, I know you're back, open please!"

That's the voice of Konohamaru. Either a toad told him… Or he saw the light through my windows. I exit my bathroom while the Sarutobi kid keeps on banging on my entrance like he is possessed. I open the door.

"Hello, Kono-chan."

The boy of thirteen glomps my waist and squeezes as much as he can. I tense minutely but force my frame to uncoil. I wasn't exactly raised on hugs, so having my personal space invaded like that is still very new to me. I pat Konohamaru on the head. His attempt to smother me is kinda cute. Especially when you've been buried by Chibaku Tensei a few times.

"Nii-chan! Where were you!? We were so worried when you disappeared! We've looked everywhere!" He suddenly pales and his voice spirals into a stutter. "Hokage-sama is so mad too!"

"You let me deal with her, Kono-chan." I smile. "How are you?"

"No, you first!"

I decide honesty to be the better route. Konohamaru is a little brother to me and I know how much lies hurt when they inevitably come to light. No way I'm inflicting that on him.

"I went through something painful but necessary. I've met a part of myself I've ignored for too long and I'm currently dealing with the changes it brought."

Konohamaru looks up at me, in my eyes, at my naked forehead. His brown orbs widen to the size of plates. I've always worn my hitai-ate. Every waking hour. I don't need any of my superficial understanding of Ninshuu to guess Konohamaru's thoughts: me not bearing the headband must mean something awful has happened.

"Nii-chan?" He sounds afraid. I give him the most reassuring smile I'm capable of. It strains my face.

I swallow once or twice, refusing for my voice to crack. "I cannot say everything is going to be okay, Kono-chan. Some things need to give, though, to change and maybe it'll hurt. I'd like to focus a little bit on myself. I hope you can understand."

He looks at me firmly, shoulders tense. Immediately; not a shred of hesitation. "Can I help?"

I release a breath I wasn't aware I was holding. My chest stops hurting - when had it even begun to? - and my smile mellows out. I know it's bright; Konohamaru returns it to me and uncoils. "Not now but I'll let you know if there's anything you can do."

"Can I come with you to Hokage-sama?"

"Sure but I think it's a little early to do that. Let's have some tea."

Preparing the hot beverage is a quick affair. There are only two things in my cupboards: cup ramen and a pack of teabags. That's another thing I'd really like to change. I promised my mother I'd eat more vegetables and, well, generally healthier than what I do now.

"Do you cook Kono-chan?"

"What?"

"Cooking?" I fish for two teabags and close the cupboard before I turn around. "Well, do you?"

The boy shakes his head. Vehemently. He is probably wondering what the hell this question means. "No. Why?"

"I was just wondering." I shrug. "When people start to learn how to cook. In a normal family, I mean."

"Uh? Oh, well, I guess I did spend a lot of time in the clan kitchen when I was younger… And I saw stuff happening." He scratches his chin. "I didn't really register it all but I guess I could cook something." Then, Konohamaru grimaces. "If I had to. And it probably wouldn't be good."

So, yeah, of course, the thirteen years old knows more than me about household chores. Fuck you, Obito, for taking my parents away from me. Fuck you, Minato, for coping out. Cordially. I smother the wave of mixed anger and envy, put the teabags in two cups, pour boiling water over and bring the drinks to the table. I take a seat and Konohamaru imitates me.

We wait in silence for a few seconds as the tea infuses.

"I'd learn seriously if I were you." I wiggle my eyebrow (a trick I've learned from Jiraiya). "I'm not sure Hanabi knows anything about holding a house."

It takes a few seconds but Konohamaru blushes up a storm, just according to plan. "What?! Shut up Nii-chan! Who'd want this flat broad?"

I shrug. Supposing Hinata constitutes the norm, I'd place reasonable expectations on Hanabi. "You won't stay a midget forever and neither will she."

He slaps his hands over his ears. "Shut up, I'm not listening!"

I smile. Why is this so fun? I know the best jokes are those kept short-lived, though, so I stop there. For now.

"What do you say about learning with me?"

Konohamaru glares at me, all red in the face. He huffs and puffs. "If it's about Hanabi again-"

I raise my hand in surrender and shake my head, though my smile must diminish the cowed effect I'm aiming for. "No, no. I've no idea how to cook either and I'd really like to learn. I'm just thinking that it might be more fun if we do that together."

"Oh!" He frowns. "Oh. I see," he nods with a returning smile. "Sure, that could be interesting. Who would we ask?"

"I haven't the foggiest."

We spend a few minutes exchanging a few names and sipping on our tea. Konohamaru suggests Hinata with a weighty wink. It gets a heavy sigh out of me, one that makes my surrogate brother understand not to insist. It was an honourable attempt at teasing me. There's just too much I need to solve with Hinata before I can even… What? I must at least think of her confession.

"You might actually need your list," says Kurama in a yawn.

The tea grows cold before we finish it - honestly, Konohamaru is too polite to say anything but it tastes like hay. The sun has risen largely above the Hokage Monument and I think I should be able to see Granny.

I get up and empty my cup into my sink. "Let's go?"

Konohamaru nods. "Sure."

"Has Ebisu taught you the Shunshin yet?"

His pout is all the answer I need. Not that I actually know the Shunshin myself. I've only developed my own version of it. I've no idea why but it's another thing Jiraiya wouldn't teach me. What's wrong with me knowing the Shunshin, for Asura's sake?

"Tree-walking?"

"That I know," he exclaims proudly.

"On the road to Hokage, huh?" I smile. "Let's take to the roofs then."

"Why not the streets?"

"I'm not in the mood to deal with my fans."

I don't want to seem insensitive but I don't want fans. They hound you, stalk you and do, all things considered, seriously creepy things. At the same time, I've been ignored for the greater part of my life so just tuning them out would feel callous. But seriously though, how inflated must your head be that you seek fans? I know I saved the world - and merely thinking about it is weird - but I only ever wanted normal.

I went from Kyuubi reborn to saviour and it feels like I missed a few steps in the process.

Konohamaru follows me as I dart from roof to roof. I take care to push the boy slightly. To break your limits, you must first meet them, after all.

"This, you can publish," agrees Kurama. "It isn't too bad."

I laugh out loud; he sounds completely serious. My outburst startles Konohamaru a bit. I say nothing and keep pressing him towards the Hokage Tower. Everyone instantly recognizes us and whispers start rising in our wake. I don't pay it any mind - if I start, I'll spend the rest of my day shaking hands, recounting for the hundredth time how I defeated Kaguya (people don't want to hear about Sakura's participation and even less about Tomiko's, though both contributed immensely) and signing pieces of clothing with a permanent pen.

Asura helps me but I can feel the heat colour my cheek. I was just reminded of something I'd rather have forgotten.

I stop in front of the Hokage office and take a seat. A few seconds later, Shizune lifts her eyes from a pile of paper and offers a mechanical greeting.

"Hello, how may I- Naruto?!"

I smile and wave. "Hey, Shizune. Is Hokage-sama free?"

The black-haired woman blinks, peers at me worriedly and nods. "Of course! What happened? Why-"

"I'll explain everything to Hokage-sama. Please, stay with us and you'll know."

"Let's go already, Tsunade has barely gotten a wink of sleep since you disappeared."

I bite on my lips when I hear that and my guts twist painfully. I think something wrenched them one-eighty degrees. "I'll be sure to apologize."

I straighten from my seat and follow Shizune, who opens the door wide and ushers Konohamaru and me inside.

"Shishou, Naruto is back!"

I bow. "Hello, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade, Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure, looks up from a sheet - a report or something, throw me a glance. It hardens into a glare in a matter of a single second. I catch the paperweight she throws at me. The object folds like wet paper against my palm. Before I can offer a token word of protest, Tsunade has jerked her desk out of her way with a flick of her wrist, taken the three steps that separate her from me and endeavours to crush me in her arms. I stiffen, breath in and out and relax.

"You're alive," she whispers, "thank all the kami, you're alive."

I embrace her back. For an instant, I think my spine is actually going to give but Tsunade releases me. She quickly wipes her face with one of her sleeves and looks at me. My stomach twists another whole turn and something gets stuck in my throat.

"I'm sorry," I whisper back. "I didn't know I'd cause you to be so worried," I explain as plainly, as honestly as I can. Truly, I wouldn't know - people didn't quite bother with me during my youth. To know Tsunade worries over me so much fills my chest with a weird feeling, both painful and pleasant. I believe people refer to it as "having something tug at your heartstring" and it fits.

Tsunade looks me in the eye and bites her lower lips, stopping herself from saying something. Probably from asking how I couldn't know. She apparently decides I'm not trying to lie to her.

"What happened?" She presses instead. "You disappeared! Just like that! Three days! Do you have any idea how worried I was? All those in the know were!"

"I'm sincerely sorry. Something urgent came up."

"So urgent you couldn't scribble a note to let us know?"

I nod firmly. "Yes. That urgent. Now, I'd like to speak to you in your official capacity as Godaime Hokage."

Tsunade signals she understands and motions for all of us to take a seat.

Like I did to Fukasaku and Shima, I explain to Tsunade, Shizune and Konohamaru my failure at the Waterfall of Truth and my renewed experience (hopefully successful) at Myobokuzan. Then, I voice my grievances against Konohagakure. Tsunade's remorses echo the loudest against my empathic abilities like the toll of a broken bell. Shizune feels apologetic while anger and disbelief tear Konohamaru into two opposite directions.

"That is why I officially tender my resignation, effective immediately."

Konohamaru loses control of his jaw. Shizuna opens eyes as wide as saucers. Tsunade collects my hitai-ate, her mien frozen. Silence wraps us in a blanket.

Konohamaru breaks first. The impulsiveness of his age won't be denied. His eyes glisten with tears. "You can't do that, Nii-chan! If you do that, you'll never become Hokage! I was supposed to get the hat from you!"

I understand his hurt. I used to admire the Yondaime Hokage. A clanless orphan, a nobody, he pulled himself up to the absolute top, adored by the village; he constituted the ideal I strived for. I actually ceased to love him on the night I learned he sealed Kurama within me, condemned me, sacrificed me.

I just never accepted that I did. It's the leitmotif of my life.

I'm more flattered by the admiration Konohamaru has for me than any of the praise any of the villagers may have for me. Especially as his is entirely genuine, untainted. My handing back my hitai-ate has to be the same kind of "betrayal" to him as my discovery about Minato Namikaze was for me. My heart aches to see him so pained.

"I'm sorry, Konohamaru. I truly am."

He shakes his head and tears start to fall. "No! No, no, no, no, no!" He gets up from the couch we're sharing and runs off.

"Ko-"

The door slams before I can call for him. My eyes sting. I massage my eyelids, take a shuddering breath, look at Shizune and Tsunade. We glance at one another in silence.

"Are you sure, Naruto?" Tsunade asks eventually. "It's no small matter."

I nod. "What this village did to me wasn't either. The few sacrificed for the many should not be left alive. Because if they are, then they'll start pushing back at some point."

My words silence Tsunade for a few seconds. Then, she starts chuckling. It's empty, mirthless. "Guess the necklace did curse you, huh? Konohamaru is right. You won't become Hokage."

I shake my head firmly before I take one of her hands in mine and squeeze gently. I give her the most assured look and the best smile that I can manage right now (it might be a bit wobbly and wet but that'll have to do).

"No. I do not believe in curses. People make choices that affect them and others. Things happen, good and bad. Be happy for me, Tsunade. I haven't ever felt that free."

"Do you hate them?"

My mouth dries up. I swallow to try and humidify it. I answer in a hoarse whisper.

"I did. So much that it fractured me. It poisoned my mind and my dreams." I grip Tsunade's hand a little harder. "I've seen where it leads; that's why I've let it go. It made me see, though, that Konoha means nothing positive to me. She has always been an obligation, a sacrifice, a duty I had no choice but to uphold. I was never given the opportunity to love her."

As I say that, I come to the realization that I truly regret it. Yes, I live here. Yes, some people I do genuinely appreciate (I think). Konoha, however?

Accepting myself in my entirety made me understand both hate and forgiveness. At least I think I understand. It added one final piece to a puzzle built from my experiences, from Tomiko to Nagato and Obito at last. Everything connected, fell into its rightful place. I'd compare it to the first ray of sunlight after a storm, to that moment when you find out you actually haven't been seeing clearly for quite some time.

It illuminated my mind.

Hate is nothing but destructive. The hurt that initially bears it turns into an urge, an impulse to inflict the same hurt unto others. It is easy to revel in her embrace, to settle in the cage she creates like in some kind of shelter. Hate roots you in place so that you cannot advance towards something better. That is her goal.

To forgive means leaving the cage behind. It means leaving behind the reasons you entered it in the first place. Only my hatred made Konoha important. My forgiveness makes the village irrelevant.

You can't love something that is irrelevant and forcing myself would be no solution.

Tsunade accepts my words and smiles at me. She is teary-eyed but it chants of genuine happiness against my emotional perception.

"That's very wise. Maybe you're more deserving of the Sennin title than even Jiraiya was," she sniffles.

My chest blooms and I smile back. "Thank you. That's one of the best compliments I've ever received. So. Do you accept my resignation?"

Tsunade sighs. "Yes." Her eyes suddenly sparkle mischievously. "You will be honourably discharged with the rank of jounin."

I chuckle. "That's nice but you don't have to do that."

She waves my concern away. "I can and I will." The look in her honeyed orb suddenly turns sorry. "I hope you can accept it as the apology of the Godaime Hokage. I've perpetuated unjust things without even meaning to. I've let reports and others' opinions colour my decisions too much, especially when it comes to you, Naruto."

"Thank you. I'll stop attending Iruka's lessons. I've personal plans that I'd like to follow."

"Are you certain about that? As much as I don't like saying it, your education is still lacking."

I nod. "I know. I'll take care of it."

I clear my throat and press my palm against my eyes. I take a deep breath. Now comes the more complicated part.

"That wasn't all, Hokage-sama."

This startles Tsunade. She gives me an exasperated look. "What now?"

"I'd like to formally request you to free Tomiko Uchiha." I immediately let her hand go and raise it to stall her protest. "Please, hear me out. I've no doubt you deem it necessary for her to be punished. If it is a matter of justice, however, justice must be carried out in its entirety. The Uchiha Massacre must be investigated. Meaning Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado must serve some time in prison as well. Konoha must answer for her actions in Ame. Also, the destruction of Uzushio should be investigated too. Are you ready to bear this responsibility, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade falls silent.

"Peace is more than the absence of war, Hokage-sama. I believe it begins with justice. And justice weighs everything equally. Truth is also important. Lies only foster hurt. As long as this doesn't happen, there'll be no true peace."

Her answer sounds neutral. "I see." I can feel her exasperation and the welling headache.

I put on my most understanding face. "I get that this is a complicated decision and I do not expect an answer right now. I'd just like you to know that I'm entirely ready to demonstrate peacefully against the office and Konoha as a whole. And I can bring a lot of people with me."

Her brow furrows in consideration. I cross my aquamarine eyes against Tsunade's golden brown. Something passes between us; I know my message has been heard. We say nothing more on the subject.

I relax and smile. "Now that official business is taken care of, I'd like to know if you'd be free one of those nights. Oba."

Tsunade's eyes widen. I'm sure she has recognized the word for its actual meaning, not one of my usual teases. I pick up the turmoil of her emotions that me calling her "aunt" roused within her. She gulps and looks askance. Embarrassment, fear, anxiety and elation war in her heart.

"H-How about the day after tomorrow? Come by the mansion around nine."

"That'd be perfect." I look at Shizune. "You'd be more than welcome, Shizune. I think it is safe to say you are part of the family." I smirk. "Given how much you took care of Oba here."

"Brat!"

Shizune gives me a grateful smile. "I'll be there, Naruto-kun. Thank you."

I rise from the couch and bow. "Well, thank you for having me and being so understanding, Hokage-sama."

"You're welcome, Naruto. You're dismissed. I'll make your promotion official tomorrow and announce your decision to the village the next day."

"Thanks. If you'll excuse me, I need to find Konohamaru."

"Dismissed."

I exit the office and reach for my chakra. I still for a full second. I don't stop; I reach for the state in-between motion, for perfect immobility. The might of Nature flows through me.

"A hand, Kurama?"

My hair lights up in golden flames; two bangs stand up like horns on my forehead. I know where Konohamaru is. My power abates. I walk the halls of the Hokage Tower, choosing the words I'm going to say. I've never been one to weigh anything I say. What I gain in spontaneity, I lose by often putting my foot in my mouth. That's something else I want to change. I cannot promise stuff to people without thinking it through.

My word has to be the cheapest thing across all five nations.

I'm at the foot of the tower before I call forth my chakra again. It is like flexing a muscle at this point, though a somewhat capricious one. Might flood my system and I jump at the top of the Hokage Monument. On the head of Hiruzen Sarutobi, to be precise. I let the power bleed back in my hara.

"Go away!"

I know these words are born from the boy's emotions but they still cut. I expected outright rejection born of anger and confusion; I'm served. "Konohamaru. Do not make the same mistake as me. Talk. Hurtful things need to be faced and said so that we can resolve them."

He gives me a teary glare. His hands are balled into fists. I sit a bit away from him, respecting his personal space. Silence blankets us. For a minute. Two. At long last, he speaks, voice full of anguished and rageful quivers.

"Why?"

"I do not like Konoha. I was never taught to and never learned to. I cannot become the leader of a place I hold no love for. That'd be senseless."

Tears stream down his cheeks. "Does that mean you don't love me?"

I'm at his side before he can blink. This time, I'm the one hugging him. "Oh, Kono-chan, of course not."

Careful to use the rightful word, I explain my grievances to Konohamaru, why I think I understand him and why Konoha does not hold the same meaning to me as it does to him. He listens quietly, eyes going wide a few times but restraining any outburst. Some truths about me still float in the grey zone between open secret and not public, hence his surprise that comes and goes.

I wasn't eager to shout on every roof still standing that I'm the son of Minato Namikaze. Go figure. I trust Konohamaru to get it; he used to hate being "Hiruzen Sarutobi's grandson".

"Kono-chan, what is Konohagakure?"

He sniffles and wipes the tears from his face. "I don't understand."

"Is it simply this place? This specific place on the banks of the Naka river? Is it the people who live here? Would Konoha be different if the population swapped with that of Iwa? Is it the history they share, their beliefs?"

My interlocutor blinks, flabbergasted. He flails for a few seconds, opens and closes his mouth several times before he looks at the village sprawling before him.

"I've never thought about any of that. Konoha is just… Just Konoha." His eyes get lost in the scenery as he contemplates his words. "It's so much more though, but I don't know how to put it."

"Is it a pleasant thing?"

Konohamaru nods vigorously. "Yes."

"Not for me."

The words pour over the boy like a bucket of frigid water. They sadden him but I feel no surprise. After I told him of what I endured, I could see him deduce where this conversation was going.

"That is not all," I continue.

Confronting myself allowed me to think - a notion many would find hilarious. I've not merely found a tentative equilibrium with all that I am; I've pondered my dreams - past, present and future - the mantles I've once desired, those I've accepted. Peace, love and the cycle of hatred; I haven't come to a grand plan, much less a conclusion yet but I developed an embryo of reflection around all these notions. It made me realize a few things of importance.

"The dreams I've taken upon myself to shoulder encompass a world wider than Konoha. A shadow cannot accomplish any of them." I take a breath. "Plus, I've seen what a Hokage does. I can't be one. I couldn't sacrifice my child. I couldn't close my eyes while atrocities were being committed for the prosperity of the few living in my village. I couldn't betray my ideal, no matter how justified my resentment and wariness. I don't need to be Hokage to protect those I love. I can be more."

Konohamaru looks at me like I'm the coolest guy on Earth and I feel heat colour my cheeks.

AN: Leave a review and all that.