There was a time in his life when Naruto thought he knew what he'd wanted. When he truly believed he was one step closer to attaining peace. A mistake on his part. Right until the very end, he believed. After? When he drifted inside the void? His body on the verge of splitting into a thousand pieces. The sight of those little light clusters floating in that pitch-black abyss, each one as brilliant as the last. He didn't believe in anything at all.

"Ar—to-san?"

At that moment, Naruto saw how trivial his struggles were. How pointless the sacrifices made had been. Nothing mattered. None of it made a difference in the end. Which brought him to the biggest question. One that haunted him every day since. If it didn't matter, why was he still here?

"Naruto-san?"

He blinked once, Saeko's voice drawing him from his stupor. He muttered something and peered down at the shorter girl.

"You zoned out. We missed our chance to cross."

The blaring sound of a horn knocked in his ears moments after she'd said that. The train raced past them. Fierce winds swept through, blasting his unkempt locks and sending Saeko's running dress flying. If he were a lesser man he might have looked. A full minute passed before they could cross again.

"I'm insulted, Naruto-san." She smiled up at him. "You could have peeked, you know?"

The sun sat high in the bright blue sky. Birds chirped. It was the definite start to another worn and tired day.

"Who said that I didn't?"

Saeko's smile grew. "What color underwear was I wearing?"

Naruto fought back a sigh. "I'm not sure I should say that out loud. I'm sure you've noticed?"

"Of course." She brushed too close. "We're being followed, or rather, I am. I believe by Izumi Natsu. A second-year student from Miyazaki Academy whom I defeated in last weeks Kendo tournament."

Naruto raised a brow. "He wants revenge? A tad excessive."

"No. Nothing so crude. He's fallen in love with me." Saeko swept past him after the words left her lips, acting like that were a common occurrence. Naruto had to remind himself that it was. She demanded no less.

"Right. Well, are you going to do something about it?"

"Truth be told, I don't care. Though I'll admit, they usually aren't so bold. Anyway, it's like I said. I couldn't care less. My heart is yours."

Naruto shook his head at her antics. Spotting the mop of dyed blue hair poking out from behind a newspaper stand. The idiot probably crossed expecting them to do the same.

"Come along now, Naruto-san, or we'll be late," Saeko called out while sparing him a glance from behind her shoulder. He fought down a groan at the definite order. She had a terrible habit of bossing him around like he were a stubborn pet.

"Red."

Naruto brisked by, one hand in his pocket and the other gesturing for her to follow. Saeko faltered for a split-second, then a coy smirk displaced her impish smile.

"Bad dog."

Takashi disliked this class. Scratch that, he didn't just dislike it. He despised it. 'You think they'd have enough common sense...' Too bad for him they did not. Rei and Igou couldn't keep their eyes off each other. How obvious could they be? The whole situation loaded him with equal parts resentment and anger. Igou...

So much for best friends.

'It's funny how people switch.' A little part of him was glad to see her smiling. Rei is everything to him. To see her happy. It was enough. He just wished it could be with him... 'If you break it. I'll make you swallow one-thousand needles.' Those were the terms they agreed upon, but that was back then. He did not expect her to remember a stupid promise made when they were children. Time changes everything, people most of all.

"Komuro-san. Would you care to explain to the class what it is about the back of your hand that is so interesting? That you would choose to ignore my lecture in favor of it?"

His lack of focus was blatantly obvious. The teacher caught onto his daydreaming and had no qualms with calling him out about it. Takashi could name a dozen different things off the top of his head that excited him more than the lecture. 'Drowning for one.' He kept that to himself.

When he didn't respond, the teacher fixed his glasses and scowled. "As I thought. Pay attention, Komuro-san." He hated that prick.

From the corner of his eye, Takashi saw Igou spare him an apologetic grin. Even with all of his talent and popularity, Igou was a bit slow when it came to picking up on the mood. If he had any idea how Takashi felt, he'd quickly recognize those feelings and know not to look at him. Despite himself, Takashi offered a subtle wave and retorted with a playful smirk.

He hated that prick too.

'This year is getting to be a real train wreck.'

Withholding a sigh, Takashi rested his cheek onto his fist and let his mind wander. Between the terrible sleep and his steadily dropping grades, he was at a loss on what to do next. Worst of all he found it difficult to care. Why should he? The only thing he'd ever wanted belonged to someone else. Rei was his motivation. His entire reason. Now, she wouldn't even spare a passing glance.

'I wonder what you were thinking, Rei? Why did you choose him?' Takashi let his sights fall on her. 'Maybe Saya is right? Maybe I should just forget about it. Move on...'

Easier said than done. The pulse of almost physical pain that reverberated throughout his chest whenever he thought about it made it hard to do so. How can you ignore the one person you vowed yourself to? It's impossible. He could not. Looking at the clock, Takashi let out another sigh when he'd noticed fifteen minutes had passed since class started. Two more hours until lunch.

Another familiar giggle assaulted his ear.

'This is going to be a long day.'

Prepare for the future.

Naruto pursed his lips. Eyes following the clouds as the class period went on. 'Why is it still bothering me?' At some point, he had a dream. A lofty goal he'd shout at the heavens. More so to remind himself than anyone else. That dream was long gone now, too far away for him to ever grab hold of again. From the corner of his eye, Naruto watched the stick of chalk spin as it neared. He could have caught it and hurled it back, right at that fat nose. Instead, it smacked into the side of his head. That would bruise.

"Pay attention! I'm sick of telling you that! I don't know what your parents let you get away with at home but you won't amount to anything in society if you keep this attitude up!"

A chorus of laughter rang out at his expense. He brushed it off with ease.

"Right. Sorry, teach." The rude man snorted, glaring as if that alone would erase his presence. 'Asshole.' He thought, breaking the eye contact. They're out to get him...

The next second, the classroom door opened and a familiar red-head woman waltzed in, a tight-lipped scowl on her face. Naruto ignored the smug look his teacher gave and withheld a sigh.

Vermilion red eyes cut a clear path. He stood with his things collected. He expected this, but not so soon. Naruto offered a good-natured smile and a short wave.

"Good morning, Hayashi-sensei—"

"—Save it! Follow me, Uzumaki!" Kyoko barked.

"Okay."

Kyoko's office is well decorated with several awards. Rows of trophies sat behind glass cases. Diplomas were on display over the walls for the world to see. It was her own personal man-cave. A woman-cave.

Naruto frowned. 'I should say something.' They'd been sitting in silence for about three minutes now. Things were getting eerie. "Are you going to tell me why I'm here?" He asked while leaning into his fist.

Kyoko was evidently waiting for him to speak up. "You know exactly why you're here! Why you're always here. Giving me a headache." She flipped over the face-down papers on her desk. Revealing rather clear pictures of him asleep on the school roof. "You cut class. Trespassed. Took a nap!"

He studied the evidence and nodded. "Yeah. That does look like me."

Kyoko looked ready to shake him. "You can't keep doing this! You're going to get expelled, Naruto! Back then I swore I'd help you but only if you started showing some initiative!" Kyoko picked up one of the pictures and pointed to it. "This! This is the opposite of showing initiative! You're a third-year student for crying out loud. You need to figure something out and soon. We're in the second term, Naruto! You're running out of time!"

By the end of her rant, she was gasping for breath. He couldn't help but raise a brow at the unusual behavior. "Wow, I mean you're usually pretty intense but this is—"

"—Shut up. Just shut up. I'm not in the mood for your stupid satire." Kyoko let out a long-winded sigh, crumbling the picture in her hand and pressing her fingers against her temple.

"Fair enough. So what's it going to be? Cleaning up the school again? Another time out in the comfort of my own home?"

Kyoko managed a withering glare. "Unbelievable...Thanks to me, instead of a suspension you're going to clean up the courtyard this weekend with the Recycling Club. I've already talked to the Headmaster about it. Next time, however, it will be a suspension. Which need I remind, you can't afford to have. You understand don't you?"

"Yeah. I got it. Thanks."

What a waste of time. He made to leave.

"Hold on! We're not done here. I need your word, Naruto. I promised that I wouldn't give up on you and I haven't. Now you have to promise me you'll make a change. Your success depends on you, there's nothing more that I can do!"

A wry smile spread itself wide over pale skin. "Oh? And I thought I was selfish."

"Naruto. Enough! Promise me! Promise, or next time you're on your own."

It was true. He was running out of time. Kyoko didn't know how right she was. "How long have I been seeing you?"

"Seven months now. Why does it matter?"

Naruto managed a slight laugh. "What a shame. You would think by now you'd have everything figured out. You are the best, after all. Anyway, it's not like it means anything. Look, I don't want to miss my next lecture. Notes are kind of a pain."

Kyoko wasn't sure what he meant but she knew that he was mocking her.

"Goodbye, Hayashi-sensei."

With those parting words, Naruto closed the conversation and fled the room before she could retort. He'd deal with that later. As he walked, the blonde shoved his hands in his pockets and whistled a light tune on the way to his next class. 'Think I'll take the scenic route.'

The obnoxious chatter of the cafeteria during lunch made it hard to talk in private, so they relocated outside to a secluded bench furthest from the crowds. Nikki shuffled in her seat, the shadow of a rosy blossom tree looming over them. There was an unusual tension lingering in between. They could both feel it. It was Misuzu who spoke up first and broke the ice. If she hadn't, Nikki doubted she would've had the courage to do so herself.

"Sheesh. I'm nervous. I can't believe I'm this nervous." A faint laugh followed. Misuzu's hands tugging at the hem of her uniform. "I know you said you don't get it, but I can't help what I feel..."

What was Nikki's lunch sat unattended and she couldn't bother to stomach any of it. Last night had one of her worst fears come true. Misuzu was more than right. Nikki did not understand. Whatever thing she saw in him, Nikki is blind to it.

Naruto Uzumaki...there was something wrong with him.

A faint sigh fled Misuzu's lips. "Look at me. I'm a mess right now. I can't even work up the courage to say anything to him, all that talking and I don't ever do a thing about it. I'm pathetic."

Nikki's chest tightened hearing that. She hated seeing Misuzu like this.

'This is his fault. It's always him.'

"Stop it! You're amazing! He's lucky you're even feeling like this about someone like him." Nikki tried to console her, offering a kind smile. "I think it's crazy but I—"

Misuzu checked her with a glare. Her lips settling into a list.

"It isn't crazy..." She muttered. "At least, it doesn't feel that way to me?"

Why is this so difficult?! Nikki was struggling to fight back her own feelings. The only thing they couldn't outright share with each other she supposed.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just..." The words hung on her lips. 'I hate that it's him.' Misuzu's words from last night echoed in her ears.

"I think that I'd like to be by his side."

They were sincere. Misuzu meant every word from the bottom of her heart. A spark of resentment started inside her chest, threatening to grow into a wildfire that would devour everything in its path. Misuzu meant more to her than life itself. She was her everything. Nikki's own family didn't care about her, she had no other friends. Only Misuzu. They'd grown-up alongside one another and been there for each other. Now, he threatened to tear that away from her. If it were anyone else she might not have objected—but it was him. Naruto Uzumaki.

Deceiver. Trickster.

Fake.

Misuzu met her gaze. "I know you do, Nikki. And I know you've noticed it too, but what you and I see are two different things. He isn't a bad person. Besides, just thinking about it..." Misuzu paused for a moment as if measuring her next words. "It makes me feel happy." The smile on her face was so certain. A tenderness shimmered in those gorgeous eyes that were unmistakable even to herself. As much as it hurt to admit it, Nikki lost. She'd lost a long time ago.

"...I guess that's what matters. Your happiness. If you're happy. I'll support you." Nikki's lips curved up in a forced smile and Misuzu was none the wiser. Nikki wanted to deny these feelings and tell her what an idiot she was being. That this charity case had gone on long enough. She did none of that.

"Thank you, Nikki. You don't know how much that means to me."

She nodded her head. This was all that she could do. Because in the end, she is weak. Too weak to take a stand and protect the one person in her pathetic life that was precious. Even if it was from herself.

Misuzu faced her. Bringing both arms up and grabbing her shoulders as if to convey what she could not say with words alone. That same dazzling smile blinding her.

"I think one day you'll give him a chance. Then you'll see, Naruto isn't what you think he is."

As if by magic when she uttered his name that unmistakable head of blond crept along the edge of Nikki's eye, and judging by how Misuzu's fingers stiffened, she noticed him too. It was strange how a single person could change the way someone else thinks and feels. Misuzu went from being the strong, boisterous girl she'd come to know and love to a rut of stress and uncertainty whenever he was involved.

He wasn't worth it—but she was.

'Make a move!' Her eyes met Misuzu's and she conveyed the message as best she could. Misuzu's gave and found something else other than her to look at. Nikki knew then she wasn't going to do it. Every painstaking hour spent cooking for him, pouring her everything into him. Every single day waiting on him. He made a fool out of her. He did not deserve her affection. 'I'll always support you.'

This time around he wasn't going to get away with it. There was no one else around, so just this once, she'd do it for Misuzu. Without warning, Nikki stood from her seat and drew as much air into her lungs as she could while mustering every ounce of her courage. Then, she screamed his name out.

"N—Naruto!"

The expression on Misuzu's face was priceless.

It was strange seeing them together, Misuzu thought. As if day and night were sauntering side by side. In itself, the sight should have appeared awkward, forced, and yet it didn't. They are at ease. It was perfect. Something inside of her raged. Misuzu knew countless different feelings. Astonishment. Anxiousness. Wonder. It all came to a sudden halt when her eyes met a striking pair of rich blue.

This woman...she needed no introduction.

Her best friend voiced Misuzu's thoughts as the pair neared, fixing her concerns. "Is that the Saeko Busujima? What's she doing with him?!" Misuzu had never laid eyes on Saeko herself, at least not in person. She only knew the Busujima heiress's grace during announcements and mandatory meetings. Someone as important as she was is far too involved. Which made it even stranger...

'Why is she with him? Did he do something?' The first thing that came to mind was Saeko's status as the director of the disciplinary committee. Naruto is a well-known troublemaker. Not as dangerous as the rumors implied, but his attitude could use some work. Maybe...? Her eyes narrowed. 'No. That's too easy.' Misuzu had heard stories of what befell any offenders who crossed Saeko Busujima's path. None were good. More so, Misuzu is positive none of those offenders ever made Saeko smile like that either.

The heat in her chest intensified. Apart of her wanted to rip her hairs out in frustration and she had good reason to. He's advancing with her in tow. 'I'm overthinking things. I have to be. Right?' Misuzu tried to sort through her scrambled thoughts. 'Naruto isn't the type to go for looks anyway. Wait. When did it get to that point? Stop it brain!' Doubt hit and what little self-control Misuzu had left caved against the impending tide of turmoil. Misuzu could only force a smile and hope for the best.

The sound of her voice is even sweeter in person.

"Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Saeko—"

"—Not important."

Naruto followed close behind. Greeting her and Nikki while shooting Saeko a not-so-subtle glare. Like that, she'd crossed the point of no return.

"How rude, Naruto-san. I was in the middle of introducing myself to your friends."

"They're not—" He paused. Saeko's lip rolled into a faint smile and their sights met. Naruto stifled a frown at the satisfied glint in her eye. "They're not important either."

"Not important?" Saeko echoed him. "I've never heard someone, anyone, call out your name so enthusiastically before. In fact. I didn't think you had any friends, Naruto-san."

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Saeko..."

"Do ignore him. He's just a rabid dog. Why, earlier this morning, he took a look at my underwear when the wind sent my skirt up. Pervert, am I right?"

"You asked me too."

"I would never do such a thing. That's rather unbecoming of someone like myself." She held his gaze. It didn't look like she was going to listen anytime soon. 'This is a waste of time. What's her game? And throughout you haven't said a word.' He turned away and met Misuzu. Despite the smile on her face, he could tell she was upset. Fantastic. So much for talking things out.

"S-Saeko B-Busujima-san?" Nikki said with a stutter. Visibly nervous.

"Oh? You know me? Well, that isn't fair. You've got the advantage. It's a pleasure to meet you." Saeko joked, tearing her sights from Naruto. "What is your name, my dear?"

"N-Nikki T-Toshimi."

Saeko tilted her head. "Toshimi? You mean of Toshimi Airlines?" At Nikki's slight nod, Saeko's sights found him yet again. "You've made some unique friends haven't you?"

Naruto snorted in response. "I don't know what you mean."

"Of course..." Saeko faced the quietest one of the group. "What about you? I would like to know your name as well."

"Misuzu Ichijou."

Saeko let out a soft giggle. "Important friends. You are a wonder, Naruto-san. With these two alone you could overthrow half of the families who attend our fine academy. The very same people that make your life a living hell."

"I'm serious. I have no idea what you're talking about."

Saeko sighed. "I suppose a violent dog like yourself would be oblivious to anything but claws and teeth."

Naruto was fully prepared to retort, had Misuzu not interrupted him. "E-Excuse me?" She winced at the stutter, temple creased. "Did Naruto do something wrong? H-How is it that you two know each other?" There's probably a better way to word it but at the moment she couldn't think of a single one. "I-I don't mean to be rude! It's just, I'm sure whatever he's done, he didn't mean it! Indeed, Naruto doesn't talk to many people and he can be difficult. In fact, he only ever talks to us. W-Which isn't a bad thing or anything! I'm just surprised...? A-Anyway. I'm sure he had a reason!"

Saeko took in every little detail of this Misuzu Ichijou. From the number freckles on her cheeks to the split hairs framing her square jaw. Then, she laughed. "There's no need to worry. He isn't in trouble...yet. Although, I'll admit I feel the same way. And here I thought I was special. But as it turns out, you're just a player, Naruto Uzumaki. Poisoning three innocent girls like us with your lewd fantasies. How wicked can you be?"

"I didn't...nevermind. Since you're so curious, I'll tell you. Misuzu is a bit like you are. She somehow figured she could do whatever she wanted and won't leave me the hell alone." He flashed the heiress a muted glare, and as a consequence, he missed the way Misuzu's palms clenched.

"Is that right? Well, I'll admit. This was an eye-opening experience. If I could stay and chat with you all I would, but I have a few errands to run before class begins. I do hope to talk with you again. Until then, keep a good eye on Naruto for me, would you?"

'This bitch...' Misuzu was livid.

In the sidelines, Nikki's attention jumped back and forth between the three of them. Until it rested solely on him. He was hurting her again. With every word he uttered, Naruto dug the knife deeper into Misuzu's heart and he didn't even know it. Bastard...

Saeko made to leave, but Naruto cut her off before she could do so.

"Don't forget."

She tilted her head, feigning innocence.

"Hm? About our date? I would never!"

His brow twitched. "That's. It's not a—"

"—Don't worry. Unlike you, I don't go back on my word." That smile was venomous. "Try not to be late to class today. Goodbye, Naruto-san."

After she'd left an unmistakable silence lingered.

"So. It's been a while."

Misuzu wouldn't meet his eye. "You could have found me. You're good at stuff like that, aren't you?" His pitiful attempt at striking up a conversation was shot down.

"I guess..." He trailed off. Unsure of how to continue.

Thankfully, Misuzu was more than willing to take the lead. "You're good at a lot of things, aren't you? You're good at lying and hiding and running from everything. You're especially great at pissing me off!"

Naruto's brow shot past his hairline. "What are you—?"

"—You're popular too! Saeko Busujima?! You must be special, huh?!"

Misuzu's head hung low, rumpled bangs obscuring whatever glower she was most likely throwing him.

"What the hell is your problem?" Naruto asked. She was almost yelling and it was starting to garner an unwanted crowd. Their eyes and ears were wide open.

"But what do I know? About you? About us? Nothing. Not a damn thing. Right? Because that's what you want. You want to be bitter, sad, and alone! You don't ever tell me anything! You don't talk to me!" Misuzu was panting, her small shoulders quivering. "...but you talk to her, don't you?"

"Misuzu, I don't—"

"—No!" She barked, her head snapping up. There were tears in her eyes and he didn't know why. "Just leave me alone!"

Naruto saw the stray droplets drop over the green grass even as she bolted. Hiding her face as she ran.

"What did I do...?"

Nikki, who had kept her mouth shut a majority of their argument, decided to add her two cents on the matter. That abrupt burst of confidence from before not entirely gone. "What did you do?" She parroted, fury focused on him. Naruto noted this was the first time she'd ever looked him in the eye. "Nothing! You don't do anything and that's the problem! She's dragged herself through the mud for you! She's tried everything to help you. It's all been for you, and you've never done anything for her! Not even a thank you!"

There was a viciousness to her that only ever reared its head when Misuzu was concerned. Nikki was stumbling for words.

"You're nothing but a selfish, bitter, pathetic soul! You don't deserve her! You're a waste of time! You're! You're! You're the absolute worst, Naruto Uzumaki!"

She'd been holding that back for a long time now. That was clear enough. Naruto supposed he should have felt insulted. Nikki's misguided rage should have sent his already tumbling mood spiraling downward. But, he couldn't be mad at her for telling the truth.

"Are you done?"

Nikki took a sharp breath, ready to tear into him some more—only for the words to die on her lips when she realized what she'd done. Until the day that she died, Nikki swore she would never forget the sight of that cold glare. In that instant she watched herself crumble in his arms.

"I never asked for this. You're all fucking with my day at this point."

Nikki didn't get a chance to respond. Naruto didn't give her the time to. He didn't care about whatever it was she would say next either, brushing past, a fierce scowl on his face.

"Just leave me alone!"

It deepened.

'That's my line...'

The study period was a perfect time to catch up on homework or do research for any projects. Naruto made it into another chance to catch up on sleep because in his mind there was nothing better to do. Rather than partaking in his favorite pastime, however, he was mulling the same moment over and over again. He couldn't get what transpired today out of his head. The past three hours wasted agonizing over it. Doing his best to figure out what it was that he did wrong—a futile endeavor.

This was bothering him more than it should, but Misuzu is hard to ignore. He let a breath escape his lips. "I didn't ask for your pity." Naruto didn't ask for her to lend a hand or follow him around. He never wanted her to try and get close to him. He didn't want friends. He'd told her to leave and stop wasting her time what felt like a thousand times. Yet, she always came back. Why did she come back? What was it that she wanted from him?

'Of all the things to stress about. As if I couldn't get any more pathetic.'

Some days felt like they'd never end.

"U-Uzumaki-san?"

Naruto was drawn out of his thoughts by the representative of the class. Who, by all accounts and purposes is the textbook definition of average. In fact, the only noticeable factor of the teen was a sizable mole just underneath his right eye.

"What?" He asked while trying not to outright gawk at the mole, and failing at that.

"A-Ah, Hayashi-sensei would like to s-speak with you."

Naruto kept the boy in his ocular trap for a second longer, until a single blink broke the spell he'd set.

"Thanks."

"R-Right!"

Naruto watched him scuttle away like a rat. Finding no diversion in how pitiful he or any of them were. This life is a poor show—one where everyone had the same ending. 'I suppose I should get this over with.' He stood and gathered his things together. His gut told him that whatever this was would be cutting the rest of the class period short.

Today kept getting better.

Back then, there was a single moment in his life where he'd been stupid enough to think everything would work out. A short-lived one, buried deep within a sea of regret and defeat. He'd made so many mistakes. Too many to count. There's only so much one person could blame on circumstance, but the rest? Who was to blame for that? Was it Danzo, the man who put him onto the path? Kakashi, for being too afraid to fight back? Either way, it didn't matter. Never did. If his life, if this world. If it were to end tomorrow it wouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things. They were another speck, one among a million. He'd already lived and died once before. If anything, Naruto was convinced this was hell.

'That all-seeing eye wants me to apologize. To atone, but I can't do that. I made a promise.' The bell sounded and in seconds his field of view was flooded with students. The combined babble infringing on his current trail of thought. Whacking at his sanity. 'We dig our hole and lie in it. I wouldn't want to sleep anywhere else.' Naruto hefted his bag over his shoulder and walked into the crowd, Keeping his head dipped. Untrimmed locks veiling his facial features. 'I'll sleep forever.'

The gates were closed. Their shadow looming over. At the sight of those massive bars, Naruto let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

'Time for work. I need the extra cash this month.' He crossed without a hitch. The instant he lifted his chin, Naruto caught a glimpse of a familiar set of coffee-colored eyes.

Fate really is a dick.

Misuzu stood by the exit. A passive smile on her lithe features as a few people that he couldn't quite name chatted her up. Her eyes roaming the masses even as the other girls spoke to her. Naruto watched her and his heart throbbed. This couldn't be hell—not if she was here with him.

'You're too bright.' He stood there like a tree, rooted to his spot. He could do nothing but watch her for a second longer. Admiring the warmth in her eyes. Then, he turned back around. If she never talked to him again things were probably better off that way. 'At the very least. Maybe I'm not so selfish after all.'

Saeko swung her legs back and forth, a smirk on her face when their eyes met. "I'll have the usual."

Naruto scowled. "One Ebichiri, no chili. Coming right up."

The inside of the Wind and Sails were bare save for another customer. A regular of Hayate's, and the queen bitch herself. Somehow he anticipated this.

"Oho! Nice to see you again, girl! Out to take my little duckling's heart are you?" Hayate reared his head out from the back-door, grinning all the while his cheeks flushed red. Drinking on the job was his practice.

"Likewise, Miyamoto-san." Saeko returned the greeting with a nod.

This was the third time this week, she was getting bolder. Naruto made to step past his boss and try to put some distance between him and her, only for Hayate to bring up his arm and block his path.

"Don't worry about it. I'll whip this one up real special for your lady friend. You get to chatting her up! You need friends, you damn emo!" He paused. "Did I use that word right?"

Naruto would have kicked him out of the way, right in the balls, but that would cripple the old fool. "You'll pay for this."

Hayate's grin threatened to split his wrinkled features in two. He was excited today. "In good time. Remember, you're coming back to have dinner with mine tonight! Don't walk out on me and pretend you forgot, got it, boy?"

Naruto reluctantly nodded.

"Pardon me, could I have some more water?"

Hayate elbowed his arm. "You heard the lady, lad! Get her some water or you're fired!" Irritable old men ruined his life and they continued doing so, even in another world. With a sigh, Naruto grasped a nearby cup, filled it with ice and water then brought it to the beaming heiress.

"Thank you, Naruto-san."

"How did you know I'd be working today?" He asked, leaning forward on the counter that separated the two. Dim blue eyes pinning her in place.

"That's easy. It's obvious to me that you're a big fat liar." His lip twitched. "I'm teasing! Sort of...Although, you should know by now that you can't trick me, Naruto-san. I make it my duty to keep an eye on troublemakers."

Naruto snorted at that. "I'd say you do more than keep an eye on me."

"True, but then again, you are you."

The blond pursed his lips and wrestled back a sigh. "I'll be right back with your food." Naruto managed a single step, only for Hayate to burst out from the kitchen, a proud grin on his face, and a steaming plate in his hands.

"Don't you worry! I've got it, boy!"

He would have strangled the old coot if he could.

"It looks delicious!"

"Of course it does!" Hayate never missed the chance to gloat. "I made it myself, after all! You see, these hands have seen countless battles, girl! They've endured all kinds of war, but none greater than that of the culinary! A furious battleground where victory is never assured!" He snickered and then took another stroke of his bottle.

"You're scaring the customers." The one that is, who seemed more amused than anything. Hayate hung out with strange folk.

"Hajime-san! Forgive me! Here, I'll make a fresh one for you. On the house!" The old man clambered to the back, a fire in his eyes. Hajime blinked once, then shrugged his shoulders and waited for a free meal.

"Your boss is eccentric as always," Saeko noted.

"He's something alright." Naruto's gaze fell on her again. "So, cash or credit?"

She snapped her chopsticks in half and smirked. "How about a date?"

He grunted.

Her lips fell into a pout. "Do you not like me, Naruto-san? Am I not good enough for you?"

"Cash or credit?"

Saeko is good—too good. The girl knew the perfect line to walk. What exact words to say. She would have made an excellent Shinobi.

"I appreciate you walking me this far."

Naruto followed behind her. "You made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Besides, I'm going this way too."

Saeko stopped and faced him. Squinting like an owl as her lips curled up, an underlying test concealed behind that sweet grin. "You are. Aren't you? This isn't how you usually do things, Naruto-san. Did something happen? Are you finally coming onto me?"

She was unusual. The way she walked and perceived the world—it was the opposite of what he expected.

"No. I'm not."

A canopy of stars sat above them lighting up the dark skies. A halo of light glowing in the very center. Saeko's lips moved once, twice, then they shut. She sought his gaze and he stared right back until at last, she'd found whatever it was she sought.

"I suppose this is where we part ways." She had the eyes of a killer. "Have a good night, Naruto-san. Thank you again." She ended the conversation there and turned her back to him without another word. Muffled footsteps waning as she began the long trek home.

Naruto followed Saeko until her frame was engulfed by the blackness and he could see it no more. He stood there for longer than he should, the streetlight projecting its shadow over him. He tilted his head up and gazed out into the great beyond.

'Fate, huh?'

What a load of horseshit.

"N-Naruto-boy! You're late!" The unmistakable smell of booze struck his senses as soon as the door opened, and Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose in response.

"Get away from me, old fart. You reek."

"Hayate! You give that young man some space!"

"Ki-Kiriko-chan!" The drunk swayed, shifting to face the woman following him. "T-This ain't just any k-kid! This here's that kid!"

Amber eyes moved to where he stood and sized him up in that split-second.

"Oh? In that case. Welcome to our humble abode! Come in, Naruto-kun! Make yourself comfortable!" There was a kindness to this woman's smile, some worldliness that he'd seen in Hayate several times before. It wasn't entirely unpleasant.

"...Thank you." Taking his shoes off and slipping into what was given, Kiriko guided him along with a stumbling Hayate leaning on her arm for support. He saw the face of that tired old man and noted a rare calm. The points of that wrinkled face seemed relaxed. Was it that easy?

"I hope you don't mind but my husband and grandfather were a tad impatient, so we had to start without you."

Naruto shook his head a no.

"P-Please, h-he was with h-his girlfriend! I-I doubt he cares!" Hayate teased in-between hiccups, sparing the blond a playful wink.

He made a face. "Hardly."

Kiriko observed the exchange with no shortage of amusement in her eyes.

"You certainly get along well, that's for sure."

"I wouldn't call taking advantage of a struggling youth and forcing him into cheap labor getting along." Naruto retorted as they entered the living room where two more people awaited them, an older man and a girl around his age.

Kiriko shrugged her shoulders before calling out to the new faces. "Tadashi-kun! Our guest is here. Let go of the meat, dear. Rei, drop the curry and introduce yourself!"

Rei Miyamoto was having a lousy day, or rather a lousy year. The potential scandal between her father and that slime-ball Shido. Being held back. Takashi and Igou. The list went on...

Needless to say that things had been rocky, but they were getting better. It was a sluggish process and often drove her mad, but the situation is improving. Igou and her were doing well and her father stopped asking for the details on why she failed. In another year or so this would be water underneath the bridge. There was only one loose end.

'Takashi...' Rei bit her lip. 'No! I won't get into it now!' This wasn't the time to dwell on those sorts of thoughts. Tonight is family night, something she valued more than anything else. Time spent with her whole family was rare and she cherished every minute spent together. Also, the curry was amazing.

"Rei, drop it! Seriously!"

Her mother's words snapped her out of a food-induced trance. "Huh?" She drew her face away from the bowl in her hands and met a dim shade of blue. Suddenly, things went from good to bad.

"We have a guest. This is—" Kiriko motioned to the pale blond next to her.

"—Naruto Uzumaki." Rei finished for her, red eyes narrowed.

"Greetings, it's a pleasure to meet you." The tone was dull, dry, and lacked any actual enthusiasm. This was Naruto Uzumaki, no doubt about it!

Rei snarled at the sight of him in her home, with her family, "What the hell is this guy doing here, mom?!" Like that the mood did a complete one-eighty.

"R-Rei-chan!"What's the m-meaning of this?!" Her father slurred.

"It's cool. I have that effect."

Rei had heard of Naruto Uzumaki, and who hadn't? He was infamous. The worst student in the history of Fujimi Academy and its number one offender. Naruto was the poster-boy for everything Rei that despised. The worst of this world packaged into one person. People like him and Shido are why she was trapped in this mess in the first place!

"I'll tell you!" Rei spat, glaring at the blond with all the ferocity she could muster. "This is a criminal, dad! He's hurt people and acts up at school! You should be arresting him, not hosting him! Damn it, this is ridicu—"

"Rei! That's enough" Kiriko's voice sliced through the tension, leaving no room for arguments. Her mother's smile was spread thin. Rei wasn't stupid enough to cross her at this point. "There will be no bad-mouthing our guests at the table."

"Tch, fine. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Haha! She's got you, boy!" Hayate taunted the blond from the back, laughing at the lineup of insults while leaning on his son for support instead.

"H-Hm, a criminal y-you say? Is this t-true, father?"

"Ha! That kid is as much a c-criminal as I am!" Was the coot's drunken response before he cracked open the second bottle of the night and took another sip, and then another and so on.

Kiriko tilted her head at his remark. "That's a bit worrisome. At the very least, I hope you won't abuse our kindness, Naruto-san."

Naruto spared the tall woman a glance. "I won't steal anything if that's what you're asking."

Kiriko cheered. "Fantastic! Then please feel free to dig in! Welcome to family night, Naruto-san!"

Naruto blinked.

Family...

'It's warm...' These people, they were nice. He glanced at Hayate and Tadashi, the latter who was now hugging the sake bottle while his father tried to wrestle it away. He'd never seen Hayate so comfortable. Naruto couldn't resist the little smile that settled over his faded features. 'You're lucky, old man.'

Meanwhile, Rei couldn't believe her eyes. Despite how many times she blinked the sight didn't change once. There it was, right in front of her.

Naruto Uzumaki, beaming.

'What just happened?'

Like magic, it was gone. "Staring is rude." Naruto joked. His smile leaving as quickly as it came.

For whatever reason, that pissed her off. Something about it aggravated her to no end. Here she was, fighting with everything she had to keep her emotions in check. Sacrificing so much, so that everyone else could be happy. Struggling to contain her guilt. Struggling at every turn! Then there are people like him. Who never showed the slightest bit of emotion. Who never worried about anyone or anything other than themselves. With a smile on, as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

It was such a sad smile too! Tiny and insignificant and—

"You're creeping me out."

"Eat shit, loser." She responded.

Kirito clapped her hands together as Tadashi and Hayate attempted to strangle each other in the back.

"What a lovely dinner!"

From the second-story window, Kiriko watched the blond leave. "You were right. He's uncanny. What made you bring him tonight of all nights? Why not sooner? The poor child has no family. We could have helped him sooner."

Hayate's body was sprawled on the bed behind her. Jaded eyes watching the ceiling fan spin. "Maybe... To be honest. I don't know why. Instinct? I just felt like it was the right time, so I figured I'd push my luck."

"Instinct? Maybe you have had too much to drink."

Hayate shook his head. "He's the one I called about all those years ago. You should've seen him then. He was like a cornered animal." The old man reflected. "When I look at my son. When I look at you. When I glance in the mirror, I see ghosts. When I look at him, I see the same thing. I don't want to know what pushed him here. I just want to help him."

Time is a terrible thing to waste. There would be plenty of time for regrets when old age came, but one could only ever be young once. Hayate wasted his own youth, and even worse, he wasted Tadashi's. His own son. He'd hate to watch Naruto willingly waste what precious little time was left too.

Ah, but those were thoughts for another time...

Slowly, he gave in. Smiling when a warm blanket fell over him.

"Rest easy, old-timer."

Kiriko flicked the light off and shut the door behind her.

"It was a nice dinner, wasn't it?"

A pair of arms snaked themselves around her waist and she melted in her lovers embrace.

"It was. How about dessert?"

Kiriko smiled and shook her head. Men.