Kakashi POV ~
I don't know how long I was staring but I was brought out of my thoughts when he chuckled. Ah I missed his voice.
"Would you like to eat with me? I could share my box." he politely asked.
His chakra signature is same, he doesn't seem like an imposter. How did Naruto change so much?
"Sure. If that's not a problem."
He shook his head negative and replied, "Maa it's alright, I'll be heading to Ichiraku's later but I wanted to finish my box first."
"Then why not say yes to me when I asked earlier?"
"I was going to get takeaway tteba."
I nodded and he walked to a nearby tree so gracefully and gently pat the grass on his left side indicating me to sit. I sat down next to him. He took out a scroll and a bento box with a pair of chopsticks poofed into existence.
He made a shadow clone and it transformed into a pair of chopsticks. I raise an eyebrow at that. A neat idea. He took the henged chopsticks and passed me the original ones. He opened the box and the first thing I saw was a carrot cut in a fox shape, he sheepishly looked at me awkwardly laughed while scratching the back of his neck blushing. Clearly embarrassed but I found his box and his expressions rather cute.
"Sorry sensei. I like doing stuff like this once in a while."
Huh? He learned cooking? The box is neat, looks well prepared and smells delicious. When did he learn cooking?
"You made this box Naruto?" I asked.
"Hai." he simply replied nodding.
I stared at him for a couple of seconds then nodded. He offered me the box to take the first bite and we sat facing opposite to each other. Our backs touching and using as support.
We softly said "Itadakimasu" simultaneously.
I eyed my chopsticks and food on it suspiciously, closing my eyes I took in a silent breath and put the rice in my mouth. I snapped my eyes open and stared at the chopsticks again because when did I last eat something this delicious. I can cook and I know I do a pretty good job but this is absolutely delicious! The other strange thing, he didn't try to peek while I ate.
Well what happened?
"I hope it is fine sensei. You're the first one to taste my cooking and you can tell me if it isn't fine though. I'll treat you somewhere else to eat." I grinned openly, happy to be the only one to taste the blonde's homemade food yet.
"Maa Naruto it is good. Don't worry about it."
He hummed and took a bite himself. We ate in silence, after a couple of bites Naruto said, "Ne sensei I hope you like it enough to finish it. I'm heading for ramen as I told you so I'll keep a little space empty ttebayo."
I hummed and he waited for me to finish.
After I was done, we both muttered a "Gochiso sama deshita" together and I passed him the box he walked near the shore and washed his face again.
My cute little genin is not so little anymore. I realized at this moment. He is growing up to be a fine young man. It's hard to deny the fact that even I find him hot.
I reminded myself, Kakashi control yourself. If Minato sensei and Kushina nee-san would have known I would've been burned with multiple katon jutsu and rasengans. I shuddered at the thought. The internal pep talk had helped.
"It was good to see you sensei, thank you for accompanying me for food. I'll take your leave." he bowed.
The box was already empty and I wouldn't lie I wanted to be more near him, his aura was so warm and calm. Also being the curious Jounin I am I wanted to investigate further and know more about the kawaii blonde that seems a little different but not. This one is way more comfortable and relaxed than the one we had always known. This Naruto has something about him that says that this is the real one. Maybe because he didn't give those wide grins unnecessarily. I shook my head, there will be plenty of time to uncover the enigma, that is one Uzumaki Naruto.
So I called him because let's face it I miss my blonde student, I can't help it, "Wait Naruto! If you don't mind, let me accompany you?"
He tilted his head eyed me for a minute. A calculative gaze but a cute one nonetheless. He nodded and started walking I fell into his footsteps, took my book out and pretended reading. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye and chuckled but didn't say a word.
I never would have imagined, Naruto would be someone to walk in silence.
While walking, I noticed his changes, his baby fat gone he looks healthy in a right way, rather than muscular he is more lean, his walk straight giving a confident aura yet not trying to dominate, his strides of equal length making almost no noise, his body enlightened with elegance that he seem not even trying to emit. In no time we reached Ichiraku, he's yet not spoken a word. Seeing the shop owner his face lit up and a smile graced his lips. "Hey old man, Ayame-chan how's it goin'?"
They replied with a smile too, "Hey Naruto, where have you been? We haven't seen in you in so long boy. Are you going to make me a rich man again?" the shop owner asked rubbing his palms together.
Naruto laughed, "I've been a little busy here and there. And for the second question, I think not today. I'll just have 3 miso ramen takeaway."
The man nodded and turned to prepare ramen.
'Busy? Where? Tsunade-sama said he hasn't started with missions yet. Maybe the reason why his body and skin has changed... The boy has been training hard huh?'
Naruto turned to me and spoke successfully bringing me out of my thoughts, "Would you like to eat something sensei?"
"Ah no Naruto I'm good."
He hummed.
Paying for the meal we were about to leave when Iruka dashed in and started shaking Naruto holding his shoulders, "Where have you been, I haven't seen you in so long!! Are you injured? Did someone say something? I tried going into your apartment but saw a new lock and new plants in balcony, respecting your privacy I didn't barge in. You look good. What are you doing right now? Wh.."
Naruto chuckled, "Breathe Iruka sensei. In correct order, I am okay. I've been busy. Nobody said anything I am absolutely fine. As for my apartment, I changed the lock because the old one didn't work like a lock anyway and I forgot to make a copy, I'll soon give one to you. What else did you ask again? Oh yeah, nothing sensei it's my off day. I'm not doing anything interesting. I was just getting ramen and heading home."
Iruka calmed down and said excitedly, "Well if that's the case why don't you come to my apartment. I have something for you!"
"Oh oh what is it?" he replied just as excitedly.
"You'll see when we reach."
Iruka looked at me for a couple of seconds then to Naruto then again at me as if contemplating something and finally asked me, "Would you like to accompany us Kakashi sensei?"
What should I do?
Naruto turned to look at me and tilted his head yet again and there I lost it when his eyes widened a little, his eyes solely focused on me with that innocent expression. I just want to bite his cheeks crush him in my arms. This may sound dark to you readers but really you would've had the same reaction seeing this cutie use puppy dog eyes.
"Sure, if isn't a problem." I shrugged.
Iruka turned around, "Well let's go then."
We followed, me reading my book, Iruka and Naruto talking while gesturing animatedly. Iruka ruffled Naruto's hair and he chuckled softly that almost sounded like a giggle.
Wait what?
He's giggling?
I did a double take not quite openly, don't want to seem like I'm prying on their conversation. But looking at them and Naruto talking to Iruka and saying things which half I couldn't comprehend was killing me inside. I miss him in the team so much more!
We reached Iruka's apartment and the lights were off. Iruka asked us to wait outside, we did.
It's beyond 19:00 already, what's Iruka trying to pull?
From the apartment Iruka voiced us to come in. We entered and suddenly lights turned on, my eye widened. I looked over at Naruto and saw his eyes soften and a small smile on his lips.
"Happy birthday Naruto!"
Iruka was grinning ear to ear and Naruto now mirroring the expression. Without them noticing I summoned Pakkun, stuffed money in his jacket and asked him to get specific gifts for Naruto and wait at the blonde's apartment.
Naruto hugged Iruka, "Arigatou nii-san. I love it Dattebayo!"
Iruka had tears in his eyes and I couldn't help but berate myself, yet again, for forgetting his birthday.
As if reading my mind Naruto walked to me and flicked my nose playfully, "It's alright sensei. You don't have to remember everything. It wasn't your intention yet you accompanied me for a good while today and I'm grateful. So don't worry." he said and gave me a closed eyes smile. My heart hurt seeing the same expression I was used to seeing on a different blonde's face.
Without my consent my hand moved on its own accord and carressed his whiskered cheek, whiskered cheeks yes, he is not him and that's why I am caressing his cheek. His smile may have looked same but it still had a Naruto touch.
I couldn't utter a word so I nodded a little, they are birthmarks and have no outer texture I finally observed, he leaned in my touch closing his eyes sighed as if in content. A purr slipped past his lips and both our eyes widened, but for different reasons. Mine in excitement and curiosity and his in denial and embarrassment.
Before either of us could utter a word..
Iruka clapped his hand from the kitchen breaking our wordless interaction. Way to go Iruka. "Why don't we cut the cake? And what would you two like to eat? So I can start preparations."
"Maa Iruka sensei I have 3 miso ramen takeaway, we could eat that. We can add more spices for you and add eggplants in the ones of Kakashi-sensei." Naruto replied turning around, facing the kitchen and avoided looking at me.
"Good idea Naruto! Now let's cut the cake!" exclaimed Iruka.
Naruto cut the cake and made Iruka eat with his hands.
Uh oh it's my turn!
He brought the cake near my face with a sly smirk on his own and said, "Say aah. Open your mouth sensei."
I fingered the top edge of my mask and gulped while sweating a little, I looked at the door and exclaimed "Sakura what are you doing here?"
Iruka and Naruto looked towards the door and I quickly ate the piece of the cake from Naruto's hand.
They realized what happened and Naruto whined "No fair."
Iruka shook his head, amusement evident in his eyes. Taking the take away from Naruto to the kitchen Iruka returned with 3 bowls.
Iruka passed respectable bowls of each to us and Naruto broke the silence, "Sensei you can turn around to that corner, there isn't much light over there and from this angle we won't be able to see your face. Enjoy your meal."
I just rose my eyebrow.
Apparently Iruka did too and questioned, "Naruto, you aren't going to make him sit here and eat to see his face?"
"Hmm? No, I respect his privacy, the cake was just to mess with him. If he tries to eat the noodles so quickly, he might choke. Well I breath ramen too but he somehow finishes in a blink of an eye and it's not healthy. That's rich coming from me but ttebayo."
Iruka and I both dumbfoundedly stare at Naruto while he looked nonchalant and Iruka slowly asked again, "Are you sure you don't want to see his face Naruto?"
He firmly replied, "Hai. We all have secrets. It's not necessary we know everything about each other. I respect Kakashi's privacy so I won't bug him but I'm intrigued, not to see his face but instead the reason for wearing a mask always. Maybe someday I'll find out. Who knows?"
Iruka and I were slack jawed, totally dumbfounded but nodded nonetheless. What happened to him? How did he become so mature? And why? It's like he's an entirely different person. The part that frustrates me most is that he feels the same just more loose. Like himself. How?
He reminds me of Minato sensei so much more now.
After the dinner Naruto and me decided to head back home.
We stepped out of the apartment, before he could say anything I offered more like stated, "I'll walk you home Naruto-kun."
He nodded with a smile.
Reaching his home, Pakkun was already there with 2 bags. I peeked inside, nodding to myself in satisfaction and turned to Naruto who was squeezing the life out of Pakkun and rubbing his paws. Cooing and all that I did a double take, what the? No this is not different, he always does this seeing my whole pack but this time he looks way more domestic and happy. Did a cuddle with a pug just make him smile like he had just slid down from a rainbow? Yes it did. And yes, it's new.
I dismissed Pakkun, because I wasn't getting any attention, and they both whined. The little pug licked Naruto's cheek and poofed away to his realm.
He opened the door to his apartment and gestured me to come in. I didn't completely enter just past the door. He blinked at me confused and I gave an eye smile, "Naruto, I apologize for forgetting your birthday. These are for you, hope you like them."
He looked at me for a second, sighed "You didn't have to ttebayo."
Eye smiling I replied "I wanted to."
He gave me a one of those charming smiles that made my lips twitch in a smile on their own.
I internally shook my head. The kid is cute.
"What is it?"
"Go ahead and see for yourself."
He handed me one bag while he took out the wrapped present from the one he was still holding. His eyes widened in shock mixed with awed surprise, it was a custom chakra stamp. A moulder for customize marking on weapons. It looked like a thick pen or pencil shaped stamp. I had specifically asked Pakkun to ask the seller to quickly paint it orangewith silver colored intricate for his name's initial. He would just have to draw his own symbol so that he could put them on all his weapons from Shuriken to Katana. It wouldn't look so costly to a civilian or extraordinary to a newbie ninja however experienced ones knew how costly and meaningful this is.
He looked at me about say something but I quickly cut him off by pushing another bag that I was holding. He blinked then laughed seeing the second gift. It was Icha Icha Paradise. The first book in the series. I chuckled along with him.
"Arigatou Kakashi." he answered softly flicking my nose again when his laughter died down. He was sporting a light blush, his eyes twinkling and seeing him I don't understand why, my heart stuttered.
Nodding I replied "I'll be heading back then, Ja ne!" and I disappeared in a puff of smoke without waiting for a reply.
Next morning ~
Naruto POV ~
Hmm.. Let's see, no doubt I am making progress but this is still not good. I need my original style for taijutsu. For that I could talk to Gai sensei, for Kenjutsu I could have asked Hayate senpai but unfortunately he's no more, or Yugao senpai but after Hayate senpai's death she retired and declines to do any ninja work so that's useless as well. There are still other ninja that could help me though, I would just have to do a little research.
Well, let's go to Gai first.
It's still early, let's see if I have some luck. I'm sure he would help me but who knows.
Third Person POV ~
Naruto was running searching for Gai around the village when from a distance he heard a very familiar voice, walking closer he got a clear picture of who it was, "That's it, Lee! Run...run towards the setting sun!... But don't mess up your gorgeous hair!"
Gai sensei.
"Hai Gai sensei!"
Lee.
Naruto sweat dropped.
"Maybe I should rethink about this?" Naruto asked himself. 'Might as well get this over with quick Lee.' He chuckled to himself patting his own shoulder quite proud of the putting two puns in one sentence.
"Yo Gai sensei, Lee! How's it goin' this youthful morning?" Naruto asked chuckling.
They both gave him an identical 'good guy pose' with sparkling teeth smile that Naruto had cover his eyes because of that shine, "YOSH! NARUTO-KUN ITS GOOD TO SEE YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH BRIGHTLY THIS MORNING. OUR WAVES OF DETERMINATION IS JUST AS FIRED LIKE ALWAYS!" Gai and Lee simultaneously said. Naruto just shook his head laughing in amusement.
"GAI SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
"GAI SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
There happens to be genjutsu everytime they do that. Mountains, cliffs and clashing sea waves appear out of no where, not to mention the theme song playing in background. Naruto tried to dispel the genjutsu but no avail. Now Naruto couldn't take it anymore so he had to interrupt, after noting the horrendous genjutsu idea that is, before he scarred his psyche for the rest of his life.
"Eto, Gekimayu-sensei I wanted a little help." Naruto interrupted.
"YOSH! How can I help you?" Gai questioned.
"I'm trying to improve my taijutsu. I thought who'd be better than a taijutsu genius. I'd be honored if you could help me dattebayo." Naruto answered with hope in his eyes.
"Of course Naruto-kun! How youthful of you to come and speak to me! You can start from today!" Gai replied with a thumbs up.
I grinned but it died down seeing his doubtful expression.
"You won't be able to help?"
"No, nothing like that. But what about my eternal rival? Why aren't you asking him?"
"I am off the team for a while and Baa-chan has said not to interrupt in their training.. So..."
"YOSH! Alright then. Let's light up your youth even brighter!"
"Dattebayo!" I grinned again.
*-*
Itadakimasu - Let's eat / Prayer said before eating food
Gochiso sama deshita - Thank you for the food / Prayer said after eating food
Nii - Big Brother
Gekimayu - Intense Brows
Yosh - Alright / Okay / Yes