Disclaimer: See Prologue

Author's Note: See Profile for response to reviews…

"ABC" - Spoken

ABC - Thought

'ABC' -Bijū Spoken

'ABC' - Bijū Thought

ABC – Book Excerpts

&&&& - Scene Change

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Stranger Than Fiction

Chapter Five: Purpose

I had a sensei now… I was ecstatic… I would become 'strong and brave and everyone would love me and no one would ever hurt me again'… or so that's what my eight year old self believed.

The truth of the matter was that I was one year away from entering the Academy – finally… Thanks to Old Man Soul being able to convince… well, I don't know who… whoever it was that needed to be convinced that me attending was a good thing.

So, with that in mind, Sensei agreed to train me for one year… he promised that in that time he'd make me more than ready… But, only if I was willing to work for it and I was; I just needed to prove it.

He threw me headlong into it… From day one, I knew it would be a long grueling year, but also that it'd be worth it in the end.

A physical fitness routine to build strength and stamina.

A chakra refinement course to build my reserve, while teaching me how to harness it properly.

An academic advancement curriculum made up of history, mathematics, sciences, literature, tactics and stratagem, psychology and theology… those last four were and still are a little beyond me, but they've kept my interest till this very day.

Everyday, I'd meet with Sensei via the secret entrance he showed me. We'd proceed to his private dojo within the estate where I would go through the routine he set for me…

Fitness in the morning, chakra control and the basics in the afternoon, and a discussion on the academics that I'd work on at home that evening.

Several times a week when his schedule permitted it, we'd sit together to meditate… Of course, this always broke down into me asking him a thousand questions about everything and anything, but, honestly, I don't think he minded one bit.

And, that's how it was. He'd greet me every morning then leave me to it, checking up on me through out the day… I didn't know to what degree but I could tell that Sensei was someone important… and following my first two weeks with him I got my first clue…

"Child, come here." Hiashi calls out from the entrance to the dojo and its surrounding area.

Hopping down from the tree, he was currently trying to scale, Naruto runs over to him. Bowing, he then smiles brightly at his teacher before loudly asking, "Yes, Sensei?"

Hiashi can't help but smile at the child's endless energy. He'd be the first to tell you that he was quite impressed with the dedication the boy showed.

"Child, I have important business to attend to. So, I won't be able to see you later today…"

"Ahhh… but, Sensei, you said you'd read my report on the Third today."

"Yes, I did… but, this was unexpected. As, a form of apology, I am going to give you the day off."

Now, Hiashi didn't know what to expect from the boy but what he got was far from ever occurring to him. Naruto's face became solemn and he sat down with a huff.

"If you don't want to train me anymore… you can just say so, Sensei…"

He was at a lost for words, Hiashi couldn't even fathom ending the child's training. If the progress he showed over these past two weeks was any indication, he would make up all the years of schooling he missed plus some before the year was out.

Watching Naruto sit there dejectedly, he realized what this was about. Here was a boy who had never been given a chance and in him he saw that chance; he was simply afraid of losing it.

Sitting next to the boy, Hiashi watches out of the corner of his eye as Naruto looks at him puzzled. He has to keep from smiling when the boy gets up and mimics his position. Side by side, they sit looking out over the training field, their sights set upon the medium-sized pond near its middle.

"Sensei… don't you have something important to do?"

"Yes, Child, I do… but, I do not believe they'll be to upset if I'm a little late."

He watches as Naruto closes his eyes and nods as he contemplates his words. The child would remain silent for only a moment more before jumping to his feet.

"I don't want you to get in trouble cause of me!"

"Who says I would…?"

"Well, whenever I'm late in meeting the Old Man he always scolds me, saying that being on time is as important to a Ninja as being able to use any Jutsu."

"Those are wise words… All right, I'll be off then."

Naruto nods in agreement, before remembering why he was upset in the first place but before he can saying anything Hiashi injects.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow, as always…"

Naruto's face beams as he nods in agreement. Hiashi nods back before heading off. Stopping by the exit that will take him back into the main compound, he looks back at Naruto walking up the tree and nods in approval.

The child deserves a day of leisure, yet he'll never take one. I know exactly what will keep him distracted.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I was left alone in the training field, so I continued my training secure in the knowledge that no one but Sensei came back here. I knew he wouldn't mind if I stayed to continue training, or at least, I hoped since it had never come up in any of our discussions.

I was halfway up the tree when I heard a sound, soft and harmonious; it was coming from below me.

"What you doing?"

"I'm trying to walk up this tree."

"Why?"

"So, that I'll get stronger."

"Why?"

"So, that I can become a real Ninja."

"Why?"

"So, that I'll be respected and become the next Soul."

"Why?"

It then dawned on me that I was in the midst of having a very one-sided conversation… the thing was, there shouldn't be anyone back here but me… Looking over my shoulder towards the ground below, my eyes fell upon someone who was never far from my thoughts…

"Chibi-Hime…?"

"Hi…"

I proceeded to unceremoniously fall on my ass which resulted in the sound of two distinct laughs filling the air.

Looking up at the laughter's source, I found a giggling Chibi-Hime and an older girl, who looked to be in her late-teens/early twenties, looking down at me with a sweet smile. I jumped to my feet embarrassed beyond belief…

"Um… Hi?"

Yeah, I know my linguistic skills were lacking, but I was surprised. No one but Sensei was supposed to have access to this place…

"Hi… Who are you?"

She was looking up at me with these big curious eyes and a silly smile. I went to answer then I remembered that no one was supposed to know I was back there. Looking to the older girl, she gave me a nod and a smile signaling it was all right.

"I'm Kyu..."

"Ky-u…?"

"Yeah, that's right."

I knelt down to her height, giving a big toothy grin… she returned in kind, as she jumped up and down excited to have said my name right. I couldn't help but be amazed by the little bundle of energy before me… the last time I saw her she was a sleep in my arms… looking so delicate, so frail… Now, there she was jumping around without a care in the world.

"Kyu…?"

"Yes… Chibi-Hime?"

"You play…?"

She surprised me with that one… in fact, shocked is more like it. No one that I could remember had ever asked me to play with them. Again, I looked for an okay before proceeding and yet another kind smile was my answer.

"Sure, Chibi-Hime, I'll play."

She grabbed my hand and led me off… I could hear the older girl laughing. I guess we were quite the sight… a three year old bending an eight year old to her every whim… I had never played so hard in my life… then, again, play for me was usually training, a prank, or running for my life.

I have no idea how long we were at it, but it seemed like hours… and I wished it would never end… I had fun… actual fun with another kid.

Sitting under the tree I fell from earlier, I was surprised when she sat next to me and proceeded to fall asleep against me.

I became slightly uncomfortable when the older girl sat on my other side. I froze… she was pretty and reminded me of an older Hime… and the fact that she was smiling at me wasn't helping…

"Um… Hi, I'm Naruto."

"It's a pleasure, Naruto, I'm Aoi."

They sat there enjoying the breeze, Hanabi lost in a peaceful slumber. Naruto looked to Aoi to see her smiling at them; he smiled uneasily before asking about something that's been bugging him since Hiashi informed him of it.

"Is it true that she doesn't remember what happened?"

"Yes, it appears so… though, she does appear quite comfortable with you"

They both look to where Hanabi has snuggled up against his side, his arm now wrapped around her.

"She is usually more stand-offish with people."

"Really…?" he asks, surprised by this.

"Yeah, truth be told… she's not exactly the friendliest child when it comes to those outside the clan or inside for that matter."

"So… are you an older sister?"

"What…? Oh, no… I'm a cousin, twice removed from the branch house."

"Branch house…?"

"Oh, well… you see the Hyuugas are broken into two houses: the Main and the Branch… I'm from the Branch, while Hanabi-sama is from the Main. Her Father, of course, is also from the Main House and is head of the Clan."

"Sensei is head of a clan… WOW!"

Naruto's outburst causes Hanabi to stir in her sleep, as he quickly panics becoming deathly still as not to wake her. Aoi can't help but giggle at his antics till she suddenly becomes serious.

"I want to thank you for saving Hanabi-sama… Hiashi-sama informed me of everything that's happened. As well as, the details of your deal with him… it's all impressive to say the least."

"It's no big deal… anyone would've done the same."

"No, Naruto, I'm sad to say they wouldn't."

Naruto tries to disagree, but he can't; if his life is any example, she's right and that saddens them both. Looking at the girl at his side, he reconfirms his mission.

I'll become strong… so strong that no one will ever hurt us again…

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The next day, Sensei greeted me as he always did and apologized for the day before. I was quick to apologize for how I acted. Not having faith in my sensei was unforgivable. He smiled at my words and told me that knowing when to admit that one was wrong is a sign of true strength, which he explained went beyond the physical to the very core of your character…

I couldn't be any happier after hearing his words, because that's what I sought, true strength, both physical and emotional. And, with Sensei's help I was well on my way to achieving it.

Training went on, as it always had, with me making steady progress… after a month, I had moved on to water walking with less than stellar results. Sensei told me one day that he couldn't understand why my chakra control was so sporadic. Some days it seemed as if I had perfect control, others I couldn't even take a step without sinking.

We adapted my training to my little problem and kept moving forward… during the second month he started my ninjutsu training which focused on basic Academy level skills and jutsus.

It would be during the third month that I got to see Chibi-Hime and Blue again. They greeted me at the secret entrance informing me that on days where Sensei couldn't greet me I would spend the day with them.

From then on they would join me during my training, Blue would watch over Chibi-Hime, who would spend her time running around cheering me on and trying to get me to play with her.

The next few months went by in a flash and before I knew it I had been training with Sensei for six months. Our time together was half way through and I had made amazing progress - if I do say so myself.

Chibi-Hime's birthday also fell on that sixth month, I had saved up so I could get her something. But, first I had to figure out how to tell her I couldn't come to her birthday party.

Sensei was swamped with work that month, so I was seeing Chibi-Hime almost everyday during the weeks leading up to the party. And, every time she asked me if I could come, I'd manage to find some way of changing the subject.

It was the week of the party when I finally asked Sensei about it, he was far more understanding than I expected.

"So, she's asked you to attend the celebration?"

"Yes, Sensei, I… I would like to attend but I know it is not allowed, so…"

I pulled out a small package, at which the surprise in his eyes caused me to mumble out an explanation…

"It's a present… a doll… its not… never mind, I'm sorry."

I tried to take the item back but he quickly snatched it from my grasps. I was frozen in place as he opened the small bag and removed the gift… it began as a snicker which became a giggle, finally turning into all out laughter…

"Sensei…?"

I was shocked. Sensei was laughing and not the near silent snicker he'd let loose every once and awhile at my antics. No, this was from deep in the gut and it didn't look likely to end anytime soon.

"I'm sorry… Child, it's just… this doll reminded me of someone I once knew and…"

He composed himself and looked at me with a caring smile. He handed me the small doll and ruffled my hair… I had never seen this side of Sensei and to be honest… I was shocked, but more than that - I liked it.

"Sensei, why would a froggy doll remind you of someone?"

He looked surprised by my question. I could see several emotions flash threw his eyes. At the time, I was too young, too inexperienced to recognize them all… But, the two I did recognize was sorrow and regret.

"No reason in particular, Child. But, what if I said there's a way for you to attend the party?"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The day of the party arrived and I was a nervous wreck. I knew I was ready, thanks to Sensei's lessons on how to behave, but standing there next to him as we entered the great hall housing the event I realized that I was out of my element…

My name was to be Kazama; I was the son of an acquaintance who was here on business. I was invited at the last minute and was under Sensei's charge for the day, as my Father was busy and unable to attend.

I was dressed in robes like all the other children of the House, I wore a facemask to cover the lower half of my face thus avoiding anyone from recognizing the blood red tear marks on my cheeks, I had a bandana covering my reddish-orange hair, and a pair of dark shades hiding my crimson eyes.

I had to have looked suspicious but being the guess of the guy in charge had its benefits. The party on the other hand was anything but one. People sat and stood around talking amongst themselves and the number of children present was minimal.

I quickly realized that I was the only non-house member present and that made my earlier unease return full force. Luckily, I was apparently below socializing with as only a few adults approached me and were quick to leave after a brief introduction.

Finally, following what I guess was the usual happenings of such a gathering, it was time for the opening of presents and I must say it was one of the oddest things I've ever seen…

Clothing, Books, Scrolls, Kunai, Shuriken, Tea and Calligraphy Sets, and other odd items. I was beyond confused. I always thought birthday parties where about getting toys and games, but it appeared I was wrong and that's when I started to panic.

I noticed that my gift, now in a small box wrapped in expensive-looking paper thanks to Sensei, was next; I sat there waiting to be chewed out for my inappropriate gift wondering how Sensei could let me make such a grave mistake…

Then, I heard it - a gasp - followed by squeal of delight and laughter… Opening my eyes, I saw Chibi-Hime hugging her new frog doll giggling. I couldn't help but smile, she looked so happy. I then saw Sensei smiling at her; I then understood. This was not what a normal birthday was like. This was what a birthday for the daughter of someone of Sensei's stature was like and, by allowing her to receive my gift, it brought a bit of normalcy to the stuffy affair.

Following the exchanging of gifts and the serving of food and drink, everyone went back to sitting and standing around talking about who knows what. The only difference from before was I noticed that everyone was smiling more, especially whenever they spotted Chibi-Hime walking around with her doll firmly in grasp.

I was sitting in a corner, slowly finishing off my drink, when I saw her sitting across from me in the opposite corner - Hime… I had only seen her in passing outside the estate once or twice since our initial encounter. I knew I shouldn't, but before I knew it I was walking over to her.

"Um… Hi, I'm Kazama."

I bowed like Sensei had shown me and smiled under my mask. She was surprised by my sudden appearance and it showed. She looked me over before blushing and quickly returned my greeting.

"I-I'm… Hime... It's… nice to meet you, Kazama-kun."

"Same here, Hime-chan."

She blushed at my words, it was so cute. Sitting in the chair next to her, we sat in silence for several minutes. I could tell my presence was making her nervous, but I was enjoying the calming effect her presence was having on me.

I spotted Chibi-Hime heading towards us and started to panic… No one had recognized me yet, but then again none of them knew me like she did. All I could do was wonder what would happen if she recognized me. Would Sensei get in trouble for bringing me here? What of my training… would it have to end? Would I ever be able to see Chibi-Hime, Blue, or Hime again…?

I was so caught up in my thoughts while trying to decide if I should make a run for it that I completely missed her arriving right in front of us.

"Hi… Who are you?"

Looking at her standing there, I got a sudden sense of Déjà vu. Standing, I kneeled before her and introduced myself. To say that her reaction shocked everyone present is an understatement.

She hugged me… I mean, she jumped at me knocking me over and hugged me. I fell back with her on me, as she thanked me for her doll… I sat there, frozen; I had no idea what to do.

I looked to Hime for assistance but she was too busy giggling at our display… I looked at everyone gathered and they all where reacting the same way… smiles as far as I could see.

I smiled as well, as she finally got off me. Looking into her eyes, I couldn't help but laugh - she was so happy. Hearing me laugh, she started laughing as well, and I used that moment to stand us both up. Giving her the chair, next to her sister, I leaned against the wall as we started talking.

It was the first time I ever talked with Hime and I was surprised by how different they were. Hime was quiet, shy, and demure; Chibi-Hime was loud, outgoing, and authoritative. They were complete opposites, yet surprisingly the same. They laughed at the same jokes and seemed to dislike a lot of the same things. Even better, we all got along great as we all seemed to enjoy the others company.

Getting bored with just standing there talking, I asked what I thought was a simple question.

"Do you ladies…' Chibi-Hime held up her arms glancing at me expectantly 'and Gama-chan… want to go outside?"

The looks I received where hilarious… One was indifferent, another ecstatic, the third was pensive… Taking that as three against one, Me, Chibi-Hime (ecstatic), and Gama-chan (indifferent) against Hime (pensive), I signaled for them to be quiet, receiving a giggle from them both, and took their hands in mine…

Quickly, we made our way to the exit and slide our way outside. I wasn't ignorant enough to think we weren't seen but being sneaky just added to the fun.

Once, we were outside I declared a game of hide and seek… I would hide and they would have to find me… they quickly agreed both of them smiling.

Taking my spot, I watched them count… I knew they'd never find me but that was half the fun. They began their search, first separately with Hime checking the bushes and Chibi-Hime with Gama-chan checking the Koi pond.

It was hilarious as they ran around trying to find me, finally they started working together and it was the sweetest thing… walking hand in hand… they searched the entire area again, but still couldn't find me.

Giving up, they started calling out for me. I tried to remain silent but it was too much… I started laughing and they spotted me instantly. I was standing upside down, hanging from a tree branch. They were definitely surprised and their faces showed it which caused me to laugh harder and lose my grip…

Looking up from where I landed, I found them both kneeling before me… Hime was worried stiff while Chibi-Hime laughed and poked me with a stick… I started laughing, they quickly joined in…

It was the first and only birthday party, I ever attended and it's a memory I will always cherish… We played a few more times each taking turns seeking and hiding… Later, I awoke to find Sensei and Blue standing over me… I smiled and tried to move only to find I was pinned down by a princess on each side… We must have fallen asleep while taking a breather under a tree.

Blue proceed to take a picture of us… its one of my most cherished possessions and one of the few pictures I have from my childhood.

Once, we were all up and awake we headed for the front gate. Chibi-Hime tugged on my sleeve getting my attention, as the others walked ahead of us. She waved for me to kneel down, once at her level she gave me another hug and whispered into my ear.

"Thank you for Gama-chan, Kyu…"

I smiled, shaking my head, asking her how she knew. She smiled brightly, saying, "Voice different, laugh the same."

I couldn't help but laugh, as this girl never ceased to amaze me. From the moment I met her she had done nothing but alter the way I see the world.

In her, I saw a girl in need of my protection but as I got to know her I was surprised by how smart and bright she was and how kind and determined she could be. She wasn't someone in need of my protection because she was weak. No, far from it, she was someone I'd protect because of who she was – my friend.

Noticing that the others where getting way ahead of us, I offered her my back. She laughed and hopped on. Her laughter filled my ears all the way, a stark contrast to the last time I carried her that way.

Zooming past the others, they all laughed as we reached the gate before them. Once together, goodbyes were exchanged with Chibi-Hime smiling knowingly as she thanked "Kazama" for her doll again. I nodded, saying thanks for having me as I ruffled her hair.

Turning to Hime, I was surprised to see a look of utter determination on her face as she suddenly approached me. Stopping right in front of me, her look of determination gave way to a gentle smile as she pulled me into a quick hug…

Now, I can count the number of times I've been hugged by anyone, let alone cute girls, on one hand. That day I received my first, second, and third hugs and they were all wonderful.

"Please, come see us again… and, thank you."

She said it barely above a whisper, but what really struck me was that she had said it without the slightest hint of a stutter, embarrassment, or nervousness.

I could only nod while she stepped out of the hug blushing. I was as well, only being able to mumble something along the lines of 'Sure' and 'Thank you' before stumbling out of the front gate.

Looking back at the group gathered on the other side of the gate, I smiled brightly and bowed. Sensei gave me a quick nod of the head before the gate was closed with me alone on the other side.

Yet, I felt anything but alone as I headed home. Walking the streets, the sun setting in the distance, I realized that I wasn't receiving any of the usual stares or glares. It dawned on me that I was still in disguise, so no one recognized me.

It was the perfect end to a perfect day… I wondered if that was what it's like to be accepted, to be loved… That day they had given my training a clear purpose and me a goal, a wish, I'd keep only to myself from fear that speaking it aloud would prevent it from happening.

I would become strong… I would discover true strength… And, then someday, everyday would be like that… Someday, soon I hoped, everyday would leave me feeling loved…

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

We gave him a purpose… a goal…?

Hanabi wipes her eyes of unshed tears. She had been burdened with keeping a secret she didn't believe was necessary.

She is the daughter of Hiashi Hyuuga, head of the most prominent clan in Konoha. She is one of the possible heirs to said clan. But, more importantly, she is the self-proclaimed best friend of one Naruto Uzumaki. And, for as long as she can remember she's wanted to tell someone that fact.

To be able to go out in public with him, to be able to laugh with him, to be able to go to his favorite Ramen stand with him, to be able to admit him into her home through the front gate and not the rear, to be able to train openly with him - her partner, these are all things she's dreamed about.

But, now, after what she's read they all seem insignificant when compared to her new dream.

I want to thank him… for saving my life…

Keeping the fact that Naruto was trained by her Father a secret had never really bothered her. She was mature enough to understand that her secrecy was the price she paid for having him in her life at all; even if it's been years since she's talked with him.

Part of her always wondered why her Father would agree to train an outsider. Let alone share the secrets of The Jyuuken with them. Now, that she knows the price for said training, she can't help but feel that Naruto was some how cheated in the end.

He killed someone… for me… to protect me…

She wants to run and confront her Father. To demand to know why Naruto's heroics have remained a secret from everyone, her included, but as quickly as her righteous indignation builds her common sense comes to bare silencing it.

It would be a slight upon the clan that not only had some Missing-nin kidnapped me from off our own compound… but, that in the end I was saved by…

Naruto, her friend and training partner, had been such a huge part of her life. Now, she finds out that she only has a life thanks to him. It all seems too surreal to be true. She wants to find someone to talk to, but who could she…

Neechan… God, what must she think or Neji-niisan…?

They where both there that morning, they both have a copy that they're probably reading at that very moment and she can't help but wonder what they'll think of her.

Neechan likes Naruto… will she be mad that I…

She's brought back to reality as there's a knocking at her door. Hesitantly, she approaches it. Standing before it, she calls out to whoever was there but they don't respond.

Steeling her nerves, she opens the door to find herself before the last person she wanted to be there.

"Oneechan…"

It comes out as more of a squeak and the fact that her usually timid, polite sister is standing there starring straight into her eyes isn't helping things.

"May I enter…?"

Hanabi only nods, as she steps aside allowing Hinata entrance into the room. As, Hinata walks by Hanabi notices that she has her copy of Naruto's book in her hands; sighing she closes the door and turns to face her sister's wrath.

"I'm… I-I… I couldn't…"

Hinata silences her, simply raising a hand. Hanabi watches as Hinata turns to face her and smiles slightly.

"Would you like to read it together?"

Hanabi releases a breath she didn't know she was holding and nods happily. Taking a seat on the floor, Hinata leans against the foot of Hanabi's bed. Hanabi lies on her bed facing the foot, her eyes remaining on Hinata the entire time.

They remain engulfed in silence for several minutes, neither making a move nor saying a word. They both hold the book closed in their grasps. Hanabi deciding to take a chance, asks, "Up to what point are you, Oneechan?"

Hinata looks over her shoulder at her sister and smiles innocently, replying, "I'm where Sensei agrees to train Kyu-kun alongside Chibi-Hime-chan."

Hanabi for reasons unbeknownst to herself blushes at her sister's words, causing Hinata to raise an eyebrow before looking away.

"Hinata-neechan… I'm sor…"

"I trust him."

Hanabi's shocked as Hinata abruptly cuts her off. As, far back as she can remember her sister has never done such a thing. Pushing her shock aside, she wonders who Hinata means. Picking up her sister's unspoken question, Hinata smiles sadly, saying, "Naruto… I trust him."

"What do you mean?"

Hanabi finds herself asking without even thinking about it. She's surprised when Hinata turns to face her and smiles at her, but unlike any other smile she's ever received from her sister this one is different. This smile is full of warm and confidence, but above all else it's full of love.

"I know that Naruto would never do anything to hurt someone if he could avoid it. And, while it hurts to know what I know now… it also makes me happier than I've honestly ever been…"

Hanabi can only stare at her sister like she's grown a second head. Never has she seen her sister like this, so strong, so confident. It makes her wonder where this person's been her entire life.

"What happened to you?"

Laughter is her answer, as Hinata struggles to stifle it. It turns out to be infectious as Hanabi joins in her laughter filling the room alongside her sister's.

"What's he really like?"

Hanabi's laughter is silenced almost instantaneously, as the hurt and uncertainty that has replaced the strength and confidence in her sister's voice is shocking to her; as well as painful as she can't help but feel partly responsible for it.

"I don't know… I thought I did, maybe years ago when we where training. But, now, I'm not sure anyone really knows…"

Her answer is not what Hinata was expecting and it shows in her eyes, as any hope of getting a first-hand account of who her beloved really is has been dashed; causing her to release a dejected "Yeah…" as a reply.

"But, I know one thing for sure…"

"What's that…?" Hinata asks her voice sounding more like it usually does which causes Hanabi to frown momentarily.

"That he cares for us both… as we do him, right?"

Hinata laughs as she wipes tears from her eyes, smiling that confident, loving smile from before, she replies, "Yes, you're right about that."

"Of course, when am I ever wrong?"

Hanabi giggles as Hinata scrunches up her face like they've seen Naruto do when he's deep in thought. Soon, Hinata joins her as their laughter again fills the room and echoes out into the compound.

Bearing witness to a scene he hasn't witnessed in years, a smile graces the lips of the man who's watching them, Byakugan activated, from outside the room. Hearing his daughters laugh together brings a warmth to his heart which he didn't know was possible.

Walking away, his presence unnoticed, his smile only grows as the one responsible for bringing his girls together, a certain Blonde-haired student of his, comes to mind.

Thank you for that, Child… Now, return to them safely.

To Be Continued…