"Hokage-sama." Kakashi inclined his head in greeting upon poofing into the office. The Hokage leaned back in his chair, taking the other man in. No visible difference aside from the loss of tension that had been noticeable only to the most careful of observances prior to the mission. Nodding his head in turn, he allowed himself a small smile. It seemed the trip was good for everyone involved.
"Where's Naruto?" Leaning forward the Hokage began ruffling through his papers, grabbing the necessary documents that would need to be filled out to chronicle all that had transpired in the six years they've been gone.
"Went to see Sakura." Surutobi nodded his head, he had expected as much.
"Was it a success? Can he control it?" It is the most important question, one that decides the life of a child and the value of wishful hopes.
"To an extent, as he grows he gains more control but..." Sarutobi processes the information, waiting for the full reality to be revealed so the future can be shaped to accommodate.
"When he does lose control, it's hard for him to regain it." It is something at least.
"Submit a full report in a week's time and we will discuss this further, and Kakashi, you'd better rest up. I will have another assignment for you at that time." Poofing away, he leaves to meet his ward of six years, marginally late.
Sighing deeply the third Hokage of the hidden village of the leaf rises, walking over to his view of his city and wonders if he can bear to ignore another threat. Oroshimaru had the most potential and when it went bad, it was... Silencing his current track of thought he consoled himself with the knowledge that this was no Orochimaru, nor was he the same naïve man he had once been, at least he hoped so.
-
After collecting themselves and dusting off, Naruto was brought home where another bout of tears ensued. He had never been so happy in his life, nor had so much affection and genuine love been shown with such heartbreaking clarity.
"Let's get you settled. Sakura, let the poor boy get his bearings. Naruto, dear, you go put your things in your room and I'll make lunch." Giving Naruto another hug Sakura followed her mother into the kitchen leaving Naruto alone to explore his once again home. Making his way out of the living room and into the hallway he is stopped when he sees the family photos, he is there. Placed at the forefront of the other pictures.
A small smile graces his face as he sees his younger self, its good to be missed. Sakura is there too, he watches, seeing through the pictures her growth. Feeling a pang of sadness he moves on, he wasn't here. Wasn't here for his best friend, all those years gone and all he can do is look at what was. Pushing the door to his room open he is awash in a sea of memories. Nothing has changed, all the things he left are still in their proper places and though everything is clean and well taken care of, it is obvious that it was done out of loving remembrance. Allowing himself to sit on the bed he takes it all in. The blanket that he and Sakura fell asleep together under after staying up too late, exchanging jokes and giggling. The nightstand that had to be glued together, games of tag never boded well for furniture. It's all here, the life he left behind, and he wonders, can he slip back into it, into what once was?
No, no he can't. But that's okay because nothing else stayed exactly the same. Sakura grew up, no longer the shy bashful thing she was and maybe that's why he can come back. Because they're all different and yet so similar. She's still his best friend and he's still hers. Grinning madly he rises and walks back to the kitchen, back to where he belongs.
-
Scanning the crowd again Kakshi idly wonders if people get this annoyed with him when he's late. Sitting atop the restaurants rooftop he futily looks again for sunny blond hair that's an hour and a half late. Blinking slowly he averts his gaze, now begins the task of finding Sakura's house where Naruto undoubtedly is, blissfully unaware of his tardiness.
-
Their pleasant lunch is interrupted by a single and firm knock on the door. The two twelve year olds barely pay it any mind, too caught up in exchanging stories of all that has happened since last they saw one another. Making her way to the door Mrs Haruno can't help but chuckle at their antics, the way their voices reflect their utter rapture. Opening the door, she speaks pleasantly, "can I help you?"
"Yes, I believe Naruto is here." The voice is unrushed and masculine. Closing the door behind her, she steps outside. The memory of bandaging a broken child is brought to the forefront of her mind.
"He is on a mission and hasn't been here in years." Lifting her head she waits for the man to challenge her words. She will protect Naruto in any way she can.
"Odd being that I was with him this morning and the only reason I can think of why he would be two hours late at meeting me would be that he's here." The speaker seems nonplussed and perfecly at ease with dispelling her blatant lie.
"What's your name?" She is not one to give in easily.
"Kakashi."
"Oh! He's been talking about you all day, come in and join us for lunch." Blinking at the rapid change of tone and dropped hostility Kakashi follows the petite woman in, soon seeing Naruto waving his arms about, mostly likely telling a story with both words and over done actions. As soon as Naruto sees him his eyes widen and his arms drop before rising again to scratch at his neck awkwardly.
"Sorry Kakashi-sensei, I lost track of tiem. It's just that..." He placates before going off on a series of unfortunate and completely untrue events.
Smiling under his mask Kakashi seats himself and enjoys knowing that Naruto is in good hands.
--
Sorry about such a long wait, I just had no inspiration for this story and then this morning was hit with it. Thanks to all who have stayed with this story for so long with so little reward. I promise I will do my best to continue updating. Oh, sorry about all the grammatical and spelling errors, I wanted to get this out as quickly as possible so I just did a quick look through. -Cloey Marie-