"Hey Naruto, want to hear some funny rumours?" Sakura asked. They were having their monthly ramen dinner together. They sometimes had other ramen dinners together, but they were both so busy with work now that they could only commit to one a month for sure. It was one of the problems with growing up.
She leaned in closer and said in conspiratorial tones; "I hear that the Kazekage has been murdered. And the murderer got away."
Naruto stared at her for a second, and she could see his brain working. Suddenly it clicked and he burst out laughing – his laugh too loud for the small space in the ramen stand. "I guess we're at war then too?" He asked, laughing still.
"Oh undoubtedly." Sakura agreed. She looked at the shop owner, who actually looked a little worried, and smiled reassuringly. "Silly rumours." She told him. "People who don't know what they're talking about let their tongues wag."
The owner nodded and turned away to wash bowls, and Sakura turned to Naruto, who was still laughing too loudly, to quiet him down.
"Shut up already would you?" She said. "It's not that funny."
Naruto wiped his eye. "But – Gaara? That's just not possible!"
"I know." She shook her head at the silliness of the rumours. She turned to Naruto. "When was the last time you went down to the market?" She asked.
Naruto was quiet – a guilty look on his face.
Sakura frowned. "Don't tell me – you've been doing all your shopping at the convenience store?"
Naruto huffed. "Noooo." He lied.
Sakura smacked him over the head. "Naruto! You can't live off instant ramen and pork buns! You're going to die of malnutrition you know that? A ninja has to eat well – noodles and expired milk do not constitute a balanced meal!"
Naruto laughed and rubbed his head. "Yes mom."