Yo! How goes it, everyone? ^_^

Here comes the second chapter!

Before I start, I said that this would be a lighthearted story with funny moments at the core. However, as the previous chapter showed, that doesn't mean that it won't touch on emotional/serious themes. Those moments give this story more depth; so, be sure to enjoy the laughs and the drama.

Disclaimer: pain17ification owns nothing

On Fortune's Wings

Chapter Two: Repercussions of Leaving the Nest

The following morning in the Hidden Leaf, the Ichiraku Family was seen setting up for the day, and Ayame couldn't help but notice how her mother was unconsciously prepping more ingredients than necessary. "Mom…?"

"Hmm?" she hummed back, sounding distracted.

"I…think you're making too much."

Trisha blinked at that, her unfocused gaze seeing what she was doing. "Oh…" she began, her voice soft. "So I am…"

Teuchi placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, giving her an understanding smile. "I almost expected to see him running down the road just now before I remembered…"

She sighed to herself. "He's really gone, then…"

"He'll be back," Ayame assured her, sharpening some of the kitchen knives. "He promised he would, and we all know how Naruto-kun is about his promises."

That made Trisha smile. "He never makes a promise he wouldn't keep…"

Someone clearing their throat earned their attention, and they saw a silver-haired Jonin wearing a face mask outside their stand. "Sorry to bother you all, but Lord Hokage told me to escort you to his office."

Trisha frowned faintly, but Teuchi calmed her by grasping her hand. Turning to the Jonin, he replied, "Just let us put away any food we took out and we'll follow you."

"Of course," Kakashi returned, giving them an eye-smile as he waited patiently for them to close their stand. Taking the lead, he guided them to the Hokage Tower and escorted them inside before he moved to stand behind his two Genin. Standing beside Team 7 was their old Academy Instructor, Iruka Umino. "I brought them as requested, sir."

"Good," Sarutobi replied, his hat off his head and resting next to an opened letter addressed to him. Between the hat and letter was a clothed object that was still wrapped. "I asked you all here to-"

"Um, Lord Hokage," Sakura spoke up awkwardly, growing nervous when all eyes landed on her. "S-Shouldn't we wait for Naruto to show up?" she finished with a slight stutter, just realizing that she interrupted her commanding officer.

"Normally, yes," the Hokage answered. "However, the point of this meeting concerns Naruto and this letter on my desk. It would seem Naruto has turned in his headband and withdrawn himself from the Ninja Corps."

That caught her, Iruka, and even Sasuke by surprise while Kakashi looked seemingly impassive and the Ichiraku looked calm. "He…quit?" Sakura repeated, unable to believe that the blonde knucklehead would give up at anything. "But why?"

"That's what I hope to figure out. In this letter, he says that he was given a quote 'more exciting offer'; but he didn't detail exactly what that offer was. He also gives mention to myself, to Team 7 individually, to Iruka, and to the Ichiraku."

Proving his point, he unwrapped the clothed object beside the letter and displayed the headband that Iruka had given to Naruto after the incident with Mizuki and the Sacred Scroll. Iruka's eyes went wide at the sight, unable to come up with the words to ask why it was there and not on Naruto's head.

"I'll read his letter aloud so that you all can hear what he had to say," the Hokage continued, holding the resignation to eye level.

To everyone

I'm sorry, but I can't stay in the Ninja Corps. Things have come up recently and I was given a more exciting offer than being a shinobi. This decision was difficult for me to make, but recent events have made the decision easier on my mind.

First, to Old Man Hokage. You kept things secret from me for many years, and I've lost so much of my trust in you. Why was it that I had to find out I held the Kyuubi from someone who was trying to kill me?

"Wait," Sasuke spoke up, frowning at everyone. "We were told that the Kyuubi was killed by Lord Fourth. Was everything we were taught a lie?"

Sarutobi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, the younger generation of villagers and Genin only know that the fox was defeated by my predecessor. In reality, Naruto was chosen to hold the Kyuubi because he was the best option at the time. While he was the best option, that was for the whole of the village and not for him as an individual."

"That's a gross understatement," Trisha bit out, narrowing her eyes at the Hokage before turning to the two Genin. "Because the younger generation was meant to be left in the dark, a law was made so that only certain people could speak of the Kyuubi and its connection to Naruto-kun. It was supposed to be a way for the future generation to enjoy the time of peace the village has had since the Third Great Ninja War."

"Unfortunately," Kakashi took over, "that didn't stop the older generation from telling the younger to avoid or mistreat Naruto. Children won't question their parents when they grow up, so they listened, and Naruto was left alone. But, since Naruto was also not told, he was left with a lingering question of why he was treated so poorly and with no one to answer that question; at least, not until Mizuki tricked him into stealing the Sacred Scroll and attempted to kill him."

"But that…" Sakura began.

"Isn't fair?" Sarutobi finished for her. "I know that, and so do other people who have looked past the bias against Naruto. But, my law was made under the hope that Naruto would be accepted by his fellow generation and find people to call friends."

"What of his parents?" Sasuke asked, understanding dawning on him that he and Naruto shared some similarities in their lives. Both were reminders of two of the most infamous nights in the village's history.

"They were killed on the night he was born; the night the Kyuubi attacked."

"And who were they?" Ayame asked.

"That information is classified," he answered, only to get frowns from her, Trisha, and surprisingly Sasuke.

"Was it classified from Naruto, too?" Trisha ground out.

"…Yes."

The rage she was visibly showing made the hidden ANBU in the office tense. "No wonder he doesn't trust you anymore! To keep not only the Kyuubi but his FAMILY a secret from him for his entire life?! Who do you think you are to deny a child their RIGHT to knowing their family?!"

"I am the Hokage of the village, and every decision, no matter how cruel or unfair on the surface, is made for the sake of my village and its people; Naruto included."

"It sure as hell doesn't sound that way!" Trisha argued. "By the looks of things, Naruto was chosen to be a scapegoat for the hatred of this place, and I've seen it kill him on the inside every day of his life!" Her green eyes started to well up with angered tears. "How would you, or anyone else in this village, feel if you were in his place?! Because I know how I would feel; I'd feel betrayed and jump at any opportunity to escape this hell I'd call life!"

Teuchi reached out and grabbed her shoulder, bringing her back into his arms just in time for her to lose her emotional battle and cry into his shoulder. Ayame was still fighting her tears, not willing to let them fall so that she could keep glaring at the Hokage.

"What else does he say?" Sasuke pressed, for once having an interest in the life of one he called Loser.

Sarutobi was visibly grateful that the young Uchiha had decided to move things along. Turning his attention back to the letter, he continued to read Naruto's message to them.

I understand that the fox should be kept under wraps because it could cause a panic; even if most of the village already knows about it. But this was something that concerned me more than anyone else. What if I never found out until it was too late?

No offense, but that was some bullshit judgment.

The Hokage didn't need to look up from the letter to know that Trisha was glaring at him again in full agreement to Naruto's eloquent wording.

But, I won't say anything else about it. Choices of the past can't be changed, and we – who live in the now – must live with the consequences; something I remember Iruka-sensei telling me.

Iruka looked both surprised and proud that Naruto remembered something he had said during one of their more serious discussions. It was during one of Naruto's detentions, and he remembered his wayward student questioning why the villages were split apart and why people were always so sad or angry.

It was a rare moment of depressed insight that Iruka had witnessed from Naruto; something that the man believed Naruto could've shown far more often than he wished to.

Since I brought him up, I'll speak to Iruka-sensei next.

Sensei, I wanted to say sorry for giving your headband back to you. When you put it on my head that night, I felt so happy, and I knew that someone else was finally in my corner. I wanted so badly to show you that your belief in me wasn't wasted; but, I can't help thinking that this resignation will prove just how wasted it was.

So, I'm sorry; sincerely sorry.

Iruka clenched his fists at his sides, wishing that Naruto was here so that he could tell the boy that it was not wasted; that he was willing to support any decision he made if it made him happy. To Iruka, Naruto had become a pseudo-brother that he had hoped to see become a man. Whether that man was a ninja or someone else didn't matter in the slightest.

Next, I wanted to say something to Team 7 individually.

Kakashi-sensei, I don't know how our relationship as teacher and student would've gone; but, I'm sorry for disregarding it before giving it a chance. Our test showed me that you were really strong, and I bet I could've learned a lot from you.

In a way, I've decided to give Sasuke and Sakura the bells to pass your test. If it means they can keep going as shinobi, then I'm ready to back off for their sakes.

Kakashi sighed at that, depressed that the last link to his late teacher was gone. They would never get to know one another beyond their first meetings, and Kakashi would never be able to reveal how Naruto's father was a great man who would've been a wonderful father to him.

He just hoped that, when he met them again, Minato-sensei and Kushina-senpai would forgive him.

Sakura… I don't know what else to say other than this; I finally get it.

At that, Sakura looked lost while the others looked curious.

You tried telling me many times that you weren't interested in me, and I kept on believing that I'd win you over if I tried hard enough. But, I finally get how you really see me; and it honestly hurts more than I thought it would.

I'm sorry that I'm not "raised well enough" for you; but did you ever stop and think that the reason my parents didn't "raise me better" was because they were never there in the first place? Or did the fact that I'm an orphan slip through your mind?

Sakura choked at that, honestly forgetting that very fact. She remembered saying those words to Sasuke, thinking that they were alone; but Naruto must've overheard her. Looking back, it was needlessly cruel to say such things; even if his parents were there.

Next time, don't just go talking about people behind their backs. You never know when those same people could be the ones you need to rely on in the future.

Looking away in shame as she fought her growing tears, Sakura began to realize why Naruto was acting so differently the day they were assigned the same sensei. He must've been so depressed and upset with her; and she didn't blame him for feeling that way.

Sparing a glance at the Ichiraku Family, she winced at the frown Ayame had and at how angry Trisha was becoming once again. They didn't say anything, and she almost wished that they would've yelled at her; but that probably would've let her get off easy.

And lastly, Sasuke.

To be honest, I never really hated you; even if it seemed like I did. If anything, I was jealous of you and wished I could've been like you.

That made Sasuke blink in surprise.

You were so good at everything, taking every lesson and exercise before dishing them back like nothing. Meanwhile, I struggled with everything and couldn't even perform a simple Clone Jutsu while you could spit out a freakin' Fireball!

But, while I was jealous of you…I also thought that we could've been friends; like Mikoto-san wished we would.

Sasuke started at his mother's name, and the adults in the room looked much more interested while Sakura looked confused.

It might surprise you, but Mikoto-san was actually one of the few people who treated me nicely. She would talk to me, bring me some food sometimes, and just be there if I needed someone to talk to. Alongside the Ichiraku Family, she was someone I cared for; and it killed part of me on the inside when I heard that your brother had killed her and your clan.

Sasuke fought a growl at the mention of the massacre, focusing on what Naruto's letter had to say.

She would bring up you and Itachi a lot whenever we talked; mostly you, though. The way she talked about you showed me how a mother's love for their kids looks like; and once again, I was jealous of you. You had such wonderful people in your life from the start; and even if you lost them, you at least have memories to look back on while I don't.

I thought we could've understood one another, since we both didn't have families for large parts of our lives. And Mikoto-san hoped that we could've been friends too. She even asked me to try and be your friend; which was hard to do since my jealousy got in the way.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I never hated you, and that I really hope you get Itachi back for killing Mikoto-san. She was a great person who was taken away from you and me way too soon.

Give him hell, Sasuke; for both of us.

Sasuke had his head down as his fists trembled at his sides. The whole time… All those times Naruto tried to prove he was better than him were nothing like that at all. Instead, they were meant to be a way to prove himself so that Sasuke would finally acknowledge him.

And Naruto knew his mother. That was so unexpected; but it explained the various times his mother had taken longer than normal on some of her shopping trips. She must've been talking to Naruto then, asking him to be his friend while showing him kindness he had rarely been offered.

But, Sasuke had spurned each of Naruto's attempts; labeling him a Loser and not seeing just how much they both had in common. His list of reasons for taking Itachi down had gained another; getting justice for taking away someone who meant so much to not just him, but to someone who was the closest thing he could've had to a friend.

"I remember that woman," Ayame spoke up softly, earning Sasuke's attention. "She treated Naruto to ramen once as thanks for helping her with some of her shopping. She was…so nice to him and in general." She gave Sasuke a sad smile and added, "She must've been a wonderful mother to you, Sasuke-san."

Sasuke swallowed the lump that had grown in his throat, turning away so that no one would see his emotions breaking through years of holding them back. "Yeah," he finally choked out. "She… She was…"

Trisha gave the Uchiha scion a sad glance before she moved over to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder that made him flinch. When she had his full attention, she gave him a smile only a mother could give and said, "Don't think about any regrets, Sasuke. They'll only break you down. Instead, make the most of what you have now while preparing yourself for what you need to do."

His brows slowly furrowed and she saw his onyx eyes gain a fiery determination as he nodded once to her. "I will," he swore to her; but she knew he was also swearing it to himself.

Sarutobi looked back to the letter before offering it to Teuchi and his family. "The rest of the letter feels much more private than the rest. If you don't wish for me to-"

"Go ahead, Lord Hokage," the man cut off. "What's been said already was already private enough, and I think everyone should hear the rest."

"Very well, then."

And finally, to the Ichiraku Family.

This letter could never be enough to express how grateful I am to the three of you. You all were there for me, supporting me and believing in me since the day we met. You didn't just give me delicious food and people to talk to; you gave me the closest thing I could ever have to a family.

Pops, I look up to you as my father. You gave me advice that helped me understand what it is to be a man, and you helped me find my own strength when I was down. If you could take someone like me in, give them warm food, and show them kindness, then I doubt there's anyone in the world who wouldn't respect you.

Teuchi chuckled softly at that, using a thumb to brush off a stray tear.

Ayame-nee, you helped look out for me and loved me like family. You tried to help me understand girls (even if most of it went over my head), and you never lost your patience with me; always willing to listen with the smile that I love. You mean so much to me, and the only thing I regret is how we're not related by blood. But, the bond we have is more than enough for me, nee-chan.

Ayame sniffed and smile through her tears, feeling touched by Naruto's words even though the same message had been given last night.

And Trisha… There's so much I can say about how much I appreciate, care about, and admire you. If I had to sum it up into a single phrase, it'd be this:

You are my mother.

Trisha smiled beautifully, her heart filled to the brim with warmth at Naruto saying those words again. No matter how many times she would hear them, it would always touch her and make her grateful that he had become part of the lives of herself and her family.

That's all I need to say, because it's more than enough to get my point across.

I love you all, very much…my family.

-Naruto

Sarutobi fought a sigh as he finished the letter, folding it before giving the Ichiraku Family his attention as Hokage. "It's more than obvious to see that Naruto trusts the three of you more than anyone else in this village. As such, you all have the best idea of where he might be and who he might have left with. As Hokage, I could take military action and get the answers out of you through force," that made them and Sakura tense while Sasuke, Kakashi, and Iruka frowned, "but I don't want to do such a thing. Instead, I'll ask you to please tell me where he is."

Teuchi looked to his wife, wondering what she wanted to do. She looked back and smiled softly, placing a hand on his arm for a moment before stepping forward. "Naruto is…gone. He left last night be means beyond my understanding with three women who saw more in him than most of this village; yourself included."

"Where did he go?" the aged man pressed.

"I don't know," Trisha answered truthfully. "I don't know where those women are taking him or how to truly describe how they left; but, what I do know is that you won't find him. If you want him back, you'll have to wait until he returns and try to convince him." She closed her eyes, never losing her smile as she finished, "He's beyond this World."

Those words would ring through the minds of everyone other than the Ichiraku Family for weeks to come.

"Whoa…" Naruto gasped out, looking to the expanse of light and color that surrounded the Gummi Ship as it traversed the pathways between Worlds. "This is so awesome…"

"I know, right?" Rikku agreed, sitting in his hair as she looked outside too. "I never get tired of seeing all the beautiful colors as we fly around."

"I do," Paine spoke up from her seat, her small size allowing the human-sized place to act as a perfect lounging area for her. "You see it once, you see it dozens of times."

"That doesn't make it any less cool, though!" Rikku argued with a pout.

"Alright, you two," Yuna spoke up, taking on human size so that she could steer the ship. "We don't need any arguments during Naruto's first experience on a Gummi Ship. Let him make his own decision on how the atmosphere looks and feels."

Paine shrugged and resumed lounging, more than willing to enjoy the silence. Rikku, on the other hand, pouted still and crossed her arms with a huff. Naruto gave an awkward chuckle at that, reaching up to try and pat her gently with his hand.

"Uh… I appreciate how much you like it, Rikku," he tried to say, not knowing if it would help or if it was right.

It must've been, because Rikku brightened up and floated off his head before she hugged his arm as best she could. "Oh, I knew you would like it as much as me, Whisker-kun!"

Said whiskered cheeks turned a bit red at the affectionate gesture, much to the amusement of Yuna and Paine. "So, uh…" He gave an awkward cough to try and regain his composure. "Which World are we going to visit first?"

"We're actually going to be making a stop at one of our safehouses," Yuna answered. "To keep our treasures safe, we split them up between multiple safehouses we've spread throughout many Worlds. The one we're going to is in a World called Twilight Town."

"Twilight Town? Sounds interesting."

"Yeah, it is!" Rikku proclaimed, letting go of Naruto's arm so that she could float over to her seat. "There's lots of people there, and they have this really big clock tower, and these things called Struggle Tournaments, and even a mansion that people from Twilight Town say is haunted!"

Clearly, Rikku was excited, much to Naruto's amusement.

"Alright then," he began, grinning almost as brightly as she was. "How much longer until we get there?"

"Not long," Yuna replied, checking their map. "It shouldn't be more than a couple of hours or so."

"That long?" he asked in surprise.

"Oh, don't worry so much," she assured him. "Time will fly by. It may seem like a while, but it never feels that long for us."

"In the meantime," Paine spoke up, "why don't you get some rest? We left rather later from your World, and you're probably pretty tired."

He was about to deny that, but a yawn escaped him before he could. Looking sheepish, he agreed to her suggestion as Rikku got up to show him to where they slept.

Left alone with her friend, Paine asked, "Why Twilight Town? You forget what we saw last time we were there?"

"No, I have not forgotten," Yuna answered. "But, they weren't looking for us and weren't doing anything to attract attention from the people. I don't know exactly what those white husk things were, but I'm sure they'll leave us be if we don't bother them."

"I'm not so sure about that; but, you're the boss," Paine relented.

"Thank you for understanding, Paine."

The course was set, and soon the Gullwings would touch down in the mysterious Twilight Town.

Tada! My first FanFiction update of the year 2018!

So, how's it look? How'd I pull off the emotional letter and the responses to it? What do you all think of Naruto having known Mikoto before she died and how that knowledge is affecting Sasuke?

And most importantly, what do you think will happen when the Gullwings arrive in Twilight Town?

Leave your comments and any other feedback in your reviews, and I hope you all stay tuned for more of this story!

Until next time!

~pain17ification~