Nawaki never realised just how much he had missed his mother until he was sitting next to her on a tree branch discussing his life in Konoha. It wasn't even that he had missed talking to her; he just missed the safety that came with being in her presence.

When he had been alone in his apartment, his fears had crept to the front of his mind and there was nothing to get rid of them. At any minute, he expected the ANBU to burst in and arrest him, or for Sasuke Uchiha to run in and demand to know why he suddenly had a son. He knew that his fears were illogical, but that didn't make them go away.

But here with his mother, he felt completely safe. Even if one of his teammates were to find him, he felt like it wouldn't be such a big deal. There would be a way to explain it, and if there wasn't, he and his mother could escape together and go back to Crescent Moon Island. Nothing could go wrong tonight; at least, that was how Nawaki felt.

"So how's life in Konoha?" Sakura asked.

"I love it." Nawaki confessed. "I love the people and I love the village. It's just so… full of energy. My team is nice too."

"Who are your teammates?" she asked.

"Naruto's daughter and Sai's daughter. Hisa-that's Naruto's daughter-is a bit of a jerk, but I like Oki. My sensei is Konahamaru Sarutobi."

She looked surprised at that.

"Konahamaru is a jonin now? Good for him. Did you say Sai and Ino named their daughter Oki?"

Nawaki nodded, remembering his conversation with them.

His mother smiled. "That was nice of them." She saw Nawaki's confused expression and explained "Oki is derived from the name 'Oka' which means 'Cherry-Blossom'. Although, I think Oki means something completely different. Still, it was a nice gesture."

Nawaki thought she should mention the conversation he had had with them.

"They know." he said. "Sai and Ino, I mean. They know about me."

To his surprise, she remained calm.

"What was their reaction?"

"They decided to let you go ahead with your 'crazy scheme' and that they have your back when it all goes wrong."

Sakura snorted. "What makes them so sure it'll go wrong?"

Nawaki shrugged. "They seemed to have some past experience."

Sakura sighed. "Honestly, one plan to see Kakashi's face goes wrong and suddenly all you're plans are crazy."

Nawaki decided not to ask. He had learnt from an early age that some of his mother's stories are best left untold.

"Actually, I really want to talk to you about something." he saw his mother's curious expression and decided to tell her. "I think there's something wrong with me."

"Like what?" his mother asked, he could see she was worried.

"Whenever I get to close to Oki I blush like crazy and my heart goes way to fast. I know some people blush when they like someone, but I do it far too often to be normal. Do you think I'm sick?"

His mother relaxed. She smiled amusedly at her son.

"I'm afraid you get that from me. When I was a kid I used to blush every time I saw Sas-your father. It's not exactly normal to blush that much, but you're not ill. So, do you like this Oki girl?"

Nawaki shrugged. "She's a really nice person and she's my closest friend. I think I do like her a bit though." He looked up at his mother. "What should I do?"

Sakura smiled at her worried son. "Don't be so nervous, you're only seven. My advice would be not to call her '-chan' I didn't like it when Naruto called me that. Don't start being a fanboy either, just treat her like a friend. Maybe when you're both older you will come together naturally. But for now, focus on your missions and on your friendship."

Nawaki relaxed. That was another worry down. Now there was only one big issue left, and unfortunately, Nawaki knew it wouldn't be as easy to solve.

"I want you to come and live in Konoha." he said. "Naruto wouldn't mind, he'd let you back in easily, even if you are a missing-nin."

Sakura stiffened at this.

"You know why I can't go back. I won't go anywhere near him. If he leaves the village again, I'd gladly come back, but until then, it's just not possible. What could I say to him? Do you remember when we were twenty five and you took my virginity? Yeah, you have a son because of that. I left the village so you wouldn't find out. Sorry about that."

Seeing her son's sad expression, she gave him a hug.

"It's not that I don't want to, I miss you so, so much. But I know you're strong enough to do this, and I'll visit you every time you get an overnight mission." Nawaki still looked upset so she quickly changed the subject.

"Did you meet all my old friends?"

He brightened up instantly.

"Yes! Naruto was exactly like you told me! He was really nice and I felt really bad about lying to him. I haven't met Hinata yet but I've heard about her from the villagers. All the shinobi seem to think she's lovely, especially the Hyuga. "

Sakura smiled at how fast his mood changed. With the way he acted, sometimes she forgot he was only a little kid.

"Who else?" she prompted.

"I saw Shikamaru and Temari arguing about something. He called her a 'troublesome woman' and then she kissed him. How strange is that? Their son graduated with me along with Ino's oldest daughter and Choji's son. Ino and Sai are weird, but in a nice way. Oh yeah, Tenten's son graduated with me as well. But he's not very good, which is weird considering who his dad is. I think Lee is his sensei."

Sakura smiled as she tried to follow her son's rapid speech. It seems he had met a lot of her old teammates.

"Anyone else?" she asked.

Nawaki thought about it for a minute.

"I think that's everyone, but I feel like I'm forgetting someone."

Back in Konoha, Shino was in the middle of a lecture when he gave a sneeze. One of his students screamed when a bug shot out of his nose, while the other two grinned.

"That's awesome." they yelled.

Shino smiled, although no one could see it. He had long gotten over being ignored, especially when his students gave him so much attention. Still… Shino couldn't shake the feeling that someone was ignoring him. He dismissed the feeling as he had no proof, and got back to his lecture.

"So you really like Konoha ?"

Nawaki nodded.

"I want to stay there and become a chunin, maybe even a jonin."

She smiled down at him.

"Well, when you take the Chunin Exams, I promise I'll be in the crowd watching you."

"How will you manage that?" he asked curiously.

She smiled knowingly. "I have my ways, especially with Sai and Ino helping me. Mind distraction jutsus have a lot of good uses."

Nawaki laughed, then yawned. It was past three and he would be getting up early tomorrow.

"I'll let you get some sleep now." Sakura said.

Nawaki shook his head frantically. He didn't want her to go!

"I can't stay here forever." she said sadly. "Besides, I know you'll be fine. I contacted the people who were supposed to kill you tomorrow. They'll delay you, but they'll let you all live."

Nawaki was curious. "Do I know them?"

His mother nodded.

"You met one of them before when you were little, but he won't give you away. He's the next in line to become Mizukage."

"I don't remember him." Nawaki said.

"Don't tell anyone you know this, but his name is Suigetsu Hozuki."