Chapter 10: A door to the future

Chapter Text

The meetings had finally concluded, and it was time for Koby to take his retest to become a ninja. He knew that this would be a challenging endeavor, and he had dedicated a considerable amount of time to studying for it. Tsunade had personally decided to administer the test to him, recognizing its significance in his journey. While he would continue assisting at the academy, this test marked an important step in his life, opening up new opportunities.

Sitting in a room, Koby felt an unusual sense of nervousness as he awaited the paper part of the test. Tsunade was occupied with paperwork, but Shizune, the kind and lovely assistant, was there to guide him. Her presence brought him a sense of confidence, and he found her appealing in various ways.

Shizune held the test in her hands and asked if he was ready. Her encouraging words reassured Koby, and he nodded in response. "I'll do my best, Shizune. I appreciate your support," he replied with determination.

Shizune stepped back, leaving the test paper in front of Koby. He took a deep breath, calming himself, and focused on the task at hand. To Koby, this test was just another challenge, similar to battles or negotiations. It was a matter of confronting the problem directly and tackling it head-on.

With his glasses perched on his nose, Koby began working through the test, answering each question methodically. His pencil moved swiftly across the paper as he progressed from one question to the next. Time seemed to pass slowly for him as he navigated through the exam, his thoughts sharp and precise.

As Koby diligently worked on the paper part of the exam, Shizune observed him with admiration. She saw beyond the surface and recognized his earnestness, determination, and humility. His commitment to taking care of Naruto and the village had left a deep impression on her. Not to mention, she had glimpsed a side of Koby that few had seen, both physically and in his character. Plus, there was no denying that he was easy on the eyes.

After about two hours, Koby completed the paper part of the exam. He stood up, anticipating that there might be a physical component to the test as well. He handed his paper to Shizune, who placed it alongside the answer sheet and started reviewing the written responses.

"Well, a perfect score on that," Shizune exclaimed with a smile, holding a Leaf headband out to Koby. "This is yours now. Welcome to the Leaf as a ninja. You can't wear that Marine uniform anymore; it's time to wear ours," she said confidently.

Koby stood there, a blank expression on his face. He had passed the written test, but he was expecting additional challenges, perhaps a physical examination or a test of his skills. He looked perplexed, and his uncertainty was evident as he gazed at Shizune.

"Is there more? Another test I need to take?" Koby inquired, expecting another trial to prove his worthiness.

Shizune, however, smiled warmly at him and shook her head. "Why would there be another test? You battled Itachi Uchiha to a draw, brokered peace between the Uchiha and the Leaf, uncovered Danzo and his threat, and you've been raising Naruto as if he were your own, greatly improving his life. How could we test you in a way you haven't already faced and excelled at?" Her voice conveyed affection, pride, and unwavering confidence in Koby's abilities as she welcomed him as a Leaf ninja.

"Now, I've been in discussions with a young boy who wants to throw a celebration for his papa's graduation," Shizune continued, catching Koby by surprise. "Everyone knew you would pass; you've been a part of this village for over three years, known and respected by many. So, I took it upon myself, with the help of those you've touched, to plan a little something special."

Koby was genuinely taken aback by the overwhelming kindness he was receiving. His natural humility made him want to downplay the situation, but he knew that doing so would be disrespectful to those who had orchestrated this heartfelt gesture. He nodded appreciatively and accepted the Leaf headband, holding it in his hand and examining it.

With a sense of reverence, Koby decided to replace his old bandana, the colorful green and pink one he had worn since before arriving in the village. As he began to remove it, he was surprised when Shizune stepped closer, taking the headband from him and expertly tying it around his forehead. In the process, she leaned in quite close to Koby, causing his face to turn a deep shade of red. This blush contrasted beautifully with his pink hair, leaving no doubt about his genuine appreciation for the moment.

"You're truly something else, Koby," Shizune said softly as she completed the process of placing the Leaf headband on him, officially marking him as a Leaf ninja. "Your impact here is greater than I believe even you realize," she added, stepping back slightly. Her own face had a hint of redness, a testament to the significance of the moment they had just shared.

"Well, I guess I should report to the hokage, I am sure she is expecting me," Koby said with a small smile as he felt pride but nervousness. Another burden, and weight on his shoulders was there, but with it came chance to grow and to learn. To become something better than he was in that moment and to help others too.

"Yep, first resort, and signing paperwork as the new part time, assistant of the Hokage, and part time assistant at the academy. A lot of work you have," Shizune commented as she knew he could handle it without any problems.

Yep," Koby replied with a nod of his head. He would face this new change in his life as all things head on. He walked with Shizune as they both happened to be going towards the same place. Tsunade's office.

Walking inside, Tsunade already had the paperwork drafted for the official acceptance of Koby as her assistant, as well as for him to start assisting at the academy. Additionally, she had prepared the necessary paperwork to remove the restrictions that limited him to the village. Lastly, she had lightened the frequency of the weekly meetings to check on Koby's progress in raising Naruto Uzumaki and his development. However, they would still have a monthly meeting to ensure that father and son were doing well. Tsunade looked up at her new assistant and her long-time assistant, wondering how long it would be until that seed sprouted into a beautiful flower.

"Well now, Mr. Koby, it's still funny you had to take your official last name from your son," Tsunade chuckled as she looked at the new ninja. "So, sign the paper, I have it marked off for you. One change: instead of meeting with me, I think each month you and Naruto should meet with Shizune or myself. I think having a meeting with a woman and talking about issues might help him. I am sure that he can handle an afternoon meeting after school once a month."

Koby nodded his head as he signed the paperwork, "Will do, Lady Hokage," Koby replied humbly as he signed the papers quickly and put them back before her.

"Tsunade, just Tsunade, Koby, or at most Lady Tsunade if you must, but not this Lady Hokage stuff," she said firmly as she wasn't going to take anything less.

"Yes, ma'am, Lady Tsunade," Koby replied in a natural, serious, and upright fashion.

"Alright, now, there is to be a celebration, I want you to keep an eye on my assistant over there, and have fun, enjoy this moment, these moments are important in life," Tsunade said with a knowing eye. "I will see if I can make it. If I can, I will be down there soon," she said as she returned to paperwork that was stacked up for her.

Shizune blushed now, as Tsunade almost completely let out the fact she had a crush on the pink-haired marine turned ninja.

"Will do," Koby said as he looked over to Shizune, "Um, lead the way, best not disappoint the people."

As they left, Tsunade looked at the door. A beautiful flower would be created between them, a flower of love. Shizune was the niece of her late love, and as such, she had kind of raised her almost as her own daughter. No mother wanted their daughter to be alone and live an unhappy life. Seeing Shizune and Koby, well, she was sure that part was going to be taken care of.

The pair of them walked to Koby's home, taking the long way as Shizune led them. Most likely buying time for people to get ready or something. Koby didn't mind; he looked at the beautiful short-haired medical ninja and smiled. Something about her, her personality, her beauty, drew him to her. These were rather new feelings for the young man. Perhaps by settling down and raising a kid, he had realized these feelings, perhaps only here he could slow down enough to open himself up to life.

Koby let his fingers press against the back of Shizune's for a moment as he walked with her. He had been interested in her since the moment he saw her at the check-up. Their hands pressed idly against each other before he made a bold and direct move. Face life's challenges head-on, like how Luffy might. He grabbed Shizune's hand in his, saying nothing as they walked. He was interested in the medic, and he best be direct or, in this case, rather indirect in a way to show that.

As they got to the door, their hands were still together, holding firm as Koby looked at the door and smiled. Inside was a party for him, people he had not known three years before. A way of life unknown as well. His life had changed, his future had changed. He had a singular home he wasn't going to leave and would do anything to protect. Koby had a proud son, a kind boss, and potentially a woman who might be by his side in the future.

Koby opened the door, and people he knew were smiling. He was soon hugged by Naruto, who was, as ever, full of energy. The adopted son was very proud of the adopted father, not afraid to say so at all. The meal made for them was a mix of ramen, Onigiri, and other foods that he and Naruto would have in town. Ninja and civilians from the city who he had helped were there to congratulate him on becoming a leaf ninja.

The future was an unknown factor; it could change at the drop of a hat. Things could go bad, good, take sideways bounces. The unknown was unpredictable and relentless; it would come no matter what happened in the present. Yet in these moments, these happy moments, the future looked more promising with the possibility of greatness and potential that was unlimited and endless.