As Zabuza and Mei strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha, Mei let out a content sigh, taking in the vibrant atmosphere around them. "You know, after that long walk and the meeting, I think we should find a place to rest. I could use a good nap," she said, stretching her arms above her head.
Zabuza glanced at her, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. "You're telling me you're tired after a walk? You're not going to start acting all weak on me, are you?"
Mei laughed, nudging him playfully. "Oh, come on! Even the great Zabuza deserves to take a break now and then. Besides," she added with a sly grin, "we should grab something to eat afterward. We could try to know a few good places around here."
Zabuza rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smirk that formed on his lips. "I guess I can manage a meal. But you'd better not pick anything too fancy; I'm not dressing up for this."
Before Mei could respond, Haku appeared, her long hair flowing gracefully behind her. "Hey! There you are," she called out as she approached them. "I was looking for you."
Mei's eyes lit up as she noticed Haku. "Perfect timing! Where's Naruto? I wanted to let him know we're staying the night," she said, a hint of concern in her voice.
Haku smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "He said he was going to speak with Tsunade and Jiraiya. They wanted to check on him after the meeting," she explained. "He should be back soon, though."
Mei nodded, her expression shifting to one of understanding. "That's good to hear. He's been through a lot lately. We'll give him some time before we bring up our plans for the night," she said, glancing at Zabuza, who merely shrugged in agreement.
"Well, while we wait, let's book a room," Zabuza suggested, gesturing toward an inn nearby. "I'll take care of the arrangements."
"Really? You're going to pay for us?" Mei teased, raising an eyebrow at him.
Zabuza's cheeks flushed slightly. "Just shut up and follow me," he grumbled, leading the way into the inn.
Once inside, they quickly secured a room. Zabuza grumbled about the cost, but Mei laughed, knowing he secretly enjoyed looking out for them. As they exited the inn, Mei glanced at Haku. "How are you holding up? It must be hard for you, too, with everything happening around Naruto."
Haku's expression softened. "I'm okay. I just want him to be happy. He's been through so much, and I want to support him in whatever decision he makes."
Mei nodded, her gaze drifting to the streets of Konoha. "You're a good friend to him, Haku. We all want what's best for Naruto, and we'll figure it out together."
As they walked, Zabuza couldn't help but look back at the two girls, shaking his head with a hint of a smile. "If you two start getting all mushy about friendship and feelings, I might just throw up," he said sarcastically.
Mei smirked at him. "Well, good luck with that. Because I think we'll be having a lot of heart-to-heart moments tonight."
Zabuza grunted in response, but as they continued walking, he felt a sense of warmth in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, moments like this weren't so bad after all.
Tsunade and Jiraiya made their way up the steep steps of the Hokage Monument, the sun casting a warm glow over Konoha. As they reached the top, they spotted Naruto standing at the edge, his gaze lost in the distance, the village sprawled out below him.
"Hey, Naruto!" Tsunade called out, her voice breaking through the silence. Naruto turned to see her and Jiraiya approaching, and before he could react, Tsunade enveloped him in a tight hug.
"I missed you so much, you idiot!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Naruto felt a wave of warmth wash over him, and he hugged her back, a mixture of surprise and comfort flooding his senses.
"I missed you too, Tsunade," he said, pulling back to meet her eyes, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Jiraiya stepped forward, grinning widely. "Looks like you've grown up a lot since we last saw each other, Naruto. How does it feel to be back in the village?"
"It feels… complicated," Naruto admitted, glancing away. "But I'm glad to be here. There's just one thing I need to know."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "What is it, Naruto?"
"Why wasn't I told about my parents before?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "I had to find out from Danzo and the council. It's just… why?"
The mood shifted, the air thick with unspoken words. Tsunade exchanged a glance with Jiraiya, and for a moment, she looked almost pained.
"Because it was complicated," she began, her voice softer now. "After the Nine-Tails attack, your parents were… part of a lot of turmoil. We thought it would be safer for you if you didn't know about them until you were older and could understand."
Naruto clenched his fists, his heart racing. "But I had the right to know! They're my parents! I could have handled it!"
"I know, I know," Jiraiya interjected gently, stepping closer. "We thought we were protecting you, but we were wrong. You had every right to learn about your past, and we should have been there to tell you."
Tsunade placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression firm but compassionate. "We're sorry, Naruto. We wanted to keep you safe from the pain of losing them and the truth of your legacy. But now that you know, you can embrace it. You're not just the son of the Fourth Hokage; you're a strong shinobi in your own right."
Naruto looked away, the weight of her words settling heavily in his heart. "It just hurts, you know? I spent so long feeling alone, and now I find out that I have this whole legacy behind me. I just… I wish I could have met them."
Jiraiya placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's back. "They would be proud of you, Naruto. I know it. And you have a family now—with Haku, with your friends, and even with us. You're never alone anymore."
Taking a deep breath, Naruto felt a flicker of hope spark within him. "Thanks, you guys. It means a lot. I just need some time to process everything."
"Take all the time you need," Tsunade replied, her tone gentle. "Just remember, we're here for you. Always."
As they stood atop the Hokage Monument, the tension of the conversation began to ease, replaced by a lighter atmosphere. Jiraiya, ever the prankster, couldn't resist teasing Naruto.
"So, Naruto," he began, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "what about that girl I saw you with? She seemed pretty special."
Naruto's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Haku. "She's… someone precious to me," he said, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the warmth in his voice. "Her name is Haku."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh really? Sounds like you've got it bad, huh?"
Jiraiya chuckled, leaning in closer, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, if you ever need any advice on how to impress her, you know I'm your guy! I've got plenty of research that could help."
Before he could continue, Tsunade's hand shot out, smacking Jiraiya on the back of the head. "Stop it, you perv!" she scolded, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "This is not the time for your nonsense."
Rubbing the back of his head, Jiraiya feigned innocence. "I was just trying to help the kid! A little dating advice never hurt anyone, right?"
Naruto shook his head, a smile breaking through his earlier seriousness. "I appreciate it, but maybe let's keep the 'advice' to a minimum for now. Haku and I are just figuring things out."
"Good idea," Tsunade agreed, crossing her arms and giving Jiraiya a pointed look. "Let him have his space. Besides, it's nice to see you so invested in someone, Naruto. Just remember to treat her right."
"Yeah, I will!" Naruto replied, feeling a surge of determination. "Haku means a lot to me, and I want to make sure she knows that."
"Now that's the spirit!" Jiraiya said, raising his fist in encouragement. "Just don't get too distracted. You still have your own path to forge."
As they made their way through the bustling streets of Konoha, Naruto's stomach growled loudly, reminding him just how long it had been since he last indulged in his favorite dish. "I'm starving!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "I could really go for some ramen right now!"
Jiraiya, ever the willing mentor, grinned widely. "Ramen, you say? Well, how about I treat you to some? My treat!"
At the mention of ramen, Naruto's eyes sparkled like stars. "Really? You mean it?" He felt a surge of excitement, memories of slurping down bowls of miso ramen flooding back. It had been so long since he'd tasted the rich broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, and the delicious toppings.
"Of course!" Jiraiya chuckled, enjoying Naruto's enthusiasm. "You can't come back to Konoha without having a proper bowl of Ichiraku ramen!"
Without another word, Naruto bolted ahead, racing alongside Jiraiya, who laughed heartily at his eagerness. "Hey, slow down! You're going to trip!" Tsunade called out from behind, shaking her head in amusement. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of Naruto so animated, so full of life.
But Naruto was too caught up in the moment, sprinting down the street, relishing the thought of steaming bowls of ramen waiting for him. "Come on, Jiraiya! Let's go!" he shouted over his shoulder.
Jiraiya, trying to keep pace with Naruto, laughed. "I didn't know you were this fast! Slow down a bit; we have all the time in the world for ramen!"
Mei sat on the edge of her bed, idly tapping her fingers on her knees as she waited for Zabuza to finish his shower. The steam from the bathroom wafted into the room, and she found herself lost in thought about her companions. In particular, her mind drifted to Haku and Naruto. The two had been spending a considerable amount of time together since their arrival in Konoha, and Mei couldn't help but notice the growing bond between them.
Curiosity piqued, she turned to Haku, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, lost in her own thoughts. "Hey, Haku," Mei began, a playful glint in her eye. "Are you and Naruto… dating?"
Haku's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked up, surprised. "Um, well…" she stammered, glancing away. "I don't know if I'd say we're dating exactly…"
Mei smiled knowingly. "Oh, come on. I've seen how you two interact. You love him, don't you?"
Haku hesitated, a small smile creeping onto her face as she thought about Naruto's infectious energy and kind heart. "I… I do care about him a lot. He's special to me," she admitted softly.
Mei leaned closer, encouraging her. "It's more than just care, isn't it? I've seen how you get close to him, how you light up when he's around. It's obvious there's something deeper."
Taking a deep breath, Haku decided to share her secret. "I kissed him," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we haven't really talked about it since. I wish he would say something."
A wide grin spread across Mei's face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's wonderful, Haku! You should definitely talk to him about it. It sounds like he has feelings for you too, but maybe he's just unsure."
"What should I do?" Haku asked, her expression a mix of hope and anxiety.
Mei thought for a moment before responding. "Why don't you take him somewhere nice? Maybe a place with a beautiful view, somewhere you can both relax. That way, you can pick up where you left off and see how he feels. Just be honest with him."
Haku nodded slowly, contemplating the idea. "That sounds nice… but what if he doesn't feel the same?"
Mei shook her head, reassuring her. "You won't know until you try. The worst thing you can do is let this opportunity pass without saying anything. Be brave, Haku! You deserve happiness, and if Naruto is the one who makes you happy, you should go for it."
Just then, Zabuza stepped out of the bathroom, a towel draped around his shoulders. "What are you two whispering about?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mei quickly turned her attention to him, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Oh, just girl talk. You wouldn't understand!"
Zabuza rolled his eyes but couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Right, because I'm not involved in any of that."
Haku's heart felt lighter at Mei's words of encouragement. She knew she needed to take a step forward with Naruto, and she hoped that the chance to express her feelings would come soon. As they continued their conversation, Haku felt a newfound determination blossom within her, ready to embrace whatever came next.
Haku stood up, her heart racing with excitement. "I'm going to head out and find Naruto," she announced, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Good idea!" Mei encouraged, her own excitement bubbling to the surface. "Just remember the plan we talked about earlier."
Zabuza raised an eyebrow, looking between the two women with a puzzled expression. "What plan?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Mei chuckled, brushing off his question. "Oh, just some girl stuff. You wouldn't understand," she teased, winking at Haku. "Go get him, Haku! You can do this!"
Haku nodded enthusiastically, her determination firm. "I will!" With that, she quickly made her way out of the room, her heart fluttering as she thought about the possibility of spending time with Naruto.
Once Haku was gone, Zabuza turned to Mei, crossing his arms. "Seriously, what was that about? It looked like more than just girl talk."
Mei laughed, a playful glint in her eyes. "Let's just say I was giving Haku a little nudge in the right direction. She needs to talk to Naruto about their feelings."
Zabuza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Their feelings? You think it's that serious?"
"Absolutely," Mei replied, leaning back against the wall with a satisfied smile. "Haku likes him, and I can see that Naruto feels the same way. It's just a matter of them realizing it."
"Great, so now we've got a potential love story on our hands," Zabuza grumbled, shaking his head. "What is it with all these kids getting all mushy?"
Mei rolled her eyes, her laughter filling the room. "Oh, come on! It's sweet. Plus, if they're happy, that's a good thing, right?"
Zabuza shrugged, a slight smirk creeping onto his face. "As long as it doesn't interfere with our missions, I guess I can tolerate it. Just don't expect me to get all sappy about it."
"Don't worry, I won't," Mei replied, still chuckling. "But I'll definitely be rooting for them. Love can be a powerful thing, Zabuza. Who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself swept up in it one day too."
Zabuza's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Yeah, right. That's not happening."
Mei just smiled knowingly, turning her attention back to Haku's departing figure. "Well, let's see how this goes. I have a good feeling about this."
With that, Zabuza sighed and followed Mei as they headed out into the streets of Konoha, hoping to find some peace.
Naruto eagerly slurped down the last of his ramen, feeling the familiar warmth and comfort of the dish fill him up. "This is the best!" he exclaimed, turning to Jiraiya, who was already eyeing his own bowl with amusement.
"Slow down, Naruto! You're going to turn into a ramen bowl yourself if you keep eating like that," Jiraiya joked, chuckling at the sight of Naruto's enthusiastic eating.
Tsunade, who was quietly enjoying her meal, looked up with a soft smile. "It's good to see you enjoying yourself again, Naruto. You've been through a lot."
Just as Naruto was about to order his third bowl, he noticed Haku approaching, her gentle smile lighting up her face. "Hey, I found you!" she said, her eyes sparkling.
Naruto's face brightened at her presence. "Haku! You should join us!" He gestured to the empty seat next to him.
Haku nodded, settling in beside Naruto, her heart racing a little as she felt the warmth radiating from him. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all!" Jiraiya chimed in, giving her a welcoming nod. "The more, the merrier! We were just talking about Naruto's time in the Mist."
Tsunade looked over, curious. "So, Haku, how did you two meet?" she asked, taking a sip of her tea.
Haku glanced at Naruto, a hint of shyness creeping in. "Well, it was during a mission. I was with Zabuza, and we crossed paths with Naruto. At first, we didn't get along, but things changed as we got to know each other."
Naruto leaned in, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he shared, "Haku helped me a lot when I was in trouble. She's really strong, and she taught me some cool techniques!"
Haku felt a blush creep up her cheeks at his praise. "It was nothing like that. We just supported each other through tough times."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. "Sounds like there's more to your story than just missions. You two seem pretty close."
Jiraiya nudged Naruto playfully, winking. "Sounds like someone has a crush, huh, Naruto?"
Naruto sputtered, his cheeks turning bright red. "It's not like that! Haku's just—she's my friend!"
"Just a friend, huh?" Tsunade smirked, clearly enjoying this. "You might want to clarify that, Naruto."
Haku smiled softly, feeling a mix of warmth and embarrassment. "We've just been spending time together, that's all. I really appreciate having him around."
Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Haku's amazing! She's helped me feel like I belong somewhere again." He looked at Haku, his expression sincere. "I really mean that."
Tsunade's smile softened at their interaction. "Well, I'm glad you both found each other. Friends are important, especially in our line of work."
Just then, Naruto called over the waitress again, his enthusiasm unyielding. "I'll take a third bowl, please!"
Haku laughed lightly, her heart feeling lighter as she sat next to Naruto, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the warmth of friendship surrounding them.
As Naruto and Haku savored the last of their ramen, Tsunade stood up from the table, brushing off her robes with a smile. "Naruto, we've got some important matters to handle, so Jiraiya and I are going to head out. But we'll be waiting for you when it's time to leave the village."
Naruto looked up from his bowl, his mouth full of noodles as he nodded. "Okay, Granny Tsunade!" he said with a muffled voice.
Haku smiled at Tsunade. "We'll stay the night here and make sure we're ready when it's time."
Tsunade gave a small nod, her eyes softening as she glanced between them. "Enjoy your night, you two." She then gave a knowing glance to Jiraiya, who was already moving toward the door.
Jiraiya, with a teasing grin, added, "Don't get too cozy now! We'll need you sharp for what's coming next, Naruto."
Naruto rolled his eyes as Jiraiya chuckled, and the two mentors left the restaurant, disappearing into the village streets.
Now alone, Naruto and Haku shared a comfortable silence, finishing the last of their ramen. The warm, cozy atmosphere of the restaurant only enhanced the calmness between them. Haku smiled as she watched Naruto down the final bit of his bowl, his usual excitement and energy calming down into a quiet contentment.
"This place really makes the best ramen," Naruto said, leaning back in his chair, satisfied.
Haku nodded, her eyes softening. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. It's nice to see you so relaxed, especially after everything."
Naruto glanced at her, his expression softening. "Yeah, it's been a while since I felt this… at peace." He looked down at the empty bowl in front of him, his thoughts drifting. "Being back here brings up a lot of memories. But with you around, it feels… different. Better, actually."
Haku's heart fluttered at his words. She smiled gently, placing her hand on his. "I'm happy to hear that. You deserve to feel at home, no matter where you are."
Naruto blushed slightly, feeling the warmth of her touch. "Thanks, Haku. I'm really glad you're with me through all this."
They sat there for a moment, the weight of their bond settling comfortably between them. Haku's eyes flickered to the empty bowls on the table, and she smiled softly. "Shall we head out?"
Naruto nodded, standing up and stretching. "Yeah, I guess it's time. Let's take a walk before we head back, though. The village looks really nice at night."
With that, the two of them left the ramen shop, walking side by side through the quiet, lantern-lit streets of Konoha, the night air cool and peaceful as they shared the moment together.
As they walked together, Haku gently reached out and took Naruto's hand, her fingers intertwining with his. Naruto felt a jolt of warmth and glanced over at her, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. Haku gave him a soft smile, and in that moment, Naruto decided he wanted to show her something special.
"Hey," he said, squeezing her hand. "I want to show you something. It's a really nice view."
Without another word, Naruto led her up towards the Hokage Monument. The climb was familiar to him, but sharing it with Haku made it feel new. When they finally reached the top, they were greeted with a breathtaking view of the village. The lights of Konoha flickered like stars against the dark sky, and the soft wind rustled through the trees.
Haku stood in awe, her eyes wide as she took in the sight. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice full of wonder.
Naruto nodded, his gaze sweeping over the village before landing on her. "Yeah, it really is."
For a few moments, they simply stood there, side by side, admiring the peaceful view. Then Haku turned to Naruto, her expression soft and thoughtful.
"About the other day…" she began, her voice quiet. "When I kissed you. I've been wanting to talk about it."
Naruto looked at her, his heart beating a little faster. He had been thinking about that kiss, too, unsure of what to make of it. "Yeah?" he asked, his voice soft.
Haku hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you feel the same? About me?"
Naruto blushed deeply, his mind racing. He thought about the way he felt around Haku—the warmth, the comfort, the happiness. "I… I liked the moment," he admitted, his eyes shifting down. "But… is that what love feels like? I've never really… felt it before."
Haku smiled gently, stepping closer to him. "That's exactly what love is," she said softly, her voice tender. "It's about feeling safe and happy with someone. It's about wanting to be close, to share everything."
Naruto's blush deepened, but he met her gaze, his blue eyes full of curiosity and warmth. Slowly, almost instinctively, they began to lean in towards each other. Haku's eyes fluttered shut as Naruto followed her lead, their lips meeting in a soft, tender kiss.
In that moment, Naruto felt everything—warmth, comfort, happiness—all mixing together into something he'd never experienced before. His arms moved around her, holding her gently as they kissed, and for the first time, Naruto felt like he truly understood what it meant to be loved.
When they finally pulled back, they remained close, their foreheads resting together. Naruto smiled, his heart light. "I guess this is what it feels like, huh?"
Haku nodded, her cheeks flushed as she smiled back. "Yes, Naruto. This is love."
Naruto's heart swelled with joy as he held her close. For the first time in his life, he had someone who loved him—someone who cared about him for who he was, not because of the burden he carried. And as they stood there together, watching over the village, Naruto knew that he wasn't alone anymore. He had Haku, and that was more than enough.
As the cool night breeze drifted over the Hokage Monument, Naruto and Haku began to make their way back to the hotel where they were staying. The village seemed quieter now, the streets less busy, and the two walked side by side, their hands still lightly intertwined.
Naruto couldn't help but glance over at Haku, his thoughts spinning. The kiss they'd shared, the moment on the monument—it felt so real, so significant. He took a deep breath, deciding to voice the thought that had been lingering in his mind.
"Hey, Haku…" he began, a little unsure but determined. "Does this… I mean, does this mean we're, uh… you know, boyfriend and girlfriend now?"
Haku glanced at him, her cheeks tinged with a light blush, but her eyes sparkled with warmth and affection. She gave a small, playful smile. "Yes, Naruto," she replied softly. "It means we're together now. You're my boyfriend, and I'm your girlfriend."
Naruto's face lit up with a smile. "Really? So, we're… we're each other's, then?"
Haku nodded, her grip on his hand tightening just slightly, as if to reassure him. "Yes, Naruto. You're mine, and I'm yours," she said, her voice full of certainty and care.
Naruto felt his heart skip a beat at her words, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the night air. He'd never thought he'd hear someone say something like that to him—something so simple yet so meaningful. "I like the sound of that," he said, smiling widely.
Haku giggled softly, her fingers brushing against his as they continued walking. "I do too," she said, her voice soft and full of emotion.
As they approached the hotel, the lights of the building glowing softly in the night, Naruto looked at Haku once more, his mind now more at ease. He felt like a whole new chapter of his life had just begun—a chapter where he wasn't alone anymore. With Haku by his side, everything seemed a little brighter, a little more hopeful.
When they finally reached the entrance, Naruto held the door open for Haku, and she gave him a grateful smile as they stepped inside. The warmth of the hotel lobby greeted them, and as they made their way to their room, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what was to come.
As they entered their room, Naruto turned to Haku, his eyes full of gratitude. "Thanks, Haku. For being with me… for everything."
Haku smiled, stepping closer and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. "I'll always be with you, Naruto," she said gently. "You don't have to go through anything alone anymore."
Naruto smiled, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "Yeah… I'm really glad," he said, his voice full of sincerity.
And with that, the two of them settled in for the night, As Haku stepped out of the bathroom, her long, damp hair clung to her shoulders, and she was wrapped in a soft white towel. The steam from the shower still lingered in the air, and Naruto couldn't help but glance over, his face turning a shade of red. He quickly looked away, scratching the back of his head nervously.
Haku noticed his reaction and smiled warmly, amused by how flustered he got. "Don't worry, Naruto," she said softly, her voice gentle and reassuring. "It's just us. This room is reserved for us two. Mei and Zabuza are in the room next door."
Naruto blinked, feeling a bit more at ease but still slightly awkward. "Right… I just didn't want to… uh, intrude or anything," he muttered, still a bit shy.
Haku giggled softly as she walked over to her suitcase, pulling out her nightclothes. She glanced back at Naruto, her smile never fading. "You're so sweet, Naruto," she said. "But you don't have to worry. I'm comfortable with you."
Naruto smiled back, feeling a warm sense of relief wash over him. "I'm glad," he said, his voice soft.
After a moment, Haku went behind a screen in the corner of the room to change into her nightclothes. Naruto got ready for bed himself, pulling on a comfortable shirt and some shorts. When Haku emerged, she was wearing a simple but elegant nightgown, her long hair flowing freely down her back. She looked at Naruto, her eyes shining with affection.
As they both climbed into bed, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of calm. Everything felt right. Haku lay beside him, resting her head on the pillow, and then turned to him, her eyes meeting his in the soft light of the room. Without saying a word, she leaned forward, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss.
Naruto blushed, but he kissed her back, the moment feeling natural and comforting. When they pulled away, Haku gave him a small, sweet smile. "Goodnight, Naruto," she whispered softly.
"Goodnight, Haku," Naruto whispered back, his heart full of warmth.
They both settled in, Haku resting her head against Naruto's shoulder, and Naruto wrapping his arm around her protectively. The quiet of the night surrounded them, and as they drifted off to sleep, both of them felt secure, knowing they had each other.
As Team Guy made their way toward Tsunade's office, Neji walked slightly ahead of Lee and Tenten. He wasn't usually one to eavesdrop, but as they neared the door, he heard Tsunade and Jiraiya speaking in hushed tones. Something about Naruto being back in the village caught his attention. His eyes widened slightly, but he kept his composure, not letting Lee and Tenten notice his surprise.
Inside the office, after a brief greeting, the team reported on their latest mission. Tsunade gave them her usual sharp nod of approval, offering little feedback beyond her thanks for their hard work. After dismissing them, Neji's mind was still racing with what he'd overheard.
Once outside the Hokage Tower, Neji stopped and glanced at his teammates. "I overheard something… interesting," he said calmly, trying not to sound too eager, though Lee could sense there was something significant on his mind.
"What is it, Neji?" Lee asked, his fists clenched in excitement. "Is it another mission?"
Neji shook his head slightly. "I heard Tsunade-sama mention Naruto being back in the village."
Tenten blinked in surprise. "Naruto? I thought he was gone for good. That's… surprising."
Lee's face lit up in excitement. "Then we must go see him right away! Naruto is a comrade and a rival! I bet he's been training hard, and I can't wait to see how strong he's become!"
Neji remained composed but nodded. "Yes, but from what I overheard, it seems he hasn't returned in the usual way. We should check his old apartment to see if he's staying there."
Without wasting any time, the three of them headed straight for Naruto's old apartment. The walk was filled with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, especially for Lee, who was already imagining sparring with Naruto again. When they arrived at the familiar building, they climbed the stairs to the door of Naruto's apartment. Lee, as enthusiastic as ever, knocked on the door a few times.
"Naruto!" Lee called out. "It's your comrades, Team Guy! We've come to see you!"
The silence that followed was almost deafening. Tenten frowned, and Neji activated his Byakugan, scanning the apartment for any sign of Naruto. But it was empty, completely devoid of life.
"No one's here," Neji said, his tone neutral, though he was beginning to piece things together. "It doesn't seem like he's been staying here for a while."
Lee crossed his arms, confused. "But if Naruto's back, where could he be?"
Tenten shrugged, looking thoughtful. "Maybe he's staying somewhere else now, or maybe he's with Tsunade-sama. I doubt he'd come back without a reason."
Neji looked down the street, feeling that something about this situation didn't quite add up. "If they did find him, he's probably being in interrogation since I heard the council wanted to know his whereabouts but we should keep an eye out. I have a feeling we'll see him soon enough."
Lee nodded vigorously. "Then we'll wait! When Naruto shows up, we'll be ready to greet him with a challenge!"
With that, the team left the apartment, each with their own thoughts about Naruto's return. They didn't know where he was or why he hadn't made his presence more known, but one thing was certain — they would find him eventually. And when they did, their reunion would bring with it questions, challenges, and perhaps even a new chapter in their long-standing friendship.
Zabuza and Mei sat comfortably in a private booth at a cozy barbecue restaurant, the savory aroma of grilling meat filling the air around them. Zabuza was focused on the sizzling cuts before him, while Mei leisurely took her time, sipping her tea with a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"So," Mei began, breaking the comfortable silence, "now that we know Naruto is the Fourth Hokage's son, I believe this could benefit our village greatly."
Zabuza raised an eyebrow, pausing for a moment as he skewered a piece of meat. "And how exactly do you figure that?"
Mei smiled a little more, her eyes twinkling. "The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was known as the Yellow Flash because of his legendary technique, the Flying Thunder God. If Naruto inherits that ability, or if Jiraiya or Tsunade train him in it, he could become an even greater asset to our village. Just imagine… the same technique that allowed his father to dominate battlefields could potentially be in Naruto's hands."
Zabuza let out a short, amused grunt, leaning back slightly in his seat as he considered her words. "The Yellow Flash, huh? If the kid can really learn that… it would change things. But do you really think the Leaf would just hand over something like that so easily?"
Mei's gaze sharpened slightly as she leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "It depends. Naruto's allegiance is already with us, and Tsunade knows that. If they withhold too much from him, it could drive an even larger wedge between Naruto and the Leaf. Besides, we've built something for him in the Mist. We've given him a home. He may want to stay with us and learn his father's techniques on our terms."
Zabuza continued to grill, smirking a little. "It's what I mentioned before, that technique could make your village stronger but I have to admit, it's clever. Naruto could become a power that neither the Leaf nor the Mist could afford to lose. If he learns his father's jutsu, he'll surpass anything the Leaf could offer."
Mei laughed softly, taking another sip of her tea. "Exactly. But more than that… Naruto has a family with us now. You've seen how Haku cares for him, how deeply connected they've become. And I… well, I see him as my own child. I think the boy will choose what's best for him in the end. He's not someone who can be manipulated so easily."
Zabuza nodded slowly, a rare glint of respect in his eyes. "Naruto is his own person, that's for sure. But if he gets his hands on that jutsu… we could be looking at the future of the Mist in him."
The thought lingered between them for a moment, heavy but exciting. Mei felt the weight of the possibilities surrounding Naruto and what he could become, not only for himself but for the Mist Village.
"Zabuza," Mei said, her voice quieter now, "if Naruto ever does gain the power of his father's technique, do you think… he'll still stay with us? Or will his connection to the Leaf pull him away eventually?"
Zabuza was quiet for a moment, then sighed, looking Mei straight in the eyes. "If he does, it'll be his decision. But if he leaves, it won't be because of us. It'll be because he finds his own path. Until then… he's one of us."
Mei smiled, a bit of relief on her face. "You're right. For now, we just need to give him time and support. Let's see what the boy chooses in the end."
They returned to their meal, the weight of the conversation giving way to a comfortable silence. Both Zabuza and Mei understood the potential future Naruto held, and whether or not he would learn the techniques of his legendary father, one thing was clear—Naruto was a shinobi of the Mist now, and his choices would shape the future of both villages.
