It has been a while since you went home. 'Home' As funny as it is, the once foreign village to you is now the only thing you consider home. You walked astride familiarizing yourself of the buildings, the streets, and people walking about.
'Nothing new'. You thought as you picked up a fallen leaf - staring at the Hokage mountain ahead of you.
'You never did change, Konohagakure' you sighed as you looked at the people phasing around – busy in their daily lives.
"Wah!" A loud voice boomed from down the street. "Hana-sobo!" You were whisked away from your musing as you heard an all familiar boy headed towards you.
"It's been a long time, Naruto-kun." You mused as you looked at the ecstatic child bouncing towards you with joy – pouncing for a hug once he was near you.
"Honestly, Naruto. Don't you know how to be polite? We're very sorry miss…" An annoyed female chunin appeared, hitting Naruto's head with her knuckle - earning a groan from the ecstatic boy. You looked at the newcomer bemusedly. A young girl with pink hair.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Hana." You spoke gently towards her, bowing your head.
"Haruno, Sakura-desu." The girl replied meekly – a soft blush brushing her face. "Please pardon this rude brat. Naruto, apologize right now!"
"Hey, hey, Hana-sobo!" Sakura's annoyance falling on deaf ears. "You up for another ramen eating contest? I'm hella starving!" You laughed as the pink haired girl glared daggers at the back of the young boy's head.
"Naruto! Stop calling Hana-san 'that'!" The girl jeered again.
"But she's very old! Like, old-old. Older than that Old geezer, Hokage." Naruto started reasoning out as he started counting on his fingers.
Laughing at the commotion, you gave them a reassuring smile. "Well, Naruto-kun. That can be arranged. Now I thought we were supposed to do a movie marathon once I returned?" You queried patting him on his sore head making Naruto's smile wider.
"Oh! Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun! What brings you two here?" A man interjected politely noticing the small circle of people but suddenly stopped as he saw who was on Naruto's grasp. "Hana-sama!" He screeched as bowed respectively tugging on the ever affectionate child. "Naruto!" He yelled once again trying his hardest to get Naruto away from you.
"What's the matter Iruka-sensei? Do you want to hug Hana-sobo too?" Naruto snapped as he tightened his grasp around your waist – making Iruka blush beet red. "Hana-sobo! Tell Iruka-sensei to back off. Iruka-sensei, back off. We're going to plan our movie marathon tonight!" The commotion was now inviting a lot of unwanted attention – most of the people giving Naruto a nasty glare.
"What's with all this commotion? I thought I told you all to meet me near the..." Another man joined in your small circle.
"I'm very sorry about this, Hana-sama! Kakashi-sensei, would you be so kind to tell Naruto to be discreet?" Iruka pleaded as he tried to pry Naruto off of you in vain. The other man stopped on his tracks as he took in his surroundings - an orange book on his right hand.
"It's okay, Iruka-sensei. I don't mind. Besides, it's been a while since Naruto and I saw each other." You gave the blonde young another pat on the head. "Do you still have the key to my house, Naruto-kun?" He nodded rather vigorously as he started fishing out his necklace, your key dangling on it.
"Well…"
"Hana-sama!" Raido Namiashi joined in - standing between you and Naruto. "The Hokage demands your presence." You almost rolled your eyes at the mention of 'Hokage'.
"I… I was just about to see him, Raido-san. Thank you for reminding me." You bowed politely. "Please tell Hiruzen that I will be joining him shortly." Raido nodded horrified at the annoyance in your tone.
"Well then" You continued happily. "Here" You motioned as you gave Naruto a bundle of money. "Buy all the food you like. Go straight to my house afterwards." Silence ensued as everyone gawked at the amount of money, "Everyone, please join me and Naruto tonight. It would be very nice to have a lot of visitors again in my house. The same goes to you, Raido-san." You laughed as the said ninja flinched signaling that you were ready to go.
"See you later, Hana-sobo!" Naruto started waving frantically; Sakura whacking him the second time.
"Naruto! After all she gave you, you're still disrespectful." Sakura demanded.
"What was that for?! I'm telling you! She's old! Old! Old! Older than 'Hiruzen'" Mimicking the way you called the third Hokage. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei! Let's finish early! We need to buy a lot of food."
"Hn." A small grunt escaped Kakashi as he took in your small retreating figure. A lot of questions were raging on his mind. 'Who were you?'
It didn't take long for you to reach Hokage's office. Calming yourself as you push the door open revealing Sarutobi, Hiruzen.
Putting his pen down, he looked at you - a soft smile grazing his lips. "Welcome home, Hana-sensei." he stood up as he gave you the most courteous bow he could muster.
'Sensei', when was the last time she heard someone call her that?