Chapter 29: The Scars Of The Past

"Children show scars like medals. Lovers use them as a secrets to reveal. A scar is what happens when the word is made flesh."

― Leonard Cohen, The Favorite Game

Kakashi & Sakura-Konoha Prison

'Why is Sasuke here?'

Smoke clogs the area, fire brushing at steel and rock.

This whole area is about to collapse.

The 200s section, the one section of the unit they keep the heaviest of guard duty knowing the danger and notoriety of the inmates in this wing is now in flames.

Kakashi assesses the scene quickly, Sakura's fists wound together tightly, prepared to further upend ground to keep Sasuke away from Deidara.

His presence back in Konoha of all places throws everything off, previous plans carefully set in place for dealing with Deidara and the Akatsuki in general all thrown out now.

'There's no time to try and hold Deidara in place, I'll have to kill him.' Kakashi determines.

He crouches low as Sakura's poison seeps across the room, channels all his attention towards the explosion artist. If Deidara's bothered by the toxic fumes, his features don't show it, azure still focused on Sasuke's direction awaiting an answer.

"Hey, wanna use those flames of yours to melt at these chains of mine hmm? I mean, surely with those sharingan eyes of yours you can't botch that up, right?"

Sasuke ignores his taunt and Deidara beams, eyes flickering back to Kakashi and Sakura.

"They aren't going to give you the information you want on your brother." He prattles on.

Sasuke says nothing but does finally take one step towards him.

Electricity imbues Kakashi's fingertips, launches it to the ground.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Barrier!"

The bolt skirts and crisscrosses right between the two, Sasuke taking one look at the wall of lightning before scoffing.

Scarlet twists to him.

"You really must think I'm weak still to think this would stop me sensei." He derides.

Kakashi shrugs.

'I just want to keep your focus on me.'

But Sasuke sees through him, dodges the slab of twisted metal and cement Sakura launches from the opposite wall.

"Get away from him!" Sakura snaps, second punch forming an abyss between the two.

Sasuke leaps over the crevasse, draws in a breath.

"Fire Release: Molten Bullets!"

Each shot knocks out a piece of chain, Deidara stretching up slowly in relief. All of his muscles yell at him for moving too fast, everything that's been done to him since his capture probably can't be easily or even fully healed once Konan takes a look at these wounds.

'No matter. I just need to be free again to exact my revenge. Getting a tailed beast can come later.' He decides.

"About time asshat. You can't get answers out if me if I'm dead!"

Kakashi speeds forward over cracked stone, pinpoints on Deidara's head.

'This time. This time I won't miss my shot!'

Deidara stiffens as the vortex forms beside him, grits his teeth when Sasuke momentarily moves back to not get sucked in too.

He manages to grab onto his arm before he gets too far out of range, cerulean now wild and dark with rage. There's no way in hell he's letting another sharingan user best him or dying without a bang, he needs to take down at least one of the Uchiha brothers.

"Hey, don't just fucking stand there! If I die here and now, I'm taking you with me!"

Sasuke considers him for only a moment before glancing back to Kakashi and Sakura, gaze lingering on Sakura.

Verdant studies him back, hands trembling at her sides.

She rises one arm up towards to Kakashi to maybe push him, stop herself from having to watch his death. There's no reason to care for him any longer after seeing what he's done, is about to do...

But then she shoves it back down, blood drawing at her lips turning away.

Sasuke laughs icily.

"Good. Guess you've gotten over those feelings for me now, huh Sakura?"

Sakura twists her gaze back to him only to see clay in his hands.

Detonating clay.

"Get down Sakura. Now!" Kakashi shouts.

She takes cover under a pile of topped cement and pipes.

Deidara's snicker echoes across the room.

"Heh, all you Uchiha always have some type of trick up your sleeve. Blowing up your lover and old teacher is a new type of art for me!"

He licks up the clay and the room goes white.

Sakura rushes over to Kakashi's side as soon as the heat of the blast calms, feels something sharp digging into her ankle.

She risks once glance towards it and sees a mix of shards and scrapnel embedded in near the bone, trickle of blood leaking out.

'I'll deal with it later.' Sakura rips at the side of her shirt, wraps it around her ankle forming a makeshift bandage.

She re-focuses back on Kakashi, moves them from the interrogation room into the adjacent hall, sits him up as he coughs out smog and dust.

"Where...Where are they?" He questions between pants.

Her gaze roams back to the room, the dark outlines of where Sasuke and Deidara's bodies had been.

The gaping hole in the wall beside it.

An officer and doctor rush up to them before she can answer. "Shit, what the hell happened in here? Where's prisoner 215; don't tell me he escaped?!"

Sakura shakes her head to his questions and Kakashi's, too many minutes went by in that explosion.

"They're gone."

Naruto & Hinata-Uzumaki Apartment

He tosses and turns well past midnight, hears the Nine Tail's voice in his ears even wide awake now.

"The time will come soon boy where I will take over your body fully. You will snap and lose yourself to rage, whether it be from a civilian or a shinobi is no matter to me. None of the sacrificial gifts given to you, to me, are worthy enough to stop my destruction to these lands."

Naruto sits up, notes the ink black still to the sky before getting up for the living room.

Hinata is tucked fully into her futon, at least one of them getting some sleep.

He watches the slow rise and fall of her chest, accidentally steps on the part of the wood floor that always cracks, stiffens when lilac eyes blearily open.

"Hmm, Naruto? What's wrong? Can't sleep?"

Naruto leans back silently, drop his gaze from her as her brows furrow in concern.

His nightmares will only just stress her.

"Nah, just need a midnight snack y'know!" He lies.

Hinata studies him for a long minute before scooting over, pats at the spot beside her.

"Alright, well after you get said 'snack', you can sleep the rest of the night beside me."

He clicks his tongue, eyes flickering between the kitchen and her.

His stomach revolts at the idea of eating anything right now, even ramen, swishes in warning.

So he burrows in beside her with a grunt, feels the tips of his ears burn at Hinata's soft giggling beside him.

He pulls her against his chest before it can become full on laughter, grins feeling her cheeks warm.

He presses light, warm kisses against her neck to her collarbone, beams as her blush darkens.

"Not laughing now! You shouldn't be so embarrassed when you've already seen all of me Hinata and me of you y'know." He chuckles teasingly in her ear.

Hinata peers up at him.

"I could look at you anytime I want if I truly desired to."

Naruto runs a finger to her lips.

"Wait...like using your byakugan to peep at me?! Did you pick that up from Pervy-Sage?"

Hinata turns over in response, sinks into his chest as her new pillow now without answering.

"Go to sleep."

A knocking at the door stirs them awake hours later, Naruto reluctantly sitting up first.

Whoever's knocking at the door doesn't plan to leave.

"Alright, Alright. I'm on my way." He grunts, undoing the bolt and lock.

One of Granny's aides.

The man freezes, hand midway up in the air to pound on his door again.

"Yeah? What do you want?" Naruto greets him.

He shoves an envelope into his hands, swallows quickly.

"A-A summons is all! I'll be on my way now!"

He rushes downstairs before Naruto can ask from who.

Hinata walks up beside him, notes the Land of Fire stamp in the middle.

'This has the Hokage's formal seal on it.' She notes.

Jiraiya's warning slinks up, stomach seizing up with knots.

"I want you to be aware Tsunade along with Danzo, Homura, and Koharu will want a meeting with you two once Naruto and the others return from Suna."

This is it, the summons that he said would inevitably come.

Naruto tears open the letter, groans.

"Granny and those old farts want us to neet at 2:00 pm today for some meeting. It's supposed to be our off day!"

Hinata sighs. "This is an official letter. They've used the proper channels for when one wants to meet with the jinchuriki. If we ignore it, they'll just corner us eventually."

Naruto shrugs, heads to the kitchen, lights the corner of the letter using the stovetop, white turning charcoal black.

He dumps the ashen letter into the trash and peers back to Hinata who moves the bin aside to not let the scent linger.

"Since when do I follow whatever jinchuriki rules they try to impose on me? That didnt work with Old Man Third and it won't work now either."

Hinata simply nods, squeezes in beside him to get started on omelettes.

Naruto absently chops at green onion and parsley, mind drifting.

Blue lands on lavender, scowling.

"...There's no way to get out of that; is there?"

Hinata shakes her head, leans slightly against his shoulder.

"No. I don't think so."

Naruto mumbles a curse.

And deep in the back of his head he hears the Nine Tails chuckle.

Hokage Tower-Main Conference Room

"Where the hell is he Tsunade? It's 2:30 pm now! You sent Tasuyo to the proper address; didn't you? Or is everyone on your team too incompetent to even do a basic delivery task?" Danzo sneers.

'I'm going to need way more sake if I'm to get through this meeting without decking him into the ground.' Tsunade grits her teeth, forces a polite smile.

Amber eyes twist to Shizune, ignores her frown as she discreetly slips a third round of liquor into her water.

"I'm sure Naruto and Hinata will be here shortly. You're more than welcome to head home if you're getting tired-"

Danzo holds up a hand. "I intend to see the jinchuriki and sacrifice's progress with my own eyes. It's part of being a Hokage after all, but I'm sure you recall that when not in a drunken haze, right?"

Tsunade shoots out of her chair, fists poised for that smart mouth of his, wind crackling into the room before either can move.

Naruto breezily walks in 40 minutes late, Hinata studying Koharu and Homura's aghast looks at the flurry of paper and glasses he's tossed about.

'They're like the Hyūga Elders with those pinched looks.' Hinata considers.

Same generation. Same feelings that the village's jinchuriki and sacrifice are only meant to exist as weapon and prisoner respectively to keep the beast's rage calm in times of peace.

Their eyes lock with hers, Hinata plastering on a grin.

None of them really want to be here right now.

"You talk big for someone that got passed on for being the 5th Hokage. Says more about you compared to Granny." Naruto states by way of greeting to Danzo.

He glares silently in return as he plops into the seat in front of him.

And then a smile rises to his lips.

"What did you see back in Suna by chance boy? Another nation's jinchuriki's death shouldn't have affected you so much to cause such a scene. I hope you didn't bring any of that cursed misfortune Suna has had as of late in losing their Kazekage back home."

Crimson sparks in his eyes furthering Danzo's grin, Hinata gripping at Naruto's hand beneath the table, kicks at his shin when his nails and teeth elongate.

"Don't rise to his bait!" She mouths.

Naruto blows out a breath, tacks on a grin back.

"The only one with misfortune in this room is you. Jealous over Granny's position, jealous you could never to beat Old Man Third on and off the battlefield, and definitely jealous you're not strong anymore. You've become a weak old fart that nobody will remember once you die."

"Enough Naruto." Tsunade intercedes.

But he's already twisted the knife, malice brewing in Danzo's features.

Naruto's smile widens, venom dancing in his eyes daring him to refute anything he's just said.

Danzo slams a fist down against oakwood.

"You lost control of the beast back in Suna to the point they had to use a seal to stop you from going on a rampage! Those are the facts boy, don't even try to deny it. You've been speaking with the Nine Tails too; haven't you?"

"No. In fact, with how calm things have been around here, you'd think you'd bring me be a proper offering or gift as a thank you." Naruto smoothly lies.

Danzo snorts, darkened gaze switching to Hinata.

"You've become far too lax in your duties as a sacrifice. You Dear will be at fault too should calamity strike our village next. Perhaps you need some type of incentive, would being offered earlier freedom from the jinchuriki please you? A place back at the Hyūga compound; I can schedule a meeting with Hiashi or-?"

Hinata twists her lips, curtly interrupts him. "I want none of those things."

'Huh, so all those rumors of this girl being akin to a mouse were false.' Danzo observes, clicks his tongue.

She's been too tainted by the jinchuriki's influence anyways to truly hear him out.

Homura nods at his earlier points to get them back on track, raises a hand. "We must limit you two's missions out of Konoha for the time being for the village's safety. Lady Tsunade, you must find this suitable in light of the recent events in the other nations?"

Koharu pipes up as well. "We need to protect the jinchuriki from being captured by this organization!"

Hinata bristles, straightens. "Ah, so all three of you were kept out of the loop. That makes sense considering it was a classified mission looking into the Akatsuki."

Koharu deflates first, peers back to Homura and Danzo, as equally silent as her.

None of them know what she means.

Tsunade clears her throat getting everyone's attention.

"Can I finally get a damn word in?"

She nods at the silence back, shoots warning stares at the trio.

"This is my first and final warning: Use Naruto and Hinata's proper names. I know each of you have been told before already to do so and yet you continue to ignore said policy. If you do it again in my presence, I'll have you all demoted from your positions to never again have any say in board discussions."

Homura and Koharu nod quickly, Danzo simply crossing his arms to hear what else she has to say.

Tsunade draws in a breath.

"Now, while it's true that I received word that Naruto temporarily lost control of the Nine Tails, that does not mean he should be restricted to the village nor should that be applied to Hinata."

She covers a smile at Naruto's sigh of relief.

"I will not repeat the same mistakes of the previous Kage who kept the jinchuriki confined to Konoha or time and again gave poor sacrificial gifts knowing we rely on the beast's power in times of war. It's better that Naruto and Hinata continue to take assignments within reason that will continue to boost their growth."

Danzo scoffs. "With all due respect Lady Tsunade, what makes you think those policies were a mistake? Your Grandfather was the one who started the tradition of yearly offerings to his wife, your Grandmother to honor her sealing the Nine Tails into herself. Don't we still carry out that rule to this very day for the jinchuriki and the latest sacrifice?"

Wind rises in the room, rattles at the windows.

Naruto flattens his hands to the table before he turns a vortex on him, though a slash of wind nicks at his cheek before Danzo can fully turn his head.

"Do you actually believe these lies you tell yourself?"

Danzo doesn't look his way, wipes at the smear of blood before continuing on.

"Tsunade, I'd like to know more on how you'll be keeping the Akatsuki from invading Konoha. While it's true Naruto is strong, we don't fully know what skills and abilities each of these Akatsuki members have."

Tsunade leans back in her seat, rubs at her head to keep a coming migraine at bay.

'He's waiting for you to slip up, be caught in a lie.' She calms her ire.

Danzo isn't going to stop prodding her with questions, will never fully be satisfied with any decision she makes...

She thinks of Jiraiya then, his presence here would at least ease the tension layered about the room like a fog.

"I'm just saying be on your toes. He wants that hat Tsunade. It's been his childhood dream to be Hokage." Jiraiya mutters between bites of karaage.

Tsunade picks at her onigiri, sets it aside to eat the unagi bowl he got her just to stop his glare at her lack of eating.

The Grasshopper Lounge is known for their drinks, not whatever light bites they have to keep pockets open to the variety of cocktails, sakes, and wine that they have.

"...Hey, are you sure about going to Ame alone? If...If it's really those Orphans behind this, I can back you up."

Jiraiya pats at her hands to quiet her. "No. You're needed here Tsunade. Konoha doesn't need to lose another Kage and I want you to be able to watch over Naruto and Hinata. He trusts you more than me probably."

"That's not true-" Tsunade begins, Jiraiya speaking over her.

"If worst comes to worse, I'll abort the operation. However, we need the confirmation and I will stop them as their former sensei. Now, eat your food please before it gets cold, you're wasting my precious ryo!"

Tsunade rolls her eyes, picks up her chopsticks.

'I'm too stressed to worry about food.' She eats two large bites to appease him before speaking again.

"Ugh, what does Danzo see in this? This job isn't glamorous, just paperwork and meetings 24-7. Why cling to such a dream?"

Jiraiya flicks at her nose in response, chuckles when she raises a fist at him.

"Hey now, don't mock a man's childhood dreams! Sometimes that's all one has that keeps them going day after day."

Tsunade rolls her eyes, but notes the way his features dampen just briefly before grinning again. She stuffs down another bite of unagi feeling her chest lurch, decision made.

"Alright, don't make me regret it. You get one date when you're back from this assignment. A real one, not in some random crappy hole-in-the-wall like this." Tsunade announces.

Jiraiya blinks, Tsunade grinning that for once the lecherous writer has no words.

"...Wait, how drunk are you? Your pity hurts me, though a big old hug right now and all will be forgotten!"

Tsunade jabs her chopsticks into his hand.

"I'm being serious you moron!" She growls.

Jiraiya's expression changes then, obsidian instantly clearing.

A hint of red splashes at his cheeks before rising his sake cup up to hers.

"Huh, well...okay. I know plenty of fancy places! You just keep losing at pachinko and the slots and I'll be back before you know it! And no taking it back, I'm holding you to this deal!"

She hadn't asked for the deeper meaning behind his cryptic words, asked for another round of sake to bury the ache of that conversation.

"I've already assigned three units respectively to investigate and track down the members we have collected some intel on. The supposed Zombie Duo, Itachi Uchiha who Deidara is trying to find as well, and their possible leader."

Danzo hums, but his expression remains impassive.

"Speaking of Deidara, there's also the matter of the security breach Sasuke Uchiha created."

Naruto leans his head against his palm, openly yawns as the trio's gazes flash to him.

He shrugs. "What? You'd be better off asking Sakura, Kakashi-sensei, or any of the officers that were on duty at the time about Sasuke and how he got in. You can also review the cameras as well if they're still functioning. But I wasn't there, remember? Maybe you guys are losing your memories, do you all still know where you are right now or should we call for help?"

Hinata covers a laugh too late, peers out the opposite window ignoring their stares.

Homura stiffens at their shared rudeness, mutters something to Koharu who nods her agreement.

The pair take their leave silently with a final bow to Tsunade.

Danzo steps forward. "Where is your protege at the moment?"

Tsunade stacks together her paperwork, stands.

"The hospital. And I need to finish rounding with her. This meeting is now adjourned."

Danzo watches her go, casts one last look to Naruto and Hinata.

"Enjoy your freedom while it lasts." He mutters, just loud enough for both of them to hear.

Sakura & Tsunade-Konoha Central Hospital, Neuro ICU

"Your hands are shaking."

Sakura freezes, drops her scalpel. Lady Risa smiles patiently, nods over to her 2nd aide Aoko.

"We can finish up Mr. Kanehara's stitches Sakura. Please take a breather, you haven't eaten since around 7:00 am shift start."

Her eyes warily shift to what time it currently is.

3:18 pm.

"Alright, I...I won't be far if anything happens." Sakura mutters, heads for the lockers.

As soon as she's cleaned and into fresh scrubs, she moves into the hall, bumps right into another body.

"Sorry. Sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." Sakura spills out apologies, peers up to see hazel eyes scrutinizing her.

She clamps up.

Lady Tsunade.

One look at her flushed cheeks, dark bags surely under her eyes has her grab her by the arm to lead her away from the other nurses and doctors in the corridor.

"What have I told you about proper nutrition and rest young lady?"

Sakura squirms at her sharp tone. "At least 7-8 hours sleep and 3 hardy meals per day."

Tsunade nods, gaze softening. 'She keeps picking up all my bad habits. Next thing I know I'm going to see her in one of my usual gambling dens.'

"Well, you've broken both of those today. You're a dead weight right now Sakura, it's a miracle no accidents have happened. I'm sending you home to get some rest."

Sakura grits her teeth, pinches the underside of her arm to keep from slouching in her seat.

"But there's a chance Mr. Murata in room 8A has a brain bleed that still needs monitoring! Plus Mrs. Wataya in 10B came in with a stroke this morning!"

Tsunade accepts their charts from her as they head into her office, nods.

"You've done well despite just running on caffeine. I'll have Risa and Dr. Muranaka further review them and any other operations you aided in today."

Sakura nods, slumps back.

Tsunade passes her a bottle water and sandwich from her haori, reluctantly bites into the meal when Tsunade keeps her gaze glued on her.

"...How are you faring Sakura since the prison escape? I know Kakashi was discharged after just a day of observation once pulmonary team cleared him."

Sakura wipes at her lips, rolls her shoulders trying to find the right words.

She's used to seeing death by now. Usually it's mangled limbs, burnt flesh, and bodies torn open exposing bones.

Shinobi and civilian of all ages have been on the operating table or bed next to her.

"It's gotten easier to sleep I suppose after making a herbal remedy that Anko-sensei recommended. It's interesting how some medicines can turn poisonous to the human body in a strong enough dosage. I've had to remind myself of that, my patients, and my own Dad too when the phantom pains kick in." Sakura muses softly.

Tsunade splits a plate of mochi with her, nods out the window towards the north forests.

"You need a change of scenery Sakura."

Sakura chuckles. "Well, Ino said Yugakure is nice this time of year. Though I don't plan to take any breaks anytime soon My Lady. There's too many admissions as of late to the ER and not enough discharges."

Tsunade shakes her head. "I'm not saying it as a hypothetical Sakura. I'm telling you that you need a change of scenery. I have an assignment I want you to do, that is if you're up for it."

As she expects, she leans forward curiously.

"I need you to infiltrate Otogakure."

The name makes her move back as if stung, Tsunade holding up a hand seeing her eyes haze over.

"I...I don't think I'm the best person to choose for such a task." Sakura begins.

"Perhaps. I know you have complicated feelings towards Sasuke, but I want you to slip into Oto for a particular reason as I feel you'll best blend in once properly disguised." Tsunade explains.

She unlocks a drawer from her desk then, pulls out photos of a redhead covered in bite marks, a white haired man with skin that looks half liquid, and a bulky orange haired man.

"Sasuke is highly likely going to join the Akatsuki if it can bring him one step closer to getting to Itachi. His name will go into the bingo books if they haven't already." Tsunade notes with a certainty that makes bile swim to the back of her throat.

Sakura nods for her to go on.

"Based on what information I've gotten from Jiraiya and his connections, Sasuke will eventually need to amass a team of people to help aid him in killing his brother and then possible further destruction that could lead back to Konoha."

Sakura hums, rubs her chin thoughtfully.

"Where do I come into this?"

Amber peers up into jade.

"You must rendezvous with these individuals first if you can. Pose as a doctor, collector, thief, hell even a fellow prisoner. Whatever means necessary Sakura to sway them from joining Sasuke."

Hinata, Naruto, & Jiraiya-Uzumaki Apartment

The tea kettles whistles out into kitchen, Hinata steadying her grip upon the handle.

Naruto left for the woods to forage for more herbs, Jiraiya slipping in as soon as he left.

"When do you leave?" Hinata repeats.

Jiraiya accepts as she pours them two cups of green tea.

"Tomorrow night." He murmurs out after taking a sip.

Hinata sits opposite of him.

"You've been the bearer of bad news as of late." She teases to lighten the mood, absently bites at her egg without tasting it.

Jiraiya chuckles. "Well, I couldn't just leave without saying goodbye! I'm making my rounds about the village and figured I would stop here first!"

Daybreak brightens the kitchen, yellow rays falling along the wood flooring up to the table.

Hinata arches a brow taking in his expression, pearl darkening. "Right. Without telling Naruto?"

Jiraiya's grin doesn't even crack. "Naruto doesn't even like me. He's told me so multiple times to my face."

'And now you're acting as stubborn as him.' Hinata purses her lips, moves for another sip of tea.

"Naruto loses patience with you because you're always distracted by women versus training. Plus all the secrets you'd been keeping from him." Hinata relates.

Jiraiya pouts then, stirs at his cup. "Hey, I taught Naruto everything I know and confirmed all his suspicions! Hell, he's better than me when it comes to Sage mode."

Hinata perks up then. "Then have him come with you!"

"Come with you where?" A voice asks behind them.

Naruto.

Jiraiya winces as he purposefully jabs a finger to his shoulder, other hand depositing the half full basket of herbs upon the table.

"Hey, you're back early Kid! What happened to foraging?!"

"I always have a toad or some measure of checking the apartment when I'm gone y'know. I turned around as soon as I got notified you were here. I can have a clone later finish the harvesting." Naruto retorts.

His prodding turns into digging at his shoulder blades, dodges the swish of his hair.

Jiraiya pushes him away. "Amegakure. And no you can't come."

Naruto plops into the seat beside him.

"Wait, when? This is in regards to the Akatsuki; isn't it? You'll at least have back up with you though, right?"

Jiraiya shakes his head. "Too dangerous to bring others into this, it's my responsibility to deal with their leader if it is who I think it is."

Naruto blinks, gapes at the realization. "You're going alone; ugh, you're being an idiot! This is basically a suicide mission!"

Jiraiya pats at his head, Naruto shaking him off.

"Who says I'm gonna die Kid? Sheesh, you and Tsunade don't have any faith in my prowess!"

Naruto studies the floor, lips puckering and flattening.

Jiraiya straightens seeing the coming of the storm.

'Yikes, this is why I didn't want to tell him!'

But when Naruto looks up at him again his anger has evaporated, eyes watery.

"Don't go Pervy-Sage...Jiraiya. What will Granny and I do if you die?"

Jiraiya blinks in surprise, squeezes at his shoulders.

"Hey, I'm nobody worth crying over! And even if I do die, you have Hinata here. She's your family, and your friends. You won't be alone Naruto."

Naruto wipes at his eyes, Jiraiya removing a book from his vest.

"Anyways, I know it's not your birthday, but I wanted to gift you this! We can review some of the notes and photos together once I'm back!" Jiraiya explains giddily.

Naruto looks down at said novel.

Make Out Paradise: Traveler's Edition.

"I added some extra content for readers on the go or when they're on holiday!" Jiraiya explains at his flat look.

Naruto sets it aside, moves to stand to make his breakfast. 'Why did I just shed tears over this moron?'

Jiraiya hugs him from behind, Naruto grugingly turning around to return it.

Hinata gifts him some herbs and snacks to take with him, accepts a hug from her as well.

"Alright, I'm gonna head out! I'm sure you two will get busy with assignments soon enough as well. When we get free time again, we can discuss that book. Feel free to use the tips I wrote in it, but be safe about it!" Jiraiya chimes out, Hinata reddening.

"Go away already." Naruto waves him off.

Hinata picks up his novel once he's gone, hums as she flips through the beginning pages.

"Does Jiraiya always write...in code?" She asks aloud.

Naruto comes up beside her, leans his head against her shoulder to get a better look.

The first 5 pages are nothing but numbers.

A picture slips out from the center, Naruto bending to pick it up.

A younger Jiraiya and three smiling kids who look around the age of an Academy student.

"Do you recognize any of them? This must've been taken around the time of the Second Shinobi World War maybe?" Hinata scours their faces if she saw any of them during her travel assignment.

Naruto shakes his head slowly, takes in the dreary background of gray buildings and...

Rain.

"No, but this looks like Amegakure."

-x-

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my US readers!

So, I'm admittedly feeling a bit self-conscious, don't know how people are feeling about the storyline. Love it? Hate it? Mainly I'm just wondering if I'm moving things too fast or too slow when it comes to Shippuden's storyline!

The holidays are upon us, so I'm doing a discount for the next month into December on my pa-tre-on! I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there and the discount code is C3982! Enjoy that all my extra goodies of side stories and bonus content there!

Let me know your thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!