#asphodelius ( ☁︎ )

[heiressfell]

❛ Sakura! How is Naruto doing on missions? ❜

Nagisa calls out to the younger kunoichi as she jogs over to meet up with the pink-haired girl, the last part of her inquiry soft spoken as if she worried that its subject could hear. Although this is a common sort of conversation between the two, she can’t help but feel like Sakura is leaving out certain events ( which she hears about later from the other villagers ) in order to lessen the red-haired ninja’s concern for her boisterous cousin. Thus, Nagisa presses harder.

❛ Tell me the truth. He isn’t putting himself or your team in too much danger, right? ❜

Her eyes betray many differing emotions as she waits for Sakura to reply, trying to determine whether she needs to step in and talk to Naruto about the harsh reality of his dream of becoming Hokage one day. His parents had the same dream, and look where they ended up…

A deep fear in Nagisa’s mind urges her to prevent him from facing a similar death, for Kushina’s sake.

❛ Please! ❜

✶ ⸻ 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑭𝑶𝑹 . . . @asphodelius

[heiressfell]

❛ That sounds about right … Thank you, Sakura. ❜

Nagisa expresses relief and gratitude at Sakura’s dedication to watch over Naruto, knowing that somebody she trusts will be there for him when she can’t. A warm smile crosses the red-head’s lips as she fully lets herself relax, and her shoulders visibly slump. Most family members would race to the hospital to check on their loved one, but Nagisa knows from experience that hailing from the Uzumaki clan allows for quick and easy healing, so she doesn’t worry too much about Naruto’s injuries.

However, blue eyes regain their previous concern, this time for Sakura.

Nagisa reaches out to hold both of Sakura’s hands in her own. Her voice takes on a stern but caring tone as she speaks.

❛ Make sure that you aren’t over-exerting yourself, too! Focus on maintaining your health and don’t forget to take an occasional break. I know sometimes even I need one after chasing Naruto around all day.. Listen to your body and obey its limits. ❜

Oh, what a coincidence. Sakura is glad that she already parted ways with Naruto and Sai before reporting back to the Hokage Tower about their latest mission. It wouldn't have been good if Nagisa knew about Naruto's ... unexpected transformation, especially one that had him so tired from the way Orochimaru was goading them. She can't quite remember the whole event, being unconscious for a fair amount of time, but Sakura knows the outcome wasn't good all the same. Yamato-taichō managed to do damage control while she'd been out, but that only makes Sakura feel incompetent and mad at herself. She should've been there for Naruto. She should've. Lots of people worry about him, not just her.

Just like his cousin right now.

❛  Naruto got injured this time again, but it wasn't all that bad,  ❜ she eventually says, smiling reassuringly. ❛  I sent him straight to the hospital to stay for a few days. He's doing better at being a team player!  ❜ Well, she thinks it'd be better without the constant sneering at Sai... ❛  You know him; he can be pretty impulsive, but he's quick on his feet and can improvise better than any of us.  ❜

She softens her eyes at Nagisa's obvious worry. Nagisa really cares about Naruto a lot. ❛  So don't worry; he's okay. I'll make sure he is. It's my duty as his teammate, y'know?  ❜