#shizun i was just remembering how you treated me well (chokes him out)

[wife-beam]

a lot of people act like sqq’s main character trait is obliviousness and i could not disagree more

[itslulu42]

Leftovers

Chapter Ten of Ninja Dorks Flailing at Interpersonal Relations

In the previous chapter, Sakura was oblivious and there was a game of spot the Kakashi reference.  

We are right in the thick of my very thin plot, so feel free to catch up before proceeding.

One | Four |  Seven | Nine

Kakashi hesitated before adding another cup of rice into the cooker.  Tsunade had assured him that Shizune was securing quarters and they would be situated by the next evening.   For tonight, they were staying in the guest quarters in an adjacent building, and Kakashi had invited them over for dinner.  Sakura had appeared like clockwork on Saturday’s evenings for the last two months and he didn’t see why tonight would be any different.  

Kakashi was embarrassed to admit it, but he didn’t remember if he had ever cooked for four guests at one time before.  Tsunade and Shizune arrived just as removed the fish from the heat so it wouldn’t dry out. A few minutes later, they were sitting at the table.

Tsunade smiled as she gave the fish a jab with her chopsticks.   “Aren't you a perfect host, Kakashi?”

"Thank you," Shizune added.  "You didn't have to do this for us."

"I was making dinner anyway.  What's another couple of fish?"  Kakashi replied easily.  He pushed another bottle of sake in her direction.

"I could get used to this, Shizune.  He's such a dutiful housewife."  

Kakashi frowned at Tsunade’s bizarre statement.  "What's wrong with being a housewife?"

Tsunade chuckled. "Oh, there is nothing wrong with being a housewife.  It's simply because it's you, Kakashi.  This is terribly domestic for the stoic Anbu agent who at my side during my tenure as Hokage."  She raised her chopsticks to her mouth to take a slow bite.  "It looks like my apprentice has softened you up nicely. Although” —she gave a lascivious smile—“I would think that Sakura wouldn’t want you soft."

Kakashi discreetly coughed in his hand to dislodge the food that had stuck in his throat. Shizune choked on her drink, and then glared at Tsunade.

Tsunade scowled. "Don't give me that look, Shizune."  The smile on Tsunade's face became absolutely dreadful.  "You should have seen the two of them this morning.”  

Shizune's head snapped in Kakashi's direction, her mouth open.  Kakashi felt the heat rise to his fac.  “There’s nothing going on between the two of us.”

"Kakashi-sama, you..?” Shizune hesitated, she was torn between being polite and asking more questions.  She settled with shoving a giant piece of fish in her mouth. Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the spread on his table.  He had such ungrateful guests.   Still, he wasn't about to argue with anyone who could be perfectly fine after being cut in half for hours.  

Deciding he didn't want to talk about it further, Kakashi changed the conversation.  "You never did mention what brought you back to Konoha early."  He looked toward the window, noting a passing ninja who was crossing the rooftops.  

Tsunade's good mood vanished.  "I heard that Uchiha Sasuke was coming back into town."  She raised the cup to her lips, drained it and then slammed it back on the table.  "I thought it would be wisest to come back here for the sake of village moral. He may have reformed, but it doesn't mean the entire village is comfortable with his presence."

Kakashi remained impassive. It was the first he had heard of the news, but then again, he has spent most of the day fishing.  "And when will he arrive?"

"He's probably already here.  He was ahead of us and we decided to follow."

"I see." Kakashi looked at his empty plate. "It would have been nice if he checked in."

Tsunade snorted.  "So says the man who was presumed dead for an entire year."

Kakashi didn't respond. There had been enough debriefings after his return from Suna that Tsuande knew it was impossible without giving himself away.  

"Thank you for the food."  Shizune rose from the table to clear up the plates.  Kakashi removed them from her hands.  “I’ll take care of it.”

"Are you certain? I can help."

Kakashi nodded and Shizune went to pick up Tonton from the couch.  Tsunade was already at the entryway, slipping on her sandals.  

Kakashi shut the door behind when they left, and walked over to the window to peer outside.  It was starting to get dark outside, but he didn't see a head of pink hair headed his direction.  Returning to the kitchen to wash up, he placed the leftovers in one of Sakura’s empty bentos.  

Sakura hadn’t arrived home even after Kakashi finished washing up.  He went to the bathroom, and then froze with his hand on the light switch as the thought replayed in his head.

Home?

WHAT?

How had Sakura become such an important part of his world in such a short period of time?

Kakashi scanned the bathroom: Sakura’s shampoo, Sakura’s bathrobe, her toothbrush, and hairbrush. He back out into the hallway and returned to the kitchen.  Sakura’s mug, more of her bento containers, umeboshi, and a box of dog treats he never bought his ninken.  There were a couple of fuzzy pillows on the sofa; she liked to run her fingers through when she watched TV.  Her slippers were by the table, one shoe was stained with ink that had spilled during their morning tussle.

Kakashi sank on the couch, not bothering to go into the bedroom for more evidence. Her scent had begun to impress itself on the walls, and he already had labeled the largest pillow on his bed as hers.  He leaned down to rest his face on his hands.

How did this happen?

Yamato.

Kakashi scrambled from the couch to the doorway where an Anbu agent waited on the other side.  Panther stood at attention as soon as Kakashi opened the door.  “I need to speak to Yamato.  It’s an emergency.”

When Yamato knocked on his door less than five minutes later, Kakashi pulled him in the room by his vest.  “How did you know?”  Kakashi questioned, as he pointed towards the table where he had placed all of Sakura’s belongings to take inventory.   Yamato gave a knowing smile in Kakashi’s direction, heading towards the cabinet with the alcohol.  

Kakashi woke the next day on the floor, his right hand clutching one of Sakura’s heels like it was Raikiri.  Yamato had already left the apartment; he had stayed sober while Kakashi drank himself into oblivion.

The resulting hangover made Kakashi feel like garbage, but had had at least gained some clarity. Well, maybe not clarity, his memory was a little fuzzy toward the end of the night.  But Kakashi had never gotten drunk over a woman before.  Yamato had also explained more about his matchmaking decision, and it was enough to convince Kakashi that there was something there.  There was only two choices left, Kakashi could either do something about it, or be completely miserable when she rolled over to his side of the bed in the middle of the night.  

The thought made him ill.

Or maybe it was the hangover.

After his shower, Kakashi went out to the training grounds to get some much needed air. The repetitive nature of training helped clear his mind, and when he returned to his home a few hours later he felt better.

Kakashi opened the door to his apartment to find Sakura inside, standing at the table where he had gathered her things.  He panicked for a moment, trying to figure out an explanation that was reasonable.   Then he noticed she had lain out several scrolls, and was in the process of sealing everything away.

“Good afternoon, Sakura.” Kakashi watched as all her clothing disappeared into a scroll.

“Hi, Kakashi!  I’m so glad you’re here!”   Sakura spun around to face him, her face alight with happiness. It left Kakashi unbalanced, to see someone so happy around him, because of him.  He swallowed, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

Kakashi didn’t want to keep this feeling to himself.

Sakura waved at the table. “I take it you heard the news?  It’s so exciting!  I didn’t think that this would happen.  I hoped it would, of course.  But to have Sasuke-kun return after a few months….”  She raised her hands to touch her cheeks, a pretty blush rising on her cheeks.  “Shishou said she would stay to run the hospital so at least you’re not out of a head medic while I’m gone.”

Gone?

What?

“Do you have any idea how long that will be?” Kakashi kept his voice impassive even though he felt like someone had punched him in the gut.

Sakura frowned.  “I don’t know.  Sasuke-kun finds it hard to stay in the village, but I’m glad he came here, that he asked me, to travel with him.  He wants to leave by tomorrow morning, so I have a lot of people to see and packing left to do!”  She beamed at him once more as she sealed away the last of her belongings.  “You’re a really good friend to make it easier for me. It thought you might be a little upset since I’m leaving on such short notice.”

Friend.

Ah.

Kakashi smiled back at her, hoping that she fail to recognize something was amiss.  “Anything for you.”

Sakura shoved all the scrolls in the tote bag at her feet, and then pulled it over her shoulder.  “I think that’s everything!”  She came forward to give Kakashi a hug, her arms wrapping tightly around his middle.  

Kakashi closed his eyes to savor the physical contact, relishing how she fit against his side and the smell of her shampoo.   He gave her light pat atop her head, his other hand fisted tightly at his side to keep it from betraying him.  Sakura withdrew and the moment was over.

Sakura was blinking rapidly. “I’m going to miss you.  You’re a good friend and a great Hokage.  I can’t wait to come back to see what else you have done for the village.”  She bowed.  “Thank you for your support, Kakashi-sama.”

Tongue heavy in his mouth, Kakashi settled for nodding.  Sakura then left, he could hear her voice as she said goodbye to the Anbu agents in the hallway.  Kakashi started at the space where she had just stood as a hollow, familiar feeling rose inside of him.  Once again, he was too late.  He couldn’t indulge in those feelings of self-loathing anymore; he had a village to run. He walked to the refrigerator for some milk; there was a bitter taste in his mouth he wanted to erase.

Returning the milk to the fridge, Kakashi’s eye caught sight of Sakura’s bento box where he placed the previous night’s leftovers.  The flowery pattern stood out amid his plain containers.  

Feeling foolish, Kakashi tossed the bento into the trash.

Part Eleven

Bonus Content

[mishamoonberry]

Until The Days of Spring

Also available on AO3 and FFN

Largely inspired by AKMU’s 200% and BTS’s Spring Day

Summary:

Maybe it’s her smile, or how she manages to stand strong even after everything.

Maybe it’s her tears, or how she manages to display her emotions so freely despite being an iron clad kunoichi.

Maybe it’s her warmth, or how she manages to chase away the loneliness bearing its claws at him.

Or maybe it’s because she’s Sakura.

Chapter One: Duties

Hatake Kakashi is the Sixth Hokage, bound by duties and responsibilities to his village. He no longer has to listen to orders and follow them to a T, for he is now the person who gives orders. As someone who took the mantle after the end of the Fourth War, the transition in the relationships between each hidden village is his responsibility. Not only that, he has lots of rebuilding and planning and changing to do in his own village.

With old and new responsibilities given to the Hokage seat, he is a very busy man indeed.

To add more paperwork to his already ever growing pile (he whined the very first time he saw them, while Tsunade-sama simply smirked at him as if he deserved it, the sadist), apparently lots of shinobi met their soulmates during the war. And with no typical village loyalties and inter village-hostility being in the way, agreements with corresponding villages are made, and lots of people ended up getting married.

Not only those who found their soulmates, but also Blanks who found the people they could love, in the midst of happiness and joy and the sheer logical need of more people to be Konoha's manpower in the future, it is to be expected that there will be a whole load of marriage papers for him to approve of, and then, afterwards, birth certificates from the newly wed couples.

He is very glad that there are other people who help him in managing those papers. Imagine if the Hokage has to handle everything by himself; he has to make dozens of clones to handle it and probably accidentally killing himself in the process, thanks to chakra exhaustion and mental stress.

Despite the people helping him though, he does have his work hours and he's busy at that time. Therefore any small breaks are appreciated by him, even more so when he can catch up with few of his friends during that small breaks; because honestly? Meeting them as the Hokage is different than meeting them as Kakashi.

Which is why he is in the BBQ restaurant, with one of his former student, Sakura. He accidentally met her along the way to the restaurant, and because she was heading off to eat as well, he simply invited her like the good comrade he is.

At first, the conversation between them goes smoothly. They talk about their respective jobs, about hilarious occurrences around them that they remember, they joke and even reminiscence about some days when they were still on a team together. She even makes a joke about his age, which isn't really appreciated (because he's not that old, thanks) but the teasing grin on her face makes Kakashi relax regardless.

When their food comes, there is an inquiring glance toward his mask for a little while, before Sakura looks away with a huff when Kakashi raises a delicate eyebrow at her. She's learned to respect his need for privacy, although he knows that the curiosity is still there.

They eat, then, Sakura keeping her eyes focused on her food without making any glances to the left where his bare face would be fully exposed to her hungry gaze.

And then, well--

"Sasuke-kun wants five kids," Sakura tells him, out of the blue, casually sipping on her tea while Kakashi almost chokes on his. She looks calm, as if saying something like that so suddenly isn't something that should be worth some emotions. There isn't even any changes in her expression, although her eyes look thoughtful, and in a way, concerned.

"It's going to be exhausting," she continues, taking another sip. "But I guess I have to do it."

Kakashi cannot help but to frown, distaste coloring his features for a little while as he processes her words. "You don't have to."

Sakura's eyebrows furrow, looking over at him just in time as he slips the mask onto place, a knee-jerk reaction whenever someone does so much as look at him whenever he's unmasked. She looks over at him in disbelief, saying, "Of course I have to."

"Why?" Kakashi has to ask.

"Because it's my duty."

He looks at her, stunned beyond belief. He sees in her eyes, and finds, much to his dismay, that she truly, utterly, completely believes that this, that giving Uchiha Sasuke five children, is somehow, in a way, her duty.

And to make things worse, Kakashi knows why she believes it. Sakura and Sasuke--they're soulmates, the mark of an uchiwa on the back of her neck and scattered cherry blossoms on Sasuke's. And perhaps, perhaps, if Sasuke hadn't undergone the path that he did, Kakashi would think that they truly make a wonderful couple.

But Sasuke has tried to kill her more than once, tried to sever the soul bond between them when he left Konoha the first time and tried it again during the last moments of the Fourth War. The fact that the bond hasn't been destroyed yet is a miracle in itself.

They're meant to be.

Or are they, really? Because Kakashi looks at her eyes, and he sees no unbidden joy over the prospect of children, not like Ino who squeals over wanting three kids, not like Shizune who always look so, so happy and at ease with herself when she talks about Kabuto.

Instead, Kakashi sees weariness and doubt, sees exhaustion, sees determination of steel and resolve.

She's treating this like a mission.

And for the love of God, Kakashi knows that must not be healthy somehow.

"It's not your duty to," he grimaces, "make children."

Sakura blinks, the corner of her lips twitching in amusement as she notices the grimace he makes at those words. But then she looks neutral once again, as she says, "Sasuke-kun wants to revive the Uchiha Clan."

"...That will happen soon enough," he amends, because sometimes he still forgets that Sakura is no longer Haruno. Although the conversation about children surely makes him remember of that single fact. She's an Uchiha now, bound to Sasuke both by soulmark and legal marriage. Although the man is rarely seen in Konoha, he does come once in awhile to give reports of his journey (something Kakashi sternly tells him he has to do unless he wants to be labeled as a traitor all over again, Naruto's pleas for total forgiveness be damned) and Kakashi thinks perhaps it was during his visits that Sasuke managed to tell her about his... goal in terms of... number of children he wants to have.

Sakura simply shrugs, "We're both healthy, so I don't see why not. Children are normal to have in marriages."

"But to set a goal on the number of children you want to have...?" Kakashi trails off, "that's weird, Sakura."

Sakura snorts. "Perhaps," she amends, bobbing her head, "but Sasuke-kun is always a little bit weird."

A little bit? Kakashi raises his eyebrow at her. Really?

"Every ninja is weird someway or another, Kakashi," Sakura says, and Kakashi hums, shrugging. It is true, after all. Every ninja is some brand of weird, all ranging from general type of weird to the sheer uniqueness of Maito Gai.

"Well, don't let yourself be burdened by it, Sakura-chan," he says to make a point, refilling his cup. "If it happens, it happens."

Sakura stares at her tea, humming but not truly reacting to his words.

Kakashi hesitates. "Sakura--"

"I'll be fine, sensei," she cuts him off, drifting back to the old title that she rarely uses for him nowadays. "Don't worry too much," she sends a small (fake, fake, fake) smile at him. "You'll get actual white hair if you do that."

Kakashi doesn't respond.

"It's fine, we're soulmates," she assures him, and he wonders for a split second if she's trying to reassure herself. He shakes off that assumption quickly though; he's probably just being really biased. "It's going to be fine. And besides, I love kids."

She turns her body so that she faces him completely this time, smiling. "Oh, I know. Maybe you can get a position as one of the god fathers!"

He blinks, pointing to himself as if to say, who, me?

She rolls her eyes, "I mean, there will be five kids," she says with good humour. Kakashi has to fight another grimace. Five kids still sound too much for his ears. "Naruto and Ino will fight for position as godparents for the first one, I bet, so you can have the latter ones."

"I feel loved," he drawls out, tone flat. "You'll have to discuss it with Sasuke first."

She waves her hand, "he'll agree. You were our sensei, after all."

He simply hums in reply.

They pay for their food and part ways soon enough, Sakura waving at him and promising for another meet up sometime (which will probably mean weeks or even months away, considering how they're so busy these days), and Kakashi is left to stare at the Uchiha symbol stitched to the back of her clothes.

[nozocentric]

Nozomi: Chapter 3

Nozomi and the ANBU materialized inside Hokage Tower, and she looked around, bewildered.  “Where are we, and what are we doing here?” She demanded.  

The question went unanswered as the black clad ninja turned to her, and she sensed he was glaring at her. “Come.”

She obeyed nervously, glancing over her shoulder to see him walking behind her.  ‘Probably so I don’t run away.’  She thought with a roll of her eyes.  Not that she hadn’t considered such an idea, but she’d realized that the odds of her being able to outrun him were slim.  She was better off doing what she was told for now.

A few minutes later, the man said to stop and she did so, glancing around.  “Where are we?” She asked again.

Again her question seemed to go unheard, and Nozomi was seriously beginning to wonder if the ninja could hear at all.  “Hello!  Are you going to tell me what’s going on or not?!”  She growled, beginning to get frustrated.

There was a short pause before the masked ninja stepped forward, and the brunette recoiled in fear.  To her relief, he passed her by, approaching a door to their left.  It dawned on Nozomi as he glanced back that she was supposed to follow him.

The ANBU motioned to the door.  “The Hokage is waiting.  Go, and be sure to show her nothing but the utmost respect.”

Nozomi raised an eyebrow slightly, looking surprised.  “Wait, hold on. You’re telling me that the Hokage wants to see me?”  When the man nodded, her brows furrowed and she made a face at him.  “Didn’t it occur to you that you should tellme that instead of scaring me like you did?!”

“Do not keep Tsunade-sama waiting.”

Nozomi rolled her eyes as the ninja disappeared in another puff of smoke.  “I should’ve seen thatone coming.  Oh well.”  

Remembering the reason she’d come, the girl turned her attention back to the door.  Just as she was raising her hand to knock, however, it really hit her that the Hokage wanted to see her.  Her.   A chill shot through her as she wondered what such an important person could want with her.  

It was possible she was going to get her delayed punishment for trespassing.  Or maybe the woman was simply going to kick her out.  The whole thing unnerved Nozomi, and she took a step back, flattening her ears.  Maybe she should just leave.  

‘Ugh...but then that creepy ninja might come after me again..’  

Another chill raced up her spine and she sighed, hanging her head.  There was no way of knowing what to expect, but she really didn’t have any choice.  She really didn’t want to risk another run in with the ANBU.

‘I’ll just go see what she wants.  If it gets bad I’ll leave.’  With a nod to affirm her decision, the brunette raised her fist and finally knocked on the door.

“Come in!”  The reply was automatic, and Nozomi swallowed softly, trying not to lose her courage as she opened the door and walked inside.  

“Hello?” She spoke cautiously, and grimaced inwardly.  Had her voice actually cracked just now?

“What can I do for you?”

Nozomi’s ears perked up at the voice, and she glanced ahead, locking stares with the blonde haired woman sitting behind the desk.  “Um, yes.  I..”

Before the girl could get out a coherent reply, recognition lit up the woman’s amber eyes, and her mouth curved into a smirk.  “Oh, I see.  You’re the girl who terrorized my hospital..”

The brunette froze, unnerved by the gleam in the woman’s eyes.  After a long pause, she realized that she was supposed to answer, and she did, flinching as the Hokage’s harsh words sank in.  “I--yes.  I’m Kubota Nozomi.”  She sighed, pressing her ears flat.  “About the hospital.  If you’ll let me explain, I-”

Tsunade lifted her palm up, and the brunette fell silent, watching her uneasily.  “I already know.  Shizune filled me in on everything.”

“...Right.” Nozomi looked away, suddenly finding the floor very interesting.

“That aside, I am glad to see that you had no problem finding this place.”  Tsunade leaned forward, watching the girl.  

Her words seemed to ignite something inside the brunette, as her eyes shot up from the ground to meet hers.  “I didn’t even have a chance to try -- that ANBU grabbed me right outside the hospital!  He didn’t even tell me what was going on until we got here so I thought I was being kidnapped!”  

Her eyes narrowed as she breathed deeply, reigning in her temper. “It’s not right to treat young women that way, and--!  I want an apology!”

The Hokage stared incredulously at the brunette and she hesitated, wondering if she’d said something wrong.  She was about to ask when the woman threw her head back and laughed, further confusing the girl.

After a moment, Tsunade stopped laughing, and she stared at the girl in amusement.  As Hokage, she was obligated to meet and question this girl, no matter how uninterested she may have been.  The idea sounded dull and tiresome, and frankly she’d rather use the time to locate the sake Shizune had hidden from her.  

However, Tsunade’s opinion was beginning to change.  She’d barely met the girl, but she could already sense that this was going to be entertaining.  Clearly there was more to Nozomi’s personality than she’d let on.

“Um...Hokage-sama..?” Nozomi tilted her head slightly, watching the woman, confusedly.  Had she said something funny?  She didn’t think so.

Finally, Tsunade spoke again, all traces of her amusement gone. “I apologize on the ANBU’s behalf.  I did send him to get you, but I never said to capture you.”

Nozomi just nodded in reply, slumping her shoulders.  She had a feeling that was as close to an apology as she was going to get.  

“Anyway, I’m sure you’re wondering why it is that I called you here.”  

At the Hokage’s change of subject, Nozomi’s ears pinned back slightly and she shifted uncomfortably, looking away.  “You want me to leave, right?  I understand.”

Before Tsunade could utter a response, the girl’s eyes were on her.  “If I can make just one request, I’d like to wait until Naruto-kun gets back.  He’s the one who brought me to the hospital when I collapsed, and I want to thank him for his kindness before I go.” A sad smile spread across her face.  “He’s probably the closest thing I’ve ever had to a real friend. Anyways, I owe him so-”

“That’s enough!”

A drop of sweat trickled down Nozomi’s cheek at the blonde’s outburst, and she looked up, bewildered.  “I’m sorry...?”

Tsunade took a deep breath before speaking.  “First off, Naruto is already back. He’s in the hospital-”  

“The hospital!”  Nozomi’s jaw dropped with this revelation, her eyes widening.  “I-is he alright?!”

Tsunade’s eyebrows drew together in a scowl, and the brunette laughed sheepishly, realizing her mistake.  “S-sorry, sorry!  You were saying?”

The Hokage exhaled heavily and gave the girl a pointed look, warning her not to interrupt again as she resumed speaking.  “As I was saying, he’s in the hospital now, but you’ll have plenty of time to talk to him because I’m not sending you away.  It’s just the opposite- I’m not letting you leave.”

Nozomi stared at the woman in shock.  This was not what she’d been expecting, and she was having a hard time processing it all.  “...Why?”  She finally managed to choke out, swallowing hard.  “You heard what I did...I’m a danger to your village!”

Tsunade’s eyes narrowed, watching the girl carefully.  “Yes, Nozomi.  I’m perfectly aware that a demon resides in your body.  That’s partly why I can’t allow you to leave.  We’re still gathering information to determine what kind of demonic powers you possess.”  

“Pfft, anyone with working eyes can see I’m not normal.” The brunette huffed as she glanced away, swishing her tail back and forth agitatedly.  “Anyways, it’s not a demon like Naruto-kun’s, if that’s what you’re worried about, so I don’t know why it matters so much.”

The Hokage scowled at her, slowly losing her patience with the sass this girl was beginning to display.   “Because it’s my job to know everyone that enters my village, that is why it’s important!”

She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms.  “I need information, so in exchange for your cooperation I am willing to grant you citizenship here in Konoha.”  

‘Ugh, and be forced to talk about the past again?’  Nozomi made a face and folded her arms, standing to her full height.  “What if I refuse?”

Almost immediately, the brunette came to regret asking such a question as a dark aura seemed to fill the room, and Tsunade gave her an unsettling smirk.

“You’ll be locked up for trespassing, and our interrogation specialist, Ibiki will get information out of you his way.”  The woman’s tone suggested torture, and Nozomi felt a wave of terror wash over her.  

“So, what’ll it be?”  Tsunade watched the girl calmly, already knowing her answer.  She didn’t exactly have a poker face, and it was obvious to her that the Ibiki threat had served its purpose.  

Nozomi gulped audibly, sweat dropping.  It didn’t seem like she was going to be leaving Konoha either way.  ‘I might as well cooperate and keep what’s left of my freedom..’

“Okay,” she replied, sighing softly under her breath, “I’ll talk.”

……..

Tsunade pumped every last bit of information out of Nozomi.  From Kumoraku, to the Kubota clan, even to her early childhood.  The woman behind the desk now knew Nozomi better than her own clan had!  

“That’s everything, then?”

Nozomi sighed softly and nodded in response to the Hokage’s question.  “Yes, Hokage-sama.  I’ve told you all I can think of.”  

A satisfied smile appeared on Tsunade’s face.  “Very good.  Of course if you think of anything else that I should know I want you to come to me.  Even if it’s a minor detail.  Understand?”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.” The brunette yawned and stretched her arms above her head, marveling at how stiff one could get from standing in place for so long.  “So, then, is that all you wanted me for?”

Tsunade gave a wave of her hand as she nodded.  “Yes, you’re dismissed.  I’ll call you back once your living arrangements have been made.”

“Okay.  Thank you!”   Nozomi bowed and turned to leave, but at that moment, the door opened and in walked Shizune, carrying a manilla envelope.

The black haired woman grinned at the surprised look on the girl’s face and waved.  “Hey, Nozomi-san!  I told you we’d meet again, didn’t I?  You’re looking well!”

“Shizune, did you get it?” Tsunade spoke up from the back of the room, and her assistant looked up sheepishly.

“Of course, Tsunade-sama!  Right here.” Shizune motioned to the envelope she carried and Tsunade smiled slightly.

“Good.  You know what to do.”

With a nod, Shizune turned back to Nozomi, practically thrusting the envelope into the unsuspecting girl’s hands.

The brunette sweat dropped as she opened it and examined its contents.  “Umm...what’s this?” She glanced at the two women, confused.

Shizune grinned in response.  “It’s an enrollment form for the Academy.  You’re going to become a ninja.  Congratulations!”

Nozomi froze at her words and her eyebrows knit together as she frowned at Tsunade.  “If this is a joke, it’s not very funny.” She mumbled after a few tense moments.

“It’s no joke, Nozomi.” Tsunade narrowed her eyes at the brunette, folding her arms.  “I’m dead serious.”

Just like that, all the self control Nozomi was trying to exercise went out the window, and she scowled at the Hokage.  “This is crazy!  Me?  A ninja?  I don’t even know the first thing about the ninja lifestyle!”

“You’ll learn everything you need to know in the Academy.” Shizune supplied helpfully.

Nozomi gave her a look of disbelief.  “It’s a terrible idea!  Why make a monster like me into a ninja?!”

At her words, the Hokage and her assistant exchanged a look, frowning as they turned back to the distressed girl.  

“Nozomi-san,” Shizune lay a hand on the brunette’s shoulder, giving a gentle smile as she spoke.  “I know what happened to your family was terrible, but you can’t keep calling yourself that.  It’s not your fault things turned out the way they did.”

“Yes it is!” Nozomi cried, jerking away from the woman. “If I’d just stayed with my parents they wouldn’t have had to die, and then I wouldn’t have run in with..him and had the meltdown that ruined everything!”  

Her ears pressed firmly against her head as she turned away, shoulders hunched as she tried not to cry.  “I’m nothing but a monster.  I could never be a ninja.”

“You can, and you will!”  

The brunette turned around quickly, her eyes widening as she found herself looking up at an irate looking Tsunade, and she stepped back slightly.

“Why can’t I just be a normal villager?”

“Look, someone with the kind of potential you possess does not get off just living a normal life.  Our village needs all the strength it can get right now, so I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter.  You’re a part of this village now and it needs your power!”

Nozomi opened her mouth to protest yet again, but a gleam in the woman’s eye shut her up, and she froze, wary of what else the Hokage was going to say.

“Besides that, how else will you pay off your debt?”

A drop of sweat rolled down Nozomi’s cheek and she swallowed hard.  Her instincts had been right, of course.  “My...debt?” she echoed.

“Your hospital bill.”  Tsunade smirked at the panic that filled the girl’s face and gave her an innocent grin. “That is, unless you want to pay it now.”

When the brunette said nothing, she gave a mock gasp.  “Don’t tell me you don’t have that kind of money on you!”

“Um...I actually don’t have any money.” Nozomi admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor.

“Is that right?”  A smug look appeared on Tsunade’s face as she made her way back to her desk and took her seat.  “In that case you’re going to have to work to pay it off.  Let’s see..” She paused, appearing to be deep in thought.  After a moment, she broke the silence.  “Five years.”

Nozomi’s eyes shifted to the woman across the room, widening.  “Five years?!”

With a nod, the Hokage went on to elaborate.  “Once you’ve served as a ninja for five years, your debt will be forgiven.  If you still want to leave so badly by then, I won’t stop you.”

A tense silence fell over the room as Nozomi scowled at the woman, flaring her nostrils in frustration.   ‘It looks like I’m stuck here..’  She may have avoided prison by telling the Hokage what she wanted, but something told her she’d be headed there if she kept fighting on this matter.  

She strode across the room, stopping right in front of the Hokage’s desk, and she leaned over it, narrowing her eyes.  “Five years.” She agreed begrudgingly.  

Tsunade smirked, amused at the girl’s audacity and leaned back in her seat, giving her a dismissive wave.  “Alright, I have work to do, so get out of here, would you?  Don’t forget to fill out that form.  You start class tomorrow, bright and early.”

Nozomi’s teeth clenched tightly together.  “Right.”  She forced a smile and nodded before storming out of the office, nearly tearing the door off its hinges in her haste to get out.  She stomped down the hall, anger burning in her eyes.  The nerve of that woman!

Tsunade waited until the door had shut to slump in her seat, bringing a hand to rest on her temple.  She could feel a headache coming on, and she desperately wished she could go sleep it off.  

It was obvious that Nozomi was upset, but this was for her own good.  The girl would need to harness her demon’s power and learn to use it, in the event that the elders’ plan came to pass.  Tsunade only hoped they’d made the right choice.  

“According to Jiraiya’s report, the Akatsuki are after the Nine Tails.  We have no way of knowing when they’ll strike, so we must prepare while we can.  It would benefit us to keep this jinchuuriki and use her as a decoy.”

Tsunade stared in shock at Koharu, her eyes narrowing slightly at the elderly woman.  “So, you’re suggesting that we trade her life for Naruto’s?”

“If the situation calls for such drastic measures then so be it.”  Homura interjected, giving her a pointed stare.  “The important thing is to keep the village safe, and the Nine Tails secure.”

Tsunade’s brows knit together.  She may not know this new demon host, but it felt wrong to use her as a pawn.  Who were they to weigh the value of one life over another?  Still, it was apparent that she wasn’t going to get any say in the matter.  Both Homura and Koharu seemed adamant in their stand.

“I’ll keep her from leaving the village.” She conceded, “But I won’t just use her as a decoy.  She could be a valuable addition to our military if we can harness her power.”

Koharu gave a disapproving look in the Hokage's direction, folding her arms.  “Do not forget what is really important here, Tsunade.  The village’s safety is priority.  Keeping the Nine Tails secure will ensure its future.  Any feelings you may have about this must be put aside for the sake of the village.”

Clenching her teeth slightly, the Hokage gave a stiff nod, grumbling her consent.

Just thinking back to that meeting made her head pound, and Tsunade exhaled deeply.  She had a feeling these next five years were going to be exhausting to say the least.

She pulled out a book of the Leaf’s ninja and began to flip through it rapidly, scanning its contents intently.  Finally, she found the profile she was looking for, and she stopped, calling Shizune over.

“Shizune, I want you to find this woman.” She said, motioning to the headshot on the page.  “I need to speak with her.”

“Mikkokan-san?“  Shizune’s eyes widened slightly and she gave a nervous grin.  “B-but-- My lady, she’s..I mean..Are you sure you want Nozomi-san staying with somebody so...?”

“Shizune..”

The Hokage’s eyes narrowed, and the brunette quickly stepped back.  “Yes, I’ll get her right away!”  

……..

Nozomi glanced around carefully as she trekked the hospital halls, scanning the numbers on each door.  Now that she had nothing but time, she’d decided to come see Naruto.  She’d been worried ever since Tsunade told her he’d been hospitalized.  

Finally finding the room she was seeking, the brunette knocked lightly on the door.  “Hello, Naruto-kun?”

There was no answer, and she tilted her head.  “I’m coming in, okay?”  

When she still got no answer, she opened the door and entered the room, looking around.  A soft smile graced her features as she saw the blond fast asleep in the crisp, white bed.   That certainly explained his lack of response.  

Moving slow so as not to disturb him, Nozomi approached the bed, gasping softly as she saw how much of him was covered in bandages.  Whatever went down on his mission must have done some serious damage. Even so, he appeared so peaceful in his sleep.  

The brunette smiled, tracing her thumb lightly over one of his whisker markings. “Thank you, Naruto-kun.  If it hadn’t been for you, I’m not sure where I’d be right now.”

The boy shifted, his lips twitching into a smile as he chuckled softly and she pulled her hand back, deciding it was time to leave.  She’d come back later.  For now it was important that he got his rest.  

As Nozomi turned to leave, she was met with resistance and she glanced back, eyes widening as she saw bandaged fingers gripping the hem of her shirt.  “I thought you were asleep!” She sputtered, turning to see Naruto sitting up.

The blond grinned and shook his head.  “I was until you touched my face.”

“Wha?!” Nozomi sweat dropped at this information.  “Why didn’t you say something?!  I would’ve stopped..”

Naruto shrugged as he released her shirt.  “I didn’t want you to.  It felt nice.” He laughed as the brunette facepalmed.  

“Well, at least I don’t have to repeat myself, then.” She sighed, glancing over her shoulder at the door.  “I should go.  I have to figure out where to stay tonight.  Sorry I woke you.”

Before she could move, Naruto grabbed her wrist, giving her a pleading look.  “Stay, Nozomi-chan.”

“What?!”  The brunette jerked away, her face turning pink as she shook her head.  “I can’t stay here!  The nurses will kick me out!” She sputtered.

Naruto stared at her for a minute before bursting into laughter, and Nozomi folded her arms across her chest.  This was the second time that someone had laughed at her discomfort today, and she wasn’t amused.

“Sorry, Nozomi-chan.” The blond smiled sheepishly after a moment, rubbing the back of his head as he spoke.  “I think you misunderstood.  I meant you should stay in the village.”  He paused, raising his eyebrows at the relieved look on the brunette’s face.  “Now I’m curious.  What’d you think I meant?”

Nozomi sputtered, looking away in embarrassment as her blush darkened and he chuckled. “You’re cute when you blush, you know that?”

The brunette sucked in sharply through her teeth and narrowed her eyes at him before glancing off to the side.  “No way.” she mumbled.

“It’s true.”

“Sh-shut it..” Nozomi groaned, flattening her ears and hiding her face in her hands.  It was embarrassing enough he’d caught her misunderstanding; now he was rubbing it in by flirting with her!  Why did life insist on dealing her more than she could handle today?  First the Hokage all but blackmailed her into serving as a ninja, and now Naruto was teasing her.  It just wasn’t fair!

After a few minutes she was able to calm down, and with a sigh, the brunette glanced at Naruto again.  Her stare landed on his bandaged face, and she wondered again what had happened to him.

“What are you thinking?” The blond asked, noticing her change of expression and she looked at him in concern.

“I was just wondering how on earth you got so beat up.  That’s a lot of bandages..”

“Oh...that.”  Naruto’s smile faded, and the brunette watched him, confused and wondering if she’d said something to offend him.  Before she could ask, he spoke again.

“It was my friend, Sasuke.  I tried to stop him from leaving the village…” The boy trailed off, clenching his fist tightly.  The look on his face told the rest of the story, and Nozomi felt a pang of sympathy for him.  “I’m still gonna bring him back, even if it kills me -ttebayo!  I made a promise and I never go back on my word!”

Naruto gave a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and the girl clenched her fist tightly at her sides, her mind racing.  ‘That’s it.  If I have to be a ninja, I’ll do it for Naruto-kun.  Maybe if I get strong enough, I can repay his kindness by helping him bring Sasuke-san back.’

“Hey, are you okay?  You look a little dazed.”

Nozomi blinked back from her thoughts abruptly and smiled sheepishly.  “Yeah, I’m fine.  Just got lost in thought I guess.”

“I could tell.”  Naruto smirked at the girl, raising an eyebrow.  “What were you thinking about thistime, Nozomi-chan?”

His tone suggested he was about to tease her again, and the brunette made a face at him.   “Nothing really.  Just how lucky Sasuke-san is to have a friend like you.”

Naruto leaned forward, his eyes lighting up.  “I’d like to be your friend too.”

Nozomi looked at him in surprise.  She wanted to believe him, she really did, but…the memories of her recent incident were too fresh, and the fear of him judging her when he found out squashed the hope she’d briefly felt.  She knew she’d never be able to believe him until she saw how he reacted to what she’d done.  

“No, you don’t.” She mumbled, shaking her head as shadows cast over her eyes.  “Or at least...you won’t want to once you find out..”

Naruto narrowed his eyes in confusion.  “What are you talking about?  Once I find out what?”

‘Well...here goes.  I hope you’re right, Shizune-san..’

With a resigned sigh, the brunette confessed what had happened the night she’d been admitted into the hospital. As she spoke, her eyes were glued to the floor, too ashamed to meet his gaze.  

“I didn’t even remember doing it..my demon had to show me the whole thing to jog my memory.”

“I told you it would turn out like this!” Kumoraku’s voice sneered. “There’s no way he’ll accept you now that he knows what happened!”

Nozomi’s heart sank, and her stomach twisted into knots of uncertainty at the silence that hung over the room.  Naruto had yet to say anything, and she was too scared to look at him now as she began to wonder if Shizune had been wrong.  

Finally gathering all her courage, the brunette lifted her eyes from the ground to look at him.  His eyes were wide, brows drawn together as he stared at her, stunned.  

Tears welled up in Nozomi’s eyes as she saw his expression, and she turned away quickly.  “I’ll go now.”  

“Wait!”

Nozomi paused mid step and shook her head.  “You don’t have to say anything.  The disgust on your face says plenty.”

“What?  It’s not like that- I was just thinking I should’ve stuck around longer that night!  Maybe I could’ve helped prevent what happened!”  Naruto ground out, frustrated.  “I wasn’t looking at you like that because I was mad at you or anything, I swear!”

There was a long pause before the brunette finally replied.  “Regardless,” She glanced back over her shoulder, a bitter smile playing on her lips, “who’d want to be friends with a monster?”

“You’re not a monster!” Naruto ignored his body’s protests as he lunged forward, making a grab for the brunette, only to miss and face plant on the floor.  “Ow!”

Nozomi froze, her body tensing up as she stared down at him, wide eyed.  “What..?”

The blond head of hair lifted from the ground, and pleading, blue eyes stared up at her. “Nozomi-chan..”  

Nozomi’s shock gave way to amusement and she shook her head, striding across the room and kneeling beside the fallen boy.  “What were you thinking?  You need to stay in bed!” She clicked her tongue at him and sighed.  “Hold on, I’ll help you..”

Naruto gave a grateful smile as she swung one of his arms over her shoulder, helping him to his feet, and guiding him back onto the bed.  Once he was tucked in, Nozomi stepped back, her eyes never leaving his.   How could he not see her as a monster after what she’d just told him?  It didn’t make any sense!  

Finally, Naruto spoke, having had enough of the silence. “Look, I know you feel bad about what happened, but you can’t call yourself a monster!” He broke off, clenching his fist tightly as his eyes narrowed at the brunette.  “The one who did that horrible thing wasn’t you.  It was the demon!  It probably wants you to blame yourself so you’ll give up on yourself and others!”

Nozomi’s eyes widened at his words and she shook her head.  “Th-that’s not true!  Kumoraku isn’t...I mean...She’s always taken care of me!”  

“Don’t be stupid!  You can’t trust her!  Look, the Nine Tails is always whispering things, but I don’t listen ‘cause they’re just lies to make me doubt myself!  I’m sure it’s the same thing with Kumoraku -ttebayo!”

The brunette frowned as she recalled her demon’s most recent words, and she looked away.  “Well, she doesn’t always say the nicest things, but still.  She’s been right about every person I’ve ever met!”

“Oh yeah?”  Naruto’s eyebrows furrowed as he folded his arms.  “Well, what does she say about me?”

Nozomi sweat dropped as he put her on the spot, and she glanced down at her toes.  “Well, she said that you and I might be alike, but there was no way you’d ever be my friend once you knew what I’d done.”  She broke off, biting her lip.  

“Is that right?   Well, she was wrong.”

The brunette looked up cautiously to see a serious look on Naruto’s face, and she tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t believe that stupid demon’s lies, Nozomi-chan.”  The blond replied, grinning.  “I’m still gonna be your friend!”

At his words, the brunette stared at him, stunned.  “You...you are?”

“Yeah!  So trust me, and stop listening to Kumoraku!”

Nozomi glanced down again, feeling herself tear up.  Now that she thought about it, Kumoraku hadbeen going out of her way to tell her why she should avoid the boy.  Her reasoning had all been lies, she was confident of that now.  It made her wonder what else the cat may have lied about, but that was something she’d think about later.

‘I...I finally have a real friend...and I’m not a monster..’  The brunette sniffled as tears pricked at her eyes, and she hastily wiped them with the back of her hand.

“Wait!  Why are you crying?!” Naruto blanched, caught off guard by her reaction.  “Did I say something wrong?!”

“No, silly.” A soft laugh escaped the girl, and she lifted her head, smiling shyly.  “I’m just happy.”

“Oh...okay.” Naruto sighed with relief and held out his hand to the girl.  “Friends?”

A tear rolled down Nozomi’s cheek at his gesture, and she nodded in response, gripping his hand in her own.  “Friends.”

“Yeah!” Naruto beamed as he retracted his hand, pumping his fist in the air.  A smirk appeared on his face, and he raised his voice.  “You hear that, Kumoraku?  We’re friends now, whether you like it or not.  So just shut up cause Nozomi-chan’s done listening to your lies!”

There was a pause, and the blond raised an eyebrow as Nozomi snickered.  “What’re you laughing at?”

The brunette smirked in response.  “You made her really mad.”

“Oooh.” Naruto snickered, leaning back and feigning terror.  “Please, don’t hurt me, Kumoraku!” He busted up laughing, hugging his sides.  “Like I’m scared of her.”

“You should be!” Nozomi smirked, putting on her best impersonation of the cat demon as she made an intimidating face.  “When I get out of here, you’ll be sorry, you impudent little punk!  I’ll teach you not to disrespect me, the great and powerful Kumoraku!”

The two demon hosts burst into simultaneous laughter, completely drowning out the profanities the furious demon was screaming at Nozomi.  

When the two had calmed down, Naruto looked at her anxiously. “Now you’ve just gotta stay in Konoha!  I’m sure Grandma Tsunade won’t mind.  You should ask her!”

“Uh...about that…” Nozomi’s ears pressed back and she gave a sheepish smile, holding up the envelope Shizune had given her.  “I don’t get a choice.  She’s making me stay and enrolling me in the Academy to become a ninja like you.”

“Really?!”  The blond leaned forward, his eyes shining with happiness and she gave an awkward laugh, nodding.  

“Yeah, she said it’s the only way I can pay off my hospital bill.”

“Ehh?” Naruto blanched at this, looking disgusted.  “This from the woman who used her transformation jutsu to avoid collectors whenever she lost a bet!”  He sighed, ignoring the brunette’s confused look as he shrugged.  “Anyways, this is great!  After you graduate we could train, maybe even go on missions together!”

The blond paused as another thought hit him.  “Okay!  When I get out of here we’ll go to Ichiraku to celebrate!”

A shy smile found its way onto Nozomi’s face at the boy’s enthusiasm, and she nodded, beginning to feel a little better.  Maybe she could do the whole ninja thing.  “That sounds nice.”

Naruto grinned and flashed her a thumbs up.  “Yeah, you’ve just gotta try it again, I promise this experience will be much better than the first time -ttebayo!”

His enthusiasm was just too contagious, and Nozomi found herself beaming right back at him.  “I look forward to it!”

With a happy sigh, the brunette glanced out the window and her eyes widened.  “Oh my gosh...it’s getting late!  I don’t even know where I’m staying tonight!” She fretted.

Naruto snickered in reply.  “You’d better go find out then, that’s important!”  

“Yeah..” Nozomi flashed him an apologetic look as she stepped back toward the door.  “Sorry about that...feel better, okay?”

“You know it!” Naruto leaned back on his pillow as she opened the door and sighed.  The girl’s presence had served as a nice distraction for him from the frustration he’d felt over losing Sasuke, but now she was leaving, and he’d be consumed by those feelings again.  Realizing he didn’t want to be alone, the blond sat up abruptly, ignoring the pain in his abdomen from the quick movement.  “Nozomi-chan!”

The brunette turned to him questioningly and he smiled softly.  “It gets lonely here...Come see me again, okay?”

‘I know exactly how he feels.’  Nozomi’s eyes softened with understanding, and she gave the boy a warm smile, nodding.  “I’ll come every day...I promise!”  

“I’ll hold you to that.” Naruto smiled and waved as she raced out the door.