#you've got me rereading our former rps and i cannot believe how far we've come with the loving story of these two

[magmaprincess]

A test of the will of the heart. Mei already hopes the tides go one way, but as Akawarai had wisely mentioned, Naruto would make any young girl very happy. Blessed be the one that becomes the keeper of his heart. And what felt more like a punishment proved itself to be a true test of fate, the one in regard to the heart proving more challenging than any stamina challenge or speed challenge to feat through. This thought alone is what soothed what could have been a heartache, knowing that in the years of Naruto’s ongoing life he will always be the bringer of happiness to someone. ♡

Mei matches her gaze with the elder swordsman, warmed by his recent quip of making light of some statements himself; it seems a bit of her had rubbed off on him throughout his years of serving by her side as well! In the wider sense of truth, there was no one’s devotion as matched as Naruto’s and Mei Terumi’s. Akawarai already knew this very much. Matchmaking was surely not far from his reach ...

“I believe in Naruto. I know he will do only what is best for his heart.” In her gentle contemplation, she quells the fear of Ao, for she knows Naruto hasn’t wronged her and Kirigakure yet. “Trust.” She had picked up on some quips of Naruto herself, lately, her smile making a personal home on her face for she knows everything will be okay. It always turns out that way. ‘Believe it!’ Her layered hand on top of Ao’s only hopes to pass on some of that optimism he was always so contagious for.

And with meditation absorbed in the depths of her inner being awakens her vision back to Akawarai, she’s met in time with the most beautiful scroll to have existed. The one that bears the existence of life of her precious Naruto. Officiating that he was here, in Kiragakure, he always was. She has never picked up her brush faster than now.

“You’ve done this nation a great service,” Words once bestowed to her great elder swordsman once when young Naruto was found at door’s death once upon a time ago, but she was far from finished with his council, “And you will continue to do so.” Her hand grip on his is latching. A woman her age should already know what is inevitable one day, but she is just not ready for that day yet, allowing her hand squeeze to selfishly insist on his eternal stay otherwise. Even if her smile tries to portray otherwise.

‘Naruto is Kirigakure’s future.’ This much was already predicted in the stars the moment they’ve first layed their eyes on the young Uzumaki. And they’ve yet to be proven wrong.

Akawarai's eyes narrowed momentarily. The man was nothing if not observant. He had a keen eye for noticing and reading beyond the words and actions. It was why he had been put in charge of finding the best of Kiri's newest generations. He could cut through the walls that often stopped so many others. So he could see there was more to Mei's reaction than most. The elder swordsman then drummed his fingers along the top of the cane again. "Matchmaking is a little hobby of mine." He said without one hint of sarcasm or jest. However, he quickly moved on. "You're right that there is little that can change what the heart yearns for. But I gave Jiraiya that task for a reason." A test. If Jiraiya could not break Naruto's driven affection for Mei in three years? Either the toad sage had lost his touch or the devotion was just that strong. "Lord Akawarai. Surely this whole...thing is a bit too much. Trying to manipulate or deter Naruto..." Ao starts. Akawarai snorts before tilting his head. "I am merely doing what is best for Kiri and its future. Trust in that if anything, Ao." He looked back to Mei and reached to adjust his haori. "I managed to track down people from his life before all of this. Namely the people he encountered while fighting Zabuza. Found out a few things. Did you know they named a bridge after him? Anyway, I've hired the master carpenter. Tazuna. He is going to construct a grand gift to Naruto with help from others." Akawarai smiled a coy smile as he produced a scroll. "This scroll, for you to seal and sign, is an official declaration instating the Uzumaki Clan as an official Noble Clan of Kirigakure. Support from other clans is inside. The last of my gifts to him and in a way...to you." Akawarai wasn't getting any younger and his health had been in decline for the past year - he knew his time was coming sooner or later. It was becoming apparent that he was preparing things for after his death. He was giving his final gifts to the boy he turned into a man - a trained and dangerous man. The Uzumaki Clan being instated as a Noble Clan of Kirigakure meant there were certain protections and provisions given to them. It made Naruto a very protected individual politically within Kirigakure - something that would no doubt not go over well with some. But it was all for a future that must come to pass. Akawarai relaxes his stance once the scroll was taken.