The moment we passed through the gates of Konoha, something inside me finally relaxed. We were home. After everything that had happened in the Land of Waves, seeing the familiar streets again felt strangely comforting.
The buildings, the shops, the familiar faces even the noise. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I saw it again. People moved through the streets, carrying groceries, talking with friends, rushing toward work, or simply enjoying another ordinary day in the village.
Children ran past us, laughing loudly as they chased each other. A few shinobi walked by, some of them glancing at us before continuing on their way. Nothing had changed, and yet, somehow, I felt different.
Maybe it was because I knew more now. About myself, about my team, about what I was capable of and about the fact that the world outside Konoha wasn't nearly as simple as I had once believed.
I looked toward Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke was walking with his hands in his pockets, wearing his usual serious expression. Sakura was talking about something that had apparently happened during the mission.
"...and then you just jumped!"
"I had to."
"You didn't have to jump that far!"
"I did."
"You could have warned me!" Sasuke sighed.
"You were standing in the way."
"I was NOT!"
I smiled at the sight Some things really hadn't changed.
"Are you two going to argue the entire way home?"
They both looked at me.
"No."
"Yes."
Sasuke and Sakura answered at the same time. "At least you're honest." Sakura crossed her arms and pout. I just laugh and they continue to bicker.
"He started it."
"I didn't."
"You did."
"I didn't."
I looked at Kakashi. He was walking behind us, reading his book.
"Kashi-sensei?"
"Hm?"
"Tell them they're both annoying." Without looking up from his book, Kakashi answered. "You're all annoying."
I stared at him.
"That's not what I asked."
"Close enough."
Sakura laughed. Even Sasuke's lips twitched slightly. I smiled. For a moment, I forgot about the person hiding somewhere in the village. I forgot about the strange sensation that had followed us from the Land of Waves. I forgot about everything. We were simply Team 7 again. And I liked that. Maybe more than I wanted to admit.
We eventually reached the Hokage Tower. Kakashi led us inside, and the familiar smell of old paper and ink filled the hallway. I hadn't realized how much I disliked this place until I stepped inside.
Maybe it was because every time I came here, I expected someone to tell me what I had done wrong. Or maybe it was because of the way people looked at me.
I pushed the thought away. We had a mission report to finish. The four of us entered the office. The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, looking exactly as he always did.
Old.
Calm.
Almost harmless.
His eyes moved over each of us before settling on Kakashi. "Welcome back, Team 7." Kakashi gave a small nod.
"We've completed the mission." The 3rd Hokage smiled. "I heard there were complications."
Sakura immediately opened her mouth.
"There were—"
Kakashi raised a hand.
"I'll give the report."
Sakura stopped. I noticed it. So did Sasuke. Kakashi began explaining what happened.
The bridge.
The missing-nin.
The mercenaries.
The battle.
The final confrontation.
He described everything carefully. But there were things he left out. Important things. He didn't mention how quickly I had moved. How I know the missing-nin we encountered. He didn't mention what I had done against some of the attackers and the full extent of my abilities.
And most importantly...
He didn't mention what happened during the final battle.
I glanced at him. Kakashi didn't look at me. But I knew. He was protecting my secret. I lowered my eyes. For some reason, that meant more to me than I expected. Before I knew it Kakashi finishes the report. Hiruzen nodded slowly.
"It sounds as though you all performed well."
Sakura smiled, Sasuke remained quiet, and I simply nodded. Then 3rd looked at me.
"Naruto."
I raised my head.
"Yes?"
"You seem quieter than usual." I blinked. Didn't know what to say. Was everyone noticing that? Maybe because I'm in front of the person I dislike the most. "I'm just tired." I simply said. I was really tired though. He studied me for a moment. Then he smiled. "Of course."
I returned the smile. Rather sarcastic smile. But something about his gaze made me uncomfortable. I couldn't explain why. Maybe I was simply being paranoid after what had happened on the road.
'Maybe...'
Still, I made a mental note of….
Observe.
Don't assume.
Don't trust anyone.
That was what Kurama had always taught me. The meeting eventually ended. As we stepped out of the office, I finally exhaled.
"That took forever." Sakura looked at me.
"You were barely paying attention."
"I was."
"You looked like you wanted to fall asleep."
"I was tired."
"You always have an excuse."
"You should know that by now."
Sasuke looked at me and shook his head. As we stopped outside the tower. Sakura adjusted the strap of her bag. "I'm going to the training ground." I looked at her. "Already?" She nodded. "I want to practice."
Something about the way she said it made me pause. There was no complaining. No trying to impress Sasuke. No dramatic declaration. Just determination.
"You don't have to push yourself today."
"I know."
She looked down at her hands.
"But I want to."
It's already good that she realizes her bad ways, and now that she's determined to change that's even better. I just smiled and let her do things her way.
"Then go for it."
Sakura looked surprised for a second then she nodded.
"Thanks, Naruto."
Then she started walking away. That's when I called her.
"Sakura."
She turned around.
"Yeah?"
"Don't forget to rest."
She smiled and raise her hand and wave.
"I won't."
Then she left.
Sasuke watched her go.
"She's serious."
"Yeah."
He looked at me.
"She's changed." I nodded slowly. Still watching Sakura's residing back. "People can change." I added. Sasuke was quiet for a moment. Then he looked at me.
"So can you."
I froze. I know what he means by that. But no, I can't. As long as this village and its people hurts me, I won't change. I looked away. Sasuke notices the sudden change of my emotion.
"During our mission, you were stronger than you let us see." My eyes narrowed slightly. Waiting for what he would say next. "And you were really not trying to hide it from us." I looked at him.
"What makes you think that?" I ask him. I know that he notices my facade. We'll we've been talking about it a few times. but him mentioning it this time made me pause.
"Because if you wanted to hide your strength..." He paused.
"You wouldn't have saved me." I didn't know what to say. Sasuke looked away and started walking.
"Thanks."
It was quiet, almost too quiet. But still I heard it. I can't help but smiles.
"Anytime, little brother."
He turned around and look at me accusingly.
"I told you—"
"Nii-san?"
"Stop." I laughed. "Fine." Rising both of my hands as a sign of withdrawal. Then he sighed. He stood there putting he's hands in he's pockets. Then, after a moment, he smiled.
Just barely.
But I saw it.
And somehow, that tiny smile meant more to me than a hundred words could have.
After Sasuke left, I remained outside the tower for a while. I watched the village. People continued moving through the streets. Everything looked normal. But I knew better now. Normal didn't always mean safe. Well, I'm not really safe anywhere here.
Then I felt a presence behind me. I turned and there, Kakashi stood there. His book was closed.
"You really need to stop doing that."
"Doing what?"
"Appearing out of nowhere."
"Well, to tell you sadly. I was here the whole time." Shock is understatement. He doesn't really like when I don't pay attention to him
"I didn't hear you." Trying to make some excuses hehe..
"That's the point of being a shinobi." He simply said. I sighed. Glad that he let it pass or so I thought.
"You're annoying." Still, I tried to act normal.
"I've been told." He stepped closer. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then Kakashi looked toward the village.
"You've been distracted since we entered." I didn't answer. I don't want to tell him yet. And gladly he didn't ask again. Instead, he leaned against the railing.
"I won't ask what you're thinking." I glanced at him waiting for he's next words when he didn't say anything, I ask.
"Why?"
"Because if you wanted to tell me, you would." That caught me off guard. Most of the time he didn't think that way. He asked questions and demanded answers.
He assumed that he knew what was best because basically. He was my teacher and he have more experience than me. But now, he didn't. He simply waited. That's when I thought that I should tell him parts of what I'm thinking. I know that he would keep me safe. I trust him more than anyone in this village.
I looked towards the village. "I just feel like something isn't right."
It wasn't a lie though. It just wasn't the whole truth. Kakashi's eye narrowed slightly.
"Something from the mission?"
I hesitated.
"Maybe."
He didn't push. Instead, he said quietly,
"You don't have to carry everything yourself."
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
"I know."
"Do you?"
I looked at him, for a few seconds, neither of us moved. Then I smiled slightly.
"I'm learning." Kakashi's eye softened.
"Good."
I looked away. There was something comforting about standing beside him.
No questions.
No pressure.
Just understanding.
"I trust you, Naruto." My chest tightened. He continued. "When you're ready to tell me what's bothering you, I'll listen." I nodded.
"Thank you, Kashi" I dropped the Sensei, since there's only the two of us here. He picked up his book.
"Now go home."
I blinked.
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"You gave me a heartfelt speech and then told me to leave?" He looks at me. Still having he's book in front of he's face.
"I have a book to finish. And who said you're going home in your place today?"
I laughed. Figures..
"You're impossible."
"I've been told." By that he started to walk, but he snatches my hands and drag me.
By the time we reached he's house, the sun had already begun to set. He opened the door and stepped inside. I dropped my bag beside he's couch. Well, I'm not really new to he's house since I've been here multiple times already. I could basically live here though. We just don't want any issues.
'Home.'
I looked around, nothing had changed. But somehow, it felt different. I sat down for several seconds, simply stared at the ceiling. Then I closed my eyes.
'Kura-nii.'
"I'm listening."
'You were right.'
"About what?"
'About patience.'
There was silence. Then I felt his amusement.
"It took you long enough."
I rolled my eyes.
'Don't ruin the moment.'
"You created the moment."
I sighed.
'Can you teach me more about sensing intent?'
This time, Kurama didn't answer immediately. When he did, his voice was serious.
"Tomorrow."
'Why not now?'
"Because you're tired."
'I'm not that tired.'
"You nearly fell asleep during the mission report."
'That was because it was boring.'
"Of course."
I smiled. Then Kurama's voice softened.
"Rest tonight."
'Do I really get to rest tonight' I leaned back.
"Ah…. HAHAHA Goodluck" I mentally rolled my eyes. The only reason I can think why Kakashi brought me here is because of what happen earlier.
'And tomorrow?'
"Tomorrow, we continue your training." I smiled.
'Okay.'
I closed my eyes. For the first time since the mission began, I felt completely relaxed. Maybe everything was finally going to be normal or because I'm finally in my safe zone. I stayed like that for several minutes. Then I felt Kakashi sits besides me.
I smelled he's shampoo. He then puts he's arms around my shoulders. He's hair still damp. Thats when I decided to open my eyes and looked at him. The towel was still in he's head. I straddled him snatched the towel and took the initiative to dry he's hair out.
"Why don't you go and shower too?" He then asks me after good minutes of staring at me. I thought for a while before I reply.
"Too tired" I simply replies.
He raises one brow then lift me bridal style. I was shocked by what he did. I didn't struggle though I was just curious of what he's going to do.
The way he was going is the bathroom. When we were at the bathroom door. He opens it, I thought we would put me down and leave but no. He entered the bathroom while still carrying me. Open the shower head and put us both under the running water.
"What are you doing?" I ask him, because last time I check he was just done getting a shower.
"I'll wash you, your tired right? Let me do it."
"Put me down Kashi I can do it myself" He did put me down but he didn't leave. I sighed and shakes my head. I started to disregard all my clothes. He just stands there watching me. He was topless after all.
"Are you seriously going to take a shower again?"
"Nope, I'm going to admire your body, don't forget that you still have punishment to serve for ignoring me back in the tower"
"I didn't mean to" after I said that he attacked my lips.
"Either way. You're getting a punishment" he said and continue attacking my lips. I didn't resist; I let him do everything he wants. After all these things are normal to us.
He's kisses trail down to my neck, then down to my chest. He stayed there. Sucking my nipple while playing at the other one. I was moaning mess. My hands grip a handful of he's hair. The shower is still on.
"I missed you Naru" He gets back up and kissed me again. I felt he's tongue slid inside my mouth. He then carries me. My thighs encircled to he's waist; I hold on to he's shoulder, afraid to fall. We still messily kissing each other. I felt it he's bulge down there. I chuckled a bit. He stops when he hears me chuckling.
"What" he asks, still carrying me. I smiled at him before speaking. I hug him and rest my head to he's shoulder. He's hands still in my tights supporting me, for me not to fall.
"Kashi…. Can you put a label in our relationship" I felt him froze and get tense for a bit. He then puts me down and looks straight to my eyes.
"Are you getting tired about us?" he answered me with a question too, great. I mentally rolled my eyes. I just shake my head as an answer. He then touches my cheeks with both of he's hands and cares it. I leaned in more to he's hands and close my eyes.
"I love you Naru…. I thought you already knew that." He said, looking at me seriously. I open my eyes and meets he's I saw how genuine he is. I felt like crying right now, because all I can see in he's eyes is genuine love and adoration.
"I can't make it official because of what position we both are in. You basically still a minor and I'm your Sensei. Though I feel like a trash because of the things I'm doing to you, clearly is not a student-teacher should do." He's lengthy response. I keep quite and listen to him intently. I also have thought like that, I just didn't realize that he had it harder because between the two of us he will be more hold accountable.
"I love you Naruto, I don't want to lose you just because you're a minor and I'm your teacher. We can keep our relationship for us, for now at least up until you're in age to announce your relationship with me." I nodded as an approval to what he proposes.
"I just want a clarification; I don't want to think that were just fucking with nothing but only lust" I said, he smiles at me and nodded reassuringly.
"Hold on to this..." He then slid a ring to my pinky finger. It was black band and had a thin line of gold in the middle. "This should serve as my promise to you. I only love and choose you, only you.." My eyes watered for what he did. I don't deserve him really. Kami blessed me with a person like him.
I look up to him tears running down my cheeks. "I love you Kashi…" I said to him. He then smiles and hugged me tightly. We stayed like that of a bit then he carries me again. "Maa… lets continue what we're doing" after he said that he attacked my lips, yet again.
"Ghaadd I can't get enough of you" Kakashi said then push me into the wall. He's kiss went down to my neck then back up to my ears. I was a moaning mess. He then puts me down then get to he's knees. When I look down to him, he was starting to suck me.
I moan loud enough for him to continue. I saw heaven when he deep throated me. The sound of he's moan send vibration to my thing. He continues he's attacks until I cum deep to he's throat.
"Yet I thought, I was getting a punishment" I said still high, catching my breath.
"Don't think that you'll getting any rest tonight baby.." He said then turn me over. I felt him position himself without any preparation he entered me I moan loud enough that even the sound of shower couldn't suppress it. He moves behind me and.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. then rest is history….
After several round we finally rest. We now lying in he's bed. Dinner's long forgotten because of how tired we both are. My back is killing me but I know Kurama will heal it. Well, he just really doesn't like me being hurt somewhere.
I look up Kakashi's sleeping face. After all I was the only lucky ninja alive to watch he's bare face. The luxury of knowing what he looked like under that hideous mask. I trace he's nosed and watched him crunch a bit. "I love you" I whispered to him and finally close my eyes.
Then—
Suddenly, there a faint pressure. So, brief I almost missed it. I opened my eyes and sat up. The room was silent, Kakashi still sleeping. I looked towards the window. I saw nothing. I slowly stood.
'Kura-nii.'
When I get no answer, my eyes narrowed.
'Kura-nii?'
This time, his voice came quietly.
"I felt it."
My heart began beating faster. I walked towards the window. There was nothing outside. Just the peaceful village sleeping through the night. But then I noticed something. A single leaf rested on the windowsill. It was still damp freshly torn from a tree.
I stared at it.
I hadn't opened the window. The breeze hadn't been strong enough to bring it inside. Someone had been here. Very recently. My fingers curled around the edge of the windowsill.
'They're watching me.'
Kurama's voice was low.
"Perhaps."
'You don't sound surprised.'
"I'm not."
I looked into the darkness outside.
'Why?'
There was a long silence.
Then—
"Because whoever followed you home wasn't following Team 7."
My blood ran cold.
'Then who were they following?'
Kurama didn't answer immediately. When he finally did, his voice was quieter than before.
"You." I stared into the darkness. And suddenly, the peaceful feeling of coming home disappeared. I looked at Kakashi's still sleeping face.
'I should tell him'
"If that's what you think best, then go tell him. I'm right here kit"
What Kura-nii said made me smile.
"Go get some rest, after your exhibitions earlier, you must be tired" My face flush red by what he said. I go back to bed and lies beside Kakashi. I slid more beside him and hug him. Feeling me gets closer, Kakashi turned facing me. He then kisses me in my forehead and returned my hug.
"Sleep, I'll keep watching" I followed Kurama and sleep the night away.