Naruto Shippuden: Swan SongCh5

Naruto Shippuden: Swan Song

Chapter Five

Naruto’s Birthday Part 1:
Good old Kakashi



“Tsunade, you do know sooner or later Naruto will be asking about his heritage.” Jirayia said.

“I know. That’s what I’m afraid about.” Tsunade said.

“He looks a lot like his mother. Where did she go after the attack?” Jirayia asked.

“The 3rd sent her over somewhere near the land of waves. But wherever she is exactly, not even the 3rd knew where she was.” Tsunade bitterly said.

***
She remembers that day. It was their last conversation before Jirayia left with Naruto for their 2 and a half year departure. She also remembers how sad Sakura was when Naruto left. But that was the only time she was sad, Tsunade reassured her that Naruto will be fine; he was with one of the legendary Sannin after all. The rest of her training went smoothly. It was mind wrenching, it tested her physical strength. It made Sakura stronger and smarter. She grew up and blossomed into a powerful, but yet very stunning assertive woman.

Why did she just suddenly ponder this memory about Naruto’s heritage? Today was Naruto’s birthday. He was now 16 on this day. For the first time, this action of asking about his heritage is now becoming very possible. It should be a happy experience, but when he is going to ask about his father, then it might become deadly. The Kyuubi might take control of Naruto, and the death of some villagers might follow.

Tsunade poured a cup of sake; it was her 5th glass today. She would usually drink 3 glasses at every given day, but today was really stressful. Okay, why in the first place would Naruto ask about his heritage? Well here in Konoha, the coming of age is 17. But the year of anyone asking about their heritage is 16. She inhaled the drink in one try.

“Hey Shizune?” Tsunade asked her assistant.

“Yes, Tsunade-Sama?” Shizune replied.

“Get Naruto’s friends, we’re throwing him a surprise party.” Tsunade said with a inebriated smile.

“Yes. I’ll go gather them immediately.” Shizune said with excitement.

Naruto was slurping down his 3rd bowl of ramen. Eating 3 bowls of ramen is like a snack to Naruto. He had the stomach of a bottomless pit. Sometimes, Teuchi will ask Naruto to stop eating, that’s how much Naruto can eat. Seconds later, he finished the 3rd bowl down.

“Hey old man, hand me another one.” Naruto said with one of his goofy smiles. Teuchi happily prepared another bowl for him.

“God, do you ever stop eating?”

Naruto turned around; he saw it was no other than Kakashi.

“Hey Kakashi-Sensei! Wanna join me for lunch?” Naruto asked his sensei.

“For old time’s sake, sure.” Kakashi said as he sat down with Naruto.

“So how’s life Kakashi-Sensei? Have you finished that book of yours?” Naruto asked Kakashi.

“Unfortunately, yes I did. It was better than the original. So how’s life treating you?” Kakashi said to the hyperactive blond.

“Heh, not much. Just enjoying this really long break. It’s strange isn’t it that we haven’t had a mission in over a month?” Naruto asked Kakashi.

“Yes, it is. Never before in my ninja career have I had such a long break. But who’s complaining?” Kakashi said nonchalant.

“Right!” Naruto said.

“So…” Kakashi said with a smile hidden in his mask. “I’ve heard around the village that you and Sakura are having secret outings with each other. Is this true?” Kakashi knew what had happen that night a month ago. He saw Naruto and Sakura sharing their first kiss. He knew that it was very breath.

“Kakashi, I can see right through you, you were spying on us aren’t you?” Naruto bluntly said to his sensei.

“Hey, you weren’t supposed to see me.” Kakashi whined jokingly.

“I didn’t.”

“Eh? Then how do you know I spied on you two then?” Kakashi said in shock.

“You said secret. Nobody, except you knows that we are having good times with each other. So that’s how I know that you are spying on us. How can it be secret if anybody else but me and Sakura-Chan knows about it.” Naruto said to his sensei.

“Damm, I’m impressed. You really have grown in terms of body and mind. So, are you two, well, you know boyfriend and girlfriend?” Kakashi said uncharacteristically. Naruto nodded.

“No.” Naruto stated.

“No, what do you mean no?” Kakashi asked.

“That’s what I said, no.” Naruto answered his sensei.

“Uhh, let me guess. It’s Sakura’s inability to decide if she wants a relationship with you?” Kakashi said. That was eerily precise. God, he even listens to their conversations.

“Yes.”  Naruto said to his sensei.

“Naruto, if you don’t mind if I put my professional take on this situation. But I think that she already falled for you that night. Does she still have feelings for Sasuke?” Kakashi asked Naruto.

“She told me that she doesn’t. What’s the significance in that?” Naruto asked Kakashi.

“The significance in that is this, if she’s hanging out with you, brining you lunch, looking at the sunset, and feeding you for heaven’s sakes, it tells you that she likes you very much. Even more, that’s what married people do! How can you not see this?!” Kakashi said to Naruto.

“Look, if she says that she needs time to decide, then I give her that time.” Naruto maturely said. Kakashi’s eyes widen in spectacle of Naruto’s maturity. He has always known since the day Naruto was his sensei that Naruto cared deeply for Sakura. He it amazed him that Naruto had such deep feelings at a early age. Most of the time for kids his age it’s always puppy love. Rarely that kid’s his age will have deep meaningful feelings for another person.

“Well, whatever she decides, you will respect anyway, right?” Kakashi asked Naruto.

“I’m her friend before anything else. And friends respect other friend’s decisions. So, yes I will respect her decision.” Naruto honorably said.

“Well, I’m rooting for you. See ya when this mission less streak ends.” Kakashi said, and disappeared without a trace. Naruto finished his 4th bowl; he paid and left to take a walk in the park.

-End of Chapter 5-