Moonlight filtered through the leaves. Kakashi was sitting leaning against a large tree, absorbed, as always, in one of Jiraiya's bright orange 'Icha Icha' novels.
A rustle of leaves, too loud to be just the wind, alerted him. Kakashi didn't look up immediately; his visible eye continued to scan the page.
"Still glued to that literary masterpiece, Kakashi? Anyone would think you'd have it memorized by now."
The voice, deep and familiar, held a jovial tone. Kakashi slowly lowered the book, marking his page with an expert finger. Jiraiya stood there, arms crossed, his usual mischievous grin in place, though perhaps a bit more subdued than usual.
"Jiraiya-sama," Kakashi greeted, his voice calm and even. "It requires careful and continuous study. The nuances are... complex."
Jiraiya chuckled, walking closer. "Right. 'Complex.' Well, even the most dedicated scholar needs a break. Care to join me?"
Kakashi eyed the book longingly for a fraction of a second before tucking it into his vest pouch. He rose smoothly. "Where are we going?"
"Just a walk," Jiraiya said, heading at a leisurely pace toward the path nearing the village. "It clears my mind. Besides, I have something for you. Or rather, for someone."
They walked in silence for a few moments as the sounds of the village drifted up to them.
"So," Kakashi began, looking straight ahead. "He's grown, huh?"
"He has," Jiraiya confirmed. "Taller. Louder, if you can believe it. And stronger. Definitely stronger."
"I sensed as much," Kakashi admitted. "His chakra volume... it's more controlled, but his reserves are immense."
"Two and a half years of dodging my 'research' attempts and surviving my training methods will do that to a kid," Jiraiya said, rubbing his chin. "I taught him what I could. Pushed him hard. But..."
He stopped, turning slightly toward Kakashi, his expression losing its usual frivolity. "My part in his direct training is over for now, Kakashi. He needs to reintegrate here. He needs his team. He needs you."
Kakashi met his gaze, his visible eye serious. "I understand. Team 7 needs an evaluation. Let's see how they work together now."
"More than that," Jiraiya said, resuming his stride, his voice lower. "He needs protection. Constant vigilance."
"The Akatsuki," Kakashi stated. It wasn't a question.
Jiraiya nodded grimly. "They're making their move. They're not content to stay in the shadows anymore. My network has picked up rumors, confirmations. They're actively hunting the Jinchuriki."
He looked at Kakashi seriously. "And Naruto... Naruto is their primary target. That Fox inside him is the most powerful of the Tailed Beasts. They won't stop. They'll throw everything they have at him."
Kakashi remained silent, absorbing the warning. The legacy of his sensei, the Fourth Hokage, felt clear in that moment.
"I've done what I can to prepare him," Jiraiya continued. "Taught him to counter genjutsu to a degree, to manage the Fox's chakra better... but he's still reckless. Still dives headfirst into danger. He needs a firm hand to guide him. Someone who understands the risks here, in the village."
"I won't let them take him," Kakashi said, his voice quiet but firm.
"I know you won't," Jiraiya replied. "But it won't be easy. They're strong. Relentless. Every member is S-rank. You'll need more than just your Sharingan."
He sighed, running a hand through his wild white hair. "I've spread the word. Alerted everyone I trust in the neighboring villages: Suna, Kiri, even some contacts further out. I warned them about Akatsuki, about their targets. They need to be ready, too. This isn't just Konoha's problem."
They reached an overlook with a view of the village, the Hokage faces carved into the cliff wall before them.
"But Konoha," Jiraiya said grimly, "is where Naruto is in the most danger. Keep him close. Train him well. Don't let him out of your sight if you can help it. The peace we've had won't last much longer."
Kakashi nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the village below, and then on Minato's stone face. "Understood, Jiraiya-sama. He's in my care."
Jiraiya clapped him on the shoulder, a heavy, meaningful gesture. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, all this serious talk has dampened my research inspiration. Time to gather new material." Jiraiya's smile returned, though the seriousness lingered in his eyes before he turned and headed back to the village.
******
In Sunagakure, Gaara was in his office, focused on a scroll on his desk. The Kazekage's work was endless. A sharp knock sounded on the heavy wooden door.
"Enter," Gaara said. His voice was quiet, but it carried easily in the silence.
Baki entered, his usual severe expression in place. He gave a respectful bow. "Kazekage-sama."
Gaara looked up and set the scroll aside. "Baki. What is it?"
"The Council requests your presence, Lord Kazekage," Baki informed him. "They wish to meet immediately."
Gaara's eyebrow arched slightly, the only visible sign of his surprise or perhaps mild irritation. "The entire Council? Was a reason given?"
"They want to discuss the village's security protocols," Baki explained, "and review the recent information provided on external threats."
Gaara understood instantly. Akatsuki. Jiraiya's warning. "Understood, Baki. Lead the way." He rose smoothly, adjusting his Kazekage hat; his movements precise and fluid.
In the council chamber, Yūra, a Jōnin respected for his diligence, stood up.
"Esteemed Council members, Lord Kazekage," Yūra began, his voice clear and firm. "As requested, I present the quarterly report on the village's development and security."
He unrolled a scroll. "Sunagakure has experienced considerable prosperity in recent years. Our trade routes are secure, and morale in the village is stable, thanks in large part to the Lord Kazekage's leadership."
He paused, briefly meeting Gaara's steady gaze before continuing. "Furthermore, the adoption of certain logistical and shinobi training methodologies observed in Konoha, particularly regarding teamwork and mission diversification, has proven... remarkably effective in increasing our mission success rates and economic stability."
Murmurs of approval, perhaps a bit begrudging from some of the older members, were heard around the table.
"However," Yūra's tone shifted, growing more serious. "This period of stability highlights potential external threats. As you know, Jiraiya of the Sannin provided crucial intelligence during his recent passage through our territory."
The silence in the room deepened.
"He confirmed that the organization known as Akatsuki is mobilizing," Yūra stated clearly. "Their primary targets, as we understand it, are the Jinchuriki, possessors of the Tailed Beasts."
All eyes subtly shifted to Gaara, who remained completely still, his expression unreadable, remaining calm as always.
"Jiraiya-sama specifically warned they would come here," Yūra emphasized. "For the Lord Kazekage. While our defenses have been strengthened and our shinobi are on alert, we must recognize the severity of this threat. Akatsuki's agents are reputed to be S-rank criminals, with unique and devastating abilities."
He looked directly at Gaara. "We must finalize contingency plans. The Lord Kazekage's safety is paramount, but so is the safety of the village in the event of an attack."
The council discussed procedures, patrol routes, and potential evacuation plans. Gaara listened in silence, occasionally asking a direct question or giving a quiet order.
Just outside the Council Chamber, moments after the meeting concluded, Yūra was walking alongside another Suna Jōnin.
"A productive meeting, don't you think?" the other shinobi commented. "The Council was receptive to reinforcing the border patrols."
Yūra nodded, rubbing his forehead distractedly. "Yes, it went well. The Lord Kazekage's presence keeps them focused." He stopped abruptly, letting out a sharp hiss. He clapped a hand to his temple, gripping it tightly.
"Yūra?" the other shinobi asked, turning in concern. "Are you alright? You've gone pale."
Yūra kept his head down for a moment, his knuckles white as he gripped his temple. Then, he straightened, forcing a smile.
"It's nothing," he said, waving his hand vaguely. "Just a headache. I suppose I've spent too much time indoors listening to the monotonous chatter of the council elders." He let out a weak chuckle.
"Are you sure?" his comrade pressed, frowning slightly. "It looked pretty bad for a moment."
"Yes," Yūra insisted, starting to walk again, though perhaps a bit stiffly. He rubbed his temple one last time. "I just need some fresh air. Don't worry. I'm fine."
He walked away down the stone corridor, leaving his concerned colleague to watch him go. Alone for an instant, Yūra put his hand to his head; a flash of genuine pain crossed his face before it was quickly masked.
******
Idiot, idiot, idiot!
Naruto ran through the dark streets of Konoha, his sandals slapping the pavement. The lights in the houses were mostly out. The village was asleep.
But he wasn't. He was running. Running from his own stupidity.
I should have thought of her first! Right from the start! When I left the stupid basement!
He vaulted over a closed vegetable stall, landing with a dull thud on the other side.
Responsible married man, my butt! I'm terrible at this! Worse than filing! Worse than fighting the rat-thing!
He pictured Hinata. Alone. In their apartment. Clean, yeah, thanks to Sakura-chan. But empty and silent.
What would she be doing?
I hope she's not crying. I definitely don't want her to cry. Hanabi would kill me. Or worse, make me clean her room in the Hyuga compound.
He shuddered at the thought.
Or I hope she's not cleaning. We already cleaned! There can't be anything left to clean! Unless... does dust come back that fast?
Cleaning paranoia. Great. Another side effect of living in fear of Hiashi.
Or... I hope she's not talking to Mr. Ukki. That would be... weird. Really weird. Do dead plants even listen?
He shook his head, trying to clear the strange images.
I just... hope she's okay! That's it! That she's okay!
He reached his building. He took the stairs three at a time, his heart pounding with a mix of panic and guilt.
He reached his door. He took a deep breath. Wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
Okay. Responsible. Mature. Like... like Iruka-sensei. Or Kakashi-sensei. No. Like the Third Hokage. Yeah. Wise. Calm.
He opened the door. Carefully this time. No kicking.
The apartment was silent. Spotless. It smelled... different. Dried flowers? Tea?
Hinata was sitting at the small wooden table by the window. The same chair as before. But she wasn't rigid.
She had lit a small oil lamp he didn't even know he owned. The warm light illuminated her face as she read a thick scroll, her finger tracing the lines of text.
She was... focused. Calm.
Naruto stood still in the doorway, watching her for a second. It was... different from the panicked image he'd had in his head.
He closed the door behind him. The soft click made her jump.
The scroll fell from her hands, rolling across the table.
"AH! Naruto-kun!" Her eyes flew open, surprise and a slight panic returning to them. "W-welcome home."
The phrase still sounded weird. But less terrifying than before.
"I... I-I thought you'd be... working later." Her voice was a whisper.
Naruto walked in, slipping off his sandals. "I was. Working. And then... eating ramen."
"Oh." The tension returned to her shoulders. She looked down.
"But... anyway," he continued, moving closer to the table. "What're you reading?"
"Huh?" She looked up, surprised by the question. "Oh... it's... it's a medical scroll. About... antidotes for insect venoms. Sakura-san... lent it to me."
"Insect venoms?" Naruto made a face. "Yuck. Why are you reading that?"
"I-it's... interesting," she whispered. "And... and useful. For... for Shino-kun. Sometimes... his insects... get angry."
Naruto blinked. "Shino's insects... get angry?"
"Y-yes."
"Whoa. That's... terrifying."
There was a silence. She looked at the fallen scroll. He looked at his hands.
"There was an incident," he said finally.
Hinata's head snapped up, her eyes full of instant worry. "An incident? At Ichiraku's? Are you okay? Did you choke? Did Sakura-san hit you?"
"No! I'm fine! Nobody hit me!" Well, Sakura almost did. "It was... it was Teuchi. The old man."
"Teuchi-san?"
"Yeah." Naruto scratched the back of his neck. The embarrassment returned. "He... well... he saw us arrive together. Me and Temari."
Hinata shrank in on herself. "Oh, no."
"And... well... he thought..." Naruto swallowed. "He thought Temari was... my... my second... y'know."
Hinata's eyes went wide. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. "S-second?"
"Yeah! I know! It's ridiculous! Like I could even...!" He stopped. "Well, the point is, he thought that! And he said it! Out loud! In front of everyone!"
"Oh, kami..." Hinata whispered, bringing a hand to her mouth.
"And Temari got mad! Really mad! She thought I was insulting her! And Ayame had to knock Teuchi out with a frying pan!"
"Ayame-chan... hit her father?"
"Yeah! It was... it was pretty awesome! CLANG!" Naruto mimicked the sound. "And then Ayame thought I was flirting! And Sakura-chan showed up! And she explained it! That we weren't flirting! That Temari is my boss!"
He let all the air out in a rush. "It was... a disaster."
Hinata stared at him, processing the chaotic story. Then, her shoulders relaxed a little. "B-but... it got sorted out?"
"Yeah! It got sorted out! Sakura-chan fixed it! Her and Temari... became friends! I think! They talked about how lazy Shikamaru is! And about hitting me!"
"Oh."
"But..." Naruto stopped. He met her eyes. "While I was there... eating my ramen..."
He paused.
"I realized something."
Hinata waited, her eyes fixed on his. "Yes?"
"That I'm an idiot."
Hinata blinked. She opened her mouth to protest. "N-no, Naruto-kun, you're not..."
"Yeah," he cut her off, his voice quiet. "I am. Because I was there. Laughing. Eating. Like nothing. And you..."
He gestured to the empty room. To the lonely chair.
"You were here. Alone."
Hinata looked down, a deeper blush spreading down her neck. "I-I... I was fine, Naruto-kun. I was... reading."
"It's not fine," he said. His voice was firm. Surprisingly firm. "It's not fine for me to be out eating ramen while you're here alone. Not after... well. Everything."
He felt responsible. For real. Not the fake bravado from before.
"We're... well..." He choked on the word. It was too soon. "...we're friends. Right?"
Hinata looked up, surprised. "Y-yes! Of course we are, Naruto-kun!"
"And... and now we're... 'engaged'," he said, making air quotes. The word still tasted weird. "Even if it's... y'know. Because of the execution."
Hinata winced. "Y-yes."
"So..." Naruto took a deep breath. "I don't want you to be stuck here alone while I'm... eating ramen."
He realized how dumb that sounded. Again.
"I mean! What I mean is... I want you to eat ramen, too! With me! And... and with Sakura-chan! And... and Temari, I guess! Even though she's scary!"
He just stood there, feeling awkward. Exposed.
Hinata looked at him. She saw the sincerity in his blue eyes. She saw the mix of guilt and... concern?
"You... you want me to eat ramen... with you?" she whispered.
"Yeah!" he said, way too loud. He calmed himself. "Yeah. I mean... if you want to. You don't have to. If you're tired. Or if Temari scares you. Or if... if you don't like ramen that much..."
He trailed off, feeling like he was babbling.
He held out his hand. Just an offer.
"Wanna come? Right now. They're still there. Sakura-chan and Temari. We can eat together."
He paused. "My treat."
Hinata looked at his outstretched hand. It was dirty. With ink and dust from the basement. But it was there.
She looked at his face. Saw the nervous smile. The hope in his eyes.
A small, tiny, hesitant smile appeared on Hinata's lips.
"Y-yes, Naruto-kun."
Her voice was barely a whisper. But it was there.
"I-I'd like that. Very much."
Naruto felt a wave of relief so strong he almost staggered. His own smile widened, genuine this time.
"AWESOME! Fantastic! Let's go! I'm still hungry! And you barely ate! You need energy! For reading about poison insects!"
Hinata laughed. A soft, musical sound that filled the quiet room. "Y-yes."
She stood up, gathering the scroll.
"Wait!" Naruto said. "Don't... don't you want to change? Or... something?"
Hinata looked down at herself. She was wearing a simple light purple dress and dark pants. Comfortable clothes for being at home. "I-is something wrong?"
"No! No! You look great!" he said, way too fast. He turned red. "I mean...! I just thought...! Never mind! You're perfect! Let's go!"