Chapter Text
Naruto stood at the edge of the village, eyes cast toward the fading horizon, where the sun bled into the sky, heavy with the weight of all that had been said and left unsaid. The wind swept through the air, carrying with it a quiet, almost imperceptible ache. Time felt like it had stretched out, leaving him suspended between the past and whatever lay ahead.
Sasuke was gone. Again.
And yet, for all that he had prepared himself for this moment, nothing could have prepared him for the quiet that followed. It wasn’t the silence of peace, but the silence of something unfinished, something broken. The promise between them was now just a memory, a ghost, lingering in the space where words had failed to reach.
He could still hear Sasuke’s footsteps fading into the distance, like a distant drumbeat that would eventually stop altogether. But it wasn’t just the sound of a person leaving. It was the sound of a part of himself slipping away, unnoticed, as the world carried on.
Naruto exhaled slowly, a soft breath lost in the vastness of the sky. “He left me behind again.” He whispered weakly.
The question lingered in his mind. Was it really? Was it really his choice to make? To leave… to walk away? He had always known Sasuke had to go, but now, standing in the aftermath, it felt different. It felt like the end of something more than just a journey.
The sun dipped lower, the world around him bathed in the deepening hues of twilight. But even as the colors bled into one another, he remained still, watching, waiting for something he couldn’t name. The days before had rushed by fleeting smiles and hope, but now… now, it was as though everything had slowed. As though the earth itself had paused, holding its breath for what was to come.
Hours passed, unnoticed. The shadows grew long, and the village lights flickered on one by one, casting their soft glow over the path he had once walked so eagerly. But tonight, the world felt distant. He was here, yet not here. Alive, but not really living. The space between them, Sasuke and him, felt like an unbridgeable chasm. He had wanted so much for them to be together, to stay together. But he understood, perhaps too late, that the bonds they had weren’t the kind that could be forced.
The breeze stirred once more, but he didn’t notice. He felt like he was stuck, trapped in this limbo between hope and reality. The kind of emptiness that made it hard to breathe.
Suddenly something —someone—shifted beside him. A quiet presence, steady and familiar. But Naruto didn’t turn. He couldn’t. What was there left to say?
“Still here?” Came a voice, familiar and steady, pulling him from his thoughts.
Shikamaru stood next to him, his hands tucked lazily into his pockets, an expression of mild annoyance on his face. “Tch, what a drag. You’re gonna catch a cold standing out here like that.”
Naruto turned his head and found the lazy man gazing at him with his usual calm, a slight frown on his face. There was no pity in his eyes, just the understanding of someone who knew exactly how he felt, even if he wouldn’t admit it outright.
“Shouldn’t you be heading back?” Naruto asked, his voice quieter than he intended. “Tsunade sent you, right? To check on me or something?”
Shikamaru glanced at him, sighing as he leaned back against the stone railing. “Yeah, but… I figured you needed a bit of space. Don’t need me pestering you about it.”
Naruto didn’t respond right away, just staring down at the village below. There was a quiet comfort in the silence between them, a kind of understanding that didn’t need to be explained.
“Guess I’ve been out here for a while.” Naruto muttered to himself. “He’s gone again… as slippery as one of your shadows, eh?” Naruto chuckled, though his laugh held no joy. “I thought this time would be different, you know?” He sighed heavily.
Shikamaru didn’t react right away. He took a moment, staring off into the distance himself. “Yeah, well, Sasuke’s always been like that—always running off.” His voice was low but matter-of-fact. “Comes and goes whenever he feels like it. You can’t keep chasing someone who won’t let themselves be caught.”
Naruto’s eyes flicked over to Shikamaru, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You think I want to? I just… I thought he’d stay this time, you know. Maybe he’d finally…”
Shikamaru shrugged, his usual bored expression back in place. “Maybe, but don’t keep waiting on him, Naruto. You’ve got your own life to live.”
Naruto let the words sink in. There was no anger in Shikamaru’s tone, just a straightforwardness that felt both familiar and harsh. The truth, simple as it was, always seemed to hit harder when it came from him.
“Yeah.” Naruto murmured, exhaling slowly. “Guess I should stop hoping, huh?”
Shikamaru gave him a sideways glance. “It’s not about giving up. It’s just about moving forward. You can’t keep holding on to the past forever.”
Naruto didn’t respond, but there was something about Shikamaru’s calm, measured words that settled something deep within him. For a moment, it was like a burden had lifted—one he hadn’t even realized he was carrying. Not completely, but enough for the moment.
“Well.” Naruto said, finally pushing away from the railing, “I guess I’ll head back. Thanks, Shikamaru. You are actually a pretty smooth talker, you know!”
Shikamaru nodded, his gaze never wavering. “Yeah, yeah,… whatever don’t take too long. You’re no good to anyone if you just stand around moping all day.”
Naruto chuckled lightly, the smallest hint of a smile breaking through. “Yeah, yeah. I get it.”
As he turned to walk away, Shikamaru’s voice called out after him, quieter this time. “Take care of yourself, alright?”
Naruto didn’t look back, but he could feel the sincerity in those words, even without the need for anything more. It was enough to keep him moving forward, one step at a time.
Weeks slipped by in the blink of an eye, and the first whispers of winter began to chill the air.
As the last slivers of daylight faded into a blanket of stars, you could see a blonde ninja walking through Konoha streets. His mind still swirled, thoughts lingering on Sasuke’s departure like the residue of a dream he could never forget. It was strange—the ache inside him, how something so familiar could suddenly feel so foreign. He wasn’t even sure what he was supposed to do with this quiet.
It wasn’t until the soft patter of footsteps broke his trance that he even realized someone had approached.
“Naruto!” A familiar voice called gently, pulling him back to the present.
He turned, blinking the haze from his eyes, and found Sakura standing a few paces away, her expression unreadable, though there was a softness in her eyes that Naruto had come to recognize. She had always been good at hiding her own feelings, but there was a certain vulnerability in her now—one that matched his own.
“Hey, Sakura!” He replied, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
She stepped closer, her concern obvious. “How are you holding up?”
Naruto hesitated, the question unexpected yet loaded. How could he answer that without sounding like he didn’t know himself? But he wasn’t going to lie to her, not now.
“I… I’m okay. I think. It’s just…” He trailed off, frustration creeping into his voice as he ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know, Sakura. It’s just… different now.”
Her eyes softened, and she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as if gathering her own thoughts. “Yeah, I get it.” She murmured, a touch of sadness in her voice. “I think we all do.”
There was a long silence, the kind that felt thick with everything left unsaid. But then, Sakura shifted, a small but determined smile pulling at her lips. “You know what? Forget about it for tonight!” She said with a playful lilt, her voice lighter now. “I’ve got an idea. How about we go grab dinner? It’ll be good for you. You can vent all you want. And I’ll even treat you.”
Naruto’s eyes widened with the sudden shift in energy. He’d expected to be left alone, not to be invited out of nowhere. He gave a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “A date, huh?”
Sakura snorted, clearly amused. “Don’t get ahead of yourself!” She teased, giving him a playful nudge. “It’s not a date, Naruto. Just two friends having a meal. Though if you want to pretend it’s a date, I won’t stop you.”
Naruto grinned, his usual mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “Oh, I’ll pretend it’s a date if you’re gonna treat me to some good food, Sakura-chan!”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “Alright, come on then. No more sulking. Let’s go before I change my mind.”
He laughed, shaking his head as they walked off together, the tension between them lightening with every step. Sakura was right, of course. A distraction was exactly what he needed and he would take whatever small comforts he could get right now.
Sasuke might be gone, but Naruto had his friends. He still had Sakura, and she always knew how to get through to him when everything else felt like too much.
Time passed slowly as the duo walked through the streets in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. The evening air was cooler now, a gentle breeze ruffling the leaves as Sakura and Naruto made their way toward the bustling district. They didn’t speak much along the way—the silence was comfortable, a brief reprieve from the day’s burdens. But when they arrived at the familiar bar, the warm haze of smoke greeted them like an old friend, the sounds of chatter and clinking glasses filling the air.
Sakura had insisted on picking the spot, claiming that it had been too long since she’d treated anyone. Naruto didn’t argue— after all, the promise of a meal—especially when Sakura was buying—was a rare gift. It wasn’t often that she let herself take care of others in that way, and he’d never turn down a free meal.
“Here we are!” Sakura claped with a satisfied grin as they entered the cozy, dimly lit bar, the scent of grilled meat and spices instantly filling the air.
They barely had time to find a table before they were greeted by the unmistakable voices of some familiar faces.
“Well, well, look who’s here.” Shikamaru’s voice drawled from the far corner, where he was sitting with Ino and Choji. “I didn’t expect to see you two tonight. What’s the occasion? A celebration?”
Naruto’s eyes lit up when he saw them. “Shikamaru, Ino, Choji! This is a coincidence! Or, wait, did you guys get the memo that Sakura’s treating?”
Ino raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. “I think we might’ve gotten the memo a little too late.” She teased, her tone light. “But hey! We’re not gonna turn down a free meal, right?”
Choji, ever the enthusiast when it came to food, grinned. “I’m in for sure. No complaints here.”
Sakura shook her head, her lips quirking into a small smile. “It’s not a free meal if you guys are already here.” She said, glancing at Naruto. “This was supposed to be our time to unwind, but I guess the more, the merrier.”
Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head as he studied the two of them. “Hm, it’s rare to see you two out together like this. Everything alright?”
Naruto scratched the back of his neck, hesitating before shrugging. “Yeah, just… needed to get out, y’know? Sasuke’s gone, and it’s kind of weird, but nothing we can’t handle.”
Sakura looked at Naruto for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, she turned to the others, her smile faint but warm. “We were just going to eat and chat. Nothing special.”
“I see.” Shikamaru said, as if everything made sense to him now. “Well, if you’re both here to unwind, then I’m all for it. Ino’s been going on about some mission I’m sure I don’t want to hear, and Choji’s got that look on his face like he’s going to eat the whole menu.”
Ino rolled her eyes but laughed. “I’ve been trying to tell him about this great new tea shop I found. If he’d actually listen to me for once, maybe he’d try something new instead of always going for the same old one.”
“You’ve got a lot of nerve talking about tea!” Choji muttered, mouth full of a plate of meat. “I’ve seen you devour a whole feast before.”
Shikamaru groaned, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you two should just open your own restaurant at this point.”
Naruto laughed, feeling the tension ease with the familiar banter of his old friends. “Maybe you should take that advice, Shikamaru. With Choji’s appetite and Ino’s recommendations, you might just make a killing.”
The cherry girl smiled at the lively conversation, a sense of comfort settling over her. Despite the oddity of the evening, with everyone scattered in their own directions lately, this felt like a return to something normal. A fleeting sense of peace before reality had a chance to hit again.
The waiter came by, taking their orders, and the group began to settle into a more relaxed atmosphere, the food and drinks doing their job in breaking the ice. For a while, they just enjoyed the company, the warm food, and the friendly chatter.
It was nice. Too nice. The kind of normal that made Naruto realize how much he missed it, how much he needed moments like this. But it wasn’t just about the food or the drinks. It was about having people around him who didn’t need anything from him other than his company.
Sasuke’s absence still lingered, but maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t have to feel like the end of everything.
As the night wore on and the laughter flowed, Sakura found herself oddly distracted. The conversation around her continued—Ino teasing Choji about his endless appetite, Shikamaru pretending not to care but offering sharp remarks about everything—but her mind wasn’t really there. It wandered, as it so often did lately.
Her gaze shifted to where Ino sat, laughing with Choji, a lightness in her expression that was impossible to ignore. She was talking animatedly, hands moving as she recounted something about Sai, and Sakura caught the way her voice softened when she said his name.
“Honestly, Sai is just so… awkward.” Ino giggled, rolling her eyes. “But it’s cute in his own way. I swear, he’s like a puzzle—just when I think I’ve figured him out, he surprises me.”
Choji snorted. “Ha! You’re totally smitten, Ino! I mean, come on, you talk about him like he’s the best thing since barbeque pork!”
Ino scoffed, nudging him with her elbow. “I am not! I just… ugh, shut up, Choji!”
Sakura chuckled, swirling her drink in her hand. “Sounds like someone’s got a crush.” She teased, watching as Ino’s expression flickered between indignant and flustered.
Ino turned her attention to Sakura, narrowing her eyes. “Oh, please, Billboard Brow, like you’re one to talk! When was the last time you even went on a date?”
Sakura rolled her eyes, but before she could fire back, Choji let out a dramatic sigh. “Man, some things never change. You two still bicker like kids.”
“Shut up, pig.” Sakura muttered, taking a sip from her glass.
“Excuse me?” Ino gasped, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. “Did you just—?”
“You heard me, Ino-pig.”
Ino huffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Whatever, Billboard Brow.”
Choji smirked, shaking his head.
The banter did little to distract Sakura from the strange unease curling in her chest. She should’ve just laughed it off and moved on, but there was something about the way Ino’s face lit up when she talked about Sai, the way she spoke about him with that same old confidence she had always carried.
Sakura told herself it was just jealousy—jealousy that Ino had found someone first, that she had figured out what she wanted while Sakura was still… here. Still untangling emotions she couldn’t quite name.
She took another sip of her drink, forcing herself to smile, but deep down, she knew she wasn’t fooling herself.
The night had almost fallen, and the group of friends stepped out of the warmth of the bar. They laughed and chatted about their day, the occasional teasing and banter filling the air. Sakura, still lost in her thoughts about Ino, found herself growing more distracted. As they turned the corner, a shadow appeared before them, and in a fluid motion, an Anbu wearing a rat mask blocked their path. His presence was sudden, almost as if he had materialized from the night itself.
“The Hokage requires your presence.” He announced in a voice that lacked warmth.
The group exchanged confused glances. None of them recognized the jonin, and the mask obscured any identifying features. The stranger was a bit unusual in appearance—his rat-like mask gave him a mysterious aura.
“I still can’t believe Kakashi’s Hokage.” Choji muttered, scratching his head. “After the war, sure, but he spends half his time reading those ridiculous novels… What a drag.” Shikamaru added.
Ino snickered, shaking her head. “I thought Tsunade would have kept the position. But yeah, Kakashi’s got the job now.”
“It still feels strange.” Sakura said, a bit lost in her thoughts. Kakashi as Hokage… it made sense, but it was hard to picture him in that serious leadership role when he seemed so… distracted.
With a collective sigh, they followed the Anbu to the Hokage Tower. Shikamaru, in particular, could already see his evening slipping away. He had been looking forward to a quiet game of shogi with his father, followed by some well-earned rest. Instead, he was being pulled into yet another late-night obligation, knowing his mother would scold him for being late.
By the time they arrived at the tower, the last light of the sun was fading. As they entered the Hokage’s office, they found that Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and Sai were already present. Kakashi, ever the picture of ease, stood behind his desk, his ever-present orange book nowhere to be seen for once. He looked up from a mission scroll and nodded in acknowledgment.
“Good, it seems everyone is here.” Kakashi said, motioning for them to step forward.
For Kakashi to have called three teams must be important, thought Shikamaru already feeling even more tired.
“I have an important assignment.” He began, his tone light yet firm. “There is an ongoing threat against a high-ranking noble. The details are still unclear, but intelligence suggests that someone close to them is planning an assassination. The only viable way to gather information is through infiltration.”
He let the words sink in before continuing. “The setting is within the red-light district, where geishas and courtesans operate. We need shinobi capable of blending in from the inside.”
Sakura, Ino, and Hinata exchanged glances. It was clear where this was going. “We’ll take on the roles of geishas, then?” Ino asked.
Kakashi nodded. “Precisely. However, to avoid suspicion, we also need a taikomochi, a male geisha.”
At this, everyone’s gaze shifted toward Naruto, who had been standing off to the side, casually humming to himself. As the words hit him, he froze, his relaxed posture immediately tensing. Then, in a sudden burst, he jumped up, eyes wide with shock.
“There’s no way I’m doing that!” He exclaimed, his face turning a deep shade of red.
Shikamaru, rubbing his temples, muttered. “You’ve turned into a girl so many times, what’s the problem now?”
Ino smirked. “What? Scared you won’t be pretty enough?”
Naruto bristled. “That’s not—!”
“I think you would look pretty, Naruto.” Hinata, who had been quiet since the beginning, shyly added in a soft voice. Naruto got nervous at Hinata’s coment, Kiba burst out laughing at this, while Shino stood quietly in a corner, as always.
Naruto crossed his arms, looking indignant. But even he had to admit that, out of all of them, he was the most suited to the task. Besides, he couldn’t let Ino’s taunts go unanswered.
Kakashi coughed, bringing everyone’s attention back to him.
The Hokage looked at them, ensuring they understood the seriousness of the mission. “The suspect in question, although seemingly well-positioned, has other plans. He has been meeting frequently with other nobles at a renowned ochaya, a geisha house, discussing a deadly strike that would destroy his wife’s family, allowing him to take the inheritance that rightfully belongs to her.”
Naruto raised an eyebrow, confused. “A deadly strike? What does that mean?”
“The wife is the heir to a powerful family. I supposed you have heard of Misaki Fujiwara.” Kakashi explained seriously.
“The Fujiwara clan!” Sakura gasped.
“Who?” Asked Naruto confused.
“Really? Damn you really are something else.” Kiba smirked.
“The Fujiwara clan is very prestigious.” Shino said quietly, his monotone voice steady. “The head of the clan, Takahiro Fujiwara, is a powerful man. He owns lands in the north of the Land of Fire, as well as in other countries. He’s also known for his good heart, often donating funds to rebuild urban areas and provide shelter for the homeless.”
“If lady Misaki and her parents were to die, her husband, Takeshi Fujiwara, would inherit the fortune. And it seems this isn’t just a suspicion from the wife—he’s been openly conspiring with other nobles to ensure the plan goes through. The details of the strike are being discussed in secret, and he’s been using the ochaya as a meeting point to plan it.” Kakashi spoke calmly, but the seriousness of the situation was palpable.
“Those nobles are cowards.” Kiba commented, quickly processing the situation. “And if he’s meeting them there, it’s because he thinks no one will overhear or see them.”
“Exactly.” Kakashi nodded. “That’s why we need to infiltrate. If the noble is planning something this big, the wife fears she’ll be the next to fall. We need to gather information before it’s too late.”
“So, the mission isn’t just about protecting her? It’s also about stopping the strike?” Ino asked, realizing the complexity of the task.
“Yes.” Kakashi replied. “It’s a delicate operation. We need to infiltrate to uncover the details of his meetings with the other nobles and stop the plan before it’s put into action. And since the noble has no interest in taikomochis. It’s vital that one of you infiltrates as such. Naruto, you’re the only one who can do this effectively.”
Naruto frowned, frustrated but also aware of the mission’s importance. “This is insane!”
Sai, without showing any emotion, added. “It’s the only way to access the noble’s inner circle without raising suspicion. It’s a dangerous mission, but with your skills, Naruto, we have the best chance of success.”
Kakashi finished, his voice firm. “What we’re doing here is more than just infiltration. We’re preventing a tragedy and protecting a family. Don’t underestimate what’s at stake.”
The silence in the room was heavy, but the weight of the mission bore down on some more than others.
Kakashi clapped his hands together. “Good. That settles it. You all leave tomorrow.”
~To be continued~