❝𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥?❞
╰┈➤ 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇 a girl who has grown up under cold eyes and an absent father learns to love again- and perhaps how to forgive, as well.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐜𝐚𝐧...
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Let the hunt begin.
『AHIKO』
A COUPLE MINUTES and gasps of shock from the vendor later, Father returns with a brown paper bag filled with steaming-hot takoyaki, to which my stomach rumbles in anticipation. Saliva floods my mouth as he places the bag in my hands, and the scent of the little octopus snacks waft up into my face. Mm.
"Ah, thank you."
I almost forget to thank him as I stare down at the treats.
"You're welcome." He replies curtly, and we begin walking again.
"... So..." I begin after popping a burning hot octopus ball into my mouth. It's so good that I don't mind when my tongue gets singed. "... I don't believe either of us have the skill to pick good jewelry or clothes, so how about we cross those two things off the list?"
Father seems to contemplate this for a moment, before replying, "Agreed."
————
We wander around the streets for what seems to be hours, looking through all the shops within the walls of Konoha. Desperation begins to take root as the sun sinks down to the horizon, casting a reddish-orange glow across the land. We still haven't found anything present-worthy yet. We're currently sitting on a cold, stone bench in defeat, heads hung.
I'm starting to feel a bit nauseous, and my head feels light, but I can't tell if it's from my injury or from panic. I take a glance at Father sitting besides me. His eyebrows are scrunched in concern now; I can tell he's also getting worried.
We've been through all plausible stores... Besides clothing and jewelry stores, obviously. We'd probably think something looks good, buy it, show up with it tomorrow, and get lectured about our "bland taste in fashion."
I sigh, rubbing my temples. The adrenaline from first realizing we're missing a gift is slowly wearing off, and I can feel exhaustion seeping into my bones.
"...I... believe that we've run into a problem." Father murmurs, closing his eyes.
"I believe that you are correct." I reply in a similar fashion, leaning all the way back and letting my head hang over the edge of the bench. Sighing, I throw my arm over my face, frustration making me even more exhausted.
"And I also believe that I have a solution."
I raise my head and look at him curiously, hope rising. "What is it?"
He looks up, and our eyes lock. I can tell he's dead serious.
"Go to Haruto and ask for help."
————
I trail behind Father as he heads toward where he senses Haruto's chakra. I glance around quickly, wondering where we are. My surroundings seem familiar, but I can't put a name to our location. However, as we pass a red torii gate, I'm finally able to remember where we are. The graveyard where Raikuro is buried.
