The Flower That Will Someday Wilt |Naruto Fanfic|

Chapter 27

Ai/Itami POV

Sasuke would get annoyed once in a while since Naruto kept trying to put the flower back in his hair whenever he was busy throwing up his food. I would smile at their antics, seeing that Sasuke, the usual independent Uchiha, was opening up more. I mean, sometimes he would smile a ghost of a smile but he would quickly hide it. But his eyes betrayed him as they showed pure happiness and love. However, once Sakura opened her mouth, it all went downhill.

"Hey, I've been noticing, why is that picture torn out? Inari's been looking at it the whole time." She asked, gesturing to the frame that was indeed, and obvious, torn. Who could not notice it? If they tear it out, they tear it out. It's none of our concern. Yet, Sakura seemed like she wanted to know.

I felt the air go cold as Tsunami, Tazuna, and Inari looked down. But it looked like Inari was having it worse. "That's my... my husband." She said sadly as I felt Inari clench his hands tightly.

"He was once called a Hero in this land." Tazuna added, making Inari run out of his seat and over to the door, slamming it shut.

"Inari? Where are you going?" Tsunami asked worriedly, then looked pointedly at Tazuna. "You can't talk about him in front of Inari!" She ordered until she ran off for him.

It wasn't our business. We shouldn't even have asked, let alone mention something so delicate. It was quiet for a moment, until Tazuna spoke again. "He was Inari's father, not biologically but he thought of him that way. His name was Kaiza. He idolized him. They were practically inseparable.

"But one day, there was a flood that would have destroyed the village if it wasn't for Kaiza. He stopped it all by himself, managing to close the floodgates which earned him the title Hero. Though, when Gato came into the land, he was angered by Kaiza's deeds. So he executed him in front of the villagers. Inari was crushed while the villagers lost hope."

Inari had a bad past, and he was forced to grow up too fast. Naruto abruptly stood, running to the door. "Where are you going, Naruto?" He looked over to us and smiled determinedly.

"I'm going to show that heroes do exist!" He exclaimed before leaving the house, going to continue his training. I smiled at his determination, and his will to never give up. He's a weird kid, but you can't hate him once you know him. Unlike the villagers in the Leaf. I'm sure that once they get to know Naruto, they would absolutely love him. And I know, that he'll actually reach his goal. Because, unlike most people, if you don't give up and keep on reaching, you're bound to make it. Some people, however, have the power to do so much yet they refuse not to.

I stood up, too, and calmly walked towards the door. "And where are you going, Itami?" Kakashi asked, eyeing me from the corners of his eyes. I shrugged, smiling in wonder.

"To climb a tree." I simply stated, walking out of the house as I saw Kakashi smirk. Once I was outside, I decided that I should see how fast I can go. I ran, sprinting as I passed trees in a blink. The only fast thing I could do is appear in front of the enemy and appear somewhere else, unlike Kakashi who could be far away and in a second, be in front of the enemy.

My speed was at least a Jounin level, so my speed did not excel in ANBU. Once I spotted a nice, tall tree, I ran up it, all the way to the top. Sometimes I would act jejune, but I honestly did care. Especially towards Naruto. It was incontrovertible, and we; as in Kakashi, Sasuke, Iruka, and I, knew it. And, if you think harder, Sasuke and Naruto are moiety, even though they seem different. Now I feel like this is nomenclature, and I should probably stop now.

I could practically hear Naruto falling from a tree. And then him screaming at how it hurts. And... "Oh my god! That hurts! My butt! My butt! I landed on my kunai!" I sweat dropped, sitting on the highest bark and falling backward with my eyes closed. In a swoop, my orbs revealed and my paper wings snapped open. I wanted to practice how long I could make it, and, maybe, follow my name and be more angelic, as they say. I hovered, tiny slips of paper circling around me as they shifted into flowers and fell gracefully to the ground. I took a deep breath and flew around the forest, seeing Naruto climbing the tree over and over again, making only little progress.

I passed him, allowing myself to feel oxidize as I breathed in the freedom. The only time I actually flew around like this was when I was six, only because I was being obsequious and wanted to be noticed by... um- Kakashi-san. Let's just say it worked.

Being like this made me sanguine, which is rare enough than smiling. However, I didn't laugh, nor grin, but just smile that tiny, unsure smile. I didn't even notice that morning was arriving until I stopped. Once I landed, I was breathing uncontrollably, yet still had my lips in that curl. I fell onto my back, staring at the clouds that passed by, being lit by the awakening sun.

Birds started chirping now, flying through the now set sun. I know this isn't safe, that I could be definitely taken by Haku or Zabuza here, but I couldn't help the comforting feeling that forced me to sleep. And so I did.

Kakashi POV

It was breakfast now, no sign of Naruto or Itami. I sighed. This isn't like her, she would just do her thing and come back, but she didn't. I would have been worried that she may or may not be kidnapped, but I just thought of a second option: She's being brainwashed by Naruto. It's the only explanation.

I heard a sigh beside me. "No, Sensei, Itami is not being brainwashed by Naruto." Sakura stated, looking at me dumbfounded. I sweat dropped as I smiled sheepishly behind my mask, scratching the back of my neck.

"I said that out loud, didn't I?" I questioned, getting multiple nods. Sasuke stood, saying how he'll get them. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked out the door.

"B-Be safe, Sasuke-kun! You know, Zabuza is still out there!" Sakura hesitantly said, smiling at the Uchiha. He didn't even glance at her as he "hn'ed" and left. Her face fell as she sighed. I didn't know what to do to comfort her, and did nothing. That is, until Rin popped in my head and looked at me disapprovingly. I sighed and smiled. It takes a fangirl to know a fangirl.

"It's okay, Sakura. Sasuke just isn't looking into a relationship right now. But when he is, I'm sure he'll pick you." I reassured, making her smile as she fist pumps the air.

"Love prevails!" She exclaimed, making me sweat drop.

I hope this wasn't a bad idea.

HI GUYS! :D Just so you know, Itami is being more happy every single day so don't confuse her with bi polar-ness. XD WELLP! I'll see you on the next update!

ThatRandomLoveStory-