Chapter 10
The next day at the Nara estate, Yona and Shikamaru were deep into their game, the familiar click of pieces moving on the board echoing in the quiet room. Yona had been practicing a lot lately, getting better at strategy, but no matter how much she tried, she knew it was only a matter of time before Shikamaru would win. He was just too good.
"I swear, Shikamaru," Yona muttered, her brow furrowed as she moved her piece across the board. "You’re like a human cheat code. How do you always know what I’m going to do next?"
Shikamaru didn't even glance at her as he moved a piece with his usual lazy precision. "It’s not that complicated. You’re predictable."
Yona pouted at him. "You say that every time, and yet here I am, coming closer to actually winning. Maybe this time you’ll actually have to break a sweat."
Shikamaru smirked, his eyes flicking over the board before taking another move. "Yeah, I’ll give you credit, you’re getting better. But not good enough to beat me."
Ino, who had been lounging on the couch, groaned in frustration. "You guys are so boring. This game is taking forever! Can’t you do something else for once?"
Shoji, who had been quietly watching them, leaned forward from where he was sitting, holding a plate of snacks. "Here, at least have some snacks while you two figure out how to get over this stalemate."
Yona gratefully took a snack, popping it into her mouth. "Thanks, Shoji. I’ll need a lot more than these to beat Shikamaru."
Just then, Shikamaru’s father, Shikaku, walked in with his usual calm demeanor, stopping when he saw Yona.
“Yona, always a pleasure to have you here,” Shikaku greeted warmly, nodding in her direction.
“Hey, Shikaku-san,” Yona said with a grin, not missing a beat. “You just getting off work?”
He chuckled lightly. “Yeah, I’ll have a drink in a bit. I heard Kakashi is your Sensei. How's that going?”
Yona tilted her head slightly. “Kakashi-sensei’s... interesting. He's not the most traditional teacher, but he’s not bad.”
Ino perked up at the mention of her team. "Lucky you, getting to be on Sasuke’s team. That must be so nice."
Yona shrugged nonchalantly. "I wouldn’t say lucky. It’s just a team. Nothing special."
Ino raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Come on, you’re on a team with Sasuke Uchiha. You’re telling me you don’t like him at all?"
Yona sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "No, I don’t like him. He’s just… there. If anything, he’s more trouble than he’s worth."
Shikamaru groaned. "Ino, stop being such a pain. Yona’s made it clear."
Ino didn’t let up. "Are you sure? Because I don’t buy it. There’s something about you two that doesn’t sit right."
Yona raised an eyebrow. "You’re really pushing this, huh?"
"Of course I am. I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on with you," Ino said, leaning back smugly in her chair.
Shikamaru yawned, clearly bored by the conversation. "Do you two always talk like this, or is today just a special day?"
Yona shot him a mischievous look. "It’s a special day. Ino’s been curious about my ‘relationship’ with Sasuke. Apparently, it’s ‘suspicious.’"
Shikamaru sighed. "Honestly, you two are impossible."
The group settled into a comfortable silence for a while, with Yona and Shikamaru still deep in their game. Ino continued to make her playful jabs at them, but no one was really paying attention anymore. Shoji, content with the snacks, hummed quietly as he helped himself to another handful. Yona was trying to mentally calculate her next move, but it was a struggle. Shikamaru had already captured most of her pieces.
“You know, I don’t think I’m going to beat you today,” Yona said with a dramatic sigh, leaning back in her seat and putting her hands behind her head.
Shikamaru didn’t even look up from the board, his voice lazy as always. “I could have told you that the moment we started.”
Yona rolled her eyes and reached for one of the snacks Shoji had brought over, but her thoughts kept drifting. The game didn’t seem important anymore, not when there were other things on her mind. After a few minutes of awkward silence, she finally broke it, her voice quiet and somewhat serious.
“So, about Naruto…” Yona started, glancing over at Shikamaru, who seemed to catch on immediately.
He leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he let out a slow sigh. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that too.”
She didn’t need him to say more. She knew exactly what he was referring to—the battle with Mizuki, and how they’d learned the truth about Naruto’s identity. The revelation had shaken Yona more than she wanted to admit. She’d known that Naruto wasn’t just any kid, but hearing that he was the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails... that had hit differently.
“Do you think it’s safe?” Yona asked, her voice almost a whisper.
Shikamaru’s gaze grew distant for a moment as he pondered the question. “No, I don’t think it’s safe at all. Especially with everything going on. Mizuki was just the tip of the iceberg. There’s no telling how many others out there might want to use Naruto, or worse, harm him because of what he carries.”
Yona’s lips pressed into a thin line. The idea of people targeting Naruto because of something he didn’t even ask for made her stomach turn. She remembered the brief moment of vulnerability on Naruto’s face when Mizuki had revealed the truth. He’d tried to act tough, to brush it off, but she saw the hurt in his eyes. He wasn’t just a loud, obnoxious kid—he was carrying a burden no one else could understand.
“You’re right. I... I don’t think he realizes just how dangerous this could be,” Yona said quietly, looking down at the game board, her fingers tracing the edge of one of the pieces. “But even if he does, he’d never back down from it, would he? I don’t think he can.”
Shikamaru nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. “Exactly. That’s the problem. Naruto doesn’t seem to care what people think of him, but it’ll only take one person to get close to him, someone with bad intentions, to make this whole thing worse.” He paused, then met her eyes. “That’s why I’m worried Yona, I don’t know if he’s strong enough for what’s coming.”
Yona looked at him, her expression a little more serious now. “Do you think we should tell Kakashi-sensei? He’s got to know what’s going on. He’s a seasoned shinobi, and maybe... maybe we can figure out how to protect Naruto before things escalate.”
Shikamaru let out another sigh, clearly torn. “I don’t know if it’s the right time. Naruto’s going through enough as it is. But you’re right. We can’t just stand by and let him deal with it alone, especially not when we’ve seen what happened with Mizuki. But... Kakashi’s your sensei now. Maybe we should trust him to handle it. At least, for now.”
They both fell silent again, each lost in their own thoughts. Yona’s gaze drifted to the side, wondering what exactly the future held for Naruto. She’d never imagined that the bright, obnoxious kid she’d gotten to know would be carrying such a heavy secret.
Shikamaru broke the silence, his voice as casual as ever but with an undercurrent of concern. “Just... be careful, okay? I don’t think Naruto has a clue just how dangerous the world can be for him.”
Yona nodded slowly. “Yeah. I know.”
The weight of the unspoken agreement hung in the air between them as the sounds of the others faded into the background. Shikamaru’s worries mirrored her own, and neither of them knew how to fix the situation, but they were determined to stick by Naruto’s side.
--
After her conversation with Shikamaru, Yona walked with a heavy heart, the weight of his concerns about Naruto’s secret gnawing at her mind. She found herself wandering without any real destination, her feet carrying her through the familiar streets of Konoha. It wasn’t until she found herself standing in front of the village hospital that she realized where she was heading.
The bustling, chaotic scene inside the hospital felt oddly comforting. The hurried steps of nurses, the soft murmur of patients, and the sound of tools clinking together—it all brought back memories of when she was younger. Back when this place had felt like home. She hadn’t spent much time here in recent years, but she missed it more than she cared to admit.
Yona made her way inside, her steps quickening as she navigated through the hallways. It wasn’t long before she spotted a familiar face—Shizune.
“Yona?” Shizune’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise as she saw the younger woman walking toward her. “Is that really you? It’s been so long.”
Yona gave her a warm smile. “Yeah, it’s me. I’ve been busy, you know. A lot going on lately.”
Shizune studied her with a concerned but fond look. “I can imagine. But it’s good to see you. You’ve been staying away from the hospital, huh?”
Yona shrugged. “I guess so. A lot of things going on in my life right now.” She gave Shizune a sheepish smile. “But I missed this place, honestly. It’s good to be back.”
Shizune looked relieved, but there was a certain tenderness in her eyes. “I’m glad to hear that. You’ve always been so talented with your chakra control. It’s a shame you didn’t consider taking up medical ninjutsu. I always thought you’d follow in Tsunade’s footsteps.”
Yona let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “Yeah, I’ve heard that before. But right now, I don’t think it’s the path for me. I’m still figuring things out.”
Shizune studied her, her gaze soft but thoughtful. “I understand. But you’ve always had such potential. You could do so much good here, Yona. You’d be an incredible medical ninja. I just... worry about the missions you’ll be sent on. I know it’s not an easy life, but I hate to think of you getting hurt out there when you could be here, doing something safer.”
Yona’s expression softened, and she gave Shizune a small, reassuring smile. “I know you care. I really do appreciate it. But I’m not ready to leave the life of a shinobi just yet. I still have my own way to walk.”
Shizune’s expression was filled with a quiet concern, but she didn’t press further. She simply nodded. “Well, the door’s always open, Yona. You’re always welcome here.”
Before Yona could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them. “Shizune-sensei!”
Yona turned, and there, stepping around the corner, was Sakura, her face lighting up when she saw Yona. “Oh, Yona! I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d be busy with missions.”
Yona chuckled softly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. “I’ve got some free time. How’s it going, Sakura?”
Sakura beamed proudly. “Oh, you know, I’m just the best at everything now. Shizune-sensei says I’m really coming along with medical ninjutsu. My chakra control is top-notch!” She glanced at Shizune, as if seeking approval, and Shizune smiled warmly.
“That’s right, Sakura. You’ve been making excellent progress,” Shizune said, her voice filled with pride.
Yona raised an eyebrow, her sarcastic nature shining through. “Is that so? You’re really that great, huh?”
Sakura puffed out her chest, a smug grin spreading across her face. “Well, yeah. Shizune-sensei says I have natural talent. I’m really starting to get the hang of medical ninjutsu. If you had stuck with it, Yona, I’m sure you could’ve been just as good as me.”
Yona’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Sure, if I wanted to spend my days patching up people. I’ve got other things I’d rather do.”
Sakura, slightly taken aback by Yona’s bluntness, quickly recovered, flashing a confident smile. “Well, whatever. I’m going to be the best medical ninja ever, and maybe if you decide to join, you can learn a thing or two from me.”
Yona couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Right, I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from you.”
Shizune watched the interaction between the two young women with a knowing smile. Sakura was talented—there was no doubt about it—but Shizune couldn’t help but think that if Yona had pursued medical ninjutsu, she would have been far ahead of Sakura by now. Yona wasn’t just talented—she had the potential to be a true prodigy, especially given her lineage. As the great-granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, she was a rare and exceptional talent in her own right.
Sakura, oblivious to these thoughts, continued to boast. “If I had been on Sasuke’s team, I’d be even better than I am now. It’s such a shame he’s stuck with you and Naruto and not someone like—”
“Can we not do this again?” Yona interrupted, her voice exasperated. “You’ve been going on about this for ever. It’s getting old.”
Sakura pouted, crossing her arms. “I just think it would’ve been better if we were on the same team.”
Shizune chuckled softly to herself, her gaze fond. “You two are as spirited as ever, aren’t you?”
Yona sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I guess some things never change. But listen, Sakura, you’re doing great. Don’t get too cocky, alright?”
Sakura stuck her tongue out at her teasingly, but there was a spark of appreciation in her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. You’re just jealous because I’m better than you.”
Yona rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure, Sakura. You’re the best.”
After a few more moments of banter, Yona said her goodbyes to Shizune and Sakura. As she turned to leave, Shizune’s voice stopped her.
“Yona, don’t forget, you’re always welcome here. You have so much potential, and we’d be lucky to have you.”
Yona gave her a genuine smile. “I’ll keep that in mind, Shizune. Thanks for everything.”
--
Itachi had just finished dropping off a few injured civilians at the hospital. As he was preparing to leave, he caught a glimpse of something that immediately raised his guard. Two men in cloaks were lurking near one of the medical tents, their posture rigid and intent. Itachi’s keen senses picked up on their subtle movements, and he recognized them as hostile.
His instincts kicked in. They’re up to something.
He quickly surveyed the area, noting that the medical staff was preoccupied with the patients, unaware of the danger approaching. As the two cloaked figures edged closer to one of the medics, Itachi’s eyes narrowed, his fingers instinctively brushing the kunai at his waist.
Before he could make his move, a flash of movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention. A girl, no older than his brother, stepped into view. Her stride was purposeful and unhurried, and she immediately picked up on the threat as well. Itachi watched as she positioned herself between the attackers and the medics, her gaze sharp and calculating.
Without a word, she made the first move.
One of the cloaked men lunged toward a medic, but the girl was faster. She snapped her fingers, and in an instant, a gust of wind shot out from her hands, forcing the attacker to stumble back. She wasn’t just acting on instinct—her movements were fluid, practiced, and deliberate. Itachi could tell she wasn’t just a random bystander; she was skilled.
The second attacker, startled, reached for a kunai, but the girl was already on him. She swept her hand toward him, forming a series of hand seals. A burst of water shot from a nearby tank, dousing the man and forcing him to lose his footing. The man slipped, and before he could recover, the girl was on him again, this time with a precise strike to his pressure points that immobilized him.
Itachi was impressed. The girl was certainly no amateur, but even so, the attackers weren’t to be underestimated. As the first man recovered, Itachi didn’t waste any time. He was already on the move, his Sharingan activated and his body a blur of motion. He appeared behind the man with the kunai in a flash, slamming his elbow into the man’s back, sending him crashing to the ground.
The girl, momentarily distracted by the speed of Itachi’s movements, glanced back, noticing him for the first time. She didn’t flinch, but instead gave him a quick nod of acknowledgment. Without breaking stride, she used the opening to subdue the second attacker, her hands flying through the seals with perfect precision.
Itachi’s strikes were methodical, each one executed with a quiet efficiency that was second nature to him. The first attacker was incapacitated with a quick jutsu—a simple but effective genjutsu that left him paralyzed, trapped in an illusion where he could do nothing but freeze in place. It was over before the man even realized what had happened.
The second assailant, realizing the futility of his position, tried to retreat, but the girl was there again, her chakra flaring as she executed a high-speed movement that cornered him in seconds. With a swift motion, she performed a specialized taijutsu hold, bringing the man to his knees.
With both attackers incapacitated, Itachi stood silently, assessing the situation. The girl turned to him with a small smile, her breath still steady, though there was a slight flush to her cheeks from the exertion.
“That was efficient,” she said, her voice light but tinged with amusement. “Not many can take them down so quickly.”
Itachi’s gaze softened ever so slightly. “You handled them well, too.”
The girl raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased but not overly surprised by his praise. “I didn’t think you’d take them down so easily either. I’m glad I didn’t have to do all the work.”
A small smirk tugged at Itachi’s lips. It was rare to find someone so self-assured, especially in a fight. The girl wasn’t just talented; she had the confidence of someone who knew their limits and their strengths.
As they stood amidst the downed attackers, the hospital guards, alerted by the commotion, arrived on the scene. The men in cloaks were quickly apprehended by the guards, who began escorting them out of the building. Itachi made sure to keep a close eye on the situation, his Sharingan still activated, scanning the area for any other potential threats.
The guards spoke to the girl for a moment, but she waved them off, looking back at Itachi. “I guess they’ll be taking them away now.”
Itachi nodded, acknowledging the guards' actions. He felt a rare flicker of respect for the girl. He studied her, his gaze intense and calculating. There was a mystery about her—her chakra control was impressive, and the jutsu she’d used had been well-executed. But there was something else, something that lingered beneath the surface.
He stepped closer, his curiosity piqued. “How did you notice them so fast?” he asked, voice steady but curious. "Your reflexes... they were sharp."
The girl hesitated for a brief moment, as if considering whether to answer or not. Then she sighed, clearly deciding it wasn’t worth hiding.
“I’m a sensory ninja,” she said reluctantly, her gaze flickering toward the ground. “I could feel their chakra the moment they got close.”
Itachi’s eyes widened ever so slightly, though his expression remained calm. Sensory ninjas were rare, and they were incredibly valuable—particularly ones with the kind of instinctive feel for chakra that she seemed to possess. He found himself impressed, not only by her ability to sense the attackers but by her speed and execution in neutralizing the threat.
“I see,” he murmured, his mind working quickly. “That’s a rare ability. Not many can master it to such a degree.”
The girl gave him a half-smile, one that seemed to soften her otherwise serious expression. “It’s just something I’ve been practicing,” she said, a touch of pride in her voice. "I don’t like being caught off guard."
Itachi’s gaze lingered on her, and for a moment, his mind wandered. He didn’t know why, but there was something about this girl that intrigued him. Her confidence, her skill, the way she carried herself—it reminded him of something, though he couldn’t place it.
As they exchanged one last glance, the tension in the air began to dissipate. Itachi spoke before turning to leave.
“You did well today,” he said simply, his voice carrying a slight edge of approval. “You should be careful, though. Not all enemies are so easily dispatched.”
The girl nodded, though she didn’t seem too bothered by his warning. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, and just before turning to leave, she added with a playful smirk, “And I’ll try not to make it look too easy next time.”
Itachi couldn’t help but chuckle softly, a sound that was rare for him. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
Itachi couldn’t help but think that she was a lot more than she appeared. There was something about her—her movements, her confidence, the way she seemed to operate with a level of maturity beyond her years—that intrigued him. But he didn’t press the issue. They would likely never meet again.
Then again, he thought, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if we did.