“I’m afraid Jiraiya boy has died in battle,” those were the last words that Naruto truly heard. Everything after was just a blur. “How could you let him go?” he would demand, but he didn’t notice the words leave his lips. The only thing that Naruto felt was the burning of tears pouring down his cheeks. The Uzumaki ran out of the office before the pain could truly set in. He would stay in his home until the pain subsided.
The second day was the most painful. Naruto eased himself out of bed, sheets peeling off his skin. “Uhhh,” said a drowsy Naruto, “What happen-” the realization hit him with the weight of the moment. His eyes tried but they couldn’t cry, but the rest of his face was able to show the signs. Why couldn’t he accept what he was given? Why couldn’t he endure, isn’t he a shinobi? The boy remained in this state of mind for the rest of the day, not even allowing himself the taste of cup ramen.
It wasn’t until evening that Iruka checked on Naruto. “Hey, Naruto,” he solemnly knocked on the door. The door creaked open, “Hello, Iruki sensei.” “Do you want to come out and talk?” The door was closed slowly, almost to show how little the jinchuuriki wanted to talk. Naruto receded from the door and returned to his solemn seclusion.
The next morning was much the same, except the crust around his eyes forgot to return. The sound of light knocking on the door was Naruto’s alarm. He slowly crept to the door, floor boards creaking in pain. The door squeaked as he cracked it open, “Hello, Sakura.” “Hey, Naruto. I was wondering if you’d like to get some ramen?” responded the kunoichi. “Go home Sakura,” said Naruto as he began to shut the door, but pale fingers intercepted it. Naruto struggled against this hand. His struggle turned from annoyance to anger when the door opened more than he wanted, “Let me shut the door, dammit!” he shouted. The pale hand gained more ground as a second joined it, this one was clearly Sakura’s. Naruto’s realization that he didn’t know who the first hand belonged to was enough for the door to open. Naruto was pulled out along with the door, when he saw the two figures. “Sakura, why the hell is he here?” Naruto demanded. “I read somewhere that friends help friends in hardships,” Sai responded. “Thanks,” Naruto said, “but I have some things to do-” he was cut off by Sakura grabbing his ear. “Oh no,” she said, “You’re coming with us to get ramen.” Naruto was dragged down the streets by his now longer ear.
The trio sat at Ichiraku, but Naruto was elsewhere. His eyes were focused on the father and son across the street. The father was gesturing at the salt, which the son passed. Naruto couldn’t hear a word the pair said, but they drew his attention.
“Hey, Naruto,” Sakura interrupted his daydreaming, “What are you ordering?” “I don’t know…” he began to say until Teuchi noticed his favorite customer. Teuchi nodded to Ayame before he began to speak, “Hey, Naruto, my favorite customer! How have you been?” the bowl of ramen arrived at Naruto’s hands, “is there anything you wanna talk about?” Naruto reflected, back to that day. “How could you let him go? If pervy sage was Hokage he’d never let you go!” he screamed at her. That look in her eyes, they were defeated. Her hands lay limp on the desk with her chin bent down. Her eyes quivered at his words. He didn’t notice then, but he did now. “My words, they hurt baa-chan,” Naruto whispered. “Well, what did you say?” “I said that if Pervy Sage’d been Hokage he’d never let her go. I blamed her for everything.” “Did she cause this?” “I don’t-I don’t think so.” “Does she know?” “She will.” “Perfect,” said Teuchi, “Now, how’s the food?” “Incredible!” said Sakura, “Right, Naruto?” “Of coarse,” he said, “It’s always perfect!” “Agreed,” said Sai.