Of Graduations, Hokage's, and Honorable Grandsons
-Of Graduations, Hokage's, and Honorable Grandsons-
"Today's the day! Today's the day!"
Amaya deadpanned at Toshiaki's swaying form as he danced around the kitchen in excitement, with Yoshi playfully nipping at his heels.
Letting out a sigh, she rests her chin on the heel of her palm, ignoring the male to the best of her ability. "I don't see why you're so excited. It's just the graduation exam."
"Just the graduation exam? JUST THE GRADUATION EXAM?!" Toshiaki screeches, leaning over the brunettes slouched form, putting all of his weight on her back as he hugs her from behind. "My dear, sweet sister! This is the very basis of your career as a Kunoichi! I understand that you're confident in your abilities, but you should really humble yourself!"
Amaya groans at the extra weight, tensing as her brother began to nuzzle his face into her hair. Eventually having enough of her personal space being invaded, she sends an elbow into his diaphragm, forcing him to let go and fall to the floor as she stands from her seat. "I have more humbleness in my pinkie toe than you do in your entire body."
With that, she excuses herself from the room, shouting out her goodbyes as she heads for the foyer. Toshiaki, ignoring his shortness of breath, shoots up from the floor and runs after her with Yoshi not too far behind. "Wait! Let me walk you to school! We haven't done that in forever!"
"No! Go away, pest!"
"But, Imoutooo! ~"
"Let go, Trashiaki!"
"Lemme walk you to school!"
"I said no!"
***
Kenji and Mitsuko sit in their seats quietly, listening to the argument in the other room. Both flinching as a loud smack sounds from the foyer followed by a loud whine and the slamming of the door.
There's a moment of silence before the shuffling of fabric is heard along with little toenails tapping the floor.
"I won't give up that easily! Let's go, Yoshi, we're walking Imouto to school!" Toshiaki's voice is heard, earning himself a small yip from the puppy in return as they both bound out the door -also slamming it in their wake.
After taking a long sip of his coffee, Kenji rolls his shoulders to relieve some of the tension. "For one day, all I ask, is for a bit of peace. Just one..."
Mitsuko laughs, gently placing her hand on top of his for comfort. "Then it would be too quiet."
Kenji hums and takes her hand in his completely. "I suppose." He murmurs, his once thoughtful expression turning grim. "I just hope they don't cause a scene on the way to the academy. It was hard enough last time explaining to Lord Third why a large portion of fencing was destroyed..."
The classroom door slams open, startling those inside. Everyone turns to the entrance, taking in Amaya's disheveled appearance as she rests her hands on her knees, panting.
Iruka's expression morphs from one of annoyance to concern as he walks over, patting the girl on the back gently as she coughed. "Amaya? What happened, why are you late this time?"
Amaya raises to her full height and places a hand on her forehead, attempting to regain her composure and breath. "Sorry, Sensei. Toshi... Toshiaki-nii was chasing me, all over the village... I finally... got away after the... the fourth back alleyway."
Iruka sighs and nods understandingly, already knowing of the eldest Minamoto child's mannerisms and habits. "It's okay, I'll let it slide this time. Go ahead and take a seat."
Amaya nods and makes her way up the steps, lazily plopping into the empty spot next to Naruto, who sends her an amused look. "Rough morning?"
At his question, the brunette leans forward and buries her face into her arms. "Saa~ You have no idea..."
Once the girl was seated, Iruka gives the room a once over as he returns to his desk, mentally taking attendance. Nodding in satisfaction, he briefly looks down and checks off the brunette's name. Looking back up, he smiles softly, a melancholic feeling washing over him. "We'll now start the final exam, when your name is called proceed to the testing room. The final test will be on the Clone Jutsu."
At his words, Naruto's head hits the desk with a small, but loud thump. Amaya flinches from the sound and looks over to the blond in pity as he begins to tug at his hair in frustration. "Eheh, I'm sure you'll be fine, Naru-chi..." She comforts, rubbing the back of her neck with a nervous laugh as she received a groan in response.
Minutes pass, and names are called one after another in alphabetical order, pushing Naruto's nerves further over the edge as his turn grew closer.
"Amaya Minamoto, please go to the testing room."
The brunette sighs and stands up, turning to Naruto one last time. "I'll see you later okay? I'll wait for you, so we can walk home together when we get done here." She tells him, earning a nod in return.
Seeing his gloomy expression, Amaya reaches out and pats his shoulder in a last-ditch effort to calm his nerves. "Don't look so down, I know you can do it! When it's your turn, go in there and show 'em what for, okay? Good luck!"
***
Walking into the room, Amaya immediately spots Iruka and Mizuki, another academy teacher, sitting at a table. In front of them sat two stacks of papers, no doubt belonging to every students' personal file, along with four rows of neatly folded headbands.
Noticing her entrance, Iruka sends her a smile. "Ah, Amaya, there you are!... This test should be easy for you. All you have to do is create a clone and you'll be done." He informs as he leans forward on his folded arms.
Amaya nods and closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. Once relaxed, she begins to build and gather her chakra before preforming the required hand signs. Soon enough, three small popping sounds fill the room. Opening her eyes, Amaya looks to her left, smiling when she spots three perfect clones staring back.
"Can't say I'm surprised." Iruka chuckles, marking off her name from the list. "Nicely done!"
Mizuki smiles and motions to the headbands before him. "Good! You pass, step up and get your headband."
Although feeling uneasy under his gaze, Amaya smiles politely and walks forward, quickly turning her attention to the headbands on the table. Choosing one with black cloth, she ties it securely around her neck before taking a step backwards, giving herself enough room to bow. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei! Mizuki-sensei!"
Iruka chuckles, his eyes watering slightly as he stared at the new graduate in front of him. "It's no problem!" He replies, waving her off. "Now get out of here. Don't cause too much trouble!"
"No promises!"
Cutting around another corner, Amaya sighs in slight relief as her eyes lock onto the academy's front doors. It had been at least thirty minutes since she took the final exam, and most of her time after had been spent talking to parents or other teachers who knew her father.
It was now safe to say she was ready to grab Naruto and get the hell out of dodge.
Trotting up to the door, she swings it open with a flourish, deadpanning at the sight of the large crowd filling the school's small courtyard. Taking a deep breath, she steels her nerves before making her way into the throng, her eyes scouring every visible spot for a certain blond.
"There, you see him?" A feminine voice asks "quietly", prompting the brunette to turn around, spotting two sneering women standing off to the side. "It's that boy, I heard he's the only one that failed."
"Hmpf, well it serves him right." The other spat.
Amaya's brows furrow and she follows their line of sight, her eyes immediately landing on Naruto, who currently sat on the swing downhearted. Putting two and two together, she felt her temper begin to rise -the feeling completely overshadowing her concern for her friend as she took a step forward.
Suddenly, a large hand finds its way onto the brunette's shoulder. Amaya jolts at the sudden weight and moves her gaze up the arm, finding her father staring back with a knowing look. "Papa? What are you..." She begins to ask, trailing off as he brings a finger to his lips, shushing her quietly before turning his attention back to the two women as they spoke once more.
"Just imagine what would happen if he became a ninja! I mean he's the boy who--"
"Shh! We're not aloud to talk about that!"
Amaya felt her father's grip on her shoulder tighten slightly before he finally let their presence be known. "No, you're not."
At his stern tone, both women automatically froze in place. Slowly turning around, their faces turned an ashen white as they realize who bothered to butt into their conversation.
"M-Minamoto-sama!" One of the women stuttered out as the other became paler, if that was even possible. Both began to fidget in their spots.
Seeing their panicked expressions, Amaya glanced up at her father, his eyes, which were usually calm and warm, were now cold and calculating.
"Ladies." He acknowledged with a small yet forced smile, his tone of voice remaining stern and reproving. "This is a very public place to be talking about such matters... I hope you understand that the decree is still in place along with whatever punishment is necessary?"
At his words and the two females flustered expressions, Amaya raised a curious brow. 'Decree? What decree?' The girl asked herself, looking back and forth between the three adults.
"Ah! Yes of course, Minamoto-sama--!"
"It won't happen again!"
Her father's expression didn't waver. "Be sure that it doesn't, other officials might not be as forgiving to slip ups. I'd hate to see anyone be punished because of their own ignorance." Her father replies, giving a small and polite bow of his own as he noticed stares from onlookers. "Anyway, I should let you get back to your families now, thank you for your time."
With that being said, both women give hasty goodbyes and scurry off to find their own respective relatives, each extremely embarrassed for being chastised in public and by such a highly respected individual.
Watching the two run off, Amaya smirks to herself before glancing back up to her father. "Saa~ Papa, you really scared the pants off 'em this time. ~" She snickers, watching his face relax as he smiles.
Looking down at his youngest, Kenji ruffles her hair -much to her dismay. Chuckling as she tries to pat it back down, he replies, "I had to do something, you looked like you were going to blow a fuse. I suppose you get that temper of yours from your mothers' side of the family."
Amaya's nose scrunched slightly at the comparison, her mind briefly picturing her very temperamental Godmother. Shaking the thought away, she turns her attention back to her father. "I'm happy to see you 'n all, but what are you doing here anyway? I thought you had to work a little bit later today..." She asks, trailing off as he met her confused gaze.
"Well, Lord Third gave me the rest of the day off because of your graduation, and your mother said something about having Naruto over for dinner tonight. So, I thought I'd pick you both up on my way home..." He informs, looking around curiously. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"He's over... there...?" Amaya begins, raising a hand to point at the swing only to find it empty. "Eh? Where'd he go?"
"Hmm, he must've run off somewhere... I'm sure he'll turn up eventually. No man can resist your mothers cooking!" Her father muses out loud, throwing his head back with a hearty laugh earning himself a grin from the brunette in return.
***
A few minutes later after leaving the academy, Amaya found herself silently musing over what was said between her father and the two women. 'What decree? Why isn't anyone aloud to talk about it? It's got something to do with Naruto, that much is obvious...' With that in mind she chances a glance up at her father, only to find him already staring back, a knowing look in his eye.
Quickly turning her gaze to the sidewalk, she kicks a small pebble with the toe of her sandal, debating whether or not to ask. However, her curiosity got the better of her. "Papa, about what was said back there--" She begins, only to be waved off as he chuckles.
"I was wondering when you'd ask." He hums, looking ahead in thought. "I suppose it was bound to happen sometime, but we can't talk about it now. Wait until we get home, alright?"
Amaya huffs not completely satisfied with his answer, but accepts it anyway with a nod, leaving them in silence.
"By the way..."
Glancing up at her father's voice, Amaya's eyes narrow as she notes a mischievous glint dancing in her father's similar blue pools. "What?" She asks, stepping sideways in order to put distance between the two of them.
"I just realized that I never properly congratulated you on graduating." Her father muses lightly, setting the brunette on edge. A minute or two passes, building the suspense even more before he suddenly leaps towards her, roaring out a "C'MERE YOU!"
Amaya, startled, shrieks at the suddenness of it all as she leaped away. However, she was too slow as her father pulled her into a firm hold, assaulting her scalp with his knuckles in a fierce noogie.
"PAPA!" She groans out through peels of laughter, attempting to bat away his hand. The whole display earning themselves small chuckles and amused snorts from passerby's.
***
Once the father and daughter duo had reached home, Kenji opened the door, holding it open for his daughter. "We're home!" He called out as Amaya trotted past to take off her shoes, barely hearing the sound of acknowledgement from somewhere deep within the house.
They weren't left alone for long, however, as a loud crash followed by thundering footsteps were heard from upstairs. Eventually, Toshiaki made his appearance. Taking the steps two at a time, the eldest then flung himself from the second to last stair, crashing into Amaya before pulling her into a large bear hug.
"Imouto!" He cheered happily, spinning himself and the smaller female around a few times before setting her down, making sure to keep a tight grip on her shoulders as he pulled away. His brown eyes then zero in on the newly acquired headband, making his grin grow wider. "You passed! I'm so proud of you! ~" He chimed, crushing her to his chest once more, rubbing his cheek against the crown of her head as large tears streamed down his face. "My sweet baby sister... When did you grow up so fast?! You need to stop it, stop it this instant!"
Amaya, still slightly dizzy from the spinning, turns her head to the side. "T-Toshi... Can't.. breathe!" She wheezes, pawing at his shirt.
"Oh, sorry! ~" He laughs, loosening his hold a bit. He then turns his attention to their father, who was currently being greeted by their mother, with a look of betrayal. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to the academy to pick her up?!"
"Because you're an embarrassment." Amaya grumbles dryly before their father could answer, her face still smushed against his chest.
Toshiaki gasps and stumbles away from her, holding his chest in pain as he drops to the floor in disbelief, the familiar sight itself causing their father to shake his head.
"Amaya!" Their mother scolds, her tone nothing short of exasperated.
At the sound, Amaya looks off to the side, an annoyed pout settling on her lips. Briefly making eye contact with the older brunette, she sighs and kneels next to the older male while reaching out a hand, placing it on his head. "Sorry," she mumbles guiltily as a small tinge of pink forms on her cheeks, "that was mean... You're not an embarrassment."
Toshiaki stares at the girl dumbfounded for a moment, taking in her flushed appearance for a moment before his eyes begin to well up with fresh tears. Clutching her to his side, he gently sways them back and forth. "It's okay! I know you didn't mean it!" He exclaims, once again rubbing his face against hers. "Besides even if you did, I can't stay mad at you! You're too cute! Stay this cute forever, okay?!"
Amaya brings her free hand up and pinches the bridge of her nose while the other buries itself deep into her brother's white tresses. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Toshi-nii." She grumbles, her face growing redder at the sight of their parent's amused and fond smiles.
Staring up at the apartment building, Amaya couldn't help but sigh. 'I hope he's home...'
A few hours had passed since she'd seen Naruto at the academy, and during that time she had done nothing but speak to her father about her friends' harsh circumstances and laze around hoping that he'd show up, which he didn't -both doing nothing to stop her worries for the blond. Eventually, her concerns got the best of her, leading to her current situation.
Adjusting her hold on the bag of leftovers her mother sent her with, she began to make her trek up the many stairs, keeping an eye open for the familiar floor number. After reaching the desired level, she passed by a few doors until coming to a stop at the end of the hall.
"Naruto? You home?" She called, knocking lightly on the door, receiving no answer in response. "Hey, if you are, open up! Mama sent food for you!"
Still hearing no response, Amaya sighs and reaches into her pants pocket, pulling out her set of keys. Picking out the singular brass-colored key, she unlocked the door and slowly pushed it open, peeking inside before entering fully. "Pardon the intrusion..."
Closing the door behind her, she looks around the dark apartment. "Naruto, are you here?" She calls again, pausing for a moment to listen. When nothing happens, she toes off her shoes and walks further inside, heading straight to the bedroom. "He might be asleep..."
Slowly opening the door, she once again peeks inside, only to find the usual messy room and unmade bed. "Seriously, where are you?" She murmurs, shaking her head before making her way to the kitchen, setting the bag on the table as she reaches for the notepad and pen laying on the countertop.
Returning to the table, Amaya opens the bag and takes out the disposable tupperware, placing it in the fridge for the boy to find later. She then backtracks to the table to write a note before leaving the apartment.
'I hope he's okay...' She wonders, closing the note up in the door so that when it's opened, the blond would find it. 'He's so gonna get it tomorrow for making me worry like this.'
***
Later that evening, there's a frantic knock at the door, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the house.
Amaya, who was on her way to the kitchen for a glass of water, pauses at the foot of the stairs for a moment. The knocking continues, snapping her from her thoughts and sending her running to the door. She opens it with a flourish, surprised to see Iruka himself standing on their porch, panting.
"Iruka-sensei?"
Startled, the Chunin straightens up, his eyes wide and filled with worry as he briefly looks over her shoulder. "Amaya-chan! Is Naruto here by any chance?" He asks through his heavy breathing, deflating slightly as she shakes her head 'no'.
Tilting her head, Amaya opens her mouth to ask what's wrong and why he was looking for the knucklehead, but stops as her father appears behind her, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"Is everything okay, Iruka?"
"Minamoto-sama! I'm sorry to disturb you all, but you need to come with me, immediately!" Iruka informs backing up a bit to allow the male room to step forward.
"What's happened? What's going on?" Kenji asks, his brows furrowing in alarm as he pushed Amaya behind himself protectively.
"That's what we're trying to figure out..." Iruka replies, opening his mouth to elaborate further but is cut off by Amaya.
"What's happened to Naruto? Did he do something? Is that why you're looking for him?" She fired off one question after another, not allowing the older male time to speak.
"Amaya." Her father calls, gaining her attention. "I'll deal with it. Stay here with your mother."
"But--"
"I'm sure whatever it is, it's nothing." Her father interjects before she could continue, and with that he was out the door with Iruka in tow.
"I'm sure Naruto-kun's just fine." Her mother calls, gaining the attention of her youngest.
"He won't be when I get ahold of him." Amaya growls, wondering what kind of chaos the blond created to have Iruka in such a state.
***
The night passes on and although her mother had initially sent her to bed hours ago, it didn't stop Amaya from sitting at the top of the stairs, listening to her father as he explained everything to her mother once he got home.
'At least he's okay...' She conceded as she stood from her seated position, tiptoeing down the hall to her bedroom. 'Not that surprised that Mizuki-sensei was a traitor... I always thought he was kinda creepy.' She added as an afterthought, slipping under the covers and into a peaceful sleep that now came easily knowing Naruto was safe.
-Meanwhile-
Naruto hissed from his injuries and sore muscles as he limped his way to his apartment door. The once lonely housing unit a welcoming sight after all he'd went through tonight.
Unlocking the door, his tired eyes catch sight of a small piece of paper fluttering to the floor. Bending down to pick it up, his curiosity grows at the sight of the familiar, neat and bubbly handwriting.
'Yo, Naruto! You're lucky we're friends, because I wouldn't climb all of those stairs for nothing, ya know!'
Chuckling, the blond closes the door softly behind him and continues reading after flipping on the lights.
'I looked for you after class but couldn't find you. So, I came by to check on you, but somebodywasn't home... You better not be planning anything stupid, you've already got me worried enough as it is! Anyways, Mama sent some extra food over. Apparently, she "cooked too much this time" - but we know differently. It's in the fridge, and don't bother returning the tupperware they're disposable. Eat up, cause the next time I come over I'm checking!'
Looking up, Naruto makes his way to the small kitchen and opens the fridge, instantly spotting the neatly stacked bowls. Closing the door, he pockets the note for safe keeping and grins, a warm fluttery feeling filling his chest.
-THE NEXT DAY-
Waking up was never easy for Amaya, but today was different. As soon as the morning light shining through the curtains became too much to handle, the girl rolled out of bed and got dressed. Donning her usual gray mid drift with a mesh undershirt along with her black ninja pants and shoes, she charged to the bathroom to brush her teeth before practically flying down the stairs while tying her headband around her neck.
Rounding the corner into the dining room, she greets her mother while quickly swiping an apple from the fruit bowl. However, before her mother could even reply, she was out the door, leaving the woman exasperated once again.
Trotting down the street, Amaya waved at anyone who called out to her, all the while keeping her eyes peeled for a certain blond knucklehead. Soon enough, she gets a bit of luck as she spots him near Ichiraku Ramen. 'Of course.' The girl thought to herself rolling her eyes.
Her pace gradually picks up until she finally full on sprinting towards the boy. "NA-RU-TO!" She yells, her threatening tone causing him to turn around almost robotically with an ashen white face.
"Aheh, hey Amaya! Listen, I know your probably upset about how I practically ditched you yesterday--" He begins, his apology quickly becoming a nervous ramble as the girl nears, however he's quickly and promptly cut off with a harsh bonk on the head. "OW! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" He yells with a halfhearted glare.
Amaya fists his shirt and pulls him up by his collar, leaving him standing on the tips of his toes. "Naruto." She calls through gritted teeth.
"Y-yes?"
"Do you know how woRRIED I WAS, IDIOT!" She exclaims, shaking him roughly, not caring for the babble of excuses spilling from his lips. "Do you know how confused I was when Iruka showed up at our house looking for you?! I wasn't aloud to do anything! I couldn't have helped you even if I tried!"
Pausing in his apology, Naruto stares at her bashfully. "You know what happened last night?"
Amaya loosens her grip on his jumpsuit, allowing his feet to completely touch the ground once more. "Yes."
Rubbing the back of his neck, Naruto looks down to his sandal-clad feet. "I wanted to tell ya, Amaya, believe it!" He informs before meeting her eyes completely, the gleam in his eyes a mix of both determination and sincerity. "I just didn't want to get you in trouble, that's all. You already do so much for me, I don't wanna take advantage of that." He pauses for a moment, a light flush coating his cheeks. "Thanks for the food, too. Tell your ma I'm sorry for the trouble..."
The Minamoto regards him for a moment, her eyes softening at his implication. "Honestly..." she breathes out, "Let me decide what's troubling or not, idiot."
"But--"
"No buts!" Amaya cuts him off, wrapping her arm around his shoulder, bringing him into a gentle side hug. "I do those things because I want to! Same goes for Mama! She practically sees you as one of her own, anyway! Geez, you'd think you'd understand that already..."
Naruto stares at the girl for a moment as she laughs, quickly joining in from both relief and happiness.
Shaking her head, Amaya grabs his wrist and pulls him inside the small ramen shop. "C'mon, you dork, I'll treat you to some ramen for graduating!"
"EH?! You know about that, too?!"
"Of course!"
Before anyone knew it, a few days had passed after finding out what happened between Naruto and Mizuki. Along with that, the twins had finally returned home from their mission, allowing the Minamoto's to hold a somewhat belated celebration for both Amaya and Naruto for graduating from the academy.
Everything went as planned and it was just as rambunctious as always.
At the current moment, Amaya was meeting up with said blond to get the photos for their ID cards taken. When he finally arrived, the young Minamoto didn't know what to think.
Still clad in his bright orange and blue jumpsuit, the only thing the blond had changed about his appearance was his skin -in which every visible portion was covered in white and red face-paint.
As soon as he reached the girl, who was trying oh so desperately to hold back her laughter, he struck a pose. Asking her questions like "how'd it look" and "isn't it awesome".
Amaya, however, couldn't give him much of an answer. Her resolve had broken, and she was laughing too hard to speak.
When everything finally calmed down, they went inside and followed the cameraman up to the roof for better lighting.
"I can't believe you're taking a picture like that." Amaya comments, snickering behind her hand after the cameraman asked Naruto if he was sure that's what he wanted. "They'll make you retake it, ya know? You're not supposed to have anything on or covering your face." She informs as she leaned back against the railing, watching the cameraman work.
Eventually, the camera finally flashed, and the photo was taken, allowing Naruto to turn to her. "Pfft, yeah right, Amaya. There's no way they'd make me retake it, it's too awesome! Believe it!" Naruto replies following behind her after taking the form and photo handed to him. Both heading towards Lord Third's office.
-Five Minutes Later-
"At first ya know I couldn't figure out exactly how to do it, it took me like three hours to work it out and stuff. But finally, I got it, like an art project on my face, only cooler." Naruto said confidently, his face now clean of face-paint.
Hearing his explanation come to an end, Amaya looks up from her perch on the windowsill, her attention solely on Lord Third and her father -who apparently was helping with paperwork and such before they entered.
A small snort filled the air followed by the clearing of a throat, prompting those in the room to turn to turn their gazes to the culprit. The male in question, her father, covered his mouth as he stared intently at the photo in front of him. Shaking in silent laughter.
"Take it again." Lord Third said, voice void of any emotion as he turned back to stare at the boy.
Naruto's once proud expression fell, turning into a scowl at the elders' words, earning himself a quiet giggle from Amaya. 'Told ya so...'
"Hmm? NO WAY!" The blond exclaimed, crossing his arms into an x in front of his chest with a defiant glare.
"We can't accept this photo." The old man continues to say as he brings his wooden pipe up to his mouth.
"Yeah? Well I'm not doing it again!" Naruto yells, jumping up from his chair, preforming very familiar hand signs.
Amaya straightens up in her seat, her eyes widening slightly at what he was about to do. 'Oh no, don't tell me he's going to--'
"TRANSFORM!"
The room is silent as a poof is heard and soon enough, there standing in Naruto's place once again, was a scantily dressed woman only covered by small wisps of clouds.
"Pretty please, Lord Hokage?" She asked somewhat seductively, forcing Kenji to turn his head away -clearly flustered, and the elder to fly back in surprise with a nose bleed similar to how Iruka reacted.
'N-no way! He got Papa AND the Old Man!' Amaya thought to herself shocked, staring at the two in disbelief as they attempted to avoid eye contact.
As the two quickly grasp at what little composure they had left, Naruto dispelled the jutsu.
"That's the Sexy Jutsu you say? Very tricky, much too tricky. Don't do it again." Lord Third muses aloud with closed eyes, dabbing his nose with a handkerchief. His words earning himself a silent nod from Kenji, who was still slightly flustered.
"And where is your headband, Naruto? You're supposed to be wearing it." The elder asked, opening his eyes.
"Oh, I'm not putting it on until the orientation, I don't wanna mess it up." Naruto replies, adjusting the goggles on his forehead.
"So, you want your headband to look nice but your photo, which is supposed to identify you, makes you look like a clown..."
Amaya laughs loudly at the Hokage's words, earning herself a grin from her father and a flustered reaction from the blond.
Chortling, Lord Third continues. "It's for ninja training and missions, which is the key to your future. Look at this picture, you can't even tell who it is." He pressed further, hoping the boy would finally understand and retake the photo.
"Well fine! How am I supposed to know all this complicated stuff anyway?" Naruto shoots back, somewhat annoyed.
While all of this is being said, there was a light sound of the floor creaking outside of the door. Naruto continued to complain, seemingly the only one to not notice. Suddenly, the door bursts open gaining everyone's attention, prompting them to look over.
"OLD MAN! I CHALLENGE YOU! I'm going to defeat you and become the Fifth Hokage!" A small boy, wearing a helmet on his head - also missing a tooth, exclaimed as he ran toward the elder.
He made it two steps into the room before he slipped on his over-sized scarf, landing face first onto the hardwood floor. Silence fills the room, forcing Amaya to look away while covering her mouth, shaking with silent laughter.
"Something tripped me!" The little boy exclaimed, looking around the room before his eyes locked onto Naruto, who was staring back with squinted eyes.
Fast paced footsteps were then heard coming down the hallway, and soon a man wearing his forehead protector like a bandanna along with sunglasses, ran into the room. His quick pace coming to an abrupt halt as soon as he caught sight of the boy lying on the floor.
"Are you okay, Honorable Grandson?! And by the way there's nothing here for you to trip on, it's pretty flat." The man says to the boy, stepping forward slowly to help him up. However instead of receiving a response, the boy jumps up and angrily points at Naruto.
"Alright, you're the one who tripped me, aren't you?!"
"You tripped over your own feet, dork!" Naruto yells back, picking the child up by his scarf and collar.
Amaya spares a glance towards the Hokage, realization of who the boy was quickly washing over her. "H-hey Naruto, maybe you shouldn't--" She begins, only to be cut off by the new arrival.
"Hey you! Take your hands off him right now! He's the Honorable Grandson of the honorable Third Hokage!" His words give the blond pause as Naruto briefly looks up at him before turning his attention back to the boy.
"What's the matter, huh? I thought you were gonna hit me, tough guy?! Afraid because the Third Hokage is my grandfather?!" The boy taunts, making the blond clench his free hand into a fist.
Amaya gives a small sigh as she looks over and makes eye contact with her father and the Hokage. 'Here we go.' She thought, relaxing back into her spot on the windowsill, ready to watch everything unfold.
"I don't care if he's your grandmother! So, believe it!" Naruto exclaims, socking the boy in the face, sending him to the floor roughly. His words earning a snort from Amaya in return.
As soon as the kid hit the floor, the man in the doorway let out a loud gasp before running to the boy's side. After helping the Hokage's grandson up, the man then began to lecture him. "Listen carefully, you are the honorable grandson of the honorable Hokage. You cannot let riff-raff like this draw you into a fight. Even though he deserves it. You see he's far beneath you, you mustn't stoop to his level... As your elite ninja trainer, I am never wrong which means I'm always right. I'm far above the other trainers so heed my every word. Your goal is to become the next Hokage, and I can teach you the best way to do it." He started, crossing his arms over his chest. Naruto watched for a moment, unimpressed before quickly excusing himself, leaving the room. Unknowing to him, however, the Hokage's grandson slipped out as well -intending on following him.
The trainer soon continued, "Indeed." He began, pushing up his sunglasses. "Due to my skill, I can take you quickly and easily to the top, but you must always stay close to me. You understand me right, Honorable Grandson?" He asks, finally opening his eyes, soon coming to the painful realization that the boy had left mid-lecture.
"WHERE'D HE GO NOW?!" He exclaimed, looking around frantically.
"Looks like he gave you the slip again, Ebisu-san." Her father comments with a laugh, flustering the "trainer" even more.
'Ebisu? Didn't the twins say something about a guy name Ebisu?' Amaya thought to herself, eventually jogging a memory.
-Flashback-
"Imouto, we need to talk to you. ~" Kou said, coming up to wrap an arm around the smaller brunette's shoulder.
"Yeah?" Amaya asks, becoming slightly paranoid as she shifts her eyes from Kou to the other twin walking towards her.
"If you ever meet a guy named Ebisu--" Kurai started.
"Stay away from him. ~" Kou finished.
By then, both had their arms woven around her shoulders, their eyes glinting mischievously.
Raising a curious brow, Amaya looks up at the two in confusion. "Okay?... But why?" She asks, attempting to break free from their grasp, only to freeze when they speak once again -this time in unison.
"Because he's a huge closet pervert. ~" They both whisper conspiratorially before releasing her from their hold.
-Flashback End-
'Cl-closet pervert Ebisu?!' Amaya thought to herself, staring at the man somewhat horrified.
"I think he followed Naruto, but I've no idea where they're going." Lord Third replied offhandedly, turning his attention back to Amaya, motioning for her photo.
"HE'S WITH NARUTO?! THAT'S A DISASTER! I'M COMING, HONORABLE GRANDSON!" Ebisu all but screeched, hightailing it out of the room and back down the hallway.
Once again, the room is silent - and awkwardly so - as everyone stared at the spot the male once stood. Suddenly, Amaya hears a throat being cleared, prompting her to look towards the table once again.
Lord Third motions for the photo once again, sending the brunette scrambling from her perch and to her feet, her face flushing a light pink at his chuckles. Stepping forward, she holds out the photograph - smiling when he takes it.
Hiruzen looks at the photo for a moment and nods. "Good, good. Everything seems to be in order..." He trails off, handing the photo over to her father to file.
Amaya thanks the elder, earning a soft smile in return, and angles her body towards the door. "Ahah, I should probably go make sure they don't cause too much trouble..." She laughs, trailing off as she rubbed the back of her neck nervously.
"Yes, that would be much appreciated." Lord Third replies with small smile.
At the village leaders' words, her father stands from his seat and pushes back her bangs, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Behave yourself and have some fun." He tells her with a closed eye smile.
Nodding, Amaya gives the Hokage one last bow before pivoting on her heel, beginning to make her way to the door. However, just before she could cross the threshold, her father calls her name. Turning her head in his direction, he looks away awkwardly, avoiding her gaze.
"Don't tell your mother about Naruto's Sexy Jutsu..."
Amaya grimaces at the reminder but nods in agreement before continuing on her way to find Naruto and Lord Third's grandson.