The Aftermath

Part 4

Naruto could be seen walking down the street from the Yamanaka shop. He has, what people would describe as a victory smile on his face. And what did he won, you say. Money? No. Promotion? No. Let me help you out a bit. He won a date with one of the most beautiful women in Konoha, if not on the entire continent. Yep, definitely a good reason to be happy.

Some would also wonder what made him do it, why did he make such a bold move. What if it doesn't work out? That could ruin their friendship. Is it worth it?

Naruto thought back to his conversation with his sensei, Kakashi. A single phrase was running through his mind. This is what his sensei told him.

" Life's short Naruto. Cherish it while you can." Said the Copy Ninja.

Naruto took his advice to heart. Until now Naruto took everything for granted. But you never know what might happen, even he isn't invincible.

So he decided to take a leap of faith. He only hopes everything will turn out great. 'So do I Naruto, so do I' thought the narrator.

Only time will tell. He will do everything he can to find his happiness.

Naruto was broking out of his musing when he heard his name being called.

"Naruto-nichan is that you? Boss is that really you?" Konohamaru's voice could be heard on the street. Naruto turned towards the voice and saw Konohamaru with a smile on his face.

Konohamaru changed over the 2 years. He grew quite a lot. He probably reached up to Naruto's chin now. He also gained some muscles. He still wore that ridiculous scarf around his neck. Seriously, what's up with that?

Naruto was beaming, happy to see his protégé again. Konohamaru gave Naruto a small hug, but don't worry it was a manly hug. They had unshed tears of joy in their eyes. It has been too long for these two.

"Kono, hey buddy, how you've been?" said Naruto with a smile reserved for his friend.

" Don't you buddy me. Where were you? You just disappeared on us. I really missed you, we all did." Said Konohomaru who really missed his boss.

Naruto scratched his head in embarrassment, which he was doing a lot lately. He told Konohamaru everything, where he was, what he did, the whole shebang.

Konohamaru understood. Naruto wanted to follow in his master's footsteps, he would have done the same thing in his shoes. As long as he's happy, so is he.

" So what have you been up to? I've heard some interesting things." Smirked Naruto.

Konohamaru didn't like that look, it meant he will be teased later. But there's nothing he can't do right now, he will deal with it later.

"Well, I actually made Chuunin last year. I won the whole tournament, you should have seen me. I wiped the floor with the competition. You should have seen their faces when I used the Rasengan in the finals, you would be laughing your ear off. " laughed a proud Konohamaru.

Naruto gave him a proud smile and ruffled his hair, like a proud brother would.

"That's great Kono. I'm proud of you. Sorry I couldn't be there but I promise I'll be there when you turn Jounin. I'll need to give you a gift for the promotion. Which one do you want, lunch or a new jutsu? Asked Naruto who already knew the answer to that question.

" Hm, that's a tough one. Bah, who am I kidding, jutsu it is." Answered a delighted Konohamaru.

" I thought so. If you want I could show it to you right now, I've got some time." Said Naruto.