Commander Kitsune

Seventeen

Naruto's POV

I'm standing on top of the Fourth Hokage's monument head, staring at the bustling village below me in the middle of the day. I had decided to end Sasuke's training session a little early, since I had errands to run anyway. We went up till mid afternoon- he managed to sorta get the Flower Phoenix jutsu- (After like a bajillion tries,) and I got him started on Chidori, though I told him not to go too far with it just yet- not until I got Kakashi over there helping him.

Let's see... the list of things to do today. See the old man... send my weekly letter to Itachi... send a letter to Lady Tsunade... see Kakashi... dang. It'll be a long day.

Sighing, I shunshin over to the Hokage's office.

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"Naruto. What are you doing here?" The old man asks when I appear in the office. He doesn't look up from his papers.

I shrug. "Just thought you wanted a report about the exams. And about my genin mission." I mused, sticking my hands into my pockets. The old man looks up. That got his attention.

"Go on."

I suck in a sharp inhale. "I have made a deal with the one-tails jinchuriki and his team. We will be allies, and they will give me info about the troop's movements outside the village. I will also help the one-tail jinchuriki into controlling the one-tail. Sasuke's curse mark was safely removed- no need to worry about that. Kabuto is a spy for Orochimaru- I'm afraid Orochimaru's been watching us for a very long time. I am going to be training Sasuke during this month, so he'll be in safe hands. I will also soon send a letter to Lady Tsunade- I'll get her to heal Lee, and also train Sakura in medical ninjutsu, if that's okay with you."

Lord Hokage places down his paperwork, and nods thoughtfully.

"Alright. Seems like you have everything under control." He sighs. "Seems like it was just yesterday you were the carefree little boy so eager to join Anbu." 

"But I'm not that little boy anymore, am I?"

He looks up at me, a sad smile on his face. "No. No you're not."

I stand there awkwardly for a while, not sure what to do. Then I break the silence. "...I should go."

The old man perks up. "Right, right. Don't want to keep you."

I nod a farewell to him, and shunshin away, frowning a bit. ...What's wrong with me?

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Itachi-

Sorry I didn't get to send you a letter the other week. The chunin exams were taking place. You'll be glad to know Sasuke's passing. I'm training him this month- before the final part of the exams- (your brother is very convincing for some reason. Learns quick too.) Also, for some reason, every time I'm around your brother, my heart beats fast and my face turns red. Is that normal? Seems like something you would know.

Orochimaru is back- he managed to side with the Sand, and I think he's going to attack somewhere during the exams. Troops are stationed outside the village, poised to attack. Sasuke got attacked by him in the Forest of Death- don't worry though, I removed the curse mark from Sasuke, and I have a plan to stop the oncoming war. Just leave it to me.

I know you can never reply, but maybe, just this once, you can send me a sign that you see my letters? An empty bird never helps- the letters could have just fallen off the bird. Then again, if they are falling off, there's no point in me writing this, but it's a habit. Oh- even better than a sign- how about sending me your address or something? Your location? So maybe I can visit you. Damn what those elders say.