Silver Lining

1

It was mid-afternoon when she saw them walk up to the gates. Immediately, Sakura recognized one of them-the large white haired man-but she couldn't believe that the person next to him was Naruto. Naruto no longer sported his bright orange jumpsuit and instead wore a tight form-fitting fishnet shirt with a black tank top underneath, black baggy pants with thousands of pockets, and combat boots. On his left hand he wore two rings. One was a simple golden band around his ring finger and the other was a more complex ring on his middle finger. Naruto's hair was no longer short and spiky; it was in a ponytail sitting on top of his head in the same fashion that Deidara always had his; only Naruto's hair was a bit shorter.

Naruto's mouth moved as he spoke to the elder man beside him and the white haired man laughed heartily, clutching his stomach as he roared with laughter. When they passed the two gaping shinobi at the gates, they waved shortly, but turned back to their conversation quickly.

Sakura waved lightly but it went unnoticed by the two homecoming ninjas. She continued to gape after Naruto as he walked, wondering when Naruto had gotten so…slender…so hot. Just as they turned the corner, Sakura's eyes traveled down, seeing a small boy clutching the leg of Naruto's pants as he hurried to match the blonde's stride.

Who was that kid?