I'll Find My Way Back (Stuck In Naruto)

Going on a Trip

~~~~~~~~~

The battle was over. The village was victorious in surviving the sudden attack, but there was much to be built back up. The buildings, the gates, the morale: the Third had passed, sacrificing himself for the good of the village. Everyone was gathered that day, honoring the elder.

Afterward, the villagers had all gathered to build back the village, working together as a means to lift spirits and honor those who passed to protect their home.

Fei had visited Natsume at the hospital, as he got injured during the attack. Nothing too severe, a stab wound near his gut and snake slam that broke a couple of ribs, but enough to land him in the hospital. Aite was right beside him, looking out the window as Natsume squirmed about.

"Argh! I'm feeling better now. Come on, guys, let me leave, please?" Natsume begged, giving them puppy eyes.

"Nope. Not until the doctor screens you one final time. Those bones gotta be completely fine, and the slice wound also has to be nice and covered."

"Psh. It wasn't even that bad. Sound ninja have pretty bad aim."

"Idiot, it was enough to land you here. You're too clumsy and bold. It lands you into more trouble than required," Aite scolded as Natusme huffed. Aite then placed his hand on top of his head, rubbing lightly, "Still, I'm glad you're okay. I don't know what would've happened if you got severely hurt there. Just... never do that again. I'm here to protect you just as you do for me."

Natsume flushed with glee, taking his partner's hand and shaking it vigorously, "Ahah! Of course. I love it when you talk to me like this. It gives me butterflies!!"

"Ugh... you two," Fei smiled at her guardians. Her family. These were the moments she relished the most.

~~~~~~~~~

Time had passed again, a couple days for Fei, remembering Hibiki's last words to her as he passed, what she promised Shiro. She intended to keep that vow, clutching her necklace as she sat along her bedside.

She received a visit from Sasuke that day, who nagged her about her behavior since the attack. She pushed it as far back as she could, but unfortunately, he was persistent. With an irritated huff, she let him know what had occurred.

"He killed him in front of me, and I was too weak to protect him." Fei concluded, "I want to become stronger, Sasuke. But I'm running out of options. This can't keep happening anymore, so I've been thinking of revving up our combined training."

"So you've been feeling the same way..." he murmured, "Sorry about Hibiki. I didn't really like the guy, but... he was a comrade..."

"It's okay, I've been recovering. Besides, I've learned that in this world, I can't afford to grieve anymore. Strength is what I need. So let's train! Come on!!" She yelled as she pulled him upward.

"Hey! Stop pulling, you idiot!!"

~~~~~~~~~~

They made their way to the training grounds. After a couple hours, the raven haired boy left to refine on his own. Fei stayed behind, and after more hours of training, she was returning back to her home. As she walked, she saw Naruto struggling with a ridiculously enormous bag. Alongside him was an incredibly important man.

"W-what?" Fei asked as she approached the two, wide-eyed.

"Ah! Fei! What're you doing over here?" Naruto asked as he fought the bag holding his feet off the ground.

"I was just training... but you're with... the legendary Toad Sage!! Whoa! It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Jiraiya," she bowed in respect, stuttering with her words.