Naruto: The Honored One

24: The Bonds We Break and Forge

Naruto crossed his arms, his expression stern. "Suguru, you've overstayed your welcome. Just leave already."

But Geto had other plans. With a dramatic wail, he threw himself at Naruto's leg, clinging on tightly like a stubborn child. "No, Satoru! Don't make me go! You can't get rid of me that easily! We're a package deal!" he cried, his fake tears spilling on the ground

Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "You're already testing my patience, Suguru." Without another word, he delivered a punch to Geto's head, sending him sprawling across the dirt.

"Alright, alright!" Geto groaned, rubbing the fresh bump on his head. "You're no fun."

---

The two sat by side by side, after the chaos subsided. Naruto leaned back against a tree, his gaze sharp as he studied Geto. "So? What's next for you? Don't tell me you're staying with the Akatsuki."

"Hardly," Geto replied with a smirk. "I was thinking of joining the Leaf."

Naruto nearly choked on air. "The Leaf? You?! After everything you've done? You do remember pouring blood on Tsunade to trigger her phobia, right? Oh, and let's not forget, you killed me."

"Minor details," Geto said with a wave of his hand. "I figured you'd vouch for me."

Naruto scoffed. "You're delusional if you think she's going to let you in just because I say so."

"Come on, Satoru," Geto teased. "We're best buds. This'll be fun."

Naruto groaned, running a hand through his hair. "This is going to be a nightmare..."

---

At Ichiraku Ramen

Teuchi and Ayame were cleaning the counters when Geto strolled in, dragging a massive box behind him.

"What's with the box?" Ayame asked, her curiosity piqued.

Geto grinned. "Glad you asked! I've got a little surprise for you two."

Teuchi raised an eyebrow. "What kind of surprise?"

Before Geto could answer, the box burst open, and out popped Naruto, grinning from ear to ear. "Yo, old man! Ayame! Miss me?"

The room fell silent. Ayame's hands flew to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. Teuchi dropped the bowl he'd been holding, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Naruto?" Ayame whispered, her voice trembling.

Naruto stepped out of the box, his grin growing wider. "It's me. I'm back."

Ayame didn't hesitate. She rushed forward, wrapping him in a tight hug as tears streamed down her cheeks. "You're alive! I can't believe it! We thought we'd lost you forever!"

Teuchi joined the embrace, his own tears falling freely. "You idiot! Don't scare us like that again!"

Geto stood off to the side, arms crossed and a smug grin on his face. "You're welcome," he said, as though he'd orchestrated the whole thing.

Naruto turned to him, his expression darkening. Without warning, he punched Geto square in the face, sending him stumbling back. "Stop acting like you had anything to do with this!"

---

Tsunade's Office

Geto knocked on the door, his trademark grin firmly in place.

"Come in," Tsunade called, her voice weary.

The moment her eyes landed on Geto, her fatigue evaporated, replaced by fiery rage. "You!"