The Beauty of Imperfection

Chapter Seven

When I left Shun and Mizu the next day--after a breakfast of tea and sweets--I almost immediately ran into Naruto.

I stumble back, automatically reaching out a hand to steady both him and myself. His appearance startles me, and despite the fact he has clearly grown all I can see is the twelve year old I would ignore and torment. I close my eyes against the pain for a long moment. When I open them, his blue eyes are staring at me with concern I do not deserve.

"Sorry, Naruto," I murmur, pulling my hand away.

I can still feel his gaze on me but I don't deserve to hear anything even resembling forgiveness from him so I turn and begin to walk away. But then I can't stand it and I whirl, trying to ignore the tears that sting at the back of my eyes. Naruto was still looking after me, and that makes it both easier and harder.

"I'm sorry," I say again, but this time it's not for bumping into him. I think he can somehow sense it, because his gaze softens and something close to a smile graces his face.

"It's okay," he replied softly. "It's okay."

And somehow that makes it worse. I don't want him to forgive me. I want him to hate me for what I had done but Naruto is just too good of a person for that and it hurts. But instead of voicing all of this, I simply clear my throat and call out, "Tell Sakura I say hello, will you?"

He nods and he's still smiling and I know that he has somehow peered into my eyes and seen everything inside. I spin, hurrying away and feeling even younger than I was. Naruto was so bright, so full despite everything and in comparison I was completely empty.

I first go to Tsunade's office, who tells me that she's been too busy to even get started on my problem. Her honest dismissal sends me spiraling into a flash of anger that I only barely stop myself from expressing. In the end she offered to give me solo D and C rank missions whenever I check in. Despite feeling incredibly insulted (I could handle more than genin missions!) I accept.

Breathe in, and out.

I leave Tsunade's office with the promise that she would prepare some low ranking solo missions for me and head to the hospital. I didn't get to talk with him last night, and wanted to see him again because despite my training and growing stronger I missed him.

When I enter the room he's there this time, playing chess with himself. He barely glances over at me, all his attention focused on the game. I go to take it away so we could talk, but he bats at my hand and glares lightly and I'm forced to concede.

I talk at him more than with him, finally stumbling onto my training over the years.

"After almost four months I found this clan who traveled around, like nomads, kinda. They said that they used to be a clan of Konoha, actually, but that they've dwindled in numbers and people feared them and so they've left," I mumur. "They were all extremely skilled at genjutsu. Have you ever heard of the clan called Kura--"

"Fuzen."

I freeze. Why the hell was my father here? I never, ever, ever wanted my Sensei to see my Father, see how he treated me, to even this day and I know that something is going to happen because something always happens and if this is going to be the power struggle I think it's going to be something big.

"Fuzen," he said again. "I have a proposal for you."

I keep the surprise off of my face and simply nod. "I'm listening."

"Be my ambassador for the company. You did well when I sent you to renegotiate the contract a few years ago. Join the family company."

I blanch. This was... This was... A chance at my father's approval.