Baby of Mine ~Naruto short-story~

Chapter 3: Grow Up Strong; Let's Go on a Mission!

Clary held the baby close and safe in her arms as she stood before the elders council. Her silver eyes were lined red and puffy from the few days since the loss of her big brother and sissy, but slowly she was finding her peace with their passing. If anything, she needed to stop mourning and be strong for Naruto. However the council might have some words for her place as Naruto's caretaker.

Lord third, Hiruzen, sat at the table in the center with his hands folded. He had no problem with letting the young ninja raise the baby, knowing that she would be the best person for the job and the one who would be more than happy to give him all the love and attention he needs to grow up strong. But the elders wondered if she would be capable of taking care of him with being so young and the shock of loosing her own caretakers. This would be her evaluation. The elders could all see the red around her eyes, giving them cause for concern over her emotional state. But the way that she smiled lovingly down at the blonde boy in her arms made them believe in her caring abilities.

Finally, one of the elders began. "Clarissa Namikaze." She looked up at him. People never used her full name... "Your evaluation will be three questions based on your planning and emotional state as well as your physical abilities to care for the child. Understood?"

"Naruto." She said simply. The elder questioned her. "He's not 'the child'. He's Naruto." Her voice sounded like her normal cheerful self.

The Hokage was the one to start the evaluation. "Clary, as a black ops member you are gone on dangerous missions for weeks at a time. Now with your last remaining family gone, how do you intend to take care of Naruto when your job demands you to be gone?"

She gave him a small sad smile. "Well, you're going to hear from Kakashi about this laster too... but I wish to resign from the the black ops." The room erupted into murmers from the other elders, quickly being silenced though as she continued. "And instead I would like to be an academy teacher for the pre-school division."

The Hokage nodded and smiled. He had thought that she would take a route like that. "Alright, next question. When you look at Naruto, what do you think?"

"Oh my gosh, doesn't he look exactly like my big brother?! I mean look at this kid! There is no such thing as my sissy on this boys face. Oh, he's so cute!" She cuddled the little baby lightly, careful not to wake him. Once again, murmers ran through the room, and the Hokage was pleased with her answer. All she sees is a cute little baby.

The last question was about to be asked when the baby began to whine, softly at first, giving out little unhappy sounds before he began to cry. Clary gazed down at him softly and gave him her index finger to grasp, calming him slightly. But the elders all watched in amazment as she sang a simple lullaby that almost instantly quieted him. "Baby of mine, don't you cry. Baby of mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine."

The thought process was fluid and exact. The elders had never seen anything like it before, but it made up their minds. "Thank you Miss Namikaze. You're free to go with the baby now."

"Thank you!" Her face lit up and she ran out the door. Kakashi was waiting for her in the hall anxiously. But the minute he saw her bright grinning face he knew it was silly to worry about the baby being taken from her. It's Clary after all. She will always think of something. Kakashi had agreed to help Clary raise Naruto. He knew that she would never admit to needing help, so the offer had stemmed from the fact that they were in this together so long as they were dating.

Kakashi took Naruto from Clary and smiled down at him. He let out a little baby laugh and both cooed at his adorablness. The walk back to Clary's apartment was filled with laughter and bright smiles.