Darkest Before Dawn

Naruto Namikaze

   "Itachi-san!"

   The newly instated ANBU turned around to see little Sakura Haruno trot towards him with her usual bubbly smile. He waited for her to catch up before inclining his head in greeting.

   "Good morning, Sakura. What are you doing here so early?"

   "Sensei has a meeting so he can't train me today." she pouted, causing Itachi's lips to quirk up, "So now I'm here. What are you doing today, Itachi-san?"

   They continued down the street and into the ANBU building. Sakura grew quiet when Itachi approached the office of the First ANBU Captain- Daichi Nakahara. Itachi motioned for the girl to stay outside, which she complied to immediately. When he disappeared through the door way, Sakura walked towards the hallway window and peered out. The Hokage, as well as a kid around her age, were the nearing the ANBU HQ. She cocked her head to the side in wonder. Who was that boy?

   After Minato entered the building, he walked past Daichi's office. He spotted Sakura and gave her a smile.

   "Hello, Sakura-chan. Are you waiting for one of your friends?"

   "Hai, Hokage-sama! Itachi-san's talking with Daichi-sama!" she said. Just as she finished her sentence, that strange boy popped up in front of her with the biggest, brightest grin she had ever seen.

   "So your name's Sakura-chan, right?! Nice ta meet cha! My name's Naruto Namikaze and I'm gonna be Hokage just like my tou-san, dattebayo!!" he exclaimed, holding his arms out.

   He was loud but incredibly sweet. Sakura couldn't help but giggle and accepted the hug he offered. Naruto squeezed her tightly.

   "I've decided!" he shouted, "You're gonna be my new best friend! Whattya think?!"

   She nodded with a smile on her face.

   "Sounds good enough to me, Naruto-kun."

   Minato tugged on the boy's hand and they walked down the hallway. Naruto waved back at her amiably, his father chuckling at his cheerfulness. Once she was sure he was gone, her features crossed into that of interest. Naruto Namikaze, Minato Namikaze's son. He sure didn't act like his father, so must've taken after his mother. Sakura had heard rumors about Kushina. She was very spunky loud, and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

   The door to Daichi's office creaked open and out stepped Itachi as blank-faced as he entered. Sakura re-attached herself to Itachi's side and looked up at him.

   "Is everything okay?"

   "Mm. Daichi-sama told me about my progress, nothing more." he replied softly. The girl 'hmmed' to herself before taking hold of his hand and tugging him down the streets. Itachi gave her a questioning glance which she returned with a grin as big as Naruto's.

   "Let's head down to the nearest dango shop! I'm in the mood for it, aren't you?"

   Itachi smiled.

~x~

   Hey everyone, writer168 here! Sorry for the short update, I know, I suck. But I'm curious as to what you guys think. Down below in the comments, go ahead and tell me what you want to happen in Darkest Before Dawn, and I might consider it!