NaruHina: Technical Difficulties

Chapter Two: Blast from the Past and a Place for the Future

Naruto had brought his newest acquaintance to his favorite place, Ichiraku Ramen. He felt a little embarrassed to be bringing a girl, other than Sakura, to a small shop that held big memories for him.  

"So, where was I" Kanai broke her chopsticks apart and filled her mouth full of miso ramen noodles. She thought for a minute, "Oh yeah. When Shika was laying in the woods, I was crouched in front of him. I don't know why, but I was poking him, like he was some sort of creature."

                                                                     -flashback-

Shikamaru open his eyes. Something was disturbing his sleep. It was to bad, he was having a really good dream.

"Hey, you're finally awake. I thought you were dead," Kanai said as he sat up stretching, "My name's Kanai. What's yours?," she held her hand out. Nara stared down at it, being confused for the first time. "Come on it's just a hand. You have one too, see," she held up his hand and matched it with her own.

"Well, Kanai, I'm Shikamaru and you're disturbing my sleep," he said a little bit annoyed. He leaned back against the tree trunk behind him and she moved to sit beside him.

"Oh sorry. But that's a different name. Where are you from?," she cocked her head to the side looking at him. He already had his eyes closed again.

Shikamaru open his left eye and looked her up and down, "Konoha. Where are you from?"

"Actually, my village doesn't have a name really. It's not even a village anymore. Nana-sensei told me it burned down. Now I live in a special place with her," she smiled staring at the ground, thinking about the Lady who took care of her, but wasn't her mother. Nara laughed at her tone and dazed expression. She turned to him, flicked his forehead and then ran off. he watched her disappear behind a few trees. As soon as he knew she was gone he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

                                                              -flashback end-

"Oh, so you wanted to see Shikamaru again?," Naruto asked, stuffing his face full of noodles.

"No, but when sensei died I had no one else. I remembered him and this place, for some reason. I came looking for a home, but meeting Shika again was just a perk," the kunoichi smiled at him. Naruto finished his third bowl of ramen and started yawning.

Kanai turned around to see the evening sun coming from under the curtains, "I wanted to thank you, again, for carrying me to the hospital. I'd like to thank Sakura-san too, but she's busy today," She looked sad but smiled anyways.

"Kanai, if it makes you feel any better, I don't think anyone's ever to busy to accept gratitude," Naruto assured the girl.

Kanai's eyes lit up and she smiled, "Do you think we can go find her?," she asked, jumping up.

"Sure, I don't mind," he stood up and she squealed running from the tent. Naruto left enough money to cover both their meals, then followed her.

As Naruto and Kanai were coming up to the hospital, Sakura was heading out the doors. She was stretching and walking rubbing her muscles. Kanai ran over to their pink haired friend and her large breast bounced, Naruto stared at her. Sakura saw him and started glaring.

"Sakura-san!," Kanai took her hands in her own, "I wanted to thank you for your help today, It means a lot," Kanai hugged her. This was Sakura's chance to toy with Naruto's mind just a little.