A Lotus in Winter: A Rock Lee Love Story

Chapter 66: End

Sayuri's POV:

I told Udon Sensei what was happening with Metal and he was concerned. He promised to have a talk with other sensei to prevent this problem in the future, as well as arrange a type of training session among all of the Genin that were about to graduate with Metal. That way they could get to know each other better and see each others skills outside of school. He repeatedly apologized for this happening but I wouldn't allow it, it wasn't his fault after all.

After my discussion I headed home, along the way I walked past the park. It was night time but still I heard voices coming from it. The voices of children. I vaguely remembered that genin would come here to hang out, so I didn't think much of it. That is until my powerful hearing picked up on what they were saying and laughing about.

Kid 1: He is so pathetic, Metal Lee is never going to be a real ninja. He's just going to get in the way.

Kid 2: You're right, he's just going to die on his first real mission or come crying home to his mommy.

Kid 3: How could such a loser come from such cool family. I mean isn't his uncle the last Hokage?

Kid 4: I know, his parents must be disappointed to have had such a failure of a son.

*chorus of laughter*

My blood was boiling, these were the brats who were tormenting my baby. Not for long. I wasn't going to hurt them but I was going to remedy this situation.

I walked into plain view of the children and they grew quiet.

Sayuri: "Good evening children, it's a beautiful night isn't it?"

Kids: "Good evening Honorable sister"

Sayuri: "Oh please, call me Mrs. Lee or Mrs. Sayuri."

Kids: "Yes ma'am."

Just at that very moment, I saw Lord Hokage Naruto walking past. He must have just gotten off of work. He saw me immediately and met me halfway. This was working better than expected, every kid in the village looked up to Naruto and I could use this to help Metal.

Naruto:  "Sayuri! You look wonderful as ever, how is the family?"

Sayuri: "Thank you Naruto, you're looking wonderful too. The family is doing well, except..."

Naruto: "Except?"

His voice was concerned and curious.

Sayuri: "Some kids have been bullying my precious Metal Lee. They have even gotten physical in their bullying. He came home all beaten up today."

Just remembering this made my voice catch and my eyes fill with tears. I knew those kids heard what I said and I could almost feel how tense they became. Naruto's face darkened and his voice took on its growling, tough tone that it always had when he was angry.

Naruto: "I hate bullies. Metal Lee is a wonderful kid, he doesn't deserve to be treated like dirt! Let me guess, it's because he can't use Ninjutsu or genjutsu?"

I nodded.

Naruto: "That's so stupid! I remember when I was a kid how your husband Rock Lee beat me up and Sasuke. He can't use anything but taijutsu as well. Then there's Guy sensei... He saved us by using only taijutsu. Those are real ninjas!"

Sayuri: "You're right Naruto. I just wish the children could see what we see."

Just then, the kids ran up and surrounded Naruto and I.

Kid 4: "Is that true Lord Hokage? Do you really hate bullies?"

Naruto: "I do, I was bullied growing up. Kids would say I was weak and a failure. I had to prove them wrong."

Kid 2: "Do you really think ninjas can be strong with only taijutsu?"

Naruto: "Believe it!"

I smiled, my plan worked perfectly. Naruto was the only one who could sway them as he was their hero. From now on I was sure there would be no more problems with bullies.

Sayuri: "Naruto, I'm sorry but I left supper cooking in the oven. I should really head home and feed my family."

Naruto: "Okay, see you Sayuri! Tell Lee and Metal I said hello!"

Sayuri: "I will, tell your family I said hello as well. Goodnight!"

With that I headed home. I knew I had done everything I could, but I was afraid that Metal would still be mad at me.

When I opened the door, I was taken by surprise by my two handsome boys hugging me.

Metal was crying as he hugged my waist.

Metal: "Mommy I'm so sorry I was mean, I had no idea. Please don't be mad at me.

Lee: "Are you okay darling? What happened?"

Sayuri: "I'll tell you later Lee. Now Metal baby I'm not mad at you, I could never be mad at my special little man. I love you so much sweetheart. Don't worry about being bullied ever again, mommy handled it."

Metal: "What did you do?"

Sayuri: "Don't worry about that, let's get you both fed. I can hardly hear you both over the sound of your stomachs."

We all laughed at that and sat down to a family dinner. This was the way things should be, our family gathered close enjoying good food and laughing. The boys talking about their training, and Hitsugi begging for scraps under the table, this was my happily ever after.

I lay awake that night smiling as I lay next to Lee. He was so peaceful as he slept with his arms wrapped around me. I thought back to everything I had been through to make it to this point and as I slowly began to doze off, I couldn't help but think. The best is yet to come.

The end