Konoha's New Prodigy: The Journey

3

"It's been a while. The village has recovered rather quickly" I said while entering the gates of Konoha. "Do you think they're still at the office?"

"I sended a message this morning. They're already waiting for us." Sasuke said.

I nodded and continued walking towards the Hokage building. The villages was recovering but there were some plaves that needed more attention. I noticed how the people started murmuring as soon as they landed their eyes on me. Suddenly, I couldn't help but feel awkward at the sudden silent judgement I was feeling as I kept walking. Uncle Sasuke must've noticed that too cause he quickened his pace and ised his hand to push me closer to him in a protective manner. Later on, we were facing the Hogake's door to his office.

"We're here" he said while letting go of me and opening the door. I took a deep breath as I walked in.

"Hokage-sama we're ba-" I said while starting to bow before I was suddenly tackled with a warm hug given by my father.

"Welcome back dattebayo" dad said with a warm embrace as my eyes almost started watering but I contained myself.

"I'm back papa" I said while hugging him for a while. Then he broke the hug and looked to uncle Sasuke.

"Thanks for taking care of her Sasuke" he said.

"Hn. Is the least I can do" he replied while giving the scroll to Konohamaru. "The rebels have been taken care off."

"That's good" Konohamaru said while receiving the scroll.

"Did you found anything?" dad asked.

"Not exactly" I replied while lowering my head. "There are many portals opening at random times and places for no specific reason."

"Could it be him?" Konohamaru asked.

"We haven't felt Toneri's chakra coming from those portals. However...." Sasuke said while glancing at me. "There's still something we could track."

"I understand" Naruto said.

"You two must be tired." Konohamaru said.  "Sakura and Hinata-sama are waiting for you"

"You sure you don't need my help. dattebayo?"

"You, of all people should rest. Come on, trust me Naruto nii-chan, I can manage this! I have Shikamaru remember?"

"Fine. Call me if you need something" Naruto said with a grin. "Let's go Hima."

The road back home was silent and awkward. I knew this day was coming, and I had  to open up to him. Fix all the things that happened between us. I sensed that my dad was a little nervous too, he was excited for me to be back home but he didn't know what to do or say to me.

"You've grown up a lot Hima. Your hair's long again dattebayo" he said while scratching his head.

"Uh..thanks dad. The...the village has been doing fine without me. It's safe."

"Everyone's missed you. Everyone noticed your absence when you were gone dattebayo"

"It was something that had to be done." I replied before glancing at him with a warm smile. "But still I'm glad to be here and that the village's okay."

Suddenly, I sensed the unmistakable smell of Ichiraku's ramen. My eyes started glowing with excitement as I ran up to the most famous restaurant of Konoha.

"They're still open! I can't believe it!!" I said with joy while my father smiled at me. Suddenly a kid ran close and almost bumped against me when suddenly, their parents took them away to scold them.

"Watch out! I told you to not get close to her!" the mother said.

"But I didn't saw her I swear!" the kid said.

"You have to be more careful!" she replied as she turned to me. "My apologies young lady, my son's just...." then she gasped in what it seemed to be fear but then it changed into hatred. "You..."

"It's no problem. You don't have to-"

"Come darling let's go. Let's stay away from the monster who destroyed the village and everyone's lives with it!" she said while glaring and walking away with his son.

'Monster'

I clenched my fists as my father suddenly stood beside me with concern. "Come, let's buy you a cup of ramen"

"I'm not hungry" I said while walking away.

Naruto stood speechless before following me. Once we were home, he suddenly stopped me before going inside.

"You're not a monster. Don't let that break your will" I nodded before opening the door.