Book 1: Dancing With Lightning [Naruto]

Epilogue: Temporary Goodbyes

Naruto and the others returned, disheartened, from the rescue mission attempt. Naruto took several days to recover from the injuries he received from his one on one battle with Sasuke.

He returned from the hospital alive and well, but was diminished and far more quiet. Hoshino feared that he may have lost Naruto for good until he finally showed signs of his old self.

It took a while for Team 7 to get used to Sasuke's absence. Days were slowly becoming normal once again-- there were some missions here and there with the entire team, some with Hoshino going out on his own as a Chunin, and some leading other platoons.

Months passed by, and Hoshino had thrown himself fully into his training with Akane and Kakashi, pushing himself to the absolute limit each time, and often returning home barely conscious. Despite his teammates' vocal concerns, he kept going. It was his way of keeping his mind off of Sasuke and the life threatening mission he had taken upon himself.

Of all the members of Team 7, Sakura seemed to have taken the biggest blow out of all of them. Hoshino had to admit, it made him a bit frustrated with her. She didn't bother to get to know the REAL Sasuke. She hadn't bothered to comfort any of them, instead choosing to lock herself away from them and wallow in her sorrow.

Hoshino had taken on the task of reassuring his teammates and acting as a sparring partner and counselor for Naruto, who was also still reeling from Sasuke's supposed betrayal.

Hoshino felt awful for hiding the truth from the two. He wanted them to know about Sasuke's true choice; to know the sacrifice he was making for them. Only he, Haku, and Kakashi were aware of Sasuke's true intentions. Maybe one day, he would be able to tell Naruto. He of all people deserved to know.

All these thoughts ran through his head as he stood in the Hokage's office. Tsunade was seated at her desk, and Akane stood right by her. They didn't stop their conservation, even when Hoshino made his presence known, so he waited patiently.

"Hoshino." He heard his name, and snapped his head up.

"Yes?" He asked politely. They both sound similar, and he wasn't paying attention, so he wasn't sure who had called him.

"I'm sure that Naruto has told you about his future three-year absence." Akane started softly, and Hoshino responded with a nod, looking at the floor.

"Well... I've been thinking, and I've decided that you're ready for it. So, I've decided that I'm taking you on your Tabi." Akane continued, giving a small smile as Hoshino's eyes widened.

The Tabi was a thousand day journey, each day filled with physical and mental challenges, all for the purpose of obtaining wisdom. Those who lasted often returned with a connection with the world around them previously thought impossible. It was incredibly grueling and difficult.

Hoshino's eyes trailed to Tsunade, who smiled at him. "I'm willing to not assign you missions for that duration of time. I suggest that you take this chance-- it really is an incredible opportunity for you. And I could think of no one better than Akane to lead and guide you."

Hoshino thought about it for a moment before speaking his decision.

"I accept. When are we leaving?"

Hoshino finished packing what he was allowed to bring and walked out of his room, only to be tackled by Aoi and Ruri. "NII-SAN! WE'LL MISS YOU!" They both cried at the same time as Hoshino hugged them back.

Hoshino smiled softly and ruffled their hair. "I will miss you both so much... but you must stay strong and continue your training. For I believe that there is no such thing as a permeant goodbye. Instead of being sad, I look forward to the day where I see you once more."

"Wise words, Hoshino." Iro said with a teary smile from behind him. He turned to see her standing in the doorway of her office. "I will miss you so much..." She whispered as Hoshino lunged forward and hugged her with all his strength.

"I'll miss you too, okaa-san..." He replied, giving her a comforting smile and wiping her tears away. "Don't worry; I'll be back soon. It's only two years or so."

"Be strong, Hoshino." She said clasping his hands in her own. "I know you will be. I am so proud of you. It's a huge honor to be able to call you my son."

"So you're really leaving...?" Haku asked him as he walked beside him as he traveled to the gates of Konoha. His Konohagakure headband gleamed in the sun from where he had tied it around his head.

"I am."

Haku gave him a sad, yet bright smile as they stopped at the entrance. "I'll miss you." He said. "Now all I have as a sparring partner is this goofball," He kicked Kakashi's shin lightly, as he had seemed to have fallen asleep on his feet. Hoshino laughed as he shot up in alarm and cast a glare in Haku's direction.

"I'll be back soon." Hoshino reassured them once he had finished laughing. He would definitely miss things like this. "And when I get back, we'll have to spar again."

"Oh, definitely! How could you suggest otherwise?" Haku responded, giving him a one armed hug as he spoke. "Looks like I'll have to train hard as well in order to keep up with you."

"I'll miss you, Hoshino-Kun." Kakashi hugged the Mizu heir close to his chest, feeling his eyes start to water with emotion. He would miss his surrogate son far too much than he liked.

"I'll miss you too... to-san." Hoshino murmured back, returning the embrace. Kakashi felt his heart soften at the name and, with some reluctance, released him and looked him in the eye.

"Go on, Mizu Hoshino." He said, gesturing to Akane, who was waiting for him by the gate with her backpack in hand. "And do us proud."

Hoshino gave them one last glance, before approaching her and once he had caught up, they took off immediately. As they became blurs amongst the trees, Hoshino looked over his shoulder and back at the village as it began to fade from view.

I'll be back, I promise. This isn't the end. He thought. After all... there's no such thing as a permanent goodbye.