The Unlikely Genius [ON HOLD]

Chapter 29: The Visitors

Next Day

It was the day to mourn for brave warriors who sacrifice their lives for the village. One of them was the Third Hokage. This man has a legacy covering the ninja world, but also in people lives, especially for Naruto. Naruto woke up that morning, it was the first time he was genuinely serious about someone and about something that happened. Naruto didn’t overslept nor slept late, it was a special day. He didn’t bother to wear his head band. He wore his funeral clothes. “You alright kit?” Kurama asked worried. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’s just hard. I’m still in disbelief.” Naruto replied. Kurama was silent. He let Naruto have his mind quiet for a day to mourn.

Naruto had showered, brushed his teeth/hair, and ate breakfast. When he was done, he left. He didn’t bother to meet up with his team. This man was more important than wasting time just for a meet up. Every Ninja and civilian has a flashback of how the Third Hokage has helped them in a way. And thoughts of the ones that died. Naruto was standing next to Iruka-sensei. In front of them was a crying Konohamaru.

Iruka goes to comfort the boy. “Why do humans die? Why do risk their lives for others?” Naruto sadly said. “When a person dies it doesn’t matter what happened in the past, present, and the future. They will lose everything. But it doesn’t mean we should forget them. These men and women died protecting their home. They died for a cause. Family, friends, lovers, and etc are those we trust the most, trust each other and help each other from the day we’re born to the day we die.” Iruka answered.

Naruto was quiet. “Death is still painful”. ‘A ninja mustn’t show his emotions in any situation. A ninja must prioritize his mission first and must not show any tears.’ Naruto thought as he remembers what he learned.

“I’m sure Hokage-sama doesn’t want his death to be painful. He did his job and we should be happy. Much like the Fourth Hokage…” Kakashi cuts in. Naruto turns to look at Kakashi. ‘Father…’ Naruto thought. It was time for Naruto to give his flower. Naruto puts the flower down. “Old man…Jii-san…you rest peacefully now. When I become Hokage, they’ll all remember you forever. I will protect those precious to me… as you did.” Naruto said determined and looks up the sky then at the stone carving of Sarutobi. Rain hitting his fair face. Then suddenly the rain stops and the sun shows itself brightly. It was as if the Third Hokage was looking down at him smiling.

Few days later

Naruto is at Ichiraku Ramen eating his daily three bowls of ramen at lunch time. The air around the village is still depressing. There are still a few villagers mourning over the death of the Hokage. Deep inside Naruto is still hurting. But he wasn’t going to show it. “Oy kid, you’re still eating?” Jiraiya said coming behind Naruto. “Ero-sensei, you need something?” Naruto smiled. “Don’t call me that!” Jiraiya yelled then hits Naruto on the head. Naruto didn’t bother dodging that. Teuchi and Ayame laughs looking at the scene.

“Anyways, I want you to go somewhere with me” Jiraiya said. Naruto wonders where. “We’re going to find someone.” Jiraiya smiles and then sits right next to Naruto. “Don’t tell me it’s for the next Hokage. I’m sure they already asked you, but you declined since it would hinder your ‘research’” Naruto said. Jiraiya smiled again. ‘Sharp as ever huh’ Jiraiya thought. “Yes, we’ll stop by the red light district in Hima. We’ll be also training if you want.”

“If I want? Of course I do…Hmm…but I think I already know who this certain someone is. A female.” Naruto smirked. Jiraiya nodded. “One of the Sanin’s…Tsunade. Orochimaru out of the question, seeing as how he attacked the village.” Naruto sighed. Jiraiya was surprised, Naruto knew more than he let on. Jiraiya chuckled. “Ha-ha yeah. How did you know?” he asked. “The old man used to tell me stories about his students.