30 Surprise

PICTURES:

Namikaze Hayato

Uchiha Kaede

I'll post the pictures later. Just comment or something, and I'll like it when I post the pic. 

***

The village was enveloped in a white canvas, the land submerged in snow and the sky draped in a calming blanket of white. Slowly, but surely, the heart of the village started to pulsate, as the denizens exited their warm confines, and dedicated themselves to their daily, immutable routines. 

Perched atop a branch of a tree, was a tiny bird, its chestnut plumage blending with the very branch it stood on. Its feathers ruffled, and the bird seemed to relish in the breeze, observing the thriving world below like a sovereign. The canopies swayed in response to the crisp, chilly breeze.

The bird's beaks parted, and it chirped...

*CHIRP* *CHIRP*

The melodious tweeting of the sole bird shattered the serenity of the forest, as though intentionally alerting its comrades of its presence...

*CHIRP-CHIRP* *CHIRP-CHIRP* *CHIRP-CHIRP* *CHIRP-CHIRP* 

In response, a chorus of tweets echoed amidst the stillness.

The sole bird extended its wings before flapping to the skies. Subsequently, several birds emerged from their nesting compounds, symphonically flapping their wings and chorusing in melodious tweets that soothed the hearts, and spiralling graciously into the heavens...

In the distance, the silhouette of a vibrant red building emerged, marking the iconic Ninja Academy from the hidden leaf village. This is where the youths of the village who wish to become ninjas study. This place is an institution for aspiring ninjas; they start enrolling at the age of 6 or 7, delving into the fundamentals of ninja arts, techniques, tactics, and strategies.

- Hahahaha! -

- Yeah, that was so fun. - 

- Oy, remember when... - 

This particular room presented itself to be a classroom, and seemingly the only room of the building brimming with chaos and laughter. The untamed and contagious energy of the youths propagated outwardly, as some engaged in animated conversations, while most, especially the boys, engaged in playful brawls, or throwing items, with no teacher in sight to quell the exuberance.

Amidst the chaos, a familiar youth ran to the back of the class, his notable feature being his yellow hair and blue eyes; he was none other than Uzumaki Naruto, whose lips were parted into a delicate smile as he hobbled over the stairs.

Finally, halting his momentum, his feet skidded along the ground, and he stood before 2 of his close friends; One whose body was leaned forward, and his head buried in his arms, revealing his narrow and slit eyes, and exuding the aura of one who wished not to be disturbed. Another was a rather chubby youth, his lips curling as he noticed the presence of a familiar individual by his peripheral vision. Rotating his neck, the yellow-haired boy reflected before his eyes.

"Hey guys." Naruto greeted his peers with an infectious grin.

Raising his hand in a welcoming motion, Shikamaru gestured in his usual laid-back manner, "Yo." 

"Hey," Choji returned, munching on his crisps with casual nonchalance.

Flailing his hands in a show of ecstasy, Naruto intoned, "Something super cool happened yesterday ya know." 

Choji inquired, arching a brow, "Hmm, what is it?"

Shikamaru was all ears, keeping his gaze on Naruto as he spoke. 

Motioning with his hands, Naruto elaborated, "Yesterday, I wanted to buy a mask, but the shopkeeper didn't like that I was standing there, and before he tried to push me... Bam," 

Naruto had unknowingly inched his face close to Shikamaru and voiced with his tone conveying his thrill, "Another man came in front of me, and protected me from that mean old man. He even bought me a mask ya know."

Shikamaru whined, "Oy Naruto, you're spitting on me!"

Naruto backed away with a grin, and apologised, "Sorry," to which Shikamaru just waved his hand in dismissal, "It's fine, ugh, what a drag."

"So someone helped you? That's cool," Choji chimed in.

Naruto admitted, his eyes glistening, "Right!"

However, the perplexed Choji couldn't help but raise his question; "But why did that mean old man try to push you?"

Naruto shrugged, "I dunno."

Shikamaru glanced at the optimistic Naruto, recalling a conversation he had with his father...

- FLASHBACK-NO-JUTSU - 

In the comfort of Shikamaru's home, the aroma of dinner lingered in the air as the family sat around the table. Shikamaru, with a contemplative expression, decided to broach a sensitive topic.

"Say dad, can I ask a question?" Shikamaru inquired while taking bites of his meal. His mother, Nara Yoshino, sat beside him, and his father, Nara Shikaku, occupied the opposite side of the table.

Shikaku welcomed his son's curiosity, raising an eyebrow in anticipation, "Sure, what is it, Shikamaru?" 

"It's about Naruto. Why does everyone avoid him like he's the plague?" Shikamaru questioned, seeking insights from his father's experienced perspective.

Shikaku, with his eyes closed, contemplated the question. As he opened them, he directed a thoughtful gaze at his son. "Shikamaru, how do you feel about that boy?"

Shikamaru, adopting a ponderous pose with a finger on his chin, deliberated before responding, "H-How do I feel? I never thought about that, let's see... He's stupid, but he's a funny guy. It's not like we're gonna be buddies, but I wouldn't avoid him either."

A subtle smile curved on Shikaku's lips as he absorbed his son's honest sentiments. "I see... Then ignore the others, you do what you want," Shikaku advised, emphasising the importance of individual choices and authenticity.

"Yeah, I guess so," Shikamaru affirmed, appreciating the guidance from his father.

- END-OF-FLASHBACK-NO-JUTSU - 

"-A-MA-RU! 

OY

SHI-KA-MA-RU," a voice invaded his peace of mind.

"I can hear you loud and clear, stop being noisy," Shikamaru whined in annoyance, to which Choji backed away, casually devouring his crisps; "You were spacing out."

Ignoring Choji, Shikamaru redirected his gaze to Naruto, and inquired, "So Naruto, who was the guy?"

Naruto conceded with a shrug, "I dunno."

"C'mon Shikamaru, he even said it was some man out of nowhere," Choji chided.

"Yeah, yeah, but..." Shikamaru paused, raising his posture and reclining against his seat; he continued, "It has to be someone who knows Naruto, otherwise why else would this person have intervened."

Naruto chuckled mischievously with a hand to his mouth, "Hehe, I guess you're right." 

'My uncle's coming ya know,' he celebrated inwardly but decided not to relay the information to his friends... Yet.

"Hmm," Shikamaru hummed, analysing Naruto's visage, and noticing a positive change. Though curious, he decided not to press on, since it was none of his business. 

Choji prompted, pumping his fist on his chest showcasing his camaraderie with Naruto, "You should be with us next time Naruto... So no one else tries to hurt you."

With a bright smile on his face, Naruto pumped his own chest with his fist, copying Choji's pose; "Yeah. And if anyone bothers you guys, I'll protect you too ya know."

Propping his head on his palm, Shikamaru chimed in with a smile, "You guys do just that while I sleep." 

The 3 laughed and continued to exchange idle chatter...

Before long, an adult emerged by the archway of the classroom. Short black hair, tanned skin, and a green flak jacket atop a black jumpsuit marked him as a ninja. The symbol of Konoha adorned the back of his jacket, and a ninja headband confirmed his status.

"Uh-oh, Iruka sensei is here," Choji warned, casually walking back to his desk.

"Oh, yeah, then talk to ya later guys," Naruto concurred, bidding farewell, and strolling back to his desk. Beside him was a female who had short pink hair, and green eyes; Haruno Sakura.

The class stood before their sensei, and the chaos was immediately dispelled when the class teacher presented himself, contrasting sharply with the earlier state of the classroom.

Everyone took their seats, and Iruka took attendance, marking the presence of all the individuals in the class.

Unknowingly mirroring the persona of Shikamaru, Naruto too, lazily leaned on his desk and tapped his feet in a repetitive motion albeit gently. 

'Sigh, so boring,' Naruto complained inwardly.

The subject hadn't even started, yet he leapt to the assumption that it was boring. Moreover, his vision had become a blur as his eyes opened, and closed, and opened, and closed, and before long, he had escaped into the dreamlands...

...

The day resumed as students took notes, and had brief playing times, but most of the time, they were immersed in their books. The boredom was palpable, yet to Iruka, it seemed routine, and he resumed.

*SNORE* *SNORE*

A loud snore invaded the ears of all, thus, all heads turned to the source of the snoring noise, released from a blonde individual. He was none other than Uzumaki Naruto.

At this point, Naruto was asleep, his head lying on his desk as the drool from his mouth soaked the wooden surface. Seeing this, Iruka stomped toward Naruto; Smiling wryly, veins bulged by his temple as he raised a tightened fist, gifting the poor boy a resounding bonk!

*BONK*

"OW," Naruto shrieked in pain, clambering his hand over his head and turning his face to the source of the monster that struck him, who turned out to be none other than his sensei!

"Ahh, sensei!" Naruto protested.

"Naruto, focus," Iruka scolded, and the class erupted into laughter witnessing this usual farce. 

"Yeah, yeah," Naruto sarcastically remarked, his shoulders slumped while he caressed his scalp. 

He longed to be anywhere but in the classroom.

Iruka headed back to the blackboard, and though Naruto had awoken from his slumber, he continued to feign ignorance. 

...

Just like that, the day went by, and as usual, it was as boring as ever for our blonde friend.

"Huuuaaaa," Shikamaru yawned while stretching his limbs, strolling alongside Choji and Naruto. The trio were currently outside, trudging along the thick snow and leaving vivid footprints in their trail.

Everyone that exited the building wore thick clothing; as expected taking into consideration the cold weather.

Naruto sauntered alongside Shikamaru and Choji, relishing a day filled with laughter and camaraderie. As the day waned, he bid farewell to his friends with a cheerful wave, and the trio dispersed, each heading to their respective homes. In contrast, Naruto trudged back to his solitary apartment, sighing as he glimpsed the building from below, mist escaping his breath.

He entered the top floor, touching the doorknob to his apartment, however, he ceased... His door seemed to be slightly agape, to which he wore a contemplative expression; one etched with a hint of worry. Nonetheless, he gently opened the door, gritting his teeth at the creaking sound. A familiar set of sandals was situated beside the door, with another pair of unfamiliar footwear.

"Phew," Naruto heaved a sigh of relief, swiping his forehead and flicking the accumulated sweat; He mused, 'Did old man bring some guests?'

Removing his shoes, he wore a puzzled expression. The youth strode along, his silent footsteps echoing in the stillness, and a sense of anticipation gnawed at him, further resonating with his racing heart.

His slow stride had finally come to an end, and reflected before his azure eyes was an old man standing in the middle of his living room; he was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Naruto's attention was drawn to another individual.

The said figure had yellow hair tied in a short ponytail, and deep, sapphire eyes that seemed to reflect the very ocean.

Both adults turned to the child who had intruded on their conversation, enveloping the terrain in an uncanny ambience. Naruto was nervous, and Hiruzen remained serious, while a smile graced the yellow-haired man, his features crinkling in affection.

"Old man, and..." Naruto paused, cocking his head, unfamiliar with this person who seemed to exude affection; 'Who is this guy?' For some reason, Naruto had a sense of familiarity with the person, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. 

Hayato raised a brow, before repeating, "Old man?" Turning to Hiruzen, Hayato remarked, "Ha, is that how he calls you, Lord Third?" 

Hiruzen could only sigh at the little boy's antics. 

"Lord Third..." Naruto mumbled, until it finally dawned on him; "HUH?! OLD MAN, YOU'RE THE HOKAGE," Naruto yelled in amazement.

"Yes," Hiruzen nodded, smiling at the puzzled child.

"Woah, amazing," Naruto admired, now viewing the old man in a different light, his eyes sparkling in adoration.

However, that moment was short-lived as the yellow-haired man crouched, meeting Naruto's eyes, placing his hand on his shoulder. He introduced, "I am... Hmm..." 

The yellow-haired man paused, poised with a finger on his chin, hinting at his confliction to resume, before deliberating, "Alright, I'll be real here, my name is Namikaze Hayato. This is who I really am, but..."

Reflected before Naruto's unfurled eyes was a strange phenomenon, as the man's hair morphed into a haunting shade of crimson, like cascading flesh! Additionally, his eyes had become a deep crimson with retained warmth, casting a sense of ease to those who gazed upon them.

Despite the peculiarity, the youth's dismay had heightened as a soft memory resurfaced...

Hayato voiced, "I guess you know me better as this guy."

"You... IT'S YOU," Naruto pointed in accusation, his lips twitching as the man who protected him from the vendor yesterday revealed himself.

Hayato's lips curled, "Yep." 

Naruto remained unmoving, awestruck by the man's resemblance as an ample, and favourite memory of his had been replaying in his mind the past couple of days!

The perpetrator responsible for this has now presented himself!

Meanwhile, Hayato asserted in a stern tone, moving his index finger in a manner of refusal, "Now Naruto, listen carefully, you are to never reveal my identity to anyone else."

"O-Okay, but..." Naruto paused. Hayato questioned, "But?" 

Naruto replied, his head cocked as he raised his question; "What's your name again?"

Hayato's cheeks puffed, before he chortled, "Phfff, hahaha!"

Naruto could only scratch his head sheepishly, not knowing why the man before him laughed; Did he say something funny?

Hayato intoned, ruffling his nephew's hair, "Maybe it's better this way, I'll tell you another time, but as I said, you must never tell anyone what you saw, I'm keeping my identity a secret, okay?"

Naruto's eyes widened, and he relayed, "Secret? So are you a bigshot or something? That's so cool."

Hiruzen let out an exasperated sigh, and argued; "Perhaps it's rather early. You could've told him in the future."

Hayato countered, "True, but... Naruto should know about me... I am his uncle after all, and I don't want to be hiding anything from him."

Time had frozen as a singular word echoed in the child's mind; Uncle!

"Uncle? You mean..." Naruto was taken aback.

"Yep, I'm the one that's been writing," Hayato confessed.

Naruto's eyes sparkled in excitement. The man whom he had been writing to this whole time was in front of his eyes, and Naruto couldn't help but exclaim his awe; "WOOAHH, SO I HAVE A SUPER COOL UNCLE!"

Flattered, Hayato flicked his hair coolly, and flaunted, "That's right. I'm super cool, everyone fears me."

"WOOOAAAH," Naruto expressed his amazement, his eyes sparkling while Hayato rubbed his nose pridefully.

"Some say I'm even stronger than the Hokage," Hayato continued, rubbing his nose pridefully.

"WOOOAHH, SO COOL," Naruto continued to express his amazement.

Observing this exchange, a bead of sweat formed on Hiruzen's head. He could tell Hayato had forgotten his goal of being here, and the youth was now stroking his ego.

As such, Hayato flaunted, "Yeah, they even call me the fastest man alive."

"WOOOOAAAH!" Naruto exclaimed once again, his eyes reflecting fascination and wonder!

Realising that the conversation had strayed off-topic, Hiruzen raised a hand to his mouth, and interjected; "Ahem."

Hayato noted Hiruzen's subtle gesture that indicated he had gone off-topic, hence, he recomposed himself with a cough; "Ahem, I'll save my stories for later Naruto. I'll get straight to the point."

"O-Okay," Naruto stammered, surprised by the man's sudden transition to professionalism. 

"Naruto..." Hayato paused, casting a momentary hush over the room, as if the very air held its breath in anticipation. A solitary bead of sweat traced a hesitant path down Naruto's temple, causing him to gulp.

Breaking the stillness, Hayato declared, "From this day forward, you shall be under my care. I will adopt you."

Naruto experienced a moment of profound stillness, as if the entire world had come to a sudden halt. He then stammered, "E-Eh?!" The youth was flabbergasted by this sudden bombshell. He couldn't believe what he heard.

Hayato deliberated, "Henceforth, I will be your oji-san... Though if you'd like to call me tou-san, I'll also welcome that... I don't really mind."

Hayato's hand was firm on Naruto's shoulder, a grin slowly extending to his cheeks as he flashed his signature smile, revealing his pearly white teeth. However, Naruto seemed to be in dismay, as evidenced by his widened eyes and quivering lips.

An eerie silence shrouded the room; Hiruzen smiled at this interaction, and Hayato kept a warm smile, while Naruto grappled with the unexpected revelation.

"E-EEEHHHH?!"