Meeting Again (1)

"Ero-sennin! What are samurai? Is there a difference between them and Shinobi?".

'Hmm. Naruto-kun, samurai use chakra to sharpen and strengthen their blade. They have more focus into kenjutsu and footwork. While we Shinobi tend to be more stealthy and use Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Genjutsu more freely. Samurai also have code of honour and only fight a fair battle'.

"What you mean fair??".

'No surprise attack or distraction like substitution technique and the like. They fight like real men instead!'.

"Uaa! Ero-sennin, I want to learn how to be a samurai! They sounds so cool!".

'Hmm. What to do? I don't know how to use Samurai technique. Just practice to perfect Rasengan and your shadow clone usage okay? Your main advantage is your huge chakra. You shouldn't waste time on something inefficient for you. Understand?'.

"Ero-sennin, you are just lazy too teach me!".

Jiraiya rolled his eyes.

He went to Land of Iron to restock his Kunai and stuffs. He also wants to get Naruto a new Kusari Katabira (chain mail, it's what the fishnet like shirt that Anko, Jiraiya and Naruto wears underneath).

Coincidentally, Shou was walking around town. The Land of Iron is filled with packs of people. Shinobi from various shinobi villages are here. The samurais kept everything under control as this country is basically a neutral zone. Land of Iron supplies tools and weapons to all the Shinobi villages as the major producer of iron ore and the number one country with the best blacksmiths and craftsman. Civilians, Shinobis, tradesmen, craftsmen,their lives intertwined here more closely. A very lively country.

Due to how much money the country makes, and that it's peaceful being in the neutral zone without war, the main city is develop with expansive buildings and packed population, with most of them visitors.

First thing first, he wants to eat!

Shou looked around for a restaurant and found one.

It seems to be a restaurant selling rice with side dishes.

"Welcome!".

A pretty auntie welcomed him in.

Shou take an empty seat and read through the menu.

"Watatsumi-san, anything you like?".

The dragon opened his eyes and sees the menu through Shou's eyes.

Grilled lamb is fine. And give me that spring gold green tea.

Shou also orders a grilled mackerel for himself and an apple juice.

The waiter thought nothing of it and assumed someone else is coming in and would sit with the customer.

But of course her assumption is wrong. In her view Shou ate everything by himself. Such a big eater... but how could he remain thin? She felt the world is unfair seeing him eat. But at times it seems like he suddenly becomes unable to hold a chopstick, while at times he could do it like normal, and then the chopstick fall off and was held in a weird way suddenly.

It's just bizarre. Is he sick?

Watatsumi-san, see how I hold it again.

Shou take over and hold the chopstick.

It's so annoying. Why humans don't use their hands when they already have hands??

The dragon takeover again.

Shou had to teach him manners to blend in and to not tarnish his image. And that he don't want his body to be messy and dirty.

Well, some cultures do use hands to eat. It's just that-

"There you said it! I don't have to use these then".

There's a saying if you are in Rome, act like Roman! We are here so use chopsticks like everyone else. Also, my hands would be greasy and I had to find some soap to wash it off. It's a hassle.

Sure some people at other side of the world use their hands but they also had facilities to clean their hands but not here. Ryushou grunted while struggling with to pick up his food with the chopstick. He wants to just break this chopsticks and chomp everything down honestly.

The waiter is wondering if he's sick or something but ignored it since there's other customers to tend to.

***

"This chakra, or rather, natural energy?... It keeps appearing and disappearing. Too bizarre".

Jiraiya was headed right to Shou's way because of how Watatsumi can't really hide his chakra signature even though it's already suppressed. But because he is 100% natural energy, typical sensor who only ever sees human chakra wouldn't find out. Someone with any natural energy training however will see the bizarre big energy in their sense like Jiraiya could if he put his focus into it.

"Ero-sennin, why are we heading here so suddenly?".

'Quiet Naruto. I am investigating something'.

"Heh. You only ever investigate on woman's bath!".

Jiraiya can't refute on that but this time he's serious.

Standing meters away from a restaurant, Jiraiya observed the appearing-dissapearing signal. But now it dissappeared completely.

After awhile, a person with mask (like Kakashi) with a grey cloak comes out. A suspicious character clearly.

He can sense with more focus that that person carries a huge amount of natural energy.

Kurama inside Naruto felt his scalp tingling sensing the presence very close to him.

Juubi?!!

Kurama misunderstand the aura as Juubi because they are both composed of natural energy fully.

He's afraid of being consumed by Juubi most, its in his instinct as he is part of that thing.

Jiraiya followed the figure from behind, wanting to confirm his suspicion.

Shou was sweating nervously because someone clearly powerful is stalking him. He's afraid to look back!

Because if he does, that person will clearly know that he could sense them!

Hmph. Just face him. What are you afraid of.

"No. I don't want to cause trouble here". After all, this is a neutral country. Why would anyone picks a fight openly? Don't they care about the consequences to their villages?

Shou take multiple turns, trying to run away naturally but that guy just keeps on following him.

Now that he is in a public area with many people, he wouldn't just attack him right?

"Watatsumi-san, help me use your camouflaging technique if things go wrong...".

Hm.

Shou turned around and look at the stalker directly.

The white hair, the headband saying 'Abura (oil)', the red clothing.

Isn't that...

Behind him, there's a teen with yellow hair and orange jumpsuit. Naruto?! Shou can't sense him earlier. It must have been Jiraiya concealing his presence with some method.

What a coincidence!

Naruto also looks slightly taller.

Shou walked towards them calmly. But Jiraiya was already ready to reach out his Kunai. Naruto seeing Jiraiya warry also gets warry. But those eyes... It seems so familiar... Shou-chan?

Shou take off his hoodie and pulled down his mask. He didn't wear his Kirigakure forehead protector because he wants to hide his identity. (Of course, hiding your own village origin is something that would make other Shinobis look down on you and your village but Shou does not care).

"Shou-chan!!!".

Naruto screamed out, way too excited. Shou turned his head and sees people are looking at him and Naruto. It's a little embarassing.

"Naruto-kun, you are as usual I see. What a coincidence".

Naruto looked at the pretty eyes and the usual cute appearance Shou had. He blushed hard and can't seem to look at Shou-chan properly.

He stroked the back of his head, seemingly trying to calm his nerves.

"Yaaa. You too...". Naruto can't say any more words, feeling too nervous.

'Hoo? Naruto-kun, who is this?'.

Naruto went coquettishly leaned to whisper to Jiraiya's ear.

"She's the one I told you about~".

'Oho? Ojou-chan. You are so cute no wonder-'.

Hearing Jiraiya called him an Ojou (little girl), Shou corrected him.

"I am a guy"."Ero-sennin!!! Don't you dare look at Shou-chan like that!". Naruto at the same time screamed at Jiraiya because of how Naruto thought his sensei is a lewd person and now is targetting Shou.

Jiraiya blinked twice, looking at Shou, and then at Naruto.

He heard it despite Naruto screaming at him. Naruto does not hear what Shou says though. Jiraiya was in a daze for a while but recovered quickly.

The main question is, does Naruto knows?

No. Wait. Shou definitely corrected him as soon as he called him an Ojou so Naruto supposedly should have known and Shou must have corrected him before.

So... He liked him despite him being a guy!?

...

Jiraiya took a deep breath in. Objectively speaking Shou is cute, and Naruto being a bright and at times cluelessly honest, might think there's nothing wrong with it.

Jiraiya nods at himself.

That's... fine. Although it's a little unusual. You can't avoid falling in love even if the circumstances are not right. He himself loved Tsunade but she won't even look at himself. Perhaps in other's eyes he should just move on but, at times your heart stays the same.

Jiraiya took a deep breath in.

He should support his student no matter what!

"So this is one you always talked about! I have heard a lot about you from Naruto. Heh. I am his sensei, the one and only, Jiraiya, the Sage of Toads!".

'Oh! Jiraiya-sama?! One of the 3 legendary sannins?! Its an honor to meet you!'. Shou pretended to be surprised to avoid suspicion.

"Hahaha. Naruto-kun, look at how respectful he is and how high my status is! You should follow his example!".

'No! Shou-chan, he is a lewd person who loves to peek at woman's baths! He's ero-sennin!'.

"Haha. Naruto-kun, he's your sensei. You should respect him okay. And he's one of the legendary sannins. Your sensei is a great person". Shou just smiled a little.

'No way! You don't know how he is!'.

"Heh. Naruto-kun is really unappreciative to me. It's so difficult to teach him. He don't even care to call me sensei. I am so sad...". Jiraiya made a crying gesture.

"Hmph! You can't even teach me how to be a samurai!".

Jiraiya rolled his eyes.

'By the way... You seems a little taller than before'. Shou leaned forward and measure their heights.

"Y-You too Shou-chan...". Shou-chan! Too close! I can't! Naruto squeaked in his heart.

'Hahaha. He had his man's dream just-'.

"SHUT UP ERO-SENNIN!".

Naruto face flared up as he quickly pounced and punches Jiraiya's body. No! He can't let Shou know! She won't talk to him ever again!

'Haha. He's quite spirited wasn't he Jiraiya-sama'. Shou chuckled a little.

"Hahaha. He's always like this".

'Ero-sennin!!'. Naruto keep punching his teacher but clearly he's in bothered.

"What are you doing here in Land of Iron?".

'Oh. I was planning to make some custom paper tags. And a custom buckle to hold those paper tags'.

"Hm? Interesting idea. It's rare for someone to need so many paper tags. What a unique fighting style... I know a tag maker here that supply and make special ones for certain sealing techniques. How about I introduce you to him?".

'It would be much appreciated Jiraiya-sama'.

Jiraiya felt his heart at ease seeing Shou treating him with the respect he deserved as a sannin. Unlike that student of his who only called him lewd. But... He's warry of this person called Shou. Is he pretending?

I sensed a being inside that yellow haired kid. What is it?

"Oh. Well... It's complicated? So you know how I tell you about the divine tree...". Shou explained what Kurama is exactly.

I see. So a part of a foreign being, with this world's converted natural energy. I suppose he could be considered half-belonged to this world.

Kurama inside Naruto is trying to suppress his aura as much as possible. But usually 99.9% can never sense Kurama because of the seal and if he didn't release his chakra. But Watatsumi is a special being having status very close to Juubi and Kurama just can't avoid being detected by him.

The three of them walked around the market towards the said paper tag store.

Jiraiya noticed the usual loud and spirited Naruto is quiet while they are walking together. To think Shou's presence can make him behave... His crush is a little more than what he thought.

Jiraiya squeezed Naruto to the side to push him closer to Shou. While Naruto already know what this lewd teacher of his is planning he pushed him back. Those two played some tug war trying to push each other to side.

Damn you Ero-sennin!

Jiraiya use the chance to push him off hard.

"AAA!!". Naruto was about to trip and fall down, but a hand reached out and grabbed him before he could fall.

'Naruto-kun, you alright? You should mind your step'. Shou chuckled a little.

Badump. Badump.

'Mm...'. Naruto just mmed, his eyes can only look at the ground.

Shou felt it's a little out of personality but does not think much about it. Maybe he's just embarrassed to trip on his legs.

Shou had managed to place an order for the buckle and the custom paper tags. He feels quite excited about it. He can't wait for it to be delivered to Kiri so he can play around.

"Shou-kun, how about staying with us for awhile?". Jiraiya wants to find a time to ask him about what's going on with his chakra signature that seems dangerous before. He can't just let this person go before finding out. Naruto felt it's a little off for Jiraiya to use -kun for Shou but him being a little dense don't think much of it and thought he's just a little dumb about the use of honorifics and can't understand it's specific use for certain circumstances.

'Umm... Well... I need to return back to Kirigakure soon'. Shou scratched his cheeks.

"Shou-chan, can't you stay for awhile?". Naruto picked up his courage to ask. He wants to hang out with him.

'Well...'. Shou calculated in his mind the time left to go back to Kiri.

'Mm. I can stay for a day'.

"Yay!!". Naruto is a little too excited. Shou just smiled a little seeing his first friend so happy. It's quite heartwarming knowing Naruto sees him as a friend and is happy to hang out with him.

While being led to the place they are staying, Shou take the chance to catch up with the main cast.

'Naruto, what happened with the Chunin exam back then? You passed?'.

"Iya... Shou-chan, there's a lot of things that happened. I passed all stages you see! I even won against this guy Neji! He's so strong, and I defeated him but I didn't get promoted...". Naruto feels sad remembering it.

'Aww. It's alright Naruto. You can still become Hokage while being Genin you know?'. Shou chuckled while saying that.

"Eh? Shou-chan, you don't have to say that. I will definitely pass the Chunin exam, and then become a Jonin, and then become the Hokage! I won't take shortcuts!". Naruto clenched his fist and point it to his chest, being proud of his dreams.

'Haha. Keep up with your dreams Naruto-kun. By the way... How's Sasuke-kun and Sakura-san?'.

Naruto steps visibly slowed down at the mention of Sasuke. He went quiet for awhile even, looking at the ground.

"What's the matter?". Shou ask, pretending to not know.

Naruto held his own chest, where Sasuke had pierced through with his Chidori. The scars remained. And it still hurts thinking about it.

'Sasuke... He...'. His words stucked in his throats. He failed to bring back Sasuke. And that Sasuke had tried to kill him for real, severing their bond. It hurts a lot for him.

...

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to". Shou respect Naruto. If he don't want to tell him it's fine really. He just, pray that everything is going as the plot should so he wouldn't have to worry.

Naruto is quiet as they keep walking, reaching the small apartment they stayed in for few days.

"Shou-kun, you can stay with Naruto his room".

"Ero-sennin!!!". Naruto is madding at the blatant lewdness of Jiraiya.

Shou does not understand what Naruto is screaming about but given Naruto is always excited he suppose that's normal.

Shou entered Naruto's room, looking around. "Your room is quite spacious. Mmm... I can sleep on the floor. Sorry for intruding Naruto".

'N-no! Shou-chan, you sleep on the bed!'.

"It's fine. I don't mind you see".

'No! You stay on the bed, I will take the floor!'.

Shou scratched his cheek.

"Okay...". He gave up on convincing him. Naruto is a little too adamant about it. He really treats his friend nice doesn't he.

Shou sat on the bed, suddenly remembering about how he wanted to introduce the owls of Basan Range to him for monitoring purpose; while unaware that Naruto was feeling shy and nervous being with Shou in one room, sitting on the futon covered floor.

'Naruto-kun. I have a summon animal clan I found. They are very good at wind techniques and reconnaissance. Want to see them?'.

"Huh? What animal is it!". Naruto nervousness dissapears whenever Shou chatted with him.

'Let me show you'.

Shou pricked his finger with a needle he carried.

Kuchiyose no Jutsu!

Poof!

Fukurochi was summoned in the room.

"Hmm? What is it".

He looked at Naruto for a second with his big round eyes.

'Sugē! What bird is this! Why it's head so big!?'.

"Brat! What you mean my head is big!?".

'He's an owl Naruto-kun. Never seen one?'.

"No! I have never seen a bird like this".

Fukurochi grunted, quite dissatisfied with the yellow haired brat.

'Fukurochi-san, this is the person I wanted to introduce to your clan... He's Uzumaki Naruto. What did your chief says about this by the way?'.

"He says it's fine since it's you introducing him".

He side eyed Naruto for awhile. He does not agree with chief honestly but he's the boss.

'Naruto-kun, you want to make a contract with them?'.

"I want! They look much cooler than the toads!".

Fukurochi mood slightly elevated hearing it.

'Of course we are cooler'. Fukurochi proudly exclaimed.

'Let me fetch the contract scroll'.

Poof!

After half a minute, Fukurochi returned with another poof.

'Write down your name and fingerprint'.

Naruto eagerly did so.

And right after he tried a summoning jutsu.

Kuchiyose no Jutsu!

Poof!

A bird slightly smaller than Fukurochi was summoned. He had grey-brown-white patchy patterns on his feather and amber coloured eyes.

"Where am I!? What's going on!?".

'Oo? Fukurobu? Didn't expect it's my cousin!'.

"Oo? Uncle? What's going on. Who are these. Where am I".

'Birds your age might not be familiar but it's a summoning contract our clan had with few people. That yellow haired brat is your partner, unless he use more chakra to summon someone else'.

Fukurobu looked at Naruto who's looking at him with puppy eyes up and down.

"He looks annoying. I prefer this person". Fukurobu pointed with his wing at Shou who looks more collected and cuter. Shou just smiled a little feeling a bit flattered.

'What did you say you chicken?!'.

"HAA?! What did you just call me?!".

Fukurobu pounced on Naruto and try to snatch his wig!

"No!! Go away! My headband!! Ouch!".

'Take that brat!!!'.

Poof!

He's dissapeared as Naruto had unsummoned him.

"Shou-chan! I don't like him!". Naruto complained.

'Brat. You should be grateful Shou here even introduce you to us!'.

"Naruto-kun, you should treat animals better". Shou just laugh a little.

'But he's so dislikable! He called me annoying for no reason...'. Naruto puffed his cheeks.

He looks so messy after the attack. His forehead protector almost fell off and his hair is messed up.

Shou stretched out his hand and held the displaced forehead protector on Naruto's head.

Pulling it left and right to get it right.

'Shou...chan...'. Naruto felt his heart stop for a moment, looking into his eyes for a second, and turning his eyes away for another second.

Shou combed his hair a little while at it.

Shou-chan's hand, so warm... Naruto felt his heart melt again.

"There. Now it's better".

'Thank you... Shou-chan...'.

Fukurochi look at the yellow haired brat up and down. Then at Shou. It's obvious as hell. It's amazing Shou does not seem to notice at all. He smirked a little, remembering his girlfriend reacting the same way when they were dating at the early days. Oo oo (owl sound).

'I am taking my leave then'. Poof! Fukurochi excused himself.

...

"So... Naruto-kun, how was Jiraiya sensei training?".

'He taught me bunch of stuffs. Mostly about chakra control and tactics. I wasn't that good before so I had to do my basics. But he taught me this super strong jutsu you know! Created by the Saindaime! (4th Hokage)'.

Naruto closed his right hand a little, seeing the hand that held the Rasengan, clashing with Sasuke's Chidori back then.

'Sasuke... He...'.

Shou tilted his head and ready his ears. He wants to confirm the plot is going as it should be.

'Ahaha. Iya. It's a little problem between me and him. Haha..'. Naruto scratched his cheek and give a cheerful smile, acting as if it's nothing.

"I see". Shou assumed it does went as usual. Well, it's quite personal between them so he don't want to force him to speak.

Shou stretched a little, feeling quite sore after travelling with high speed flight.

"I am going to take a bath. Or you want to go first?".

'Ah. Shou-chan, you can go first'.

Shou stood, turning his back.

He take off his grey cloak, untying his yukata belt and taking it off.

Shou-chan... why... why are you...?

Naruto heart beats faster and faster. His brain is a little short circuited. Why is she changing in front of me?!

Shou had a thin chain mail underneath aswell for better protection. Naruto gulped seeing Shou's lean back.

Cling2.

Shou took off his chain mail, revealing the clear skin and firm back. Back dimples are clearly visible on the back of his waist, driving Naruto's heart crazy. As a teen who had reached puberty not too long ago, his hormones are definitely going crazy. He don't dare to ask why Shou does not feel ambrassed at changing in front him. It's too much to ask he can't mention it.

Naruto quickly run away out of the room and closed the door after secretly staring at Shou's back. His heart is about to explode.

??? Shou tilted his head, quite confused why Naruto seemingly is running away fast and closed the door like that.

Shou shrugged it off, maybe Naruto is just a shy person. He nods to himself at this reasoning.

Watatsumi laughed a little inside him. Can't he see it? Haha.

***

Shou opened the door to the living room after he's done washing up. He sees Naruto was sitting on the sofa quietly. Seemingly in a daze even.

"Naruto-kun, I am done".

Naruto embarassedly turned his head, afraid to look into his eyes.

"Oh right. Naruto-kun, I am going to make some slushies! What flavour would you like? I am going to buy few things later".

'Umm... I don't mind...'. Naruto is afraid to turn his head around, much less stands up.

"Alright!". Shou went out of the house to get some berries.

Naruto sees Shou left. Looking down at the tent he had hidden, it's killing him on the inside. He can't do this anymore...

Kurama grumbled a little and closed the curtain, quite annoyed.

***

Shou got himself some berries and sugar. He looked at the time, noticing the sun is setting. Let's make it quickly then, he decided. As for dinner... Maybe they would go out to eat later?

Returning to the apartment he went with making fruit syrups first. Setting it aside, he starts to prepare the slushies.

Jiraiya who had taken a good nap has come out and observed from a distance. That technique, it's somewhat similar to Rasengan.

Seeing Shou swirling the water and infusing chakra into it, slowly turning into smooth ice flakes, Jiraiya is very impressed. If he learned Rasengan, he could probably master it even faster than Naruto with his kagebunshin.

Jiraiya walked in and stood next to him.

"What were you making there?".

'Jiraiya-sama, I am making slushies. It's snowflakes mixed with sweet syrups'.

"Ho. Your chakra control is really great. Ice Release of the Yuki clan... must be convenient to make desserts".

'Thank you for the praise Jiraiya-sama'. Shou is not that nervous since it's just spinning chakra and the water, even if it's a component of Rasengan it doesn't take much to figure it out.

"I sense a big chakra from you. What was it?".

Shou stopped spinning the chakra in his hand and felt a nervous all of a sudden.

'Haha. Jiraiya-sama, I am not sure what you are talking about'.

"Hmm. I guess everyone have a secret. You have yours".

'Haha...'. Shou scratched his cheek. He just hopes Jiraiya would not ask further.

"Tell me, what are you planning to do with such large power? And can you even control it?".

Shou had to look at Jiraiya, not sure how to respond. His words is already filled with conviction, he can't avoid it saying if he's just joking or something.

...

"If you mean harm, I will have to put you down. Your power is far too dangerous for me to ignore. And what is your intention of being close to Naruto? How I act will depend on your respond". He said coldly. Despite how unserious he looks, he is a Shinobi in heart.

Shou is a little stunned. He didn't think Jiraiya would confront him like this so directly.

'Jiraiya-sama... I am not a bad person. I just, want to live peacefully most. Able to be carefree, live a fulfilling life. Have a little fun here and there with no worrries. And have my family safe. As for Naruto, I sees him as a good friend. I won't harm him in the slightest, I can promise you that'.

...

"Very well".

Jiraiya nods. He can see the sincerity and honesty in his words and believed him.

"What kind of being is inside you? Can I see it?".

'Umm. Well. I will ask him first'.

...

'Uh. He said you are just a mere human and you don't deserve to meet the majestic him'. Shou scratched his cheeks.

"Hahaha. Interesting. He's not sealed inside you... but rather... Co-existing was it? No wonder I can feel its aura leaking. I have never seen a jinchuriki like you who dares to not seal them. Aren't you afraid you would be consumed?".

Watatsumi grunted, clearly annoyed at Jiraiya's statement as if he's a being with zero feelings and have no rights to live and is supposed to be in a prison by default.

'Jiraiya-sama, being sealed does not feel nice. And Watatsumi-san is... we are sort of contract partners. He helps me, and I help him. I respect him like a human being, and treated him like one. He is my partner'.

Watatsumi felt a little touched but hide it. Being sealed for hundreds or thousand of years make you hate humanity. But a single decent one does make a difference.

Jiraiya was surprised hearing the response. To treat a being equivalent to a tailed beast like a human being...

Is he the child of prophecy? His mindset is one that could bring change to the this Shinobi world. But he is not my student, Jiraiya thought.

"I see. Then I will trust you".

Jiraiya was about to leave, but he turned around.

'What did you think of Naruto?'.

Shou thought for a moment.

"He's a good friend. I like his personality. Well, he can be a little too loud at times but he brighten up the atmosphere, I feel. And he seems like he needs a friend, and I am glad to be one".

'I see... Sorry for suspecting your intentions earlier'.

"It's fine. You care for him a lot don't you Jiraiya -sama?".

'Hahaha. He's my student, of course I need to care'.

Jiraiya sees Shou does not have that signs of liking him that way. As an author of Icha Icha Paradise, he had studied human psychology from woman bath. He could be said to be an expert in interpreting emotions. And Shou really sees him a friend. Well, Naruto will have to handle it to grow up. He can only guide him but won't interfere.

Shou continued with the dessert making and put it on the fridge.

"I should call Naruto to taste these".

He went to their room and opened the door.

Shou however was horrified at what he's seeing.

"Naruto-kun... What is...". Shou felt his heart troubled, not expecting to see such a horrifying thing.

The bluish veins covering it, and the size of it is just so large...

That scar on his chest, it looks painful and scary.

What the hell is that? He don't remember that in his memory. Or has it always been there in the story? Am I misremembering things? Did I miss that detail?

Naruto was flushed red in embarassment.

'S-Shou-chan. Knock the door!'. Naruto complained a little while covering his chest. He had just come out of the bathroom and was changing his cloths. Thankfully it's only his shirt that he haven't put on.

"Sorry". Shou just apologised automatically. But his mind is on something else entirely. He closed the door while in thoughts, trying to remember if Naruto had always have that scar. He don't think so.

Naruto finally opened the door after he's done, still unable to look at Shou's eyes.

"Naruto-kun... What was that scar?".

'Ah? Well... It's...'. Naruto expression changed instantly. It's a reminder that Sasuke had attempted to kill him. If not for Kurama giving him a temporary aid and Tsunade's effort, he would have died already.

'Its... a scar'.

Well, obviously that's a scar Naruto-kun, he said in his heart while rolling his heart eyes.

"...".

Since Naruto won't speak further, Shou change the topic.

"Umm. I made some slushies. Jiraiya-sama is in the kitchen as well".

'Mm!'. Naruto had the smile again and just followed him to the kitchen.

"Let's eat out later! My treat!". Jiraiya suggested while slurping the slushies.

'For real Ero-sennin?! Let's go!'.

***