Meeting (3)

"So, you're the grandson of the Senju clan leader? My father speaks highly of you," Shikamaru spoke up, breaking the ice.

Shikaku knows me? Kibishi thought to himself. It makes sense—Shikamaru's father is the Hokage's advisor.

Kiba, ever curious, was next to ask a question. "Why are you wearing an Uchiha crest on your shirt?" he asked, pointing at Kibishi's back.

"Oh, my father is from the Uchiha clan," Kibishi explained, causing all four of the boys to look at him in shock yet again.

Naruto, still confused, grumbled, "Why are you all surprised again?"

"Don't worry about it, Naruto," Kibishi said with a smile. "How about we play now? Since I just joined, I'll be the one to chase you."

"Sounds good!" Naruto replied excitedly. "Count to ten, and then come after us!"

"Mendokuse..." Shikamaru mumbled, already showing his laziness as he and the others took off running.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Hanabi smiled as she watched her son interact with the others. She noticed a familiar figure approaching—a woman with long black hair, holding a small child by the hand.

"Sister Mikoto," Hanabi greeted warmly, waving at her sister-in-law. Mikoto smiled and quickened her pace, her son Sasuke shyly clinging to her side.

Mikoto embraced Hanabi as they met. "What brings you to the park, Hanabi? Did you bring Kibishi with you?" she asked, her eyes searching for her nephew. "Oh, and this is my second-born, Sasuke," she added, introducing her younger son.

"Introduce yourself, Sasuke," Mikoto gently urged her shy son.

Sasuke peeked out from behind his mother and softly said, "Hello, I'm Sasuke Uchiha."

Hanabi chuckled and playfully pinched Sasuke's cheek. "What a cute boy! Yes, I brought Kibishi with me. He's playing over there," she said, pointing toward the group of kids.

Mikoto looked in the direction Hanabi indicated and smiled. "He's grown so tall and handsome," she commented, watching Kibishi with pride.

Sasuke curiously looked at Kibishi. "Mom, are they Uchiha?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Mikoto paused to think of a simple explanation. "Well, Kibishi's father was my younger brother, Kazuchi Uchiha. So yes, he's part Uchiha, but he's also part Senju. And this is your Aunt Hanabi."

Sasuke nodded, absorbing the information. He continued to watch the kids play, while Hanabi and Mikoto caught up.

"How have you been, Hanabi?" Mikoto asked as they walked over to sit on a nearby bench.

"I've been busy with missions lately. I barely have time for Kibishi," Hanabi sighed.

Mikoto frowned. "That's rough. You should take some time off to be with him—and so we can spend more time together as families."

"I've already requested a month off. I'm just waiting for the Hokage's approval," Hanabi replied with a hopeful smile.

"That's great. Is Kibishi enrolling in the Academy this year? I'm planning to enroll Sasuke," Mikoto said.

"Yes, he'll be joining as well. He's been training really hard lately. I've been encouraging him to make friends and enjoy his childhood before becoming a ninja," Hanabi explained.

Mikoto nodded in agreement. "That's good. Training is important, but having friends outside the family is just as crucial. Just look at Itachi. He doesn't have many friends."

Hanabi's eyes widened slightly. "Speaking of Itachi, how is he? I haven't seen him around much."

Mikoto sighed and leaned in to whisper. "He joined the ANBU."

Hanabi gasped. "He's only eleven! Why would you allow him to join the ANBU? It's dangerous!"

Mikoto shook her head. "I didn't know at first. He never told me. He's so serious all the time... I wish he could have enjoyed his childhood more."

As they continued talking, Kibishi finished catching the others one by one, starting with Naruto, then Choji, Shikamaru, Shino, and finally Kiba.

"Kibishi, you're really fast!" Choji huffed, trying to catch his breath. The others nodded, still panting from the chase.

"It's probably because you guys were already tired before I joined," Kibishi said humbly, trying not to boast about his skills.

Just then, Hanabi approached them with Sasuke by her side. "Kibishi, why don't you let Sasuke join the game?" she suggested, giving Sasuke a gentle push forward.

Kibishi looked at his younger cousin and smiled. "Sure, come play with us, Sasuke."

Sasuke hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I'm Sasuke Uchiha," he introduced himself softly.

The group reintroduced themselves, and Naruto declared, "Since you just joined, Sasuke, you're 'it'!"

They resumed their game, with Sasuke counting to ten before chasing the others. Although initially hesitant, Sasuke's determination kicked in as he went after Choji, who, despite his size, was surprisingly quick. After catching Choji, Sasuke went after Shino, Shikamaru, Naruto, and Kiba.

Finally, it was Kibishi's turn. Sasuke started chasing him, but Kibishi was faster. He's not bad, Kibishi thought, impressed by Sasuke's speed. But he's still no match for me.

After a minute, Kibishi slowed down enough for Sasuke to tag him, giving the younger boy a sense of accomplishment.

They continued playing until the sun began to set. Tired but happy, they sat down together to rest.

"Looks like my mom's here to pick me up," Choji said, waving as his mother approached.

"Yeah, my mom's here too," Shikamaru added, walking alongside Choji as they left.

Their families must be close, Kibishi noted.

Not long after, Shino and Kiba were picked up as well. As the group dwindled, Kibishi noticed Naruto standing alone, looking downcast and teary-eyed.

At that moment, Hanabi and Mikoto arrived to pick up Kibishi and Sasuke. They noticed Naruto's loneliness right away.

Mikoto gave a kind smile. "Naruto, would you like to join us for dinner? We're going to Ichiraku Ramen."

Naruto's face lit up. "Really? I can come with you?"

"Of course," Mikoto replied warmly. "We're happy to have you."

Hanabi and Mikoto had been close friends with Kushina, and they both felt a sense of responsibility toward Naruto. They knew how much Kushina had loved her son, and they wanted to keep their promise to look after him, though their missions had kept them busier than they had hoped.

The group walked together for a few minutes until they reached Ichiraku Ramen. As they entered, Mikoto turned to Naruto. "Order whatever you want, Naruto. It's on us."

Naruto's face brightened even more. "Thank you, Aunt Mikoto!"

When Teuchi came to take their orders, Naruto scratched his head. "I want the one with noodles and meat but no vegetables... um, Missy... Missu... Milyu?" he stammered, trying to recall the name of the dish.

Everyone, even Sasuke, burst into laughter. "It's called Miso Ramen, Naruto," Kibishi corrected him with a grin. "I'll have the same."

"Same for me," Hanabi added, smiling at Naruto's enthusiasm.

"Just give us all the same," Mikoto said, laughing.

Teuchi nodded with a smile. "Coming right up!"

While they waited for their food, Mikoto turned to Naruto. "Are you joining the Academy this year, Naruto?"

"Yeah! After I graduate, I'm gonna become the Hokage!" Naruto declared proudly.

Mikoto chuckled. "I believe you will, Naruto. You have the heart for it."

After about fifteen minutes, their ramen was served, and the group ate together, chatting and enjoying their meal. Mikoto and Hanabi continued catching up while Kibishi quietly listened, absorbing their conversation.

Once they finished, it was time to part ways. Mikoto smiled at Kibishi. "Be sure to visit us soon, Kibishi. Sasuke will be happy to see you again."

"Yes, Aunt Mikoto," Kibishi replied, nodding.

Naruto, now full and content, waved goodbye before heading off, a big smile on his face. Kibishi watched him go, feeling a sense of satisfaction that the future Hokage was already becoming a part of his life.