Gifts and Goals

Naruto sat on the green grass, the rays of sunshine enveloping him. With a resounding click, his dark clock fell off, revealing a black jacket with red stripes running through its sleeves.

He sighed and kept Dawn on the ground, too. Then, his eyes fell on one of the wooden poles in front of him.

'Ah... Brings back memories'

He caressed the middle one, and a small chuckle left his lips.

"Kakashi, you can come out"

Silence.

Then, with a swoosh, a figure appeared behind Naruto. A tall, lean man with striking white hair. His face was hidden behind a half-mask, and his left eye rested behind his lowered headband.

Kakashi's hands were tucked inside his pockets, and his expression was as composed as ever.

Naruto stood up and faced his former Sensei.

"Long time no see, Kakashi"

The veteran chuckled and sighed.

"Past the Sensei phase already, eh?" Contrary to his words, he did not seem the slightest bit offended. Naruto stood quiet, then raised his right hand.

Kakashi studied his student for a brief moment before he eventually took his hand and shook it.

Kakashi's eyes met with Naruto's... Eye?

The Jonin suddenly seemed startled, and he was for a good reason. After all, a visible scar ran across Naruto's right eye, similar to his own.

"What... Happened to your eye?"

Instead of answering, the Genin pulled out a scroll and handed it to him. Kakashi hesitated before he took the unknown scroll off his hands.

He unfolded the scroll and read the content, and his eyes widened as he studied it more and more.

Kakashi raised his head and stared at Naruto, his pupils shrunk from shock.

"Naruto..." He looked at the scroll again. "This... Th-"

The blonde's hand fell on Kakashi's shoulder.

"... You deserve it"

Kakashi, still baffled, was unable to answer. Naruto picked up his sword and his clock, wore it and started walking away.

"Need to visit some guys, sorry Kakashi"

The white-haired Jonin eventually snapped out of his trance and glanced at Naruto's retreating figure. His once-heavy eyes seemed to have ignited a spark in them.

'Thank you'

***

After giving his former Sensei his 'present', Naruto made his way to the public park.

A minute or two later, he reached his destination. Laughter and screams echoed into his ears, but he shook them away and made his way toward a tree.

Under the shade were two people. A blonde-haired girl, and a black-haired boy.

Hearing footsteps, the blonde-haired girl opened one of her eyes. So did the black-haired one, but his reaction was not as same as hers.

He abruptly rose his back and stared at the person in front, he rubbed his eyes, as if unable to believe his own sight.

"What's the matter, Shikamaru?" She asked, puzzled by his behaviour.

However, Shikamaru paid no heed to her words. His eyes were glued to the figure before him.

"N... Naruto? Is... That you?"

With a subtle smirk, Naruto sat down beside him. His eyes drifted towards Temari. As their eyes met, the teenage girl froze, his scar slightly caught her off-guard.

"Would you mind giving us some privacy... Eh..."

Temari finally got out of her trance and went away with a nod.

"Temari" Shikamaru replied.

"Hmm?"

"Her name's Temari. Don't mind her attitude, she... Has some problems. Well, that aside... You took your time"

He slightly punched Naruto's shoulder.

Naruto rested his back against the tree, his single visible eye half-open. Then, he pulled out a scroll and handed it to Shikamaru.

Shikamaru eyed Naruto as he took the scroll and unfolded it. He immediately burned the scroll after reading it.

'I intend to kill someone. A very dangerous and corrupt man within the village. The task is difficult, so I need your help'

Shikamaru kept his cool, cautious. He scanned his surroundings before he stared at Naruto.

The word 'Kill' had dazed him, but he trusted Naruto. He could ask for the details later but decided to confirm something now.

"How corrupt are we talking"

He whispered into Naruto's ears. The blonde fully opened his eye, he leaned forward and rested his palm against his mouth.

"Well, if we want to measure it... I'd say..." He glanced at Shikamaru and whispered into his ears. "Uchiha massacre level"

This time, Shikamaru couldn't keep his cool. His lips slightly parted. The Nara's thoughts ran wild as he tried to comprehend Naruto's words. He snapped his head toward Naruto... But he wasn't there.

The Uzumaki had vanished without a trace.

Temari walked into the clearing, her hands on her hips.

"He's gotten strong... And fast"

Shikamaru silently nodded and stood up. He started walking, Temari closely following behind.

"Sooo... What were you guys talking about?"

She asked, her voice full of curiosity. Shikamaru gave her a stern look before he gazed away.

"I can't tell you"

His tone was firm, with no room for questions. Temari frowned, wondering what could have made the carefree guy so serious all of a sudden.