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The Conqueror of The Shinobi World Chapter 73 (Hang Out)
🕑 Added 2023-06-15 21:31:19 +0000 UTCAs Gaara stood there, trying to process the foreign word that Naruto had just said to him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and curiosity wash over him. "Hang out," he repeated slowly, testing the word on his tongue and trying to understand its meaning. Although he had heard the phrase before, no one had ever used it with him before, not even his own siblings. Gaara had always been an outcast, a loner who kept to himself, and the thought of spending time with someone else was both terrifying and exhilarating. He wondered what it would be like to have a friend, to share experiences and make memories with someone who accepted him for who he was. The idea both excited and scared him, but he knew deep down that he wanted to try.
As the first rays of sunlight gently illuminated the quiet and peaceful morning, Gaara had already left the confines of the hotel room much earlier than he usually did. He moved silently, careful not to wake his siblings or Sensei, who were still in deep slumber. The seal on his forehead, which had caused him countless sleepless nights, had finally been fixed, and he could finally get the rest he deserved. Gaara knew that it would only be a matter of time before his siblings and Sensei would notice the change, but for now, he relished the fact that he could enjoy the tranquility of the morning. As he walked through the streets, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. The dark circles under his eyes, a constant reminder of his past struggles, had all but disappeared, and he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Gaara couldn't help but smile as he thought about how far he had come.
Despite the fact that he was looking forward to the day when he would be able to sleep without any disturbances, Gaara was also a little apprehensive. He knew that with the disappearance of his dark circles, his siblings and Sensei would become curious and start asking questions. But for now, he was content with the thought that within a week or so, his dark circles would disappear completely, and he would finally be able to sleep like a normal human being.
Temari, the astute elder sister of Gaara, had been the first to discern the apparent change in her brother's countenance. She noticed that his usually stoic face had transformed into one of contentment, and his overall demeanor was more buoyant than ever before. Intrigued by this unexpected metamorphosis, Temari attempted to inquire if something had altered in his life that had resulted in this newfound joy. However, her inquisitive nature was swiftly rebuffed by Gaara, who curtly instructed her to refrain from prying into his private affairs. Despite her brother's admonition, Temari couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden shift in Gaara's disposition and if there was anything she could do to contribute to his happiness.
As Gaara stepped out of his cozy hotel room, he was struck by the tranquility of the early morning in Konoha. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the city and painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. With a sense of adventure in his heart, he decided to take a leisurely stroll around the streets, his feet tapping against the pavement as he breathed in the fresh air. The sunlight illuminated the winding alleys and charming storefronts, making the city come alive before his very eyes. As he walked, he marveled at the beauty of the world around him, feeling grateful for the simple pleasures in life that often went unnoticed.
As Gaara strolled down the streets, he couldn't help but notice the numerous homeless cats and dogs roaming around, their eyes filled with hunger and desperation as they searched for food scraps to feed themselves and their offspring. The scene was heart-wrenching, and Gaara felt a pang of sympathy for the animals' plight. As he continued his walk, he could hear the faint sound of shops opening up, their metallic doors creaking as they welcomed the first few customers of the day. The sound echoed throughout the otherwise silent streets, creating an eerie ambiance that only added to the desolate atmosphere of the area.
As Gaara walked down the street, he heard the sound of a rustling lock as the shop owner opened their doors for the day. The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, and the warm, golden light spilled onto the pavement, casting long shadows behind Gaara. The shop owner let out a long, tired yawn, stretching his arms as he stepped outside and locked the door behind him. Glancing over to the shop, Gaara observed that it was a quaint little food shop with a simple yet charming exterior. The sign hanging above the door was faded and worn, but it added to the shop's rustic charm. As Gaara approached, he could already smell the delicious aromas wafting out of the shop's open windows: freshly baked bread, sizzling sandwiches, and other delectable dishes that made his mouth water.
Gaara's eyes caught sight of a small, frail cat pacing back and forth, meowing in desperation. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the cat had three small kittens huddled around her, and it was evident that they were all famished. Gaara's heart sank as he observed that the cat's fur was matted and unkempt, revealing her bony frame. It became quite apparent that the poor creature hadn't had a decent meal in days. Gaara was determined to help the feline family and provide them with a much-needed meal.
As Gaara made his way toward the shop, his eyes scanned the exterior with curiosity, admiring the quaint, rustic charm of the building. He pushed open the door with a gentle force, the handle cool against his skin. The tinkling sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the shop, announcing his arrival. The interior was warm and inviting, with shelves stacked high with an array of delectable treats and a long counter stretching from one end of the wall to the other. Gaara's eyes were instantly drawn to the glass display case, which showcased a tantalizing array of baked goods. He took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, which made his mouth water in anticipation. The aroma of warm, gooey chocolate chips and buttery goodness filled the air, making his mouth water even more. Without hesitation, Gaara made his way to the counter, eager to try everything the shop offered.
Gaara could feel his stomach grumbling with hunger. The thought of cookies made his mouth water, especially those with chocolate chips. He had always loved to eat them, but in Suna, they were quite rare and expensive. However, it seemed they were a common treat in Konoha; they cost only 5 ryō each. In Suna, the price of a single cookie was a whopping 20 ryō, making them a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford.
The man behind the counter, dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform, greeted Gaara with a friendly smile and a cheery "Good Morning, sir. How might I help you?" The way the man's eyes crinkled at the corners as he spoke made Gaara feel instantly welcomed and at ease.
As Gaara stood before the cashier, he nervously fiddled with his wallet, trying to avoid eye contact with the salesperson. He could feel his palms getting clammy and his heart racing as he realized he had been standing there for what felt like an eternity. Unable to think of anything to say, he opened and closed his mouth several times, feeling more and more unsure of himself with each passing second.
"What am I supposed to say?" Gaara asked himself, feeling the urge just to leave the shop and not embarrass himself any further than he already had. The simple act of buying something from a store had always been uncomfortable for him, but today it felt almost unbearable. He glanced around the shop, hoping for some inspiration, but his eyes kept darting back to the cashier, who was now looking at him expectantly. Gaara could feel his face growing red with embarrassment as he realized he had been standing there silently for too long.
Gaara quickly remembered the hungry cat and her kittens; knowing he needed to buy something for them, he lifted his head up and looked at the shopkeeper, and pointed at the three sandwiches behind the glass.
"You want three of them, young man?" Gaara's stomach growled in response, but he was hesitant to speak to this stranger. Nonetheless, he couldn't resist the temptation of sinking his teeth into the mouth-watering sandwich that the shopkeeper was holding out to him, his hands covered with transparent gloves. With a nod of his head, Gaara signaled his approval, his mouth already salivating at the thought of indulging in the savory feast before him.
With a gentle smile, the man behind the counter acknowledged Gaara's selection of three sandwiches with a nod of approval; his voice filled with warmth as he handed over the neatly packed bags. "Good choice, sir, here you go," he said kindly, his hands moving deftly to ensure each sandwich was securely tucked away. Noticing Gaara's gaze lingering on the glass display of cookies, the man gestured towards it, inviting him to indulge in the delectable treats. With a grateful nod, Gaara reached out to retrieve the bags, his eyes still fixed on the array of cookies that beckoned him with their enticing aroma.
With a smile as bright as the sun and a pair of tongs in his hand, the man behind the counter asked Gaara, "How many do you want?" As Gaara contemplated his answer, the man deftly grabbed two delicious-looking cookies and placed them gently into a small paper bag; his eyes fixed expectantly on Gaara's face. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, tempting Gaara to ask for more, but he hesitated, unsure of how many he should take.
Twenty cookies," Garaa answered with enthusiasm before he could stop himself; the mere thought of indulging in such a delectable treat all by himself made him smile in a way he had never smiled before. The sweet aroma of the cookies wafted toward him, causing his stomach to growl in anticipation as he imagined the soft and chewy texture of each cookie. The man sitting across from Gaara arched his eyebrow in surprise before letting out a hearty laugh at the sight of Gaara's unbridled excitement.
"It's been a while since anyone wanted so many cookies," the man said with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Gaara couldn't help but feel lucky as the man filled a paper bag with eighteen more cookies, delicately picking each one up with a pair of tongs. The sound of the cookies clinking together in the bag echoed through the quiet bakery as the man rolled the top of the bag and handed it to Gaara, who eagerly took it from him with a wide smile.
After carefully selecting the cookies he wanted to purchase, Gaara handed the baker the precise amount of money needed to complete the transaction.
As he turned to leave the quaint little bakery, he was caught off guard by the sound of the baker's booming voice calling out to him from behind the counter. Feeling a bit confused, Gaara turned around to face the baker, who had a warm smile on his face.
"The first customer always gets a discount," the baker said, extending his hand towards Gaara, "Ten of the cookies you got are for free. Here's the exchange," he added, placing the extra money in Gaara's open palm. Gaara was taken aback by the baker's kindness and felt a wave of gratitude wash over him.
Gaara looked between his extended hand and the baker's face, examining the man's expression before shaking his head and retracting his hand. "No need, sir, it's all yours," Gaara said with a charming smile, his deep voice echoing through the small shop. As he turned to leave, his broad shoulders brushing against the doorframe, he heard the soft jingle of the doorbell ringing above him. Closing the door behind him with a gentle push, Gaara felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, knowing that he had done a good deed for the day.
After feeding the cats and her kittens with a sandwich and a few cookies, Gaara decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore the park of Konoha. As he strolled through the lush greenery, he found a peaceful spot on a bench where he could relax and take in all the sights and sounds around him. The birds sang sweetly in the trees above, their melodies creating a soothing symphony that harmonized with the gentle rustling of leaves. The morning sun shone down on Gaara, warming his skin and illuminating the world around him in a soft glow. Sitting there, he couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of tranquility. The stresses of everyday life melted away as he allowed himself to simply be present at the moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
As Gaara sat on the bench, he couldn't help but be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of nature around him. His eyes scanned the towering trees, their branches swaying gently in the light breeze while the golden rays of sunlight filtered through the small gaps and illuminated the lush greenery below. As Gaara leaned his back against the bench, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face, he couldn't help but wonder how he had missed such a stunning view before. "How haven't I seen this before?" he asked himself, marveling at the picturesque landscape that lay before him. The vibrant colors of the flowers in the nearby garden, the majestic trees that swayed in the gentle breeze, and the soothing melody of the birdsong that filled the air all added to the moment's tranquility. Taking a bite out of his deliciously prepared sandwich, Gaara savored the flavors that danced on his taste buds and the blissful feeling that enveloped him.
After scattering a few of them on the ground, he noticed a few birds cautiously pecking at the crumbs. After a while, Gaara couldn't resist the temptation to have some fun and started to throw small bits of bread at the birds. Within minutes, over ten of them had gathered around him, chirping happily and scrambling for the crumbs. Gaara was thrilled to see them enjoying themselves and felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart. As he continued to throw the bread, Gaara noticed that one of the birds had flown up to his shoulder and perched there. The redhead smiled brightly as he watched the bird happily munching on a piece of bread.
Gaara looked back at the brown eye of the bird before offering him small bits of bread that were on his palm. To his delight, the bird jumped from the branch and onto his wrist, its tiny beak eagerly pecking at the crumbs of bread.
Gaara sat on the bench, his eyes fixed on the small bird that was pecking at the crumbs of bread he had scattered on the ground. The silence around him was soothing, and he found himself lost in thought, contemplating the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life. Suddenly, a voice interrupted his reverie. The footsteps grew louder, and he recognized the voice that called out his name. "It's good to see you, Gaara,"
Gaara recognized the voice; his body relaxed; he didn't need to turn and check who it was as the two sat in comfortable silence, watching the birds as they gathered to feast, but what surprised them both was how the birds remained calm and unafraid as Naruto approached. It was as if they knew he meant them no harm, and they trusted him completely
As soon as Gaara heard Naruto's voice, he looked up from the birds that were eating from his palm and greeted him with a curious tone, "Good to see you too, Naruto. How did you know I was here?" His inquisitive gaze was fixed on Naruto, but his attention was still on the birds that were feeding from his hand.
Without a pause, Naruto responded to Gaara's question, his voice tinged with amusement, "Well, Gaara, I'm a sensor, and Kurama told me where you were." He shrugged nonchalantly, noticing how Gaara was throwing more bread at the birds, who were now chirping happily as they feasted on the crumbs.
Gaara's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he tried to comprehend Naruto's explanation. "A sensor?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "What does that mean?" Naruto grinned.
"It means I have a special ability to sense chakra, which is like a ninja's energy. Kurama helps me sense things even more accurately." Gaara listened intently to Naruto's explanation, impressed by his friend's unique abilities. Meanwhile, the birds continued peaking at the crumbs in Gaara's palm, their tiny beaks making a soft tapping sound.
"I see," Gaara said with a nod. Silence descended between them, but it was not an awkward one; instead, it was a comfortable, thoughtful pause. As they stood there, the only sounds that could be heard were the soft rustling of leaves in the wind and the pleasant chirping of birds feasting on small crumbs of bread.
Gaara stood there, staring at Naruto for a moment, his eyes flickering from Naruto's face to the ground beneath his feet, unsure of what to say. He could sense Naruto's amusement, which only added to his anxiety. After all, he was not known for being the most sociable person, and the last thing he wanted was to say something that might make him appear foolish. Despite his trepidation, he finally mustered up the courage to speak, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.
"Where is the silly girl?" he asked, his words hesitant and unsure. He couldn't bring himself to look at Naruto as he spoke, so instead, he focused his attention on a nearby tree, hoping to distract himself from his nervousness. When Naruto burst out laughing at his question, Gaara was momentarily taken aback, but he couldn't help but smile slightly at his friend's reaction. He tried to hide his smile as best he could, not wanting to appear too obvious, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of relief that his question had been received with such good humor.
Naruto suggested with a friendly grin, "If you want, we can Hang Out and drink tea, or maybe you prefer coffee?" Gaara turned his head to look at him with a furrowed brow, unsure how to respond.
"Hang out?" he repeated, the word still sounding strange to him.
"Yes, today at 1 pm, Fuu can tag along. I know a wonderful place for Ramen and Tea." However, Gaara looked hesitant and unsure, which was understandable given his lack of experience with socializing and making friends. Being raised by a father who never bothered to teach him how to interact with others and siblings who were too busy with their own agendas, Gaara was left to his own devices when it came to socializing.
Gaara was hesitant to accept Naruto's invitation to hang out. Still, he knew deep down that he couldn't keep refusing every opportunity presented to him if he wanted to break out of his shell and form new connections. He took a deep breath before finally uttering, "I-I accept. I will be there." Naruto's face lit up with excitement and relief, punching the air in victory as he realized his persistence had finally paid off. Gaara couldn't help but smile at Naruto's enthusiasm, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing that he had friends who cared about him enough to keep pushing him out of his comfort zone.
Gaara sighed in relief; he could see now why having friends wasn't as bad as he thought.
Later
Gaara was aware that he could easily return to the comfort of his hotel room and pass the time until 1 pm. However, the thought of facing them right now did not appeal to him. Instead, he chose to embark on a leisurely stroll around Konoha, which was renowned for its bustling streets, lively atmosphere, and impressive size, being three times larger than his own hometown. The hustle and bustle of the streets, the vibrant colors of the buildings, and the hum of activity all around him were an exhilarating experience that he would not forget anytime soon. Despite knowing that his siblings were waiting for him, Gaara decided to take his time and soak in everything that Konoha had to offer, enjoying the freedom of being able to explore without any responsibilities weighing him down.
With the sun beating down on his back and his feet aching from walking for six long hours, Gaara finally arrived at the ramen shop that his friend Naruto had recommended to him. Despite the exhaustion, his mouth watered as he caught a whiff of the savory scent of the ramen broth wafting out of the open windows. His eyes scanned the signboard above the door, which proudly read 'Ichiraku Ramen.'
Gaara stood patiently in front of the famous Ichiraku Ramen shop, his eyes scanning the busy street for any signs of his companion. After a minute of waiting, his keen ears picked up the sound of approaching footsteps - one slow and cautious, the other quick and confident. As the footsteps grew closer, Gaara slowly turned around to greet them, and that's when he was enveloped in a tight hug.
"Gaara-Kun, it's so good to see you," Fuu shouted excitedly, running towards him and wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. However, she didn't expect the cold and angry growl that escaped from his lips as he tried to pull back from her embrace.
"Get off of me, you silly girl," Gaara warned, his voice laced with frustration and anger. But Fuu didn't give up easily; she knew that deep down, Gaara was a kind and caring person who had been through a lot of pain and suffering in his life. As she held on to him tightly, she noticed that his voice didn't sound as serious as it used to before, and Gaara seemed to relax a little in her arms. Smiling brightly, she refused to break away from the hug, knowing that it was the only way to show Gaara that he wasn't alone anymore.
Despite the strange looks they were receiving from passersby, Fuu refused to let go of her friend, Gaara-Kun, as she shouted out her declaration of friendship. "Never," she exclaimed, her voice ringing out with conviction as she clung to him tightly. "We are friends, Gaara-Kun, and as friends, this is how we show our love." The red-haired ninja rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by her over-the-top behavior, but he couldn't deny the warmth that spread through him at her words.
"Fuu, I think that's enough," Naruto's voice rang clear in the street, his tone serious yet laced with a hint of amusement as he addressed the two individuals before him. Fuu's arms were still wrapped tightly around Gaara's waist, lost in the comfort of his embrace, until Naruto's words brought her back to the present.
With a sheepish grin, she slowly loosened her grip and stepped back, her eyes darting between Naruto and Gaara. The latter's gaze was fixed on her, his expression unreadable, but as Fuu studied his features, she noticed a subtle shift. The once-icy glare that used to send shivers down her spine was now tempered with a mischievous glint as if he was daring her to challenge him.
Gaara turned to Naruto with a relieved expression on his face and said, "Thank you, Naruto. I thought I would get suffocated." His voice was slightly hoarse from the tight embrace he had just received from Fuu. Gaara rubbed his neck gingerly, trying to ease the soreness that had developed from the prolonged hug. He turned to Fuu, who was standing beside him, and saw her chuckling nervously while rubbing the top of her green hair.
Naruto couldn't help but emit a soft chuckle of amusement before extending his hand to Gaara, who hesitantly shook Naruto's hand, a small smile gracing his lips. The trio walked side by side towards the Ichiraku Ramen, a famous spot in the village known for its mouth-watering delicacies. Upon entering the establishment, Fuu, Naruto, and Gaara took their seats on the familiar stools, the same ones they had sat on countless times before. As they awaited their orders, the tantalizing aroma of the freshly cooked ramen wafted through the air, causing Naruto's stomach to grumble in anticipation. The savory scent was so overwhelming that it seemed to envelop the entire room, making it difficult for Naruto to resist the urge to drool
Ayame's eyes lit up as she noticed Naruto walking into Ichiraku Ramen. Her heart warmed up at the sight of him, and a bright smile formed on her face. She couldn't contain her excitement and rushed over to Naruto, wrapping him in a tight hug. "Naruto, it's good to see you," she exclaimed, feeling overwhelmed with joy.
As Ayame hugged Naruto, Gaara, who was sitting nearby, watched them with a perplexed expression. He couldn't help but wonder if hugging was a common practice in Konoha that he was unaware of. Nevertheless, he continued to observe the heartwarming moment between the two friends, trying to understand the depth of their bond.
"Naruto, who are your friends?" Naruto gestured towards his companions with a wide grin, proud to introduce them to Ayame.
"This is Gaara," he said, indicating the stoic, redheaded boy who sat beside him, staring intently at the wall. Ayame smiled warmly at Gaara, somewhat taken aback by his reserved demeanor. Naruto then gestured toward the petite, green-haired girl who sat on his other side. "And this is Fuu," he continued as Fuu giggled and waved at Ayame with a charmingly innocent expression.
As Ayame greeted the two new acquaintances with a warm smile, she felt glad to see Naruto expanding his social circle and making new friends. She extended her hand for a friendly handshake and said, "It's good to meet both of you." As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity, eager to learn more about these new potential regular customers.
Without wasting any time, Ayame quickly pulled out a small notebook from her apron pocket, ready to take their order. She flipped through the pages of her notebook, which was filled with colorful illustrations of her signature dishes and drinks, making it hard for anyone to resist ordering more than they intended.
As she held her pen in hand, Ayame's mind raced with all the different food options she could suggest to Naruto and his friends. She was determined to make their dining experience unforgettable and decided to ask them what they wanted to eat. "Now, what do you want?" she asked with a smile, ready to take their order and recommend some of her personal favorites.
"Ten bowls of Ramen," he ordered, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation. Gaara, who was seated beside him, arched an eyebrow in confusion, wondering how Naruto could possibly eat so much ramen in one sitting.
Ayame, the friendly waitress, quickly jotted down Naruto's order before turning to Gaara with a smile. Meanwhile, Gaara, who was always a man of few words, quietly placed his order for a single bowl of Chicken Ramen. Fuu, who was seated next to him, ordered five bowls of fish ramen, her eyes sparkling with delight as she anticipated the delicious flavors that awaited her. Ayame quickly wrote down their orders, her pen moving swiftly across the notepad, and then headed back to the kitchen to prepare their meals.
"I bet you two will eat more than that," Naruto said once Ayame left, looking at both Gaara and Fuu with a playful glint in his eyes. Gaara, known for his unquenchable appetite, couldn't help but smirk at Naruto's comment as he replied, "I doubt it. I'm not a pig like you." Naruto rolled his eyes at Gaara's retort and turned to Fuu, who was giggling at their banter.
As they waited for their orders to arrive, Naruto decided to strike up a conversation with Gaara about Konoha. "So Gaara, what do you think about Konoha?" Naruto asked, genuinely curious about Gaara's thoughts on his village.
Gaara took a moment to ponder his answer before responding, "It's an interesting place. The people are friendly, and the village is well-kept. However, I can't help but feel a sense of unease whenever I'm here." Naruto furrowed his brows at Gaara's response, wondering what could be causing Gaara to feel uneasy in his home village.
Fuu, sensing the tension between the two, quickly interjected with a cheerful tone, "Oh, I love Konoha! It's so different from my village but in a good way. The people are kind, and the food is delicious!" Naruto and Gaara both turned to Fuu, their faces softening at her bubbly response.
As Gaara stood there, his gaze fixed on the towering Hokage Monument, his lips delicately pursed into a thin line, he pondered the question that Naruto had just posed to him, his thoughts drifting back to the familiar streets of his own village.
After a few moments of contemplation, he finally turned his head to look at Naruto, his piercing eyes locking onto the blonde's own curious gaze. "It's alright, I guess," he responded with a shrug, his mind still preoccupied with memories of his home.
"But I've never stayed in another village for so long. It's strange, being in a place so different from what I'm used to." As he spoke, Gaara's eyes scanned the bustling street around them, taking in the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar surroundings. From the vendors hawking their wares to the throngs of people hurrying to and fro, there was a sense of vibrant energy that permeated the air.
"You should one day visit Taki. It might not be the most welcoming village. Still, it has beautiful sights-" Fuu went on and explained everything beautiful about her home village, even bringing out the fact that her village was built around a tree that was one kilometer tall, the largest tree known in the world.
As Gaara spent more and more time with Naruto and Fuu, he found himself reflecting on the past and couldn't help but be reminded of a time when he rarely used to spend time like this with his siblings, Temari and Kankuro. Before, even his siblings were scared of him.
Comments
Drinor
Thank you for reading my Story.
GrouchyGritic
Boruto manga needs to take notes this is how you write connections between characters. Great work
