An Unexpected Friend (Book 1 of the Unexpected Series)

Summary: Naruto is whisked away on a mission and Kokoro has a talk with the Mizukage and Haku.

The Sandaime's funeral was eventful as hundreds of people showed their respect for him. Kokoro stood next to Naruto in her own black clothing with her hand placed comfortingly on his right shoulder. He was sad and hurting in his own way, trying not to show others that he was affected by the Hokage's death and trying to be strong for Konohamaru. She knew he was close to the Hokage as he always called the Sandaime Ji-ji or 'Gramps' and she knew he would never show the world his true feelings, so she elected to outwardly comfort the bond in hopes he would let some of that pent up emotion go.

Kokoro stuck by Naruto's side for the rest of the day. She bought Ichiraku ramen to go and brought it to his small apartment. Thankfully, the apartment wasn't that dirty, and they were able to eat at the small table situated in front of a kitchenette. Naruto ate silently, not even slurping his noodles like he usually did. Kokoro studied his face with critical eyes before softening her expression at the sight of his tears. They streamed down his face like rich rivers and pooled under his lowered chin. She set her chopsticks to the side and stood up from her seat to envelope him in a tight hug. That set him off, and he quietly sobbed on her shoulder. She rubbed his back and rocked him back and forth, trying to alleviate his pain and sadness. When his sobs turned to sniffles, she patted his back and pulled away from him.

"I'm gonna miss him is all," Naruto said as he wiped his face and tried hiding his bloodshot eyes and flushed face. Kokoro hummed and reassured him with a glance that she wasn't judging him. "Thank you for the food, Koko."

"It was no problem," she said soothingly. "I didn't want you to be alone today. Besides, I was kinda craving ramen."

They quieted as they finished up their food and sipped at the broth. Naruto finished first, belching loudly and chuckling in embarrassment. He straightened out his face and stared at Kokoro before asking, "Hey, Koko? Why weren't you standing by Kakashi-sensei?"

Kokoro stiffened before shrugging and finishing off her broth. She really didn't want to talk to Naruto about the fight they had. Naruto was someone who wouldn't call her dad out on his favoritism. He'd take it and hope that one day he impressed Kakashi so much that Kakashi would willingly put effort into training him. It was what he did to try and win Kakashi over when they first started interacting with each other. Kakashi tried avoiding Naruto because of the resemblance he had to his sensei, so Naruto thought he hated him. But Naruto kept trying to get on his good side, and eventually (after they were put on a team together), Kakashi stopped avoiding him and treated him as if he actually liked him.

"Did you get into a fight or something?" Naruto pestered.

"It's nothing," Kokoro dismissed him. "We just aren't seeing eye-to-eye right now."

"What happened?"

She shook her head and said, "No way. We are focusing on you right now, not me."

"I just noticed you looked a little tense. I figured if you helped me with my pain, I could help you with yours," Naruto said, ending his sentence with a shrug.

"Don't worry about me, Naruto," Kokoro said. "My problem isn't urgent and will in no means hurt the team or team missions."

"That's not what I was worried about," he muttered. There was a knock on the door, startling the two genin in their seats. They looked at each other questioningly and shrugged at the same time. Naruto stood up and opened the door with a small greeting. Standing outside of the shabby apartment was Jiraiya in all his glory. He had changed from his black outfit and into his usual garb.

"Hey, kid," he greeted in a gruff voice. "I know you're probably grieving right now, but what do you say to going on a mission?"

"Really?" Naruto asked in a hopeful voice.