[001] Accidental Audio

[redhotmama]

[There is a book laying on a near by table that Kushina doesn't see as she rushes toward the window. The first rustle of wind doesn't even jostle the pages, however when she flings the window open, the book flies open with it. There's a moments pause as Kushina takes in the contents of outside, the chill in the air, the foreign feel. The first thing she deems to greet Luceti with is:]

WHERE IS MINATO!? This isn't..!

[But then her angry heart-felt cry stops, the words dying mid-sentence as a wave of emotion tears into her. Whatever anger she felt quickly faded in lieu of grief. A loud bang against the window's frame and the rattle of glass.]

Naruto... Minato...

[It's quiet and sounds as though Kushina is on the verge of tears, if not already crying.]

This isn't the afterlife, I know it. It doesn't feel right. It's too real. I shouldn't be able to feel pain, y'know!

[Kushina slumps to the floor, the sound reverberating softly in the near-empty room. What was she supposed to do here? What was this place, even? It wasn't where she was supposed to be. Nowhere had ever felt more wrong in her life.]

Comments

[selfdoubt]

Well, um... I still think this counts, at least for something, Kushina-san. So nonetheless, it's very nice to meet you. I- I will consider this an honor.

[A polite bow. Because really, to meet Naruto's mom is a dream come true but as fulfilling as dating him. Ahhh Hinata's cheeks glow bright red. She can't believe this is happening!!]

oh, laugh at him all you like, he deserves it!

[erosennin]

[After all, she did warn Naruto to stay away from him! Not her fault Naruto was only like an hour old and doesn't remember!]

Hey, it's sold like wildfire. I've been making a mint! 'Number one bestselling series across the continent...!'

[redhotmama]

[Oh, she likes this girl. Very much. So polite and proper. Definitely someone she hoped her son would one day befriend. It's making her blush in turn, this feeling so special thing~

But call it a mother's intuition or being that observing, she's going to ask--]

An honor, huh? [Oh, look at the mischief behind her eyes.] Now, there's only two reasons a girl would say that. You either like my boy, or he's done great things.

1/2 sob kushina

[selfdoubt]

[askjdgaslkds

By the way Hinata's cheeks flamed pink in an instant or by the way she flailed at what she just said, Kushina might be able to tell that she just hit the jackpot. For a moment, Hinata doesn't know how to respond. It's already making her nervous taking to Naruto's mother but for her to bring that up is a different matter entirely.]

[selfdoubt]

[So, expect a clear pause on her end as she looks down and tries to avert her gaze from the journal she's holding while slightly shaking. Will it be bad if she admits just how much Naruto means to her?

When Hinata speaks up again, her eyes wander from time to time, evidently embarrassed by this whole thing.]

I- I, um... I wouldn't deny t- that Naruto-kun has done great things for both the village and, well, for me. [Not directly, but he served as a great inspiration and that's no secret to anyone who knows her.] And for that, h- he is pretty likable and...

[A long pause as Hinata tries to swallow this thick lump in her throat.]

I... I do like him. [More than a friend.]

[Video]

[niceguypose]

I apologize. These journals have a way of invading moments of privacy.

But... yes! I would count myself among Naruto-kun's dearest friends, and we are also formidable rivals! I hope to take him on in an all-out fight one day.

<3

[redhotmama]

Really?

[She actually looks sorta taken aback. What, with remembering how he'd been after his first book flopped. It was such a good story, she remembered being shocked by it. About as much as she was to hear he was a best seller now.]

That's great, Jiraiya!

[All excitement gone, Kushina turns her glare on him in that stern motherly way.]

You've been keeping them away from Naruto, right?

[redhotmama]

[The conviction this kid has, it's heartwarming. She's not sure she likes the sound of 'rivals', but if counter balanced with 'dearest friends', then it's okay enough by her.]

I see.

[She laughs quietly, getting all the more proud by the moment. ]

Well, Naruto's friend, what should I call you?

[niceguypose]

[Well wanting to best someone as combat is as sure a sign of friendship as anything for Lee.]

My name is Rock Lee! I am known as the Green Beast of Konoha! But, ah, Miss, I am sorry to say that do not know your own identity.

[breaks_destiny]

Consider yourself smiled on, it's always better than considering this a punishment. Luceti is as good and as bad as any other place can be, the main difference is that we're restricted to this area due a barrier most of the time, but seeing as there's a war outside of it, I'm not sure it would be a good idea to go running around the world.

I've seen people who have died in their worlds get the chance to be with their families again for several months even a few years. So, despite the bad things it has, I think that for some people this place is good, specially those that died before their time.

[redhotmama]

[Wow. Kushina actually starts to feel kind of guilty about asking when it seems like something hard to voice. If they were talking face to face it was likely Kushina would put her arms around Hinata's shoulders and reassure her with a gentle hug. Unfortunately, she can't do that behind a book. Stupid technology. Or whatever it was.]

You're adorable.

[Yep, she's a gutsy woman and isn't afraid to tell Hinata that.]

Don't let him be dumb, okay? And if you have to and you think the timing's right, you take the reigns.

[redhotmama]

[Lee reminds her more and more of young Gai, but obviously he can't be the same kid. Not with no real resemblance other than the same haircut and go-getter attitude. He's cute, though. She definitely approves of this friendship!]

It's good to meet'cha, Lee. And nice to see someone with a name that fits them. I had one of those as a kid, they called me "Uzumaki Kushina, Red-hot blooded Habanero". But nevermind how I got it~

[selfdoubt]

[Her blush just turns even redder, if that's even possible.]

I- I take the... reigns? [What does she mean by that?]

[redhotmama]

If you don't mind my asking, why do you suppose the dead are dragged here?

[niceguypose]

Ah, that sounds like quite the nickname! [It gives him a sense that she's quite passionate, which is definitely a plus for Lee.] It is a pleasure to meet you, Kushina-sa- wait! ...U-Uzumaki?

[redhotmama]

Mmhm!

[Her smile's wide, teaming with the sense that she's routing for Hinata already, despite not even really knowing her that well but already liking her.]

Don't wait for him to ask you out, just go for it.

[Mom's meddling in their children's love life since the dawn of time.]

[redhotmama]

Got ya, didn't I?

[niceguypose]

Y... you are a relative of Naruto-kun's? [He did not know of Naruto having any living family - but... she did mention the afterlife... and the former Hokage?]

That icon is adorable~

[redhotmama]

I hope having carried him makes me a relative.

[She has to stifle a mischievous laugh at that. Man, she shouldn't be toying with his friends like this... but they're so fun!]

1/2

[selfdoubt]

[This is the second time you're sending Hinata into kjasllhdk mode, Kushina. :|b

and for that, you are amazing.]

B- But, that is--

[selfdoubt]

Um, w- well... [Won't that be like pushing it or something?? Then again, Hinata forgot to clarify one thing to Kushina.]

Naruto-kun and I are, er... um... [She looks away and clearly doesn't know how to even continue that sentence. She's just really feeling so embarrassed right now because how does one even admit something like this to a parent???]

[breaks_destiny]

Probably same reason as to why the living are dragged here, which I don't know. But if what you're asking is why drag living and dead alike, my guess is that whatever it is the power that teleports us to this world doesn't make a differentiation between dead and alive. I could form theories about how the power drags souls and not physical people and we get "copies" of our bodies upon arriving due that same power or something, but... Yeah, they are just theories and without any real base besides the few things we know.

To be honest I try to not think of that part of the whole story much, because some of the ideas I get are quite depressing regardless if you're dead in your world or not.

1/2

[niceguypose]

M-M-M...

[redhotmama]

[Oh. OH! a small 'hehe' makes its way past her lips as suddenly it's donned on her. Hinata doesn't even have to finish that sentence for her to even get the gist.]

I approve, then!

[There's even fist pumping action and all.]

If he does anything you don't like, just tell me, okay? I'll help you out. [Ominous much?]

[niceguypose]

MOTHER OF NARUTO-KUN?!