[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

[Video]

[niceguypose]

[Something about her seems oddly familiar...]

Excuse me! Miss! Did you mention the name "Naruto"?

[Video]

[redhotmama]

[It's the family resemblance. :D]

Ah?

[Kushina beams at him, into the little portal page of that book she's holding. Lee reminds her of that kid that was always chasing Minato's student, Kakashi, around. So, the familiarity is mutual for different reasons.]

I did... didn't think anyone was listening in on me, though. [Small blush, all bashful-like] Are you one of his friends?

[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.

[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.

[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~

[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]

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

[niceguypose]

M-M-M...

[niceguypose]

MOTHER OF NARUTO-KUN?!

[redhotmama]

Bingo!

[niceguypose]

Meeting you is... an honor I never in my life expected! [Because. You know. Little orphan boy Naruto.]

[redhotmama]

An honor?

[Wow that... that makes her pause and look at the journal in surprise. She knows Naruto is a great kid and it's an honor to be one of his parents, but... wow.]

You really do care for him, huh?

[This makes her smile softly. Proud.]

[niceguypose]

Of course! I mean it when I call him one of my dearest friends. We have been through many hardships together, and I have been inspired by how much Naruto-kun has strived and grown over the years. And he has saved all of our lives. In a way, I envy how well he is utilizing his springtime of youth. But I shall always be glad to fight by his side!

[redhotmama]

[Lee's done the unthinkable. He's baffled a motor mouth woman into silence. When they'd talked, their first meeting ever, he'd been so modest with himself. Kushina knew he had friends and that they were important and he was happy, but... though it was vague, hearing of his greatness stunned her into silence.

Already, she was grateful to Lee for being one of her son's friends, one of the people he trusted. That Naruto took care of, and made such a boy consider him such a good friend.]

Thank you, Lee-kun. It's wonderful to know that Naruto has a friend like you in his life.

[niceguypose]

[He bows at the journal.]

T-thank you. And I am sure it is most beneficial for him that he has a mother such as yourself!

[redhotmama]

[Honestly, she's not sure what to say and doesn't do awkward well. So, instead Kushina's going to lean conspiratorially closer to the journal, cup her hand over her mouth like she's trying to shield the outside world of something, and whisper.]

Na na, Lee-kun. Can you do me a favor? Can you help me gather the friends Naruto has here? Not now, but soon.

[niceguypose]

YES! KUSHINA-SAN, I WILL GLADLY GATHER EACH AND EVERY FRIEND WHOM NARUTO-KUN HAS EVER MADE WITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE!

1/2

[redhotmama]

[...Oh good grief she meant that not to be said so loudly.]

[redhotmama]

Shh!

[At least his enthusiasm is a good sign and well worth the risk. Still, though.]

Not so loud... I don't know where you are, and I don't want him to hear.

[Filtered]

[niceguypose]

I apologize! I am so sorry, Kushina-san! I have most truly failed you, in every sense imaginable! Why did I not suspect... this is intended as a surprise for your beloved son? Let me try to apply a private filter, it will keep him from this conversation!

[Filtered]

[redhotmama]

Oh, these can be filtered...? [She looks slightly embarrassed.] Don't beat yourself up for something I didn't know. It's not your fault.

If the date on this journal is right, Naruto's birthday is in less than a month. Just enough time to make it special, y'know? As long as he doesn't find out that's what's the plan, I think we're okay.

[Filtered]

[niceguypose]

Ah - the birthday of Naruto-kun? Of course! [He flashes a thumbs up to the camera with tears streaming down his face. It happens.] Your sheer thoughtfulness... it is overwhelming! I shall make it my endeavor to do all I can to help!