"Naruto........he thinks I'm born naturally strong, and so I think he....." I began, but I felt a deep sadness around that boy. "....he bitterly tried to usher me away, but I tried to encourage him to strive for his goal."

I hear him softly smile, with a happier hum.

"You really do care for others, don't you?" His eyes drift halfway, with a tender smile.

Looking away sheepishly, I pour some more green tea.

"One day.......he will understand your exact words you've told him today," he spoke up, making me look up at him in hope. "One day he will admit that your encouragement, will have made his goal come true........if you believe.....I believe too."

Drinking my warm tea, I felt my heart thumping with hope.

"I just hope.......everyone, will one day accept him for who he is....."

--------------------------------