Be Careful What You Wish For

A short little tidbit of a thing for Naruto's birthday because I didn't want to miss my chance to post on the day.

And I needed a bit of a small break with some non-important nonsensical writing.
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“If you blow out the candles in one breath,” Nii-san said, his green eyes brightening with each word. “Then your wish comes true.”

“Just like that?” Naruto asked. 

“That's what they say,” Nii-san said without hesitation as he lit the final candle. The bright neon candles on top of the large orange cake looked even better than Naruto had anticipated. “So think of something good before you blow them out.”

Taking the advise to heart, Naruto closed his eyes and searched for a good wish. He couldn't waste a free wish on something that be could or would accomplish eventually. That ruled out wishing for the Hokage position or Sasuke coming back or a date with Sakura or, actually that ruled out everything.

Wait, Naruto opened his eyes, there was one thing he could wish for. 

 

The flames flickered enticingly as though urging him to get on with it. 

I wish that Nii-san will always be by my side, Naruto decided. And nothing in the world will keep him away.

 

The candles extinguished in a thick puff of glittering coloured smoke. 

Naruto sneezed.

When he opened his eyes, the cozy interior of Nii-san's cozy apartment was replaced by his own cramped and untidy apartment. 

“Nii-san?” Naruto called out in confusion.

Goosebumps erupted on his arm as the air beside him froze to an unnatural degree. 

“You're finally awake, Naruto. Are you feeling better?”

Naruto turned to the voice in confusion. Terror seized his limbs and he stuttered. “Nii-san?”

A pale grey translucent copy of his cousin floated beside him and smiled a very familiar fond smile. “Yes, how was your mission?”

“Gho...” Naruto sputtered. “Ghost!”

The ghost, who looked just like Nii-san, blinked and zoomed forward till he was face to face with Naruto. “Did you get injured and forget that I was a ghost again?” The ghost groaned. “Every single time! How does this keep happening...”

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This can be seen as a very teaser-ish prologue to future adventures of Naruto and Ghost-Harry, most notably the hassle adventure of Naruto trying to stop Ghost-Harry from bothering Danzo all the time.

In other news, here's a few things I've somehow ended up researching for the AtO draft.

• Saltwater pools
• Azai Nagamasa
• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Deer Antler/Bone knife
• The Alnwick Garden

Some of these things/ideas inspired by them might show up in AtO if they survive the upcoming story editing. But for now, I'll be amused to hear any outlandish theories you might have.

Polar