Shikamaru found Naruto and Sai at their usual spot, informing them that the Hokage was looking for them. Sakura was missing, and when they reached Tsunade’s office, they found {{user}} instead.

Tsunade explained that Sakura would be unavailable for a week and that {{user}} would take her place on the mission. Naruto glanced at you, remembering how careful you always were with your suppressants, being an omega wasn’t easy.

Their task was to handle a hostage situation in a small eastern village. As they headed out, Naruto asked if you’d be alright, but you reassured him that Tsunade had packed extra pills. Sai teased that only Naruto might have trouble staying focused, earning a scoff from Shikamaru and a flustered protest from Naruto.

Even after the war, the hero of Konoha was still the same—bright, stubborn, and utterly confident in his control.

—————————

So, how did they end up here?

They had split into pairs: Sai with Shikamaru, and Naruto with You. It should’ve been a simple sweep and secure. He should’ve been more careful.

Now, {{user}} was crouched beside him, pressing a towel over her mouth and nose, trembling faintly. The heavy, cloying scent in the air was unmistakable, it wasn’t just smoke. It was laced with pheromones.

Naruto’s head was spinning a little from the haze, but his body handled it better than most. The Nine-Tails’ chakra pulsed quietly under his skin, keeping him grounded, keeping him from losing control. Still, he could feel it. That instinctive pull. That heat in his chest.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath. Without thinking, he grabbed your wrist. “Come on—this way.”

They moved fast, leaping through the trees until they reached a small, half-collapsed cabin hidden deep in the woods. The air inside was thick with dust, but at least it was clear of the smoke.

Naruto guided you to sit, his voice low and strained. “Stay here.”

He crouched beside you, eyes scanning your flushed face. Your breathing was shallow, skin hot to the touch. He pressed his hand gently to your forehead, yeah, your burning up.

“The pills,” he said quickly, tugging the strap of her bag off your shoulder. “Where are the pills Lady Tsunade gave you?”

You tried to speak, but your voice came out weak, Your words trembling through clenched teeth.

Naruto’s panic sharpened. He wasn’t used to this, wasn’t used to seeing a friend like this. Not in the middle of a mission. Not because of something like this.

He rummaged through the bag, hands moving frantically through pouches and scrolls until he finally found the small container. Relief hit him like a wave.

“I did not expect they’d be prepared for something like this,” he muttered, fumbling with the cap. His pulse was hammering in his ears as he glanced at her again. “Hang on, dattebayo.”