The morning sea breeze carried a salty dampness as it tried to creep into Tazuna's rather dilapidated house, only to be driven back by a rich, savory aroma.
The fragrance seemed alive as it spread through the house, flowing into every corner and reaching Asuma's nose as he dozed beside Kurenai's bed.
"That smells amazing!"
Asuma woke with a murmur, the enticing scent chasing away his drowsiness entirely.
He rubbed his tired, slightly sore eyes and followed the aroma toward the kitchen, his steps still a little unsteady.
An unexpected sight greeted him at the kitchen doorway.
The boy who always wore a cheerful smile in Asuma's memory-Naruto Uzumaki-was standing before the simple stove, utterly absorbed in his work.
On the stove, a plain clay pot bubbled with thick, milky-white broth. Freshly caught sea fish and the seasonings Naruto had brought peeked through the rolling soup, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.
"Oh, it's you, Naruto!"
Asuma's voice was filled with undisguised surprise.
He found it hard to reconcile this boy's practiced movements and homey air with the rumored "incarnation of the Demon Fox," or the formidable figure who had shown such an edge on the battlefield.
This child, who was growing at an astonishing rate, had been hiding cooking skills like these?
"Asuma-sensei."
Naruto greeted him as he sprinkled in the last handful of spices.
The fish soup's fragrance grew even richer as the spices went into the pot.
"I made some fish soup. Take some to Kurenai-sensei to help her recover!"
Naruto filled a bowl to the brim and held it out to Asuma.
Asuma paused, warmth welling up inside him as he looked at the delicious soup.
"All right. Thank you."
Asuma accepted the bowl solemnly, its steam blurring his vision.
The aroma lingered around his nose, and Naruto's