To Be Hokage
Inuzuka Nin
"Hokage-sama! It's here! We need you!"
I turned to the informant and nodded.
"I'll be there soon."
He bowed quickly and sped off.
I picked up the baby, and he looked up at me through those bright blue eyes I loved.
"I love you so much, little one."
With that, I placed him down, in the center of the seal. I hated myself for doing it. I got ready and prepared myself for the scene I was about to enter. I stole one last look at him, and I left.
"Look, the Hokage's here!!" Someone cried. With that statement, I saw heads turn to reveal relieved faces. The faces of my villagers, my comrades, my friends, my family….
I stepped forward and stood before the nine-tails. This was my last battle. I'm sure most knew. I heard sensei behind me, shouting at me, telling me I was a fool. But he sounded so far away. I wished I could do something else. But nothing else can be done.
"What about your FAMILY?!" I heard him shout.
I turned to him and shouted…
"This whole village is my family sensei! Imust do this for them!"
He shook his head. I gave a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sorry sensei. I am. This is my calling, sensei. I must."
He opened his mouth to protest, but I stopped him.
"No, don't say anything."
A tear fell from his cheek.
"If you ever meet him…" I was beginning to crack. A tear slid down my cheek, I wiped it away in a flash, but he saw. He was going to say something, but I stopped him with a wave of my hand.
"If you ever meet him sensei… treat him well… think of me…"
I had cracked. The tears fell freely and my voice wavered.
"Sensei, it is my dying wish for him to be seen as the hero that saved our beloved village, not the demon that almost destroyed it." I said, voice shaky.
I saw another tear slide down his tough cheek. He nodded.
"Goodbye… Arashi…" he said, also with a shaky voice. "I look forward to meeting him in the years to come" He gave a sad, brave smile.
"Goodbye… sensei..."
I did the simple hand signs. My thumb stung, I never had got used to the sensation… Too late now. I slammed my hand on the ground and summoned him.
Perhaps one day he would summon him…
I stood upon the Boss's head, and he asked me if I was sure.
I told him it was my duty as Hokage.
Perhaps one day he will be Hokage…
I looked around me for the last time.
I saw faces full of admiration and thankfulness.
Perhaps one day he will be admired.
I turned to sensei.
I could see he was worried about me.
Perhaps he will have someone who will worry about him.
I said goodbye and thank you to the Boss, and did the hand signs.
The tears fell like a monsoon, hidden by the blinding light.
The Death God approached.
No going back.
I looked back on my decisions, I only had one regret. Leaving him alone.
Son, you make the greatest sacrifices for the ones you love. Please know that I did this for you, and our village.
Son, no matter what anyone says, stick to what you believe in. Go through life your own way; let no-one dictate it.
Son, I'm sorry I won't be with you, to teach you the things only a father should teach.
Son, there's nothing more I want than to be with you right now, however selfish that may sound. But I must do this.
Son, I'll always be proud of you, no matter what you do.
Son, never forget the people that matter, and protect them with everything you've got.
Son, I'm with you, always.
I felt myself slipping away.
Goodbye, Naruto, my son….