Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. I'm not profiting from this. If there are mistakes, please message me.
This is a short something I wanted to try writing. I think it turned out okay for something so short.
By the way, if you're reading this and are interested in seeing another Naruto work from me, I have a poll up. There's a three-way tie right now. And I don't want that. If you vote, thanks. If you don't, that's okay. Hope you enjoy this.
Irreplaceable
Kotetsu and Izumo. Izumo and Kotetsu. They've always been together.
Their parents were close friends.
Sometimes they shared a crib.
They grew up together. To the relief of their parents, they were best friends. Inseparable. Always together.
Side by side, they joined the academy together. Played pranks and dozed in classes. Chased their classmates with bugs and kunai. Graduated side by side, wide smiles in place.
They both took interest in barrier seals. They studied and studied, learning as best they could. They made chuunin together.
Izumo and Kotetsu. Kotetsu and Izumo. They were the paradigm partners, representing the seamless teamwork and trust Konoha valued so much.
They were always together. It was uncommon to see one and not the other. Some people joked they were twins. Others theorized they were clones with different bodies. Some even said they developed a secret jutsu that let them switch bodies with each other.
The duo only laughed at what people said. They never confirmed nor denied their claims. It was fun to hear them come up with ridiculous and bizarre theories about their friendship.
On rare occasions, they would be separated in missions, reason being both of them being capable of working with most teams. They filled in missing members. They helped as backup and support. They were some of the most talented team players. They were even praised by the leaders of the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans.
Sometimes people joked, "Izumo and Kotetsu? They're pretty creepy, like they're interchangeable!"
They'd laugh along and joke alongside.
Inside, they screamed and cried. How dare they? How could they? Izumo and Kotetsu were always together. They were partners and masters of teamwork.
That didn't mean they were the same person.
Kotetsu chuckles at people tripping and running into buildings.
Izumo dies laughing at dumb puns, enough said.
Kotetsu likes sugary drinks and sweets of all kinds.
Izumo prefers hot tea and bitter fruits.
Kotetsu sleeps like a log, face down.
Izumo, more often than not, ends up punching his friend in his sleep.
Kotetsu and Izumo.
Izumo and Kotetsu.
Inseparable.
Irreplaceable.