In dedication to Smart Kira—a very ambitious individual that recognizes good writing. *Winkie smilie face.*
For all of you who despise Sakura and/or Light/Kira and would much rather read a story excluding these characters: press the back button.
WARNING: Explicit content, in the sense of sexualized content…and maybe a little gore. (Not until later, but now you know.)
Chapter I
After many a years of dealing with Naruto's insipid—and thus not well evaluated or validating—bantering, he had finally died. As Commissioner of the new world, his funeral is to be grand and rehabilitating. The setting is to be the porch of the Law Firm, where Naruto would personally insult and sometimes resort to physical confrontations with those who scoff at authority, hence being his favorite place in the city. Flowers blossom out luxuriously in the mosaic glass vases on each side of his towering portrait. An assembly of the finest soldiers line up accordingly just to the right of the frame, shouldering their rifles. To the left stands an empty podium, waiting for the designated to verbalize his eulogy.
As time passes by, countless bodies arrive to mourn the loss of their most enthusiastic authority official. Standing at the front, with a single tear dropping from the lashes, is Sakura, his indubitably loyal and supportive wife. She cups her hands in her lap while looking up at his portrait, fighting back relentless flurries of sorrow. Fiddling with her ring, she can't hold back a smirk to the non-serious expression on Naruto's face. In the mindless chatter behind her, she faintly quells the sophisticated step of a familiar. They stop just to her right, gazing at the beautifully constructed painting. Swishing the alcoholic beverage in-hand, a low voice states, "He never really took things seriously, did he?"
Sakura grimaces, "He did, he just never acted like it." Facing the individual, she offers a friendly hug, "It's good to see you, Light."
He wraps his arms around her passionately, inhaling the scent of her cherry blossom perfume and exhaling with a smile, "You too." Upon release, he stirs his drink once more, the soft smile lingering. She wipes her face gingerly, the red noticeably visible around her eyes and cheeks. As she pulls out a tissue with a sniffle, Light's expression suddenly turns serious. "I want you to know, Sakura, that Naruto's death would not have been in vain. I'll go to the ends of the Earth and back to bring his assailant to justice."
She nods with a sad smile, "I know you will."
The crowd begins to gather before the podium, all stricken with heartache. Light adjusts his tie and gulps down the last of his beverage, handing the empty glass to Sakura. She takes it, watching him hustle center-stage. He begins with nods of appreciation and makes his thanks known. "I just want to say that it is an honor that you're here and that Commissioner Naruto would've had gargantuan gratitude if he knew he was this popular." In his last remark, Light choked back tears. Looking back at the portrait, he rests his hand on the frame, rolling in his lips to keep from displaying his dismal. With a deep breath, he returns his attention forward, describing Naruto's endless drive for justice and his seemingly-subconscious gallantry. Light's harmonious words are heard through speakers all throughout the city, his gestures and some relinquished tears are seen through all screens. Every soul in the new world pauses their daily routine to pay their respects in some aspect or another, whether it be through presence or prayer.
As the service draws to a close, Light and Sakura thank those who intend to depart with a respectful bow each time. Before long, half of the audience has returned home. Due to the curfew for police sweeps, those remaining shan't be acceding to prolonged stay.
"Are you sure you will be alright in going home by yourself? I don't mind accompanying you," Light urges.
Sakura lets out a giggle, "Yeah, I'm a strong girl! I can handle my own."
He clenches his fist, "But with all of the nuisance running amuck…"
Her shoulders slump slightly, "You worry too much."
"I do not! I know what's out there, what's ruining this society, what killed your husband!" Light clutches a handful of his hair, "I've seen things no one should ever have to see…but I worry too much."
With the drastic change in demeanor, He and Sakura receive many stares. In no time at all, a quarter of the crowd silences and looks over at the deteriorating Commissioner runner-up. Regaining his composure, Light lets out a sigh, excusing himself to the nearest restroom in a collected fashion. Sakura watches him leave with dejected eyes, holding her hand up to her chest. A couple of smiling men exit as he enters. Giving them departing smiles, Light strides over to the counter, planting his palms on the sleek marble top. Drooping his head low, he takes deep breaths. Light's eyes well with tears as he starts to deeply bellow. "Naruto…" He sobs.
Suddenly the door swings open. Instinctively, Light rushes to clean the distortion on his face.
"No need for that, Pal. I know what you're doing in here." Light turns around to find Kakashi.
"Captain..." Light begins, but has a loss for words in the end.
"Sakura didn't tell me to go check on you—just to let you know—she didn't need to. Everyone heard you back there."
Light subconsciously lets a groan slip out. Kakashi rests a hand on his shoulder. "I understand how you feel. Naruto was one of my best students, as he very well proved. I know you miss him, but losing your cool like that—"
"I know, it was inappropriate."
"It was understandable, but you're going to be Commissioner someday, someday soon. You need to act like a well-collected officer of the law."
With a tinge of frustration nipping at Light's core, he holds back any urge to argue. He merely smiles and nods with thanks. Nodding back in satisfaction, Kakashi returns to the crowd. The thud of the door echoes in the vacant room. Light brushes off the shoulder in which Kakashi's hand was placed. "Touch me again you old geezer and it'll be the last thing you ever do." Light huffs, returning to the counter and gazing into the mirror at himself. "Filthy vermin," He straightens his hair and suit, exhaling. He stares into his eyes, his honor-seeking eyes. Inside, he knows what he should do, but simply ignores the sensation. Reaching the door, he allows one last thought to trail from his lips, "Naruto would've killed you had he known what you are."
Elegantly making his way back to Sakura, he is all smiles. Everyone seems relieved to have the calm Light back in their grasp. He bows to Sakura apologetically, only looking up at her when she replies bashfully, the red in her cheeks not from sorrow but of flattery. As curfew draws near, few lingering guests slowly make their way to the exit, giving their condolences to Light and Sakura. They wave off the last of the visitors with a sigh.
"I can't believe it's already over," Sakura says disappointedly. "Soon, Naruto will be like all the others who gave their lives for us to live in harmony, just another number to add to the casualty count."
"I don't believe that," Light smiles, "After all, it was only because of Naruto that we can even call this city our home."
She stares up at him, stars in her eyes. Light takes notice, his cheeks turning a dark crimson, and quickly averts his gaze while rubbing the back of his head. Sakura mildly chuckles, waving him off as she approaches her limousine. He watches her leave with a sigh and slanted smile. Suddenly he realizes something and rushes over to her. Catching the door handle before her fingers graze it, Light swings the vehicle door in a supple motion, opening his arm wide to add grace. It makes him stretch his smile further when she giggles and blushes.
"Oh Light," she waves off her smile, "You know just what to do to lift my spirits."
Gingerly planting herself in the leather seat, she informs the driver to wait a moment. Light rests on the door with folded arms, laying his chin in the midst. "When you ever feel depressed about Naruto again, just remember that a pure soul like his couldn't go anywhere but up." She smiles with a reassuring nod. He tilts his head with a wave while shutting the door. The vehicle takes heed and speeds off.
Light barely slouches his shoulders, removing the glee from display, watching his black, cap toe shoes as he walks back to the front of the property. There, he stops at Naruto's portrait, pouring himself a glass of scotch. He raises the glass to Naruto's grin and takes a sip.
Sirens can be heard from afar, approaching with haste. Before Light has time to take a subsequent sip, a convoy stops in his vicinity, holstering their weapons in his direction. With a sigh, Light gives Naruto a parting bow as he turns to face enforcement. One of them immediately withdraws his firearm, awkwardly standing to attention, "U-ugh, sir!" The others take a closer look and mimic the rookie, chanting in unison.
Annoyed, Light shoves a hand in his pocket. "There is no danger here." The officers timidly slouch their solute. "Well go on, what are you waiting for?" Light spoke with such piercing ire it sent shivers down the officers' spines. They quickly gather themselves and move to the neighboring district. Light gulps the rest of the scotch before resting the glass on the podium and reaching for the portrait. He gently lays it on the ground and slips it into a protective casing.
On the elongated ride home, the dark gray clouds cluster above, releasing crackles of thunder. Echoes of yelps and screams stir in his mind. Rain showers over the windshield, rendering his surroundings inconceivable. Blinking several times, the blurred white of his headlights turns red, and the rain is as blood, staining the glass with sin. He tries the windshield wipers but that makes no difference in the blinding of the night.
Breathing heavily, Light keeps his fists tightly on the steering wheel. "Just drive straight," He tells himself. "Home is just ahead."
There is a small sound nipping at Light's ears. Directing his attention to the irritable whistle, he faces the passenger seat only to find a corpse sitting alongside him. Flesh dangles from the bones and teeth. Blood soaks the tattered clothes on his nimble figure. His entrails spill over his lap, curling on the ruins of what was once called shoes. Through a screeching voice, it calls to him, "Liiiight..." His remaining eye peers over through mauled tissue.
Trying to take a breath, Light struggles to scream. Gasping for air, he finally releases the pressure in his chest.
It's that boy. That boy from before.
White blinds Light's eyes. Blinking profusely, his vision comes into focus. A light hangs from the ceiling, brimming with brightness. With his wake, Light fills his lungs with air, scanning his surroundings. He rests in a soft bed, in a white room. Oxygen is being fed to him through a tube. Removing it arose such a clatter, L sprang up to see what was the matter. (*wink*) He watches Light with shock and relinquishes a sigh of relief.
"L, what's going on?"
"You had an accident. Don't you remember?" Light pauses for a moment, giving L his answer. "What were you thinking? Driving after having so much to drink…"
It suddenly comes to Light, and with a sputter he blurts, "What about Naruto's portrait? Is it-?"
"Yeah, yeah, luckily it was in a protective casing and in the back seat. You wrapped around that tree pretty good."
Light relaxes slightly. "What're you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the bureau?"
"My scouts are dead."
Light's eyes bulge in shock. He remains silent for L to continue.
"The night you had your accident, that convoy who made contact with you prior to which...they managed to reach sector 15, but were bombarded with opposition."
Light clenches his fists, trying to hold back his rage. This happens every so often. In order to have a new world there must be some form of danger, right? That's not what Light believes. This threat can—and will—be eradicated.
"It was them: the rogue ninjas."
"I figured as much," Light spits out.
After a moment of silence, L claps his hands together, "Well, the higher-ups are finding me a new elite squad to teach. But until then, let's focus on the elections!"
Light tilts his head in confusion.
"Ohh yeah, I forgot to mention that you've been out for a couple of weeks. The election begins next week." L scratches his head with his tongue sticking out.
The elections are so close now, all in an instant. Sure, Light may have quite the advantage in becoming commissioner for his blatant alliance with Naruto's leadership, but that doesn't excuse his recent absence. Wrestling out of bed, Light yanks out the IV tube. L just watches, knowing Light is too determined as to listen to sensible actions—just as Naruto was.