II.

The most painful experience a human can live through is not death. It does not reside in being burned or stabbed. Nor does it come from disease or injury. A pain that soaks into your bones and floods your head in a constant throb comes from within one's own mind. The mind itself can cause one to feel pain that is unparalleled by the physical means. The controversy of this can stem from the lack of understanding. If one were to be burned alive, their pain would only last so long until sweet death embraced them lovingly with its nothingness. Physical pain is only temporary in most cases, modern medical chakra can heal any physical wound with near perfection. However, Psychological trauma causes such a deep and troubling wound that is far more complex to handle and treat. Pain in one's soul and mind know no limitations from the pain it can cause.

Yes- Naruto knew this far too well. He had suffered a multitude of physical pain. Previous to his mastery of the Kyulbi's Chakra, he had survived being burned alive from within. Along with nearly every form of physical pain from being stabbed, poisoned, and most recently dismemberment.

His physical wounds from the war were nearly healed, yet his psychological wounds had only begun to show its strain on him. Upon returning to the village, he immediately appeared to be far older than before. He looked to be in his thirties rather than just turning 17. Under his eyes were dark circles that darkened his sun-kissed complexion, along with heavy bags under his uncovered eye. His lips were thinned and chapped, as well as hollow cheeks from malnourishment. He seemed unrecognizable aside from his bright blond hair. If one were to look into his eyes they would see a different man than the happy-go-lucky boy Konoha grew to love.

Naruto had not left Sasuke's grave since his arrival several hours previous. His eye was transfixed on the stone as if he was being hypnotized. The aura was stained of melancholy and despair with a certain heaviness to it as that of gravity weighing on you several times more than what is normal. It was a troubling sight for Kakashi.

Kakashi knew of the grave prior to his own arrival. He understood clearly that no law or restriction would stop someone like Naruto in making a grave for his best friend. Kakashi had done the same for Obito, however, Obito's grave was far less controversial than Sasuke's. Sasuke died a villain whose final purpose was the destruction of the Leaf Village compared to Obito who sacrificed himself in the good of protecting the village.

It made no difference to him. Kakashi understood Naruto's pain for better than anyone left in the village. No words could help this pain. The death of Rin came with consequences that still troubled him, but what was most troubling is that Naruto valued Sasuke far more than Kakashi had with Rin.

It was a different situation between teammates. Sasuke was Naruto's goal. Sasuke had been a presence in Naruto's life since the time of his academy. The years they spent together were vital in Naruto's upbringing for Sasuke's presence was that of family to Naruto. There was a bond that ran deeper than blood for Naruto. Several years of Naruto's life were spent chasing Sasuke and seeking redemption for his teammate. For him to Kill the who he held most dear was too painful for Kakashi to think about. Rin still held a dear place in Kakashi's heart which could never be replaced, however, they were not as close as someone like Sasuke had been to Naruto.

Kakashi made his presence known by loudly jumping off the tree branch in which he was squatting on and landing on the soft grass several meters away from Naruto and the grave.

Naruto had yet to acknowledge his old teacher's presence as he stood still as stone.

"Naruto" Kakashi spoke softly as he made his way closer to his student. Naruto didn't even so much as look at Kakashi's general direction as he stood directly to Naruto's side perpendicular to him.

It's as if he is in a Genjutsu… Kakashi thought, he brought up his right arm to touch Naruto's shoulder to gain his attention. It was immediately upon contact that he felt Naruto jerk his shoulder in surprise and turn to face his teacher.

Naruto was brought back to reality.