Chapter 14: Naruto's Breakdown.
AN: My god this chapter was an emotional roller coaster for me. I have never felt both mad and happy making a chapter. I know Aki is an OC ( original character) but knowing that an entirely fictional baby was upset enraged me like nothing else. But once the chapter got started my mind just poured out with story ideas and I hope I was able to put that into this chapter in a satisfying way.
AN2: I know I haven't yet named the grandmother but I have a few suggestions being sent my way and to them I thank you feel free to keep sending them my way I will look them over and if I picked yours I will credit you in an author's note.
The following days had all passed in a blur. The elder matriarch oversaw his training while Ino and family played or walked along the many dirt trails that dotted the vast farmland. A small part of him hated the woman for keeping him trapped inside that small, dust-filled room. But he kept his unhappiness to himself. By the time he would leave the room Ino's family would have returned after yet another fun-filled day. Another day he was unable to enjoy due to his so-called training. It just wasn't fair and try as he may he was feeling less willing to put up with this injustice.
A week later he saw the same thing happen again. Ino and family had enjoyed yet another day of playing while he was forced to toil away in that small, dusty room. Holding back the rage he felt he sat down and ate without so much as a glance at anybody. Not even as little Aki wished to be held by him. A fact that made the small baby girl cry at being ignored. The next day Inoichi who had up until now allowed his growing hostility to pass as just being upset now stood before his door eyeing the boy with the most unpleased expression on his face.
"Naruto that was uncalled for. You know how much Aki-chan loves you. How could you do that to her? Inoichi asked. Naruto merely pushed passed him only to be stopped by the man.
"Naruto". The older of the two said. His voice now laced with a hint of anger. Naruto, however, paid it no mind. A step or two later he found himself locked in place. Trying to free himself only made the man tighten his hold all the more until it became somewhat painful.
"Stop this"! Naruto yelled out but Inoichi held fast. He was going to get answers and he was going to get them now.
"What's the matter with you Naruto-kun? This isn't like you at all". Inoichi said sounding for the first time truly lost. It was this that made Naruto stop and think. He was upset sure but not at Inoichi or his family. Not really. He was more upset at being unable to partake in the fun and games. Being trapped inside that room like he was something to keep hidden away unseen by everybody else. Like he was some vile beast that needed to be caged. Feeling the full weight of what he had done to poor little Aki made the boy start to cry. At once Inoichi rushed over and hugged the boy close rubbing his back in a soothing motion.
"Shh, Naruto-kun it's alright it'll be alright". Inoichi said softly as he allowed the son of one of his best friends to cry on his shoulder. He held the boy close for what felt like forever before Naruto spoke with such softness as to be nearly imperceptible. It was just three little words but to Inoichi it may as well been a sledgehammer to his chest.
"It's not fair". Naruto had said and at once he understood. The sudden revelation hit him with the force of an S-rank jutsu and for a time he was unable to say a word. Naruto felt abandoned. As a mindwalker, he knew better than most what that could do to a child's mindset.
"I'm so sorry Naruto-kun I...I didn't realize". Inoichi said as he held Naruto close tears forming in his eyes at his own failure.
We still have a week left how about we use that time together". Inoichi said pushing Naruto back enough to face him. Naruto for his part asked.
"But my training". Naruto began before Inoichi put a stop to it.
"My wife will see to that my boy". Inoichi said before the two walked back into the living room and played and joked. Naruto, of course, gave little Aki all the love he could and she, in turn, gave Naruto big, wet baby kisses. But the best part of that day was when she uttered her first word.
"Narto". Before falling fast asleep in his arms.