Hello! And yes, it's coming.

November 17, 2017- Finished.
November 20 2017- Edited.

-Line Break-

I was getting better, in other words, I was getting frustrated and found many ways to escape my minders after retraining my chakra control. It felt like I was playing cat and mouse again with Minato back when we were younger.

Only with Anbu and all the other assholes that insists on my bed rest. It's a good day when I got back on my feet and out run the Anbu again, or Minato's guard platoon, and it was even better when I came back lugging dinner from the Forest of Death. Minato's scolding did nothing to me when I felt extremely satisfied from my hunt, satisfied to have some kind of blood on my hands.

Plus, the dog needed to eat, I know for sure the little thing eats meat too.

Kyuubi has been free roaming actively too. He was like a kitten seeing the outside world for the first time, he likes to hang off my shoulder as Ki-san. He especially likes it when I started to stretch my legs even more, as a fox, he greatly appreciates the chaos I leave behind. He and Kaito got along splendidly after finding some common ground, it was easier to shit on others than on each other.

But despite my not really rapid recovery, the damage to my chakra coils was obvious. The effects of having Rei being gone was making itself obvious after using chakra more intensely. It was like I was trying to filter syrup and I always feel sluggish even though I had so much energy, like I was weighed down and moving in slow motion while the rest of the world was fast forwarded.

Kaito and Kyuubi seemed unaffected though, they complain at my lack of Yang chakra but even when I build it up, I can't seem to shake this feeling. Trying to force pass the chains that was holding me down was bad too. When I tried, it feels like my breath was stolen and I was being dragged down rather than the usual falling sensation. I remember waking up on the training grounds in cold sweat, night had fallen and I had lost an entire day.

"You're distracted again." I twitched at my hair pulled pulled at. "You also have been angry at me, may I ask what brought your ire upon me?"

I blushed being reminded of what I did the other day. I growled at him and then hissed at his amusement, I swiped at his hand when he tried to tug at my hair again.

"D-don't touch me, it's y-your fault that I'm like this!" I clenched my eyes in embarrassment. "You and your stupid, perverted apprentice are putting weird things in my head and it's been, it's been-" I looked away trying to gather myself back up. "I- I can't believe I did that."

"Now you're being unfair, what exactly am I doing that's apparently troubling you?" Orochimaru had a sly look on him. "And what exactly did you do? I must know."

My eyes widened when he grabbed my arm and I started to tremble. "Y-you, d-didn't I just tell you not to touch me? P-pervert!"

"Pervert?" Orochimaru hummed in thought as he pulled me close. "What exactly has been on your mind?" He whispered in my ear. "Are you sure you're not the one having indecent thoughts? About me?"

I whimpered and just felt his body against mine, it was easy to fall limp in his arms and let him over take me. He still tasted like the strawberry treats from earlier and his minty scent was just as-

Someone pronouncedly cleared their throat making us both freeze. The sight of Minato's stormy expression made me internally flinch before pressing my lips harder onto Orochimaru's. I gave my brother a rebellious glare that made the man falter for a split second.

I buried my head in the Snake Sannin's chest and huffed into it. Minato was being an idiot again, he seems to forget that I'm a fully capable adult. I can't believe he's using teenagers to spy on my love life, not that Anko wasn't already blaring it out. Kakashi was utilizing his Anbu skills to report back about me, the little runt.

Maybe if I ignore him long enough, the awkward silence will drive him away.

"Yuu-chan, we need to talk."

I huffed and growled before complying. "Fine."

"I'll be waiting."

My scowl seemed to make Orochimaru amused before he walked out of the room. My body twitched as I realized just what Minato caught us doing, I could feel the heat rising in my neck but I refuse to acknowledge at the fact that I was getting lost in the moment. A moment that was quickly degrading on my kitchen table.

"Goddammit, why the hell am I becoming an emotional mess now?" I rubbed my face and gave a frustrated sigh. "What are you angry about now?"

Minato looked unsure what to say next. He just pulled himself a seat at the kitchen table before putting up a determined and concerned front. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at the inevitable conversation, I'm actually surprised it took this long for him to come around and speak to me.

"Are you- are you happy with him?" Minato hesitated. "Does he make you happy?"

"I'm not sure." I fidgeted at his question. "But I like being with him, even if he's annoying sometimes."

"Oh, you love him."

I blushed at that and bristled. "Y-you don't know that! Y-you people need to stop assuming s-stuff like that! I- I don't care whatever fantasies you conjure up, i-it's not funny!"

"As much as I want to disapprove of your choice, it's okay to be in love." Minato said quietly. "Though, you probably don't even know how to handle that."

I bared my teeth at him before making a frustrated noise. That I couldn't argue, I know what being happy and love is but I've long forgotten what that feels like. Like sensei said, I have a hard time grasping positive emotions. I can't deny it after so many times that I freaked out in the past, but I couldn't help it. I didn't have anymore room for stuff like that back then.

But it was different now, I don't know what's different but I feel like I could relax a little. Settle down and just... indulge in the more human things.

And Orochimaru was different from the others, he wasn't emotionally needy or weak, but he's assertive in getting my attention. He was the first to understand.

"I don't know what I'm doing emotionally." I finally said. "I'll admit it was rushed, after Orochimaru discovered that I was... dying." I looked away from Minato. "He became more aggressive in his advances, more bold and obvious with his intentions and I let him have that chance with me. It was almost natural to, to-"

I flushed at the memories and hid my face. For the love of me, I can't believe my self control was kicked off a cliff because of the stupid snake. I can't believe I was about to let go of it again, to feel Orochimaru's tou-

"Dammit! I'm going to strangle him for making me lose my self control." I hissed in embarrassment. "I don't understand why I'm like this now!"

"Oh my god, I can already tell by your face in what you're thinking." Minato looked at me with dread. "Please tell me you two at least used protection."

Memories of our time together made me flush even more. I don't remember the little things like that, I just wanted Orochimaru to-

"S-stop it!" My body trembled at the images. "I- I'm not talking about this anymore!"

"He didn't?!"

"Fuck off!"

"Yuu-chan! Did he or did he not?!"

"I don't fucking know! It was my first time! I don't remember that kind of shit!"

"I'm going to kill him!"

I didn't stop Minato from disappearing in a blur of a Shunshin. The sounds of a scuffle going on and into the Forest of Death didn't deter me in the slightest in trying to stamp down on the images that keep clawing at the surface of my mind. The vulnerability and fear that turned into an escape that I kind of want to experience again.

Yes, I wanted to be with Orochimaru, I know that for sure. But, I had no idea how to express myself. I seemed to be doing fine as it is, certainly hasn't stopped the snake from pursuing me even at the face of my death. I liked that kind of loyalty, I liked that he never wavered.

I wanted him to stay.

A whine drew my attention, the dog was lethargically eating her meal and it was drawn to all the noise. Her muzzle was a little bloody but she easily licked it all up looking at me sleepily.

"At least your priorities align with mine." I picked her up. "But we're having a bath before we take a nap."

It didn't seem like Sakumo was coming back from his mission for the next few days but the little pup wasn't so bad, in fact, she drew most of the attention off of me. Everyone is so caught up in her cute little self that I actually can get a decent nap in.

I just wish the pup wouldn't cling her claws into my clothes and hair when she's being picked up.

-Line Break-

My office felt like depression, the kind of depression that irritated me when someone was crying over nothing. The office was in disarray, papers were shrewn on the ground, the smell of spilt ink and coffee made my nose twitch, and zombie-like movements made me wonder how the hell they managed to get anything done without me. My eyes narrowed at the messy state and the unkempt appearances of my squad and I growled making everyone freeze.

"Clean this fucking office!" I barked at them. "It's in a sorry state and you're all staying here until this place is spotless!"

"Y-yuu-san?!"

"Did I stutter?" I put pressure into the room and everyone started to sweat. "Move!"

And everyone started scrambling back to life, floundering and running into each other before kicking it into high gear and started working properly. I twitched feeling a new chunin run passed me but I stood in place and watched critically. It was nice to know that I still had my commanding power over these hopeless morons. It made my tea and pastry much more enjoyable.

I twitched seeing a lounging chunin and swiftly threw a senbon into the apple he was eating. His startled expression turned angry before trying to size me up.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" The large, bulky male stood over me. "Do you know who I am?"

"You obviously don't know who I am." My eyes slitted unnerving the chunin. "Just because I've been gone for nearly a year does not mean my commanding power over this team has deteriorated. Who do you think you are acting as if you command my team?"

"You're team? I'm going to be a jo-"

I was weak, so weak compared to what I was before. But my control over chakra was still strong after quickly building enough of my Yang chakra again. Kyuubi's generous donation of his Yin chakra actually deterred my chakra control especially when I hadn't been exercising my body. I was determined to get my control back up after failing to do a simple wall climb. It was easier to build that up though than destroy my self confidence in trying to restore my muscles back to their previous glory.

Even without my muscles, sensei's super strength trick did wonders in terrifying this arrogant chunin. I easily picked him up by the collar and threw him out of my office, I didn't need stupidity breeding within my territory. It was a good thing I came by, Any longer and this place probably would've sent Konoha in a financial crisis. You'd think after years of working under me they'd keep up with the program.

"Anybody that let's that fucker in will be the one responsible to keep him in check." I took a sip pf my tea. "You'll be responsible in keeping his mouth shut and retraining him on the fucking chain of command here."

"Uh, who are you, er, sir?" Another new chunin was quivering under my unimpressed gaze.

"Where the hell is Mai?" I tapped my foot impatiently. "How the hell is this place functioning as it is?"

"Y-yuu-san, Mai is currently on a mission." One familiar face said, Juuichi, I believe. "Majority of the others are also out but Akai should be around here, Takeshi is currently running around in intelligence, and I'm temporarily in charge until Mai gets back."

My lips fell into a frown. "And is it always depressing in here?"

Juuichi's head just fell. "Everyone hasn't been the same since you were hospitalized, we all missed you."

My sharp nails clinked on my cup as an odd well of flattery rose. "I'm fine, don't make me the reason why you all can't do you jobs. That's an insult."

"Of course, Yuu-san." Juuichi looked brighter. "It's good to see you alive."

I gave him a sharp nod. "I won't be back officially for a few months but I will be checking in to see if you all are regressing back into a sorry state. Aren't you making jonin soon?"

"A-ah, Mai put me in charge because of just that."

"Then hurry up and take charge, you'll be getting your own squad soon enough if nii-chan keeps up this pace." I huffed softly. "You might see me in these civilians more often." I pulled at my clothes.

"Hokage-sama is making you retire?" He didn't look surprised. "How are you taking that?"

I snorted. "I'm not retiring, I'll be restricted within Konoha's walls because of medical reasons but I'll still be around." My eyes wandered towards the door and I heard curious shuffling and murmurs outside of it. "Who was that I just threw out by the way?"

"Uchiha Kimimaru, he's been a bit arrogant for the past months because of his name being added to the promotion list." Juuichi said. "He was actually sent here a month ago for misdemeanors and other little things."

"And he's been strutting around like he owns the place." My eyes narrowed before my lips twitched upwards. "I'd like to see what he'll do against me."

"A-ah, Yuu-san, it's his family that actually requested him to be transferred over here." He informed.

"By who's suggestion?"

"I believe the clan head himself." The chunin looked resigned. "I don't think you'll be able to do much against the Uchiha head himself, Yuu-san."

"What makes you think the peacock sent him here to save his ass?" My eyes sparked viciously. "Obviously this is his way of punishing him."

Because it's been well over a month since I've been able to function on my own. With Mikoto dotting and on me it wouldn't be a surprise for Fugaku to jump on the chance for him to pass on an annoyance. Give me something to properly assert my power.

"P-peacock?" Juuichi choked.

"Yeah, he and his wife trusts me enough." I took another sip. "They know I won't hurt him too bad when he acts up, scare him yes but not hurt. I should be thanking them for giving me a welcoming gift."

"Uh, how are you only an admin?"

"Same reason why I can slaughter hundreds of people, I'm fucking good at my job." I handed him my empty ceramic cup. "I want more tea."

Juuichi sighed. "Any particular kind?"

"Ginger honey."

To be honest, I wasn't supposed to be here. I only came to kick Minato in gear if he was slacking off. I'll probably get yelled at but anything is better than staying at home. I could only be confined for so long until my restlessness takes over completely.

I don't think Kakashi and his Anbu friends will like the fact that I ditched them. I think they're still chasing Kaito around near the academy.

My eyes easily roamed across the whispering chunins that half worked, half gossiped and I twitched seeing one of them point at me. There was another wave of excited whispers and I found myself glaring the moment they decided it was a good idea to stare at me.

"Y-yuu-san?"

I blinked out of my thoughts to see Asuma. "What are you doing here?"

"I- I heard that you were over here, a bright-haired ninja with a glare coming this way." He glanced away nervously as I snorted. "Are you sure you should be here?"

"I should be asking you that." Asuma was startled. "I heard your mother was severely injured from the attack."

"She's fine, otou-san, nee-san, and I are just glad it was only her arm that was lost." Asuma fidgeted. "Uh, I'd like to thank you for that. Okaa-san said that you made so much noise with your fight that it gave her and all the other midwives time to evacuate."

I shook my head and patted his. "Don't thank me for doing my job, tell Biwako-san to stop sending me food too. It gives a reason for everyone and you brats to keep invading my house."

"I don't think okaa-san will listen to that one."

"When has any female I know do?"

"Hey brat!" I looked up to see that arrogant Uchiha walk up with back up. "I'll make you pay for not-"

"Oh fuck, you didn't tell us that's who you're trying to get back." One of his friends looked panicked. "Sorry Uchiha but I like living."

Kimimaru looked angrily put out. "What can a little-"

"Shut up! Uh, oh fuck."

"See that Asuma? That's how people are supposed to regard me with." I pointed. "Tell your mother to stop coddling me, I'm fine."

"You little-"

The Uchiha's friend immediately smacked his head and forcibly made him bow. "I'm sorry for his behavior Torito-sama! I'll make sure he learns-"

"Torito-sama? Who the fuck-"

Another satisfying smack was sounded and I growled at the instantaneous spread of whispers around me. I glared and bristled before moving deeper into the office. This place hasn't changed at all with how the rumour mill was still strong. You'd think that all these grown adults have more important things to do.

"Ah, I see that you're still here."

"I'm not leaving without my cup." I took my tea and sniffed it. "I'm happy that I didn't need to actually do anything to beat sense into a moron, this is more fun to watch."

Juuichi sighed before smiling. "I'm glad that you're doing well, Yuu-san. Everyone was devastated to learn that you may never wake up."

"It's fine now, and I swear if you and the rest start coddling me as well, I'll make you my next practice dummy." I held up my claws to his face.

He backed up immediately. "We won't, but Hokage-sama said to make sure you get plenty of breaks. He's already brief us on your condition and told us to watch out for you."

I hissed. "He should be glad that I stayed home as long as I did, he's being stupid and overprotective."

"Well, having the Hokage as your brother and your latest record as a shinobi is a valid reason to exert his powers as such. It's not like we mind, you know exactly what you're doing anyways."

"Damn straight I do." I grumbled. "If the fucking Kyuubi didn't bring me down then there's no fucking way I'll let myself die from an easily avoidable condition. I'll start building a fucking safe house in the deepest part of the Forest of Death if this keeps up."

Juuichi choked. "Don't you already live by it?"

"It's been lovely."

"I can tell, the civilians have been celebrating your name along with Hokage-sama's."

I scrunched my face in disgust. "I'm so glad they don't know where I live, or rather, afraid to step into the vicinity of my home. Fucking sheep."

And now that I was awake and can actually do things for myself, Minato pushed all the 'thank you' notes to me. The rich and gaudy were retched in their horrifying letters and their ass kissing was just gut stabbing. I rather get stabbed in the gut than suffer through writing back to these sheep. At least I was fighting someone.

"So when are you going to take down that gate?"

"Whenever I can muster enough chakra and summon Yemon, which reminds me, I need to summon Kame and Maki."

"What?"

-Line Break-

I was on my back and grunting at the weight of two large lizard crying on me. I didn't even know lizards could cry.

"You're alive!" Yuki gave an ugly sniffle. "You're really alive!"

"We knew you were alive because your name didn't blackened but you never summoned us!" Mizu wailed.

"And it was the Toads and Snakes that had to tell us that you might never wake up!" Yuki rubbed her snout into my chest. "We missed you!"

"We missed you!"

"My eardrums." I groaned at their wailing. "Please, get off. Muscle atrophy and shit."

I cringed when they wailed louder. I turned my head towards another teary form of Maki and gave up hope right then and there in getting out of this situation. If Maki was emotional then there was no way in hell the Kame or Ryuume were going to intervene.

"We are glad that you're alive Twilight Night, but the scent of death still linger on you."

I nodded hesitantly at Ryuume's words. "Yeah, the- the Shinigami cut my soul in half. Rayford made a deal with both the Shinigami and Kyuubi to keep me alive."

And suddenly my whole body went numb before falling. The weight on my chest disappeared and I whimpered slightly at the downward descent. The reminder laid heavy in my mind and it was doing very well in making me fall faster, fall farther.

I've noticed that I couldn't even think Rei's name without degrading into this. Saying it was obviously worse and this is just one of the triggers I can identify.

The cold was clawing at my insides and I gritted my teeth and my heart sped up at the creeping loss of my nerves. It was like walk through winter without my fire chakra. The biting wind and the ever present chill that I couldn't escape, this is what I imagine hell to be like. A frozen wasteland rather than a boiling heap of fire.

I hated this, hated the fact that this was the reason why I couldn't go out on missions anymore. That I couldn't sink my claws into the enemy and that blood won't stain my hands anymore.

I wanted to fight! I wanted to battle, dammit!

My breath caught up to me and I gasped at the sensation of my equilibrium snapping back into place. My body trembled violently and I grasped whatever was underneath my palms. The soft texture of the blankets rather than the grass and dirt made me bolt up before I was pushed back down forcibly.

"Calm yourself, there's water on the nightstand once you're calm."

My blurry vision could barely make out Orochimaru's figure. "W-what happened?"

"Your Lizards alerted me of your condition, you've been out for about a couple of hours." His hand brushed away my stray hair. "Are you calm now?"

I grabbed his wrist and rubbed it against my face. He was warm compared to the cold chill and I didn't want to lose that. I didn't want to let go of him, I didn't want him to go away. He was too precious for me not to keep.

My breath was let out in relief feeling him encompass me in his chest, the involuntary moan that left me made Orochimaru chuckle. His scent was always comforting and his ministrations were not unappreciated.

"I hope to spoil you like this." I shivered feeling his breath close to mine. "Anything to keep you in this bed and vying for my attentions."

My cheeks immediate reddened and I swatted him in the chest. "You p-pervert, unlike you I have self control." I turned away from him. "G-go back to whatever you were doing. I'm fine now."

"I think not." I tensed feeling his lips on my neck. "I may not be a medic of your callibar but I do know that you are far from fine after an attack like that. My labs are being attended by a clone, I'm available to attend to you."

"Are they going to fuck already?"

"Mizu! Why couldn't you wait after they started?"

"You Lizards are so juvenile."

I hissed at the interruption. "What the hell are you guys doing here?!"

"We were worried!" Yuki hissed back. "And the Snake summoner left us with a snake!"

"You two are no joy to be around either." The large white snake hissed out. "It is a wonder how Orochimaru-sama deals with your summoner."

"You're just jealous of us, Yuu-chan has a far more interesting life than Orochi-chan." Yuki said haughtily.

The snake reared her head and hissed threateningly. "Impotent, foolish, broodlings." I heard her hiss louder. "Respect your elders! It is a wonder how your summoner tolerates you!"

Mizu laughed. "She's threatening us, she thinks she's threatening."

There was an audible snap after a sharp hiss. The resounding giggling and the angry snarl chasing after left the room. I huffed digging my head back into my pillow, the mood was killed and I didn't feel like mustering up the energy to do anything.

The wandering hands of the snake in bed was thinking otherwise though.

"S-stop it!" I grab the hand that was going lower. "The door's open and you know very well that the others have a bad habit of waltzing in unannounced."

"So when we're alone and sealed in shut, will you be willing to be mine again?"

Any retort that was at my tongue died right then and there. I became shy before turning to Orochimaru but not meeting his eye, how could I? Showing affection like this wasn't my thing.

"W-why are you a-asking?" I blushed furiously. "I- I have no idea w-what to do so your the one t-that has to take charge. S-seeing that you're experienced and shit."

"Of course, my mind must be slipping with worry." Orochimaru chuckled and stroked my hair. "My dear lizard, will you let me love you again?"

"S-stop being so weird! I said yes the first time, didn't I?"

I yelped and hissed at the hands that were holding me tight. A growl escaped as well but a warm kiss quickly silenced me.

This was a relationship. A relationship that I never imagined that I could even have. I can't remember even in my old life having one, this was completely new.

And I don't think I can get rid of him. I don't think I have it in me to get rid of him.

I really liked him.

"I- I really l-like you." I hid my face in his chest. "So if I do something weird, don't take it too personally. I'm no good with stuff like this and I've forgotten what it's like to actually let someone, let someone-"

The words died right there, I couldn't think of the words. Everybody that knew me were always persistant to establish some sort of connection with me. Orochimaru did too but this will be the first time that I've reached back. To actually want to reach back.

It was terrifying, like I was holding a candle on a storm driven ocean.

"Yuu, would you like to have dinner with me?" I looked up to Orochimaru's shining eyes. "I've haven't able to take you out properly."

"T-take me out?" I gripped his robe. "Uh, where exactly?"

"I'm sure you know how rowdy the civilians are getting." Orochimaru ran his hand through my hair. "I say we give them a little tease, it'll definitely stop their persistence"

My immediate reaction was to scrunch up my face in disgust. "No, I will not go near any sheep."

"That's why we're going to send clones, your brother doesn't need to know I'm taking you out to the Forest of Death."

I laughed hearing that, laughed and purred into his chest. It really is a wonder why this man wanted to be Hokage before when he had so much potential to do something much more fulfilling. Maybe I will join him down in the labs, it'll definitely be more interesting than be bothered and coddled by my minders.

Yes, I like him a lot.

"So, you have a dog."

I rolled my eyes. "The mutt came by and dropped her off, she's a good deterrent seeing she attracts everyone's attention."

Orochimaru hummed. "If you wanted an animal companion, I would've lend you one of my snakes."

"I didn't want her in the first place." I growled. "But she was just dropped onto me and she's just a pup. I don't know what to do with her, she's small."

"Yuu, she's a dog and I saw blood in her food bowl, you're attached." Orochimaru said amused. "We can walk her through the forest if you like, it'll be a good cover to get out more often."

I blushed. "R-really? Maybe having her isn't a bad thing."

Because Orochimaru can use this as an opportunity to collect poisons and other material for his experiments and I can actually exercise without nii-chan complaining about my supervision. The little pup can also see what real hunters look like so she can hunt for herself.

"What's the dog's name by the way?"

"She doesn't have one."

"How long did you have her?"

"Too long."

Sakumo and Kakashi would be unbearable if I get rid of her. Seeing Kakashi just look dead at the sight of me was annoying, I'd hate to see what he'll be like if I reject a canine. Their doggy instincts will take a major hit if I do.

The familiar whine sounded and I sighed. "Definitely too long."

"She's disciplined, can I feed her?"

"No, the last thing I need is a giant dog that's too big to fit through the door."

"I'll pay for the renovations."

"No."

Seriously, Orochimaru can be ridiculous. Though, I think the reason people are scared of him is because he's serious with his words.

I need to watch the pup's food.

-Line Break-

"So you figured out to come into your mindscape all on your own."

"Kaito let me in."

The fox huffed. "Of course he did, what do you want?"

I bit my lip. "I want to know what exactly happened with Rei, how is he a demon?"

The hazy memory of the swirling darkness that Rei commanded when chaining the Shinigami bothered me. If Rei had that power then he could've easily taken over. It didn't matter what the Kyuubi said, Rei still trapped death.

"Like I said, deals were made and I don't know how exactly your little demon became one but the process is simple but not at the same time." The Kyuubi started. "The best way I can describe it is that it takes a special kind of negativity, a special kind of drive, and a special kind of determination to become a demon. And I emphasize special because we'll have those Uchihas running around as demons as well." The Kyuubi grunted. "With those ingredients, make sure you well roast it for a number of years, results may very."

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. "You're an asshole, I don't see why Scarlet was so scared of you."

"I burned your village and trampled on the residence."

"I can do the same too, maybe not trample but I can certainly make sizable craters." I shrugged. "Would've done it a long time ago if I didn't love my brother."

Kyuubi sat up with a yawn. "Yes, your disgusting love which led you to your death. Your selfish little self somehow was willing to give up all the freedoms of life to the cage of death. It's respectable and yet as a selfish being myself, I have to ask why? All this power and the memories of a fading time and yet you cast it away without a second thought. Why?"

"If you had a chance to succeed in what you failed at before, would you do it?" I looked up to the surprised fox. "I failed, failed so many people and lost the war from before. I can't repeat the same mistakes again."

"I would call you arrogant if it wasn't for the fact that we literally escaped death together with little trouble, well, you were no help halfway through."

"Yeah, because you don't exude arrogance yourself."

"I earned the right to be arrogant! Puny human, you may be somewhat worthy of that right but your years have nothing against mine!" The fox growled. "What you experienced is merely taste compared to the years of human tyranny that I witnessed. The years of watching you humans kill and war against each other, the years of slowly watching my brothers and sister be imprisoned, and finally myself being captured does not compare to my pain!"

"No, it doesn't." I admitted. "But your still an asshole, if the only difference between us is time then hopefully I'm able to permanently die by then."

The fox sneered. "You treat your mortality like it's an irritating fly."

"Because it seems like it." I muttered. "But when you know how long you got and had both a fast and slow death, you just can't care."

Kyuubi stared before nodding. "You humans have a tendency to repeat mistakes over and over again, like actors in a play. The story is the same but the actors are ever changing, I somewhat grateful that I'm pair up with a human that learned from his mistakes."

Did I though? Sure I acted upon my memories but I feel like I just went through the movements.

The hazy figures were replaced by everyone else, even that guy, Stanz, was fading away. I didn't want to forget, they were the reason why I did things in this life. It was almost like I was lost without-

No, it's not that I was forgetting, I was becoming redundant.

The reason why I felt so lost was because I didn't have anymore to remember and the redundancy was coming from the fact that I wasn't really needed anymore. The same drive that pushed me forward did its job and there's no point in me to run off it anymore.

Everyone was grown up and can take care of themselves and Minato was far different from the cheery blonde he used to be. Me being in a coma proved that they can function properly, I knew they can.

Even my pathetic, sentimental squad was decent enough to run themselves without me.

Maybe it would've been better to go with the Shinigami.

"Hey!" The Kyuubi snapped at me. "I'm the monster that you meat bags use to scare children into discipline, don't turn me into a fucking shrink. I don't need you turning depressed and suicidal because you became invalid with what you know."

"Fuck off! Let me have my fucking moment, I'm terrible with emotions, I know I take them to extremes." I crossed my arms and scowled. "It doesn't help my emotions have been all over the place without a fucking outlet."

"You are worse than a woman on her monthly cycle." Kyuubi sneered.

"And I can easily imagine you as a fucking bug in the real world, want to test me?"

"I stand by what I said."

His banter didn't sooth me, the world moved on from where I fell asleep and I didn't have a place within this village anymore. I'm more of a burden now and everyone is just so sad around me and I can do nothing about it.

Minato is at his prime and Kushina is still alive and well enough to support him. His little hatchling will be just like him, a strong leader with his mother's stubborn determination. He also has a good support base to call upon and reliable shinobi that has his back at all times, a devotion that I can approve of.

He doesn't need me anymore and I wasn't bothered by that. I even felt like this weight that was on me was cut away and I can finally move.

But the relief only came for a second when the fact that my place in the village was no better than the sheep that made up the majority of it. I can't accept that, I don't belong with them.

I think it's time to let go. I've let my past rule me for a little too long, these old sentiments can't be carried with me anymore.

Minato will be fine, he's a good brother but I knew he'd make a better Hokage.

After all, being the best brother, whether little or big, was all I ever wanted. Being able to see my own through their trials was enough for me.

-Line Break-

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