Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.
Chapter 38: A Parent's Pride
Yugao crouched slowly as she watched in sadness the still body of Kurotsuchi. The girl was unnaturally pale and had a black rod coming out of her chest. She was completely motionless as she rested on a pool of her own blood.
The ANBU already knew that it was wishful thinking but she still brought her hand to the girl's neck, confirming on what she already knew by just looking when she found no pulse. Kurotsuchi was dead.
Yugao clenched her teeth as a sorrowful frown marred her features. ''You stupid girl'' Muttered the ANBU as she stared at the corpse of the Iwa Kunoichi.
She had come here as soon as she woke up fearing for the girl's wellbeing as well as Naruto's just to find this. Not to mention that she could feel the energy shockwaves that came from the distance that she knew had to be from Naruto fighting Pain even if she couldn't see them. And judging by the intensity of the Chakra she felt she was sure that Naruto had unleashed the Kyuubi's power.
Everything was going to hell. Her home had been destroyed, her friends and fellow Shinobi were either dead or heavily injured and it didn't matter who won in Pain and Naruto's fight since even if the boy could defeat the Akatsuki there was no one left who could calm down the fox before it consumed him.
Yugao was at a loss, she couldn't think of what to do in this situation. She decided to first take Kurotsuchi's body somewhere else where she could give her a proper burial later, so first she reached for the black rod and pulled it out wincing at the sight of the metal sliding out of the poor girl's body. Once she discarded the weapon she took the deceased girl in her arms before she stood up. she gave the Iwa Kunoichi another look of distress, lamenting on how things ended up for her. Kurotsuchi had given her countless headaches but she had come to care for her like a little sibling after looking over her for so long.
Then, she was brought back to her senses by a terrible shriek. Yugao looked at the distance to see a giant ball of rock and debris forming in the sky with what appeared to be a skinless Kyuubi being buried in it as more and more ruble covered it despite the beast best efforts to break free.
''Just what in the world is going on in that fight?'' Wondered the woman in astonishment as she saw the Kyuubi disappear inside the orb. The magnitude of Naruto and Pain's skirmish was unreal. She could just ask herself how all this was going to end.
-Naruto's Mindscape-
''Why is this happening?'' Asked Naruto out loud knowing that no one could hear him as he held his head with both hands, pained to the core for how hellish this whole situation was. There was no more Konoha, no more Team Seven, and no more Kurotsuchi. What else was for him to fight for?
The blond got to his knees, soaking his clothes in the water of the sewer in his mind. He couldn't help it, he simply couldn't stand anymore, not because he didn't have the strength but because he didn't have the will. How could he find any reason to go on when everything he cared about was gone? What was even the point of anything now?
''You know what you have to do, Naruto'' The booming voice f the Kyuubi filled the place as he stared intently with his bright red eyes at the boy at the other side of the bars that kept him imprisoned. ''At the very least make that man pay for what he has done. Show him our power!''
Naruto tried to ignore the deceitful words of the tailed beast but in his anguish he found it hard to resist the temptation. It was true. What was even the point of showing restraint? He had made Kurotsuchi the promise that he would not let the Kyuubi control him anymore but what else was there to do? There was no one alive from Konoha to suffer the wrath of the Kyuubi and he would get rid of Pain, the one responsible for taking everything from him. Yes, making that man pay was the only joy he could get out of all this. He didn't care if he died by releasing the fox. His life didn't have a purpose anymore anyway.
The Kyuubi stared silently at Naruto for a few seconds, trying to gauge the boy's reaction. ''So, what will it be?'' Asked the fox finally.
after a moment, the Kyuubi watched Naruto rise slowly from the floor, the boy's look was hollow but he still started approaching the cage at a sluggish pace.
''Yes Naruto, That's it!'' Said the Kyuubi with sick delight. ''Just let me out of here and I'll show Pain the most brutal sorrow he could ever hope to imagine. You can leave the rest to me''
Naruto stood in front of the cage, staring at a huge paper tag with the word 'Seal' keeping the doors closed. Having made up his mind he slowly started reaching for the piece of paper as the Kyuubi's evil triumphant laugh pierced his ears but it didn't deter Naruto.
The Kyuubi watched in anticipation and unrest as the foolish boy was about to take the seal off. The fox could already taste his freedom.
However, before Naruto could go any further the Kyuubi saw in utter shock as a figure appeared beside the boy and grabbed his hand before he could tear the seal away.
''How is this possible?!'' Yelled the enraged Kyuubi at the sight of the man he loathed with all his being. ''You are supposed to be dead!''
Naruto stared agape, just as shocked as the Kyuubi was, at the face of the Yondaime Hokage, his father, grabbing him by the wrist.
The Kyuubi threw himself at the bars in an attempt to break free but to no avail. The fox thrashed in rage at the presence of the man responsible for his imprisonment. ''Yondaime! I'm going to tear you apart!'' The Kyuubi didn't know how was the Yondaime here and he didn't care. He just knew that the accursed man had once again gotten in the way of its freedom.
The Yondaime turned to look at the fox with an impassive face. ''What a noisy guy you are'' Said the former Hokage. For such a powerful force of nature with Chakra capable of lifting mountains, the Kyuubi sure didn't know how to keep his temper tantrums in check.
''What is going on?'' Asked the still surprised Naruto. ''How are you here?''
Minato simply smiled at his son before responding. ''I'll explain everything to you. But first, we need some peace and quiet'' Said the Yondaime before he snapped his fingers, making the sewer landscape of Naruto's mind to disappear along with the angry fox and then both father and son found themselves standing in a white void as far as the eye could see.
Naruto simply stared in shocked silence at the older man as Minato waited patiently for his son to say anything. When the boy didn't seem to want to voice anything, the Yondaime saw it fitting to start the conversation himself.
''How happy I am to finally see you in person,'' Said Minato with a smile. ''You have grown to be quite the-oof!''
Minato stumbled backward after Naruto punched him in the face, interrupting him.
''That was for putting the stupid fox inside of me!'' Said Naruto through clenched teeth.
Minato recovered his footing to look at Naruto with a sad look on his face. ''I guess I deserved-'' Only for him to receive another hit.
''And that was for killing Kuro-Chan's mom!'' Yelled Naruto.
Minato stared somberly at Naruto before he blocked yet another punch, catching it with his hand.
''Why did you appear now after all this time?!'' Naruto demanded to know. ''Do you have any idea how lonely I've been all my life?!''
''I'm so sorry, son. I was only able to appear to you once you released eight tails of the Kyuubi, ''Explained Minato. ''When I made the seal I was almost out of chakra, I had to make my remaining energy count. If I had been able to I would have presented myself to you much earlier''
''Even so,'' Naruto continued. ''You have no idea what I had to go through just because of your mistakes!'' Yelled Naruto with tears in his eyes, remembering years of hateful looks and the look on Kurotsuchi's face when she found out who his dad was. ''You are a terrible father!''
''You are right. I'm a lousy father'' Admitted Minato in sad resignation. ''There is so much I regret but I can't take back anymore. Even if I have only shown myself to you until now I have watched you all these years and I'm sorry for all the things you had to endure because of me''
Naruto was momentarily taken aback by that but he quickly recovered from it. ''So you must know that Konoha is gone''
Minato stayed silent for a moment before nodding. ''I do''
''Then, just let me free the fox. The very least we can do is bring Pain down with us'' Said naruto coldly.
Minato frowned at that. ''I won't''
''Don't you get it?! Everything is gone!'' Said Naruto. ''My friends, my home, Kuro-chan, all is lost! I don't care what happens I just want Pain to die too!''
''I know things are hard right now'' Said Minato. ''You are hurting, I get it. But this is not like you, son. Things will only be truly lost if you lose yourself. What would your friends say if they saw you like this? What would that girl, Kurotsuchi, say if she saw you?''
''You have no right to talk about Kurotsuchi! Not after how much pain you have caused her!'' Naruto glared at his father before he grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. ''I saw her die in my arms. I watched as her life left her eyes. I won't ever forgive Pain for that! I'm never going to see her again...I'll never get to tell her that...I...''
Minato felt Naruto's hand start shaking as tears started to stream down his eyes. The Yondaime's face softened at the sight before he put a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. ''You loved her, didn't you?'' He asked softly.
Naruto let go of his father before he glanced at the floor, still crying. ''I did. I still do''
''I see'' Said Minato. ''I know she was a unique girl. I would have liked to meet her'' Even if the girl was Ohnoki's granddaughter if they had played their cards right they could have used the relationship to their advantage. The possibilities for a large scale conflict was there but there was also the chance that with the proper measures taken their relationship could have been a bridge to give ways to a stronger bond between the villages, which was something that Minato had always intended to do but unfortunately he had died before he could put any plan into motion.
''I don't think she would have liked to meet you though'' Said Naruto plainly.
''Yeah, I guess not'' Said Minato sheepishly before returning to a more serious topic. ''Anyway, what I was trying to say is to take your strength from her wish for you to keep going''
Naruto clenched his fists. ''Is not that simple''
''I know,'' Said Minato. ''But do it for her sake. I have already caused enough anguish to her and her family, don't be like me. Don't disrespect her memory''
''I want to but...it's just so hard to do'' Said Naruto, trembling with impotence.
''She realized that,'' Said Minato. ''that's why she asked that of you with her last breath. She wanted to give you the strength necessary to do it. But she had faith that you could, as do I''
Naruto closed his eyes as a knot formed in his throat. He remembered Kurotsuchi's last words and how she had asked him to never change, told him how strong she knew he was and to basically live his life to the fullest despite everything. It really hurt. Just thinking about her and knowing that he would not get to hear her voice again, to feel her warmth, it made him wish that someone would tear his heart out from his chest just so this pain would go away. He would trade his life for hers in an instant. But the reality was different, she was gone and he wasn't and he had to live with that awful thought. Regardless that, he knew that his dad was right. Even if there was nothing he wished more than to crawl under a rock and give his body to the Kyuubi to forget all of this, he had to keep going if only for Kurotsuchi's sake. Once this was over he would mourn to his heart's content.
''Okay, I'll try to honor her memory. I won't give up just yet'' Said Naruto with a serious face, lacking his usual vigor.
Minato nodded, glad to see that his son was willing to give life another shot. ''Remember, things might look bleak but there is always a way to keep going. Konoha can be rebuilt, you'll meet new people, new bonds will be formed. And who knows what might happen later. Life has a way to surprise us'' Said Minato sagely.
Naruto simply nodded half-heartedly. It was obvious to Minato that Naruto was going to try and live out of obligation rather than of his own volition, but that was to be expected. Minato knew that his son would not just bounce back after all of this but him being willing to take the first step was enough for now.
Minato glanced down at his palm to see it starting to turn transparent, which caught Naruto's attention.
''What is happening to you?'' Inquired the boy.
''My time is running out,'' informed the Yondaime. ''My Chakra won't last much longer'' and he still had so much he wanted to discuss with his son.
''You are leaving already?!'' Asked Naruto in disappointment. ''b-but...''
Minato gently put his hand on Naruto's head, giving him an encouraging smile. ''I know our time together was short. But I want you to know that I'm proud of you. Don't ever give up''
Despite everything that was happening, Naruto still managed to give his dad a small smile.
Minato was happy to see some of Naruto's fire returning to his eyes even if just a little bit. ''lastly I'm going to repair your seal for one last time. This will consume my remaining chakra so this is farewell for now'' Informed the Yondaime as he put a hand on Naruto's stomach.
''Dad''
Minato tilted his head in curiosity at Naruto's call.
''Thank you'' Said the boy.
Minato regarded his son with a tender gaze before he finished applying the seal and Naruto could feel his mind returning to the real world.
-Konoha-
Yugao watched intently the gigantic rock sphere in the sky, waiting for something to happen. The Kyuubi's rampage had stopped just a moment ago, she could not hear the angry beast anymore trying to break free. What could it mean?
Then, she noticed a figure standing on one side of the ball and saw it jump to the ground.
''Was that Naruto?'' That was the only logical explanation but how had he managed to calm the fox by himself? If that had been the case the boy was more amazing than she had given him credit.
At the other side of the clearing, Pain followed the falling form of Naruto with his gaze until the teenager landed just in front of him, all the while the boy was keeping eye contact with the Akatsuki member.
''How did you manage to calm the Kyuubi down?'' Asked Pain serenely.
''Does it matter?'' Responded Naruto with a glare.
''No I guess not'' Said Pain. ''You must realize that you are as good as dead, don't you? the fox's power was your last resort to defeating me and you didn't take advantage of that''
''I don't need the stupid fox to kick your ass'' Said Naruto, narrowing his pigmented eyes as he had somehow managed to summon enough natural energy to return to his Sage mode. ''This time I'll defeat you for sure. So you better get ready for round two''
''Such overconfidence'' Said Pain. ''Very well, let me show you how futile that confidence is''
After a brief delay of both enemies regarding each other for a few seconds, they both threw themselves at the other, resuming their violent fight.
-Unknown Location-
Pitch black. That was all that Kurotsuchi could see.
She was confused for a moment. She didn't remember how she got here. one second she just woke up standing in god knows where and there was nothing but darkness all around her.
''Where am I?'' thought the girl as she tried to remember anything. That was when she recalled Konoha's destruction and her battle against Pain, and how she had seen Naruto one last time as she passed out in his arms.
she widened her eyes in alarm. She was sure that had been the end, but she didn't think she had been saved. This sensation she had, her body felt weird, unnatural, as if she was floating away even though she was standing. She just knew that she had to be dead.
She had trouble processing that thought. She didn't expect to exist in any form once her life was over, but she couldn't say she was happy about it. That just meant that she had an eternity to ponder on how she had been so pathetically and soundly defeated by the Akatsuki and she had been unable to help Naruto...
''Naruto!'' Exclaimed the tomboy loudly as her mind drifted to the boy she loved. She had died in his arms and she didn't have any way to know if he was okay and didn't have any way to help him either if he wasn't.
She clenched her fists as she shook with rage and sorrow. She had died like a loser in front of Naruto as she had tried in vain to help him. She knew that knowing Naruto he would never forgive himself for her death, which was entirely her fault. Just what had she accomplished? What meaning did her life have? She had done nothing. She never managed to return to Iwa, she never became Tsuchikage, her father and grandpa would live grieving her death, and worst of all she never got to spend more time with Naruto and after she had confessed how she truly felt.
She closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. She was pathetic. She had been so useless and just had been good to go and die like a dog.
''Kurotsuchi, Is that you?''
The tomboy widened her eyes as she glanced at her surroundings. Who had said that and who could know her in this place? she didn't even think that she would see anyone here.
Then, as she turned around, to her surprise she came face to face with someone else. She had almost stumbled back by the stranger's sudden appearance but more than being surprised at the apparition of the newcomer she was more shocked to realize that she knew this person.
It was a woman and one that Kurotsuchi had seen countless times in old pictures. The fair pale skin, the long silky dark hair, and bright pink eyes identical to her own as the woman's red lips broke into a gentle smile when she took a good look at Kurotsuchi.
''I knew it! You are Kurotsuchi, right?'' Asked the woman cheerfully before stroking the cheek of the surprised girl. ''My, how much you have grown since I last saw you! you turned into a fine lady''
Kurotsuchi was speechless. Her mind had trouble coming to terms with what she was seeing. This person was...she was...''Mom?'' Asked the shocked girl.
The woman nodded with a gentle smile before she frowned in worry at the sight of Kurotsuchi's face. ''Oh my! Kurotsuchi are you alright? you have been crying'' Said the woman before she wiped away some of her daughter's tears. But as she was almost done, Kurotsuchi threw herself at her mother and embraced her in a tight hug.
The older woman glanced contently at her daughter before she returned the gesture, wrapping her arms around Kurotsuchi as she rested a hand on top of the girl's head.
''I've wanted to meet you for so long...for so long'' sniffed Kurotsuchi as she buried her face in her mother's shirt. There were so many things she wanted to say to her but at this moment nothing came out from her, she just couldn't find the words.
''I've wanted to meet you too,'' Said the older woman before her smile became sad. ''But is a shame that I got to see you much sooner than I thought I would'' she said as she stroked her daughter's hair.
''I'm sorry mom. I tried, I really tried but in the end...I...just'' Said Kurotsuchi as her overwhelming emotions flooded her already fuzzy mind.
''Shhh it's okay sweetie. Why don't we sit down?'' Said the older woman as she brought Kurotsuchi to a bench nearby that hadn't been there a moment ago.
Kurotsuchi didn't question how the bench had materialized from thin air and she just sat down along with her mother.
''You can tell me everything dear. We have time after all'' Said the older woman.
Kurotsuchi sighed in an attempt to calm herself. ''I guess I'll just tell you everything from the start''
''Please do'' Responded her mother.
The tomboy took a deep breath before she started her story. ''You see, dad and I were assigned a team. We were tasked with capturing a Jinchuuriki...''
-Outskirts of Konoha-
Inside a large tree, in the shadows stood Naruto with crossed arms before two individuals. One was a woman with short blue hair that framed her face, she had orange eyes and a pierced lip. She was using the Akatsuki uniform and looked ready to attack Naruto at any sign of hostility.
The other was a sickly thin man with red hair. He had the same eyes as the Pain bodies and his torso and arms were connected to a large machine-like contraption that had his entire body immobile.
Naruto had managed to defeat Pain by the skin of his teeth but more importantly, he had been able to track down where the real body was which led him to this place. After that, the man had requested for Naruto to hear his story so he understood his reasons, which the man had done just now.
''So tell me, Uzumaki Naruto. What is your answer?'' Said the sickly man expectantly.
Both the man and the woman looked intently at Naruto, waiting for the boy to say something.
"I understand your motives now but..." started Naruto as his frown deepened. "I still can't forgive you! You have taken everything from me!"
"I see," Said the man before he turned to his companion. "Konan!"
"Yes, Nagato!" Responded the woman as she got into a fighting stance.
"Regardless..."
Both Konan and Nagato stopped when they noticed that Naruto wasn't done talking.
"I still want to believe in peace, I have to," continued Naruto. "For that reason, I have decided not to kill you"
Both Akatsuki members stared at him in disbelief.
"So you'll just forgive me after I killed your friends? I find that hard to believe" Said Nagato.
"Of course not. I haven't forgiven you, far from it. To tell you the truth there is nothing that I would like more at this moment than tear you to shreds" admitted Naruto. "But Kurotsuchi, before she died she pleaded me to not change, to not lose myself. I don't want to betray the trust she put in me and the hopes that she and the Ero-Sennin placed in me. So for their sake, I will be the better person and not take your life"
"What naive nonsense are you babbling on about?" Said Nagato. "You think that putting the other cheek is enough to bring peace to this world?"
"No, I know that this won't be enough. But I'll find the answer in my own way. Peace was my master's dream and so is mine. And I'll stop at nothing until I find an answer. That is my ninja way" Said Naruto with a conviction that Nagato and Konan had never seen.
Nagato was especially shocked. This boy, after having lost everything he was still able to let this transgression go and not give up on his ideals. When most people would break he simply stood up. Also, he remembered how the boy was able to change that Iwa Kunoichi's outlook on him and the rest of Konoha and not only that but to also form a close relationship with her, something that with their villages history should have been almost impossible. Maybe, just maybe, this boy could actually make a difference.
"Nagato?" Inquired Konan as she glanced at her old friend. He was unusually quiet and seemed deep in thought.
"All right. I have also made up my mind" informed Nagato at last, which piqued both Naruto and Konan's interest. "Uzumaki Naruto, I have decided to entrust you with my dream of peace. But first, I have to amend for my mistakes"
"What do you mean?" Asked Naruto.
"Nagato, are you going to use that!?" Said Konan in a worried tone.
"Don't worry Konan. I wasn't going to last long in this world anyway. It's better to make what remains of my life count" Said Nagato reassuringly.
"I don't understand. What are you guys talking about?" Asked Naruto.
"I'm going to return to you the people you lost in this invasion of mine" declared Nagato.
"What!? Is that possible?!" Said a shocked Naruto.
"With the Rinnegan it is" Said Nagato.
"That's amazing! I didn't know such a Jutsu existed!" Said Naruto in joy. The prospect of seeing all his friends had no comparison.
"But there is a drawback," informed Konan. "This will cost Nagato his life" Said the woman somberly.
That stopped Naruto dead in his tracks as he glanced back at Nagato. "Is that true?" Even if Naruto couldn't deny that he thought it was worth it if it meant getting his friends back, especially if the tradeoff was the life of the one who killed them in the first place, it still didn't feel right to ask someone else to trade their life for his benefit.
"As I said, I made my choice," Said Nagato before turning to his friend. "Konan, I entrust Amegakure to you"
"I won't let you down, Nagato" Said Konan with sorrow, sad to say farewell to her friend. She then turned to Naruto and approached him as she created a flower bouquet of paper and handed it to him.
Naruto stared in confusion as the paper roses in his hands.
"This is a symbol of our friendship," Said Konan. "You are now the carrier of Nagato and Jiraiya-Sensei's dreams. You have my support as well as Amegakure's"
Naruto was momentarily stunned at this turn of events but he still managed to crack a smile at her. "Thanks. I appreciate it"
"Then I shall begin," Declared Nagato. "This is goodbye, Konan. And Naruto, you have a hard road ahead of you but I chose to put my faith in you. May you have success where I failed"
Naruto nodded as he watched closely Nagato's Jutsu while Konan looked on with sorrow clearly visible on her face at the loss of such a close person to her.
Nagato proceeded to make a single hand seal as he channeled all his remaining Chakra and life force in what would be his last technique. "Rinne Tensei!"
-Unknown Location-
''...And then I ended up here'' Said Kurotsuchi as she stared at the ground, or rather the black void that she could stand on. Now that she had told her mother all that had happened since her mission to capture Naruto she was anxious to know what her mom thought about it.
''I see,'' Said her mom thoughtfully. ''Your whole situation was complicated, to say the least. And here I was wanting to know how was your father is doing but I'm guessing that you have no clue either, uh?''
Kurotsuchi shook her head. ''I'm sorry. I haven't seen him in a while ever since I arrived in Konoha. I can only hope he is doing fine'' She decided to leave out the attack on their village by Deidara. She had faith that her father had made it out all right and she didn't want to worry her mother unnecessarily. Besides, if her dad had been killed her mother would probably know about by now.
''I guessed as much,'' Said her mother before she decided to break the gloomy mood, grabbing Kurotsuchi with a surprise hug and catching the girl off-guard. ''My poor thing. You have a knack for getting yourself into trouble, my little firecracker''
''Mom! stop that you are embarrassing me!'' Said Kurotsuchi with a red face before she freed herself from the older woman's grasp.
''Dear, didn't you know? It's also the job of a mother to embarrass her children'' Said the woman as she snickered.
Kurotsuchi pouted but she quickly gave her mother a small smile. She had dreamed all her life for these kinds of interactions with her mom. To finally be able to experience them was something else.
''By the way, mom'' Said Kurotsuchi, making her mother stop laughing to look at her attentively. ''Where are we?'' If this is what the afterlife looked like it was depressing as shit.
''This is...How do I put it?'' Said the woman in thought. ''This is where we come before we move on to the next world, basically''
''I see...'' Replied Kurotsuchi. It was depressing to finally have definitive confirmation from someone else that she was indeed dead. But then she realized something. ''But mom, what are you still doing here? You died almost seventeen years ago''
Her mother looked surprised at that. ''Is it really been that long? I didn't realize. You see, I could have moved on long ago but I wanted to be the first person to greet your father once he passed away. I'm a bit sad to find out that you came here first, though''
''I'm sorry. If I wasn't such a failure I wouldn't have died'' Said Kurotsuchi somberly.
''You are not a failure, sweetie'' Said her mother. ''You gave your life to save that Jinchuuriki boy you talked so much about. There is no shame in risking our lives for the ones we love''
''L-Love?!'' repeated Kurotsuchi, flustered. How had she know that?! she was very careful to hide the intimate details of her relationship with Naruto when she talked to her mom about him.
''Don't look so surprised. A mother can tell these things,'' Said the woman with a wink. ''Besides, You remind me a lot of me when I was dating your father. Ahhh, young love is the best''
''But-but-but-but aren't you mad that he is from Konoha?'' Asked an incredulous Kurotsuchi.
''Love knows no bounds!'' Replied her mother in a playful manner.
''Mom, I'm serious!'' Said Kurotsuchi in exasperation.
''I'm being serious. I never liked the hatred our villages have for each other. I'm glad that at least you were able to see past our resentment towards Konoha,'' Said the older woman. ''I'm proud of you no matter what. You having some Konoha friends doesn't bother me in the least''
However, the older woman saw with curiosity that Kurotsuchi just turned away in shame and fear, which wasn't the reaction she had been expecting. ''Dear, is everything all right?''
Kurotsuchi shook her head gently much to the ever increasing worry of her mother.
''There is something you should know. Something I didn't tell you'' Said Kurotsuchi, unable to meet her mother's eyes.
''Something you didn't tell me?'' Repeated her mother in confusion as she noticed that her daughter started to fidget.
''The boy I talked to you about, the one I love. His name is Naruto and he is the...he is...''Kurotsuchi gulped hard before going on. ''He is the son of the Yellow Flash!''
The older woman widened her eyes at the revelation. For the first time in their conversation, she was the one left without words. That had been the last thing she expected Kurotsuchi to say.
''I'm so sorry for letting you down, mom!'' Said Kurotsuchi as she closed her eyes in her shame, her tears gathering at the corner of her eyes once again. ''I knew that man killed you and yet I still went and fell in love with his son!''
She could feel her mother watching in silence as she spoke but she didn't dare look at her. She was so ashamed but she had to come clean to her mother. ''I know I have let your memory down. Even so, I can't help loving Naruto. He is just-'' Then, Kurotsuchi found herself on the arms of her mother as the older woman squeezed her tightly.
''You haven't let anyone down'' Said the older woman as she rested her cheek on top of her daughters head affectionately.
''but the Yondaime-''
''Kurotsuchi, I didn't die so you could live your life feeling like you had to take revenge in my stead. I fought and died in hopes of building a better future for you, a future where you could be free to spend your life however you wanted,'' Explained the older woman as she patted her child's head. ''You seem like a smart girl. I'm sure you have good reasons for feeling what you feel for Naruto. The way you talk about him makes me think that he is a sweet boy, Yellow flash's son or not''
''Mom...'' Kurotsuchi couldn't hide her surprise. She hadn't been ready for a positive answer.
''Just one thing,'' Added her mother. ''did he make you happy?''
Kurotsuchi nodded gently. ''Like I never thought possible''
That earned her a proud smile from her mom. ''That's all that matters''
A strong feeling of relief washed over Kurotsuchi. The knowledge of her mother's death and her self-imposed duty to hate Konoha and the yellow Flash had been one of the strongest driving forces of her life. Now that the heavy burden of that had been lifted from her shoulders she felt free at last, freer than she had ever felt before.
''Thank you, mom'' Said Kurotsuchi as she returned the hug, simply enjoying the closeness that they shared. Her dad had been right about her mother, she was an amazing woman.
The older woman was about to reply when suddenly an otherworldly light enveloped her daughter. ''Kurotsuchi?''
Kurotsuchi broke the hug to stare at her own shining body in alarm. What was this light? ''Mom! What is going on?!''
''It seems like your time hasn't come yet after all!'' Her mother beamed with joy.
''What, you mean that...'' Asked Kurotsuchi with hope.
''You are going back'' nodded the older woman.
Kurotsuchi grinned from ear to ear. She didn't know how it was possible but she wouldn't question it. She wasn't about to complain about a second chance at life. ''I'm glad that I got to meet you, mom'' Said Kurotsuchi, already feeling her body started to shift from that reality as the brightness intensity steadily grew.
''It was a delight to be able to have a talk with my beautiful girl'' Responded the woman. ''But please sweetie, try to not come back here in a very long time''
''I'll do my best. this time I'll make you proud'' vowed Kurotsuchi.
''You already have'' Said her mother. ''Now go. Get back to your dad and that Naruto boy. Tell them that they better treat you well or I'll haunt them for life''
''No need. I can make them pay dearly myself'' Said Kurotsuchi.
''That's my baby girl'' Said the older woman.
Kurotsuchi frowned at the nickname but she quickly erased her face of displeasure to give a small laugh, which her mother shared.
Both mother and child shot each other one last grateful smile before the light finished enveloping Kurotsuchi and she had only been able to see white before vanishing.
Author's notes:
Hello guys! It's been a while, sorry about that. You know how it is I always disappear for a few months then I come back and get a few chapters done rinse and repeat. Obviously that's not what I intended that's just what always ends up happening.
Anyway, I wanted to address a couple of things in this chapter. First, I know that Kurotsuchi came across as overly emotional despite being pretty though. That's because she just died knowing that she did so in vain without being able to help Naruto and on top of that she met her mother.
'But Kakashi also died and he didn't break into tears so easily!' I hear you say. Well yeah, but Kakashi was already an accomplished and adult shinobi who already had a life full of hardships and struggled with depression having no real life goals as he just went with the flow, in contrast to a teenage girl that had yet to live life to its fullest and was the hope and pride of her village who expected great things from her. Not to mention that she had just found love just to have it taken away. So I think that her shaky feelings were justified this time.
Second, I know that skipping the fight scenes between Pain and Naruto can be a bit jarring for the pacing but I really didn't feel like going over a canon fight. We already have seen them hundreds of times so I didn't bother. Good news is I think that it will be the last fight we'll see that is a retread of canon. I'm sure you can guess what that means: we are going to start branching out a lot from canon in a not too distant future so you can look forward to that.
That's all for now, please Review or PM me if you would be so kind...but if you don't feel like it is fine too. see ya for now!
