Author's Note:
This chapter is long. All the chapters except few will be long from now on.
CHAPTER 8
Team 7 made a camp at the end of the first day. Tazuna didn't have a tent and food. Naruto gave his tent and shared his food. Kakashi asked Sasuke to share the tent with Naruto as Naruto expected. Kakashi took the first watch.
Naruto and Sasuke were lying on the sleeping bag. Naruto could feel Sakura sleeping in the next tent and proceeded to make a conversation with Sasuke. He knew he would not get another chance without her interruption.
"Sasuke, are you asleep?", Naruto prodded.
"Yes", Sasuke lied.
"Good. Wake up then", Naruto replied to the ire of Sasuke.
Kakashi hearing the conversation outside chuckled at the antics of Naruto.
"Dobe, don't pester me and sleep. If you keep talking, I will throw you out", Sasuke barked silently.
"I will tear the tent, pull you out and continue talking if you won't answer me", Naruto stated.
"Five minutes", Sasuke warned.
"That day you said something about your ambition. Killing someone and restoring your clan. Is your ambition still same?", Naruto asked and Sasuke's anger ignited.
Kakashi was curious why Naruto was asking this question suddenly. He also knew Sasuke was going to lose his shit and decided to be alert if he needed to intervene.
"None of your business dobe", Sasuke gritted out.
"No, it is not my business. But you are my teammate. If I understand you better, I can help you with your goal", Naruto tried to bargain.
"I don't need help from a dobe", Sasuke spat out.
"Answer this question then. Is he strong?", Naruto inquired.
Sasuke looked at him questioningly.
"The man who you want to take revenge on. Is he stronger than you?", Naruto asked and Sasuke stiffened.
Kakashi could guess where Naruto was going with this. He was not sure that Sasuke with his pride, would answer it though. But Sasuke did.
"Hn"
"Then you need all the help you can get. You may be strong but until you are stronger than him you need help. Just think of it like this. Until you manage to defeat that man, you need someone to watch your back right? Our team can do that. Not because you are weak, but it will lessen your burden. You can have lot of time to train and our team will get high rank missions. You will get stronger", Naruto was sweetening the pot and Sasuke contemplated it.
Kakashi really could not help but praise his blonde student. 'Smooth talker', Kakashi thought.
"So, is your ambition still the same?", Naruto continued.
"Yes", Sasuke replied.
"Which one is first though?", Naruto asked.
"What first one?", Sasuke was sure this dobe was confused.
"You said 1. you wanted to kill a man, 2. Restore your clan. So which one comes first?", Naruto asked counting with his fingers.
Sasuke was positively confused and Kakashi's eye widened for a minute.
"Both are one dobe", Sasuke replied innocently.
"No, they are not. Let's say if you want to kill that strong man first. You may succeed. But there is no guarantee you will make it alive. What if both of you are dead? What then? Will not your clan become extinct? If you are to focus on restoring your clan though, you will succeed in both of your ambitions. You can probably act on it now. The second one is very easy and two volunteers easily comes to my mind. But I vote for Sakura though. She is more obsessed with you. If you choose the other one, our team dynamics will falter", Naruto concluded and Sasuke started splattering.
Kakashi could not hide the amused chuckle that started and he was really amused and couldn't help but get curious where Naruto get these ideas from him. Maybe he should arrange to give 'the talk' to his students.
"What help are you talking dobe? What do you mean I should act now?", Sasuke was stupefied and pissed.
"I am not that kind of person. Why do you know all this? Are you not my age? Did that Kakashi give you his perverted trash books?", Sasuke asked to Naruto's horror.
'Hey! Why am I getting burnt? And they are not trash. They are fine literature', Kakashi replied mentally and hugged his precious book.
"Woah woah woah. Get your mind out of gutter. I didn't mean that. I meant, instead of focusing on revenge, you should focus on bonds. I meant you should let some else care for you and get to know people in Konoha if you were to restore your clan. You will need their support. By Sakura, I mean you shouldn't be mean to her. She also has lot of friends from academy. She can introduce you to clan children. I think you are the one who is taking up the perverted tendencies of our sensei", Naruto explained.
'Oh', both Sasuke and Kakashi though sheepishly. Sasuke's ears were the colour of tomato.
'Why am I getting burnt again?", Kakashi glared at the tent his two students were in.
"You don't understand, dobe. I have to kill him first", Sasuke said gathering his thoughts and Kakashi sighed. Naruto hadn't given up though.
"Why first though?", Naruto pressed.
"Because hating him is the only way to get stronger. I can't love anything if I want to get stronger", Sasuke said firmly.
Kakashi is beginning to see just how deep rooted the issue was. He knew Sasuke was put in 'Tsukuyonami' . Showing the child how the parents were killed in genjutsu would definitely mess up anyone, but he could not see why Sasuke firmly believed hatred was the way to get stronger. He almost hoped Naruto would continue this conversation and change his revenge seeking student mind. Kakashi wasn't good with emotions. But Naruto was oddly adept in this field despite a loner. He also had a way with words that could solve complicated issues, as he did with Kakashi's issues of his father unknowingly.
"Who told you that Sasuke?", Naruto asked in a quiet voice that didn't sound like him.
"Why does it matter?", Sasuke asked defiantly.
"It doesn't matter because it isn't true", Naruto said with conviction.
"It is. I have proof", Sasuke argued.
"It isn't. I have proof too", Naruto argued too.
"I have a personal proof. I have seen it with my own eyes. Do you have one like that?", Sasuke asked hot-headedly.
"Yes. Indeed, I have thousands of proofs. So tell me, who told you such rubbish to you? Why are believing it? What is your personal proof? You are lying , aren't you? Come on, tell me. Prove me you –", Naruto continue to press and Kakashi could tell Sasuke was ready to explode. He was on high alert and ready to intervene if things got physical.
"It is him. Okay? It is him. The one who betrayed and killed my entire clan. He said so when I asked. He showed how he killed my parents. He was stronger than my father. My father automatically submitted. That killer told me to hate him If I were to get stronger than him", Sasuke said unable to stop, sitting on his sleeping bag.
"So, see, I have proof. What you have to say for yourself dobe?", Sasuke asked Naruto who looked pained.
'Ah, Itachi really fucked his little brother up. Couldn't he have spared him that pain?', Kakashi sighed. He didn't think Naruto had any answer for it. But he was curious as to what Naruto's personal proof was.
Naruto continued after he gave Sasuke a moment to collect himself. He made sure Sasuke had his attention.
"For myself, I have to say, it is not me, but you are the dobe. Are you really sure you are smart? From where I sit, I can only see a fool, not 'rookie of the year'", Naruto said and Sasuke's temper flared. Kakashi expected Naruto to say some kind words to Sasuke, not call him fool. So naturally, Kakashi was interested in Naruto's POV.
"What do you mean-", Sasuke started but Naruto stopped him midway.
"I am not done yet. Don't interrupt me and listen. I heard you so you will hear me now. I know I am a clanless orphan who cannot order you. So, consider this as my request and grant it to me please", Naruto asked and Sasuke remained silent anger receding.
Kakashi was really proud of his blonde student for putting his teammate first before his pride. Naruto accepted Sasuke was strong earlier, offered to help his ambition, told him he had Sasuke's back and now he lowered himself enough to call himself 'clan less orphan', the very thing Naruto detested when people called him.
'Naruto is really kind and mature for his age. I should buy him ramen when we return. Three bowl takeout though, I cannot let him eat my wallet dry', Kakashi made a mental note.
Seeing Sasuke silent, Naruto started telling his POV.
"Sasuke, you said hatred makes you stronger. How strong though? Stronger than our academy sensei, stronger than Kakashi sensei, stronger than ANBU? Have you ever thought about that? But I know and have an irrefutable proof that there is another way to become stronger. What do you think of our hokage mountain? Have you seen the faces there? You know they are strong right?! They are stronger than the man who killed your clan. Do you think hatred was the reason they were stronger? Is that why they came to be called as 'God of Shinobi'? The shodaime wanted to end the hatred between clans. That was why he got strong. The Nidaime wanted to protect the children of Konoha. That was why he got strong. The Sandaime took up the mantle to honor his sensei's sacrifice and wanted to protect the village during both war times. That was why he got strong. The Yondaime was an orphan who loved his village so much he participated in a war and was made target of another ninja village. He wanted to save Konoha from future attacks. That was why he got strong. They all became strong because they have something to protect and love, even if they don't share blood with those things. They neither became strong nor became hokage because of hatred. On the contrary, those who hated them, we don't know them Sasuke. Do you think no one wronged the hokages during their life-time? Someone might have. But instead of revenge, they seeked justice. Give up your revenge Sasuke. Let us help you. We will help you get justice", Naruto said and exhaled a long breath. So did Kakashi who was outside listening.
Sasuke was silent the whole time. When Naruto stopped he opened his mouth to refuse but Naruto didn't give him that chance.
"You said he betrayed. That man, was he from Konoha?", Naruto asked.
Sasuke nodded reluctantly.
"So, that man got strong in Konoha too. You said he was stronger than your father. He knows about your clan and friends outside clan. He knows many things to act and counteract your clan skills. You think he could do this because he was lone-wolf?! He should have friends and teachers in Konoha who taught him. He didn't become strong alone. And if he did, that would explain why he did what he did. Don't follow in his footsteps and become like him", Naruto advised.
'Even I couldn't have dealt this better. Well, I know I am not exactly a bar to measure emotional matters, but I must admit this was beautifully done. I don't think anyone in Konoha including myself has asked Sasuke about his goals and feeling. Trust Naruto to do this. Maybe I can ask Ibiki if Naruto could work with Inoich in Torture and Interrogation (T&I) dept. of Konoha. He can get the answers and turn the criminals to saints without torture. Anko will be upset though', Kakashi's thoughts were interrupted by Naruto continuing his little therapy session.
"And worst of all Sasuke, you have to listen to him, don't you? You listened and believed the words of the man who killed your clan and you took it to heart?! I don't understand. You call me dobe, even I can understand, a murderer can tell a person to take revenge but he definitely wouldn't tell you the right way to get stronger, will he? If he is really sadistic like that, then I am right, Sasuke teme. He didn't tell you the way to get stronger. He told you the way to be miserable, you baka. And you are listening to him. Five minutes ago, you told me you won't love anyone. Sasuke, a life without bonds, not just romance, a bond of any healthy kind, is miserable. I know this, you know this since that awful day. But you still didn't find out?! Oh man", Naruto was exasperated.
'That is some good logic. What do you think Sasuke?', Kakashi was getting hope at this point that Naruto would get through the cold heart of Sasuke.
"Sasuke, I know loneliness. You know loneliness too. But I don't have anyone to care for me. You do.", Naruto said and Kakashi winced. He knew all about loneliness too and he let his sensei's son experience it. The fact that Naruto believed no one cared for him broke Kakashi's already broken heart. But what right did he have? He wallowed in his own grief and really didn't take care of Naruto.
"All you have to do is let them care for you. You don't even have to care. Just let them. It will heal your loneliness", Naruto said in a small voice hoping Sasuke would understand. For a moment, Sasuke was silent, increasing Kakashi's and Naruto's hope and suddenly that hope vanished.
Sasuke's pride was injured that Naruto called him a fool. Ashamed by his foolishness in believing Itachi's words, he did what he always does. Get angry.
"What do you know of my loneliness dobe? What do you know? You and I aren't same. As you said, you are a clanless orphan. You neither had a clan nor parents. You don't know what it feels like to have them taken away from you. You don't know that kind of pain. Don't compare me to yourself. There is no need for anyone to care me. I can take care of myself alright. I am not helpless like you. I don't want justice. I want to avenge my clan. Besides, killing that man is shinobi justice anyway", Sasuke spat out his words and Naruto looked at him plainly.
"Damn Uchiha pride. Let him dig his own grave brat. Don't you have other work?", kyubi scoffed at the Uchiha.
Kakashi wanted to go inside and shook the Uchiha brat and ask to open his eye.
"Does it make you feel better? Putting me down? Remember this Sasuke, you think clumping you with me is an insult. You know we are in similar situation, an orphan. But you want to be best in all of the orphans, so you call me and others clanless. I agree and I am well aware of that fact. I have been called that multitude of times. You are not the first or last one to call me that. You are nothing special to me. You are just another person among thousands who called me that, 'a clanless orphan'. Others have called me worse than that. So, it doesn't bother me, not anymore. But if it makes you feel better and make you listen to me for another few minutes, feel free me to call me that one more time. Know this though Sasuke, there is not another one who will talk to you about this matter like this. Even if there is, you will be in no position to insult them like you did with me. They will be superiors to you and you cannot act like you truly feel. So, I am going to see this to the end", Naruto said and Sasuke glared.
'Naruto really doesn't give up, does he?', both Kakashi and Sasuke thought along the same lines.
'He is right. I don't think anyone asked me about my feelings after the incident', Sasuke thought to himself inwardly.
"I won't listen. You can tear the tent if you want", Sasuke challenged outwardly.
"If you listen, I will not talk about it again for significant time. If not, I will tell Sakura, you said you loved her in your sleep subconsciously and that she should really try hard if she wants to listen those words in real life. Your choice", Naruto said with a smirk.
'Annoying blonde', Sasuke groaned. He knew the blonde would carry on the threat.
'Unpredictable knucklehead indeed', Kakashi chuckled.
"Hn"
Taking that as agreement, Naruto started. "I am going to ask an important question. It is sensitive though. Answer truthfully".
"It is your brother Itachi Uchiha, isn't it , the man you want to kill?", Naruto asked and Sasuke stiffened.
Kakashi held his breath and stood up. He thought Naruto was getting to a dangerous zone now and Sasuke would become violent.
"How do you know?", Sasuke asked forcefully.
"People talk, you know. That's what they do. Out of pity, hatred, compassion and fear, for all of these things and more, they talk, they gossip and they point at you", Naruto said and all three ninjas who are awake silently agreed. They knew it from personal experience.
"I might get punched now in face for what I am going to say next", Naruto told himself and sighed.
"I can do it without you saying anything", Sasuke retorted.
Naruto gave a wry smile that was sad and painful.
"Sasuke, you said, I didn't have family and I don't know how it feels", Naruto said. Both Kakashi and Sasuke flinched in guilt for different reasons concerning the blonde.
"You are right", Naruto continued, "But I observe. I may not know mother's love but I know mothers are supposed to love their child unconditionally", Naruto said.
"Was your mother lovely? I think she loved you very much. Doesn't she?", Naruto asked.
Sasuke felt like someone stabbed him with a kunai in his heart at the mention of his mother. Her tomato dishes , flowers in garden and her warmth.
"She did. She was the best mother anyone could ask for", Sasuke replied voice broken.
"I bet", Naruto smiled kindly and continued, "Your mother loved you, her son dearly. Both of her sons. Now one of her sons is missing-nin. He broke her heart. She is a mother though. She would have been sad and disappointed but she would have forgiven her son. Mothers don't wish ill for their children even if they don't deserve it. So, she would want him to start anew."
"You, on the other hand though, was the sole victim of the incident. Her other son, her last beloved child. She would have wanted you to be happy. She wouldn't want you to seek revenge and be miserable. She wanted you to have friends and smile a lot. That must be her last wish. So, as a dutiful son, grant her that wish. Don't focus on revenge. She wouldn't want you to. She would have wanted you to be happy. Be happy, Sasuke. Don't you break her heart too. Become a son your mother will be proud of. Don't lead a life where you will have to say sorry to her when you meet her. Don't go meeting her soon too focusing on revenge", Naruto concluded and gave him a smile full of pain.
Sasuke might not know. But Naruto knew Mikato, Sasuke and Itachi's mother, his supposed-to-be-aunt well. She was kind yet fierce. He missed her too.
"I will not disturb you anymore and let you think", Naruto said and brought his sleeping bag outside of the tent.
Kakashi was releasing the breath he didn't realise holding and sat down. He wanted Sasuke to think through what Naruto said. Both Kakashi and Naruto hoped, the next day, when the sun arise, Sasuke would wake up a new person.
Sasuke went to sleep with tears in his eyes that day. He had a dream that he was laying his mother lap and she was combing her hand through his hair.
"You think he would change?", Naruto said looking at his sensei. He put the sleeping bag near the now extinguished fire.
Kakashi wasn't surprised Naruto knew he was listening. He even suspected his student was a budding sensor by how he always knew where Kakashi was.
"We have to wait and see. It is a deep-rooted hatred. He may not change his outlook completely but he might be willing to form some bonds", Kakashi said not wanting to increase or crush Naruto's hopes.
"How do you know about Itachi, Naruto? Don't give me that people talk excuse.", Kakashi asked looking at his orange book.
"You see sensei, I was going to the academy one day and a black cat crossed my path. I had to take a detour around Konoha and came face to face with a little birdie. It told me", Naruto replied lazily with hands behind his head and a smirk.
Kakashi could not decide between annoyed and amused with his blonde student's antics of using Kakashi's excuses against him. He glared at Naruto through his grey eye and Naruto gave a foxy grin.
Kakashi sighed and decided to pull Naruto's antics on him.
"Today's secret. I once flooded ANBU locker because my colleague kept teasing me. His name is Genma. Your turn.", Kakashi looked encouragingly at Naruto.
Naruto contemplated for a minute and sighed.
"I saw him while leaving", Naruto said and Kakashi froze.
'Does Naruto mean what he thinks he mean?', Kakashi's mind was racing with questions
"When, Naruto?"
"After the massacre. I heard the alarms go off. He was leaving the village. He turned at look at me", Naruto said and Kakashi's heart hammered in his chest.
'Why was he looking at Naruto? Was he trying to harm Naruto or use nine-tails ?",Kakashi could not determine.
"Have you seen before him that? He did say or do something to you? Do you know why he looked at you?", Kakashi asked questions one after other.
"Relax sensei. He didn't harm me. I was just standing under the bridge when he was leaving. He must have sensed me so he turned to look if I was a shinobi on his pursuit", Naruto said and Kakashi didn't relax.
"Naruto, what were you thinking? Why were you standing at the bridge at night? I heard the incident took place late night. What were you doing outside? You are reckless Naruto", Kakashi lectured and Naruto was getting angry.
"Where was I suppose to stand then? My only fault was I wasn't sleeping. How could I sleep when there was screaming and alarm blaring?", Naruto questioned his sensei.
"What do you mean by that Naruto? You mean you heard them from your bedroom because of your extra senses from your tenant?", Kakashi asked really confused.
"What bedroom?", Naruto asked wryly.
Kakashi was taken aback. 'What does Naruto mean by what bedroom? Maybe the orphanage lady closed the door before Naruto arrived from his adventures. But by that time, Naruto should be living in his apartment. That's what Sandaime said when I returned from three year long mission for Fire Damiyo'.
"What do you mean Naruto? You were living in an apartment at the time of massacre right?", Kakashi really hoped the answer would be yes but his mind was already telling he was in for disappointment.
"No"
A single word. That's all Naruto said but it was enough for Kakashi to ask more questions.
"Where were you then? Someone adopted you?", Kakashi asked looking for a ray of hope.
"It was illegal to adopt me sensei, considering my status", Naruto said still looking at the sky.
"Then tell me where you were living at that time Naruto?", please, Kakashi asked ready for his hear to be broken again.
"Are you sure you want to know?", Naruto asked.
"Yes", Kakashi wasn't sure.
"Why do you want to know sensei?", Naruto asked quietly.
"Is it wrong for me to know about my student better? Remember what you told Sasuke?", Kakashi replied.
"Smart-ass", Naruto chuckled lightly.
"Have to be. I am your sensei after all", Kakashi eye smiled too. But that was fake. Both knew that.
"Under the bridge I was standing", Naruto said suddenly making the fake bubble of comfort to disappear.
Kakashi felt like a lightning pass through his entire body. His heart was convulsing.
"Naruto, you mean-", Kakashi was unable to complete his words.
"Yes sensei. I was homeless", Naruto finished for him.
"How long?", Kakashi's voice was so soft even he couldn't recognise his own voice.
"2 and half, three years almost"
"When?", Kakashi could guess the answer and it was making him fill with anger and hatred. Anger on the Sandaime and hatred on his own self.
"Shortly after I tuned 5. 5 to 7 quarters, I think"
Shortly after Kakashi left for his 3-year mission. Shortly after he abandoned his sensei's son.
"Sandaime didn't give you an apartment?", Kakashi asked with guilt thick in his voice.
"He was busy. He didn't know I was kicked out of orphanage until later."
'Probably with the Uchiha issue. But it doesn't excuse leaving the Yondaime's son homeless' Kakashi thought to himself. Hypocrite his conscience called him.
Neither of them spoke for some time.
"You should go and sleep sensei. I will take watch. I will take Sasuke's too. I don't want to disturb him today", Naruto said.
"Then I will take half of his shift", I can't sleep after knowing what happened, Kakashi replied.
"Ano sensei, can I ask you a doubt if you aren't sleeping?", Naruto asked and Kakashi hummed. He was really dreading what Naruto wanted to ask but felt like he owed Naruto to listen at least.
"I already told a secret, Naruto", Kakashi stated.
"Well, this is academical doubt sensei, more or less", Naruto insisted.
"Then, can't you ask in the morning?", Kakashi asked.
"It is not jutsu related. It is something philosophical. I can't seem to decide the answer", Naruto was really curious.
"I am not good at philosophy", Kakashi replied with his nose on the orange book.
"Cyclops sensei, I am going to ask anyway", Naruto said and Kakashi sighed at the blonde.
"Sensei, is loyalty lifelong?" Naruto asked looking at Kakashi intently.
'What brought this on? I really want to know how his brain works.' Kakashi thought silently.
"Speak clearly Naruto."
"I mean, let's say I am loyal to Shika. I am also loyal to Chouji. But what if they both contradict each other and how do I choose or show my loyalty, sensei?"
"Well, that's deep question but I think this is childish matter. Tell me why those two boys are fighting. Maybe I can help you compromise them. You know what? Buy the Akimichi food. It would solve all of our problems", Kakashi said without taking his eyes from the book.
"Scarecrow sensei, that's not what I meant", Naruto whisper-shouted.
"Maa maa, it is disrespectful to call your sensei names"
Naruto got up and slumped near the log Kakashi was sitting.
"It is not that sensei. I am talking about loyalty towards hokage", Naruto admitted.
That piqued Kakashi's interest. Kakashi didn't want Naruto to do anything foolish. He knew Naruto loved Konoha. Although at this moment Kakashi's loyalty towards Sandaime was wavering with how he lied to him about his sensei's legacy.
"What about it, Naruto?"
"Ano sensei, you became genin at 5. Itachi was also ANBU at young age from what I know"
Kakashi wasn't sure where Naruto was going with this.
"The shodaime created our village so children will be safe. They shouldn't go to war. The Nidaime followed his footsteps. He acted as a decoy and fought for 3 days to save his students and Konoha's future. But you were a child when you became a ninja. So was Itachi. At least, your promotion was during war time, though it was wrong. Gai sensei told me about that. Itachi's wasn't during war. Why was he promoted? Let's say the things changed after the war. But the shodaime's vision was still the same right? At one point, when the successive hokages make a decision different from the visions of the previous one, who must we follow? Where should our loyalties lie?", Naruto asked and looked at Kakashi for answers.
Kakashi really didn't expect such a deep question from Naruto. Not because Naruto was dead-last, Kakashi doesn't believe it after bell test, but this question was beyond his age. This was a midlife crisis who worked closely with hokages, like ANBUs, office workers, war advisors and T&I face when the previous hokage retire and new one took position, not a twelve-year-old mint genin.
"You seem awfully knowledgeable in hokages Naruto", Kakashi said.
"I think it is in my blood sensei".
He doesn't know how right he is, Kakashi thought to himself.
"Maa, my cute little genin, ninjas act differently than civilians. We are military based. Our hokage is our leader. We follow his orders. Hokages change. But everyone takes decisions according to the time and challenges they face. It was all for the village. We trust them and follow their orders", Kakashi said and Naruto nodded.
"But, following someone doesn't mean they have our loyalty ne sensei. We listen to them because it is our duty. What if our heart doesn't follow them? What is there is no passion behind it?", Naruto asked with his big blue eyes and Kakashi ruffled his hair.
"That's why a ninja shouldn't show his emotions Naruto. Irrespective of his emotions, he should do his duty. That's what will protect our village and future generation in long run"
"I understand sensei. But if our heart isn't in the things we are doing, don't we become emotionless machines?", Naruto asked wistfully.
Kakashi knew that well. That's what he was. He was a killer machine.
"Hai Naruto. That's what ninjas are when they are on duty. They should learn to switch on/off their emotions".
Kakashi's heart was breaking at the thought of his sunshine student not smiling, becoming dark and killing someone. But, Naruto didn't have a choice. He had a demon inside after all. Being a shinobi was decided an hour after being born.
"I don't think I can do that sensei", Naruto said into the night.
"Maa maa, did you not want to become a great shinobi? All great shinobis have to go through that. How about this, as your sensei, as long as you need to take that kind of decision, I will help you. Ok?", Kakashi asked trying to comfort the blonde.
"No sensei", Naruto looked at Kakashi firmly. Kakashi was surprised. Does he want to stop being a ninja?
"No matter who ordered, I will not be able to kill Iruka sensei, Teuchi jiji, Ayame neechan and you. I will accept whatever disciplinary actions taken against me. But my loyalty to my precious people will never waver. I would rather become missing-nin with bounty on my head or being exiled than hurt you guys", Naruto said and went to his sleeping bag.
"Good night sensei. Wake me when my shift starts", Naruto said facing the other way.
Kakashi's heart did a lurch till his throat. He swallowed heavily. He didn't have any words but he sure had tear in his eye. Not Obito's but his. His grey eyes shed tear in happiness after a long time.
'I am one of Naruto's precious people? He values me that much? Oh God! But I never did anything remarkable for him. He didn't say his teammate's name or his jiji's name. He said my name. How can I ever repay this? I am sure I don't deserve this. But I am happy', Kakashi thought to himself.
'I am happy. Happy? Me? When was the last time did I even use that word and my name without a negative in the same sentence? But trust this unpredictable blonde to make me feel things I am sure I gotten rid of' Kakashi was surprised and looked at Naruto smiling fondly.
'You are my precious person too, Naruto. I may have failed to protect you before. I will protect you now. Though at times, it may not seem like that, I will protect you as well as I can', Kakashi silently vowed to himself. He had no intention of breaking this promise.