#02 BY YOUR BLOOD

(Naruto's Ode To Hinata)

I've never known you could be
so courageous
strong and subtle
like a rushing sough;
never thought you could be
such a fighter
fixed, resolute
and tough.

You've always lagged in a
secluded nook,
seemingly so out of place
So out of time;
you never did once join those hordes of
shrieking girls,
and it's always made me
wonder why…

You've always been nice and considerate
to me,
helping me out in whatever way
possible;
never did it once occur to my
scattered head
that you could be this downright
incredible!

I can clearly remember how hard
you have fought
with every inch of your willful
heat.
How many times you've firmly
stood your ground
on your once too-feeble
feet.

How hard you have tried to endure
each jarring swipe,
and how many drops of blood have left
your fragile veins.
Yes, all of these have stayed etched
on my mind,
giving me an eager resolution to fight
for a friend.

Whatever others feel like saying, for me
you did your best.
Though I may sometimes be so wordy
(and such an airhead too!)
I hope you do take
to heart
these words I say
to you—

Listen now and listen carefully,
my friend,
I never did breach on
my word.
So when I pledge my guts, my fist to fight
for your dignity, your cause
trust me, I really
surely would…

By every inkling drop
of your precious
Blood.

Note: Though Naruto's not exactly my ultimate favorite, I love him just as much as I do other simple-minded anime protagonists—most of them are like that anyway! The best thing about this kind of characters is that, they never give up fighting for their own principles as well as for their friend's cause. Even if it costs them their very lives! Naruto-sama may be a little airy and obnoxious, true. But I believe it is just his way of gaining and maintaining strength despite being rated as a useless, no-good fighter. And well, it always works for him, doesn't it? I especially like it when he said he didn't like being treated so lowly and he looked so downright determine to prove his worth to everyone. I bet he doesn't want his friends to be treated in the same way as well, and would do anything it takes to avenge the mauling of his friends' dignity. Don't you just wanna hug him?