The Curse
Chapter Ten: Helpless
Somehow – without even fully realizing it – Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto had migrated towards the living room. No one spoke, but they listened; they listened to the broken laughter, the sound of careless scratching against the front door and the cackling energy of the ofudas that prevented the creatures' entrance. The location of the little girl would also change – her voice would be heard near the windows, the back door, even the fireplace.
It freaked Naruto out.
The blonde was sitting on the couch Sakura had occupied earlier – disregarding the recliner since it was too close to the fireplace – fidgeting with his hands as his sapphire orbs darted around at the slightest of noises. Then, Sakura curled up next to him, grabbed his hand and leaned her head against his shoulder, offering comfort and assurance. The kunoichi wished she had that same silent support her first night encountering the shadows but she was content to offer it to her boys. She knew Naruto was strong and brave – both her boys were – but what they were facing was unusual and unsettling. However, the one thing that was prominent in Sakura's mind, the one thing she knew that made the difference in solving this mystery and confronting their fears…
…was that Team Seven had each other.
So Sakura settled her warmth against Naruto's side, she rubbed her thumb against the back of his hand, the touch grounding him and promising him that she was there and that they were all together. She felt the blonde relax under her gentle ministrations, his hands tightening around hers in a silent gesture of gratitude.
"Thanks Sakura-chan."
Sakura nodded her head, jade eyes shifting to find the last member of their trio; the Uchiha Prodigy stood on the other side of the coffee table across from them, his arms crossed over his chest as his dark eyes stared fixedly at the curtain-covered windows.
'Blood…Want your blood…Need your blood…'
Sakura could see Sasuke's frown deepen as the raspy voice sounded and she could distinctly smell smoke and cinders coming from deeper in the house. She hoped Dai was doing alright with Yoshiro's corpse.
Movement from Sasuke impelled the Medic to watch him cross the room and proceed resolutely towards the window, hand outstretched to undoubtedly pull back the drape.
"Sasuke-kun," She called out, unsure if it was a good idea.
But Sasuke ignored her, calmly pulled back the curtain a fraction and peered out into the darkness. The kunoichi watched as his jaw tightened, obsidian orbs narrowed before he released the thick material, which fell back into place, arms crossing over his chest once more.
"So, we're trapped here until morning," Sasuke stated, twisting his head so he could gaze at her over his shoulder.
The Medic sighed but nodded nonetheless, "…Yeah."
The sound of a door opening and closing reached their ears and Dai appeared seconds later from the hallway with the smell of burnt flesh following him. He looked completely drained; his eyes half-lidded and shoulders slumped. Both Sakura and Naruto sat up a little straighter with his entrance and Sasuke had turned around to give him his full attention.
"He's dead…completely dead," Dai replied to their unspoken question; he ran a shaky hand through his brunette locks and sighed, "It took a while but I had to turn him into ash to do it."
"There goes some useful evidence…" Sakura exhaled in disappointment; wishing she still had something to run some tests and experiments on.
Dai looked towards Naruto and Sasuke, silently assessing how they were holding up, "…The seals will hold; if you hear any loud noises or scratching sounds don't be alarmed…They do that, trying to find weak spots and such."
"And do they?" Naruto pressed, "Find weak spots, I mean?"
Dai shook his head, walked towards the recliner and sat down, "No…At least not in the three years I've used these wards."
Naruto seemed to lose some of his tension with that guarantee and he leaned back against the couch with a short exhalation of breath. Dai had also leaned back into his seat, his eyes closing, and Sakura thought that it wouldn't be a surprise if he passed out within the next couple of minutes.
A soft tug of her hand brought the kunoichi's jade eyes to Naruto, the blonde offering her a weak half-smile, "You should get some rest Sakura-chan…You have bags under your eyes."
Under normal circumstances – like when she worked overtime at the Hospital and was irritable for her lack of sleep – Sakura might have wacked Naruto in the head for pointing out her physical faults, but she recognized the genuine concern in his eyes and silently agreed that her features were probably far from her best.
"Get some rest…" Naruto repeated as he tugged on her hands and gestured to the bedrooms with his head, "I'm okay now," He laughed half-heartedly – an action to help encourage her, "I'm getting used to it."
Sakura was hesitant. For one, she really did want to sleep; her chakra may not have been continuously used but she could feel her reserves needed replenishing and that her mind needed to shut down and recharge as well. However, did she want to leave her boys alone and out of her sight? Did she even want to be left alone in the bedroom?
She nodded and stood up, keeping Naruto's hand in hers until she was fully upright. It's not like company was needed. Once she hit the pillows she'd hopefully be out of the conscious world in mere seconds. And although Sasuke and Naruto were warned of what they were going to encounter with the night's coming, it didn't look like they were going to fall back asleep anytime soon.
Her gaze flickered to Dai to see he hadn't moved, dark blue eyes still hidden beneath heavy lids. Looking at Sasuke she found him to be standing in his same position; his arms remained crossed and his dark orbs directed at the covered window again. Slowly, she stepped away from the couch and headed towards the hallway.
Before the living room completely left her view, she stopped and shared a meaningful glance with Naruto – his azure eyes having quietly monitored her movements, "…Call me, if anything happens, okay?" She received an agreeing nod from Naruto, who offered her a small smile as he waved his hand to urge her rest, "…Night."
Sakura chose the first door that she came across – closest to the living room, farthest from the bathroom – and opened it. It was simple and barely furnished. To her immediate left was a wall and built-in, sliding-door closet. Across from her was a window, covered by thin curtains – thin enough curtains that she could see the occasional shadow pass. Beside it was a five-drawer stand that reached her neck in height with a small television set atop it. To the right of it was another window, similar to the first. On the right wall was a vanity with an oval mirror, make-up products scattered across the top. And finally, against the wall separating the bedroom and hallway, was a queen-sized bed, covered with comfortable, thick, downy blankets and fluffy pillows.
She was getting tired just looking at the bed.
Ignoring the windows and the shadows beyond – and not bothering to turn on the lights since the moon provided enough luminosity – Sakura walked towards the bed, splayed her hand against the blankets and caressed the appendage along in a slow arc, loving the silkiness against her fingertips. Instantly she raised her right knee up and rolled onto the softness, sighing blissfully as she sank into the mattress, her tense muscles unwinding as unconsciousness began to grasp her weary mind.
"So tired…" Sakura mumbled as she turned her head into the pillow, one hand grasping the cool sheets while the other released her hair from its tail.
'Ha…Ha…Ha…Ha…Haruno Sakura…We want to play…' The little girl's voice called out from her window.
"Ignore it…" The kunoichi murmured to herself as she clenched her eyes shut, "Just sleep…"
'No…' The light voice intoned, if not a bit impatiently, 'We want to play Haruno Sakura…Play with us!'
"No," Sakura answered spitefully, her head feeling lighter, freer, and…easing into relaxation.
'Play with us Haruno Sakura…' The child repeated, 'Or else…'
Sakura didn't answer; the moaning and whispers were filtering out of her head and she welcomed it, needed it, wanted it, and basked in the growing silence.
'…Fine…'
And silence prevailed for Sakura, a content smile curling her lips as her head sank deeper into the feathery pillows around her.
She needed this.
BAM!
Jade eyes snapped open, sleep leaving her instantly as adrenaline filled her veins, mind registering the room shake, objects on the vanity clattering to the floor, the loud sound echoing in her head similar to that of Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori colliding. Her body had moved on instinct, sitting up and twisting to stare at the wall with the two windows, the picture frame above the television shaking precariously.
BAM!
Her eyes narrowed, fingers clenching into the thick blankets in both annoyance and mystification. She just wanted to sleep, damn it!
'…Oh Haruno Sakura…You're not playing the game right…We won't go ignored…Ha…Ha…Ha…'
Angered, Sakura flung the blankets off her form and stalked towards the left-side window, throwing aside the curtains and unsurprised to see the little girl standing there, staring at her with her wide smile.
"What are you?" Sakura hissed out, viridian orbs blazing, "What do you want?"
The little girl flickered closer, her face right against the glass pane as she looked straight into Sakura's furious gaze. Her dark eyes were bottomless – so black – and her skin so white. Her cheeks were stained red with bloody tears, her lips tinged with the same crimson substance. She wore the most innocent, white dress, and her long dark hair was kempt and kami how could a child be so terrifying?
'We want you, Haruno Sakura…' She answered, staring up at her with that same smile, 'We want you and your blood…'
"Why?" The Medic pleaded, desperately wanting answers.
The little girl giggled – a laugh different from the broken chant of Ha, it was almost musical, almost sweet – and lifted a delicate hand to point her forefinger right at Sakura's face, 'We want you, Haruno Sakura…You…can help us live…'
"Live…?"
BAM!
Sakura flicked her gaze away from the girl to the right. She saw the Creature, its dark, shadowy form crouching low before shooting forward to hit the wall.
BAM!
And then the Creature pulled back and set itself up for another lunge. Upon closer scrutiny Sakura found that the Creature was also feminine. If she could be given an age it would have been older than Sakura herself. However, unlike the child, she was tousled, long, dark hair falling over her eyes, black dress covering every inch of skin – it actually didn't look like a dress, more like tendrils of darkness – and the only pale whiteness of flesh was her face. Her dark eyes were wide, hysterical-looking, pure wild swirling in those dark depths before similar blood trails seeped from the corners onto her thinned cheeks.
"What are you?" The Medic whispered as the Creature glared menacingly before attacking the wall again.
BAM!
The little girl giggled once more in response, the hand pointing at her gracefully turning palm-up, as if to offer her hand for Sakura to take, 'It doesn't matter what we are…Or who…Or when…Or how…Or why…All that matters is that you're here now…And we want to play…So play with us…'
BAM!
'…Play with us…'
BAM!
'…We like Hide-And-Seek…And Tag…' The girl laughed lightly, Sakura staring into her ebony eyes with incredulity for the underlying mock laced in her tone; the little girl's smile widened, showing sharp, pointed teeth and the innocence was gone and Sakura could only see a child-impersonating-monster, '…Because when we play those games…You can never catch us…And no matter where you hide…We'll always find you…Ha…Ha…Ha…Always…'
Sakura frowned, "I'll play your game…I'll solve this mystery."
BAM!
The girl shook her head and her outstretched palm lay against the pane, blue energy from the ofudas crackling against her pale skin, '…You don't understand Haruno Sakura…That's not the game…When we say come out to play, that means we need a ball…You are the ball, Haruno Sakura…We need something to play with…' Sakura shivered involuntarily, 'It's been a while since we've played…Yoshiro was no fun,' The child pouted, 'No fun at all…But we love the chase, shinobi are fun to chase…They put up a fight…'
"You're sick…" The kunoichi whispered.
BAM!
'…We're bored,' She corrected lightly, 'So let us chase you…Let us kill you…Let us feed on you…Let…Us…Live…'
Before Sakura could follow through with her urge to take her chakra-enhanced, fisted hand and punch it through the window, a firm grasp prevented the action. She stilled with apprehension as she felt something shift behind her, watching the little girl's smile falter when another arm reached out from the Medic's peripheral vision and purposefully drew the curtains closed.
"You should be sleeping," Sasuke stated roughly as he took her arm and began leading her towards the bed.
A little surprised with his sudden appearance, Sakura allowed him to drag her towards the bed. She studied him in the short time they walked the small space, noticed the deep furrow of his brows, the clenching of his jaw, the way his eyes were narrowed, and the rigidness of his shoulders. Uchiha Sasuke could be considered an uptight bastard but she had never seen him so tensed before. Even the hold on her arm felt different, firmer, as if to make sure she wouldn't be pulled from his hold, as if to make sure nothing would take her away.
Was Sasuke scared?
Sakura shook her head. No, he was reacting like any Ninja in their position would: uncertain and loathing it.
'…Stupid strangers…' The soft voice sang in light complaint, 'We'll kill you too…'
Sasuke scowled in response as he pushed Sakura into a seated position on the bed, irritation lighting his eyes as he glared at the window Sakura had previously been standing in front of.
His obsidian orbs trailed back to Sakura as he stood up straighter, eyes briefly locking on the pillows, "Sleep."
BAM!
The kunoichi flinched at the loud noise and sighed as she shook her head, "I can't. It's too loud and all the noises and the talking and moaning and…everything!" She groaned as she placed her head in her hands, pink hair spilling over her shoulders as she rubbed at her eyes, tears close to falling due to the building frustration, "I can't."
The little girl's giggle echoed in the air, 'Sleeping is no fun Haruno Sakura…We'll never let you sleep…So you might as well play with us…HA…HA…HA!'
Sasuke's scowl deepened as the hold Sakura had on her pastel locks tightened with aggravation. She wished she could just stop the laughter, she wished it was quiet, she wanted the taunting to stop, she didn't want to hear her name voiced by that child-like tone, and she wanted to sleep.
"Just go away…" Sakura whispered as she fell back on the bed, viridian orbs staring up at the ceiling while her hands remained in her hair, clenching and unclenching, tears still coming unbidden to her eyes.
Haruno Sakura wasn't afraid and she knew that she was strong and brave, enough to stand up to any and all obstacle she would ever encounter – including this one. She knew that she should be handling herself better, that she shouldn't allow a weakness like tears to show, especially after pulling through with little trouble the night before.
But Sakura couldn't deny her frustration and building irritation and confusion, the feelings drowning her with the unease of the future. Her mind wouldn't stop processing all the information and theories running rampant in her head especially when it wanted to shut down and rest after almost thirty-six hours of no sleep. The voices and laughing and moans and the constant impact against the walls were making it worse; were crushing her with a sense of…helplessness.
She blinked. She was helpless. She was being thrust into the days of being a weak little Genin again and she hated it. She didn't like being weak and vulnerable and, as an openly-emotional person, those feelings – frustration, confusion, anger, fear – were beginning to take over and overwhelm her.
Sighing, rubbing her hands over her moist eyes, Sakura frowned, "…I hate this…"
"Tch," Sakura heard the mild grunt and subsequently felt the bed sink slightly on her left side; removing her hands from her face, the kunoichi turned her head to see Sasuke sitting on the bed, back against the headboard, and Kusanagi readily waiting against the wall less than a foot away.
Sitting up also, Sakura looked at him, her pink hair falling over one shoulder as she leaned against her left arm. Sasuke remained quiet, his eyes were closed, seemingly unaffected by the noises sounding around him; his hands were resting on his lap and he was the epitome of composed impassiveness.
Sakura frowned. She envied how he could do that and she couldn't.
Slowly, she shifted in her position so she too had her back resting against the headboard, about half a foot of empty space between them, and continued to stare at the Uchiha Prodigy, wondering how – despite what was going on – he could be so calm.
"…What are you even doing in here, Sasuke-kun?" The pastel-haired women questioned curiously as she finally looked away from him and mirrored his pose; eyes closed and hands on her lap.
"Hn…" He grunted lightly, "I heard the banging."
Sakura's brows creased, "The ofudas will hold, there's no need to check up on me…"
"…You were about to punch a hole through the wall…" Sasuke pointed out bluntly.
"No, I wasn't," Sakura growled half-heartedly – she couldn't deny the urge of wanting to punch a hole through the wall.
"Tch."
Despite the fact that previous conversations with Sasuke – similar to the one she was having with him now – usually annoyed her, she couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence. His deep voice broke through her chaotic thoughts and the other outside whispers and because her eyes were closed she wasn't worrying about the shadows that past the windows.
It was nice, especially since it was Sasuke that was helping her through the commotion.
BAM!
The loud noise involuntarily caused Sakura's jade orbs to open and her body to jump with startle – her heart also jerking compulsively with surprise against her chest. Grimacing due to the interrupted peacefulness, Sakura clenched her fist into a tight ball, really debating whether or not she could just punch out a wall or two. Sasuke's eyes had also slid open when he felt Sakura's alarmed jolt and when he looked at her he instantly recognized her infamous temper wanting to break free. But what stood out for him the most was the exhaustion on her expression, the dark circles under her eyes, the pallor of her skin; she needed rest.
With a soft exhalation of breath – half in annoyance for the creatures outside and half in irritation for Sakura's lack of respite – he raised his right arm and curled it around her shoulders, pulling her closer towards him and forcing her head to fall comfortably against his chest. Sakura, who had stiffened upon his casual contact, lay absolutely still in the tense silence, feeling the Uchiha's chest rise and fall under her cheek with each steady breath he took. His arm loosely fell over her shoulders, keeping her fastened to him but not limiting her movements.
Sakura was literally surprised beyond words, not knowing what to do and far from expecting this unorthodox gesture of kind security and comfort from Uchiha Sasuke. Admittedly, he had opened up to her in the years since his return to Konoha; they were close, they were friends, and they were comfortable enough with one another to eat off each others' plates and stay over at each other's houses if one was too tired to make the trip to their own home. But Sasuke was hardly a physical being; sure there were the brief hugs – which she usually initiated – the rare times they had to squeeze in close for missions, and the occasional Physical Examination she had to perform on him and Naruto at the Hospital.
But this?
"Um…Sasuke-kun?" She whispered uncertainly.
"Sleep Sakura," Sasuke commanded plainly, the sigh in his tone conveying his exasperation for the continued tension in her body; it wasn't like he was going to do anything inappropriate to her.
Sakura began to relax, taking comfort in the warmth Sasuke provided, shifting slightly to snuggle a little deeper into his side, head pillowed on his chest, left arm curled around his back and right arm hugged to her own torso, "…Alright," She smiled, closing her eyes as she focused on the steady beating of his heart; the whispers and moans and banging against the wall at last beginning to fade away from her mind, "…Thank you, Sasuke-kun."
The Uchiha Prodigy breathed in deeply and slid his hand once along her shoulder in response, "Hn."
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
Uchiha Sasuke's heartbeat sounded nice. It was strong and…safe.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
Sakura smiled a final time as the sound of his beating heart lulled her into unconsciousness, her right hand absently grasping his shirt, as if to keep his protective security anchored to her.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
Finally, Haruno Sakura embraced sleep with open arms.
Naruto frowned as he lay across the couch, arms resting behind his head, sapphire blinking up at the dark ceiling. All the noises were becoming a constant humming in his ears as he tried to ignore the sounds to the best of his ability. Sporadically, a loud pounding could be heard coming from the bedroom next to the living room but Sasuke had already left without a word to undoubtedly check on Sakura before Naruto and Dai could even think about doing it. Though, if there was ever someone to trust Sakura's safety with – besides himself, of course – it would be Sasuke. The Uchiha-bastard cared about the pink-haired Medic more than he would ever admit. The silent thought caused Naruto to snort softly but he welcomed the small distraction – his thoughts helped him forget about what was going on around him, and contrary to what other people might believe Naruto did value his thinking moments.
So, he began reflecting about his and his team's situation. There had been a lot of things he had faced in his eighteen years of life – fighting S-Class Criminals, saving the world from power-hungry maniacs, taming the Nine-Tails Fox in his body, fighting his best friend almost to the point where they were both knocking on Death's door – so Naruto wasn't that type of man to run away from problems, or back-down from a challenge; in fact, he met threats head-on and fought until his very last shallow breaths because he had something to believe in, something to prove, people to fight for and protect.
But this Mission…
This Mission was unlike anything he had ever faced. Maybe it was Bird Country in general – he clearly remembered helping Toki-sama with her own ghost problem many years ago – or maybe it was because of the sheer vulnerability he felt as he watched a dead corpse attack one of his best friends and after cutting off its head and leg – when it should already be dead – the thing was still moving, still trying to find some way to kill them or…eat them.
He shuddered.
Uzumaki Naruto didn't show fear – his greatest fear would probably be losing his team, his best friends, everyone he cares for; being utterly and completely alone – but as he lay there listening to the eerie laughter of children, the rattling sounds of windows, a raspy voice that desired for his flesh and blood, Naruto couldn't help but think that this Mission was going to test his strengths and fears in the most horrific and gruesome of ways. He didn't want to be alone surrounded by these noises and he was glad that his teammates were just meters away from him – and a small part was selfishly relieved that he hadn't been in Sakura's position the night before; he would not have been able to handle it as well as she probably did. He didn't want to lose his friends to this terror; he wanted to protect them, even if it meant giving up his life for them.
But, how could he protect them when there was almost nothing to know about their enemy?
When Naruto and Sasuke had ran from Iwagakure no Sato to save their pastel-haired friend he had expected bandits, criminals, shinobi, people that he could beat into a bloody pulp. He'd call forth his shadow clones and Rasengan and use his fists and feet to drive back any and all adversaries so he could save his best friend – that same best friend who he'd set free and fight side-by-side with, including Sasuke, to justly punish whoever it was that chose to mess with their team.
Instead he stumbled upon a scared, blood-covered Haruno Sakura with stories of her experiences concerning ghosts and other unnatural creatures.
It was hard to believe at first, he was just as skeptical as Sasuke, but he waited to see it because Sakura would never lie.
And saw it he did. Saw it, heard it, felt the same fear Sakura did and despising the fact that those feelings of panic and trepidation were bothering him more than he'd like.
Naruto simply didn't know what to do.
He had never encountered these creatures, they couldn't be dealt with the same way people and shinobi could be dealt with, and that unknown scared him. He didn't know what to do to protect his teammates; he didn't know what to do if this Curse spread to his own home Village and killed even more innocent people.
And Naruto hated that helplessness.
He was supposed to be Konohagakure no Sato's Number One Unpredictable Ninja; Hidden Leaf's Hero; Legendary Uzumaki Naruto!
But here, in this abandoned Border Village in Rain Country, Uzumaki Naruto was nothing but afraid.
He frowned, hands clenching behind his head, cobalt orbs narrowing in increasing irritation, "Damn it!"
There had to be something he could do.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Naruto felt his spine stiffen, slowly sat up to gaze at the fireplace warily while Dai's eyes opened and followed his gaze.
'…Those two are no fun,' The little girl's voice stated sulkily through the thin plank and rice bags, 'So, you should play with us, Dai-san, you and the stranger…Come out and play…'
Dai's dark blue eyes slid towards Naruto, noticing the blonde's knuckle-white grasp on one of the couch's throw pillows, and frowned deeply when he stared at the covered hearth again.
"Just ignore her, Naruto-san," The Chuunin offered, gaining his attention, "She can't do anything with the seals in place. She wants your fear…She taunts for a reaction."
"Why?" Naruto asked as he sat up a little straighter, briefly glancing back at the fireplace before giving Dai his full attention.
"It's the game they play," Dai replied as he rubbed his tired eyes, "A mind game…at first, that is. They try to bother you with their noises and sounds, make you feel trapped and claustrophobic, and it doesn't help that the method used to keep us safe and them locked out is to also a method that involves locking ourselves in," He sighed, leaning his head back and staring at the ceiling, "I've seen great men and women fall to insanity because of the noises these creatures make and the words that child speaks…They'll even go as far as killing themselves for the silence, or opening the doors and windows thinking they might have a running chance to just get away from all the noise," His eyes slid back to Naruto, frown deepened, "That's when the physical game begins…These things like the chase, they like to play with their victims. Just like Yoshiro-san, they'll rip their prey apart, or lay out traps, or even let you go thinking you might actually escape, only to be snatched away just out of reach of leaving the nightmare…These creatures are cruel and they love it."
"How do you know about all this?" Naruto asked, just as the soft knocking sounded again – but he ignored it, following Dai's advice, "I mean, just how much have you been through?"
"I've experienced it for the past five years, ever since I became a Chuunin and Toki-sama assigned me the Mission," Dai answered quietly, looking down at his upturned hands, "But even before I was officially put on the job I was studying up, finding out all that I could from all the veterans that were dealing with the problem before I came into the picture. Before I entered the field I researched every report I could get my hands on, every death that occurred, every single sighting and encounter that was reported because I wanted to be ready when I finally joined them; I wanted to be ready for what I was going to inevitably face…" He shook his head, hands closing into tight fists, "There was a man who had helped me…His name was Sasaki Yuudai. He allowed me to take part in the meetings and listen in on briefings even though I was just a kid. He'd even tell me stories of when he went into the forest: said things about some creatures having special powers and techniques and told me exactly how people died. He was initially reluctant to share the information – but I begged him to. Takeru-san always disagreed about letting me hang around all the time, but Yuudai-sensei…he knew why I was there, he knew I was the kid that lost his sister in one of the first attacks; he knew that I needed to hear everything…
Naruto could see Dai's eyes becoming unfocused, could see the boy had started talking more to himself than to his company, and because Dai's expression was starting to take on a helpless expression – one he too was becoming familiar with – Naruto decided to break him out of his trance, "…So this Yuudai-san knows a lot then? Will he be able to help fill in the blanks for us when we reach your Village?"
Unexpectedly, Dai's shoulders slackened, his hands falling limply in his lap, fingers curling out of their tensed fists; his eyes had connected with Naruto's and the blonde was surprised to see sadness swirling in their depths, "…Yuudai-sensei was killed about four months ago. One day he just went into the forest, carrying an axe over his shoulder…and he never came back."
Naruto didn't know what to say. He opened his mouth, but no words would fall out.
Dai shook his head, oblivious to Naruto's speechlessness as he continued on, "Takeru-san suspects Yuudai-sensei had been onto something, but Takeru-san always suspects…He's been in this too long and he's growing weary with every passing day that comes with no results. It doesn't help that he's not too happy with Toki-sama putting me – a kid – half-in-charge also…But I think he's right that Yuudai-sensei might have found something, he was a smart shinobi, and he was the one that figured out the use of excessive-chakra wards in the first place…"
"…He sounds like a good man," Naruto finally said, a part of him reminiscing back to Jiraiya and even Kakashi, he grinned at Dai, catching the boy's attention, the Chuunin a little confused with his happy expression, "If there's anything I know about smart teachers, it's that they're proud of us and that it's our job to finish what they started and to carry on their legacy and teachings…We'll figure out this mystery, for your sister and for Yuudai-sensei! You'll carry the mantle and pick up where Yuudai-sensei left off, believe it!"
For a few moments, Dai stared at Naruto. Seeing the blonde sitting across from him, grinning brightly despite the constant knocking and pounding and groaning going on around them, Dai couldn't help but slowly return his smile, gaining confidence and motivation in his words, wanting to carry through and honor Yuudai just as Naruto said to. As he looked at Naruto, bright against the darkness of the room, Dai began to see for the first time why the boy was so famous and inspirational. He said things that made sense, made him believe, made Dai want to prove those words true, and realizing that made him see just how much of a hero Uzumaki Naruto really was.
"You're right," Dai agreed, his hands clenching with anticipation, new vigor filling him to solve the mystery that had plagued him for the past ten years, "You're absolutely right, Naruto-san! I will; I'll carry on Yuudai-san's responsibility with pride!"
"That's the spirit!"
'…You'll die just like he did…' The child giggled gleefully.
"Shut up!" Naruto growled, glaring at the fireplace angrily.
'No.'
Naruto snarled as he crossed his arms over his chest and made himself comfortable on the couch, ready for a long night. However, his azure orbs caught Dai's and he offered a devious wink in his direction, a smirk crossing his lips.
"We'll get them," The blonde assured, "And with Team Seven on the job it'll only be a matter of time before we get a Mission Success."
Dai nodded, a new hope blooming in his chest as he looked down at his lap. Naruto was right. They could do this.
"And I know what to do now," Naruto murmured to himself as he stared at the fireplace with narrowed, cobalt orbs, "I'll persevere, just like I've always done. This might not be the common enemy but when have I ever given up?" He grinned, "I'm not denying that I'm scared…I'm scared shitless. But I've got my friends and I'm going to protect them and everyone that needs protecting from these creatures, because that's my Ninja Way – my Nindo," He chuckled lightly as he stared up at the ceiling, "I don't even know why I doubted myself in the first place."
'You doubted yourself because you fear,' The little girl voiced simply, condescendingly, 'You will die…You know you will die…We'll kill you…' Another melodious giggle, 'We promise…'
Naruto simply snorted, lifting his head to glare at the fireplace as heatedly as any fire that previously burned there, "Good luck with that; I don't die so easily."
'…We'll see…'
A/N: Finally Chapter Ten! Yay! Who liked the SASUSAKU FLUFFINESS? Haha, I really hope you did! I actually liked this chapter; I delved into the mind a bit more, especially Naruto's. As much as I like the fear and slightly comedic reaction Naruto displays I think he's the type of boy who'd analyze his fear a bit before making a decision, and being Uzumaki Naruto, he isn't going to back down. Don't worry, he's still scared and he'll get scared at times in the future, but now his mindset is a little more solidified and he knows what he has to do to help – plus there isn't true Naruto without Narutoism, sharing his beliefs to someone who might be losing faith and hope and inspiring that someone to make a positive change so things can get done. Hope everyone stayed IC, please tell me what you think? I would really appreciate it!
Sorry again, by the way, for the additional Dai-wordiness, I had to get in more story and it helped introduce a few more characters without it being all at once when you read the next chapter and Team Seven and Dai arrive in Dai's home Village. Again, please let me know what you think and how I'm doing so far!
For anyone confused, just drop a review or PM me and I'll get back to you and answer as best as I can without giving away the plot!
As for the 100 Reviews THANK YOU EVERYONE! I really wanted to get this chapter out to you sooner but it wasn't perfect for me yet and I'd rather get you a good chapter that's late than an early chapter that sucks. So thanks for being patient and hope you enjoyed!
Disclaimer: Nope!
Next Chapter: Chapter Eleven – The Group (Update: 6-10 days)
Review Shout-Outs:
Brokenpureshards, shkh4ever, LittleGreenWolf, CiiCiinREX, Joy-girl, inkblots101, Ai, Song-of-Angellus, sasusaku-EienAi, Lady Kunoichi, Ladyrogue214, callix, Ice of the Kitsune's Fire, Chiaretta Aria, Sakura's Indecision, justmebutterfreetoo, Sabrestrike, sasusaku70123, JWJ, innocent blusher, and ILuvKellanForever.
You guys are the best, thank you so much for reading and reviewing and I hope to continue to scare and suspense you on the ride that is The Curse! This tenth chapter is dedicated to YOU!
UPDATES TO LOOK OUT FOR:
It All Started With – Chapter 17
False Façade – Chapter 2
Forbidden Bonds – Chapter 5
Missing In Action - Chapter 2
EDIT: Thank you Sakura's Indecision I changed – in the previous chapter – the regular scalpel to the chakra scalpel since a regular one wouldn't be able to cut against flesh and bone. :)
And! If anyone is confused about the Mapping of this story, I'd recommend checking out the World Map at (www . leafninja . com) Just take out the parentheses and spaces, it's where I get a lot of my Naruto Information! :)
Oh! One last thing! Anyone got a Twitter? I made one for the sole purpose of making friends who have the same interests as me (Naruto, Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist, Final Fantasy VII, Anime in general), let me know, I'm open to new friendships and whatever, up to you, just PM me or drop a review! Happy reading everyone!
Oh! And I plan on sending out some Pokémon (AAML), Fullmetal Alchemist (EdWin), and Final Fantasy VII (CloudTifa) Fictions too, so if you're FANS, please check them out! :)
You Are All The Best! And Feel Free To PM Me About Recent Naruto Manga Chapters Too! Heehee!
LotzaLove!
Len83
aka
Luvinukag83