15. And your world remains without a purpose
Within a quiet, colorless smoke the clones vanished — all traces of the replicas swept away with the passing breeze. It was almost too surreal. They made it...They'd all made it out alive! And yet, no one spoke a word. Even he was silent.
Albeit for very different reasons.
The Takagi Estate was grand and sat imposingly over one the tallest points in the outer region of the city. It was the home of a man who was considered one of the true rulers of Japan, and a woman who's smile would beautifully contrast the blade aimed for your chest. Naruto knew this because he knew this place, and by extension the family that lived here well. The great gates opened almost too slowly, and hesitantly, each one of the survivors took a step forward until it was only him who remained. With a final glance at the lone window overlooking the courtyard from the main compound, Naruto too followed behind. His hand unconsciously twitching when those same gates shut behind him with a loud metallic clank.
This place...
He was 'home'.
The bedding was unnaturally soft, and were it not for her ailing thoughts, Rei was sure she would have greatly enjoyed the feeling of fine silks cradling her currently naked body. With a soft groan the ruby eyed teen shut her eyes in pleasure as Shizuka's fingers ran up and down her heavily oiled back, fingertips kneading against every sore muscle with practiced precision. A special ointment that, apparently, worked wonders in helping ease the older blonds own back pains as a result of her overly massive chest.
"How are you feeling?" The oldest of the two asked gently. "Does anything else hurt?"
"Mmm..." Rei mumbled out in response. "No...It's just my back and shoulders that really ache."
Shizuka managed a smile while she continued to expertly rub the knots spread about Rei's tan flesh, idly taking note of the surprising amount of muscle packed underneath all that supple skin. Of course it was to be expected, this was the best staff user in the entire district after all. "I bet, you jerked pretty hard back there. I was afraid you'd lost conscious from the shock of it alone."
At the thought of it, Rei visibly sobered. "Yeah, I was pretty afraid too."
It was all still disturbingly fresh and at the very forefront of her mind. They'd only arrived roughly an hour ago after all, so it was expected.
Back there...
It all happened so fast, way too fast. The despair at knowing someone would have to stay behind and undoubtedly die so that the rest could escape. That strange unsettling feeling when Naruto first volunteered to stay behind himself. The monsters, hundreds of Them, more than she'd ever think to see surrounding what was left of their group, filling her with absolute terror.
Naruto.
Oh god, Naruto.
What exactly happened back there?
Magic? Was that all really some type of incomprehensible mystical power? Was he really telling the truth before? If so, then it begged the question once again, who or what was Uzumaki Naruto? Rei ignored the quiet voice at the back of her head gently whispering words of suspicion. Telling her that maybe Naruto knew more about what was going on, or that maybe he had something to do with it all together...
It would make sense though wouldn't it? Like playing an odd game of connect-the-dots, she could see the thinly veiled lines between each randomly spread dot and the other. How he shrugged Them off so casually, as if he'd seen something along these lines before. Everything about the way he moves and fights, and now with the reveal of his mind-boggling supernatural abilities — there was plenty of reason to doubt the senior blond. Hell, she already had plenty of reasons to doubt him before as it was.
Her frustrations grew as did her bewilderment. For the life of her, Rei couldn't get a good read on the guy!
One second he seemed practically untouchable by anyone's standards, and the next, he looked weak enough that a single push could knock him over.
"Is something on your mind?" Shizuka paused in her rhythmic rubbing for a brief moment and patiently awaited a response.
The brunette shook her head. "No, not really. I'm just a little...off put is all."
With a light frown, the older woman picked up were she left off. Albeit a bit slower as her own thoughts wandered. Rei was hiding something, though Shizuka knew when and when not to press. It wasn't like she expected the brunette to be carefree after everything that's happened anyways. None of them, not a single one had yet to relieve themselves of that creeping fear settling in the back of their heads, she could tell.
This place was safe, and yet one couldn't help wonder for how long? The few people she'd met thus far looked almost at ease, smiling as if nothing had changed.
But they were wrong. Everything's changed.
Perhaps it's thanks to him that some of you are beginning to see that.
On a single hand, Shizuka could have counted those that would've died had it not been for one stoic blond. The same stoic enigmatic blond that was seemingly wrapped in mystery. Maybe it was time to pay him that visit.
As always the room felt unnaturally cold.
Saya blinked dispassionately. Her amber brown eyes locked with a darker, much more narrow matching pair.
The eyes of her father, Takagi Souichiro.
"It's good to see you safe, my dear daughter." His tone was relaxed, but even in the presence of his own blood it carried a certain bit of authority. "I can't tell you how happy your mother and I are to see you home again. You managed to brave the chaos admirably. Of course I expected nothing less from you, you are of my lineage after all."
From underneath the sleeves of her brand new blouse, Saya's hands curled into tightly wound fists. In her personal opinion, the Takagi name and whatever self-given duties it entitled could both rot in the deepest pits of hell for all she cared. Of course her father would never come to know of her very personal opinion on the matter.
"Thank you papa. I'm happy to have made it safely as well. Of course, I couldn't have done it alone."
The imposing giant of a man crossed his arms and hummed aloud for a moment before speaking. "Yes, indeed you did. I took notice of Rei and Takashi being escorted in, along with a few others I didn't recognize. I must say you've done remarkably well Saya. To have led all of these innocent bystanders here, I know that took a lot of mettle. You can rest assured they are safe now, as are you."
Her fathers words entered one ear and out the other. At the very least least there was a silver lining.
Withholding a victorious smirk, the girl merely gave a polite nod and bowed. "Thank you for this papa."
It would seem her fathers ever observant hawk eyes didn't quite see them, or more precisely — him. Busujima Saeko and Uzumaki Naruto, both of varying degrees of interest to her dad, one for more obvious reasons than the other. Which meant that she still held the element of surprise.
"Oh, by the way, where's mother? I don't think I've seen her at all yet." It was a tad bit strange were she to be honest with herself. Out of her mother and father, Saya shared a much closer bond with her mother.
Takagi Yuriko was a much kinder person then her brick wall of a husband, and radiated an almost otherworldly grace in comparison. Smart, beautiful, talented, and deadly — that was what her mother was and that was who Saya had always secretly aspired to be like for as long as she could remember. They'd always been close. Yuriko was the one who bothered to even pick up the phone in the first place and tell Saya that she could return home.
"Your mother is off attending to a particular new guest of mine who'd managed to slip through the cracks awhile back, so to speak. Ironically, they arrived around the same time you and your group did, which is why I wasn't there to greet you at the gate."
Saya fought back a wince. She felt sorry for whatever poor bastard it was that Takagi Souichiro took a liking to. As always though, her father words went in through one ear and out the other. He was probably too busy off preparing all of this while she watched her classmates get massacred and torn asunder. Through the elegant window that overlooked the entire courtyard of the Takagi Manor, Saya watched them all huddle together and weep in harmony. Dozens of tents set up in rows spanning almost half of the land with numerous people cooped up in each of them, all saved by the efforts of her valiant father and his impeccable leadership.
It only took a day and he'd already saved this many lives.
Remarkable.
So remarkable, that it was enough to fight down the bitter jealousy that rose up like bile within her chest.
Those people... She thought bitterly. They probably got the chance to feel safe before I, his own daughter did.
The few seconds that she and that creature shared within that puddle of blood still haunted her to this very moment. Those lifeless, rabid eyes stared unflinchingly at her even when she tried to sleep. And that's how she knew that this too would give way to even more terror. What was happening outside of these walls wasn't an act of science, or any god. If anything it was their extinction. And nothing, not even humanity, could fight off the tides of change.
She knew this, the question was, did anyone else?
"Saya." Her fathers voice snapped her out of her musings. "Are you okay?" He looked a bit concerned now, a visible glint of worry etched into those narrow orbs. As if he'd been calling her name for a few seconds already. He probably did, she was just too caught up in her own anger to even hear him.
"Sorry papa, I'm just feeling a bit light headed is all. It's been a rather long day."
Souichiro nodded slowly, though he still looked worried. "I can only imagine. I'd like for you to take some down time until you're feeling better, everything else is second to your personal health and well-being after all. Although rest assured, when you are well and recuperated you will be taking up your own duties. Just as your mother and I, you are a Takagi, and with that title comes certain responsibilities that you are expected to uphold."
Once again, Saya felt her temper spike, but knew all to well not to lash out lest she suffer the consequences. Her father was not a cruel man by any means, but he was not above verbally putting her in her place. And while it didn't sound like much it was an unpleasant experience nonetheless, and one she would much rather avoid at that.
"Namely," the don gestured to the tents outside, "to assure that these good people and that the Japanese way of life remains, even when everything else is reduced to ash."
It was odd, she thought, how passionate he'd always been when it came to the lives of people he didn't know and a way of life that was slowly but surely fading with time, yet he couldn't bother to hug his own daughter every once in a while. Saya dipped her head low and bowed. An act that practically radiated obedience and respect while simultaneously serving well in hiding the scowl that now took place over her features.
You'd put total strangers before your own family. I'll never understand what mom sees in you.
"I'm well aware of my responsibilities father, and I will not let you down, I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get along with that rest and recuperation." She stated dryly, with that same blatant confidence that was so expected lacing every word.
The tiniest trace of a smile cracked the blank facade of Souichiro, one that was reserved only for a select few, and with a notable warmth he spoke. "Yes, please go ahead, you deserve it." Souichiro looked almost hesitant as he continued. "Saya, I truly am relieved to know that you're home princess."
A thin, bubblegum colored brow twitched in mild annoyance.
"I'm not a child anymore papa. Don't call me princess."
The smile flickered into a coy smirk. "Ah, of course, my apologies."
Saya crossed her arms and huffed as she practically stormed out of the room in her own unique way, and just as she was about to open the doors to leading out of the study — Souichiro decided to speak.
"Oh and sweetheart, I've informed Tadeshi of your arrival." At the mention, Saya's breath hitched. Though her father continued on, oblivious. "He'll be pleased to see you so I suggest you make your way to him at some point in the day. Also, those people that came alongside you. I'd like to talk to each of them, nothing less than a personal thank you from me will suffice as a showing of my appreciation for helping you to get home. Despite whatever reasoning they each may have, they still worked together in returning you to your mother and I."
If you'd call one person carving a path of bodies a team effort... Her grip over the doorknob tightened. Her father wouldn't get to him. Not yet. Everyone else, even Saeko would meet Souichiro, but not him damn it!
He was her ace!
She needed him to escape those damnable shackles!
"Consider it done papa, but I'm really tired, so for now I'd just like to rest."
"Of course. Thank you Saya, you truly are a blessing."
She shut the door behind her gently, and then collapsed on the fine oak behind her seconds later while letting out a deep breath. Her nails almost puncturing her own skin as the burning feeling within her body that was anger slowly melted away. In the midst of all the horror, she'd almost forgot about the one reason why she hated Takagi Souichiro more than anything else. And the reason why she needed Naruto as a bargaining chip.
Tadeshi Naoya — her fathers chosen apprentice and her husband-to-be. If only that selfish bastard would have died in all of this.
With a somber expression Saya dragged herself off to her room. Very much feeling as if she didn't really want to talk to anyone at the moment, not even her own mother. The others could wait until she was ready.
With a playful smirk, Takagi Yuriko crossed her arms over her bosom and spoke. "My, isn't this a pleasant surprise. The last time I saw you, you practically spat how you were going to vanish off the face of the Earth and kill us all if we even thought to look for you."
Naruto frowned.
This woman, she hadn't changed a bit. As every bit playful as a tigress about to rip her unknowing prey to shreds.
The brightly lit halls of the Takagi Manor were beautifully decorated and well furnished, all of it done by an experts hand. Most notably the exquisite red carpet that seemed to stretch on forever and lead to every room in the manor — but, before her, it all paled in comparison. Such was her elegance.
Not just as a woman, but as a force to be reckoned with.
"And yet here you are standing before me with that same boring look you had on your face two years ago. You even returned of your own free will and went as far as to bring Saya back with you." Yuriko winked. "Such a good boy you are! You're up for a reward you know."
He should have known better, and yet... he didn't. The name Takagi had always registered as vaguely familiar to him but he'd thought nothing of it at the time, merely chalking it down to another pang of passing nostalgia. But the second he spotted those grand gates and that huge, expensive compound it finally dawned on him.
Hayate had taken his broken body here all those years ago in an effort to save his life. Even going as far as having to plead with an old friend to keep his existence a secret. Of course such a secret couldn't be properly kept without certain restrictions being put into place. For four months he'd lived here, within the Takagi Manor in secret while slowly growing accustomed to what would become a brand new life on the outside. On top of the better part of an entire year under that mans watchful eyes.
And it just so happened that same old friends apparent daughter had been hanging limply over one of his clones backs just an hour ago.
Life was just full of surprises.
"If I'd have known, I never would have come back here." Was his abrupt response. Naruto knew — he'd already known — the problem was figuring out what to do from here on out. Niki wouldn't leave with him, especially not after what happened back at the apartment without bringing up annoying questions he wouldn't even bother to answer.
And he would not be leaving her behind. Not after going this far.
So, to put it bluntly, he was very much stuck in-between a rock and a hard place. Although the blond promised himself it would only remain a temporary issue.
"Oh, I'm sure you would have, but that's just the thing...you haven't yet. Which begs the questions of why exactly you're still sticking around when you can practically just jump the walls and leave. Personally I've found men only ever stay for two reasons." She put up two fingers, as if to emphasis her point while quickly crossing the gap between her and him. "And it's always either because they can't let something go, or because something isn't letting go of them."
She was close now, too close. Naruto half-swore he could see the makings of a shadowy silhouette forming behind the lithe beauty.
"So, what's your reason for staying, Uzumaki-san?"
"Duty." The teen uttered neutrally, completely unfazed. "I owe someone something and I plan on repaying the favor."
Yuriko played the part of the innocent. "Duty?" she echoed, "You owe someone something? My my, Uzumaki-san, I never once took you for the honorable type. No, more like the type to stab someone in the back should it benefit you, if anything."
Naruto for his part didn't even flinch at the insult. It was only tricks to get a rise out of him and he wouldn't be falling for her mind games a second time over.
"You flatter me, Takagi-san."
Just like a hungry tigress she circled her prey, dark eyes moving up and down his form as they once did two years ago until she was once again facing him.
"You still aren't taking very good care of yourself, are you?" Yuriko stated after a pause. A single hand coming up to brush through the knotted mop of blond locks. "Have you even been using any of the money I send you monthly? Are you eating right? That old mans garbage doesn't count either, I'm talking real people food. The type that keeps you alive. And please, do tell me when the last time you bothered to go and get a professional haircut was? This mess looks like you just took a kitchen knife and did it by yourself."
Those same delicate fingers pushed the bangs that spilled across his vision up and away from his eyes. And with a brilliant smile that lacked any of the craftiness of before, Yuriko spoke.
"There, now people can see just how handsome you really are!"
Naruto hated this woman. He hated how she talked to him, tricked him, and how she somehow managed to make him feel like he was twelve years old again. More than anything though, he hated the kindness in her eyes. The same kindness he'd bore witness to all too many times from Misuzu. A kindness he was very much undeserving of.
He moved away from her, and shaggy blond locks once more draped themselves over his blue eyes.
"He knows I'm here I take it."
The smile over Yuriko's features grew thinner while a soft sigh escaped her parted lips. "Always business with you." Yuriko said as she crossed her arms and leveled him with a cryptic gaze. "You really just can't deal with it, can you?" Another short breath was released. "Yes, he is aware that you're here. My husband would like to speak with you whenever you're ready to see him, mind you it is best to not keep him waiting long. You know how impatient he can be at times."
Impatient was an understatement.
With a short nod, the blond made to walk past her and continue his aimless wandering of memory lane. Only for a hand to gently place itself over his shoulder.
For a brief second, Yurkio seemed to hesitate before speaking. "Welcome home, Naruto."
The words echoed in his head. He paused as they slowly sunk in, before finally choosing to respond.
"This place was never my home." He stated tonelessly. "It was more like a prison."
With that, Naruto shook his shoulder free and made his exit. Leaving a somber Yuriko behind to watch him go.
Damn it! Where is that bastard? Rei grit her teeth as her frustrations began to quickly rise.
After Shizuka had left and she'd deemed herself properly rested, Rei thought it a good idea to seek Naruto out and confront him on her suspicions. Unfortunately she'd seriously underestimated the rumors on exactly how difficult it was to find him, a feat only Hayashi Kyoko could ever accomplish. It felt as if she'd been searching for hours for Uzumaki Naruto without any sort of luck. Her already sore legs ached, and yet still she pushed on. Such was her resolve to locate the blond teen.
He owed her some answers!
Wait... No he doesn't, if anything I owe him. The brunettes pace gradually slowed as she mulled on an actual legitimate reason for searching for him.
When it was just them, Naruto and Rei, after being separated from everyone else, she'd learned a few things about the stoic blond — perhaps her biggest discovery being that Naruto did indeed have something that set him off. More so than any annoyance, he absolutely did not tolerate anyone prying into his personal life.
If she approached him like this it would just end up like before. With her feeling guilty and him outright shutting her down.
He'd saved her lives more times than she could count now. But did that make him a good person? He could have save dozens, maybe even hundreds with his strange superhuman ability he'd kept hidden, but he didn't.
Why?
It was always whywhywhy with him?! One second it was there, so tiny you could've easily missed it, but she saw it when he saved Alice from a horrible fate. A small spark of something human. A tiny, forgotten piece of what used to be. Then it was gone and all that was left was that same cold facade.
It was here, as she mulled over the happenings of the past day that Rei realized she really knew next to nothing about Uzumaki Naruto. Not about his past, family, dreams, nothing at all. All she knew was what he'd shown them. Once more, guilt burst to life within her heart. She'd always prided herself on having an open-mind and held strongly to her own sense of justice. Despite this however, she lashed out like all the rest. All because she felt unhappy with the way things were. Shido, her flunking, the blemish on her parents reputation as a direct result, Igou...
Takashi.
Seeing him on that night so casually sitting at her families dinner table, looking for all the world as if he belonged there, seeing him smile when she could barley hold herself together. For whatever reason that agitated her to no ends, and so she lashed out at him for it. And he took it with a smile.
As he did so well.
"Rei!"
At the sound of Takashi's voice, the brunette was brought out of her musings.
The dark haired teen smiled at her — a smile filled to the brim with adoration, and she knew this. In the span of a few short seconds he was already beside her as expected. The familiar scent of lemons wafting through her nostrils. Takashi had always smelled of lemons. His mother kept a garden in the backyard and the tall lemon tree in the very center was her most prized possession. It was underneath that same lemon tree that Takashi and her promised themselves to each other all those years ago.
"Hey, Taka..." She smiled at him.
Takashi blushed at the nickname and grinned sheepishly in response. "You look like you're in a real rush, what's going on?"
Rei inwardly flinched. Was it that obvious? "Not really, I suppose I'm still a little shaken up about everything then." Was her response, of course it was a lie.
She couldn't tell Takashi of all people she was looking for Naruto, of all people. The dark haired teen seemed to buy it, as a genuinely concerned expression suddenly overtook his previous happy smile.
"Yeah...what happened back there was scary alright, but we're fine now." Almost nervously, his hand was snaked around her own, and with a reassuring squeeze he continued. "But...we're safe now so it's okay to relax. Besides this place is big so the chances of Uzumaki finding us are slim right?"
Rei paused mid step at his words.
"Huh? What's wrong Rei?"
Without really thinking on it, the brunette responded. "What exactly do you mean, Taka?" She stated her question carefully.
He looked confused, but answered her nonetheless. "Well it is the truth isn't it? This place has always been massive, that hasn't changed since we were kids, a-and we both know the layout so hiding won't be a problem. After all it's obvious that Uzumaki is too dangerous to be around. Not only did he knock Saya and me out, but he put us all in that risky situation in the first place. But don't worry, I'll always protect you!" He slammed his fist over his chest and flashed her that same confident grin, just like when they were kids.
For whatever reason, Rei felt her anger didn't know what triggered it, all she knew was that she felt the familiar heat in her chest.
"If I'm remembering this correctly Takashi, you were the one that voted on us leaving." Rei stated with narrowed eyes.
Takashi flinched, entirely confused at the sudden hostility. "Re-Rei...I don't—" He was instantly cut off.
"—I get it Takashi, you want to keep me safe, you worry about me and...I appreciate it, really I do. But I don't think you understand that I don't need protecting from anyone. I'm not some princess to be coddled! I can stand up for myself and I can most certainly defend myself!" Her tone gradually rose, and ruby eyes widened as flashes of the incident at the gas station came to the forefront of her mind. "I'm perfectly capable of standing up on my own two feet and I don't need you to act like my knight in shining armor!"
Takashi practically reeled back, his mouth opening and closing as he tried his best to form words but found himself lacking.
Where did that come from?!
By the end of it Rei was gasping for breath. Her hands shaking as she fought to regain her cool.
That...
That was everything she'd wanted to say to him, but was too afraid to.
...
A silence fell in between them, though it only lasted a few short seconds. As always, Takashi put her above everything else, even his own pride.
"R-Rei... I'm sorry." The teen must have felt as if it was all directed at him. "I know that I freak out too much and that I really shouldn't. I mean hell, you're stronger than I am. I just can't help but worry! You know that I... I really care for you." His eyes spoke of a dozen apology's, and looked absolutely sure. Her heart skipped a beat for numerous reasons.
For a moment there, it almost sounded as if he were going to say the words.
"And if anything ever happened to you, well... I don't know if I'd be able to go on."
Guilt.
It was all she'd ever truly felt for the past four years. Now more than ever.
"Takashi..." She bit her lip, her eyes desperately searching his. It had only taken a day, and what a day it had been.
All these years of struggle — of hiding it from everyone she knew and loved, of giving them the same reassuring smile whilst doubting herself on the inside. All of that hard work had been unraveled in the span of a single day. In twenty four hours her very beliefs had been shaken as easily as one would a fallen, discarded tree branch.
"I'm sorry."
With a light blow, Kouta admired the clean sparkling barrel of his rifle for another second or two, before placing it down with the rest. A satisfied smile spread across his face. His gaze swept through each of them with something akin to a disturbing admiration. Each one of these was the only thing standing between him, and Them.
Those horrible, ugly, terrifying monsters with their lifeless eyes. Kouta would not, would never become one of those things! He'd first kill himself before letting that happen.
It had only been an hour ago but he could still feel the shaking in his hands and the sinking feeling in his gut. The second he found some privacy, the teen had promptly vomited his heart out.
Who could blame him? It was like he'd been woken up from the nightmare, only to realize the nightmare was real. All at once the faces of the people he'd watched die flashed before his very eyes. He could hear their screams louder than ever before, and with every memory he saw himself die a dozen different ways. It could have been him. It would have been him!
"...No...no amount of people, no walls. Nothing can protect me as well as I can protect myself with the help of these." He mumbled madly to himself.
At the slightest opportunity presented, Kouta quietly broke off from the group and found a sanctuary within one of the seemingly endless rooms that strangely enough remained unoccupied within the Takagi estate. Immediately shutting himself inside and falling over the guest bed — unfortunately staining the clean sheets with old blood and dirt. The he simply opted to just lay there for what felt like an eternity.
In the beginning of it all he was scared and confused, but secretly happy because he'd teamed up with a beauty like Takagi Saya, and she'd actually acknowledged him. He was happy that he'd teamed up with Uzumaki Naruto of all people. And then he learned of Misuzu's passing, and of Naomi's cruel fate, and it all slowly began to set in...
Now he was just plain scared. So scared that his brain felt as if it was going numb with fear.
What could they do now? What could he do now?
When he closed his eyes all he saw was that fucking freakish creature wearing human skin. How close it was... how close it was to fucking eating him! Like cattle! Like he would a hamburger!
It sent cold chills up and down his spine.
It paralyzed him!
Within the darkness of the dimly lit room, Kouta felt hot tears run down his cheeks for what seemed like the third time in that single hour as it all slowly started over again in his head. The reoccurring flashbacks setting in, reminding him of the very real danger that lurked outside these walls. Walls that eventually would fall...
His expression however remained unchanged. Eyes locked solely on the weapons spread before him. The smile still in place, although it was heavily strained.
All he could do now was hide here, and use these to keep himself alive. For what purpose, Kouta honestly did not know. He just didn't want to die.
From the corner of the room, the phone laying flat over the bed vibrated.
Kouta ignored it.
The study was silent as the two stared at one another, voiceless in their words but not in their clashing wills. It wasn't until after an entire minute had passed exactly that Souichiro decided to take the initiative.
"Welcome back." He stated tonelessly. "It has been quite some time boy. Hayate stopped mentioning you in his e-mails, so I figured you'd flown the coop and disappeared."
Naruto snorted in disbelief. "You're a crappy liar for someone who practically works with them. I'm not a fool, I know you still had a few of your men keeping a close eye on me regardless of what you and the old man set up."
Despite the blatant accusation, Souichiro didn't look the least bit bothered. "I won't apologize. You're not exactly something a person in my position can just let go of without bothering to keep tabs. You are, first and foremost, a danger beyond even my own understanding."
The blond standing a ways from his desk let a ghost of a smile spread across his blank expression. "I didn't expect you to, I would've done the same."
Once more a silence fell in between the two, and yet again, Souichiro took the initiative.
"Seeing as it's obvious you would much rather be anywhere else right now, I'll make this easy for you."
Without bothering to explain, the much larger man reached down under his desk and pulled out a plain cardboard box. The same you'd use to wrap a package, all the while his eyes lit up in sheer pleasure as if they were admiring all the beauty of god itself. Souichiro could tell he was unimpressed and had apparently been expecting it. With a smirk, he spoke.
"Two years ago you were brought to my home by a man I greatly respect, with injuries that would've killed any normal human being. On that same day, you crippled four of my men and killed another two while attempting to make your escape, and to top it all off, you almost killed my wife in your ignorance. You have been nothing but a headache to me and a concern from the very beginning..."
Naruto didn't looked the least bit fazed. If it was remorse or any kind of apology Souichiro was looking for, he'd soon be sadly disappointed. He had his own concerns back then. Namely, figuring out where the hell he was.
Though the smirk still lingering over the mans face spoke otherwise. "For half a year I allowed you to stay with my family and I despite the danger you obviously pose. You remained ignorant and cold, and while you went on entirely unconcerned for your actions, I was busy writing letters to families of the two you killed in cold blood and simultaneously hiding all trace of your existence. I've exhausted almost all of my resources in crafting an entire life for you—"
"What gives you the right to talk to me like that?" The blond interjected, his expression frosting over. "You act as if I made you do all of those things. Those were all choices you and that old bastard made for me, I never wanted to stay."
"Then why did you, boy?" His own expression grew cold, and Souichiro allowed the don-persona to take charge. "Why did you bother to stay? Why haven't you killed me now, like you promised you would? Go on, take my head." The don stood from his chair and spread his arms wide, clearly challenging the blond. "The world is ending, no one would search for you and even if they did they'd never catch you. Not in a million years. You have the power, the skill, the raw capability to kill me right now. So...do it."
Naruto's hands balled themselves into tight fists. "Don't test me. I've killed people for less." A heavy wave of killing intent filtered into the study, making it feel as if it'd been filled up to the very ceiling with water.
But it was useless against someone who knew the true fear of killing, and being killed.
Souichiro to his credit didn't even flinch.
"Do you think something like this would work on me? Boy, I've looked the barrel of a gun down and smiled. Besides...you lack any actual intent this time around. It would seem that sharp blade of yours has dulled over the years."
If this were two years ago, this man would've already been dead. His head cleanly cut and laid atop that damnable red chair he loved so much. If only because it was the quickest solution and he just didn't care anymore.
"I'm glad I got to meet you, Uzumaki Naruto."
But now...
Now things had changed, if only a little bit.
"Gifted with unimaginable power, even in among the people of your home, and yet you shun your duty. With that power comes the undeniable burden of action, of choice. You will never be allowed to just sit idly by boy...you should know this. Not while you still hold onto that power." A single finger was pointed his way. "It was never what fated decreed for you. Yet you run and hide from that fate, acting as if you were one of the weak."
With a frown, Naruto retorted. "I don't think you know a damn thing about me, or else you'd know I've never really cared for catering to fates whimsy."
"And yet, it was fates whimsy that decreed I help save your life that night."
Naruto's dark orbs stared unflinchingly.
"And it is fates whimsy that I don't end your life where you stand."
Souichiro's eyes narrowed in response. "I believe it's a lot more than just fates whimsy this time around, Naruto..." Without breaking stride, the imposing man flicked his wrist and tossed a single key toward the blond who easily caught it. "Your old room. It's been cleaned. Take this with you, open it when you get there and then come talk to me, I'll have a request for you and we can continue this then. I have other guests to entertain right now."
Naruto's gaze flickered to the box sitting on top of the table. His lips made to move, but suddenly stopped. As if he were hesitating. It was barley a second though before he found his resolve and spoke.
"The old man...has he checked in with you?"
The lingering tension dissolved almost immediately.
Releasing a sigh, the older of the two circled around his desk and found his seat again. Fingers interlocking as he leaned his elbows over the fine oak. "He hasn't called, no. It's very unlike him which worries me. I am aware he's one of the best... but he is old too, and a few of those things are enough to take even me out if I'm not careful."
Naruto didn't bother responding as he walked right up to the desk, grabbed the package, and then swiftly turned and made his exit. His hand was already turning the knob and his foot out of the door when Souichiro decided to speak up one last time.
"I saw his granddaughter come in with you, Miyamoto Rei."
Naruto's lips set into a thin line.
"I'd suggest taking her with you... They were close. I'm sure she's even more worried than either of us is."
The door shut, and Souichiro was once again alone. Releasing another much deeper sigh, the man let his head droop back. His eyes staring blankly at the spinning fan above, watching the blades spin in a rhythmic dance. A brief image of a much younger Naruto, one with the emptiest eyes and the coldest expression he'd ever seen, appeared before his very eyes. A mere child who looked as if he'd walked a hundred battlefields.
That was two years ago.
Now, those previously hollow eyes were full of doubt and guilt. He saw it, even if it was only there for a moment — he'd seen it with his very own tired but still experienced eyes.
A tiny smile broke through the usual stoic facade. It was better than nothing. In fact, it was a start.
Perhaps, there was still hope for him yet...
Saya shut her phone and then let her arm fall across her face in an effort to block out all light. Releasing a light groan as she relaxed her tensed muscles as she did so.
Well, she was home, she was alive. She'd seen her parents...not everyone could say that. And yet she was unhappy.
Not even ten minutes ago, the girl sent a group text to almost everyone in her contacts list, even the fatass — as instructed. They'd know to meet her father at some point in time during their stay here and she wouldn't have to look any of them in the eye while carrying out his demands. Of course at some point soon she'd need to find Naruto, but that could wait.
Right now she was utterly exhausted.
Her eyes darted around the spacious room that was decorated with only the finest, and her heart was slowly filled with sadness.
Indeed, she was home, and nothing about it had changed. Nothing about it ever would...
And in there lay the issue.
She bit her lip out of frustration. Somewhere in this too-big-a-house was her future husband and he couldn't have been farther enough away if she'd willed it herself. With that being the last thing on her mind, Saya shut her eyes and let sleep take her.
Naruto stared at the plain door before him as if he'd never seen one before, his eyes darting between the door itself and the key in his hands. A soft frown adorned his features as he finally placed the key in the lock and turned it. Absentmindedly listening for the tiny clicking sound.
He actually put one in... During his stay here he didn't complain about much, but he did have a particular problem with Yuriko abruptly bursting into his room without invitation whenever she wanted.
With a slight creak the door was opened and light was shed onto the pitch black room. A single bed, a counter-top table and a lone journal left untouched atop it. Everything was exactly as he left it.
Naruto's gaze lingered over the journal. Souichiro had once proclaimed it would help him to write his thoughts out. He honestly couldn't remember if he'd taken him up on that advice or not, the chances were slim. The blond passed it without sparing it another glance and placed the mysterious box on the bed. Taking a seat next to it shortly after.
What could be in here that would make him feel so confident?
Souichiro was playing him, or at least trying to, and he was making no effort in hiding it either. The question now was would he play along? After pondering it, Naruto came to a decision. The tips of his fingers brushed against the cardboard until the edges of his nails were digging underneath the clear tape wrapped around it, ready to pull it back at any moment. And he did. With a loud tear, the tape was torn right off, and just as he was about to reveal its contents. A knock sounded from his door and a familiar voice called out.
"Uzumaki? Are you in there?"
Rei.
Naruto toyed with the idea of just staying quiet and letting her walk away for a split second, but Souichiro's words echoed in the back of his head.
...Hayate was her family first.
With a click of his tongue, Naruto pushed the package to the side. This could wait. He'd wasted enough time as it was anyways.
To her credit, Rei didn't outright jump when the door was suddenly opened and Naruto was a mere inches from her face.
"Come with me, we're going to find your grandpa." He didn't even wait for her to respond or even bother to ask her how she found this particular room among the hundreds before pulling her along by the wrist. A single thought in mind.
Damn it old man, you'd better be alive...
Shido knew fear, because Shido knew his father. A man who's raw greed exceeded any other and who would stop at nothing in making sure that even the most disturbing of his thirsts would not go unquenched. A hungry beast unlike any before him. Indeed, Shido knew monsters taken human form, and he knew fear. And it was thanks to this living in the proverbial belly of the beast that he didn't outright fall to his knees like some of the others.
It'd only been roughly an hour since the rest of the traitors departed and his shameful defeat, and things had only gone from bad to worse. That lone dark blue eye stared at each of them impassively from underneath the shadows of the fur hood. A lone jewel glimmering in darkness.
The living room that once held many, now held few, and those few were all at the mercy of the stranger who'd unceremoniously knocked their door down and with a single glance etched terror into their hearts.
"I suppose I should start by apologizing for gathering you all like this." He gestured to the five. "I guess I was just a bit giddy is all. I'd just about called it quits you see, when all of a sudden I felt a change in the winds...And then when it was so close, I could almost taste it!" The obscured man chuckled mirthlessly. "...But I guess I'm too late either way." He spoke, more to himself than anyone present.
"Wh-Who are you?" Yamada stuttered, his knees all but cackling. The teen didn't know why he was so afraid he just knew he should be.
"Who am I?" Faster than anyone could blink a hand was already wrapped tightly around his throat and gripping it uncomfortably hard. "I don't really have a name, I think." He seemed to contemplate it, even in the midst of choking the struggling Yamada. "It's a complicated story but I suppose right now, I'm sort of like a god to you." His grip tightened. "In the sense that right now, I decide if you live or die."
The last bit was obviously directed at all of them.
"Yamada! Let him be you bastard!" Kyoko almost bit her own tongue at the outburst, but seeing a student about to be straggled to death was too much. Despite the fear nestled awkwardly within her naval, she acted. Sitting idly by and letting anyone die if she could help would have been worse than whatever fate awaited her now.
To her surprise, the hostile intruder unceremoniously dropped Yamada to the ground. The teen wheezing for breath as he gripped his bruising throat with widened eyes.
His attention was now solely on her. Kyoko's heart practically skipped a beat.
"Ahh, I was hoping one of you would speak. Honestly I expected it to be you." His tone was smooth and slick.
The intruder crouched down so that he could get a better look at the trembling woman. The makings of a smile forming within the shadows underneath his fur lined hood. A smile that lacked any of the actual warmth and kindness intended.
"You've got this look in your eyes...Personally though it might just be your hair." Her breath hitched when pale fingers combed through her loose crimson locks. "I've always been a fan of red hair. Any shade of it really."
Was he going to rape her...? A newfound fear crept down her spine. When his shadow overcame her, Kyoko tightly shut her eyes and prepared for the worst. Fighting back a whimper as her entire body tensed up in preparation.
Better herself than Kawamoto.
"Relax, I'm not into older women."
There was an evident mirth in his words, as if he were joking with them. Along with an odd skip to his step as he harmlessly passed by her. Whoever this person was who could so easily impose his will upon them was obviously overjoyed about something. Maybe it was the fact that soon he'd be killing them all in cold blood.
"Wh-What is it that you want?" She stuttered out.
"What is it that I want? Hmm, well, I mainly just wanted to ask you guys a question. Depending on your answer, I'll decide whether to ask more questions or kill every last one of you." He paused. "Don't think about lying either, I can tell when you do. Now then, are any of you familiar with someone by the name of Uzumaki Naruto?"
All at once, their expressions turned a shade paler and he reveled at the sight of it.
With an all-too-pleased smile, the obscured man spoke.
"Congratulations, you've just bought yourselves some time."