Another update...
Took a bit longer than anticipated due to how I was writing this chapter...
Scenes were being written, skipped to the next scene and continued on that pace until I realized I was well into a two part chapter when I was coming back to scenes to finish them...
Which made sense that this, by the original, would be where chapter 2 and 3 take place.
Some scenes also didn't make it... Scrapped... Others pushed to next chapter.
Anyways, onto the chapter!
Reference:
"Italicized" - Emphasis/Tone Shift
Italicized - Thoughts
Bold Italicized - Emphasis
Mirror
Can you hear me?
Do I reach you?
Are you even listening?
Can I get through?
There's a part of me that's desperate for changes,
Tired of being treated like a pawn
But there's a part of me that stares back
from inside the mirror
Part of me that's scared I might be wrong
That I can't be strong.
I've been afraid
never standing on my own
I let you be the keeper of my pride
Believed you when you told me
I was nothing on my own
Listen when I say
I swear it here today
I will not surrender
this life is mine
"It is your choice. Your role is whatever you desire it to be. Any flaws. Replaced. Imperfections…"
"Mah, I get what you are saying… But why would I ever change? Everything has made me into who I am. Would I like to be smarter or better learned? Of course I would! But that's just something I'm gonna have to work at! There are no shortcuts! Hell, the power old man sage gave me… The one that supposedly mine from birth… I didn't want it! It doesn't feel right! I didn't earn them!"
"You truly are a special child…"
"Ow!"
Silence was shattered.
Dreams scattered.
The memories fading.
Replaced by a searing sensation on his skull.
"You were slacking!" Fukasaku withdrew his staff and slid it back into his robe.
"Oiy, was not!" Naruto rubbed his forehead, a welt forming.
"Daydreaming is not work!"
"Sakura-san did mention you would have difficulty in this matter." Shima nodded sagely, for once agreeing with Fukasaku. "Said you struggled when it came to researching materials…"
Scrunching his face, Naruto glared at the elder toads bitterly. "Sakura…"
"Hinata, too. Iruka… Tsunade, Kakashi…" Shima compiled names before him of all his friends and compatriots. "Think he said it best. That you learned through kinesthesis better than most other methods, something we witnessed personally. Would make gathering intel in this matter a struggle…"
His brow twitched.
Tick marks developed.
He felt so betrayed!
No one believed in his ability to research information in this manner!
"Oh, it is on!" Naruto formed the necessary seals, filled with scorned determination. "No one doubts Uzumaki Naruto! Kage Bu… Ow!"
"I did not teach you your father's secret trick to be abused!" Fukasaku held his staff at his side, prepared to use it again. "It is a precarious balance, something your father understood! Overload it, and you will fry your nervous system! He's not here to lick your wounds!"
Scowling, rubbing a second welt on his head despite the first having considerably recovered, Naruto squinted at the toad.
He wasn't wrong…
He never had to test how much his healing factor was from the Uzumaki vitality or Kurama…
Or a mixture of both.
"Naruto?" A familiar voice rang out.
"Velvet?" Naruto raised his head from the book he was studying, several clones doing the same and waving wildly. "Gah, get back to work!"
"Yes, boss!"
"How you doing?" Naruto chipperly turned to Velvet before frowning. "Uh, Velvet? You okay…"
As Velvet stared at Naruto and his clones in amazement, his eyes swished and swayed. A low whisper drew his attention.
He squinted…
It was peculiar, sure.
But it wasn't like the weirdest thing he had seen since he arrived!
People could turn into a swarm of rose blooms and cause sonic shockwaves!
How was this abnormal?
"I'm… Fine…" Velvet finally found her voice, flushing as she recovered from her bashfulness. "Was surprised… You seem to be hard at work. Find anything?"
"Nothing helpful." Naruto scowled, frustrated, as he ran his hand through his hair. "Don't know where to begin. So I figured to start with what I know and search for this Great Tree…"
"The Great Tree?" Velvet queried, eyebrow raised.
"You know anything?" Naruto gazed upon Velvet, filled with expectancy.
"Sorry, no," Velvet shook her head, ears dropping upon seeing Naruto's disappointment. "I have never heard of it before…"
"Damn," Naruto exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "Got my hopes up."
Flushed with embarrassment, Velvet broke eye contact and fidgeted.
She hated seeing anyone in need…
Her ears stiffened as a thought came to mind.
"Why don't you ask Professor Peach?" Velvet spoke, hopeful she would come up with something useful. "She happens to be the Plant Sciences instructor…"
"Really! Awesome! I remember meeting her!" Naruto's hope swelled before he scrunched his face. "Wait… That's a very specific instructor for an academy to have. She didn't even introduce herself as that… "
"She probably introduced herself as the Beacon's head of the infirmary." Velvet flinched, unsure. "That's what mostly everyone sees here as… Her class doesn't get very much respect."
Naruto scowled.
So it wasn't just him that struggled in gaining the respect of the students…
"Thumbelina Peach, huh," Naruto muttered before a beaming brilliant, leaping from his chair. "Alright, well, thanks, Velvet! I owe ya! That helps out a lot!"
"Huh?" Velvet stumbled, her face burned a vivid scarlet.
She wasn't used to receiving praise…
"Don't mention it…" She shook her head shyly. "Just helping out a friend."
"Well, don't hesitate to call the favor, ya hear!" Naruto beamed. "Whatever ya need, I'll be there! Now… Time to track down Thumbelina…"
"She's usually in the infirmary at this time," Velvet added, face still flushed.
"Ah, thanks again!" Naruto waved, making his way out as Shima and Fukasaku joined him on his shoulders. "Now then… Let's see, where is the infirmary…"
"She reminds me a lot of the Hinata girl," Shima commented, glancing behind. "She has a lot of the same mannerisms."
"Huh, you think?" Naruto pursed his lips. "Hm… You're right… Got it!"
"Got what?" Fukasaku inquired.
"Well," Naruto began, strolling towards his intended goal. "All Hinata needed was a boost in her confidence. Once she got that, her skills soared! So I just gotta build her confidence, no?"
"You… Still have much to learn, boy." Fukasaku palmed his face and sighed. "Jiraiya-boy still needed a little longer to cook with you…"
"Much to learn." Shima nodded sagely.
"Huh?" Naruto scowled, glaring at the two toad sages on his shoulder. "What are you talking about?"
"What'd I miss?"
"This is where nearly all scheduled training occurs with the perimeter."
Whistling at the advanced setup.
Despite the technological improvements that vastly improved the atmosphere and enhanced the coolness factor, Naruto still couldn't help but grin.
It was still set up as a classroom so notes could be taken, but it was set up like an arena so training could commence.
If there was a need for spare weapons, they had them on hand, which was helpful.
He'd make a note of that.
Huntsman and Huntresses may have their specialized primary weapon from what he gathered. And if he learned anything, it was never to be over-reliant on one thing.
Monitoring equipment… That he didn't know how to use.
Thankfully, Glynda would be here for the first few sessions to show him through some of these things.
Hopefully, he would catch on quickly…
Or find a lead…
"So this is basically my classroom," Naruto noted everything in the room, trying not to let his excitement over all the technological marvels show.
Glynda glared disapprovingly, crossing her arms. "Yes. You can call it such. But I will still be assisting for a portion of it."
"Huh?" Naruto screwed his face. "What's the point of giving me the role if you're not gonna let me do my job, huh? Steppin' on my toes already!"
"We will see in due time if you are qualified." Glynda retorted simply before sighing.
Her eyes glinted sullenly, looking upon the seats in the classroom. "No, I am not stepping on your toes. This is for the students who have been here every year, training and competing to enter the Vytal festival. I do not want to fail them. Those that have trained for four years and given it their all… The new young teams coming in this year. I want to ensure they all succeed and pass down this Academy's lineage of success. That is all."
"Then why didn't you say so? I get that!"
Glynda nearly stumbled at the sudden, chipper response.
She leered toward Naruto, only for her expression to fall, seeing his bright beaming face. "Mah, that makes sense! Want to make sure the students you've been training go out on top and the new batch is in good hands! That I follow! No problem here!"
Exhaling at the exhausting personality that was Uzumaki Naruto, Glynda sighed. Pushing up her glasses on the bridge of her nose, she pushed forward. "Allow me to show you how to use some of the tools for the class… I have a strong feeling you'll need to help."
"Cool!" Naruto grinned before cracking his knuckles. "Just got to do one thing first…"
Turning on a dime, Glynda's eyes narrowed, observing Naruto positioning himself. Widened his stance. "What exactly are you doing?"
"Durability test!" Naruto gleamed at the stable arena floor. "Obviously, at some point, there's gonna be training where I'm involved, and I want to make sure it holds up! So if I do this… Oh shit!"
The ground quaked beneath the quick stomp of his foot, cracking and giving way beneath. The floor around him splintered into spider web patterns, cracking to where it was spidering beneath Glynda's feet, much to her chagrin and horror.
He chuckled nervously while palming his face. "Whoops! And that was still not me putting in too much effort."
"So, um, how do we ask about repairs?"
She simply stood before him, mouth agape and a nervous twitch in her right eye.
This was him not putting effort in?
"Please refrain from putting effort in." Glynda withdrew her riding crop, and with a wave, a magnetic-like purple aura swept over the damage Naruto inflicted on the floor.
Gathering all the loose material, molding it back into place, and mending it back together until it was like new.
"Okay, that is cool!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly. "You gotta tell me how you did that!"
"No. I will not indulge in your trivialities." Glynda huffed, directing the tour back on track. "Now, follow me. There is still much to show you and little time to spare. …But, I will not question your motives. If you wish to train with your students side-by-side, it has been done in the past. However, exercise restraint."
"Only a few can withstand a blow such as that."
"Ah…" Naruto pouted, slowly trotting behind Glynda. " Guess I earned that one… Gonna have to figure out exactly what everyone can handle and work up."
"At least until I find a way back home…"
Wind swept briskly, gently brushing the leaves around him aside. Swaying the branches.
He carefully observed his surroundings.
Analyzing every detail accordingly.
It was finally the day!
Classes ready to start in days.
But first…
"Her again?" Naruto muttered, squinting at a familiar blonde figure exiting the airbus. "Oh, right. Forgot she would be attending… Well, gonna have an idea of what one future student is gonna be like! …Total drag… Huh, so that's how Shikamaru feels? Neat."
"What are you doing here?"
He recognized the voice.
Naruto didn't even have to look down.
He was intrigued by how she kept tracking him down relatively quickly…
Well, she did say something about scent…
Maybe that was it?
"Think that would be obvious." Naruto motioned toward the students disembarking the vehicle. "Scouting."
Two golden eyes dilated.
Then they twinkled with curiosity.
His branch buoyed under further pressure.
Blake perched on it next to him, curiously observing the proceeding.
Seemingly interested in watching.
Naruto couldn't fault her.
They would both be her future partners, competitors, and most importantly…
They all shared the same goal.
"As an instructor, wouldn't you be given their files?" Blake mused, intently watching a group leave, leaving behind a black-haired girl sulking. "Huh, you would think that if that were her sister, she would take her along… But I also get wanting to give her space to thrive on her own."
"That's what you got out of that?" Naruto raised his eyebrow before scrunching his nose. "Too much reading… Easier to read and watch. Gauge personalities. Not that many of these guys are gonna pass anyways."
"Excuse me?" Blake's bow curled. "Want to run that by me again?"
Naruto cursed.
His mumbling would get him in trouble with Blake and Velvet around.
Not that it didn't at home…
"Just repeating what Oz told me." Naruto waved half-heartedly in an attempt to defuse the situation.
Seeing Blake frown, Naruto sighed, flicking his hand through his hair. "Look, it makes sense to me. Back home, most graduates of the Academy fail the exam immediately after to join the ranks of shinobi and kunoichi. Can't say something like this is surprising. You want the best of the best."
Blake's heart skipped a beat.
Velvet had reassured her multiple times she had the skill to pass…
But never once told her that most everyone that entered failed!
There were many people here!
What if she was one that…
"Look forward to seeing you in my first class!" Naruto beamed toward her. "I've seen what you're capable of, so I got an idea for you! It's just everyone else… And how to set the tone…"
His words staggered her.
Was he aware?
Could he read her mind?
The moment doubt settled in her mind…
No, couldn't be.
She faintly smiled.
No, he just had a positive outlook.
However…
"You… Have an idea for me?" Blake inquired, head tilted.
"Heck yeah, I do! Want to test how much your Clone is like mine!" Naruto broadly grinned. "See how much that translates and can be taught! Could be useful to both of us, ya know?!"
Golden eyes shimmered.
He wanted to compare their versions of Shadow?
Learn from each other?
See what benefits they could gain!
How could she say no to that?
"Of cour…" An ear-ringing rupture caused her to cry out in pain, her bow folding on her head. "What was that? An explosion?!"
"What did I miss?" Naruto cursed, leaping down the tree, concerned about what he witnessed.
Only to see two individuals smoking within…
Perfectly fine.
Covered in ash.
"What in the world?" Naruto squinted, examining the scorch marks on the cement, distraught at the circumstance. "Okay, I could tank that, sure! But what is Aura?! Also, was that Dust that exploded? I want that!"
"Dust can be volatile!" Blake's eyes dilated, focusing on a single individual. "The finer it is… The likelier there will be a reaction… It's how one of my friends lost her parents in a mining incident."
"All because of her father's negligence."
Naruto's form went rigid.
His ears stiffen.
His eyes followed Blake's tunneled vision.
Filled with indigent rage.
Oh, this wouldn't end well.
"Ow ! Why did I explode?!"
"You idiot!" A horrid voice shrieked, causing her to wince and cover her ears. "Don't you realize how dangerous what you did was?!"
"Uh, what?" Ruby blinked, coughing up ashen smoke; a small puff of flames burst from her mouth. "Ahk! Dust does not taste good!"
A thin layer of burnt ash coated her clothes and skin.
She could feel her Aura crackling…
That was lucky it wasn't a greater explosion…
"Wait, it got inside you?" The shrieking, shrill voice emanated with horror. "Oum, that means… …Weiss you fool… How close was I to hurting someone? I'm just like him! ...No..."
A sense of dread crossed her features for a brief moment.
It quickly disappeared, an arrogant demeanor suppressing it. "Dolt! These cases around me are my Dust! Of course, something bad will happen if you bumble into it!"
"But you were waving it around!" Ruby mumbled from her knees, grimacing as she looked up. "And I didn't mean to… I got distracted…"
"That's worse!" The white-haired princess that named herself Weiss looked coldly down on Ruby. "Look, you seem young… A little too young to be here. But you are here, meaning you've earned the right to be here. But here is a life lesson for you… A lot of the misery in the world is due to negligence."
"I can't help but agree, Weiss Schnee."
Ice blue eyes slit and narrowed.
Burrowed deep in furious golds.
Her words sounded as if she agreed with her sentiment.
From her tone…
"Tell me," Blake strode forward, keeping her gaze level with Weiss. "Just how little did your father regard his worker's rights? How many did he send in the mines, knowing how dangerous the working conditions were? How apathetic his reaction was to the mine explosion when the lives of so many were lost due to his negligence ? "
"Just who do you think you are?!" Weiss stood on her toes to stand eye-to-eye with Blake.
"Someone who knows enough to stand up for what is right when no one else does." Blake snarled, eyes sharply dilated.
Causing Weiss to flinch and stumble back, her breath caught in her throat.
"Okay, why don't we separate and calm down!" Naruto stepped between, holding his hands out toward Blake and Weiss, a nervous laugh caught in his throat. "Don't know what the issue is, but let's take a step back!"
"Don't you touch me!" Weiss recoiled from Naruto, venom seething from her voice. "Don't ever touch me!"
"Okay…" Naruto held his hands up for her to see, hair standing on end. "Will do. But are you okay?"
He felt the fear in her voice.
That wasn't usual.
She was hyper-fixated on him…
He didn't like that.
"I'm fine! " Weiss snapped, eyes narrowed, her breath shallow. "Like someone like you cares about me!"
Frowning, Naruto placed a hand on his hip.
This girl had some serious issues…
And given the glare Blake was giving her…
More to his plate…
"Yeah, yeah, I do." Naruto turned, offering a hand to assist Ruby. "I'm an instructor here… I'm supposed to look after everyone."
"Oh, you took the offer!" Ruby beamed in excitement, her eyes flickering. "Awesome! Oh, what position!"
"Combat." Naruto flashed a broad grin.
"Oh-ho-ho! I'm so excited for class!" Ruby bounced enthusiastically.
"You are an instructor?" Weiss incredulously retorted, eyes like daggers as she thoroughly examined Naruto. "No… I don't believe it."
"Well, he is." Blake scowled, glaring at Weiss. "Was given the position by the Headmaster directly."
"What?!" Weiss stumbled, startled by this statement. "But…"
Sighing, glancing over at Blake, wondering what her issue with her was, Naruto drew her attention and locked her eyes with his.
Wanted her attention.
"We're all here for one reason. We're here because we made a choice. That choice is to protect everyone, no matter who they are." Naruto emphasized his point. "My role here is to help everyone excel at doing their job. Blake. Ruby. You. Every new kid. All the returning students. That is the job I accepted… And I will accomplish it. You better believe it."
Shrinking at his words, defiance remained in her eyes.
A sense of fear still glimmered within.
But Weiss grimaced, glancing away, taking a calmer breath. "Yes… I did make that choice…"
"Very well." Weiss' gaze sharply returned to Ruby. "Do be sure not to wander aimlessly any longer. If such an accident happens again, I will hold you accountable."
"But I don't think I was at fault…" Ruby muttered, running her hand through her hair.
"You weren't." Blake patted her shoulder, a wicked glare sent toward Weiss.
"You…" Weiss narrowed her gaze at Blake before huffing and turning. "I have nothing to say! Farewell, I hope we shan't meet again!"
"As for you…" Weiss' eyes glinted, staring into the swell's of Naruto before she swiftly turned her head. "We shall see. …If you are unlike the rest. "
"Pray that we don't…" Blake hissed at Weiss' retreating back. "Good for nothing Schnee…"
"Yeah, you're gonna have to fill me in about this later…" Naruto squinted at Blake, arms crossed over his chest. "What was that?"
"Long story…" Blake mumbled, looking away in shame. "Tell you tonight…"
"Um… Hi." Ruby awkwardly stood before Blake, unsure how to introduce herself. "I, uh…"
"I'll let you two get to know each other." Naruto grinned, ignoring the dark glare Blake shot in his direction. "Have somewhere I'm supposed to be… Pretty sure I'm late."
"Meh, the road of life has got me covered."
So this was what it felt like to be in the spotlight…
Huh, it wasn't anything like expected.
Naruto had to admit he didn't like Ozpin's speech.
He seemed very pessimistic.
Didn't seem to sit with the students well and stirred them.
But he did as he said he would and kept it brief…
And left immediately after leaving Glynda to dismiss the student initiates.
"That was…" Naruto blinked, deadpanned. "Underwhelming."
"You'll get used to that." Port held back a bellowing chuckle, patting Naruto on the back. "Oz has always been short and frank like that. He is an odd fellow, but his heart is always in the right place."
"Ah, yes, he values each student that walks through these halls and cherishes their contributions to Remnant." Bartholomew watched the fading back of the Headmaster as he walked from the stage. "He may keep to himself, but when you have done this job for so many years, you've seen thousands of faces come through and thousands of more fail… And hundreds…"
Oobleck grimaced. Port hung his head respectfully.
Naruto pursed his lips.
His eyes traced Ozpin's retreating form.
The man was still an enigma…
"Why are you on the stage?!"
"Mah," Naruto recognized the voice; his eyes dilated as he looked off the stage. "You again?"
To see Yang Xiao Long staring up at him, her eyes flickering in horror, gripping the stage tightly.
"Thought it would be obvious." Naruto waved, motioning to the rest of his fellow instructors. "I'm the new designated Combat Instructor here at Beacon."
"No… No… No!" Yang stood, trembling. "You… You are…"
The air sucked out of the room.
A heavy pressure pressed upon everyone's chest.
Oobleck and Port glanced at one another and were ready to intervene.
Glynda separated herself from the delegations she was assigning Peach, Greene, and Mulberry. "That is quite…
"I'm what?" Naruto's voice caused Glynda to flinch as he stared daggers at Yang.
Daring her to say what was on the tip of her tongue.
"Yang!" Ruby's voice rang out, looking dismayed at the scene.
Desperately worried at what her sister had caused once more.
"You… You…" Yang repeatedly stammered, breathing raggedly before she pointed directly at Naruto and exclaimed. "As young as I am! You can't be my teacher!"
"Oh, is that all?" The pressure was immediately alleviated, and Naruto let out a short laugh, much to everyone else's chagrin.
A slick grin slivered onto his lips.
His eyes sparkled.
He cracked his knuckles and popped his neck.
"Mah, just gonna have to prove to you just like everyone else, that means nothing! Done it all my life, so this ain't anything new, so get in line!" Naruto gazed down upon her with a tilted glance. "Gonna learn ya just like everyone else in my class! So ya better pass ya test, ya hear, or I won't forgive ya!"
Stumbling back at the intensity of his statement, Yang blinked.
Dumbfounded at the veracity…
Conviction and belief…
She had to admit. It was difficult not to be impressed…
She squinted her gaze.
Was that a challenge?
Before a word escaped her lips, Ruby bounced beside her, eyes twinkling with delight. "Oh, oh! What's the lesson gonna be?! I so want to know. Oh, dang it! I have to pass, don't I?"
"Damn right!" Naruto broadly beamed. "So you better find the right partner! Gonna want someone you can work well with! I want to see you in my class on the first day so you can see my lesson plan, alright? Only want the best, ya hear!"
Silver eyes gleamed.
The best?!
He did see what she could do before…
And he considered her…
Ruby jittered uncontrollably.
Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Then they widened before she sagely nodded. "Oh, that's right! Dad said we're gonna need partners! Almost forgot about that!"
"How did you forget, Rubes?" Yang squinted while placing her hand on her hip. "Did you forget how Dad met our Moms? That they were on the same team for four years. "
Ruby nervously chuckled, which only caused Yang to palm her face.
In her excitement, the team fact had escaped her…
"Ruby…"
"Well, I hope I don't end up with someone like her…" Ruby muttered, glancing back at and grimacing at a particular individual with white hair.
Then her eyes sparkled.
An image coming to mind.
"Oh, I know! I'll find Blake! She was nice! She'd make a great partner!"
"Heh?" Yang blinked before scowling. "Hold on… Ruby, I know I allowed you to find some friends and get comfortable without me… I'm excited you made a friend already… But this is…"
"See ya, Yang! Gonna go find her!" Ruby bolted away, roses scattering behind her. "Wonder if she'll partner with me!"
"Ruby!" Yang, alarmed at her sister's reaction, her hand hung in the air, mouth held agape. "Did I just get ditched by my sister?!"
"Looks like it," Naruto crossed his arms, feeling no remorse. "You did leave her earlier…"
"Quiet you! You were watching that!" Yang venomously spat before her eyes glistening worriedly in Ruby's direction. "You know nothing about us!"
Naruto frowned.
Said nothing as Yang rounded and stormed away.
"Yo! Get back here! It's supposed to be me and you to the end, dammit!"
The flicker of rage in her eyes.
The tint of red burned within them.
He didn't want to get into anyone else's business…
But he felt that pain.
Knew that kind of pain…
Naruto kept his gaze firmly on Yang's back, perplexed at the blonde enigma.
Just what did you suffer through…
"Well, that could have gone worse!" Oobleck laughed, patting Naruto on the back. "Normally, we don't tell the students about having partners until tomorrow… But there is no explicit rule against it."
"Eh, my bad!" Naruto panicked. "Didn't think about it! Was just caught in the moment."
"It is nothing to worry about. The information always leaks out regardless." Port chortled. "There are always second to third-generation students of Huntsman and Huntresses that are aware they'll be placed on teams. The information gets spread around."
"Now then, why don't we stop and get a round before the year officially begins!" Oobleck cheered before flinching. "Oh, wait… You're too young for that…"
"Huh?" Naruto blinked, perplexed. "No, I am not. Old enough to kill, old enough to drink. That's the motto back home. …I just don't like stuff. Stay away from it."
Exchanging a troubled glance with one another, Oobleck broke the tension with a laugh. "Yes, yes! Very good! Best not to get into the habit! But the invite still remains! I am inquisitive about what you've been working on, and I'm sure you have questions for us!"
Musing the opportunity, Naruto pursed his lips.
Blake would be waiting for him…
But…
Getting an opportunity to gather with his colleagues casually? Get to know them…
Might as well take it.
If anyone had more information on the Great Tree…
It could very well be them.
"Do you think I am a fool, Ōtsutsuki? I would never concede to such a demand."
"Ha, no. No, I don't think you are… But what other option do you have?"
"You'll be back when you have no other path."
Where did you disappear to?
"Oh, it's you?" Sasuke gazed upon the dawn's horizon, ocean waves licking at his ankles as the sand sunk around his feet. "You came to fetch me? I assume everyone has come to the same conclusion then…"
"That they are powerless to bring him home."
Scarlet eyes furrowed.
Sharp fanged teeth snarled.
You are playing a dangerous game…
Sasuke grunted, taking his gaze from the fading moon.
Sharingan peering into dilated scarlet.
"So what plan do they have that may be better? I'm listening."
One more for the road.
Hope you are enjoying the story so far.
It means far more than you know that everyone seems so engaged so I can't thank you enough!
Every bit helps to keep me motivated!
I do hope your day is going well, and if not, hope this brought some joy to your day.
Till next time.
Peace out.