Hey there, Ken here first off thank you all again for your patience with these chapters. These chapters are I wouldn't say near or dear to me, but a lot of effort went into making these so I'm glad to get these published and out to you guys. I'll keep this section brief here since this is the continuation of the Author's Note. Now for the reviews.
TopSpartan216: Thanks for reading the chapter! Also, I apologize for the lack of Suna, I honestly enjoyed writing for the Hidden Sand and the sand trio but I wanted to spend more time focused on the less explored elements and places of Naruto within this story. This will not be the last time we see them I promise that. Regarding time skips I try to avoid them if possible but sometimes they are needed I'll spend time clearing this up this one is going to be one of the last big time skips I promise. I hope to see you in the next one!
Dragonkeeper10: Thank you for reading! I'm glad Kurotsuchi is here! I was looking forward to writing her especially interacting with Naruto I have a feeling these two will have a pretty fun dynamic. From now on Naruto will be kicking plenty of ass I promise that. I hope to see you in the next one!
Alexander4443: Thanks for reading bro! I hope to see you in the next one!
Shinigami101505: Thanks for reading the chapter! You are also welcome. I hope to see you in the next one!
Leo-Arctic: I hope to see you in the next one!
Jagsboy: Thanks for reading the chapter! I regard to Naruto and Kurotsuchi I am looking forward to writing more of their dynamic, they will definitely have their ups and downs but I enjoy writing for the both of them and hope to do more in future chapters. I hope to see you in the next one!
Reedz22: Thank you for reading the chapters! I hope to see you in the next one!
Spellbat: Thank you for reading the chapter! Ah Isaribi interesting... I hope to see you in the next one!
TigrezzTail: Thanks for reading the chapter! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I wanted to incorporate the Hidden Sound just a bit since it seems like they were glossed over a bit in Shippuden it also gave me a excuse to write about the Land of Rice. Also you'll find out who the boy is in these two chapters I hope you enjoy them!
Gwynx: Thanks for reading! Also as far as I am concerned Naruto currently has no plans on going back to the Leaf Village. I hope to see you in the next one!
Krieger Techpriest: Thanks for reading, also don't worry I've got a couple more here for you to read. I hope you enjoy and see you in the next one.
These chapters are long ones (Which I told myself I wouldn't do lol) but I hope you all enjoy them nonetheless and these are a tad on the emotional side too. As always I appreciate the reviews feel free to leave them with any constructive criticism and tell me your thoughts on the chapters. Thank you again for reading and I hope you enjoy.
-Ken
{...}
Chapter 11: The Cost of Happiness
It was damp.
Dark.
Cold.
Red eyes slowly fluttered open. The only thing in front of their sight was a wall, the same of the three walls she had seen almost constantly for years. Her hair hung down messing covering both of her cheeks, the sounds of commotion outside of the bars echoed around her.
"Her hair is supposed to be red."
"Listen the DNA was spotty as is, perfect replication of genes such as these is a delicate process."
"You told me that Uzumaki DNA would bond properly with Kimimaru's. If this is the best of those results then collecting the DNA was pointless."
"My lord please, the good news is she isn't completely worthless."
"Go on."
Two men spoke outside of her cell, she didn't know who they were. She only knew that if they were both here she was bound to be torn into again.
She didn't know who she was either, she had a name at one point but now she couldn't remember it. Not that it mattered, she was an object and from what she was hearing nothing more than a failed experiment.
"I suggest a sort of evolution with the subject. Perhaps another subject may be the missing link to perfecting the gene combination."
"You're suggesting another method outside of the original cell development method?"
"Yes my lord. Perhaps her progeny would become a better host for the genes to perfect them."
"I see… then proceed. However I am not a patient man, while our new arrival is still developing I need to have another body lined up in case of any difficulties."
"Of course, my lord."
She heard the sound of snakes before there was only one person as far as she knew, the sound of her bars opening up filled her ears before a hand grabbed her wrist.
"Come on, once this is over with then you'll be disposed of and sent off to peace."
The voice said while she continued walking in the grip of the person, she walked without a single care.
It was pointless.
Everything.
So pointless.
… … … … …
She was now running, the sound of mud squished underneath her feet while she ran as hard as she could.
Why was she running?
She had never fought before because it didn't matter, her life was nothing so there wasn't ever a point.
Yet.
Now that she could feel the life growing within her it was as if her soul was set alight with trying to make it. She had no idea where to go or even where she was going but she knew that she couldn't stay there.
They would hurt it.
The it that she was carrying with her, for some reason the thought of them hurting it causes her more pain then any surgical tool.
So she kept running.
Ignoring the calls of the men searching for her, ignoring the pain of the multiple objects that cut into her feet.
The only thing her red eyes saw in front of her was anywhere but here. It was a first for her but this thing she was carrying, that she had created and grew inside of herself.
It made her want to live.
She kept running until another voice called for her, she tried to ignore it but it's hands wrapped around her wrist.
"Miss please! What's wrong?"
The voice said while she tried to jerk her arm away from him. He would hurt her if she stayed, he was dangerous.
This entire world was.
"Ma'am I'm a doctor, whatever is wrong I can help so please."
The doctor spoke while she gave him a look, doctor's were supposed to help people weren't they?
Would he help her?
The only word that she could muster from her adrenaline filled body while she sobbed fell from her lips.
"Please…"
… … … … …
The sound of crying filled a small shop, in her arms she held a small bundle inside of that bundle was, It.
It was a boy.
"You seriously need to stop worrying so much, that's why he's crying."
A woman spoke to her on the other side of the counter cooking noodles while she looked at the baby.
"Do you think he hates me? For being born from someone like me?"
She spoke before a gyoza was suddenly stuffed into her mouth, stopping her speech while she chewed.
"I'm not hearing that talk, though he was just born. I'm sure your boy loves you more than anything in the world."
The woman reassured her while she looked at her crying son.
"How do I calm him down?"
She walked while Natsuri tapped her chin before she came up with an idea.
"Oh, I know. Call him by his name and hold him close to you. That should work like a charm."
The chef suggested while she looked at her son again.
"A name? He doesn't have a name."
She said nearly causing Natsuri to drop her cooking utensils.
"No name? He's got to have a name!"
The chef exclaimed while she looked at her son, she ran a gentle hand on her son's cheek before she pulled her hand away.
"This world is such a cruel place… wouldn't giving him a name make when his time comes in the world even sadder?"
She asked while Natsuri sighed, "Life is about more than its cruelty, a name is a representation that you are here. With a name you can be whatever you want." The chef explained while she looked at her brown eyes.
"Even happy? If I give him a name… will he be happy?"
She asked while Natsuri nodded her head at her, "I believe so." The chef agreed while she looked at her son again before she picked him up to hold him close.
"Kou."
She cooed at her child causing him to stop crying and look at her, tears formed in her eyes while gently holding him.
"You are Kou. So be happy for me, okay?"
She said while a chair scooted next to hers, "Kou is a little on the nose but it's a fine name." Natsuri said before she held out some noodles.
She took a bite from the chopsticks causing her tears to fall, she cried while she held her son as closely as she could.
"Thank you."
She said while she kissed her son's cheek.
"Both of you."
… … … … …
She was now officially dubbed 'Mommy' by her boy, he was getting bigger, walking and talking to her.
Her Kou was growing right before her eyes.
"Mommy! Let's go to the shed!"
The excited young boy called after his mother while she stood back up from her seat smiling at her son.
"Let's go see how tall you're getting!"
She spoke to her son, matching the same excitement as him taking him down to the shed on the outskirts of the village. The mother and son pair made their way to the inside of the shed, Kou immediately stood on a small pile of hay.
"That's cheating Kou and what did I say?"
She gently chided while the boy groaned and stepped off of the hay to his actual height. She then marked his height on the wall.
"You are getting so big."
She spoke in almost astonishment while Kou bounced at his mother's response, "Really Really?" The boy asked while she nodded her head.
"Really really."
She spoke while he gave her a hug with as much strength his little arms could muster, she hugged him back before she looked at him.
"Kou my sweet boy. Remember to always be kind to others."
She gently told her son while Kou gave her an innocent look.
"Why?"
"Because no one deserves to be treated unkindly, only the monsters should be treated like monsters. This will help you become happy one day."
She said while Kou nodded his head, "I will mommy." Kou said while she rubbed his hair.
"I have you."
He finished while she smiled at him, "Yes you do, forever and ever." She said while she felt his warmth.
It's been years since the cold steel of the operating table stung her skin or any scalpel sliced into it. She hadn't seen her own blood in so long it almost felt unfamiliar to her, she wanted to keep it that way. She wasn't really sure as to what exactly happy was but whenever she saw her son's smile she could have sworn that was it.
And for the first time ever.
She was happy.
This moment was soon ruined by the distant sound of an explosion, she shot her head up and looked toward the village behind her noticing the flames.
"Mommy!"
Kou cried while her eyes widened, she immediately held Kou and ran toward the village finding the small academy building.
"Pa!"
She yelled while the doctor saw her, "Quickly!" The doctor yelled covering for the other kids while she placed Kou with the rest of the children.
"Mommy!"
Kou yelled while she tried to calm her son down, "I'm right here Mommy's got you." She held onto her son tightly.
"I'll be back."
The doctor said while she reached her hand out for him, "Pa, no its dangerous." She tried to warn him but the doctor left regardless.
She sat there with the kids for what felt like hours until she heard the sounds of fighting outside and Doctor Pa crying out.
"Kou, mommy will be back ok?"
She reassured her son while he whined, she quickly got up and made her way outside.
There she spotted Doctor Pa being beaten by shinobi, "You old bastard! Your medical ninjutsu is nothing!" The ninja yelled, kicking the older man.
She looked at the doctor before she noticed the scratch on the ninja's face, she looked between them both before she ran over to the ninja.
"No!"
Doctor Pa yelled before he was kicked again, she managed to make it to the ninja before she placed a hand on his face.
"What are you-"
The ninja threw her off to the ground, she hit the ground and felt the sting of the wound opening on her face.
"Look!"
One of the other ninjas pointed at the main ninja's face causing him to touch it, the bleeding was gone. Instead the cut was now still bleeding on her face, the ninja stared at her for a moment before he looked around at the other ninja.
"Come with us."
The ninja said while she looked at him for a moment, "I-" She was cut off by the sound of yelling.
"Take her and leave this village!"
The sound of Kagiri the village head yelling caught her ear as she looked toward him with surprise.
"... If I go with you, you'll leave the rest of the village alone. I'll also get to return to my home as long as you need me."
She said while the ninja looked at her before he looked around at the scared villagers, "Deal… Subject T-111." The sound ninja spoke.
She flinched at the sound of her subject number coming from his mouth. They began to drag her away, meanwhile Natsuri dragged herself across the ground, a fresh cut over her closed eye as she reached out toward her.
"I'm sorry."
She said while she kept walking with them before the sound of yelling caught her attention, she turned seeing her son being held by Doctor Pa.
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Her son cried causing her tears to fall, "Mommy's sorry Kou! I'll be back I promise!" She yelled back to him while he kept fighting to get to her.
"Kou…"
"I love you."
… … … … …
The sound of a door opening and water sloshing in a bucket filled her ears. She slowly turned toward the door, taking her eyes off of the shed wall she was staring at.
There Kou was back with water for them to drink,"Here Mommy." Kou said while she gently moved her bandaged face.
"Thank you."
She spoke to Kou as he helped her drink the water, it had only been a year since she had made the deal with the sound ninja.
And they had lost everything.
Their home was taken from them, the ability to go to the village normally. They called them monsters and kept them away until the ninja came back to get her.
Yet.
She was still able to look at her boy's face.
In an odd way.
Even in this little shed with him, she was still happy.
"I'm going to make sure we have more food, okay?"
The four year old mustered while she smiled at her son, she gently held his cheek before she pulled him into her chest.
"Hey, sit with Mommy for a little bit."
She asked while the boy nodded his head and laid his head on her chest. He listened to her heartbeat while she stroked his hair. His hair and eyes were just like hers and that scared her. What if one day she didn't make it back?
They would come for him.
They would hurt him.
She wouldn't be able to stop them once she was gone.
She had to live.
But she seriously didn't know if she could, she would try her best as long as she could but her best isn't guaranteed to be enough. One day she would die and when she did, they would make her son's life the one she wanted to avoid.
She was frustrated.
She felt so useless.
"I'm sorry."
"..."
"I'm… I'm so sorry."
"My boy, my darling boy."
She apologized through her sobs while Kou kept her close.
"Why are you sorry mommy? You're just doing your best."
Kou said while she looked at her son with adoration, never in her life did she think she would ever have anything like him. She never understood the concept of love, she grew up in that cell. It was all she knew; everything else had been new to her.
Including this, her boy. That love she thought she would never feel in her life she was able to feel it with her son.
Who knew that something that she thought was so awful would have given her something so beautiful and made her happy?
The sound of knocking on the door causing both of them to flinch, Kou looked at his mother who smiled at him.
"Mommy…"
Kou said while she struggled to get up, she used all of her strength to get her bandaged body from the bed of hay toward the door.
"Hey Kou."
She said while the boy looked at her, "They are going to call you a monster that's not true, it's your mommy that's the monster." She said to Kou who shook his head.
"Mommy, you're not a-"
"Remember to be kind and try your best. No matter what."
She cut him off while he began to cry, "If you're kind you'll be able to make friends and play. You'll be the hero to these people and anyone else you want to be. You can be whatever you want." She said while Kou watched the door open behind her.
"Live Kou and be happy."
She said before hands grabbed her pulling her out from the shed while Kou reached a hand out toward her.
"I love you."
She said before she was taken away back to the sound ninja where they would take her, she was gone for 2 and half days.
Just a little longer and she would be back.
The ninja world was hell.
Poison, fire, steel, blood, betrayal, and death.
Everywhere they took her was war and she took their pain away just so they could go back to fighting again.
For what?
What was the point?
It was all pointless.
All she needed was her boy, she didn't need land. She didn't need money. She didn't even need the world.
She just needed him.
And soon she would get back to her Kou.
The sound of hacking filled her ears as she looked at the dying form of the captain of the squad of sound ninja she was deployed with.
"The captain's dying!"
"I can't heal him fast enough!"
"The woman… use the woman!"
"These wounds, they'll kill her!"
"Doesn't matter, we need him. She's got a replacement back at that village."
Her heart nearly stopped at the words, her legs felt the urge to run. She ran last time so what made this time any different?
If she ran…
Could she make it?
She got up from the ground and turned to run but her hair was grabbed.
"Don't you dare! You run and we'll follow you and raze that village to the ground, now heal him."
The ninja growled into her ear before he tossed her right in front of him, she looked at the dying captain. She remembered when she healed him the first time at the village how fitting for someone like her that it would be her last.
"Heal him!"
The ninja yelled while she fought everything herself to just let him die, they would kill Kou if he died.
She didn't have a choice.
She hated these men.
She hated them more than anything.
She placed her hand on his chest and slowly watched the large slash wound on his chest go away.
The captain sat up gasping for air before he pushed past her, "We find those bastards and we finish them off." The captain ordered almost immediately.
Meanwhile she felt the familiar sensation of her skin splitting, her wound bled before she coughed up blood.
"We lost the healer."
"Can we-"
"Leave her, she's already dead."
The ninja spoke before they were about to leave but the captain looked at her face one more time, the man flinched at what he saw.
She felt rage.
The look on the bleeding woman's face was filled with a sickening expression of pure hatred toward the captain, her normally gentle feature twisted by a feeling that had been trapped deep inside of her very being.
Her red eyes gleamed and without even saying a word the captain knew exactly what she had meant, he had been a ninja for a long time and seen many horrors.
Yet the enraged eyes of a dying mother terrified him.
The captain pulled his gaze away quickly and led his men away. She watched them disappear leaving her to lie down in her own blood, she gasped and gurgled as even now she dragged herself a little further clawing at the ground.
She knew she couldn't make it.
Yet she still wanted to fight with all she had.
There was something in her that refused to die quietly, she had to make it back home to him.
She wanted to see him.
Just one more time.
'Kou.'
'Kou.'
'Kou!'
She dragged herself further and further leaving a trail of blood in her wake, she felt sadness until she thought about his face.
That gave her strength.
That gave her a reason.
Suddenly she stopped moving, her body had no more strength to give. Only tears fell from her face while she laid in the dirt.
'Kou please… please. No matter what.'
She yelled through the blood blocking her airway.
"Live!"
She yelled with the very last of her strength before she began to feel herself fading, that word 'Live.' It felt cruel asking that of someone so small that had nothing to go off of.
She preferred a less cruel request.
"Be happy…"
She said before everything was almost nothing in her vision before everything went dark she had a sudden realization.
She had finally remembered her own name.
'It was Taiga...'
{...}
"You're welcome!"
Kou yelled out while he waved at the old couple whose house he was leaving; the boy had just gotten finished with more repairs to their old house as a part of his chores for the day. Naruto and Kurotsuchi weren't far behind.
"Wait boy."
The older man said while Kou paused, "Y-yes sir?" the boy stuttered while the older man approached him, "Hold out your hand." the older man asked while Kou slowly opened up his hand.
The old man dropped money and a few candies in his hand causing Kou's eyes to widen, "Huh put the other villagers-" Kou was cut off by the raised cane in the older man's hands.
"The villager is well aware of the fact that I am an old man way past his prime… I tend to be clumsy in my advanced age."
The older man spoke while Kou tried to give the money and candy back, "So I happened to drop that and what is it you kids say? Finder's keepers?" the older man finished as he walked back toward his wife who was waiting for him with her own smile.
Kou stared at his payment for a moment before he clenched his teeth and smiled at the couple, "Thank you!" the boy yelled while the older man nodded his head while the woman bowed slightly.
Two days had quickly passed by since the arrival of Naruto and Kurotsuchi in the village and there was a small change, that change being Kou who rushed around the village with renewed vigor helping others that needed the help.
They were slowly starting to accept him.
Less people were wary of him and Kou was slowly being seen by the village and its people though everyone still wasn't completely on board with him. That wouldn't stop the young boy though with Naruto and Kurotsuchi in his corner he felt like he could face anything.
"You done?"
Kurotsuchi asked while Kou nodded his head, "Uh yeah I'm done." the boy said while Naruto gave him a thumbs up, "Nice job!" the teen praised while Kou scratched the back of his head.
"Uh thanks."
The boy responded bashfully while the trio began walking together, Naruto noticed Kurotsuchi walking more upright and energetic. "I'll be leaving you two be for a bit." the black-haired girl suddenly said while the blonde and white haired boy looked at her.
"How come?"
Kou asked while Kurotsuchi gave him a smile, "I'm off to the cartographer, I've got a couple of maps to pick up for later." the girl responded, causing Naruto's smile to fade slightly at the words.
"Oh ok, well if you need help with anything-"
Kou was cut off by a hand ruffling his hair, "I'm new and improved now Kou, you're looking at Kurotsuchi at top form. No need to worry about me anymore. I'll see you later I promise." the teen told the boy while he nodded his head slowly.
"Naruto-"
She stopped her words when she saw his facial expression, it looked like he was thinking about something deeply. She was probably going to have to ask him about it later.
"Nevermind, stay out of trouble." Kurotsuchi said with a wave while Naruto blinked, "Oh yeah, sure." the blonde responded distractedly before she left. Kou then looked toward the older boy.
"Hey, you alright?"
Kou asked while Naruto nodded his head, "Of course I am, I was just thinking about what type of udon Natsuri was going to make later." the blonde said quickly while Kou gave him a look.
"Mr. Naruto, you're a bad liar."
Kou said with a chuckle while Naruto groaned in response, "Yeah, I know." the blonde said while Kou looked toward the ground. "You're thinking about tomorrow. When the sound ninja return aren't you?" Naruto looked toward the boy who gave him a smile.
"Well you shouldn't! I've learned so much in the past few days with you and I feel like I'm braver than ever. I can properly face it and go with them with no worries."
Kou said while Naruto shook his head, "You shouldn't go Kou." the blonde answered while Kou tilted his head toward him.
"I have to go Mr. Naruto, if I don't then the whole village is in danger."
Kou's words struck a cord in Naruto causing the blonde to take a breath, "I- what if you didn't have to worry about it anymore?" Naruto asked while Kou paused.
"What do you mean?"
The boy asked while Naruto gave the boy a grin, "Like no more having to leave and get hurt by the sound ninja and being able to stay in a village where everyone cares about you and is willing to protect you." the blonde offered while Kou smiled.
"That would be great, but it sounds unrealistic. This has been my life for years Mr. Naruto and like you said it takes time for these things to happen. I'd rather keep doing my best to keep everyone safe and eventually get that sort of life."
Kou said while Naruto looked down at the ground, "That shouldn't have to mean hurting yourself, so we find the way that you don't have to anymore. You'll still have to do your best to work hard but you'll no longer have to be the sacrifice for others." the blonde explained while Kou blinked.
"Then let's come up with a plan together! Maybe I'll find a way to give them the slip and you can jump in and we'll beat them. Or I can lure them somewhere away from the village and then you can fight them and win!"
Kou excitedly spouted off plans while Naruto chuckled at the boy's enthusiasm, "Those plans sound awesome but I have a plan too. You'll be the most important part of that plan." Naruto said while Kou's eyes filled with excitement.
"Really?!"
"Yeah, really."
"That's awesome, what is it?!"
Kou asked while Naruto chuckled, "I'll explain it to you later… it looks like you're about to be busy." the blonde motioned toward a small group of kids waving by the entrance to the little coast by the lake.
"It's them."
Kou said while Naruto nodded, "Yeah, you go play with them for a while and I'll tell you the plan tomorrow." the blonde said while Kou nodded his head, "Yeah!" Kou cheered while he was about to run off.
"Wait Kou."
Naruto said while the white-haired boy stopped in place, "Yeah Mr. Naruto?" Kou asked while Naruto looked at the ground for a moment before he gave Kou a smile.
"The biggest part of this plan is that you'll have to trust me."
Naruto said while Kou nodded his head at the blonde boy, "I trust you, Naruto." the boy said before he turned back to the other kids and ran off the blonde watched him run off with a small smile on his face before he turned toward Dr. Pa's office.
The blonde entered the hospital quickly meeting at Dr. Pa who was in the middle of getting a few things out for his next appointment, "Ah Naruto, it's good to see you. So to what do I owe the pleasure?" the doctor responded while he was moving.
"Hey doc, I wanted to ask you about something really quick."
Naruto spoke while the man stopped moving around for a second, "If it's about the young woman's condition she's definitely healed well but I would recommend no intense action until at least the end of tomorrow. Just to be as careful as possible." the doctor spoke with a nod while Naruto looked off toward the side.
"Did you ever hate Kou?"
Naruto asked while the doctor's expression softened before he cleared his throat, "I remember meeting his mother on the road, I had been returning from a nearby village with supplies for the hospital. She was soaking wet and didn't trust me to even touch her. She only told me one word after that 'Please.'" the older man recollected while Naruto nodded his head.
"She would come often, mostly because she was pregnant at the time, yet she held a rare curiosity for the things around her. It became almost normal to see her every day, I delivered Kou into this world and heard him cry for the first time."
"She raised him with everything she had, she was a good woman, and her son was a great boy. I saw them both as family, she was like the daughter I never had and Kou was like my grandson."
Doctor pa said with a chuckle while Naruto took a step forward toward the doctor, "So what happened? Why was he alone after you told me all of that?" the teen asked while Dr. Pa closed his eyes and took a sharp inhale.
"She didn't come back…"
The doctor spoke in a trembling voice while Naruto's expressions softened as well, "It didn't even take a day for these villagers to replace her with him, I waited for weeks and Kou waited for years for her to come back. She never did…" the doctor spoke while Naruto listened to his story.
"I lost hope, my hopes were lost with her. I'm a coward Naruto, I never stood to fight for anything my entire life until these two came into my life. Then once she was gone I went back to that same coward, I treated her son's injuries like I once did hers and left him be."
"I'm afraid Naruto, I'm scared of going against their wishes of peace. I'm scared one day Kou won't come back either. I'm scared of getting my hopes up of being close to her son again only to fall apart again if he doesn't come back. I just… couldn't handle it."
Dr. Pa confessed while Naruto looked at the nearly crying man, the blonde said nothing as he approached the older medic gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You can't let that fear control you, being afraid is normal. That fear led this kid to have to endure a life where he believed no one cares about him and apparently that was a lie all due to you letting that fear drive you."
Naruto spoke while the doctor's shoulders trembled underneath his touch, "Don't feel any guilt, there's still time to do right by him. Find the courage to allow him in. That courage doesn't come from you just forgetting about your fears, it comes when you're afraid and you do something anyway." the blonde spoke to the doctor as the man's head lifted to see Naruto's eyes.
"I have one last question."
Doctor Pa looked into the calm ocean blue eyes of the boy while the teen loomed over the man with a gentle expression on his face.
"You do seriously care about Kou, don't you?"
Naruto asked while the doctor's eyes widened slightly before he looked down at the ground for a few moments before he looked back up toward the blonde teen, "Dearly." the old man said while Naruto stared for a moment before he let go.
"Prove it."
Naruto said while he turned to walk out of the hospital causing Dr. Pa stood up in his seat, "Naruto! What are you planning to do?!" the doctor yelled after the teen causing him to stop in the doorway of the exit.
"I'm… going to open the door. I'm expecting you to let him in."
Naruto spoke while he suddenly left the hospital leaving Dr. Pa at his office silently while the man mulled over and contemplated the teen's words.
Then the day went by normally.
Kou came back from playing with his new friends, Kurotuschi returned with her new maps in tow for their upcoming journey and Naruto greeted them both with a smile. They went fishing again, Kou caught a few this time. They finished their work for the day and finished their night after having dinner at Natsuri's.
Kou was resting peacefully while Kurotsuchi rubbed his hair from her futon. Kou had taken Naruto's in the room they bunked in while the blonde teen slept wrapped in sheets closeby. Or at least he should have been.
Yet he was nowhere to be found.
Kurotsuchi noticed that he was acting suspiciously since earlier, this could be another one of his intense moments or maybe even a rash decision. What he did was none of her business personally but she did feel curious for where he would have gone
The girl gave Kou's head one more stroke before she quickly got up, she moved toward the door. The girl quickly moved through the halls of the inn they were staying at on the lookout for an idiot blonde, she couldn't find him anywhere in the building.
Then he must be somewhere out there.
The girl quickly dashed through the halls making her way to the roof to try and find a vantage point to look for him from, once she made it to the roof.
Her search immediately ended.
The blonde had been sitting on the corner of the roof looking over the rest of the village, "Couldn't sleep?" Kurotsuchi asked while Naruto turned his head toward her, "Oh Kurotsuchi." the boy responded while she walked over and sat next to him.
"I've always liked high places… it's always been awesome to see the places I've seen from a view only the birds should have y'know? It feels kind of free and it's nice being able to see everyone live their daily lives almost carefree."
Naruto explained while Kurotsuchi huffed, "I know the buildup to a long-winded speech whenever I hear one, my grandfather would always do the same thing. Say something profound and then lead it into some big speech with a message. Just say what you want to say." the girl spoke with a small smile gracing her features while Naruto chuckled.
"You caught me."
The boy admitted while Kurotsuchi nodded her head with a sense of pride over guessing Naruto's next move before she looked down at the village.
"You gonna miss this place or something?"
"I'm planning on stopping the sound ninja from taking Kou tomorrow."
Naruto's sudden response caused Kurotsuchi to give the blonde a look, "You got a plan?" Kurotsuchi asked while Naruto nodded his head.
"Yup."
Naruto said while Kurotsuchi nodded her head, "Well let's hear it, I'm guessing we'll take them out immediately. Say our goodbyes and go after the rest of any nearby hideouts to continue protecting the village?" the girl explained while the blonde gave her a look.
"Yeah, something like that."
"Something like that? Why isn't it exactly like that? Is there some catch?"
Kurotsuchi asked Naruto while the teen looked toward her, "Hey Kurotsuchi, have you ever had to make a tough decision about something you didn't know would work or not?" the blonde asked while the girl blinked at him.
"Usually when you make a plan it's supposed to work. What? You got something crazy in mind?"
Kurotsuchi asked while Naruto chuckled in response while he kept looking out over the village, memories of his own old home flooded his mind while his lips opened to speak.
"It's a little crazy but I think it will work, I don't even know why I'm doubting myself. Maybe there's a part of me that doesnt want to do it."
Naruto spoke while Kurotsuchi kept her eyes on the boy, "Naruto…How is it that you do it?" Kurotsuchi asked while the blonde raised an eyebrow at her.
"You always seem like no matter what odds are stacked against you, you always find a way to persevere and move forward. I'm not going to try and guess your circumstances, but I know you had to make some hard decisions just to get here."
Kurotsuchi spoke while Naruto listened, "How is it that you don't break?" the girl asked while Naruto huffed and gave her a smile.
"That's easy… I can't."
The boy responded quickly while Kurotsuchi raised an eyebrow of her own, "You can't?" the girl asked while Naruto nodded his head.
"While I'm out here in the world, exploring it's every corner with this newfound freedom of mine. I have to help others along the way, I have to be there for them. So I couldn't break even if I wanted to, not Kou and certainly not you."
Naruto said while Kurotsuchi stared at him, something in his words caused her to give him a look, "You… you're like a storm. One minute you're easy going on gentle and the next you're a force to reckoned with, what kind of ninja were you before this? You just feel like you're… missing something." the girl spoke honestly while Naruto placed his hand on his chest.
"Maybe I am, once upon a time I was the unpredictable knucklehead ninja. Now after all of these fights and all of this traveling I guess I don't really know what kind of ninja I am right now. I just know one thing above all else."
Naruto spoke into the sky while Kurotsuchi looked at the boy's blue eyes hardened with determination while his fist clenched at his side.
"I'm not going to let anyone else suffer while I'm around… No matter what the cost."
His words caused Kurotsuchi's eyes to widen before he gave her a big smile, "So make sure we're ready to head out tomorrow, the plan shouldn't take very long so we'll be able to head out as soon as possible." the blonde said while the girl sat there.
Those eyes.
They were ones of a man ready to risk everything.
They didn't fit on Naruto's face at all.
The girl felt a pain in her chest watching the boy walk back toward the entrance back to the inn, she wanted to say something. Kurotsuchi wanted to have the words to say what it was that she needed to say to Naruto.
She couldn't.
The words were lost on her, she barely knew Naruto. She couldn't possibly have the words to say to him that would help him, that would let him know that he wasn't alone. Her guard was completely down with a man she knew nothing about.
A kind man about to go to war.
She wished that the words came to her, that she could do what he does all the time and form a message for someone like him to hear and feel lighter, the girl didn't even realize that someone she had once considered a possible enemy had become someone, she wanted to make sure was ok.
Naruto wasn't ok, but she couldn't stop him.
She would learn that firsthand in front of the village along with everyone else by noon tomorrow.
{...}
Today was the day.
Kou was already dressed up and had his travel bag with him while he walked toward the village plaza, the villagers had already been grouped together waiting for him to arrive. Usually when he left there weren't many people here.
Maybe this was a part of Naruto's plan.
He had to trust him and if all else fails what's another three days? He had the drive to come back now and do his best, just like Naruto taught him. He had Kurotsuchi and Naruto both that would be here to support him through his hard times.
Even if he was taken, he would go bravely.
Because Kou wasn't alone anymore.
The boy kept walking to where Kagiri was standing in front of the fountain with a gentle look on his face, "Kou, your contributions to this village are important. Remember this is for the sake of peace, you'll return as you always do." the man said while Kou gave him a smile.
"I'll do my best Mr. Kagiri… and I'm sorry."
Kou said while the brown-haired man raised an eyebrow, "Why?" his voice came out laced with disbelief while the white-haired boy shook his head.
"For you to have to constantly make this decision to protect your people."
The boy said while he walked past the man with a look of disbelief in his face still lingering, the same boy who trembled at the mere sight of another person just days ago had been able to look at him his tormentor and apologize?
The way his back stood a little taller reminded Kagiri of the boy's mother when she had left for the last time, even covered in injuries if it meant getting back to her boy, she always faced her fate standing tall for him.
When did the boy get so tall?
Dr. Pa trembled from the sidelines surrounded by other villagers while he watched Kou move forward bravely, Natsuri did the same on the opposite side. She could barely look while he stood there bravely with more courage than anyone had ever seen before in him.
He was different now.
He had people now.
He had Naruto.
And he trusts him.
The sound of poofing was heard as multiple footsteps landed on the dirt a short distance away in front of Kou, there were fifteen of them total. A large party but not one Kou hadn't seen before, he had never seen this many come to the village.
A man stepped out in front; his brown hair pulled up into a ponytail with a small part of a telltale scar on his chest. He eyed Kou who stared back at him.
"Captain."
One of the ninja behind the man spoke while he looked back at the speaking shinobi, "Are you sure this kid will be enough for this operation?" the ninja asked while the captain glared at him.
"This boy is more than enough. You've seen us, if it weren't for him and that mother of his we would have been dead a long time ago."
The captain said while the ninja immediately stood down, Kou flinched at the sound of the word mother coming from the man's mouth.
"Come."
The captain said while his hand extended an open palm out, Kou took a breath and took a step toward the man. It's all ok now, Naruto still had his plan not to mention that this was also one of those things he had to take pride in for work, right?
He was defending the village and protecting its people.
He was doing the right thing.
At the end of it all he was just doing the thing he was asked to do.
It was all going to be ok now.
He could do this.
'Live Kou, be happy.'
Kou wasn't sure where the words had come from in his mind but surely enough, he had heard his mother's voice speaking to him, that was the one thing he had promised her before she died wasn't it?
He's living right now; he's being happy right now.
Right?
Kou didn't feel it himself but for a moment his face twisted into a fear filled expression for a moment before he pushed it down opting for a brave face instead, just as the hand was about to grab his wrist Kou suddenly felt himself get pulled back.
The boy's eyes widened while he saw the light brown hair of Natsuri pulling him away from the captain's hand, "Natsuri, what the hell are you doing?!" Kagiri yelled from the crowd while she shot him a glare from her normally gentle eyes.
"Shut up! I ain't doing this anymore!"
Natsuri yelled while Kou's eyes widened looking at the woman, "Ms. Natsumi." the boy said while she stood in front of him. The captain glared at the woman while she turned and glared back at him.
"Look at what we're doing… Look at what we've done. Sending a child to hell and keeping him there when he get back and making him out to be something awful so we could feel better about ourselves about doing. I've had enough."
Natsuri said while Kagiri took a step forward, "I will not allow your sudden sense of pride to endanger this village, he's the key to our peace and I will protect that no matter what!" the man yelled while he was instantly shut up by another glare from the woman.
"You'll have to kill me, or they will… If it they don't then I'll have to return the favor to you."
The woman growled while Kagiri took a step back, "Let the child go and no one has to die. No point wasting precious energy on some villagers." the captain said before a punch nearly crushed against his face if he hadn't moved in time to avoid it.
"Ms. Natsumi, no!"
Kou yelled while the woman kept her fists held up, "I didn't even get to say goodbye to her… They probably left her for dead in some field for the animals to pick off of. I failed her, I'm not going to fail you too. Not anymore." Kou looked at the woman with shock while she gritted her teeth.
"I always hated when villagers randomly developed gumption."
The captain said while Natsuri huffed, "Ain't nothing random about it, he said my food tasted good." the woman spoke, causing the captain to give her a disgusted look.
"What a pitiful reason to die for someone."
Natsuri was suddenly struck from the side with a kick from another one of the ninja sending her rolling to the ground, she got of the ground only to take a punch from another ninja sending her to the ground they both started kicking her while she was down.
"Ms. Natsumi!"
Kou yelled while the captain grabbed the boy's shoulder, "Stop stalling and come." the captain growled while the boy took a step.
"I'm going to just stop; you're going to kill her!"
Kou yelled while the captain gave the boy a look, "Why's that matter to me?" the man growled while Kou's eyes widened slowly.
"Kou… Don't take another step!"
Dr. Pa yelled out while he stepped out of the crowd of villagers, his legs still trembled but he approached anyway. Kou shook his head at the older man.
"Why not a medical professional instead? You all need your injuries looked over from the battlefield, right? You take me and I can do that. I'm the last medical ninjutsu specialist in this village, I'm capable."
Dr. Pa spoke while the captain scoffed, "Your chakra is still as worthless as it's always been before." the captain spoke while Kagiri shook his head.
"Dr. Chinko, that's enough!"
The village head yelled while the doctor looked at Kou, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but children shouldn't be forced to take on the burden of adults. You should have never had to do this for us, this isn't peace, it's just sacrifice." the doctor explained while he kept approaching.
"Your life is worth so much more than some false peace. Live Kou."
The older man said while two more of the shinobi intercepted him and started to beat on him as well, the captain scoffed, "A useless old bastard and a weak woman. They never stood a chance." the captain said while Kou reached out toward the doctor.
"Doctor Pa!"
The boy yelled while he was grabbed by the captain, "Quite stalling and come with us, you come with us and the violence stops. The longer you take, the closer your precious village gets to burning!" the captain raised his voice while Kou looked toward the man.
"Take him!"
Kagiri yelled while he panted, "Just hurry up and take him! He isn't worth all this violence!" the man yelled while Kou slowly turned back toward the crowd who were starting to shout.
"Take him!"
"Take the monster and leave!"
"Please leave!"
"Get out of here!"
"You're killing us!"
Kou listened to the shouts coming from the crowd while he watched them, their faces slowly were covered by darkness in Kou's vision. The white-haired boy looked toward the captain while he was being pulled by him.
Why was he fighting back?
He had never fought back before in his entire life.
There wasn't a point.
It was his fate; he was just a tool for the village to use to protect their peace. That was why he was here, and it was his only purpose.
Yet.
He saw his mother's face as she stroked his cheek, she was shouldering a burden she couldn't even describe to him because she wanted to protect him. She wanted him to be happy.
Kou's thoughts went to fishing with Naruto and Kurotsuchi, taking a bath and learning to walk on water. Showing up the carpenters at the wood processing factory, the older couple rewarding him and the kids playing with him.
Enjoying a warm meal surrounded by people that care about him.
So that's what she meant? He hadn't been living at all until those points he was just surviving. Surviving isn't living, living is doing and enjoying. That's what he did with them, and it made him happy.
For the first time in a long time.
Kou remembered Taiga gently stroking his face with her bandaged hand and a bright smile on her face just being with him.
He wanted to live.
"NARUTO!"
Kou screamed into the air with all of his might causing the captain's eyes to widen, "That name…" the captain said while Kou was about to yell again but he felt a sudden change in air pressure the rest of the ninja felt the change as well even the crowd while a blonde-haired teen stood directly in front of the captain already snatching Kou out of his hand.
The captain's eyes widened before he and the rest of the ninja jumped back making room between themselves and Naruto.
"Stay right there behind me, Kou."
Naruto said while the captain narrowed his eyes at the blonde, "I barely saw him move." the man uttered while Dr. Pa and Nagisa watched the boy take a few steps in front of them.
"I heard it all. Every single little bit of it."
Naruto spoke while the ninja looked at the blonde boy, "You came to the right place with words like those, 'cause I know exactly what I've got to do now." the blonde spoke while Kurotsuchi dashed and grabbed Kou bringing him back closer to the crowd.
"Mr. Naruto! Miss Kurosuchi!"
Kou yelled while Kurotsuchi rubbed his hair, "Sorry we're late. Had to take care of something." the girl said while she turned toward Naruto before a sickening feeling came over her. The rest of the villagers started to react as well while Naruto clenched his fist.
"Treating him like a monster, using him like a tool, dragging him through the mud and everything just to make yourselves feel better. It's all about some false peace, it's all about some damn war."
Naruto growled while the ninja watched the boy carefully, Kagiri fell and landed on his butt while Kurotsuchi felt a dark chakra.
"Fine, I just have to give you what you wanted, and you'll leave this village alone right? You wanted a monster?"
Naruto spoke while his nails grew sharp, his canines grew into fangs, the whisker marks on his face grew, the captain nearly fell out at the sight of the teen while the rest of the ninja kept trying to keep as much distance as possible.
Kurotsuchi's eyes widened in horror while Kou looked at the boy with surprise, that same horrified expression marked the faces of the villagers as well. The captain's breathing picked up while he looked at the teen in front of him.
His red eyes gleamed and without even saying a word the captain knew exactly what he had meant, he had been a ninja for a long time and seen many horrors.
Yet the eyes of a dying mother haunted him through the glare of a demon.
"I'll give you a monster."
Naruto growled as he took a step, "Take him out quic-" the captain didn't even get to finish his order before he watched six of his men get launched, Naruto was already standing among them with that same glare in his eyes.
The captain didn't even have time to scream before Naruto began to attack the men, multiple shinobi tried striking at Naruto, but the teen moved quickly kicking one in the stomach hard enough to knock the wind out of him before he grabbed the other and smashed his knee into his face.
He grabbed the one that was still recovering on the ground and threw him into another one of the shinobi, sending them both through multiple trees. One of the sound ninja managed to slash Naruto on the back with his sword causing Naruto to turn around.
His wound immediately healed while he kicked his attacker hard enough to plant him in the ground, the shinobi's legs stuck out of the ground limply while Naruto immediately dashed to the next. "Fire Style: Fireball jutsu!" the ninja yelled while the fireball completely engulfed Naruto in its flames.
A hand reached through the fire and grabbed the ninja by the throat, stopping the flame completely while Naruto's face appeared through the fire. The blonde growled while lifting the ninja off of the ground and choke slammed him into the ground.
His red eyes looked up to find another target, meanwhile the villagers watched as Naruto fought the men. Kurotsuchi held her kunai in her hand, but it shook, Naruto was a kind person. Kinder than anyone she had ever met before.
He did his best to protect what mattered to him.
She always knew that he was holding something back, something that he didn't want them to see. That he didn't want them to worry about, she finally understood what it was. Kurotsuchi was now seeing it firsthand right in front of her.
This was Naruto's burden.
And she was right from the night before.
She couldn't even stop him.
The captain coughed while he grabbed his chest, his hand covered with blood from a slash he had received right on top of the one he received before. He knew he didn't have much left in him, but he had to try, to try to escape and get away.
He had to try.
The captain dragged his bleeding body across the dirt a little further each time while the forest burned around from the fire style techniques, he turned and, in those flames, he saw him. The blonde that was slowly walking toward him.
That demon.
The captain tried dragging himself faster while Naruto kept approaching him, "Please!" the captain yelled while he dragged again. "I'll stop! I'll retire! I'll put this life behind me and try to live differently! Just please!" the captain now merely a man yelled as a foot stepped in front of him.
"Naruto… was that your name?"
The captain asked while Naruto lifted him up by his collar, the man groaned while the forest burned around them in brilliant orange and red.
"Spare me."
The captain said while Naruto narrowed his red eyes at the man, his grip became a little harder while he held him a little closer.
"What was her name?"
Naruto asked, causing the captain's eyes to widen, "Her name?" the captain asked while Naruto kept glaring at him.
"Kou's mother. What was her name?"
Naruto asked while his grip tightened the captain groaned while he grabbed the blonde's wrist trying to pry his hand off but it wouldn't budge.
"I-I don't know!"
The captain yelled while Naruto huffed, dropping the man to his feet, the captain struggled to stand while the teen's fist clenched.
"Then don't bring names into this."
Naruto said while the captain's eyes widened, "Wait! WAIT!" the captain screamed while the blonde swung his fist slamming it right into the captain's cheek hitting him hard enough to extinguish the growing flame on a nearby tree just from the impact alone.
The captain hit the ground while Naruto stood over him, the blonde took a breath before he planted his foot. "Wind Style: Gale Step." Naruto said before he did a somersault and kicked at the air sending a massive gust that extinguished the burning forest not leaving a single flame in the spot, they were fighting in.
Naruto turned and walked toward the village. The villagers watched him silently while he walked past them and made it to Kou, the villagers separated and made Naruto a path to walk through while Kurotsuchi also gave Naruto room.
"You, ok?"
Naruto asked while his eyes were still red and whiskers were still grown, the blonde was cut off guard when Kou suddenly hugged him. "You did it Naruto, just like you said." the boy thanked Naruto while the blonde looked at him with surprise.
"You aren't scared of me?"
"No, you're my hero. Even if you look a little scary that doesn't change the fact that you saved us."
Naruto looked at the boy with a gentle expression before he looked at the ground, "Listen Kou I'm-" Naruto was cut off by a rock hitting his head. The blonde barely flinched while one of the kids sniffled while holding another rock.
"What… What are you doing?"
Kou asked turning around toward one of the kids before another threw a rock hitting Naruto again, "I said what are you doing?!" Kou yelled while more of the kids started throwing rocks, "Get away from him Kou!" the kid yelled while the white-haired boy looked at one of his friends with shock.
"Listen to me Kou."
Naruto said while he felt blood from where the rock hit him on the head run down his face, "No, Naruto they have to stop. You saved them! You stopped those ninjas you don't deserve to-" Kou was cut off by Naruto turning him around toward him.
"I'm sorry but I'm going to have to ask you to do something really hard."
Naruto said while Kou sniffled, "They aren't going to stop, but listen to them for a sec." the blonde said while Kou listened to the voices of the crowd.
"Get away from him you monster!"
"Let Kou go!"
"You demon!"
"Set that boy free!"
The voices yelled while Naruto chuckled, "They are all doing this for you, it's just like I said right? Stopping the sound ninja and having the entire village care about you." the blonde said while Kou shook his head at the blonde.
"That's not fair to you! I didn't do anything! I just got rescued by you, you're the one they should be cheering for!"
Kou yelled in Naruto's face while the blonde shook his head, "I'm really sorry it isn't that simple buddy. When people are afraid, they do the things they feel like they have to do to live. Right or wrong when people are afraid, they need to be calmed down and that's your job." Naruto said while Kou raised an eyebrow.
"My job?"
Kou said while Naruto nodded his head, "I've had so much fun being here with you Kou, it's been a really nice time-" the teen was cut off by Kou shaking his head. "Why does it feel like you're saying goodbye?" Kou asked while Naruto looked toward the ground again.
"I need you to kick me out of this village."
Naruto said while Kou started rapidly shaking his head even more, the blue-eyed boy took a deep breath and tried to speak again.
"No."
"Kou…"
"No no…"
"I'm sorry but Kou…"
"NO!"
Kou yelled while the rocks kept flying at Naruto, "You've been nothing but good to me… you were really kind… You taught me how to live, I can't just shoo you away!" Kou yelled while Naruto sniffled.
"I know it's going to be really hard, but I know you can do it. You have people here that will care about you and help you grow up like a normal kid. Your burden ends me with. You're the only person I can ask to do this, you're strong enough."
Naruto tried to encourage the boy, but Kou sobbed, "You, what about you? Won't it hurt?" the boy asked while Naruto huffed.
"Who me? Nah, I'm already used to it. I'll be fine."
Naruto spoke while Kou sobbed again, "Naruto…" the boy whined while Naruto kept the smile on his face as brightly as he could even with his eyes still red. Kou could see the gentleness in them.
"Work hard Kou and be happy."
Naruto said while Kou sobbed again while a larger rock was thrown hitting the back of Naruto's head while one of the carpenters glared at him.
"Get away from the kid!"
The carpenter yelled while Naruto shrugged off the bleeding from the back of his head, Kou sobbed again while looking at the blonde.
"You trust me, right?"
Naruto asked while Kou nodded his head slowly, the teen nodded his head as well, "As hard as you can alright?" Naruto asked while Kou looked at him with tear filled eyes.
"I'm already a demon Kou, save these people from me."
Naruto said while Kou sobbed again clenching his fist, "I'm going to live and I'm going to be happy! I'm going to find you one day Mr. Naruto and I want to show you how happy I am! Let's meet up again one day!" Kou yelled through his tears while the blonde nodded his head.
"Believe it."
The young ninja said while Kou swung his fist and hit Naruto in the face as hard as he could, the blonde took the punch while Kou fell backward onto his butt while sobbing.
"Go… go away. Go away you demon!"
Kou lied with all of his might while Naruto's breath hitched before he stood up, "Kou!" Natsuri yelled while sliding on the ground to reach him she wrapped her arms around him tightly while Kou kept crying Dr. Pa soon joined them holding Kou as well.
Naruto smiled before more rocks kept hitting him from the villagers, "Just go! You monster!" a voice yelled while the blonde nodded his head.
"To everyone that's here, if anyone else decides that they want to hurt this boy again for any reason. I'll be back."
Naruto growled while staring at Kagiri before he turned around taking more rocks to the back while he walked away, Kurotsuchi was speechless; she couldn't even say a single word at the display she just saw from.
"You… He saved your lives!"
Kurotsuchi yelled while the rocks kept flying, her words fell on deaf ears while she huffed before she turned to follow Naruto.
The entire time not being able to ignore the tears that were falling down his face.
{...}
"So if we keep heading in this direction according to the map, we'll be deep in sound ninja territory, meaning that there are bound to be a few hideouts we could raid and take down."
Naruto explained while the two of them walked down a path in the forest, Kurotsuchi walked with her eyes toward the ground.
"I guess we'll take this path and go down a line. We'll complete your mission and advance forward at the same time. Sounds great to me."
Naruto said in a chipper tone while Kurotsuchi stopped, "Huh? You, ok? Are you still hurting anywhere?" the blonde asked before angry pink eyes looked at him and her hand smacked him across the face.
"The hell was that?!"
Kurotsuchi yelled while Naruto just gave her a look, "The hell was what?" the boy asked while Kurotsuchi grabbed the blonde by his collar.
"That stunt at the village! You turned them all against you for him! You fought those men brutally to scare them, to scare them so badly that they'll accept Kou!"
"So what if I did?!"
Naruto yelled countering Kurotsuchi, "He deserves to live a normal life! He's not a sacrifice! He's not a tool! If that's what it took to take that burden away from him then I'd do it a thousand times!" the blonde yelled while Kurotsuchi growled.
"How the hell is that even fair!? You left that kid with the burden of a lie that he has to carry all by himself! Making yourself into a monster for a kid who looked up to you like you were his hero!"
Kurotsuchi yelled in his face while Naruto huffed, "That's just how it is. Everybody seems to get along so easily over the things that they hate. When they all hated Kou they were peaceful! When my village hated me, they were peaceful! Kou's just a kid, no hatred should be directed at a kid for the sake of peace!" Naruto barked while Kurotsuchi hissed.
"Look at you! You're a damn kid too! What makes you and him different? Hm? You can handle it?!"
Naruto glared back at Kurotsuchi while he gritted his teeth, "Yeah I can, it's happened once before, what's another time? If that's the price for that boy's happiness, then I'll gladly foot the bill!" the blonde countered while Kurotsuchi's eyes watered.
"WHAT ABOUT YOU?!"
Kurotsuchi roared, causing Naruto's expression to drop slightly, the girl quietly sobbed before she huffed. "What about me?" Naruto asked while Kurotsuchi let go of his collar.
"You are so kind it makes me think you're naive and you aren't. You are a gentle idiot having to carry around a burden as big as this one and you'd rather sink yourself further into that darkness to save everyone else rather than think about yourself?"
Kurotsuchi sobbed while Naruto gave her a look, "That's what I'm supposed to do, that's why I'm out here. Even if I have to suffer, if it means everyone else can be happy then I've got to bear that." Naruto tried to explain while Kurotsuchi shook her head.
"Then what, Naruto? Once you've made the rest of the world happy by taking on all of their pain then what happens to you? Huh? Are you going to be happy bearing everyone's scars for them? Is that what you want?"
Kurotsuchi asked while Naruto was speechless at the response, "Kurotsuch-" Naruto was cut off by the sound of her blade being brandished, she pointed her katana at the blonde's throat while she glared at him.
"You want to be treated like a demon? You're a Jinchuriki aren't you? A vessel for one of the tailed beasts, that's why you had that sickening chakra and appearance. I for one think that Jinchuriki should be eliminated, as long as people like you exist then my home will always be in danger."
Naruto looked at Kurotsuchi's blade before he looked at her, "Kurotsuchi." the blonde said while the girl narrowed her eyes at him.
"Would you like to stand or kneel?"
"Kurotsuchi."
"Stand or kneel!"
Kurtsuchi yelled while Naruto kneeled to the ground, "You're right, I am a threat. That's part of the reason why I was kicked out of my village. I was weak and couldn't even save my friend. I can't make those mistakes again; I can't let my weakness be the cause of anyone else's failures again… So do what you must." the blonde said while Kurotsuchi aimed her blade at him.
"When I was given this sword, I swore that I would only use it to cut down monsters. Whether they're man or creature. Anything that threatens my home I will destroy without fail using this sword."
Kurotsuchi said while Naruto stayed kneeling, "Like I said, do what you must. I just wanted to be better. I'm not good enough right now." the blonde said before Kurotsuchi brought her blade down.
Naruto felt the tip gently touch one shoulder, before he felt it touch the other. He looked up right as Kurotsuchi used the back of her blade to touch his head.
"What are you-"
"I see no demon."
Kurotsuchi said while Naruto looked up into her pink eyes, "Naruto, demons don't cry tears like you do. You don't deserve to take on everyone else's pain either. So, what you made a few mistakes, learn from them. You can't let your guilt get in the way of your life. You gotta move forward." the girl said while Naruto looked at Kurotsuchi with watery blue-eyes.
"Naruto Uzumaki, your mission is to escort Kurotsuchi of the Land of Stone back to her village and assist her through any obstacle that may come her way to prevent her from getting there. There is no time limit, but she does get grouchy on the road for long periods of time."
Kurotsuchi said while Naruto listened to the girl, "The only thing that I ask is that you never try to bear burdens on your own, as long as you and I are traveling together we are partners. That means we have each other's backs, no more sacrifices. We will just be myself and yourself." the girl said while Naruto chuckled.
"You seriously still want me to help?"
Naruto asked while she extended a handout toward him, "As long as you are Naruto the kind idiot and not Naruto the beast of burden. Then yes. Don't ruin your good person thing while you're ahead." the black-haired girl said while Naruto stood up.
"I… I'll do my best to try to take care of myself too. I can't promise I'll be perfect all the time."
Naruto said while Kurotsuchi shook her head, "I didn't ask for perfection from you at least. It's the effort that counts this time and this time only." Kurotsuchi said while Naruto chuckled.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The pair thanked each other while Naruto looked at Kurotsuchi's face, "So about that line we were going to take?" the girl asked while Naruto started laughing.
"What?
"Is that seriously what I sound like when I try to lighten the mood?"
"Spot on impression huh?"
"Nah."
"You're right I need to make my voice higher pitched."
"Oi!"
Naruto yelled while the girl beside him laughed, the blonde chuckled before he looked up at the sky through the branches of the trees, the leaves blew gently while Naruto closed his eyes for a moment visualizing his friends in his mind.
'Sorry everyone, I almost tripped up again. I wonder if you guys miss me. I miss you guys. I'm traveling around with an interesting kunoichi right now but she's pretty great. I'm sorry but I've got to move forward. I'll still miss you guys but I… I can't live in my past.'
Naruto thought to himself while he kept walking forward with Kurotsuchi.
'I want to live too it turns out, so I'm going to do my best not just for everyone but for myself too. So, I'll do my best.'
Naruto thought to himself before his thought went to Kou who was at the village, he was probably getting the praise he deserved after so long. He was going to work hard and enjoy a warm meal, sleep in a warm bed surrounded by people who cared about him.
He was going to be happy.
Naruto paused for a moment while Kurotsuchi gave the boy a look, "You ok?" the girl asked while the blonde chuckled while keeping his eyes on the sky.
"I think…"
Naruto said while he looked down making direct eye contact with the girl, pink met blue with a small smile appeared on Naruto's face.
"I want to be happy too."