Chapter 37
Do we look alike, or don't we?
After the tournament, Minato, Ei, and Kazekage gathered at the leaf residence and sat down at the common council table. Hey was though crushed that his genin didn't make it to the finals, but he was still happy about the day.
Hey... There were some very good fights today, especially the first and last.
Race... Yeah, you can't argue with that, the leaf is one of the great ninja villages for a reason.
Minato... Thanks for the praise Rasa herself!
Hey... Come to think of it, Cee is considered the greatest genius in our country. And your genin could win even if he was battered in the first fight.
Minato... Like you said, there are no undefeated shinobi.
Ai blithely sighed to his thoughts.
Hey... All right, whatever. As a result, the cloud is eliminated from this confrontation. But it's still a historic event. Despite past conflicts, we were able to make this event happen. Who knows, maybe in the future the rest of the great countries will converge on such an event. Now we'll see what happens in two weeks.
Minato... You'll be attending, I hope?
Hey... Ha, you bet, you can't miss it, and Bea also wants to see the two jinchurikis face off.
This exclamation the rest of the cachées took it in their own way and simply nodded in agreement. Ai, on the other hand, got up from his seat and stretched sweetly.
Hey... Okay, it's time for a refresher, and the BBQ at Yakiniku Restaurant, really came in handy!
Minato... Enjoy the Raikage herself.
When only the Kazekage and the Hokage were left in the office, a peaceful atmosphere began. After all, Ai was by nature a very energetic man and few people could sit still in his presence.
Race... Minato, I have some questions about your son!
This exclamation struck Minato's heart like a lightning bolt, and in order not to fall down in front of the man with the same powers as him, he simply looked at him perplexed.
Minato... The race itself, what are you talking about?
Rasa, on the other hand, smirked at the acting.
Race... You can't fool a parent's heart Minato, and you can relax, we're alone.
Minato sighed in frustration and looked down.
Minato... I guessed it.
The Kazekage realized this was a sore subject for him and decided to defuse the situation.
Race... Minato, get the sake, I know you sometimes like to cure stress after a tough negotiation. After all, we're both rulers and we both know that our job always involves enormous stress.
Minato didn't argue and simply wandered over to the hiding place that Kushina still hadn't found. Unsealing the stash, he pulled a bottle of sake from behind the stove and picked up two chocos from the sideboard and set them on the table with an appetizer of pickled smelt. The two kage sipped on their choko and sighed in relief.
Race... You're gonna ask me how I knew?
Minato... Outline.
Race... It's no secret to any adult that Naruto Uzumaki is a jinchuriki. But his parentage is shrouded in mystery, and of a very high quality at that. But I learned a lot from your gaze today. When Naruto's first battle was against a native of the Hyuga clan, his speech about his parents. You tried to keep your cool and not show your emotions. But your eyes, they spoke volumes. I always saw that look on me every day as soon as I looked at Gaara. Regret, sadness, desire to change past mistakes.
Minato had nowhere else to go, for their situation at the moment, though not similar, there were still similarities in some points.
Minato... You're still as perceptive as ever.
Race... And without that, I wouldn't be the Kazekage.
Minato... But I see you're not interested in my relationship to him, but something else?
Rasa smirked at this sort of outburst.
Race... Hmm, you're not far behind me in insight. But to the point, you saw what my son did today.
Seeing the silent agreement Kazekage decided to continue.
Race. How is it that our sons, with identical positions, were the exact opposite in character from each other.
Minato sighed in frustration, but still decided to answer.
Minato... It all depends on upbringing.
For Rasa though it wasn't a revelation but was still interested in that answer.
Race... Hmm, I wonder how you were able to raise him like that. What of the hunted and alienated child. Make an honorable and pious young man with good analytical skills?
Minato only furrowed his eyebrows at this praise and lowered his head in regret. After thinking for a while, he decided to share with someone who had done the same thing to his son.
Minato... I don't take any credit for that, on the contrary, it was me who tried to make him into a hunted and alienated child.
Rasa was surprised by this answer, but still didn't pay much attention, for he had his own experience in this.
Race... Understandably, I have no right to judge you, as I'm not without sin myself.
Minato furrowed his eyebrows skeptically while drinking a shot glass.
Minato... I don't think your sins compare to mine. I mean, it's ridiculous to be an orphan with living parents.
Rasa was equally skeptical on this point.
Race... Were you gonna kill your kid, too?
Minato put this question to the postupor, but still decided to clarify the points.
Minato... Regretted it, hated it, wanted him dead. But killing, that never crossed my mind.
Rasa was also surprised to see such a set of qualities in Minato, but he was concerned about other things.
Race... But in what ways have you been involved in your child's life?
Minato sipped some of his alcohol and decided to speak up.
Minato... When we sealed Kyuubi into Naruto as soon as he was born. I've read reports of Gaara spiraling out of control and biju chakra taking over his mind. I was afraid of that outcome and couldn't have him living in our family. I gave him to the hospital to be cared for until the orphanage took him. I hated him, hated him for being born on the day the Kyubey attacked our village. My aunt had sealed Kyubey into my son at the cost of her life and for that I hated him too. I couldn't see him just because I hated him. I told myself every day that he was no longer my son. I began to distance myself from him, and so did my wife. I gave him my wife's maiden name so no one would know whose son he was. And Naruto grew up surrounded by those he called family, Maya san, the third herself, Shisui kun. He was cared for, nurtured and trained like a family man. When he lost Maya san, even then he found the strength not to break down. I, in turn, tried to forget about him and never remember him. Even when the village learned who the jinchuriki really was. I just threw him out to the edge of the village so that when he lost control, he couldn't harm the villagers and we could avert disaster. He was maimed every single day, almost living in the hospital because of the injuries he received from those who lost their family members to the fox. And I didn't even lift a finger to remedy the situation. He, in turn, grew up very kind, caring and noble. I hadn't seen him in 11 years, but when I found out what kind of man he grew up to be. I just started hating myself and I still hate myself to this day. I thought he was a monster, but in fact the real monster is sitting in front of you. He hadn't once embittered or released fox chakra in all this time. I don't even know who I think I am after this! I left my son a burden. I dread every day the day he finds out. I can't let you hurt him any more!
Minato spat out the last words with a stutter. Rasa seeing his condition, poured him a choco and gave him a drink. As soon as Minato returned to his state.
Race... It's not that bad...
Those words were like thunder to Minato.
Minato... What?
Rasa sipped his choco and decided to come clean himself.
Race... When my wife, Karura, was pregnant with Gaara. There was a pressing question of who the jinchuriki would be, as the past wearer was already on the verge of dying of old age. There has been a lot of argument and reasoning on this topic. The best option at the time was to seal in an unborn child. We thought that if we sealed in a child who had not yet developed a psyche, the demon would not be able to take over his mind. But we were wrong! When labor approached, I sealed Shukaka into my wife's womb with my own hands. And when Gaara was born, my wife died cursing the world and me in particular for what I had done. The reports weren't lying and Gaara was really losing his temper! He couldn't sleep just because Shukaku had begun to affect his mind. I loved my wife with all my heart and blamed Gaara for her death. With each passing year, Gaara grew up to be an unstable child. Got unreasonably aggressive. And when he fell asleep, the demon inside him would awaken and come out. We've been evacuating the village almost every month because of the demon outbreak, and sometimes even more often. I used to pull my kids away from him so they wouldn't get hurt. Sometimes intimidated and even isolated from society. He grew up fearing and hating me. And the people around him feared and hated him. And Gaara would break their bones in a fit of rage.
Rasa began to pale with each telling and slowly began to shiver.
Race... One day, on his fifth birthday, he heard something he wasn't supposed to hear!
Minato listened to every word.
Minato... And what did he hear?
Rasa sipped his choco and then looked at Minato with despair.
Race... Uncontrolled weapons, get rid of them!
That phrase felt like an electric shock, for Minato had heard that phrase from his son.
Race... Those words were mine. Deep in the night, when he heard those words, he tried to escape from the village. I overtook him and directed a thickness of golden sand at him, but the sand of Gaara protected him. But what I saw, I'll never forget!
Minato... What did you see?
Race... The sand that protected him took on the image of his mother, Karura. I thought all this time that the demon inside him was protecting him. And in fact, Karura's soul protects him to this day.
Rasa was apathetic and Minato poured him a drink.
Minato... And then what happened?
Rasa took a sip of his choco and hissed in a deadpan voice.
Race... After I attacked him, he fled the village. I then berated myself for all my sins. Karura gave her life so that her soul could protect him. I, in turn, tried to kill him. I came to my senses and sent out to find him. I myself couldn't look him in the eye after that. When my men found him, I tried to help him in any way I could. Except I was afraid to go near him. I had thoughts of why Gaara might have gotten aggressive and couldn't sleep. I then wrote to everyone who could help in Fuinjutsu, to all the countries that are on this world. Months went by and only one wanderer responded to my request. He was from the Uzumaki clan, the ones who survived the destruction of the maelstrom.
Minato was interested in this fact and decided to inquire while there was a pause.
Minato... What was his name?
Race... He introduced himself as Takeshi Uzumaki. He didn't say where he was from, and it didn't matter at the time.
Minato mentally wrote that name down in his head.
Minato... And then what happened?
Race... He confirmed my hunch that it was the wrong seal. You realize Minato, I ruined my son's life before he was born. Because of my typing error, my son has suffered all these five years!
Minato decided not to touch on that point for now.
Minato... So Takeshi San was able to fix the seal?
Race... Yes, he did. He fixed the seal and left my village. Gaara after fixing the seal was already able to sleep normally and the aggressions stopped. But Gaara's psyche was shattered. All the residents were all just as afraid of him and tried to stay away. I was able to get over myself and apologize. But the meaning of his life was cut off and he wasn't talking to anyone. My heart bled every time I looked into his lifeless eyes. But as time went on, Temari and Kankuro tried to bond with them. And one day they succeeded, they were able to get him to talk. But they still couldn't get his frozen stare away. I tried to get close to him, did everything I could to get him to stop shunning me. Minato, you don't know how hard I worked to have him by my side. I succeeded, but his eyes were just as pale.
Rasa paused and sipped his choco.
Race... Everything changed in one day! Before he entered the academy, he came up to me and said. "Father, I know who I am and who I am to become. You're right, uncontrolled weapons are being gotten rid of. I am the weapon of the village and I will be the best weapon among all the other villages and you won't have to get rid of me."
Minato was taken aback by such a statement and began to wince at the words.
Minato... Does he really want to-
Race... Yes, Minato, he wants to prove to me that he's the best weapon. He practiced day and night with sand control and was even able to control biju chakra. He fought the best and defeated them. He did all this to prove to me that he was the best weapon.
Rasa said this with bitterness and even sobs were heard, and then snickered.
Race... You think I didn't want to reassure him that he was Gaara, the man, not the weapon? He found his meaning in life after those words, yeah that's wrong. But I can't and don't want to see his pale eyes. If he loses his meaning in life, I won't survive it. I've already ruined his life, I won't do it again.
Rasa was confused, and so was Minato. But Rasa decided to voice his main question why he came here.
Race... Tell me Minato, what makes Naruto go further? Why are his values more human than my son's? Why is he calm about his fate as a jinchuriki unlike my son?
Minato snickered and remembering everything his son lived, decided to share.
Minato... My son really appreciates the people he cares about and is willing to go to the end for them. He understands his plight and has long since resigned himself to it. He rightfully and justly considers himself a hero who restrains the Kyubey's rage from those around him. Yes, he is hated by the whole village, but he has an amazing ability to change people and get people to like him. You saw that for yourself in the fight with Neji Hyuga. To tell you the truth, I'm pretty sure he's the one who changed me for the better. Like my wife and all those around him. It's his dream to become the Hokage and change the world for the better.
Rasa began to listen to these words mesmerized and even began to raise his eyelids enthusiastically.
Race... You're luckier, Minato. You have such a beautiful son growing up.
Minato snickered and sipped his choco after saying that.
Minato... It's sad to realize that you have a beautiful son and yet you did nothing to make him grow into what he became. Son, you know, I used to be afraid to call him that.
Rasa took a sip of his choco and sipped it with a poof.
Race... Me too... But you yourself have thought about how the situation would have turned out. If you'd done something differently? Would have raised him and recognized him as a son from the beginning? Who would he be after that. Perhaps what happened to him is what made him such a wonderful person.
That question stumped him and Minato had a lot to think about.
Minato... You may be right, but that doesn't excuse my past mistakes.
Race... But you can't change anything...
Minato... You can't!
Race... Perhaps you were right not to reveal the secret of his parentage. And he's not exactly eager to find out about his parents.
Minato... The only thing to hate him for is that he thinks too highly of me.
Race... Hmm, Minato, I guess this is your punishment. But my punishment will begin when I go to the other world and Karura will be waiting for me there.
Minato... Maybe, but I think she was glad you were able to come to your senses in time.
Minato's thoughts... And I don't know what to say to Maya San when I get to the other side.
There was a pause and both breathed a sigh of relief.
Race... You know, when you look at the problems of others, your problems become so insignificant.
Minato... You make a good point, but I think it's time to wrap this up...
Rasa stood up to face Minato and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Race... I am glad it was your son who fell to Gaara's rival. I hope he can change my son for the better.
Minato placed his hand in response.
Minato... You know, underestimating Naruto is really stupid, so I think he can do it.
Rasa smiled complacently and made a bow of his head and left the office, leaving Minato alone with his thoughts.
Minato's thoughts... Hmm, it's silly to speculate which of us did the worse. For what it's worth, we both did a terrible thing. Oh, son, what can I do for you now? Hmm, right, training, I hope the third one understands me and sits on the post for the whole two weeks. And Kakashi, he's the lazy one who's going to forget his training anyway. That leaves Shisui, hmmm, right, I can bring him along for training too.
Naruto was going to go to the hospital, where he wanted to heal the chakra channels in his legs from the wild overload he had put on in the arena today. Shisui escorted him home, but still instructed him to go to the hospital if the pains did not stop. After changing into a green t-shirt and white shorts, Naruto walked into the reception area where he met Sakura.
Naruto... Hey, Sakura, what's up?
Sakura was very happy to see her teammate and even felt like hugging him. Seeing Naruto walking around ghosting.
Sakura... Hey Naruto, you don't look so good.
Naruto jumped at her remark.
Naruto... Well, the reason for my condition, I don't think I need to voice datebayo!
Sakura... Yeah, well, you've been through a lot today.
Naruto... Sakura, tell me, where's the justice?
Sakura... Hmm?
Naruto... Why did everyone fight once and I had to save chakra for two battles?
Sakura... Justice? What's that?
Naruto raised his eyes to the sky at her sarcasm.
Naruto... Okay, I'm just stopping by, do you happen to know how to repair swollen chakra channels?
Sakura looked at the sokomannikats regretfully.
Sakura... Sorry, I haven't gotten to that yet.
Naruto... Duttebayo, okay, where's Grandma Tsunade?
Sakura... She's busy right now.
Naruto... And Shizune san?
Sakura... Also, busy...
Naruto... Who's available?
Sakura looked up from the recording.
Sakura... Only Kushina san, she's just finished with Shino's treatment.
Naruto... Uh, can you show me her office?
Sakura... Sure, you want me to help you?
Naruto... Nah, it's okay, I can handle it.
Inami... Why don't you let me help you?
That voice of recoiling steel was like thunder.
Naruto.. Inami chan?
She stood with her arms crossed and tried to burn with her gaze and grabbed the blond by the scruff of his neck and began to drag him across the floor.
Inami... Let's go, shall we?
Naruto... Inami, please let me go.
Inami... Don't move or I'll have to put you to sleep.
Naruto... Sakura, help!
Sakura was tempted to say something, but Inami's stern look tempered her confidence and she just waved the blond off with a silly grin.
Naruto... Duttebayo, why?
Sakura was approached by Ino, who was also perplexed by such a concert.
Ino... What's that?
Sakura... Love...
Ino cringed at this turn of events.
Ino... Wow, once Naruto became popular, then everyone started sticking to him.
Sakura didn't like that tone and decided to temper her fervor.
Sakura... You know, and Sasuke kun is right, you're really annoying...
Ino was dumbfounded at this outburst.
Ino... What?
Sakura... This girl has known Naruto since the orphanage.
Ino was alarmed at such news.
Ino... Oh, I didn't know.
Sakura... So why talk nonsense when you don't even know the point?
Ino... What are you doing?
Sakura... Why, weren't you the one who said Naruto was useless a month ago?
Ino... I didn't know at the time that he had chakra control issues.
Sakura... That's exactly what I didn't know. But that didn't stop you from talking nonsense. You said the same thing about Lee before the first stage. But he was able to fight back against that sand guy.
Ino wilted at such words, but she couldn't reply.
Ino... You're right, I did say a lot of things.
Sakura all stood with a stern look.
Sakura... Did you apologize for what you said?
Ino snickered and lowered her head, while Sakura butted her head and walked off in a different direction.
Ino's thoughts... I should apologize to them, xoo, why am I such a chatterbox?
Inami led Naruto into Kushina's office before she came in from the treatment room and sat the blond on a chair and strapped duct tape around him so he wouldn't make his feet. As if by the law of meanness, Kushina was in a nearby archive, she was leafing through some test reports. She heard rustles in her office and as she listened to the rustles, she recognized the voices of her student and her son.
Kushina's thoughts... Wow, I was lucky to get into the archives before I went back to the treatment room. Too bad you can't see anything, but you can hear everything. Good thing there's a barrier here, Naruto won't know I'm here, giggles.
Naruto tried to get out of her grasp, but a ringing slap from Inami prevented him from doing so.
Naruto... Inami, please let me go.
Inami... No, you're gonna tell me now. About your adventures in the land of lightning. The fox mask you didn't want to reveal a year ago. And the most important question. Why do the residents hate you?
Inami silked her finger without hearing an answer.
Inami... I'm listening.
Naruto realized she wasn't going to let go and decided to hold on until the end.
Naruto... Inami, untie me, there's no point dantebayo.
Inami... No, you tell me, I'm not gonna let you go.
Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, where the hell are you Kushina san! And in this position, I won't be able to use wind chakra properly, and if I mess up Kushina San's chair, she'll probably bury me with it!
Inami closed his eyes, contemplating a plan to extend time.
Naruto... Inami, why do you need to know all this?
Inami seeing Naruto sitting there stalling for time began to boil up inside.
Inami... Why are you always like this?
Naruto... Which one?
Inami began to shed silent tears.
Inami... Why are you always trying to hide from everyone? Even when we were kids, you were always hiding things from me. To you, is the word friend a blank slate, or is it about me and you don't consider me a friend? Maybe that's why you agreed to have me adopted, because you didn't need me.
Naruto though it hurt to see her tears, but the words spoken to her hurt the blonde's heart and decided to confess.
Naruto... No, I don't!
Inami came to shock at his words, but noticing the non-agreement.
Naruto... You're more than a friend to me!
Inami was very pleased with those words and even began to hope that the ice had been touched.
Naruto... When I first came to the shelter, no one would talk to me. And then you were brought in by your grandfather the third and I've tried to take care of you ever since. We played together, had fun, learned. You've become a very close person to me. But that's why I can't tell you, and what difference would it make? What you find out about me will make you feel differently about me?
Inami was confused by such a question and with uncertainty.
Inami... Uh, no.
Inami looked at her skeptically.
Naruto... You don't seem very confident in your answer. And why did you look away?
Inami took this reproach very keenly and grabbing the back of his shirt she looked him in the eye.
Inami... No!
Naruto even got goosebumps at the sight of her. But with a kind face.
Naruto... Now I believe dantebayo!
Inami gazed into his eyes and wanted to kiss him, but she couldn't help but fall greedily into his lips. Naruto was shocked by such actions and began to kick up on the spot. Inami thought something wrong and peeled away from him. Naruto, on the other hand, was shocked by her actions and began to squint at her fearfully.
Naruto... Inami, I told you, it's too early for us to do this kind of thing.
Inami experienced shock and then anger and began to shake the blond man.
Inami... You said I was more than a friend to you!
Naruto... Uh, well, yeah, that's true...
Inami... What am I to you?
Naruto replied with a natural look.
Naruto... I consider you my sister or sis. Although, it's more apt to be a sister...
Kushina made a facepalm and muttered silently.
Kushina... Naruto, you're such a woman, you'll never understand women!
While Inami was glad for that opinion, it still wasn't what she had hoped for.
Inami... Naruto, you're so slow!
Naruto was dumbfounded at this conclusion.
Naruto... What?
Inami... Nothing!
She picked up the scissors and was heading towards Naruto with fierce eyes. Naruto seeing that look started to stagger from side to side.
Naruto... Good people, please!
Kushina's thoughts... What, is Inami trying to kill him?
Kushina started to walk out of the office silently. Inami stomped on the chair leg to keep it still and started cutting the tape. Then she grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and threw him out of the office so that Naruto rolled on the floor.
Inami... Asshole!
After saying that, she closed the door with such force that the glass almost cracked. Naruto stood up some how and shook off his clothes.
Naruto... Xoo, what's wrong with these girls?
At that moment, Kushina, who had seen the whole shebang, approached him.
Kushina... Naruto kun, girls, it's a very delicate nature.
Naruto immediately cheered up at this point.
Naruto... Oh, Kushina san, you're just what I need!
Kushina... Oh, why?
Naruto... I'm having trouble with the chakra channels on my feet, would you mind taking a look?
Kushina... Oh, yeah, sure, let's go to the treatment room!
Naruto followed her ghosting, and Kushina noticing this started to get a little worried. They walked into the treatment room and Kushina sat the blond man down at the treatment bed and began to channel the chakra on his legs. Naruto's chakra channels took a lot longer to heal than other organs or external injuries, but it wasn't the first time he'd noticed that the chakra channels took a lot longer to heal than other organs or external injuries.
Naruto... Kushina san, why do chakra channels, take much longer to recover than normal wounds?
Kushina... It depends on the technique used on you or what technique you used yourself. But let me ask you, how did you increase your speed today? Because from just drinking chakra into your muscles, you couldn't have swollen the chakra channels in your legs like that.
Naruto rubbed his head with a silly grin.
Naruto.. Uh, I thought I was going for the air chakra in my legs.
For Kushina, this method was more novel and she couldn't help but notice the blond's cleverness. But she had the widest experience in treating her husband for the effects of his air chakra, or rather her aunt's. When Minato was a little older than Naruto's age and now she was worried about something else.
Kushina's thoughts... Xoo, Minato used air chakra a lot as a kid and when overstressed, he had problems with his chakra channels too. M-yes, Aunt Kaname had tried for a long time back then to get it into his head not to overdo it.
Kushina looked at the blond with serious eyes.
Kushina... Naruto, because you infused your feet and leg muscles with air chakra. Then you not only have swollen chakro channels, but you have small cracks in some places.
At this news Naruto trembled and began to panic a little.
Naruto... Duttebayoo, what do we do now? After all, it's the only way I can develop my top speed! Even came up with a name for such a technique very cool!
Kushina... Wow, what's the name?
Naruto... A running speeder, gliding downwind tearing through space and time!
Naruto voiced the name enthusiastically, but Kushina didn't share the enthusiasm and even made a facepalm.
Kushina's thoughts... Damn you and your genes!
Kushina looked regretfully at Naruto.
Kushina... I'm sorry, but you're gonna have to give up that chip for now. I realize that it makes you stronger, but still if you keep this up, you might sever the chakra channels completely. And then, even with your abnormal regeneration, you'll take a very long time to recover. Chakra channels are the strongest organism in a shinobi's body, but they are also the most difficult to repair.
Naruto released his eyes pondering all of her words.
Naruto... You're right, we'll have to do it the old fashioned way, xoo, but it was such a good idea.
Kushina, seeing the blond's depressed state, decided to change the subject a bit.
Kushina... Naruto-kun, you did well today, you were able to defeat the strongest genin of your village.
Naruto.. That's what ruined them.
Naruto said the words as something natural, but Kushina had long liked the blond's train of thought. While she healed, I decided to brighten up the time by chatting.
Kushina... Uh, can you elaborate on that?
Naruto... Often, those who think they're invincible. People with this opinion stop evolving or just keep their skills at the level at which they once defeated enemies. Neji, for example, is a master of taijutsu among the Genin. Even I didn't have such skills at the time I fought Kiba. But his halo of invincibility faltered as soon as he thought his skills were enough to defeat me. Perhaps he was preparing against a cloud swordsman. But underestimating your opponent, I think is the most dangerous quality in our world. And about C, same situation, he probably expected me to run out of steam in the first fight. Perhaps the greatest weakness shinobi have is their underestimation of their opponents Dattebayoo!
Naruto said all of this with delight and at the last point she even began rubbing the back of her head in a familiar manner. Kushina listened to his arguments with rapt attention, and even caught a flashback, as Minato often explained himself like this. Kushina finished with the treatment and stood up to her full height.
Kushina... Excellent conclusions Naruto kun! Well, you can go now, for the future, be careful!
Naruto... Good Kushina san!
Kushina rubbed her head and smiled happily.
Kushina... Good luck in your next fight!
Naruto... Thank you Kushina san dattebayoo!
Kushina had often noticed this word parasite in her son.
Kushina... Duttebayo.
Naruto... Uh, sorry, that word comes out a lot when yaya.
Kushina... Worried?
Naruto... Yes!
Kushina... Nothing...
Naruto... Okay, I'm outta here.
Kushina watched as Naruto walked briskly out of the treatment room. She was happy to spend some quality time with her son. But still some thoughts were eating away at her.
Kushina's thoughts... There he goes again, xooo, and there's that san suffix again.
Kushina... Duttebane.
She covered her mouth in fear, for she had been trying to get rid of this habit since Miroku was born. But now she was worried that Naruto might hear that word.
Naruto walked towards the exit, but as he left the hospital, Ino was standing at the entrance, apparently waiting for him.
Ino... Naruto!
Naruto looked at her perplexed.
Naruto... Uh, Ino, hi!
Ino shuffled from foot to foot in shame and embarrassment.
Ino... Anyway, I wanted to apologize to you for what I said before we went into the tower on stage two.
Naruto looked at her perplexed.
Naruto... Uh, okay.
Ino was even taken aback by this reaction.
Ino... I thought you were gonna pout at me for saying that.
Naruto... Uh, for what words...
Ino was shocked.
Ino... You don't remember?
Naruto... Ino, I don't even remember what I had for breakfast last week. Whatever the case, I forgive you or I could have just nailed it with those words.
Ino though pleased, still decided to make amends.
Ino... Uh, all right, well, why don't we just sit somewhere?
Naruto looked at her with a mesmerizing smile.
Naruto... I'm sorry, I'm tired today, and I've got a busy day tomorrow.
Ino looking at that smirk and listening to the timbre of Naruto's voice started to blush a little.
Ino's thoughts... Wow, sometimes it can be so elegant and even so cool.
Naruto... All right, take care.
Naruto ran away from the scene of action, leaving a blushing Ino behind. Naruto in turn walking through the streets towards the house. At the same time, Miroku was walking towards the hospital with a bento box for her mother. As she rounded the corner, she spotted Naruto, who hadn't even noticed her.
Miroku... Hey, you!
Naruto turned to her and his mood began to fall.
Naruto... Hi!
Miroku had been wanting to punch her abuser for a long time and when the opportunity presented itself, she just couldn't pass up the chance.
Miroku... I know it was you under the fox mask. You conned me out of money then, and you're gonna pay for it now.
Naruto looked at Miroku like she was an idiot.
Naruto... Miroku, this may come as news to you. But I won that money fair and square!
Miroku decided to keep the momentum going and began to press on with words.
Miroku... No way, you're just a con man and a cheat.
Naruto... Miroku, tell me, what do you really want from me?
Miroku stammered at this point and just started babbling.
Miroku... Yaya, it's, uh, let's fight. Yeah, let's fight, you beat the one I wanted to beat.
Naruto raised his right eyelid upward in surprise.
Naruto... You want to do this right now, and right here?
Miroku... Yes!
Naruto noticing the bento in her arms shook his head.
Naruto... Don't you have to go about your business?
Miroku was taken aback by such a question.
Miroku... What makes you say that?
Naruto... You wrapped the bento in foil, apparently you're carrying it to someone.
Miroku simply cocked her head at that statement.
Miroku... It's okay, she'll wait...
Naruto... Do you think fighting me is more important than taking this bento to me? This road leads to the hospital, and the only family you have there is Kushina San. Isn't she the one you're taking this bento to?
Miroku looked perplexed at the blond man.
Miroku... So what?
At those words, Naruto began to boil inside and looked at her with such seriousness that she flinched for a moment.
Naruto... Miroku, why don't you appreciate your parents?
Miroku... What the hell are you talking about?
Naruto often wondered how Miroku interacted with her parents and decided to teach her a lesson.
Naruto... Follow me!
Miroku... Why?
Naruto... I said follow me, dantebayo!
Miroku was even startled by this intonation and just jumped on the rooftops following the blond. Naruto went into a toy store and bought a toy dinosaur there. The sun had not yet set and they sat down in the tree where the shelter stood opposite it.
Miroku... Why did we come here?
Naruto... This is orphanage number 6, here are children whose parents died in a beating outside the village or simply could not support their children.
Miroku didn't understand all this action coming from the blond man.
Naruto... Look at the third window on the left, on the second floor.
Miroku looked over to where the blond was pointing and saw a black-haired boy of about six years old looking at the picture, shedding silent tears. Miroku seeing the boy's condition began to look at her sympathetically herself.
Naruto... This boy's name is Katsumi Yoshimitsu. Two and a half years ago, a massacre broke out in a settlement southwest of the leaf village. This settlement was attacked by local bandits. This boy's parents sacrificed themselves to apprehend the robbers, thus giving this child a chance to escape.
Miroku began to listen, shuddering at such details.
Miroku... How do you know all this?
Naruto looked at her with an emotionless expression on his face.
Naruto... At the time, I was returning from another mission and found him at the edge of the forest. He was then lying down from exhaustion of the body. I brought him to Konoha and the third one assigned him to this orphanage.
Even though Miroku was arrogant, this story really affected her.
Miroku... Poor boy, he's been through so much.
Naruto... Do you understand why I brought you here?
Miroku... Hmm?
Naruto... This boy is not the only one who has faced such a tragedy. There are over 100 children in this orphanage, each with a story more tragic than the others. But the conclusion is the same, they were left without parents. Every child in this orphanage, would give a lot. To be with my parents for just a few moments. Miroku, appreciate your parents, even though they don't show or черzmenrly patronize you. And yet they love you.
Miroku lowered her eyes pondering the blond man's words and decided to ask a question.
Miroku... In the fight with Neji, you said you had no parents. You miss them too, don't you?
Naruto sighed in frustration.
Naruto... I don't remember my parents, but you also heard I had that man. Who replaced my parents. I admit, I really miss Maya chan. But she's dead, and the only thing I can do. So it's just to pray for her. Miroku, appreciate your parents. Life is fleeting, especially for shinobi. So come to your senses before it's too late.
Miroku cradled the bento against her, only coming to her senses now.
Miroku... Oh, bento, she'll get cold...
Naruto put his hand on her shoulder and smiled.
Naruto... Tell Kushina san a nice meal.
Miroku... All right!
She jumped down from the tree and after running a hundred meters away, she noticed a dinosaur on the window that Naruto had bought.
Miroku's thoughts... So that's why you bought this toy. You're not so bad, Naruto!
Miroku thought back to the way she treated her parents along the way and came to be horrified by her behavior.
Miroku's thoughts... Naruto's right, I didn't appreciate my parents properly. My mom's starving and I'm out here doing whatever the hell I'm doing!
She ran full speed toward the hospital and almost plowed open her mom's office door. Kushina seeing the tears in Miroku's eyes began to be perplexed and worried.
Kushina... Daughter, what's wrong with you, something happened?
Miroku stood lowering her gaze, but making up her mind she placed the bento on her desk and looked her in the eye.
Miroku... Mommy, I'm sorry!
Kushina sat at her desk and stood up from her chair and approached her daughter with a worried look.
Kushina... Miroku, tell me what's wrong!
Miroku hugged her mother and began to shed tears violently.
Miroku... Mommy, I'm sorry I've been so spoiled and I've been mean to you all the time.
Kushina was taken aback by such a statement, but was still pleased to see such a change in her daughter.
Kushina... Miroku...
Miroku... Mommy, I was so often cranky and trying to show that I was an adult. But I didn't realize that you and dad were just worried about me on a mission. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Kushina ducked down and wiped away her tears.
Kushina... Miroku, sweetie, Daddy and I love you and have never been mad at you.
After saying these words, she hugged her baby daughter tightly and was jubilant with happiness and even shed tears of happiness. When they both calmed down, Miroku smiled at her mother.
Miroku... Mommy, why don't we have a family dinner tonight? I'll ask my dad to come in early today.
Kushina inwardly cheered
Kushina.. Okay, daughter, I'll just finish my reports and go home.
Miroku... All right, Mammy!
Miroku opened the bento and left through the door but after coming to her senses she opened it again and with a happy smile.
Miroku... By the way, mom, Naruto told me to tell you to eat well.
When the door was closed, Kushina was happier than ever.
Kushina's thoughts... So that's who talked some sense into you, thank you, son!
Minato, after Rasa left, unleashed chakra on his stomach to disperse the alcohol and cleaned up his office. While sorting through reports he almost jumped out the window when her daughter opened the door wide open.
Minato... Daughter, is something wrong?
Miroku panting began to shift from foot to foot.
Miroku.. Dad, can you come home early today?
Minato was surprised at her request.
Minato... What's the matter?
Miroku... Uh, I just wanted to make a family dinner, so, uh.
Minato was surprised at this change in his daughter, but not doing to offend her.
Minato... Okay, sweetie, I'll be there to pick up mom from the hospital.
Miroku grimaced from ear to ear and lost her neck.
Miroku... Thanks dad, you're the best!
She paraded out of the office leaving a happy dad staring at the mountain of reports.
Minato's thoughts... Wow, that's a lot to go through, but that's okay. You don't want to upset your little girl.
Minato... Kage bunshin no jutsu!
Five clones stood in front of him and went to work.
Minato's thoughts... I wonder why I haven't used these clones before? Minato, and you think I'm a genius. Naruto uses this technique almost every step of the way. He's used this technique so often, though, that no migraine is too bad for him. Oh poor me, I should have taken the time to learn this technique.
After finishing work, he sat down on the couch drinking a sedative.
Minato's thoughts... Xoo, okay an hour, but two hours to use this technique. How does Naruto stand up to all this headache? Okay, now we have to go to the hospital.
Not a second later he was at the entrance to the hospital and walking through the corridors he met his wife.
Minato... Oh, Kushina, I was just coming to get you!
Kushina... Honey, is something wrong?
Minato... No, it's just that Miroku wanted to have a family dinner.
Kushina smiled and nodded.
Kushina... I know, and that's why I tried to get it over with as quickly as possible.
Minato looked at his watch.
Minato... There's still time, maybe we should take a walk. I thought Miroku said by eight...
Kushina smiled evilly and rubbed her husband's neck.
Kushina... Oh, you're a romantic. Let's go.
They walked down the streets and could not contain their joy.
Minato... Honey, it's like your daughter's been switched today.
Kushina.. I know, and I know why.
Minato... А?
Kushina... Naruto, I'm sure it was Naruto who was able to change her.
Minato's thoughts... There's no doubt about it, but my hunch has been confirmed. Thank you son, you were able to change a lot of people in a day!
Minato... I'm sure we should thank him.
Kushina... I should, but I think he's busy right now.
Minato... А?
Kushina... Look, here they come.
And there were three guys walking towards me, two brunettes and one blond. Konohamaru waved the dango enthusiastically through the air. Shisui smirked at the child's mischievousness and crunched his dango stick while Naruto just walked along with them eating his portion of dango.
Konohamaru... And then you cue, cue, cue, and sword bang. Brother Naruto, you're really cool!
Naruto ruffled Konohamaru's hair.
Naruto... Thanks ototo, when the finals are over, I'll teach you swordfighting.
Konohamaru lit up at the possibility and threw himself at the blond man.
Konohamaru... Woah, Brother Naruto, you're the best!
Shisui smirked at such bravado remembering the petite Naruto.
Shisui... I think you'll be as good a swordsman as my ototo.
Konohamaru... I bet, Brother Shisui, you taught him how to sword fight like that, didn't you?
Shisui... Some I did, some of the moves he came up with on his own.
Konohamaru heard this, with even more excitement.
Konohamaru... Wow, Brother Naruto, you're a genius!
Naruto even huffed and just put a hand on his shoulder.
Naruto... Eat the dango before grandpa sees the third one. He'll upset me if he sees what you eat before dinner.
Konohamaru began to greedily eat the dango, while Shisui noticed the new faces in the meantime.
Shisui... Oh, Fourth Sama, Kushina san, good evening.
Naruto... Good evening.
Konohamaru... Vdravte.
The couple smiled at Konohamaru saying hello with his mouth full.
Minato. Hey kids, are you going to join the clan?
Kushina... Decided to grab a bite before dinner?
Shisui... Yes, the third one herself wants to celebrate Naruto's victory today.
Minato... Oh, by the way, totally forgot, congrats on the Naruto kun win.
Naruto... Thank you!
Kushina... By the way, how's your leg, does it hurt anymore?
Naruto moved his feet and exclaimed cheerfully.
Naruto... No, thank you for your treatment, Kushina san.
Kushina waved her index finger.
Kushina... Remember what I told you. Go easy on the air chakra quirks. I have a goofball who, in his youth, also liked to dabble with this element. And believe me, it didn't end well for him...
After saying this, she looked at her husband reproachfully. And Minato sensing that look shivered a little.
Naruto... Good Kushina san!
Minato... By the way, your finals are in two weeks. Best of luck with your preparations!
Naruto... Thank you Hokage herself. Brother Shisui, you'll help me with the preparations, right?
Shisui shivered at this moment and lowered his head in regret.
Shisui... I'm sorry, Otto, I have a very important mission.
Naruto though he was very upset, but he was now concerned about another issue.
Naruto... But will you at least come watch?
Shisui seeing the frustrated look on the blond man's face put a hand on his shoulder.
Shisui... Don't be afraid Naru, I think I can do it in two weeks. Rest assured, I'll be there!
Naruto immediately cheered up and held out his fist.
Naruto... Brother Shisui, be careful on the mission, that's the most important thing!
Konohamaru... Yes, brother Shisui, take care of yourself!
Shisui smiled enthusiastically, bumping Konohamaru and Naruto's fist. Minato and Kushina seeing their fraternal idyll just couldn't tear their eyes away. Naruto frowned twirling his finger at his chin.
Naruto... Okay, Kakashi sensei is out, since he's a lazy bastard worse than Shikamaru. Erosanin will just ignore me and go write his own books. Xoo, I'm gonna have to do this on my own.
Shisui himself was thinking of who to harness, but Itachi himself would go with him on the mission.
Minato's thoughts... This is my chance...
Minato... Uh, Naruto-kun!
Naruto turned his head toward the spouses.
Naruto... Yes, the Hokage herself?
Minato... Well, if you want, I can help you with the preparations...
Everyone was shocked by such a statement.
Minato... Naruto-kun, you represent our village on the world stage. I, as head of the village, even consider it my duty to help you.
Naruto lit up at such bravado and stood in front of him with eyes blazing.
Naruto... Wow, thanks Hokage-sama, you also possess the element of wind after all.
Shisui looked gratefully at the hokage.
Shisui... Thank you Hokage-sama, but you're the head of the village and...
Minato raised his hand in a sign of calm.
Minato... You don't have to worry about that, Shisui kun. I'll figure something out.
Shisui... Thank you Naru, listen to everything the Hokage says by yourself.
Naruto... Sure bro, what time and where to come?
Minato... Come to my office tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m.
For Naruto, all questions fell away and he simply stood up and saluted.
Naruto... There's the Hokage herself, datebayo!
Minato... See you tomorrow!
Shisui... Goodbye hokage yourself, Kushina san
All the younger ones bowed and went off in their own direction. Kushina, on the other hand, stood still with her mouth hanging open.
Kushina... Wow, that's a hell of a way to represent our village, debt.
Minato seeing the reproach in her eyes started to grin stupidly and rubbed the back of his head.
Minato... Well, I have him to thank for changing Miroku for the better.
Kushina sighed in hopelessness.
Kushina... Come on, dinner's waiting.
Minato followed her and seeing her irritation, decided to change the subject.
Minato... By the way, you said you cured Naruto's legs, what happened to him?
Kushina... Remember you as a kid, when you were a little older than Naruto. You decided to generate wind chakra in your legs, you called it a dumbass name back then, what the-
Minato twirled a finger at his chin remembering that time.
Minato... Oh, I remember! A stomp of wind sliding through the air like a flash.
Kushina made a facepalm with annoyance.
Kushina... Minato, damn you and your genes! You and Naruto both can't refrain from long titles.
Minato... What's the matter?
Kushina... Remember today when Naruto was running up and down the arena wall?
Minato... Oh, yeah!
Kushina... Anyway, he too, like you, generated wind chakra in his legs...
Minato... Wow, that's why C couldn't keep up.
Kushina just slapped her back for such enthusiasm.
Kushina... No good, he almost ruptured the chakra channels on his legs! If he kept running like that, he'd be laid up like you for a week, unable to walk.
Minato lowered his head in regret.
Minato... Well, it's a good thing it didn't happen.
Kushina... Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And I came up with a name for this technique... Oh, how can you be so stupid. A running speeder gliding downwind, tearing through space and time. I can't believe it.
While she was saying this bravado, Minato was writing something down in his notebook.
Minato... So, running fast, gliding downwind, what was the next thing?
Kushina noticed the interested look and the notebook in her husband's hand. Then she became furious and taking the notebook she tore the leaflet and then returning the notebook she grabbed her husband by the collar.
Kushina... Minato, if you create a technique in practice. You hear me, don't you dare give them stupid names like that.
Minato even sweated with fear and tried not to move.
Minato... Well-loved...
Minato kissed his wife to calm her down a bit.
Kushina... That's good!
They walked quietly and upon entering the house then she was greeted by Miroku who was a bit agitated.
Miroku... Mom, Dad, everything's ready, wash your hands and sit down at the table.
When the whole family sat down at the table, they saw a fish casserole with rice in front of them, and next to it was a pisser with hot green tea.
Minato... Wow my daughter looks so yummy!
Kushina... Good for you, where did you find the fish casserole recipe?
Inami... When I was at Inami's, we used to cook them a lot. By the way, what was that about her today? When I left the hospital, she wasn't herself.
Kushina's thoughts... Well done son, hurt the girl, oh how difficult it can be with children.
Kushina... Uh, must be a difficult patient.
Miroku... Ahhh, I don't envy this patient!
Kushina... What's the matter?
Miroku... Well, she was so angry, and she even said she'd kill someone if she got caught...
Kushina's thoughts... Oh Naruto, you'd better stay out of the hospital for now.
Kushina... Okay, it's time to start eating!
Minato... Bon appetit.
Miroku... Bon appetit.
While they were enjoying their meal, Kushina looked at the empty chair next to Miroku and imagined Naruto sitting there.
Kushina's thoughts... I wish he could sit there and join us for dinner. Oh, dreams dreams dreams.
Minato noticing her look and her plummeting mood, took her hand.
Minato's thoughts... Kushina, I'd like to see Naruto at our table too.
As dinner was coming to an end, Kushina volunteered to do the dishes sending her daughter to bed. And Minato was sitting next to him, wiping the plates with his nasuzo.
Kushina... Minato, sometimes I wish I could just force Naruto into our family.
Minato nearly fell into a stupor at that admission.
Minato... Honey, you do realize it's impossible...
Kushina washed off the last plate and sat down at the table and began to shed silent tears.
Kushina... I know it's impossible, but I can't help it. Until I met Naruto. It was like I was in a nightmare, a horrible dream. And when I woke up, it was too late to change. Every time I see Naruto, I can't shake the feeling of contempt for myself. The fact that he treats us with respect hurts me even more. If this is our punishment, for our sins, it is the cruelest punishment!
Minato, listening to this bravado, was of the same opinion himself.
Minato... Honey, our son has been through a lot and endured things that no one his age could endure. We have to endure our punishment and it's only for our son's sake. After all, if he found out about our kinship, it would only hurt Naruto the most.
Minato crouched down on one knee in front of her and took her hands in his.
Minato... Kushina, can you take it all?
Kushina watching her husband's caring eyes wiped away her tears.
Kushina... It's for our son, I may burn with regret, but I will endure it all!
Minato... I believe in you!
They sat for a while longer soothing themselves with warm green tea. But the Sarutobi clan was feasting, eating, drinking and partying. Naruto even cried with happiness at being among the people closest to him. As the feast came to an end, Naruto decided not to linger. Naruto didn't like to overstay his welcome and Hiruzen was well aware of that. All present wished us good luck and escorted us to the block exit. Hiruzen lit his pipe and sighed regretfully.
Hiruzen... Shisui, I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to help train Naruto.
Shisui... I realize the mission you gave me is very important, not only for the leaf village but also for the snow. Naruto realizes this very well and especially now he has someone to help him prepare.
Hiruzen... Oh, and who, did Kakashi decide to take on his apprentice. Jiraiya would still teach him all sorts of stupid stuff on like how to pick up a girl...
Shisui smirked at such an argument.
Shisui... No, he'll be trained by the Hokage himself!
The third was even taken aback by such news.
Hiruzen... Shisui, you know I'm too old to train him. And I taught him mostly just theory, but you took over the practice.
Shisui slapped himself on the forehead for not elaborating.
Shisui... No, I mean the fourth, Minato san offered to help prepare.
Now Hiruzen was no longer in the mood for jokes.
Hiruzen's thoughts. Minato, what are you doing? Okay, I'll deal with it tomorrow.
Hiruzen... Well, if that's the case, there's nothing to worry about. Best of luck on the mission!
Shisui... Thanks a third!
Shisui went off to his clan, leaving the brooding old man behind. It was late at night and the moon was full in the sky. Naruto was walking through the streets when suddenly the sand beneath his feet began to crumble and he noticed chakra not far away from him.
Naruto... It's late, everyone's asleep, maybe we shouldn't make a fuss. I don't think your father would like it if you started making a scene in the middle of the village.
Gaara... Did you see me?
In front of Naruto 10 meters away from him began to vizrizriruyutsya sand in space and when the sand dispersed in different directions, in front of him stood Gaara, who looked at the blond with a serious look and complex hands on his chest. Naruto, on the other hand, stood impassive.
Naruto... Why are you here?
Gaara... Questions...
Naruto... Uh, you're not gonna ask me how I'm feeling or how my dantebayo dinner went, are you?
Seeing the silent agreement, Naruto galloped off across the rooftops signaling to follow him. Gaara sat down on the sand and flew after him. Fifteen minutes later Naruto was sitting in a stump on one of the village's ranges, Gaara standing in front of him with the same serious expression on his face.
Naruto... So, I'm listening.
Gaara... I want to know why you're being shunned like a leper in the village.
Naruto... There are reasons, but why are you asking dattebayo!
Gaara... It's easy because you and I are alike.
Naruto was at least not surprised by this suggestion, but for the sake of propriety.
Naruto... What do you mean, similar?
Gaara... In the village of sand, they hate me!
Now, this news was more interesting.
Naruto... Uh, why is that?
Gaara... I have the same question for you. So why is your secret being kept from our peers? Even my father refused to tell me, saying it was your secret! And only you have the right to reveal it.
Naruto... And why should I tell the man who shattered the bones of my friend, and nearly turned another into a tortilla of datebayo!
Gaara sighed in frustration and decided to take a different route.
Gaara.. As you realized, I have information just like you. Why don't we trade?
Naruto's thoughts... How sneaky, all right, we'll play it your way.
Naruto... I agree, but you as the initiator of the meeting should be the first to exchange!
Gaara... Okay, well, listen to me carefully. I'm the jinchuriki of the one-tailed Shukaku.
This news was unusual for Naruto, but he didn't hesitate.
Naruto... Hmm, that's how it is, and I'm the jinchuriki of the nine-tailed fox demon datebayo.
Gaara, if only for a moment, still shuddered at such news.
Gaara... I see, so that's the secret you've been guarding so carefully. So we really are alike.
Naruto... How come the son of the fourth Kazekage became a jinchuriki? After all, the fate of a jinchuriki is not so rosy to burden his child.
Gaara and Naruto stood still with an impassive look.
Gaara... It's simple, it was my father who sealed Shukaku in me.
This was the kind of news that made Naruto's restraint fail.
Naruto... How is that possible, why did he do it?
Gaara... Why are you surprised, you and I are just tools of the village, bargaining chips on the world stage.
Those phrases made Narutr go into deja vu.
Naruto's thoughts... That's the same thing I heard from Haku. Xoo, but why do they have such an opinion of themselves.
Naruto... That's it?
Gaara... No, not all of them! Why are you hiding who you are from everyone around you?
Naruto... It's for their own good...
Gaara smirked at that answer.
Gaara... Pfft, for their own good? Who are they to you to take care of them?
Naruto... They're my friends!
Gaara... Friends?
Naruto... Yes, friends!
Gaara started laughing uncontrollably.
Gaara... People like us can't have friends! You're afraid that if they find out who you really are. They will start hating and fearing you just like everyone else! Maybe Sasuke Uchiha who knows your secret is just pretending to be your friend. What he's really afraid of is that if he gets loose, you'll just destroy him! Everyone in my village, without exception, knows who I am, and that's why I have no friends!
Naruto began to grow furious with every sentence he heard.
Naruto... What are you talking about?
Gaara... Yes, I sense your fear, that's what you're afraid of. You're making yourself look right. But your nature is the same as mine. We're both monsters, demons, so which one of us is bullshitting? You deceive those around you, even though you're a fox. You're inherently deceitful!
Naruto... Shut up!
At that moment, the sand engulfed Naruto with such speed that the blond couldn't even react. Gaara walked up close to him.
Gaara... You've never once shown the power that lies dormant in you. Come on, show your strength, the strength that sleeps in you.
Naruto spat in his face.
Naruto... Go to hell!
The sand began to grip me harder.
Gaara... Show me!
Naruto was already starting to lose his breath little by little, but at the last moment Gaara gave out his hand and Naruto was panting frequently rubbing his chest. Gaara stepped farther away and didn't turn toward him.
Gaara... When the day of our fight comes. I'm not gonna coddle you like I did those two. I will force you to use the power that sleeps within you.
Taking a breath Naruto muttered through the force.
Naruto... What's all this for?
Gaara turned his head and looked at Naruto with yellow eyes with four dots around the pupil.
Gaara... I have to prove that I'm the better weapon. Don't disappoint me, Uzumaki Naruto!
Gaara disappeared in a swirl of sand after saying that, and Naruto crouched down on his knees and sighed deeply.
Naruto... As you say Dog no Gaara, I'll show you all my dantebayo power!
After resting a bit he went home.