Uchiha Toru was in a medically-induced recovery sleep until the third of July, Year Seventeen of the Imperial Calendar.
He didn't understand or remember much of the process, which lasted for several days. When he woke up, floating, he blinked and looked around. There had been no transition from being upon Ring Zero, briefly meeting with Naruto's son, and being brought for a 'quick' medical checkup and waking up in a pool of breathable liquid.
His slightly cynical mind told him they had essentially been deceived to prevent any resistance — a strategy he found unsurprising, given the sort of company he himself kept.
He hadn't even gotten the time to see Akemi.
Although Toru couldn't see much from the room around him, and it took him a few more moments to remember, with a pang of loss, that he couldn't use his chakra, it was pleasantly warm.
He hadn't liked the Bath more than any of them had, and didn't particularly like this chamber either, which reminded him slightly too much of it. But his injuries, their injuries, had been extensive enough to warrant it. They had pretended long enough for Naruto to see his son, but that didn't mean any of them were doing fine at all.
And although Toru's body did feel fine now, he still felt exhausted. Perhaps because this warmth was comfortable, too, he slipped back into sleep.
The next time he woke up, it was because the chamber was draining.
One moment he had been sleeping comfortably, the next he awoke on the floor, entirely naked. The room was not empty, either; someone was there with him. His bleary eyes and muddled mind took a few moments to synchronize. He saw dark hair pulled back in a messy bun under a medical cap: a scarf; dark, opaque sunglasses. In a moment of near delirium, he wondered if Ebisu had grown his hair out. Or was it Aoba, perhaps? Either would explain the cocky smile — the latter had always had a tendency to overestimate his crow jutsu.
Then the cap was thrown in his face, and the woman, for she was a woman, technically, removed her scarf, too.
There were plenty of complex thoughts running through Toru's mind. Plenty of things he really didn't want to process now, either.
"Guh." He said, instead. He wiped his mouth clean and tried again. "…The fuck do you want?"
"For you to throw on some clothes." Hanabi said, throwing him a bundle of them.
Toru made an irritated noise. "How do you even know?" He asked, even as he slipped into comfortable dark pants that adjusted and shifted to fit him. "Aren't you…?"
"Blind?" Hanabi asked. "That's right. I'm rather glad I am, right now, actually."
"Oh, I'm so glad you haven't lost your fantastic sense of humor." Toru grunted, and she thanked him. "Please answer my question."
"It's pretty easy, actually." She said. "I just bounce chakra around, and from the amount of space it has to bounce back, around your tiny—"
Toru was growling, already.
"…Right." Hanabi smiled, dickishly. "I suppose you'd know how to do it too. Any basic Sage could."
"I can't. Not anymore." He said. "No chakra."
For a moment, Hanabi was entirely silent. "…Oh."
"Yeah."
"I see. I felt it, but was hoping… Well, I'm very sorry to hear that."
"Whatever." Toru shrugged, but his heart wasn't fully in it. "It's like the Sharingan — probably brought me more trouble than it's worth." Then, seeing the slight smile growing on her face, and already guessing the sort of remark that would follow, he continued. "But you kept your chakra, then. If not your eyes."
"That's right. Although it's really a fraction of my previous strength." She said, rather neutrally. "They couldn't do anything about the eyes, however. Even though they're perfectly fine, physically."
Toru had noticed that she was still wearing bandages, however. "How come you're still injured?"
"New ones." Hanabi shrugged. "But you should have seen Boruto. Anyway, it took the Healers less time to decide I was fine than they did you. I've been awake for two days, actually. Already had some visitors." She said, without elaborating. "Healers didn't let me out of this place, so I decided to train with my little guests anyway. No chakra."
Toru closed his eyes in consternation. "This is a bad idea." He said. "I mean, you've always been a little, uh… But even you have to know it's a bad idea."
Hanabi chuckled. "Why? I'm perfectly fine — physically. But they told me not to use any chakra to recover. Just convincing them to let me use it for echolocation was a pain — They even bound my passive regeneration for the time being, if you can believe it. And I certainly was not about to step back into that tank, thank you very much. I patched myself up, slept to recover, and I came to get you."
Toru paused, now fully dressed. "…To get me?"
"Why, yes." She said. "Unless you prefer to stay stuck in there like a worm."
"Should you even be up and walking around?"
"Of course." Hanabi said firmly. "The Healers said it was fine."
"…Before or after you pressured them into it?"
"Who am I, Sakura?" She shook her head. "I trust their judgment. No, I had to pressure them into telling me whether or not you were ready to be let out."
"Why?"
"Because visits weren't allowed while we were unconscious. Now, initially, I planned to sneak you out — but I figured we're both kinda useless at that, right now. Security has gotten pretty good, what would you know—"
"Hanabi — why?"
She tilted her head.
"Why, because you've got a visitor, of course. One who seemed to believe that I would know about your whereabouts. So, are you coming or staying inside your tank?"
HOME II
"How do you feel?"
To her credit, Hanabi didn't make a dumb joke in answer — Toru's standards for her were rather low. She paused as they continued to walk the hallway, feet tapping softly against the polished floor. The corridor was bustling with people, both patients and medical staff, and there was a faint floral scent from the outside gardens in the air. Outside, the summer sun shone brightly.
They passed people of all sorts, of all sorts of worlds — those who had recovered from ailments Toru could only guess at, with faces marked with the relief of their second chance at life. Those who seemed unused to their restored limbs, and slightly off-balance. Those who stared at them in open awe, eyes wide as they recognized the 'heroes' walking among them.
Some stopped them to thank them effusively, voices thick with emotion, for saving countless lives, including their own.
Toru wasn't sure how to deal with them. He nodded, managing a weak smile, but the overwhelming gratitude felt heavy, a burden he had no desire to carry. He glanced at Hanabi, at her serene expression as she navigated the corridor with an ease a recently blinded person was not supposed to have.
If it were him, Toru wondered how he would feel. In the past at least, there had been no shortage of Uchiha who feared blindness; the tales about the Mangekyō ensured that much. And Mangekyō or not, it couldn't have been very different for Hyūga, or any other Dōjutsu-wielding clan, for that matter.
"I feel… slightly out of place." Hanabi finally said, almost lost in the hum of conversations around them.
Toru blinked, surprised by her uncharacteristic admission. He glanced at her, noticing the slight furrow in her brow. "…I get that. It's all a bit much, isn't it?" He gestured loosely at the surroundings, the people, once they passed another group.
"It is." Hanabi nodded. "I think I get why they'd react like this, but… We only did what we had to do. To fix something that needed to be fixed anyway. I would say I wonder whether they see us or just the idea of us, but I think I know the answer already."
"…Is it really that bad?" Toru asked.
She gave him a mirthless smile. "Oh, you have no idea."
"Do you?"
"I was the first to wake up." Hanabi explained with a wry chuckle. "Had plenty of time for the early visitors to come gawk at me before the Healers put a stop to it. They made me compile the list of the people allowed in."
On any other day, Toru might have teased Hanabi about how her insatiable ego must have reveled in the attention. Not today, not while she was being candid.
"Doesn't help that I feel weak as a kitten." Hanabi said.
"Really?" Toru frowned, and she winced.
"Sorry. I forgot you had it worse—"
"Alright, where's the real Hanabi hiding?"
She laughed, a light, genuine sound. "See, that's what I get for trying—"
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a young girl, about ten years old, who burst from a doorway, her eyes wide with awe.
"Are you — Is it true that you fought against the bad kami to save us?"
Her voice trembled with earnest curiosity, but considering the previous conversation, Toru braced himself for Hanabi's usual sharp retort, ready to do damage control.
"…Yes, I suppose we did." Hanabi replied instead, the edge in her tone softening as she addressed the young girl.
The child's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Could I... get a hug?" She asked tentatively.
After a brief glance at Toru, who nodded slightly, stepping in to do so, out of habit, Hanabi surprised him again. After making sure no one was looking, she bent down and embraced the girl quickly. It was a simple gesture, certainly, but Toru froze all the same.
"What's your name?" Hanabi asked as the girl stepped back, her excitement barely contained.
"Miya!" She replied, practically bouncing in place.
"…Keep being brave then, Miya." Hanabi said, more firmly now.
She then shooed her away, but considering it was Hanabi, well that was still something.
"…Okay. Did I die against that dick Susanoo?" Toru asked, biting the inside of his cheek, wishing his Sharingan still worked. "Am I still in an illusion?"
She scowled. "It's a hospital, you dumb fuck. Who knows what she had to deal with, before. Again, who do you take me for, Sakura?"
That was better, more familiar, and he nearly let out a sigh of relief.
"Is she awake?" Toru asked. "Sakura."
"No." Hanabi said. "Or rather, if she is, no one warned me. But I don't think she was in particularly bad shape anyway."
Toru frowned slightly. He wasn't surprised, because she hadn't looked like it, but there was a world of difference between what Sakura showed the world and how she truly felt. Her chakra could tell stories she wouldn't, and but unfortunately hadn't been able to read it anymore at the time he was sent to the Healers. "That's kinda weird, isn't it? She fought as hard as any of us."
"It is." Hanabi said thoughtfully. "In terms of damage, even Orochimaru seemed more fried."
"What about Karin? Ino? Yoisen?"
"Badly damaged. Damaged. Fried."
"…I don't get it, then."
"Me neither." Hanabi shrugged. "What about you?"
"Aside from the no chakra thing?" Toru asked, with a rueful chuckle.
"Aside from that."
"I'm seeing floaters." Toru said, rubbing his eyes.
"Oh, those." Hanabi nodded. "Sa—… I was told they're supposed to get better over time."
Toru paused, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "…What were you about to say?"
She glanced away, her expression conflicted. "…Sorry, I can't say."
"You never apologize." Toru said, his confusion deepening. "…It's been twice — or thrice? — today."
"That's not even remotely true, I apologize plenty." She frowned. "But there are things that are not for me to say — I think."
Toru gave a long sigh. "Fine, keep your secrets."
They were nearing Hanabi's room. The door was closed, and Toru was beginning to lose his nerve. Her eyes softened, and she elbowed him lightly. "Well, you'll see soon enough." She paused, and then grinned. "I can't say the same."
Toru winced. "…Please, can you stop with the blindness jokes? I'm starting to feel—"
Toru froze in the doorway when the door slammed open.
"Funny how that goes, huh? How many times did I tell you to stop with the gallows humor?" The voice, the eyes. From inside Hanabi's room, she glanced back at him, carefully neutral.
Toru made a choked, high-pitched sound, and then stared at her without speaking. He pointed a trembling finger at her, opened his mouth, but didn't manage to say anything coherent, still. Hanabi, chuckling lightly, closed the door behind her when she left.
A shiver ran down Toru's back, and he remained silent. Funny how when he needed to say something, he found that he couldn't.
It was the same tan, good-humored face, the same dark amber eyes, the same pale hair. She hadn't changed one bit; the Ring's people could afford such a luxury. He himself hadn't changed either, of course, but in his case, only days had passed.
No, perhaps her eyes had changed, just a bit. Something in them made her look more mature, he thought. But it was still Akemi.
And she still had that unblinking stare. Toru cleared his throat. And then he let out another choked sound.
Akemi took mercy on him, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
"Hello, Toru."
Hearing his name nearly made him flinch. There was a slight hesitation in the name, that he barely noticed; it was almost a question. He reached out tentatively, grazing the back of her hand, and she trembled, ever so slightly.
"Oh, fuck." His voice was a whisper, barely audible. "You're real."
"I'm the real thing, yes." This time, she laughed. "You look even paler than before, red eyes."
"…Just black, now."
Some would describe Toru sitting down on a chair, half in a trance, as slumping bonelessly. He saw it more as a graceful display. Akemi sat on the room's couch nearby, cross-legged.
"Akemi, I thought you'd be—"
"Dead?" She tilted her head slightly, something like a challenge in her eyes."Or something else?"
"No — not dead."
"Right, that's more your style." She remarked with a neutral tone.
He nearly flinched. Amber eyes met dark ones. Silence stretched.
"Just so you know, I hated you." Akemi admitted, rather casually. Toru made a faint, strangled sound, but she went on. "Kinda. For a bit." She tried for a shrug. "Of course, everyone loved you — What did they know? — Eight years. Eight fucking years. I thought I knew what I was getting into — I was warned about shinobi. But even the regular sort of trouble wasn't enough for you, was it?" Her voice caught, betraying her composure. "You had to get involved in that sort of shit? Had to play the hero."
"…I think it was the last time. If it matters any."
Akemi snorted, and it sounded slightly like a sniffle. "Sorry, but I'm not buying that."
"I—"
"Chakra or not."
She knew, then. Although he had suspected who exactly was waiting in Hanabi's room, Toru was so shaken by the sudden meeting that it took him a while to realize that Akemi herself was shaking.
He moved closer to her, pulling her hard against him, and it was then that tears spilled down her cheeks, soaking the cloth of his dark shirt. It wasn't long before he wept, too.
Toru didn't know for how long they sat on this couch, crying in each other's arms. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling a little too hard, but he barely noticed the pain. His own hands clung to her, as if she might vanish at any moment.
She sniffed loudly, her breaths short and sharp. "I thought you were gone. Forever. Dead. Or caught in some endless battle, some… eternal mission."
Toru pulled back just enough to see her face, his thumbs wiping away the tears that traced her cheeks.
"Nonsense." He said, and his voice cracked, undermining his attempt at reassurance. "I told you I'd come back."
Her laugh was watery, but her smile reached her eyes, if only slightly. "You always said shit like that. I just told you I'm not dumb enough to believe it. Not anymore."
Toru froze, and then stared at her for a long moment.
He searched her face. "…That's okay." He finally said, his voice a whisper of uncertainty. "I… really stretched that promise, didn't I?"
Eight years was a long time.
They were practically strangers now. How could they begin anew, if that was even possible?
"You have." Akemi said, staring at him for a long moment, before a sad, knowing smile curved her mouth. "But here we are, I suppose. You are back, after all."
"I…" Toru trailed off. What was he supposed to say? What was he supposed to ask? "That really was the last time. I… I'm not going anywhere. Not again. If you even—"
Akemi's eyes searched his, carefully neutral. "Oh?" She asked. "Why should I believe it, this time?"
Toru took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her skepticism, as well as the depth of the hurt he had unwillingly caused. "…No, you're right."
He knew better than to promise with grand gestures he couldn't fulfill, especially not now. It wasn't the time for hollow promises.
What were they now, to each other?
He knew what she was to him, understood the essence of her being. He couldn't say, however, where he stood in her heart, right now. He yearned to touch her once more, but felt uncharacteristically shy.
This time, his hand halted before he could even brush her knuckles, and she took notice of it. Unspoken communication, and as clear as the absence of rings on either of their fingers. He wondered if it meant anything at all — Akemi had never been big on jewelry. In fact, the only piece of it she wore, aside from earrings…
It had to mean something.
"If I'm not too late… Can we — Can we try again?" He finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His question hung in the air, vulnerable and hopeful.
A heavy silence fell between them. Toru's eyes lingered on the necklace around her neck.
Akemi stared back at him, silent, her fingers absently touching the necklace he had given her years ago. It wasn't his best work, in spite of his efforts. And it had seemed such a little gesture, at the time.
It seemed more important than anything else, right now.
"I don't know if it's a second chance or a continuation." Toru said, softly. "But… Are you okay with me?"
Are you okay with me?
He saw her freeze, and realized then that he had used the exact same words when he had asked her out, the first time.
The tears broke past the most fragile of dams — an overflow of emotions; rolling down her cheeks.
Akemi took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. She seemed to be searching for something in his expression, some assurance that this time would be different.
"…I must be the biggest idiot in the world." She said softly. Her words illuminated Toru's world like the first break of dawn. "On one condition."
"Anything." He breathed, his heart laid bare.
"No more farewells. I mean it."
"Yes." He whispered.
"If you ever—" She threatened, but, well, she was sniffling.
Toru shook his head firmly, his decision resolute. "I am with you."
"…I missed you." She admitted. "Just a little."
"Me too."
He drew her close to him, unsure what he had done to even deserve half as much patience. Her hand cupped his face with exquisite gentleness. Perhaps they were not strangers after all; although there was tentativeness in the gesture, it was also a homecoming. Akemi's eyes closed, and Toru closed his own, nearly afraid of looking at her, for fear that the spell broke.
Their lips grazed each others'; his hand stroked her back; the door slammed open.
"Bro!" Someone cried out.
"Jiraiya, stop him!" Another shouted.
"Well, I'm trying but he's too—"
Toru, caught off guard, made a particularly inarticulate sound as a blond missile almost slammed into him, wrapping him into an embrace. Naruto — Uchiha Naruto, that was.
A groan echoed from the doorway; it was the young Sasuke, Naruto's brother, his expression a mix of annoyance and slight amusement.
They were all there, it seemed, a tableau framed in the doorway.
Toru could see them, even as the blond young man blubbered something he barely heard in his ears. Mikoto stood behind them, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. The twins had grown tall, looming over her slightly, their features maturing into the strong Uchiha, Hyūga lineage. Itachi was there too, with Mei by his side, and a young girl who mirrored her green eyes. Anko and Yui were next to them, as well as Yūshirō, and…
Oh, fuck. Shisui. The name escaped Toru's lips in a whisper of disbelief as he caught sight of his brother's familiar, very much tearful, face.
Akemi sighed good-naturedly, and steadied Toru on his feet — a wise move, considering his legs felt like they might give out from the sudden onslaught of emotion.
As the initial shock settled, more figures became distinguishable past the rather youthful, rather tall crowd. Hinata, who appeared rather petite beside her sons. Kage, Jinsuke. Hanabi, who winked at him before leaving for good. Boruto, Sarada, Hermione, and their daughter… Their daughters?
"Hey, what the fuck." Toru started, his voice cracking slightly as emotion welled up. He sniffled, wiping his face carelessly with his sleeve. "Didn't I teach you to knock—"
His gaze locked with Sasuke's.
The one he had grown up with.
His words faltered entirely then. Time seemed to stretch, thin and taut, as their eyes met. There was an entire conversation in that look.
Toru, feeling a rush of emotions he couldn't quite articulate, raised his pointer finger, almost accusingly, at Sasuke. He opened his mouth, as if to let out a torrent of words, then closed it again, unsure if spoken words could ever encapsulate the depth of what he felt. Sasuke, observing Toru's hesitation, raised an eyebrow and blinked rather quickly — an unusual display of emotion for an Uchiha, certainly, who were known for their stoic, reserved demeanor.
Toru, for one, wouldn't be caught blinking tears away like that. Certainly not.
Because, once more, Uchiha were not particularly demonstrative, and that went for nearly any of them.
Still, without a word, Itachi stepped forward, placing a hand upon Toru's shoulder and the other on Sasuke's. Akemi did the same on his other side, effectively drawing them into a closer circle. One by one, others joined in; Toru lost track of what was happening, exactly, basking in their warmth.
When the circle finally released, there wasn't a dry eye to be seen. And some things spoke louder than words.
When Sasuke finally broke the silence, his voice was low and steady. Slightly amused, too. "Had a good nap—"
Toru punched him in the stomach.
Once she escaped the too crowded room, it took Yūshirō less than a minute to catch up to Hanabi.
"You walk fast!"
As though he had any trouble catching up. Hanabi gave a snort of amusement. "Is that so? Why, do my legs seem particularly short to you?"
She wasn't short, even among her wives: that privilege went to Sakura, and Hanabi assumed it probably contributed to her frequent irritability — something about small dogs barking the loudest.
Yūshirō chuckled, brushing off the jab with careless ease. "Not at all. I just remember you being slightly slower, that's it."
Hanabi smiled. "You were eight, back then. I was taking it easy on you."
"…Were you?" Yūshirō's voice held a note of playful skepticism. It was rather strange, how much like both of his parents he sounded, considering one of them had been gone for years.
"You were the one who complained training was going too slow." Hanabi reminded him with a shrug. As they turned a corner, their pace slowed, and he naturally held out an arm out to her.
"I am blind, yes, but I'm not quite that old, Yūshirō." She said, but linked arms with him nonetheless.
"Yeah, but I was afraid you'd feel lonely." He said.
Hanabi laughed, and a few people turned their heads. She wasn't certain whether they gawked at her or at him, and there was something reassuring about it. "Are you kidding me? I barely had a moment to myself since I woke up, with you people crowding my room."
Yūshirō winced. "Ah, sorry. And sorry about the irruption, I know you wanted to give them some privacy. Jiraiya was supposed to stop him, but…"
"Think he was hoping to get an eyeful?"
"What — No!" Yūshirō shook his head. "He's not like that, promise."
"No shame in it."
Yūshirō stared at her, unsure whether she was being serious. But her poker face, she knew, was incredible. So he just hoped for the best and laughed.
If Hanabi were being honest, she hadn't expected that him growing up would be that much fun.
"Bro has recovered quite nicely." Yūshirō said. "In case you were wondering."
Hanabi raised an eyebrow. "Boruto? Well, of course. He has access to chakra." She said. "But he has improved quite nicely. I am glad to see he hasn't been slacking off on his training."
"He would never slack off!"
"You clearly haven't had to deal with him as a hormonal teenager."
Yūshirō glanced down at her — and the simple fact that he had to look down, now. "…Oh." He let out. "I see. Mom did say I was a bit of a pain, myself."
"So you're done with puberty already?" Hanabi asked. "Feeling big enough?"
Yūshirō laughed. "I don't know why people keep saying stuff like that."
"…Because it doesn't look like you fit through normal-sized doors anymore?"
"That's an easy fix, though." Yūshirō shook his head. "I just go sideways."
"Oh." She chuckled. "I am so glad you got your sense of humor from me."
"How would that even work?"
It was heartwarming, really. Just two days ago, he had been so nervous when talking to her that he was wiping his damp hands on his shirt. That he could joke around, so quickly, falling into this new dynamic so easily, well, that was nice.
"…Hey, Auntie." Yūshirō said, a bit quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Think things are fine…?" He asked hesitantly. "With Auntie and Uncle—"
"You're going to have to be a bit more specific, Yūshirō. There are about three new problems per day, with some of these idiots."
"Auntie Akemi… and Uncle Toru, that is."
"Oh." Hanabi said in realization. "Definitely."
"Why are you so sure?"
Hanabi snorted. "That's not the sort of dress anyone wears with no hidden motives. Not that he would even notice, likely."
"That's not always true, is it? There was that time Yui—" Yūshirō paused, and then nodded slowly, very slowly, as Hanabi fought to hide a smile. "…Okay. I believe you."
They turned another corner, and there she felt a few familiar presences.
Boruto, who had likely teleported ahead — in spite of the fact he wasn't supposed to do so within the medical center. Kaguya and one of her personal guards (closer to a silent watcher or a foul-mouthed assistant, depending on the moment, in Hanabi's opinion), who was named something like Henshin… Eijin…?
"What is this?" Hanabi chuckled. "The annual gathering of my critics association?"
"I would hardly come for you twice." Kaguya said, while her assistant, who Yūshirō greeted, bristled — not too visibly. "I have heard that Orochimaru was awake, however."
Hanabi blinked. "Really? Is Anko aware?"
"I do not know if she has been warned yet."
"She hasn't." Boruto said.
Were she not aware of the barely hidden eagerness in Kaguya's chakra, perhaps Hanabi would have wondered why she was, if Orochimaru's daughter in all but blood wasn't. But the Ōtsutsuki woman had her ways, and Hanabi would leave it at that.
"Did you come for him, too, bro?" Yūshirō asked. "Or did you leave because that room was too crowded?"
"Also, yes." Boruto said. "But I'll go afterward."
"After what?"
Boruto smiled slightly. "Well, no one, aside from Yugito, apparently, has been warned, but I can see your father's awake, so—"
Yūshirō's reaction was immediate. His heart surged, and before Hanabi could utter a word, he was in motion. His arm, still linked with hers, tugged her forward with a strength that almost startled her.
Boruto, laughing, uncrossed his arms and followed them.
"You are pushy." Hanabi said, rather amused. "You must take this from Boruto."
"Not true!" Boruto denied.
"See?" Hanabi asked Yūshirō, her voice tinged with amusement, but he was no longer listening. His gaze was fixed on the horizon of the moment, his body practically vibrating with nervous excitement. "…I really must have a talent for picking people who can't listen."
"Doesn't matter." Boruto said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Your voice is loud enough to compensate."
Hanabi scowled at him. "Fine, why don't you tell me something interesting, for once?"
Boruto thought about it, scratching the back of his head. "There's a river, south of Ring Three, that flows uphill—"
"Interesting, I said." She knew about it.
"Hmm…" Boruto paused, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Mitsuki once proposed a law that—"
Hanabi yawned, a theatrical, exaggerated gesture.
Boruto frowned, his eyebrows knitting together in mock offense. "You're not easy."
"Hey." Hanabi scowled. "I'll have you know that bit was rather misogynistic, no matter how you put it."
"No!" Boruto raised both hands. "That's not what I—" He dropped them. "…You're messing with me, aren't you?"
Hanabi shrugged. "Not my fault you're an easy target. I'll have you know I am perfectly delightful to talk to when the conversation isn't a parade of common knowledge. Really, it's like you've been sleeping the last eight years away, Boruto…"
Boruto grumbled something unintelligible.
As they hurried through the corridors, the sounds of their rushed footsteps echoed off the walls; a joyful chaos that seemed to permeate even Boruto and Hanabi's conversation. She allowed herself to be pulled along, her sightless eyes not needing vision to know where they were headed. Besides, she could feel the pull of Naruto's presence, a familiar warmth that tugged at her heartstrings. There was a veiled moodiness in him — one that she could guess the reason for. But she couldn't bring herself to make this moment about Sasuke. Not right away, not with his son so eager to see him. Just a few minutes, then she would tell him.
Yūshirō, who froze near the door.
They arrived just in time to hear Yugito's choked voice, her tone a mix of laughter and tears. "Shut up." She said, and the words were choked. "I'll cry if I want to."
The other voice, of course, was Naruto's. "Fine." He said, with an exaggerated sigh. "You may soil my shirt if you really want to, then. Just for a bit."
Hanabi pretended to inspect fingernails she couldn't see, and waited. Boruto, hands folded behind his head, leaned against the wall and stared at the ceiling. "Should I warn Mitsuki?" He asked.
"I don't know — He might wet himself."
Boruto chortled. "Fair enough. But he's going to be mad once he learns we didn't tell him."
Yūshirō continued to freeze.
When Yugito came to open the door, however, she was beaming, and it was an expression that was rather rare on her — she, too, had a great poker face. Behind her, near the window, Naruto smiled at them.
"See, Yūshirō?" Hanabi asked, squeezing his hand in reassurance. Her voice was gentle, teasing. "Awake for five minutes, and he's making your mother cry, already. That's your father for you."
Yūshirō's laugh was both nervous and relieved.
"Ah, there you are." Naruto said, warmly. "Your mother was just telling me about your step-father, Killer Bee."
"Guh?" Yūshirō blurted out, disbelief evident. "She — She what?"
Yugito instantly removed her hand from Naruto's arm, and she slapped his chest sharply. It didn't seem particularly playful.
"What the hell?" She growled, eyes narrowing. "Just because you can't speak to your son normally doesn't mean you have to make these weird jokes—"
Naruto held up his hands in a placating gesture, his expression one of apology mixed with a touch of a mischievous grin.
"Sorry, sorry." He chuckled, trying to defuse the tension. "You're right — I'm not too good at that. You know I've got nothing but respect for Bee—"
"He's great!" Yūshirō interjected eagerly. "He's taught me a lot of things — Uncle Ay, too! — And Mom, of course!" He turned toward her. "I know Dad didn't mean anything by it—"
"Tch." Yugito scoffed, though her features gradually softened. "…You don't know how much of an ass he can be, clearly."
"I'm sure he'll figure it out soon enough." Hanabi laughed, stepping closer to the group. As she greeted his father with a bit too much enthusiasm, Yūshirō averted his gaze slightly — Boruto's... relationship dynamics, he had come to terms with. These felt new again.
"How have you been since the battle?" Hanabi asked. "You look demolished."
"I am." Naruto shrugged. "Rather fine, overall — though floating around, half-conscious, isn't my cup of tea. But yeah, dead tired, right now. What about you?"
"I'm slowly feeling less sluggish. Got a lot of visitors. A few were asking about you, too."
"Really?" Naruto asked, nonplussed. "If they're asking about the throne, I'm pretty sure I have no say in that anymore."
"You don't." Yugito confirmed, and he let out a long sigh of relief.
"Thank me for great decisions." Naruto then extended his arms invitingly. "How about a hug, then, son? For old times' sake? You, too, Boruto — There's plenty of that old man to go around — Oof."
Hanabi laughed as he was nearly crushed by the rather enthusiastic embrace. These two were strong, admittedly.
"…It's good to see you, Uncle." Boruto said, clapping a hand against his back.
"Is he crying?" Hanabi asked.
"Yup." Naruto confirmed. "Though I'm going to be too soon enough, if he continues crushing my ribs."
"I knew he was my favorite student for a reason."
"The only one who lasted through the full thing, you mean." Yugito interjected.
Hanabi pretended to inspect her fingernails once more. "There was a war out there, dear. I had no time for half-measures. Besides, they all found other teachers. How's Chieko, by the way?"
"Doing fine with the Navigators, I've heard."
"Good." Hanabi grinned. "And how have you been?"
"Busy."
"With finding enough meat to feed that one?" She asked, and Yūshirō's expression grew falsely offended.
"Also." Yugito laughed. She pulled Hanabi in her arms. "It's really good to see you."
Hanabi accepted the embrace with her best smile. "I don't know what's the big deal. You saw me yesterday!"
"Hush." Yugito sniffed. "That's the problem with you and Sakura — and my son's unfortunate father — You can't read the room."
"Fair enough." Hanabi laughed. "Talk me through it."
They found enough room to fit everyone in the room.
A few hours stretched like that, filled with conversations about the trivial. Despite the dark clouds swirling behind Naruto's eyes, he had become quite adept at hiding his storms behind a serene facade.
"—Of course I know what Lariat is." Naruto said, sounding almost offended.
"Why?" Boruto asked, evenly. "Did the Fourth Raikage slam you through the floor with it?"
This time, he was offended. Yūshirō, of course, laughed that half nervous laugh, eyes slightly too wide, as though he couldn't believe anything about the entire situation.
"Careful there, Boruto." Naruto said. "This almost sounds like mutiny."
"Wouldn't a mutiny require me to rebel against actual authority?"
Though Naruto tried, a chuckle escaped him. "I see eight years were enough for you to prepare some half-decent comebacks. Or did you put Sarada up to it?"
"Nah." Boruto admitted. "She'd likely make up something clever that I wouldn't realize is an insult toward me."
"Fascinating." Naruto said, sounding anything but fascinated, and it was Boruto's turn to seem offended. "Please tell me more about these techniques, Yūshirō."
Yugito was far more knowledgeable than her son about the subject, but she allowed him to lead the discussion. This topic was a simple one, unlike the contentious issue, for example, of not having allowed a Shadow in their home eight years ago — an idea that had been unthinkable, both to her and Yūshirō, given that the real Naruto would have either returned or be dead. It served as a good icebreaker.
Besides, Hanabi was currently talking her ear off about having missed the light show. Not that she would have seen much of it, really, she said.
It was worth saying that Yūshirō was normally rather eloquent.
"Uh…" He said, looking back and forth between the two of his parents, slightly flushed. The eager look in his eyes would be enough to break anyone's heart. "I… don't think there's that much to say, really — It's just the Kumo style."
Naruto, for once, picked up on someone's distress — and did something positive about it, which was the main difference, really.
"Oh, so you're not using the strength-based version—"
"I am!" Yūshirō beamed. "Bee told me that yours, on the other hand, is perfectly balanced!"
"I think you can say 'was,' but I think I get the point." Naruto chuckled, although he was rather… annoyed about the matter.
"Well, that's the same!" Yūshirō continued. "Mine and Uncle Ay are strength-based. Strong offense and defense, but I guess a bit less in terms of sheer speed — Ah, I guess you know that, as well."
"A refresher doesn't hurt." Naruto said, shrugging. "…I knew someone who went all in on speed." He said, slightly wistfully.
Yūshirō blinked. "Oh, that's gotta be difficult."
"It probably was." Naruto said. "I never really got to talk to him about it."
"Why not?"
"We were on opposite sides." Naruto said, after a slight pause. Boruto hummed noncommittally. "…That's something I need to talk to you about, by the way."
"What is?"
Naruto took a deep breath. "The past, that is — Mine."
"Sure." Yūshirō nodded. "Whenever you want. If now is—"
"It's probably not the best time." Boruto intervened, meeting his eye. "It's not the most pleasant of stories."
"…Oh, I see." Yūshirō nodded. Naruto privately thought he probably didn't, and Boruto thought along the same lines. "Mom mentioned a few things."
"And Mom left the worst out, for the time being." Yugito said automatically. "But considering he's here, you'll get the whole picture soon enough, I suppose."
"…Was it that bad?"
Hanabi glanced at Naruto. "There were a few rough days, let's say. Well, we're alive and rather well, overall."
Naruto grimaced. "I did make a fine mess of things—"
"Mess would be generous." Yugito said, evenly. She then sighed. "But he fixed it. More or less."
Hanabi frowned. "What do you mean, more or less? Do we have to save the world again? Because if so, you're doing the fighting—"
Yūshirō, rather surprised by the fact anyone was willing to counter Yugito at all — it was only him or Matatabi, usually — just blinked.
"I can take care of that." Boruto said, with a shrug. "I'm no Uncle, but—"
Naruto laughed, and it only sounded slightly forced. He pushed the longing away. "I think that right now, you're far, far beyond me."
Boruto frowned minutely. "Stronger, yes — but I don't think you're nearly as weak as you think. Compared to before, weaker, yes, but… Your body is still strong enough to host that Jūbi."
Naruto waved it off. "It's part of me, now. More trouble to remove it than to leave it. The Healers still told me not to even try using chakra, or else…"
"Same thing here." Hanabi said. "They bound my chakra."
"Permanently?"
"No." She shook her head. "Until they're sure about the extent of the damage they're dealing with. Lucky me."
"Indeed, lucky you." Naruto grumbled. "Anyway, with no chakra and an Emperor on the throne, my work here is done." He said gravely. "I'll be leaving this place to you, my son. Take good care of the dream."
"Wait, what?!" Yūshirō blinked. "I don't want to—"
"He's joking." Boruto said, rolling his eyes, mostly at Naruto.
"Who's the Emperor, by the way?" Naruto asked. "How are they doing?"
Boruto paused. "Oh, yeah, you don't know yet. Well, it's—"
The door opened.
"I figured this was as good of a time as any to enter." The newcomer said. "Hello again, Hanabi. Would you know anything about Gama being unable to enter the room? He says he has been trying for close to an hour."
Hanabi glanced away. "No idea."
Naruto stared at him, and a wide smile spread upon his face. "I see, I see. Are you the Emperor, then, Mitsuki?"
"He is." Boruto confirmed.
Mitsuki frowned at him. "Do not think I didn't notice you didn't warn me about him waking up, Boruto. Kaguya had to tell me — and only because Uncle Orochimaru asked about it."
"…Sorry?" Boruto grinned.
"Do not be sorry, be better." Mitsuki said, shaking his head. He then stepped forward, bowing deeply before Naruto. "I am the King. It is an honor beyond words to stand before you once more, Emperor—"
"Mitsuki…" Boruto groaned.
Mitsuki paused, and then glanced around, at the wide-eyed Yūshirō. "Am I interrupting one of these precious father-son bonding moments?"
"Yes." Boruto said pointedly. "Rather awkward one, but yeah."
"I'll ask for your opinion about what's awkward when you get stuck out of time for nearly a decade, Boruto." Naruto interjected.
"That's not what he meant, Dad!" Yūshirō interjected his interjection.
"I'm sure it was."
"Yeah, it was." Boruto confirmed.
"Naruto." Mitsuki said, as though trying the word out for the first time. Or as though he had to prevent himself from adding 'sama' after it. He paused once more. "Would you say that your son is one of the sources of your growth—"
Boruto whirled around. "Uncle, please don't answer this. The last you did, he went and—" Mitsuki waved his hand, and an infinite distance came to life in between Boruto and the rest of the room, effectively muting him until Boruto canceled it. "…Very rude of you, Mitsuki."
Yūshirō frowned. "What's this all about?"
"His wives." Boruto grumbled, before Mitsuki could silence him.
Naruto, who could more or less guess now, only laughed.
"I guess it's a question for another day, then." He said, and Mitsuki nodded graciously. "But tell me, how has the realm fared? I trust you've kept everything running smoothly?"
Mitsuki's lips twitched into a small, proud smile. "I've done my best, but it hasn't been the same without you. The realm is peaceful, and progress thrives under the laws you laid down. But your return has been eagerly awaited. There's much to discuss, and even more to celebrate—"
"You are aware I have no intention of ruling again, aren't you, Mitsuki?"
Mitsuki paused. "…I have feared so, yes. Could I possibly interest you in—"
"Oh, and also, I lost my chakra."
"I have heard so from the Healers, yes." Mitsuki shook his head. "Such a thing does not matter, when it comes to you. And if it is a sword you need, you may simply call upon me." He lowered his eyes. "…It is a shame, however. I have long desired to spar with you once more. I believe I am slowly coming close to the levels of strength you have displayed when using your Lightning Repudiation—"
"Oh?" Naruto asked eagerly, before remembering it meant nothing, right now. "…That's interesting. Have you found a way to breach the Ethereal Mantle?"
"No." Mitsuki admitted. "I meant close to the base level. The unrefined version."
"Ah, that one?" Naruto asked. "Well, there are possible win conditions, without disabling it. Or ignoring it outright, perhaps. Do you have anything that might do the trick?"
"…Possibly." Mitsuki conceded. "I am quite unsure, in the end. I haven't been able to make your technique work for me."
"Well…" Naruto said, scratching his chin. "…It's something I created using my own unique strengths. I don't think it's well suited to work for anyone else. But I'm sure you crafted a technique that works for you only."
"…Of course." Mitsuki said, with near reverence. "Such a simple, gracious answer."
Yūshirō seemed slightly weirded out, and Boruto just nodded: it was about as expected.
"Oh, well." Naruto shrugged. "I'll explain the specifics to you, on another day."
"Ah — It would be my honor." Mitsuki answered.
Naruto thought some more.
"…I can't really fight anymore." He finally said. Then, noticing Boruto open his mouth. "Not at a high level. But I suppose I can help you all with jutsu creation. Or weapons training. Speed training, that sort of stuff." It did sound like a good idea. "…That way, all this knowledge doesn't go to waste. And I'd be making sure the realm is in good hands." He then glanced at the quiet Yūshirō, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "…But my son comes first. He wants to become a great Warrior, you see…"
"…Dad!" Yūshirō sounded embarrassed, but the fragile delight in his eyes told another story.
"Of course he comes first." Mitsuki nodded patiently. "And I do know about his ambitions, of course."
"Ah, you'll be training with us too, Boruto." Naruto said, glancing at him. "Something tells me you've been relying on your eyes a fair amount, recently. Too much, even."
Boruto sighed, palming his face. "…I suppose so."
"You'll be training your eyes, too." Hanabi smiled, almost threateningly.
"Look, I have a family." He countered.
"I'm happy for you." Naruto smiled. "That's what the timeless realms are for."
Boruto sighed again, more forlornly.
Conversation resumed naturally, until Naruto switched topics abruptly.
"Sarada's caught up with something else, huh?" He asked.
Boruto nodded. "She mentioned she'd drop by later."
"Well then, I guess we can start without her."
"Start what?"
Naruto rose to his feet and then, with a solemnity that stilled the air, he bowed deeply. Hanabi mirrored his gesture.
"Thank you, all of you." He began, his voice a quiet force. "I can't express enough how much it means to us to be back here — to be able to see the world again."
Mitsuki shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering away.
"It's... it's nothing, in truth — How could we not? You should be here to see the world you helped create, and that goes for any of you." Mitsuki insisted, the words tumbling out in a rush of earnestness, reverence, and a touch of embarrassment.
Naruto's smile deepened, all too familiar with the sincerity that Mitsuki always wore like an ill-fitting cloak — awkward but endearing. "It's far from nothing. It's everything. Because of what you've done, we have this moment."
Yūshirō rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks tinged with pink, prompting Yugito to smile softly.
Boruto, who took the thanks with quiet grace, only shrugged. "Well, we couldn't just leave you out there, not when there's so much here that you haven't seen yet. The world keeps changing, and it's only right that you're here to see it." He glanced at Hanabi. "…Or, you know, hear about it?"
"Little shit." She said, grinning.
"Well, that's on you." Naruto said, shrugging. "You trained him."
"I trained him?" Hanabi scoffed. "He's your student."
Boruto opened his mouth, about to reply—
And there was a rushing sound, that of displaced air. Something that made Naruto and his son jump. A figure fell into the couch, with careless grace.
"Sakura…?" Naruto stared in astonishment as his wife just appeared out of thin air.
"Sakura!"
"Auntie, you—"
Before they could swarm her, she raised her hand, almost lazily. "Yes, yes, good to see you too."
"Your chakra." Hanabi said. "Aren't you supposed to — Oh. Of course, you escaped, didn't you?" She guessed, palming her face.
"Yeah, but I'm fine. Lost a fair amount of horsepower, but…" Sakura said, blowing hair away from her face and making a fist. "I'm fine. I can tell."
Naruto scowled at her. "That's—"
"More importantly." Sakura said, speaking suddenly, and looking them squarely in the eye. "Did you know Sasuke was alive?"
"…What?" Naruto asked slowly.
He blinked at her slowly, then at Hanabi, who palmed her face. Boruto blanched, the same way Yūshirō did. "Look, Auntie, that's not the best—"
Naruto had already left the room, stumbling over a few people waiting by the door, whom he greeted hastily. Most of the others followed, two of them cursing — Hanabi, mostly at Sakura.
Yugito glanced at Sakura. "…I should have expected you to pull some messy shit like that."
Sakura turned to her, but her expression was hard to read. "I left all of you enough time to warn them all, didn't I? Hours. It's on you."
"Hardly enough time, considering everything." Yugito said impatiently. "…Well, good to have you back again. I would embrace you, but… Well, I know you."
"Likewise." Sakura grinned in answer, and her eyes softened slightly. "I see the demon child has now evolved into a fridge, congratulations. Sharp teeth, too, my, my…"
"If you say so." Yugito sighed, but couldn't hide a small smile. "He talked about you a lot, over the years."
"Did he, now?"
"He must have missed your gifts, surely."
Sakura laughed.
"—I will not die on this hill, because the undeniable truth of this fact will keep me immortal." Orochimaru said, leaning against the window, quite dramatically.
Of all the people who had come near his door, he had only allowed four in, of course.
Anko only raised an eyebrow at him in answer, unimpressed. "…Really?" She asked. "It's been what, a few hours since you woke up? And here you are, already plotting to regain your lost power. You couldn't even wait until after breakfast?"
Orochimaru's laugh echoed lightly through the room.
"Why would I?" He asked, with a shrug. "Especially after seeing a glimpse of infinity…? If that sun kami could manipulate even destroyed souls, I see no reason to believe I couldn't eventually learn to do so, myself."
"For real?" Anko sighed. It wasn't that she didn't believe him — rather, it was the opposite. A challenge was the sort of thing Orochimaru craved, no, that he needed. It was clear in this almost frenzied joy. Besides, a depressed Orochimaru, as rare as it was, especially since he had met Naruto, generally meant bad things for everyone. "Immortality isn't enough anymore?"
He smiled. "Why should it be? Why settle for mere survival? These days, anyone from the Rings, when dying, whether inside or outside of this realm, is brought back to eternal life within moments. I already have all the safety I need. Is it so wrong to aspire for more?"
"And would anything stop you?"
"No." He said gleefully. "You may tell your…" Orochimaru paused, sighing. "…Your lover that we have a new project to focus our efforts upon."
"I don't think Dad will be too happy with that, Uncle." Yui said.
"Ridiculous!" Orochimaru scoffed. "He would be honored. Has his name not graced the list of great Savant adepts already, thanks to our joint efforts?"
"Yes, but—"
"We shall soar even higher, then." Orochimaru smiled. "So will Aruni. Do tell him I have awoken from my slumber, please."
Anko let out a long suffering sigh.
"A new quest for power, then." She muttered. "Fantastic."
"Not power specifically, no." Orochimaru shook his head. "But there are things only chakra allows for. And with my current condition—"
"Couldn't you simply rely on others?" Yui asked. "I could help, too!" She paused. "…I think?"
Orochimaru paused. "I could do that, yes." He said, and Anko's eyebrows shot up. "…But what would be the fun in that?"
"…Right." Yui nodded, slowly.
"There's another reason, isn't there…? Is it because of…?" Anko asked, meaning Kaguya, who sat peacefully upon nothing but air, nearby.
"A foolish question." Kaguya interjected softly without turning to acknowledge anyone but Orochimaru. "Power? I care not for such things anymore, and he knows so. My former companion was a weak human. Weak, even for your race's standards, that is. I have no interest in those particularly enamored with the trivialities of strength and rule, either. There are many who have achieved previously unseen levels of either. I only respect strength of mind. Dedication."
"Hmpf." Anko made a derisive sound. "Semantics. As usual. And you think dedication is something sensei has, then?"
Kaguya didn't grace Anko with an answer, which suited her well, too.
Yui's eyes darted between the speakers, her gaze finally resting on Ōtsutsuki Eishin, Kaguya's ever-watchful bodyguard. She was a silent sentinel by the doorway, her presence like a chilling shadow. Yui's suspicion was palpable; she knew the quiet ones often held the deadliest secrets.
But that wasn't her reason for mistrusting that particular woman, however.
Orochimaru chuckled when he noticed, breaking the momentary lull.
"Ah, but I am sure I am not alone in my sentiments." He said. "Dear Naruto will likely pretend to be fine with his own loss of power. Playing the happy family man in his little utopia will be fine for a while, I am sure. But even he will not be able to deny the beast that stirs within forever. Boredom, my friends, is a mighty foe. It stirs even the most contented souls."
Anko rolled her eyes, stepping away from the wall to stand closer to Orochimaru, her voice laced with a fair amount of sarcasm. Outside was a beautiful day, and of course, he'd waste it scheming.
"Yes, because playing house and quietly ruling the world with irrepressible strength are totally comparable." She said. "I mean, who wouldn't miss the thrill of constant life-and-death battles for the sake of ultimate power?" Anko paused, looking him in the eye. "You talk a lot of serpents shedding their skin to grow, don't you, sensei? Of windmills and whatever else."
"Perhaps I do, occasionally, yes." Orochimaru admitted with a laugh. "Please do not use my words against me, dear."
"Perhaps he won't even try to restore his power, then." Anko said, with a shrug. "He fought for it hard enough in the first place, and perhaps that will be enough strife for a lifetime."
Orochimaru's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "But we shall see, then, won't we? That, to me, has always been the most fascinating part."
How long he stood there, staring at Sasuke silently, Naruto didn't know.
There were many people in Hanabi's room, but only one he was paying attention to, right now. His emotions were running hot, almost flaring up, and he was nearly sure the others could feel it.
His memories were as vivid as they ever had been. Not just of the day Sasuke had died, seemingly for good, although that one was particularly sharp. The eternal night of Takamagahara. The burned-out hole in which rain didn't reach. The smell of blood and thunder. White ash. Susanoo-Arashi's dark eyes. His quiet voice, ringing out in human-like tones that were just slightly off.
Other memories, too. Other lives. The Sage, holding the reins of a cart loosely as he dragged his laughing children behind him. His strong hands, pulling them into an embrace. His fingers, adjusting theirs into proper hand seals.
Their mother, brushing their hair. Days spent under plum trees, with petals falling like soft rain around them. Teaching them the finer points of calligraphy. Laughter, mingling with the rustle of leaves.
The clash of their swords in an ancient valley, their spirits already locked in a rivalry that would transcend time. Fierce, calculating eyes; shades of blood and gold. A promise made, broken, and then remade as they went through the ages.
Lives spent apart, but always colliding; whether as allies or adversaries, destinies intertwined. Seasons spent as warriors on opposing sides of battlefields that stretched beneath stormy skies, only to find themselves as brothers sharing a quiet meal in the next cycle, if only temporarily. Scholars, debating philosophy under the ancient arches of a library, voices echoing off the stone, raising.
Shared moments of silent understanding by a riverbank, watching the water carry leaves away, before their respective duty sang their names. Laughs shared over misadventures, mishaps during training, grisly murder, or the simple joy of a successfully executed prank.
Their youth in another life, racing through the streets of a bustling village, breathless and exhilarated, with nothing but the present joy sparking between them. Nights spent beside a fire, sharing stories of stars, with dreams that soared even higher.
Terrible memories; pleasant ones, as well. Sharp as glass, and just as fragile.
But that was here and then.
"…What happened?" Naruto finally asked him, and the spell of the silent song was shattered like frost. "I truly thought you were dead."
Sasuke stared at him for a moment, and then sighed. "Happy to see you too." He remarked dryly. But his words couldn't hide the memories that stretched between them, taut as a bowstring. "Besides, weren't you the one who insisted on keeping a charge—"
"That's not the point." Naruto interrupted, his voice thick with emotion. "Susanoo killed you — and made damn sure you wouldn't come back."
A humorless smile briefly crossed Sasuke's face. "That he did. He damaged my soul in the process, beyond what was self-inflicted. It's been years, and I can barely channel embers. Perhaps in three centuries or so, I'll manage to use Kajin."
"How?" Naruto's question cut through the air, sharp and urgent.
"I don't know how it happened." Sasuke admitted with a helpless shrug. "My technique activated when you destroyed him, that's all I'm sure of." He sighed. "I guess I really owe you my life—"
"Don't." Naruto cut in sharply. His expression softened slightly. "You saved me first."
A small, easy smile played on Sasuke's lips. "Eh, I wouldn't go that far. Call it a spasm. Or a whim."
"A whim?" Naruto let out a short, incredulous laugh, his eyes shimmering with a mix of mirth and sorrow. "You died out there—"
"And I'm alive now." Sasuke replied softly, a quiet strength in his tone. "I guess we're even, aren't we?"
They stood there a moment longer, in a silence thick with unspoken words and shared hardships. Memories of battles fought, lives lived, and sacrifices made hovered between them.
Then, with a hesitance born of years of strife, Naruto closed the distance. Sasuke, seemingly surprised, met him halfway, and they embraced, their arms tight around each other.
It was a silent acknowledgment of their intertwined fates, a brotherly bond that had endured through the darkest of times.
In that embrace, held in a room full of people but utterly alone, they found a moment of peace.
It was a quiet reminder of their survival, a testament to the resilience of their spirit, and a proof of the enduring connection that even death had continuously failed to sever.
Tomorrow, Naruto would face the truths of his past with Yūshirō. Tomorrow, he would pace the corridors, heartsick as his comrades healed. But today was for savoring the quiet calm, the precious respite.
Today, he embraced peace at last.
lensdump
i/zTek91 : Hanabi came here to laugh at you
i/zTeRDx : Akemi and Toru
i/zTeEWH : Yugito
i/zTe6vc : Naruto
i/zTe13k : Sasuke
AN: Two more — if I can fit what I want in them, without messing up the pacing, otherwise... I'm afraid I'll have to extend once more, just a little chapter or two... Sorry!
Next chapter: For Whom the Sun Shines