Naruto was sweating bullets, his arms trembling as he pushed himself off the ground for what felt like the hundredth time, though it wasn't even close. He let out a frustrated grunt, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he counted out loud.
"Seventy-seven… seventy-eight…" Naruto panted, his muscles burning. "Seventy-nine…"
"Come on, Naruto," Hinata said softly from where she stood nearby, her arms crossed. "You can make it to a hundred. After that, it'll be smooth sailing to two hundred."
Naruto cursed under his breath. 'Of all the people to be supervising me, why her?'
"Yeah, smooth sailing," he muttered sarcastically. His arms buckled slightly as he struggled to complete another push-up, his face practically kissing the dirt. "You're a real motivational speaker, you know that?"
From inside his mind, Kurama chuckled darkly. "This is what you get for being a coward. Should've just gone along with it like the others."
Naruto grit his teeth, glaring at the ground. "Shut up," he hissed quietly, though whether he was talking to himself or Kurama, even he wasn't sure.
He glanced up at Hinata, hoping for a shred of mercy. "Hey, Hinata… can I take a break? Just for a second?"
Hinata's expression hardened in an instant, her voice firm as she replied, "No, Naruto. That's the third time you've asked me. Just shut up and keep going."
Naruto groaned dramatically, pushing himself up again. "Geez, you're really killing me here, Boss."
"Boss?" Hinata raised an eyebrow, a faint giggle escaping her lips. "What, are you going to start calling me that now?"
"Well, what else am I supposed to call you?" Naruto smirked, his words dripping with sarcasm. "You gonna start making me call you by your rank too?"
Hinata laughed softly, a rare sound that almost made Naruto forget how much his arms hurt. "You can call me whatever you want," she said sweetly. But then, her voice shifted back to that firm, no-nonsense tone. "But you better hurry up. If you're not done by noon, I'm adding another hundred push-ups."
Naruto let out a groan that sounded more like a wounded animal. "Come on, Hinata! That's cruel!"
"Maybe," Hinata replied, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "But it can't be helped, it's your punishment, remember?"
Naruto's face fell slightly at the reminder of why he was here, slaving away under the scorching sun in this occupied settlement. His arms ached, his lungs burned, but nothing compared to the heaviness in his chest from the events of the previous day.
He pushed himself up again, gritting his teeth, but his mind drifted back to that moment—six Kumo civilians kneeling in front of him, their faces covered with rough burlap bags. The girl with the necklace… the one who had given it to him before everything went wrong.
Her voice echoed in his head, innocent and full of life, before it was silenced forever.
Naruto clenched his fists, pushing himself off the ground with a surge of frustration. "Eighty-seven… eighty-eight…"
"Keep going," Hinata said, her tone softer now. She wasn't looking at him, though. Her eyes were distant, as if she knew what he was thinking about. Maybe she did. "It's almost noon, Naruto. You don't want to do another hundred, do you?"
"Nope," Naruto grumbled, his heart heavy but his voice light with sarcasm. "Definitely don't. You've already got me slaving away, Boss."
But even as the banter continued, Naruto's thoughts were miles away. The image of that girl—the one who had handed him the necklace he still hadn't given to Hinata—kept replaying in his mind. Her small, trembling hands. Her face hidden beneath the sack. The sound of the execution… He hadn't stopped it.
"Ninety… ninety-one…"
The push-ups continued, but the weight in Naruto's chest wasn't from exhaustion anymore. It was something far worse.
Later that day, Naruto and Sasuke walked side by side under the dim glow of the moonlight, their shoes crunching softly against the dirt path. It was their last patrol of the day, a routine check before they'd be allowed to return to camp. The night was cool, but Naruto felt hot with the exhaustion from the day's events still clinging to his body.
"Can't believe we're still out here," Naruto muttered, glancing over at Sasuke, who remained silent, his eyes scanning their surroundings with the quiet focus of someone used to this kind of work.
Before long, they spotted two familiar faces up ahead. Rock Lee and Choji Akimichi were heading toward them, their figures bathed in shadow but unmistakable. Sasuke's expression softened slightly—an old flicker of recognition lighting up his otherwise stoic face.
"Lee! Choji!" Sasuke called out, waving his hand in a rare show of friendliness.
"Naruto! Sasuke!" Rock Lee grinned, his usual enthusiastic energy cutting through the tension of the night. "It's been a while!"
Choji nodded in greeting as they all slowed to a stop. "Still patrolling, huh? Must be a quiet night."
Naruto greeted them with a nod, but his focus quickly shifted away from the conversation. His eyes were drawn to a building across the street, where two Konoha soldiers were emerging from a doorway.
One soldier, clearly impatient, gestured to his partner to hurry up. His partner stepped out seconds later, dragging a girl who looked to be around Naruto's age. She had a terrified look in her eyes, her body trembling as she struggled weakly against the grip of the soldier holding her.
Behind them, a woman—presumably the girl's mother—was begging, her voice strained with desperation. "Please, my child isn't a partisan! She's innocent! You have the wrong person!"
The first soldier silenced the woman with a sharp command. "She matches the description we were given. We're taking her in for questioning."
The girl's voice cracked as she pleaded, "I swear, I didn't do anything! Please, don't take me!"
Naruto's heart clenched as he watched the scene unfold. Something about the girl's terror reminded him too much of the civilians from the day before, the ones who had been executed. His breath hitched, his muscles tensing as he watched, unsure of what to do.
Then, the second soldier, an Uchiha, sighed in annoyance and placed the girl under a genjutsu. She instantly fell silent, her body going limp. He turned to the sobbing mother, his voice cold. "Get back inside. We'll return her once we're done with the interrogation."
Naruto's blood ran cold at the callousness in the man's tone.
Rock Lee, noticing the scene, chuckled lightly. "Looks like they're about to 'interrogate' another one. Just like the others they've taken for 'questioning,' huh?"
Naruto's stomach churned at the implication, but he forced himself to ask, "How long does the interrogation process last?"
Choji, without even a hint of hesitation, shrugged. "Till the investigators are… satisfied."
Naruto's eyes widened, but before he could react, Choji added darkly, "Maybe if they spent more time actually hunting insurgents instead of screwing every girl in the village, we'd be able to put down the cockroaches harassing us."
Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing. His body moved before his mind could catch up, and he started walking toward the soldiers. His fists were clenched, anger boiling over inside him.
"What the hell are you doing?" Sasuke's voice came from behind him, sharp and low. He grabbed Naruto's shoulder, pulling him back before he could take another step. "You can't just charge over there."
"They're—! They're about to—" Naruto's voice shook with fury, his mind racing. "That's wrong, Sasuke! We can't let them do this!"
Sasuke met Naruto's gaze, his voice firm but grim. "You think I don't know that? Of course it's wrong, but what do you think you're going to do? Those men outrank you, and even if you report it, what do you think will happen? They'll get a slap on the wrist, maybe. Then they'll come back and make your life hell."
Naruto stared at Sasuke in disbelief. "I'll report it directly to my dad! To the Hokage!"
Rock Lee chuckled, overhearing their conversation. "Maybe they'll get two slaps on the wrist instead of one."
Sasuke glared at Lee before turning his attention back to Naruto. "You're fighting an uphill battle here. We're in a war, Naruto. This is what it looks like."
Naruto's body trembled, not from exhaustion, but from the overwhelming rage and helplessness that bubbled up inside him. He looked back at the soldiers, the girl now motionless in their grasp, and felt a wave of nausea.
"This isn't what it's supposed to be…" Naruto whispered, his voice barely audible.
Rock Lee clapped Sasuke on the back, breaking the tension for a moment. "Anyway, we've got to finish our patrol. See you two later."
"Yeah, see you," Sasuke muttered, barely acknowledging them as Lee and Choji walked off into the night. Naruto, however, couldn't tear his eyes away from the soldiers and the girl they were taking away. His fists remained clenched at his sides.
After a few moments of silence, Sasuke spoke, his voice quieter now. "This is how it is, Naruto. We're in the middle of a war. You've seen it. The hate between Konoha and Kumo runs deep. Things like this…" He sighed, trailing off. "They're the result of that hate. It's ugly, but it's the reality we're in."
Naruto's head dropped, his mind swimming with thoughts of what kind of future they were fighting for. If this was the world they were living in, what would be left when the fighting was done? Would it always be like this?
As they walked through the night, the weight of the war, the cruelty, and the hatred bore down on Naruto's shoulders. And for the first time, he truly wondered if things would ever change.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the tranquil lake nestled in the heart of the forest. The soft ripples of the water shimmered as the cool evening breeze gently rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. It was a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of their lives.
Naruto and Hinata sat by the lakeside, taking a brief respite from their relentless missions. Sasuke and Shisui were a short distance away, engaged in a conversation about their next moves, leaving the couple alone to enjoy this fleeting calm.
Hinata, wrapped comfortably in Naruto's arms, leaned her head against his shoulder. Naruto sat with his back resting against a sturdy tree, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The lake's gentle lapping provided a soothing backdrop to their casual conversation.
"Today's patrol was quiet," Hinata began, breaking the comfortable silence. "Although I did come across an interesting case. I arrested a man who was hiding weapons under his floorboards. It's amazing how people are always trying to skirt around the law."
Naruto's expression shifted slightly, a distant look creeping into his eyes. "Can't blame him..." he mumbled to himself, though Hinata picked it up.
"What did you say?"
"I didn't say anything," Naruto replied, though his expression gave his lie away.
Hinata noticed the change in his demeanor and tilted her head to look at him. "Naruto, what's wrong? You've been distant the past few weeks. You never want to talk about what's bothering you."
Naruto's jaw tightened. "It's nothing, Hinata. Just tired, I guess."
Hinata's brow furrowed in concern. "It's not just that. You've been shutting me out, and it's not like you. I thought we were supposed to be there for each other."
Naruto sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "I said it's nothing. I don't want to talk about it."
"Why?" Hinata pressed gently. "I've always been here for you. Why can't you open up to me?"
Naruto stood up abruptly, his frustration evident. "It's not that simple, Hinata. I just need some space. I can't always be strong for everyone all the time."
Hinata's eyes filled with hurt. "So, you're just going to walk away?"
Naruto's face softened, but his resolve remained. "I need to clear my head. It's not about you. It's me. I'm trying to deal with things in my own way."
Hinata stood up as well, her voice trembling slightly. "Naruto, I love you. I want to help you, but you're pushing me away. Please, just talk to me."
Naruto hesitated, his expression conflicted. "I just… I don't want to burden you with my problems. Not now."
He turned away, heading towards his tent, leaving Hinata standing by the lake. Her heart ached as she watched him walk away, the distance between them growing. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap that was forming between them, but felt powerless to do so.
As Naruto disappeared into the darkness of the forest, Hinata sat back down by the lake, her emotions a turbulent mix of sadness and frustration. The serene lake, once a symbol of their peaceful escape, now mirrored her inner turmoil.
With a heavy sigh, Hinata looked out over the water, her thoughts a tangled mess. She longed for the connection they had once shared, hoping that this temporary rift would mend and that Naruto would eventually find the strength to open up to her.
The night was deep and silent, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant murmurs of the village. In the confines of his tent, Naruto thrashed restlessly in his sleep.
His nightmares were vivid and unrelenting, replaying the moment he saw a young girl's terrified face as she clutched the necklace that now weighed heavily in his pocket. Her muffled scream echoed in his mind, a cruel reminder of the earlier occurrences.
Naruto jolted awake, drenched in sweat, his heart racing. He sat up quickly, struggling to catch his breath. The vividness of the nightmare left him shaken, and he knew he couldn't stay in the tent any longer. Grabbing a red robe from his locker, he hurriedly wrapped himself and stepped out into the cool night air, his mind set on one destination: the village.
Navigating the quiet streets, Naruto approached a familiar looking house. With a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked firmly on the door. The sound reverberated in the stillness, making Naruto's anxiety spike.
The door creaked open, and the girl's father stood there, his eyes wide with apprehension. He looked at Naruto with a mixture of fear and confusion. "What—what are you doing here?" His voice trembled.
Naruto's throat tightened, his guilt nearly overwhelming him. He reached into his robe and pulled out the necklace, holding it out towards the man. "I, uh… I came to return this."
The man's eyes widened as he recognized the necklace. "That's… that's my daughter's."
Naruto nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "She gave this to me. I wanted to return it to you after—after what happened." He hesitated, struggling to find the right words, his guilt suffocating him. "I'm sorry about what happened to her."
The man's expression shifted from fear to confusion, then to a deep sadness. He took the necklace with trembling hands, his eyes welling up with tears. "This… this was the last piece of my late wife's jewelry. When the Konoha shinobi came to take my daughter, they looted everything we had. I thought I'd lost it all. I'm grateful to have this one memory left."
Naruto's heart sank as the man's words hit him. The realization of the impact of what happened made him feel even more sick. His guilt became unbearable, and he could barely meet the man's gaze.
"I… I'm sorry," Naruto murmured, his voice breaking. The weight of his guilt made him feel light-headed. He could no longer stay there. Without another word, he turned and walked away from the house, heading back towards his quarters.
As he retraced his steps through the darkened village, his emotions churned violently. The image of the man, holding onto the last piece of his lost family, weighed heavily on him. Naruto's steps were hurried, almost frantic, as he reached his tent, slamming the flap shut behind him.
Inside, he collapsed onto his bed, the red robe falling in a heap beside him. His breathing was ragged, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. The nightmares and the reality of his actions had merged into a crushing wave of regret. He lay there in the darkness, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him, struggling to find solace in the stillness of the night.
Darui paced back and forth in the war room, his footsteps echoing with frustration. Samui watched him, her normally calm demeanor now tinged with worry.
"Dammit, how could this have happened?" Darui growled, his voice filled with anger and anxiety. "Bee and Yugito were two of our strongest shinobi. How did they just disappear?"
Samui tried to keep her composure, though her eyes betrayed her unease. "We've been over the reports a dozen times, Darui. They just... vanished, and we don't know how it happened or who was responsible."
Darui slammed his fist against the table, causing the papers scattered across it to flutter. "It's not just that! The Raikage is going to have a fit when he hears this. Bee and Yugito are his two greatest assets. With their disappearance, we've also lost two whole tailed beasts. Overnight. What the hell are we going to tell him?"
Samui took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "We need to stay calm. Panicking won't help. Let's focus on what we can control. We need to figure out who took them and why."
Darui stopped pacing and looked at her, his eyes full of frustration. "It's easier said than done. We don't have any leads. The last thing we heard was that they were in camp. But no one knows where they went."
Samui nodded, her mind racing. "We should consider all possibilities. They might have...gone to spend some time somewhere, or there could be internal factors we're not aware of. Maybe someone in our own ranks leaked information that led to their capture."
Darui's expression darkened. "Are you suggesting that one of our own might be involved?"
"It's a possibility," Samui said cautiously. "If there's a leak that led to a kidnapping, it could explain how they went missing. We need to investigate everyone who had access to the mission details."
Darui ran a hand through his hair, clearly distressed. "Even if we do that, it doesn't change the fact that Bee and Yugito are gone. We're losing ground every day they're missing."
Samui stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Darui's shoulder. "We need to keep the situation under control. Panic will only make things worse. Let's organize a search party and see if we can pick up any trails."
Darui looked at her, frustration still evident but a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You're right. We need to do something. But what about the Raikage? We can't hide this from him forever."
Samui sighed. "We'll have to tell him eventually, but we should prepare a plan before doing so. That way, we'll have something to show him—a course of action, leads we're following, anything to demonstrate that we're handling the situation and not just sitting on our asses."
Darui nodded, though his worry was far from eased. "Fine. I'll start organizing the search. But if we don't find anything soon, the Raikage's reaction will be the least of our problems."
As they both gathered their thoughts, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them. The missing shinobi were critical assets to Kumo, and their disappearance could have far-reaching consequences. They needed to act quickly, or the repercussions could be catastrophic.
Darui and Samui exchanged a determined look, silently agreeing to face the challenges ahead together. The fate of their comrades and the stability of their village hung in the balance, and they were determined not to let it slip away.
The night wore on, cloaked in an oppressive stillness that weighed heavily on Naruto. He lay in his bed, his mind a storm of guilt, sadness, and recently, anger. The ceiling above him blurred into insignificance as his thoughts churned.
He tossed and turned, unable to escape the festering discontent that gnawed at him. The war had become a grotesque spectacle, parading him as a symbol of power while he roamed foreign villages, reminding enemies and civilians alike of their helplessness.
He hated every moment of it—the occupied lands, the endless patrols, the unending struggle. The more he fought, the more he felt the futility of it all, despite his considerable strength. He felt trapped in a vicious cycle of violence, unable to break free.
The room remained silent, save for Naruto's restless movements. The hours dragged on, his frustration mounting.
Suddenly, a gentle hand rested on his shoulder. Naruto turned to find Hinata beside him, her eyes filled with concern. The sight of her soft, caring face made his heart ache.
"Naruto," she said softly, "I noticed you left earlier. I've been worried about you. You've been restless all night."
Naruto sat up, rubbing his face with his hands. The floodgates opened, and he found himself pouring out his anguish. "I just can't stand it anymore, Hinata. Everything feels so pointless. I hate being part of this war, occupying these villages, making people fear us. I'm tired of being a symbol of might for everyone to see, for the enemy and the defenseless alike. I feel so powerless, even though I have all this strength."
Hinata listened attentively, her eyes never leaving his. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I understand, Naruto. I know it's hard. I'm not a fan of these patrols and the surveillance either. It's not easy, but it's our job. But you're not alone in this. I'm here for you."
Naruto's thoughts drifted back to his father's advice about taking a break when his mental health faltered. It was a suggestion he had dismissed before, but now it seemed like the only viable option. "I think I need to take a break," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "I'm going to head to the rear tomorrow, clear my head. I won't be taking part in the next offensive."
Hinata's face softened with understanding. "I think that's a good idea. Sometimes stepping back is the best way to regain your perspective. It's okay to take a break, Naruto. You don't have to carry all this weight alone."
Naruto looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. "I'm sorry for shutting you out before. I didn't want to burden you with my problems."
Hinata shook her head, her expression gentle. "You don't have to apologize. We're in this together. If you're struggling, I want to be here for you. I'd be happy to stay with you tonight, if it helps."
Naruto nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "I'd like that."
As Hinata settled beside him, they both made themselves comfortable. She wrapped her arms around him, her warmth enveloping him. Naruto felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in weeks.
Hinata cradled him tenderly, her fingers gently brushing his hair. "This might sound random," she said while laughing gently, "but what if I sang you a lullaby to help you sleep? It always worked on me when I was little."
Naruto chuckled, his mood lifting slightly. "Is that so? Alright, I'll take a lullaby from my personal singer."
Hinata smiled, though she blushed slightly. She began to hum a gentle tune, her voice soft and unsteady. It wasn't perfect, but it was filled with love and sincerity. Naruto listened, appreciating her effort and the warmth of her presence. They both laughed at her off-key singing, finding solace in the shared moment.
As she finished, Hinata kissed his forehead, her voice a soothing whisper. "I'll always be here for you, Naruto. Because I love you."
Naruto's heart swelled with emotion. He could feel his anxieties melting away, replaced by the comfort of her embrace. With a final contented sigh, he drifted off to sleep, lulled by her presence.
Hinata watched him with a worried expression. As he slept peacefully, she stayed awake, her thoughts heavy. The war was taking a toll on both of them, and the future seemed as bleak as their present. She wondered what lay ahead, hoping for a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
Naruto trudged through the rear base, his steps heavy with the weight of the past few days. He was heading for Minato's tent, hoping for a moment of solace. As he approached, a stern-faced guard stepped in his path.
"Sorry, but the Hokage isn't seeing visitors right now. He's in an important meeting," the guard said firmly.
Naruto's shoulders slumped in disappointment. He turned to leave, but then a thought struck him. He was the Hokage's son—one of the most important shinobi in Konoha. He squared his shoulders and faced the guard again.
"Actually, I need to see him. I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I'm not just any shinobi. I'm his son. He asked for me specifically."
The guard hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside. "Fine, but make it quick."
Naruto nodded and strode into the tent. Inside, Minato was surrounded by several high-ranking soldiers, deep in discussion. Minato's gaze lifted, spotting Naruto. He excused himself from the group and approached his son.
"Naruto, what brings you here?" Minato asked, his voice a mix of concern and curiosity.
Naruto shifted uncomfortably. "I decided to take a break from the front lines. I needed to clear my head."
Minato's eyes softened with understanding. "I see. Are you ready to leave right now?"
Naruto blinked, surprised. "You mean… right now?"
Minato smiled. "Son, it's me. I can teleport us. Let's go."
Before Naruto could respond, Minato placed a hand on his shoulder, and in an instant, they found themselves in Konoha, inside Minato's office. Tsunade was already there, looking up from her desk.
"Minato, Naruto!" Tsunade greeted warmly. "It's good to see you."
Minato nodded and addressed her. "Tsunade, I'm leaving Naruto in your care. He's been through a lot and needs some time to recover. I trust you'll look after him."
Tsunade gave a firm nod. "Of course. I'll make sure he gets the care he needs."
Minato gave Naruto a reassuring look before vanishing in another flash of teleportation.
Tsunade turned to Naruto. "How are you feeling, Naruto? Minato mentioned you needed a break."
Naruto shrugged slightly. "Just a bit stressed out. Nothing I can't handle."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "I'm guessing there's more to it. Make sure you show up at the hospital for a proper checkup this evening."
Naruto nodded, feeling a bit reluctant but understanding the necessity. "Alright."
Later that evening, Naruto arrived at the hospital. The scene was chaotic; medics hurried through the corridors, and the waiting area was packed with injured soldiers and civilians. As he navigated the bustling space, he spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench.
"Sakura?"
Sakura looked up, her face lighting up with recognition. "Naruto! It's been a while. What are you doing here?"
Naruto approached and sat beside her. "I'm here to see Tsunade. How have you been? The hospital looks… intense."
Sakura sighed, her smile fading slightly. "Yeah, it's been pretty rough. But it's part of the job, right?" She paused, her gaze settling on the floor. "Thank you for saving me from those Kumo ANBU at Fūka. I haven't had the chance to properly thank you."
Naruto shook his head. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad I could help. But... why are you here? I thought you'd be out there with the rest of us."
Sakura's gaze dropped. "I'm...actually a patient here. I was diagnosed with moderate PTSD and had to withdraw from service."
Naruto's expression softened. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Sakura. Are you doing okay?"
Sakura managed a weak smile. "I'm managing. It's not easy, but I'm getting through it. It's just... a lot to handle. What about you? How's the war treating you?"
Naruto sighed deeply. "We're making steady progress, but it's been hard. I feel so distant lately. Like I'm losing myself in all of this."
Sakura nodded sympathetically. "I get it. The war is brutal, and it's hard to stay sane when you're surrounded by so much death and destruction. It haunts me too—the lives I couldn't save, the carnage I witnessed."
Naruto looked at her, his own struggles mirrored in her words. "Yeah, it's really getting to me. I didn't expect it to be this overwhelming."
Sakura sighed, shaking her head. "I've come to the conclusion that this war is just... awful. I wish it would end, and I wish I could be done with it."
Naruto hesitated, then said, "I'm tempted to agree with you, but I know we can't just walk away from it."
Sakura gave him a sad smile. "I understand. Sometimes, we have to face the harsh reality. But it helps to talk about it, even if it doesn't change anything."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks for talking with me, Sakura. It means a lot."
She smiled softly. "Anytime, Naruto. Take care of yourself. I hope things get better for you."
They shared a brief, heartfelt goodbye. As Naruto walked away, his mind was heavy with the conversation. Sakura's words echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a profound connection to her struggles.
He left the hospital, his thoughts swirling as he mulled over their discussion. The weight of the war, the emotional toll it took on them both, felt more real than ever.
1 week later
Naruto stood in the rear base, the familiar sights and sounds of the camp bringing a mix of relief and unease. His week of rest had done little to quell the turmoil inside him, and now he faced his father, Minato, once more, who despite the gravity of the situation, maintained his usual calm demeanor.
Minato looked up from his desk, concern evident in his eyes. "How are you feeling, Naruto?
Naruto forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm ready to get back out there. Just need to do my part."
Minato nodded, appreciative of Naruto's readiness. "Good. We're moving into the next phase of our strategy. I need you prepared."
Naruto's unease grew as Minato began to outline the new offensive plans. His mind, however, was elsewhere. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to push aside his growing frustration. "Dad… is there any chance we could consider a peace treaty with Kumo?"
Minato raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "A peace treaty? Why would you suggest that now?"
Naruto's voice took on a note of urgency. "We've been advancing, but Kumo's artillery is still hitting us, and the war with Suna and Kiri has stalled. Konoha itself is stretched thin. A ceasefire might be beneficial for both sides."
Minato's expression hardened. "We're on the verge of a major breakthrough. This is our chance to crush Kumo, pacify Iwa and Kiri, and reaffirm our dominance. A peace treaty is not an option."
Naruto's frustration boiled over. "But what about the insurgencies? People will rise up against us. They'll never accept our rule. How can we justify the suffering we're causing?"
Minato remained resolute. "We are already equipped to handle insurgencies. It's part of the job. We've dealt with this before."
Naruto's temper began to rise. "I'm not going to participate in anti-insurgency operations anymore. I hate what I've seen, the way civilians are treated. I can't be a part of this."
Minato's gaze was unwavering. "It's tragic, yes, but it's part of the reality of war. These men are soldiers, you need to remember that. The war does...things, to your mentality especially when you're deployed for a long time. It can't be helped."
Naruto's voice trembled with intensity. "You're not even bothered by how people are suffering. It's like you're indifferent as long as you get what you want."
Minato's voice grew stern. "It's not about being indifferent. It's about achieving our strategic goals. You have your duty to fulfill, and that's what's expected of you."
Naruto clenched his fists. "I don't even completely understand why I'm fighting this war and you just want me to ignore innocent people being brutalized by my own comrades..."
Mustering courage, he directed a question at the Hokage. "I need to understand why we're fighting. Why is this war happening in the first place?"
Minato's eyes narrowed. "It's unnecessary for you to understand every detail. Your duty is to fight when called upon. That's all you need to focus on. I don't know why you've suddenly become a spokesperson for these savages."
Naruto's frustration reached a boiling point. "No, I need to know. Otherwise, I'm not going to just follow orders blindly."
Minato's patience wore thin. "I'm your Hokage, and you will respect that. If you're questioning your role, then perhaps you need to reconsider your position."
Before Naruto could respond, Danzo entered the room, his presence immediately shifting the atmosphere.
Danzo approached with an air of authority. "Perhaps Naruto has the right to know the origins of this war. It's a valid question."
Minato glanced at Danzo, then nodded reluctantly. "Very well. I suppose it's fair to give you an explanation."
Danzo began. "The current war stems from the last great conflict. During that war, Konoha occupied land from Kumo and Iwa as part of the surrender treaty."
Minato chipped in, "Lord third, Hiruzen the senile bastard, was the one that laid out the terms for the treaty. Instead of crushing our enemies once and for all, he settled for milder terms, mere restrictions on their militaries in exchange for land."
Minato looked at map on a nearby wall, deep in thought. "Of course our enemies found ways to bypass the restrictions, like Kumo's 'National guard'. Hiruzen even let those savages keep their Jinchuriki. We could've atleast gotten the Two-tails, after all she's an honorary citizen of our country—"
"By what?" Naruto interrupted, eager to know. "What makes her an honorary citizen? She's from the lightning nation to me."
Minato sighed in response, running a hand through his hair. "There are a lot of things you don't understand about our reality, son. Not every man in this world is born equal..."
Danzo quickly spoke up again before Naruto could respond, bringing the conversation back on track. "The new Raikage, Ay, used the desire to regain his lost land as a justification to start the current war."
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "So why didn't we just give Kumo back its land?"
Danzo's tone was clipped. "Kumo's ambitions extended beyond that territory. The Raikage wanted more, and the land was merely a means to justify his actions and rally his people. When the Raikage kidnapped you, he had the opportunity to bargain, but he didn't—this proves the war was inevitable."
Naruto's face hardened. "But the common people in Kumo—they have legitimate grievances against us. Shouldn't that have been enough to consider their side?"
Minato interjected. "The Raikage was not content with just the land. He sought to exploit the situation further. Negotiating with him would have been politically damaging for me and Konoha. We have historic animosities with the Lightning Nation, and a lot of us are of the belief that those same outer villages, villages Kumo itself annexed decades ago; would fit better with our society."
Naruto's face reddened with rage. "So, you put your image above the well-being of people suffering because of this war?"
Danzo's voice was cold. "You're still too young to fully grasp the complexities of such decisions."
Naruto's frustration bubbled over. "I'm tired of this. I can't stand seeing the damage caused and knowing it's all just a part of a bigger game."
Minato's patience snapped. "That's enough. Naruto, you need to return to your duties. You're a jinchuriki. Thousands of lives depend on you. Stop focusing on minor issues and focus on the greater mission."
Naruto's face was a mask of anger and frustration. "I get it. I'll head back to the front, be the obedient soldier and follow orders no matter what. Sorry for bothering you, Hokage-sama."
Minato's disappointment was evident. "See that you do. Your personal feelings are secondary to our objectives."
With that, Naruto stormed out of the room, his mind swirling with turmoil. The conversation with Minato and Danzo had left him more conflicted than ever. The weight of the war and his place in it pressed heavily on him as he headed back to the frontlines, questioning everything he had been told and struggling with the burden of his role in the ongoing conflict.
Mizuki treaded cautiously through the moonlit forest, each step deliberate and silent. The shadows of the trees danced around him as he navigated the winding path, his breath coming out in short, anxious bursts. He glanced behind him frequently, ensuring that he wasn't being followed. This meeting was critical, and any mistake could cost him dearly.
The specified clearing came into view, a small, open area surrounded by dense trees. Mizuki's heart pounded in his chest as he approached. He had arranged this meeting with Kumo ANBU, hoping to negotiate better terms for his services. His previous dealings had left him unsatisfied, and he had convinced himself that he deserved more.
As Mizuki reached the center of the clearing, he saw five dark figures materialize from the shadows, emerging like specters from the night. Relief washed over him as he moved closer. The moonlight glinted off the figures' masks, but their identities remained hidden.
"Did you manage to increase my payment as we discussed?" Mizuki asked, his voice laced with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. "I need to know I'm being properly compensated for the risk I'm taking."
The figures remained silent for a moment, their presence unnervingly still. Mizuki's anxiety began to grow. The silence stretched on, amplifying the eerie stillness of the night.
One of the figures stepped forward, and as the moonlight revealed more of their features, Mizuki's face paled. The figures were not Kumo ANBU, as he had expected, but Konoha ANBU. Their masks bore the familiar insignia of Konoha, and their eyes gleamed with a cold determination.
"What—what's the meaning of this?" Mizuki stammered, his heart racing. "You're not supposed to be here!"
Before he could finish his sentence, the lead ANBU raised a hand, signaling for silence. "Mizuki," the ANBU leader said with an icy tone, "we know all about your treachery. You've been meeting with Kumo agents. We've been aware of your dealings for some time now."
Mizuki's eyes widened in shock and fear. He opened his mouth to protest, but the ANBU were quick and efficient. One of them stepped forward and deftly silenced him, while another produced a set of iron chains. Mizuki's protests were drowned out by the swift, practiced movements of the ANBU.
"Please," Mizuki begged, his voice muffled by the gag. "I can explain. This isn't what it looks like!"
The ANBU leader shook his head, expression unreadable behind the mask. "It's too late for explanations. You've been marked as a traitor. We're taking you in."
The ANBU worked with a practiced efficiency, binding Mizuki's hands and feet with the chains. His attempts to wriggle free were futile. As they completed their task, Mizuki was pushed to his feet, his eyes filled with desperation and fear.
"Wait, you don't understand!" Mizuki continued to plead, but his cries fell on deaf ears. The ANBU formed a tight formation around him, ensuring he couldn't escape.
As they began to lead Mizuki away, he shot one last pleading glance at the figures who had been his supposed allies. They remained as silent as ever, their presence a stark reminder of his betrayal.
The forest grew darker as Mizuki was escorted out, his fate sealed by his own treachery and the unyielding resolve of Konoha's finest.