Author Note: I am speechless.
From whichever creed and kin you may belong, no sane peeson can support the genocide that is happening. The logics they present is...so pathetic. How low has humanity fallen...
How can you say you want will eradicate the people—millions of people and then make beaches, malls and modern stuff...
Knowing that you massacred millions to take their homeland?
On social media, it is disgusting to see people supporting Isreal for what they are doing— have been doing. Saying, 'They deserved it, they started the war. Look at Oct 7!'
You think civillians deserve to die? Children, pregnent women and elderly people deserve to die? Young men who never touched arms deserve to die? They started it? they were being pushed away from their own homeland!
Wake up to reality! Look at both sides! To me, the world is black and white and there is either good or evil.
Shame on humanity.
Humanizing: IV
Sunday mornings in Konoha were a rarity for Naruto—calm, uneventful, and oddly... relaxing. She sat stiffly on the edge of her bed, looking down at her outfit with an expressionless face, but her glowing sapphire eyes flickered faintly, betraying her internal conflict.
"Karin," she called out, her voice robotic but tinged with a hint of confusion. "Naruto does not comprehend this outfit choice."
Karin, standing near the closet with her hands on her hips, smirked in satisfaction. "You look adorable. Deal with it."
Naruto glanced down again at the plain white T-shirt, black shorts, and crisp white sneakers. Her long, pale legs were exposed, and the socks hugging her ankles somehow added to her innocent charm. She tugged slightly at the hem of the T-shirt, which was a size too big, making it drape over her frame in a way that made her look even smaller.
"Naruto prefers her dress," she said, her voice as flat as ever.
"Yeah, well, your dress is in the laundry, and frankly, you need a change," Karin shot back, rolling her eyes. "You wear the same thing every day like some kind of weirdo. Variety is the spice of life, you know."
Naruto tilted her head, her messy white bob-cut hair swaying slightly. "Naruto does not understand the correlation between spices and clothing."
Karin groaned, walking over and placing her hands on Naruto's shoulders. "Listen, cousin. Sometimes, you just need to look casual. Relaxed. And trust me, you pull off casual like a pro." She stepped back, gesturing dramatically. "Just look at you! Cuteness. Overloaded."
Naruto blinked, her glowing eyes scanning herself once more. "Naruto... is cute?"
"Yes!" Karin exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "You look like some lost kid about to ask where the candy store is. It's perfect."
Naruto processed this for a moment before giving the faintest of nods. "Acknowledged. Naruto will wear this for today."
Karin grinned, satisfied with her handiwork. "Good. Now, let's go outside. It's Sunday, and you're not spending it locked up in this apartment like some hermit."
Naruto stood up, her movements still unnervingly precise despite the casual attire. "What will we do outside?"
"Whatever we want," Karin said, grabbing her own shoes. "Walk around, get some snacks, maybe even people-watch. You need to experience normal life for once, Naruto."
Naruto followed her to the door, her new white sneakers squeaking slightly against the floor. As they stepped outside into the warm morning sunlight, villagers couldn't help but stare.
Naruto, in her usual stiff posture and expressionless demeanor, looked almost out of place in such a casual outfit. But it wasn't just the clothes—there was an air of innocence about her, something unfamiliar yet endearing.
"People are staring," Naruto observed, her voice devoid of concern.
"Yeah, because you're adorable," Karin muttered, tugging her along by the arm. "Let's go before you start making them think you're some kind of robot-child lost in Konoha."
Naruto allowed herself to be pulled along, her glowing eyes scanning the streets and the people around her. The outfit, though simple, seemed to invite a new kind of attention—one that Naruto couldn't quite process.
"Naruto feels... exposed," she said after a while.
Karin snorted. "You're fine. Trust me, the world needs to see this side of you. Now, let's go get some dango or something."
As they walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, Naruto couldn't help but notice the occasional smiles and curious glances directed her way. For the first time, she felt... visible. And while she didn't fully understand it, she decided she didn't dislike it.
The moment Naruto and Karin entered the dango shop, the familiar aroma of sweetened soy sauce and grilled dumplings greeted them. Karin let out a content sigh, but Naruto's glowing sapphire eyes immediately locked onto a familiar figure sitting at the counter.
Anko Mitarashi.
The snake-loving kunoichi was devouring dango sticks at an alarming speed, grinning between bites. Her purple hair bobbed slightly as she glanced up and noticed Naruto and Karin. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.
"Well, if it isn't Konoha's synthetic sweetheart," Anko drawled, waving a half-eaten dango stick in Naruto's direction. "What brings you to the holy temple of dango? Aren't you too busy being a perfect jounin, Dattebayo-ing your way through life?"
Naruto blinked, her expression as blank as ever, though there was a faint flicker in her glowing eyes. "Naruto was hungry," she replied flatly. "Dango is a suitable option."
Karin groaned, rubbing her temples. "Oh, great. This is going to end well."
Anko smirked, leaning forward on the counter. "Hungry, huh? How about a little contest, then? Let's see if the great Naruto Uzumaki can out-eat me. I'm the queen of this place, kid. You're stepping into my domain."
Naruto tilted her head, processing the challenge. "Naruto is a full jounin," she stated matter-of-factly. "Anko is a special jounin. Naruto accepts."
The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a perpetually tired look, sighed deeply. "Please don't break my shop."
The challenge was set. Plates of dango sticks began to pile up in front of the two kunoichi, and a small crowd of curious villagers and ninja started to gather, intrigued by the spectacle. Karin stood to the side, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Why am I even here?"
"Ready?" Anko grinned, twirling a dango stick between her fingers like a kunai. "Let's see if you've got what it takes, rookie!"
Naruto picked up her first dango stick with robotic precision, her movements unnervingly calculated. "Naruto will not lose."
And they were off.
Anko attacked her plate with the ferocity of a starving wolf, stuffing her face with dango at an impressive pace. She was fast, no doubt about it, but Naruto… Naruto was efficient. Every motion was precise, every bite perfectly calculated.
One dango stick. Two. Three. The sticks began to pile up beside her like a miniature wooden fortress.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Naruto's mechanical efficiency quickly outpaced Anko's chaotic energy.
"This kid…" one villager muttered. "She's not even human!"
"She's adorable, though," another whispered.
Anko, noticing Naruto's growing lead, glared at her with a mixture of frustration and determination. "You're good, Uzumaki," she said between bites, her voice muffled by the dango in her mouth. "But I've got years of experience on my side!"
"Experience is irrelevant," Naruto replied flatly, grabbing another dango stick. "Naruto is superior in all categories."
Karin facepalmed from the sidelines. "Naruto, stop antagonizing people!"
The contest raged on, but it was clear who the victor would be. Anko, despite her best efforts, began to slow down, her movements sluggish as she clutched her stomach. Meanwhile, Naruto continued at the same steady pace, her expression unchanged.
Finally, Anko slammed her hands on the counter, groaning. "Alright, alright! I give up!" She leaned back in her seat, clutching her stomach. "You win, you little freak."
Naruto set down her final dango stick, her glowing eyes flickering with faint satisfaction. "Naruto solos."
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, and even the shopkeeper managed a small smile. Karin, however, looked less amused. "Great. Now her ego's going to be even harder to handle."
Anko, despite her loss, grinned and held out a hand to Naruto. "You're alright, kid. Annoying as hell, but alright."
Naruto stared at the hand for a moment before shaking it stiffly. "Naruto acknowledges Anko's sportsmanship."
With the contest over, Naruto turned to Karin, her face as blank as ever. "Naruto is satisfied. We can proceed with the day."
Karin sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
As the two walked out of the shop, Naruto glanced back at Anko. "Goodbye, special jounin. Train harder."
Anko's laughter followed them out the door. "You're lucky you're cute, you little brat!"
Naruto and Karin strolled through the busy streets of Konoha, the midday sun casting a warm glow over the village. Naruto's casual outfit—a simple white t-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers, and socks—was a rare sight, and it drew attention from nearly everyone they passed.
As they turned a corner near the training grounds, they spotted Team Ten lounging under a large tree. Choji was munching on a bag of chips, Shikamaru was lying flat on his back, staring at the clouds, and Ino was sitting cross-legged, filing her nails.
When Ino noticed them, her eyes widened. "Naruto?! Is that you?" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. She looked her up and down, taking in the casual attire. "I almost didn't recognize you! You're not wearing that creepy black dress for once!"
Naruto blinked at her, tilting her head slightly. "Naruto decided to wear something practical today. Is that surprising?"
"It's more than surprising," Ino said, hands on her hips. "It's... cute. I mean, who knew you had normal clothes? You almost look—"
"Don't," Shikamaru muttered, cutting her off. He had turned his face away, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "Troublesome."
Choji, too, was looking anywhere but at Naruto, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by awkward silence as he crunched down on his chips.
Karin smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, well. Looks like Naruto has the boys flustered."
Naruto stared blankly at Shikamaru and Choji before turning back to Ino. "Naruto does not understand their behavior."
Ino rolled her eyes. "Boys are idiots. Anyway, what are you two up to?"
"Cousin-bonding time," Karin said with mock enthusiasm. "We're strolling around the village while Naruto accidentally gives everyone identity crises."
Naruto tilted her head again, confused. "Naruto is simply existing."
As they bid farewell to Team Ten and continued down the street, they ran into Team Eight near a bakery. Kiba was the first to notice them, his loud voice booming across the street.
"Yo, Naruto! Karin!" he called, waving enthusiastically. "What's up? Whoa, wait a minute—Naruto, you look... uh, different today."
Hinata, standing beside him, fidgeted nervously, her cheeks flushed as she tried to say something. "N-Naruto, y-you—"
But Naruto didn't notice her stammering. Instead, Shino spoke up, his voice calm and composed. "Your casual attire suits you, Naruto. It's refreshing to see this side of you."
Naruto turned to Shino and gave a small nod. "Naruto appreciates Shino's observation."
Kiba, however, wasn't as composed. "Refreshing? She looks amazing! I mean, seriously, you're... kinda sexy, Naruto!" he blurted out, grinning like an idiot.
Naruto blinked at him, her expression blank. "Kiba is being inappropriate."
Before Kiba could respond, Naruto's foot connected with his shin in a swift, precise kick. "Ow! What the—?!" Kiba yelped, hopping on one leg.
Naruto folded her arms, her tone unusually sincere. "Kiba should learn to be a gentleman. Naruto advises treating others with respect."
Kiba scratched the back of his head, sheepish. "Y-yeah, okay. Got it. Sorry."
Hinata, who had been trying to speak up, fell silent, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. Karin sighed and leaned over to whisper, "Naruto, you just traumatized half the village today, didn't you?"
"Traumatized?" Naruto repeated, tilting her head. "Naruto is merely existing."
Karin shook her head, muttering, "You're impossible."
Shino adjusted his sunglasses, his tone as composed as ever. "Naruto, your growth is intriguing. Perhaps you should continue this... humanizing process."
Naruto nodded solemnly. "Naruto acknowledges Shino's advice."
As they moved on, Kiba rubbed his shin, muttering under his breath. "Man, she's terrifying."
Hinata, still flustered, watched Naruto walk away, her gaze a mix of admiration and nervousness. Shino simply adjusted his sunglasses again, as though nothing unusual had happened.
Naruto and Karin wandered into a quiet side street where a small clothing shop displayed its latest collection in the windows. Karin had insisted they take a break from "cousin-bonding" to look for some new outfits, and Naruto had reluctantly agreed, though she was still trying to understand the appeal of clothes shopping.
As they stepped inside, the faint sound of soft music greeted them, along with rows of colourful fabric and neatly arranged racks. Karin immediately dived into a section with bold designs, leaving Naruto to wander aimlessly.
"Hmm, maybe I'll find something to replace your weird black dress here," Karin teased from behind a rack.
"Naruto does not require replacement clothing. The black dress is functional," Naruto replied, examining a plain white shirt with an expressionless face.
Before Karin could retort, Naruto's attention was drawn to a familiar figure in the corner of the shop. Kurenai Yuhi, dressed in casual clothes, was flipping through a rack of elegant evening wear.
Naruto blinked and walked over stiffly. "Kurenai-sensei?"
Kurenai looked up, her ruby-red eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Naruto? Is that you?"
Naruto nodded. "It is Naruto. Why is Kurenai-sensei here?"
Kurenai gave a small smile, holding up a flowing red dress she'd been considering. "Just shopping for something nice. Sometimes it's good to wear something other than ninja gear, don't you think?"
Naruto tilted her head, her expression blank. "Naruto does not understand. Ninja attire is practical."
Kurenai chuckled softly. "That's true, but dressing up can be... refreshing. It makes you feel different, even if just for a little while."
Naruto considered this for a moment before glancing down at her own casual outfit—a plain white t-shirt and black shorts. "Naruto is already dressing differently. Karin insisted."
Kurenai's eyes softened as she took in Naruto's appearance. "You look nice, Naruto. Casual suits you."
Naruto blinked, then nodded. "Naruto acknowledges Kurenai-sensei's observation."
Karin appeared from behind a rack, holding a bright green top against herself. "Oh, there you are! Who're you chatting with—oh, Kurenai-sensei! Didn't expect to see you here."
Kurenai smiled warmly at Karin. "It's good to see you too, Karin. Are you helping Naruto shop?"
"Trying to," Karin said with a smirk. "She's stubborn, though. Keeps insisting her creepy black dress is the pinnacle of fashion."
"It is functional," Naruto stated flatly, earning a laugh from Kurenai.
"Well, maybe you should try something else, Naruto. It couldn't hurt," Kurenai suggested gently, holding out the dress she'd been looking at. "Something like this, perhaps?"
Naruto stared at the dress, then at Kurenai. "Naruto does not see the practical application of this clothing."
"It's not always about practicality," Kurenai said with a smile. "Sometimes it's just about feeling good."
Naruto blinked, clearly struggling to process this. Karin took the opportunity to shove a random dress into her hands. "Come on, Naruto. Live a little. Try it on."
Reluctantly, Naruto allowed herself to be dragged into a fitting room. Minutes later, she emerged, looking stiff and awkward in a simple navy-blue dress.
Kurenai clapped her hands together lightly. "That looks lovely on you, Naruto."
Naruto glanced down at herself, frowning slightly. "Naruto does not feel... different."
Karin sighed dramatically. "That's because you're not humanizing fast enough. Give it time, robot-girl."
Kurenai chuckled again, placing a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You're doing fine, Naruto. Keep experimenting. You might surprise yourself."
Naruto nodded slowly, filing away the advice in her logic unit. "Naruto acknowledges Kurenai-sensei's suggestion."
With that, they left the shop, Naruto still in her original casual outfit but carrying a bag with the navy-blue dress inside—Karin's purchase, of course.
Û~Û
Author Note:
This arc is over. Any guess what is coming next?
I hope you liked this chapter.
Drop your thoughts in the review section. Your words inspire me to write faster, better and with more depth.
Till next time!
