𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 | Naruto Uzumaki

┊009

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『 𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐏 𝐓 𝐄 𝐑  𝟗 』
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━『 Home 』

As we walked, my mind wandered, eagerly anticipating our return to Konohagakure. The thought of going home filled me with warmth, and I couldn't help but smile inwardly. However, my reverie was interrupted when Kakashi gently called out my name.

Turning away from Naruto and Sakura, who were engaged in their usual banter, I slowed my pace until Kakashi caught up to me. "Did you need anything, Sensei?" I inquired, glancing at him with curiosity.

As we walked side by side, the rhythm of our steps matching, Kakashi's voice broke the tranquility of the moment. "Nothing too big, just wanted to ask you something," he said, his tone casual yet carrying a hint of curiosity.

Curious myself, I adjusted my pace to match his and turned my attention fully towards him. "Oh? Sure," I replied, wondering what might be on his mind.

Kakashi's eye crinkled slightly as he continued, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. "What you said yesterday, about getting lost to madness, was there any context for that? Or just a random thought you had?"

I paused, considering his question before responding. "Both, I guess," I admitted with a sigh, feeling a weight lift as I opened up. "I wasn't really thinking about why I asked in the moment, but I think my mind was wandering towards the future."

"Future?" Kakashi echoed, his curiosity evident as he prompted me to continue.

As I shared my thoughts with Kakashi, I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability, unsure if I should be burdening him with my uncertainties. However, his gentle encouragement gave me the reassurance I needed to continue.

"Yeah. About what might happen to us. Naruto's dream to become Hokage, Sakura's dream to marry Sasuke..." I trailed off, realizing the weight of my words and the complexity of our intertwined destinies. Kakashi's steady gaze encouraged me to proceed.

"Continue," he urged softly, his tone conveying understanding and patience.

Summoning my courage, I voiced my concerns about Sasuke's singular focus on revenge against our brother. "Sasuke wants to kill our brother, that's his one goal and dream. What will happen to him and that journey?" I questioned, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. "What if he goes crazy?"

Kakashi's response was immediate and firm, cutting through the fog of my worries. "That won't happen," he stated firmly, his confidence unwavering. "Because he has you and Naruto and Sakura and I to help him and bring him out of any dark holes he will slip into."

As I mumbled my acknowledgment, swallowing down the lump of worry in my throat, Kakashi's arm draped over my shoulder in a comforting gesture. His gentle rubs offered a silent reassurance, but I couldn't shake the feeling of scrutiny from Sakura and Sasuke. Their suspicious glances, though fleeting, did not escape my notice.

━

I sat perched on the railing, my legs swinging back and forth in a rhythmic motion that mirrored my growing impatience. Kakashi's habitual tardiness was no surprise, but today's delay seemed particularly irksome. Even more surprising was Naruto's absence, a fact that struck an unexpected chord within me.

As Naruto finally came into view, his brisk pace bypassed me entirely, settling next to Sakura instead. A subtle ache stirred within my chest, a sensation both unfamiliar and disconcerting.