Chapter 83 - Arc XIIi: What if?- Chapter 2
Submitted January 28, 2010 Updated August 25, 2012 Status Complete | My OC is forced to play servant to Naruto and Sakura. He must ignore his own dreams to see that Sakura and Naruto live happily ever after- either as a couple, or as the two strongest shinobi ever.
Category:
Anime/Manga » Naruto series |
Chapter 83 - Arc XIIi: What if?- Chapter 2
Chapter 83 - Arc XIIi: What if?- Chapter 2
There were screams heard, of course. No one could have silenced them. Not given what was happening.
Thirteen men, all of them rapists, murders, extortionists- the worst of the worst- were attacked suddenly and mercilessly. There were only two attackers, according to those who were still able to see after the attack. One man and one woman, roughly the same height. The man had short hair and was wearing two swords and a straw hat. The woman had her face masked, with her long hair in a ponytail behind her.
They came suddenly and silently, running across treetops. The guards were silenced, though there were no fatalities. The small stronghold was breached as the thirteen sat in a meeting.
Apparently, the men were tortured into revealing all their crimes and turning over incriminating evidence. Most lost their minds and were incoherent idiots for their remaining days. None left with all their limbs in tact. The man who attacked never revealed his face, though they all said that even once their other senses were extinguished one by one through a genjutsu, they could still feel the cold, merciless eyes.
And then the swords came.
The female collected all the evidence that the group had turned over, and somehow delivered it all to the nearby Leaf Village within ten minutes. The Leaf was over three hours away at top running speed.
When the Leaf came, they found the thirteen all sitting in their spots in the meeting. Each man had a stack of evidence in front of him, incriminating him for crimes dating back seven years. Curiously, one girl popped up constantly in their documents. Apparently, she had been threatened repeatedly with rape and death to herself and anyone who would harbor her.
Also interestingly was that each man only had three fingers. It seemed one had been chopped off for each year of this girl’s imprisonment. However, it was carefully noted that the unidentified male had done all the cutting. He had left deliberate evidence. The knife that had done all the damage was resting on a black cloth on the center of the table the thirteen sat around. The Leaf refused to release the identity of the male. The only information they would provide stated that the attack had been provoked, and that no charges were being pressed by either the Leaf courts or by the thirteen.
The girl in the pictures was identified only by her first name. Leaf ANBU had been looking for her, wanted for murder. However, the new evidence that came to light cleared her of all charges, as it was clear she was a victim here. ANBU has been ordered to suspend it’s search for her.
The locals who heard the screams did not hurry to raise any kind of alarm. Mostly elderly people or families who could not leave the area were left. They named the tenth of August that year a holiday. Festivals would be held later, once the headquarters of the thirteen men had been razed and a temple erected over it.
--
-
Azami held a kunai at Yuji’s neck.
“Drop them,” she snarled. “The swords.”
Yuji did. He felt a hand clamp over his mouth.
“Now listen,” the girl hissed into his ear, the fabric from her mouth covering tickling him. “You are my prisoner. Do as I say, and you won’t be harmed. I want information. Tell me everything you know, and your rewards-”
Yuji felt the kunoichi’s breasts move against his back. He gulped as her hand held his crotch and her body moved even closer to his. A small drop of blood rolled down his throat.
“…will be great,” she finished. Her hand reached into his top and undid the strings holding it closed. It fanned open and his chest was exposed. Her hand caressed it as she finally lifted up her face covering so she could lap at the blood coming from his neck.
“Did you ever think about the forbidden love between a kunoichi and a samurai?”
Yuji had. Often. Despite the scenario where his life was ‘in danger’, Yuji smiled. This game, he liked.
It was worth it, he decided. Being bad for her. It made her become good. Well, as ‘good’ as she’ll get, anyway. It’s not such a bad fate. Not bad at all.
“Tell me who you belong to,” Azami demanded, her tongue just flicking Yuji’s earlobe teasingly. She made another small cut with the kunai on Yuji’s shoulder, biting and licking at the wound.
“You, Azami. Always.” --
Even a year later, more stories were heard. Naruto and Sakura had developed into strong, able shinobi. Yet their lives had been strangely free and unchallenged of serious enemies. Their path to adulthood- and love- had been cleared, it seemed. There were rumors only. There always are, anytime someone seems to lead a charmed life.
A man and woman, clothed in all black, said the rumors. The woman slightly taller than the man, recognizable by her exposed midruff and ample breasts. Her dark eyes gleamed like jewels, alluring the simplest of the male horde. However, her eyes only truly sparkled for her companion.
A silent male, who spoke only when necessary. He defended the woman fiercely, as though it were his sole reason for existence. He was muscular and apparently handsome under his layers of black clothing. If you met his eyes, you had either earned his favor or his wrath. You were judged quickly and without mercy. The silent warrior cast no shadow of pity on those who were guilty.
They were impossible to track down unless they wished to be found. Rumors, of course. Always rumors. Though those that would oppose Naruto and Sakura did have a nasty habit of changing their tunes, or disappearing altogether.
-
In five years, Naruto and Sakura had become the leaders of the village, in name and ability. They were the first to share the Hokage title. Their rule went undisputed, though through reverence and respect, not fear.
Their chief opposition had been Danzou, and he had proved to be brutal. There were many small wars. Each time, Danzou managed to escape, or Naruto and Sakura were defended by their village. Danzou had no wish to destroy the village he lusted after.
Finally, the day came. A cold October evening. Halloween, those who saw the battle remembered. Naruto and Sakura were present, ready to fight. But instead, a black-clad male made his appearance. His female companion cast a barrier, leaving Danzou and his supporters trapped.
“Hurry up; they’re strong!” she exclaimed, though she showed no strain of effort.
Pulling off his mask, the male knelt in deference to Naruto and Sakura. On one knee, his head bowed, he addressed them for the first time in years.
“Ojousama; Naruto-dono…no, no, now it is Lord and Lady Hokage, yes?”
The male looked up.
Yuji hadn’t aged much. His eyes had seemed to have a glow that was absent in his youth. The cold hazel of his eyes had an odd warmth to them now.
“I am…so honored. So proud. To think you two had done all this on your own…”
Sakura smiled knowingly. She knelt down near Yuji, beautiful as ever, yet regal as her master had been as Hokage.
“I had no doubt of your loyalty, Yuji. And your help. You made this possible. You played no small part in this. I…we owe you our thanks.”
Yuji bowed lower, but Naruto seized his arm and pulled him up and into a hug.
“And is that Azami?” Naruto asked. “Didn’t recognize her with the ponytail. She looks great.”
Yuji grinned. “Well, I daresay we have…well…yes, indeed, keeping each other in top form. I’ve always loved ponytails and all…”
“You’re in good health for a ‘possession’,” Sakura observed.
“Thank you, Lady Hokage. May I ask when you are-”
Sakura patted her stomach. “Not for another five months. But I needed to be here tonight…”
Yuji looked tired and powerful and old and young, all at once. He put a closed fist to his chest; a sign of loyalty.
“Allow me to fight this last battle, Lord and Lady Hokage. Danzou and I…”
“Toldja old man Yuji wouldn’t let us fight!” Naruto exclaimed, his hand still on Yuji’s shoulder. “Well, we’d better listen, huh? It sounds like we’ll have more to do after this. Not to mention cleaning up the mess that Yuji here usually leaves after a fight.”
Yuji laughed, nodding in agreement. “Yes, I do get a bit on the exuberant side, don’t I?”
Sakura took Yuji’s hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly; Yuji could feel the life stir within, however slightly. It strengthened, seeming to strain to touch the warmth of his hand.
“We want to name him ‘Kimihiro’, if it’s okay,” Sakura told Yuji softly.
She was glowing as she spoke, and Yuji could feel his old crush on her well up. She was so beautiful now. Her hair was a little longer, making her look more mature while doing nothing to diminish her girlish cute qualities. She had a pleasant figure, and of course her face was beautiful.
Yuji knew that beauty was for Naruto and the child she was carrying. Yuji was an older brother; a mentor. One who was to come before and clear the path, unseen by those who didn’t know where to look.
Not such a bad fate.
“I would be honored,” Yuji heard himself say. He stood up swiftly and turned his back to them. It was time to fight his last battle against Danzou. All the time spent with Azami; all the happiness he’d felt being hers. All the training he’d done. All of it for this moment.
Azami lowered her barrier. She immediately met Danzou’s right-hand men, fighting them both off.
In a flash of black, Yuji was past her and grappling with Danzou. Their weapons clanged loudly, echoing into the night. Their respective jutsus clashed in mid air, rebounding all over. The rooftop on which they had met was ripped apart immediately. The fight took to the streets. All over the village they ran, exchanging attacks. Villagers lucky enough to peer out the window saw what seemed to be a shadow battling their oppressor, and apparently pushing him. Truthfully, the battle was a see-saw affair, with both men taking and giving. Their companions, the black-clad female and the two men with extraordinary abilities, were battling mostly as a formality. The woman was handling them both with apparent ease, her only strain coming when her male counterpart was out of sight. She didn’t want to miss the fight any more than anyone else, apparently, because several times she could have finished her enemies, but instead moved to follow the main battle.
After an hour, they met at last, on top of the Hokage mansion. Both men were at the end of their strength. The next clash would be the last.
Yuji summoned all the chakra he had remaining. Danzou likewise did the same.
“FIRE STYLE:” was their shared cry.
“DRAGON’S FINAL FURY!” yelled Yuji!
“UNSTOPPABLE FIRE JUGGERNAUT!” came Danzou’s shout!
The two fire attacks were massive. To think this was the end of their strength, and not the zenith!
The attacks roared toward each other. Both men had abandoned defense for this meeting, and it showed.
Danzou’s attack was larger, but Yuji’s was more dense. It pushed through Danzou’s attack, solidifying then lengthening into a spear that pierced Danzou’s heart. As it did, it exploded in an almighty shower of fire. Danzou’s remains were only charred ashes.
Danzou’s attack also hit Yuji. It burned him severely and critically. It was not an instant kill, however. Yuji stayed on his feet just a second longer than Danzou’s ashes lasted. He was the clear winner. No one would dispute that.
It seemed to take him an eternity to fall. When he finally met the ground, the small thud might as well have been a resounding crash.
Sakura and Naruto arrived first. Azami dispatched her attackers with vicious strikes and leapt to Yuji’s side. She looked to Sakura. Their eyes met, and Sakura gave a small shake.
“For all my power…there is nothing…”
Her tears landed on Yuji’s chest as he lay dying. His horribly crisped right hand reached up and touched her face. Then his head fell to the side and his arm fell. His pain had ended.
All at once, Yuji’s body burst into black flames. They consumed his corpse. Sakura and Naruto leapt back, as did Azami. But oddly enough, the black flames died almost immediately, and they found Yuji’s corpse. It looked as though he had just been born, albeit as an adult. His skin was pale and unmarred. He was naked and seemingly peaceful.
Both Hokages looked to Azami, who wordlessly shook her head. She had no words. She had no idea what had happened.
Then Yuji sat up.
“Close. Very close. Another inch to the left and my jutsu wouldn’t have worked.”
He spoke placidly, as though discussing the weather. He looked up to Azami, who had fallen to her knees, limp with shock and relief.
“Mistress, may I have my coat, please?”
Azami immediately produced a long, black coat for Yuji out of a shadow. He stood up and shrugged it on, sealing it in front.
“What-” the three said in unison.
Yuji made sure the coat was closed before he answered, shivering slightly.
“I cast a second jutsu during the fight. As the ‘Heaven’s Temper’, I have certain regenerative abilities. ‘Fire cleanses all of it’s sins’, being the principle. My fire- that is, my chakra- countered Danzou’s and healed my body. It’s a jutsu only I can use, and only once, but it seems to have-”
Azami was on top of him before he got out another word, kissing him passionately. Then she punched him in the stomach.
“Don’t you EVER- HOW DARE- YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME!”
Naruto and Sakura restrained Azami, with some difficulty. But soon she collapsed, crying.
“I wasn’t sure it would work. It was possible I might still have died, and you’d just have a fairly decent-looking corpse. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Besides…”
Yuji regarded Naruto and Sakura, a small and slightly sad smile on his face. He truly seemed like an elder now.
“The prophecy has been fulfilled, and twice over, I see. You two were to either fall in love OR become the strongest shinobi ever. You’ve succeeded in both.”
Yuji calmly took Azami from Sakura’s arms, holding her to his chest. He looked up once more.
“I hope that…your lives have been your own. I never interfered unless a clear opportunity presented itself. Pain dropped his guard just before your fight, allowing me to weaken him just slightly. Kisame and Azami met in battle…Orochimaru has been contained once more…Sasuke, I’m sad to say, is a task I must leave to you. Pity…I owe him…”
Yuji showed them all a mark on his shoulder. A curse mark.
“The only permanent mark on me that my mistress did not make,” he said with an air of sadness. “But there can only be one to defeat him, and that is you, Naruto. And on that note, I should leave. I’m feeling a bit weak…”
Sakura and Naruto looked at each other, nodded once, then faced Yuji again. They bowed low, their eyes to the ground. The ultimate show of respect and trust.
“Thank you, sensei,” they said as one. The only title that Yuji ever truly treasured had been bestowed on him by those he called ‘master’.
Thirteen men, all of them rapists, murders, extortionists- the worst of the worst- were attacked suddenly and mercilessly. There were only two attackers, according to those who were still able to see after the attack. One man and one woman, roughly the same height. The man had short hair and was wearing two swords and a straw hat. The woman had her face masked, with her long hair in a ponytail behind her.
They came suddenly and silently, running across treetops. The guards were silenced, though there were no fatalities. The small stronghold was breached as the thirteen sat in a meeting.
Apparently, the men were tortured into revealing all their crimes and turning over incriminating evidence. Most lost their minds and were incoherent idiots for their remaining days. None left with all their limbs in tact. The man who attacked never revealed his face, though they all said that even once their other senses were extinguished one by one through a genjutsu, they could still feel the cold, merciless eyes.
And then the swords came.
The female collected all the evidence that the group had turned over, and somehow delivered it all to the nearby Leaf Village within ten minutes. The Leaf was over three hours away at top running speed.
When the Leaf came, they found the thirteen all sitting in their spots in the meeting. Each man had a stack of evidence in front of him, incriminating him for crimes dating back seven years. Curiously, one girl popped up constantly in their documents. Apparently, she had been threatened repeatedly with rape and death to herself and anyone who would harbor her.
Also interestingly was that each man only had three fingers. It seemed one had been chopped off for each year of this girl’s imprisonment. However, it was carefully noted that the unidentified male had done all the cutting. He had left deliberate evidence. The knife that had done all the damage was resting on a black cloth on the center of the table the thirteen sat around. The Leaf refused to release the identity of the male. The only information they would provide stated that the attack had been provoked, and that no charges were being pressed by either the Leaf courts or by the thirteen.
The girl in the pictures was identified only by her first name. Leaf ANBU had been looking for her, wanted for murder. However, the new evidence that came to light cleared her of all charges, as it was clear she was a victim here. ANBU has been ordered to suspend it’s search for her.
The locals who heard the screams did not hurry to raise any kind of alarm. Mostly elderly people or families who could not leave the area were left. They named the tenth of August that year a holiday. Festivals would be held later, once the headquarters of the thirteen men had been razed and a temple erected over it.
--
-
Azami held a kunai at Yuji’s neck.
“Drop them,” she snarled. “The swords.”
Yuji did. He felt a hand clamp over his mouth.
“Now listen,” the girl hissed into his ear, the fabric from her mouth covering tickling him. “You are my prisoner. Do as I say, and you won’t be harmed. I want information. Tell me everything you know, and your rewards-”
Yuji felt the kunoichi’s breasts move against his back. He gulped as her hand held his crotch and her body moved even closer to his. A small drop of blood rolled down his throat.
“…will be great,” she finished. Her hand reached into his top and undid the strings holding it closed. It fanned open and his chest was exposed. Her hand caressed it as she finally lifted up her face covering so she could lap at the blood coming from his neck.
“Did you ever think about the forbidden love between a kunoichi and a samurai?”
Yuji had. Often. Despite the scenario where his life was ‘in danger’, Yuji smiled. This game, he liked.
It was worth it, he decided. Being bad for her. It made her become good. Well, as ‘good’ as she’ll get, anyway. It’s not such a bad fate. Not bad at all.
“Tell me who you belong to,” Azami demanded, her tongue just flicking Yuji’s earlobe teasingly. She made another small cut with the kunai on Yuji’s shoulder, biting and licking at the wound.
“You, Azami. Always.” --
Even a year later, more stories were heard. Naruto and Sakura had developed into strong, able shinobi. Yet their lives had been strangely free and unchallenged of serious enemies. Their path to adulthood- and love- had been cleared, it seemed. There were rumors only. There always are, anytime someone seems to lead a charmed life.
A man and woman, clothed in all black, said the rumors. The woman slightly taller than the man, recognizable by her exposed midruff and ample breasts. Her dark eyes gleamed like jewels, alluring the simplest of the male horde. However, her eyes only truly sparkled for her companion.
A silent male, who spoke only when necessary. He defended the woman fiercely, as though it were his sole reason for existence. He was muscular and apparently handsome under his layers of black clothing. If you met his eyes, you had either earned his favor or his wrath. You were judged quickly and without mercy. The silent warrior cast no shadow of pity on those who were guilty.
They were impossible to track down unless they wished to be found. Rumors, of course. Always rumors. Though those that would oppose Naruto and Sakura did have a nasty habit of changing their tunes, or disappearing altogether.
-
In five years, Naruto and Sakura had become the leaders of the village, in name and ability. They were the first to share the Hokage title. Their rule went undisputed, though through reverence and respect, not fear.
Their chief opposition had been Danzou, and he had proved to be brutal. There were many small wars. Each time, Danzou managed to escape, or Naruto and Sakura were defended by their village. Danzou had no wish to destroy the village he lusted after.
Finally, the day came. A cold October evening. Halloween, those who saw the battle remembered. Naruto and Sakura were present, ready to fight. But instead, a black-clad male made his appearance. His female companion cast a barrier, leaving Danzou and his supporters trapped.
“Hurry up; they’re strong!” she exclaimed, though she showed no strain of effort.
Pulling off his mask, the male knelt in deference to Naruto and Sakura. On one knee, his head bowed, he addressed them for the first time in years.
“Ojousama; Naruto-dono…no, no, now it is Lord and Lady Hokage, yes?”
The male looked up.
Yuji hadn’t aged much. His eyes had seemed to have a glow that was absent in his youth. The cold hazel of his eyes had an odd warmth to them now.
“I am…so honored. So proud. To think you two had done all this on your own…”
Sakura smiled knowingly. She knelt down near Yuji, beautiful as ever, yet regal as her master had been as Hokage.
“I had no doubt of your loyalty, Yuji. And your help. You made this possible. You played no small part in this. I…we owe you our thanks.”
Yuji bowed lower, but Naruto seized his arm and pulled him up and into a hug.
“And is that Azami?” Naruto asked. “Didn’t recognize her with the ponytail. She looks great.”
Yuji grinned. “Well, I daresay we have…well…yes, indeed, keeping each other in top form. I’ve always loved ponytails and all…”
“You’re in good health for a ‘possession’,” Sakura observed.
“Thank you, Lady Hokage. May I ask when you are-”
Sakura patted her stomach. “Not for another five months. But I needed to be here tonight…”
Yuji looked tired and powerful and old and young, all at once. He put a closed fist to his chest; a sign of loyalty.
“Allow me to fight this last battle, Lord and Lady Hokage. Danzou and I…”
“Toldja old man Yuji wouldn’t let us fight!” Naruto exclaimed, his hand still on Yuji’s shoulder. “Well, we’d better listen, huh? It sounds like we’ll have more to do after this. Not to mention cleaning up the mess that Yuji here usually leaves after a fight.”
Yuji laughed, nodding in agreement. “Yes, I do get a bit on the exuberant side, don’t I?”
Sakura took Yuji’s hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly; Yuji could feel the life stir within, however slightly. It strengthened, seeming to strain to touch the warmth of his hand.
“We want to name him ‘Kimihiro’, if it’s okay,” Sakura told Yuji softly.
She was glowing as she spoke, and Yuji could feel his old crush on her well up. She was so beautiful now. Her hair was a little longer, making her look more mature while doing nothing to diminish her girlish cute qualities. She had a pleasant figure, and of course her face was beautiful.
Yuji knew that beauty was for Naruto and the child she was carrying. Yuji was an older brother; a mentor. One who was to come before and clear the path, unseen by those who didn’t know where to look.
Not such a bad fate.
“I would be honored,” Yuji heard himself say. He stood up swiftly and turned his back to them. It was time to fight his last battle against Danzou. All the time spent with Azami; all the happiness he’d felt being hers. All the training he’d done. All of it for this moment.
Azami lowered her barrier. She immediately met Danzou’s right-hand men, fighting them both off.
In a flash of black, Yuji was past her and grappling with Danzou. Their weapons clanged loudly, echoing into the night. Their respective jutsus clashed in mid air, rebounding all over. The rooftop on which they had met was ripped apart immediately. The fight took to the streets. All over the village they ran, exchanging attacks. Villagers lucky enough to peer out the window saw what seemed to be a shadow battling their oppressor, and apparently pushing him. Truthfully, the battle was a see-saw affair, with both men taking and giving. Their companions, the black-clad female and the two men with extraordinary abilities, were battling mostly as a formality. The woman was handling them both with apparent ease, her only strain coming when her male counterpart was out of sight. She didn’t want to miss the fight any more than anyone else, apparently, because several times she could have finished her enemies, but instead moved to follow the main battle.
After an hour, they met at last, on top of the Hokage mansion. Both men were at the end of their strength. The next clash would be the last.
Yuji summoned all the chakra he had remaining. Danzou likewise did the same.
“FIRE STYLE:” was their shared cry.
“DRAGON’S FINAL FURY!” yelled Yuji!
“UNSTOPPABLE FIRE JUGGERNAUT!” came Danzou’s shout!
The two fire attacks were massive. To think this was the end of their strength, and not the zenith!
The attacks roared toward each other. Both men had abandoned defense for this meeting, and it showed.
Danzou’s attack was larger, but Yuji’s was more dense. It pushed through Danzou’s attack, solidifying then lengthening into a spear that pierced Danzou’s heart. As it did, it exploded in an almighty shower of fire. Danzou’s remains were only charred ashes.
Danzou’s attack also hit Yuji. It burned him severely and critically. It was not an instant kill, however. Yuji stayed on his feet just a second longer than Danzou’s ashes lasted. He was the clear winner. No one would dispute that.
It seemed to take him an eternity to fall. When he finally met the ground, the small thud might as well have been a resounding crash.
Sakura and Naruto arrived first. Azami dispatched her attackers with vicious strikes and leapt to Yuji’s side. She looked to Sakura. Their eyes met, and Sakura gave a small shake.
“For all my power…there is nothing…”
Her tears landed on Yuji’s chest as he lay dying. His horribly crisped right hand reached up and touched her face. Then his head fell to the side and his arm fell. His pain had ended.
All at once, Yuji’s body burst into black flames. They consumed his corpse. Sakura and Naruto leapt back, as did Azami. But oddly enough, the black flames died almost immediately, and they found Yuji’s corpse. It looked as though he had just been born, albeit as an adult. His skin was pale and unmarred. He was naked and seemingly peaceful.
Both Hokages looked to Azami, who wordlessly shook her head. She had no words. She had no idea what had happened.
Then Yuji sat up.
“Close. Very close. Another inch to the left and my jutsu wouldn’t have worked.”
He spoke placidly, as though discussing the weather. He looked up to Azami, who had fallen to her knees, limp with shock and relief.
“Mistress, may I have my coat, please?”
Azami immediately produced a long, black coat for Yuji out of a shadow. He stood up and shrugged it on, sealing it in front.
“What-” the three said in unison.
Yuji made sure the coat was closed before he answered, shivering slightly.
“I cast a second jutsu during the fight. As the ‘Heaven’s Temper’, I have certain regenerative abilities. ‘Fire cleanses all of it’s sins’, being the principle. My fire- that is, my chakra- countered Danzou’s and healed my body. It’s a jutsu only I can use, and only once, but it seems to have-”
Azami was on top of him before he got out another word, kissing him passionately. Then she punched him in the stomach.
“Don’t you EVER- HOW DARE- YOU COULD HAVE WARNED ME!”
Naruto and Sakura restrained Azami, with some difficulty. But soon she collapsed, crying.
“I wasn’t sure it would work. It was possible I might still have died, and you’d just have a fairly decent-looking corpse. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Besides…”
Yuji regarded Naruto and Sakura, a small and slightly sad smile on his face. He truly seemed like an elder now.
“The prophecy has been fulfilled, and twice over, I see. You two were to either fall in love OR become the strongest shinobi ever. You’ve succeeded in both.”
Yuji calmly took Azami from Sakura’s arms, holding her to his chest. He looked up once more.
“I hope that…your lives have been your own. I never interfered unless a clear opportunity presented itself. Pain dropped his guard just before your fight, allowing me to weaken him just slightly. Kisame and Azami met in battle…Orochimaru has been contained once more…Sasuke, I’m sad to say, is a task I must leave to you. Pity…I owe him…”
Yuji showed them all a mark on his shoulder. A curse mark.
“The only permanent mark on me that my mistress did not make,” he said with an air of sadness. “But there can only be one to defeat him, and that is you, Naruto. And on that note, I should leave. I’m feeling a bit weak…”
Sakura and Naruto looked at each other, nodded once, then faced Yuji again. They bowed low, their eyes to the ground. The ultimate show of respect and trust.
“Thank you, sensei,” they said as one. The only title that Yuji ever truly treasured had been bestowed on him by those he called ‘master’.
Comments
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YunieXTidus on January 18, 2012, 1:46:22 PM
YunieXTidus on
Fast paces, but great. For a moment, I really thought we lost Yuji!andr28a on December 15, 2011, 2:24:03 AM
andr28a on
Don't have much to say, other then I love this. A different speed then your usual