Chapter 292: Abandoning Hatred
Ever since reaching that future agreement that day, Satsuki had seemingly completely shed all pretense, no longer concealing that possessiveness about to solidify into substance. However, even Naruto, upon hearing that earlier statement about "using it to take my life first," clearly realized in his heart—this declaration was somewhat excessively extreme.
And unfortunately, sitting across from him wasn't an ordinary girl speaking in anger or jest, but a member of the Uchiha Clan who drew power from intense emotions, whose love and hate both tended toward extremes.
However, Naruto didn't know that the true situation was probably even worse than he could currently imagine, its extremity far surpassing any living example currently existing in the shinobi world.
So then, facing this declaration of Satsuki's mixing profound love with destructive tendencies, how exactly should he respond?
Like a normal person—immediately put on a stern face and tell her "you can't do this," "you can't have such dangerous thoughts"? Use those high-sounding principles to deny this heavy emotion she'd poured her entire life into?
...
Naruto felt suddenly alarmed, realizing his own thinking also seemed... not quite normal. He actually... felt that disappointing such feelings would be a mistake?
This thought made him question himself. Satsuki's words, strictly speaking, weren't merely "somewhat" extreme anymore—this was almost—no, this was completely and utterly genuine yandere speech!
But why... why did what surged up from deep within his heart, besides worry and heaviness, also include... being moved?!
Please don't forget—it was Uchiha Satsuki who had accompanied Uzumaki Naruto through his entire lonely childhood. On the surface it was Satsuki depending on Naruto, but hadn't Naruto also been depending on Satsuki?
At least during those young years unable to see any light, Naruto had almost zero sense of belonging to this cold Konoha. He never looked forward to tomorrow, because every day was filled with isolation and malicious whispers. Loneliness was enough to destroy any resilient soul...
If Satsuki hadn't burst into his world, then the current "Uzumaki Naruto" walking in sunlight—his core would likely have long been devoured by emptiness and darkness, completely replaced by that "Menma" walking in shadows.
"...There are absolutely no side effects!" Naruto's tone carried full certainty. "Right now, my relationship with the one sealed in my body is incredibly good!"
That thing sealed inside Naruto's body? Satsuki pondered silently. Indeed, the chakra currently surrounding Naruto was warm, brilliant gold, completely different from that ominous, violent red chakra in her memory.
But she still couldn't help asking again, "Really?"
"Really! It couldn't be more real!" Naruto nodded forcefully, even raising his hand as though about to swear. "If... if this can set your mind at ease, we can go to the hospital for comprehensive examinations at regular intervals! I guarantee the examination results absolutely won't show even the slightest abnormality in chakra flow!"
"...Mm, that's good then." Hearing his such solemn promise, Satsuki's taut nerves finally relaxed slightly as she nodded gently.
"..."
Brief silence spread between them, the atmosphere inexplicably somewhat stagnant. Naruto couldn't help feeling some regret over his past intentional and unintentional concealment, while doubt also rose in his heart—accepting explanations this easily didn't quite seem like that proud second pillar he knew.
The Uchiha Clan's greatest characteristic wasn't precisely that pride carved into their bones?
Just then, Satsuki raised her head. "...Teach me."
"...Huh?" Naruto didn't react immediately.
"Teach me to become stronger—teach me to become... worthy of you. I won't give up, no matter how much effort it requires, how much time it takes, I will definitely use my own power to stand openly and honestly by your side!"
"...Of c-course I can!" Naruto immediately agreed, but then thought of something. "But the reason for becoming stronger..." He worried she might still be bound by revenge's shadow.
"It's not that anymore." Satsuki cleanly interrupted him.
She understood Naruto's unfinished meaning. In the past, the dream constantly on her lips was becoming stronger, becoming a ninja the Uchiha Clan could be proud of. But since that night—after mutually entrusting their hearts and vows—the source powering her forward had already completely changed trajectory.
"Naruto," she gazed into his eyes, asking another question that concerned her. "Why... did you hide your strength from me before?"
Of course it was fear of damaging your confidence!
These words circled in Naruto's mind, but he knew he had to phrase it more tactfully. "Well, that's because," he carefully chose words, trying to make the reason sound more considerate, "I heard... if companions display too large a gap in talent and strength, the other party might feel pressure. I... I didn't want you to develop any unnecessary distress or misunderstandings."
"...I see." Satsuki responded in a low voice. She'd indeed heard that if same-level companions possessed excessively powerful talent, some people might have their confidence damaged, even developing self-doubt. But... how could he imagine her as such a fragile person?
The corners of her mouth slightly curved into a smile carrying a trace of helplessness, but even more incomparable determination.
"You underestimated me too much, Naruto." Her voice was very light. "Your strength has never made me retreat. I might be jealous, might be unwilling, but the one thing I'll never do... is give up the qualification to stand beside you."
She raised her hand, gently grasping his wrist.
"Anyway..." she finally concluded, eyes reflecting light belonging solely to him, "all my dreams are entirely related to you."
---
Naruto walked along Konoha's main street gradually restoring order, his steps somewhat unsteady, his head even more dizzy. That earlier conversation with Satsuki still repeatedly echoed in his mind, each word seemingly carrying scorching temperature, burning until his emotions grew restless.
Satsuki... when did you learn to say such things?!
He felt his cheeks somewhat flushed, his heartbeat unreasonably fast. People's growth experiences could indeed change personalities... there was such a saying. But Satsuki... had she truly completely let go of the Uchiha Clan's hatred? This transformation's thoroughness and speed left him feeling somewhat dazed.
...Come to think of it, at this point in the original story, Sasuke was originally about to let go of hatred too, if not for that brother suddenly appearing...
Thoughts scattered aimlessly. Naruto almost couldn't withstand that unfamiliar yet surging emotional tide in his chest, borrowing the excuse of handling follow-up matters to practically "flee" from that atmosphere that had thrown his heartbeat into disorder.
Of course, Naruto hadn't forgotten his newly acquired "little burden." He wore a light small backpack deliberately opened at the top, with a fluffy blue little head poking out from inside. Little Zacian stayed quietly within, observing the post-battle streets appearing somewhat disheveled yet still full of vitality.
"Yo, Naruto, there you are! During that attack earlier... you really are something else."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind, interrupting his thoughts. Naruto turned his head to see Kiba grinning as he strode toward him, Akamaru on his head also barking twice in greeting.
However, Kiba's gaze was instantly attracted to that particularly eye-catching blue little head in Naruto's backpack.