A Quiet Place
Naruto carried Shiro's lifeless body to a secluded, tranquil spot. The air was thick with the scent of fresh grass and the distant chirping of birds. Gently, he laid Shiro on the ground, his hands glowing faintly as he channeled his spiritual pressure into the confused soul lingering nearby.
"You will have a chance to live again," Naruto murmured, his voice soft but filled with determination.
Shiro, who had already lost consciousness, felt a strange warmth spreading through his being. It was as if a new force had awakened within him, repairing the damage and filling him with life once more. He could hear the birds singing, smell the earthy fragrance of the grass, and feel the gentle breeze against his skin. For the first time in a long while, his heart felt at peace.
Yet, confusion clouded his thoughts. "Didn't I die? My heart was pierced by ninjutsu. Why am I still conscious? Why didn't I protect my master?"
He opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the light. The first thing he saw was Naruto's gentle face, smiling down at him.
"Naruto… are you dead too?" Shiro asked, his voice trembling as he instinctively touched his chest, expecting to feel the fatal wound. But there was nothing—no scar, no injury. His body was whole.
"This is…" Shiro sat up, his eyes widening as he noticed the lifeless body lying beside him. It was his own, bloodied and broken, with a gaping hole in the chest. "I… am I dead?"
"As you can see, you were," Naruto replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "But now, you've been reborn."
Naruto explained the process of Shiro's resurrection, his words painting a picture of hope and renewal. At first, Shiro's eyes reflected disbelief, but as Naruto spoke, they softened into acceptance.
"Naruto, why didn't you save Zabuza as well?" Shiro asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with sorrow.
"He's gone," Naruto said gently. "Neither Kakashi nor Kado's men would have let him live. His fate was sealed."
Shiro's shoulders slumped, his heart heavy with grief. "Master Zabuza… is dead?" His voice was barely a whisper, filled with sadness and confusion.
He wanted to ask Naruto why he hadn't used the same method to revive Zabuza, but he knew better. The cost of such a miracle must have been immense. Naruto had already given him a second chance—how could he ask for more?
"But… what am I supposed to do now?" Shiro murmured, staring at his hands, which felt so real, so alive.
"As I said before, you've already given your life for Zabuza. Now, it's time to live for yourself," Naruto said, his tone warm yet firm. "What do you want to do with this new life?"
Shiro looked up, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't know," he admitted. "I've never thought about it."
Naruto chuckled softly, sitting down beside him. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the landscape.
"Shiro, I resurrected you because I see great potential in you. Your Bloodline Limit is extraordinary, and your kindness is rare. I didn't want someone like you to die in obscurity."
Shiro's eyes widened at Naruto's words. "But… I don't like fighting," he said quietly.
"I understand," Naruto replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "That was my initial thought, but as I got to know you, I realized it wasn't just your power that made you special. It was your heart. Despite everything you've been through, you've managed to hold onto your kindness. That's something truly remarkable."
Naruto's voice grew softer, almost wistful. "Do you know what it's like to be hated by everyone? To grow up surrounded by malice and fear? I've lived that life, Shiro. The villagers despised me, and even the Hokage, who cared for me, saw me as nothing more than a vessel for the Tailed Beast. But you… you've managed to keep your heart pure despite the darkness around you. That's why I couldn't let you die."
Shiro's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Naruto… you're wrong. You're kind too. I can see it in your eyes, in the way you care for others. You're not the monster they made you out to be."
Naruto smiled, a hint of sadness in his expression. "Thank you, Shiro. That means more to me than you know."
For a moment, they sat in silence, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. Then, Shiro spoke again, his voice tentative. "Naruto… do you have a dream?"
Naruto's eyes sparkled with determination as he stood up, his silhouette framed by the setting sun. "I used to dream of becoming stronger, of proving myself to the world. But after seeing so much pain and suffering, my dream has changed. I want to overthrow the corrupt rulers, to reach the pinnacle of power and become the one who makes the rules. I want to create a world where there's no killing, no pain—a world where everyone can live freely and chase their dreams."
Shiro's breath caught in his throat. "A world of peace…" he whispered, his heart swelling with hope. "It sounds impossible, but… I believe you can do it, Naruto."
Naruto turned to him, his smile warm and genuine. "Thank you, Shiro. That means a lot."
For the first time, Shiro felt a spark of purpose ignite within him. He had always lived for Zabuza, but now… now he wanted to live for something greater. He wanted to see the world Naruto envisioned, a world free from suffering.
"Naruto," Shiro said, his voice steady, "how do you plan to achieve this dream?"
Naruto's expression grew serious. "I'll need power—power beyond anything the ninja world has ever seen. I'll have to confront the leaders of every major nation and village, to dismantle the systems that perpetuate war and suffering. It won't be easy, and there will be sacrifices, but if it means creating a better world, I'm willing to bear that burden."
Shiro frowned, his heart heavy at the thought of more bloodshed. "But… will killing really bring peace? Won't it just create more pain?"
Naruto's gaze was unwavering. "Sometimes, to end the cycle of violence, you have to become the one who wields it. If fear of my power can deter others from causing harm, then so be it. I'll become the last devil this world ever needs, if it means saving countless lives in the long run."
Shiro's eyes filled with admiration and concern. "Naruto… you're willing to carry all that hatred, all that pain, just for the sake of peace?"
Naruto nodded, his resolve unshakable. "If that's what it takes, then yes. I'll bear the weight of the world's malice so that others don't have to."
Shiro's heart swelled with emotion. He had never met anyone like Naruto—someone so selfless, so determined to change the world. In that moment, he made a decision.
"Naruto," he said, his voice firm, "I want to help you. I want to be part of this dream. If there's a chance to create a world where no one has to suffer like we did, then I want to fight for it too."
Naruto's smile widened, and he extended a hand to Shiro. "Welcome aboard, Shiro. Together, we'll make this dream a reality."
As they shook hands, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world into twilight. For the first time in his life, Shiro felt a sense of purpose, a reason to live beyond serving someone else. And as he stood beside Naruto, he knew that no matter how difficult the path ahead, he would walk it with unwavering determination.