Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 37: Hidden Mist Recovery IV

HIDDEN MIST RECOVERY IV

Jugo breaths in the salty sea air. He closes his eyes and lets the breeze blow over his face and through his hair. "This is nice. For the first time in a while, I'm not afraid of being around anyone."

Besides him, Naruto and Hinata keep him company as he gets used to his newfound freedom and sanity.

"Odd thing, I kinda get where you're coming from." Naruto pats him on the back. "It won't be an easy path, but it's worth overcoming your monstrous side."

A booming voice echoes within his side. "I feel like that was a jab at me..."

In his mindspace, Naruto chuckles and looks back to Kurama. "Sorry."

"Not even Orochimaru could keep it under control. I worry that it's simply not possible." Jugo looks down.

"It's possible Orochimaru didn't want you to keep it under control. If he was using your power to create the Curse Marks, that's a major power-up for his subordinates." Hinata smiles reassuringly. "But now you're among people who truly wish to help you."

"Yeah... maybe you're right." Jugo smiles back.

"Just hold on a bit more, alright? When we get back to the Hidden Mist, I'll talk to the Mizukage about setting you free. Then Pa can look into your... condition, whatever it is."

"I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure myself. I know my clan could innately channel these special powers, and were wiped out for it. Can't really blame people for being afraid of us."

"Fear clouds the mind. It drives one to act in a certain way, not considering the possibilities." The wind blows Hinata long locks behind. "Had we allowed that to happen to us, we wouldn't have come to rely on Elder Fukasaku's aid."

"And I'm very thankful for that."

Naruto turns around and lightly bumps his first against Jugo's shoulder. "No need. You get used to the fresh air, I'll go check up on the rest."

-x-

Meanwhile

"So who's the new guy again?" Kotori leans in to whisper to the boys, observing Jugo from afar.

"Sensei said he's a friend that needs help." Yokumaru plays with the end of his sleeves. "But the other new person doesn't seem to like him."

"Yeah, but that guy's scary." Shoto crosses his arms. "He's got sharp teeth."

"Chojuro does, too." Kotori cocks her head.

"But he has a goofy face so they're not as scary."

Yokumaru chuckles. "I didn't think you'd be scared."

"I'm not scared! I just said he's scary. You can think things are scary without being scared!" Shoto protests.

"Uh huh. Sure." Kotori smirks.

"Yes." Shoto scowls.

"Ah!" Kotori jumps to her feet, scared. "We weren't talking about you, Mister Saizo!"

Shoto violently whips his head around to where Kotori was looking, already half positioned to make a run for it.

There's no one there.

Kotori begins laughing.

"That wasn't nice, Kotori." Yokumaru is more worried about Shoto's reacting than he is of the Swordsman.

Shoto fumes and gets right in Kotori's face.

"Don't you brats have anything better to do..." Saizo's voice startles them. They freeze in place. "Didn't you have, like, training or something?" They turn around to see Saizo lying on the railing of the ship, looking over the side.