Sayuri sniffled again.
Only a week had passed since the Uchiha clan had been massacred. And in that week, the Hokage had announced that Itachi had been acting in his own interests. What utter horse crap, Naruto had thought when the old fart had made that announcement.
He had tried to tell Sasuke and Sayuri about this, but the two were too busy coping with what had happened. It was understandable. If Naruto had gone through that, he would definitely be out of commission for a long while.
The best thing he could do was just to be there and present for them as they went through one of the worst times of their lives.
"I don't know why he did it." Sayuri sniffled, dabbing away at some tears which had crept up in her eyes. None of the departed said anything, as Naruto had asked for some space and they were all having fun.
Honestly, I have no idea either. He stroked her back as she broke into sobs again. A shadow clone came to him. "Hello, Boss."
"Hello. Do you have something to tell me?" The clone nodded, handing him a few papers.
"These are the homeworks from Iruka-sensei. I've already given one to Sasuke."
"Thank you. You may dispel." The clone did so, leaving Naruto and Sayuri alone.
"Here," he whispered. "Something to keep your mind off of everything. Sayuri graciously accepted the paper, taking a pencil and scribbling in the answers, only occasionally having to consult the textbook.
Naruto was never shy to admit that Sayuri completely trumped him in the academics department, and while she would always brush it off, the results were true and undeniable.
"Alright, I'm gonna go check on Sasuke, alright? I'll be back in a little bit. If you need anything, I'll be in Sasuke's room. I have chocolate chip cookies baking right now, they'll be ready in about 15 minutes." Rising, he opened the sliding door, closing it behind him.
Naruto stepped in front of the door to Sasuke's room. He could hear Sasuke's muffled sobs. Poor kid, to go through something like that so young, Hashirama shook his head.
You're back, huh?
It seemed that children would always have to fight and die as long as the world stayed the way it was.
Knocking on the door, Naruto entered.
Sasuke was curled into a ball, hugging a pillow. His eyes were swollen and red, and Naruto saw fresh tear streaks running down his face. Naruto sat next to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Come on, you can tell me what's wrong, right?" Naruto glanced with mild worry. Gone was their usual banter and now a grim mourning had descended upon them.
Sasuke buried his face deeper in the pillow. "I-I don't w-want to talk a-about it. Leave me alone." He hiccuped.
"Come on. I won't do that. Just talk to me." Naruto leaned in and hugged Sasuke. Sasuke sniffed again, reciprocating the gesture.
Sasuke looked away for a moment, and then looked at Naruto.
"I hate it! I hate how every morning I don't get to say hi to mom and dad and give them a morning hug. I hate how everything's just so empty! I hate that now Itachi has gone rogue! I feel like everything is just spiralling out of my control and I just don't know what to do anymore!" He broke down into sobs again by the end.
"It'll be alright. We're there for you." Naruto's hand glowed a dim orange. Placing it on Sasuke's back, his sobs quelled and he calmed down.
This technique he had created when he was the emotional ringer and needed an out. It would soothe and calm on contact.
YOU ARE READING
Sage's Resurrection
Fanfiction"I have found you to be worthy of being my successor." Naruto Uzumaki was a boy who was snubbed and looked down upon for his entire life. For him to be acknowledged by someone like the Sage... "You will be strong enough to achieve world peace..." ...
