Vision of Truth II: Shield and Sharingan (Naruto)

No Regrets

"Don't take the ones you love for granted, not for a second
If you do, you've got the rest of your life left to regret it
You're gonna miss these days, I hope you never forget it
The present is precious

You get one life, one chance
Give it everything 'cause this is all we have
If this day was your last
Could you hold your head high? Could you live with that?
So take it in, just embrace the adrenaline
This is sacred, we'll never get it back again" 

- "Sacred" by Citizen Soldier

Chapter 33: No Regrets

I decided I should spend the rest of my days with the Akatsuki enjoying my time with all of the friends I made. Firstly, I sought out Obito as I had something I was dying to ask him. We sat on either side of his bed, turned toward each other. He removed his mask without me having to ask this time, and it pleased me that he was more comfortable with me.

"What is it?" he said.

"I was just wondering why you helped me with Deidara," I said. His initial advice had not been very encouraging, after all.

Obito stared at me with that intense yet unreadable expression of his. "You love him."

I frowned. "That's not an explanation."

"He loves you."

I could not help the smile that flickered on my face. "That still doesn't help."

Obito looked away. "You do not have much time together. Problems will arrive once you leave here. The world will try to tear you apart."

I shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, Itachi keeps reminding me."

Obito returned his gaze to me. "But has he offered you solutions?"

I looked at him in surprise. "Solutions?"

"I am sure Itachi expects you to return to the Leaf Village and play the part of the loyal ninja. It does not have to be that way. You could remain here."

I shook my head. "I can't join the Akatsuki."

"I said nothing about joining. I am not an official member, yet I am here. I can convince Pain to accept you in some other role. You will not have to fight or be a ninja at all if you do not wish it. You could find a place here. And you would be with Deidara."

I bit my lip and looked down at my lap. I could not deny the idea was tempting. I did not support the Akatsuki's goals, but I did not agree entirely with the Lead Village's methods either. And if I remained here, I had a better chance at saving Deidara, Itachi, and Obito. I might even be able to reach Sasuke. But then I thought about Naruto and his determination. I promised him we would change things together. I had a better chance at helping everyone if we worked together. I couldn't go off on my own unless I had no other choice.

"Thank you, Obito," I said, giving him a gentle smile. "I appreciate the offer. I really do. I just- I can't abandon my friends. I know there are problems with the Leaf Village, but we're dedicated to making it a better place to live. I want to be with Deidara, but I think it would be better if he came with me."

Obito stared at me for a long while, his expression giving away nothing. "Even if it were possible for him to leave with you, it would not work out well for either of you. Perhaps your friends would accept him, but there would be those who would always be against him. He would not be safe."

"As if he's safe here."

"He is as safe and free here as he can be. You do not yet understand the full power at work behind the scenes in the villages. Change will not come easily. There are some who will take it as a threat."