i'd still choose you. naruto uzumaki x reader

✤ Pathetic

Chapter 28

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Candles were the only thing lighting the room–having been constantly burned for hours on end. Wax ran down the side and piled upon the candlestick holder. The warm light shone into Orochimaru's snake-like eyes.

The door creaked as it opened, Kabuto entering casually and with good news.

Orochimaru's eyes glanced at him, "I take it the preparations are complete?"

Kabuto kneed before him in respect, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

"Good," Orochimaru smiled slightly. "Then at last I will get a new body and the world will get what it deserves," devious laughter followed his words before waving his hand in Kabuto's direction. "Go, Kabuto. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to your return."

Kabuto gave his lord a firm nod before leaving the room in a quick and formal manner. He made his way through various halls before taking an array of keys from his pocket and picking out the one he needed. He pushed it into the keyhole before opening the door, shutting it behind him. "Everything's ready, Yukimaru," He said, peering at the child sitting at the desk with a white flower. "Time to go."

Yukimaru looked at the flower, wondering if he were to have a home to go back to. He knew the lair couldn't be it. "This place we're going to," He began softly. "Have I been there before?"

"Lord Orochimaru tells me he's very much looking forward to your return," Kabuto said, holding back the annoyance he felt.

"But return to where..?" Yukimaru asked, eyes examining the flower he loved so dearly. "Is this the place I'm supposed to go back to?"

Kabuto continued to hold his aggravation back, "Lord Orochimaru has such high hopes for you. You must do all you can to live up to them."

Only then did Yukimaru stand, still holding the flower. He smiled at it before twirling it between his fingers. Kabuto smiled fakely and opened the door again. He stepped aside, letting Yukimaru out first before following suit.

He then took the lead and began to make his way for the exit of their hideout, YUkimaru is close proximity, still holding his flower. Kabuto led him outside and continued walking for a long distance before reaching a wide field with no trees and patches of tall grass that waved in the warm sun and wind.

Once Kabuto paused for a moment, Yukimaru crouched down and took off his shoe. There was a bandage on his ankle. He unwrapped it before rewrapping it to be tighter around him. "You never know how many times it will wrap around," He said. "I guess it all depends on where you begin and how tightly you wrap it."

Kabuto watched him for a moment before continuing on his way, "Lets go."

High above, in one of the largest, strongest trees, Sasuke watched the two continue walking. He made a noise of amusement before looking at the horizon and being on his way.

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Finally, after a long while of walking, Jiraiya motioned to the building coming up on the group's left, "Let's stop for a snack." He smiled, seeing two girls walking inside.

A bench was off to the side which is where the group chose to sit as they ate.

Jiraiya's eye caught notice of a girl walking toward them in workers attire, causing a large smile to cross his features. He waved her over, "I just have to say, the dumplings you serve here are absolutely delicious."