Naruto: Chronicles of A Fire Ninja

Chapter 56: Killer

While Yukihiro was submitting his report to the Hokage, Ryota went to find Yomi, who was waiting near the gate for their arrival.

"Yomi, we're back. We were able to save all the hostages. Well, most of the work was done by Kaida."

"Where is Kaida? Is he alright? What happened on the mission? Is he hurt?" Yomi started asking all the questions running through her mind.

"Kaida is taking the hostages to the hospital, and yes, he's fine. But I can't say the same for the bandits."

Ryota began recounting everything that happened on the mission to Yomi—how Kaida became enraged seeing Ayame thrown out, how he brutally killed everyone, and how he single-handedly saved all the captives without their help.

Yomi listened intently, but she didn't share Ryota's enthusiasm. While Ryota thought Kaida was impressive during the mission, Yomi knew how soft-hearted Kaida was. Killing someone for the first time, especially in such a brutal manner, would surely affect him. Not to mention the guilt of not killing the bandits earlier and blaming himself for what happened to Ayame.

She was deeply worried for Kaida and wanted to be near him, so she went straight to the hospital.

...

Kaida admitted everyone to the hospital. Ayame was in particular need of medical treatment; she had banged her head on a stone in a suicide attempt. Ryota had tied a bandage on the wound as soon as Kaida's clone escorted everyone to safety.

If not for the quick action, Ayame would have definitely died from blood loss. Medical ninjas took her to the emergency room while Kaida sat outside, waiting.

Everyone else was also receiving treatment, as none of them were without injuries. Kaida had been sitting there for an hour when a small hand gently squeezed his shoulder, jolting him to full alertness, ready to attack.

"It's me," Yomi said with a gentle smile, not the least bit afraid that Kaida might have attacked her; she knew that would never happen.

"What are you doing here, Yomi? Are you here to check on Ayame's condition? She's in the emergency room right now," Kaida said, his voice filled with guilt.

Yomi gave Kaida a tight hug. "It wasn't your fault. You can't predict the future, and most importantly, you saved her. She's alive thanks to you, so don't blame yourself."

"No, Yomi, get away from me. I'm a monster. You know how I killed those men. Even you will hate me like I hate myself now. They were begging to be saved or even killed, but I... I let them live and die a slow, painful death. I failed twice—first, by not saving those people who died because of those bandits, and then, to calm my mind, I tortured those bandits," Kaida said, pushing Yomi away.

"They deserved much more than what you did to them. You did nothing wrong; don't blame yourself," Yomi insisted, continuing to hug him. Kaida needed to hear that, and the emotions he had been suppressing for so long broke free like a dam giving way.

He sat down on the chair and started crying. Yomi stood beside him, letting him cry out his guilt. After about ten minutes, Kaida calmed down.

"Take this," Yomi said, handing Kaida a pill.

"What is this?"

"Sensei said you'd need some sleep. This will remove the effects of the soldier pill, though you'll feel extremely sleepy afterward," Yomi explained. This was why she had been late to the hospital.

"But, I..."

"I know. I meant after she recovers," Yomi said, knowing full well that Kaida wouldn't leave until he was sure Ayame was safe.