𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐢 | ɴᴀʀᴜᴛᴏ

Fate's Path

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✧˖*°࿐

The air was thick, Kazumi stood in the Hokage's office. Ahead of her was a young looking woman, though it was merely her chakra keeping her beautiful youth from aging. Tsunade, a legend for her incredible healing abilities and strength.

"This is the child?" She raised a brow, studying Kazumi's awkward expression.

Naruto bounced happily, smacking his hand against her back, "Yeah! See? Harmless! You'll still agree to the deal, right?"

"What deal?" Kazumi's brows furrowed, looking between the two.

A few hidden ANBU were present, but it was just the three of them and Jiraiya. Sakura was busy waiting inside Sasuke's hospital room.

Tsunade shared a knowing glance with Jiraiya before looking back at her, "I've become aware of the situation. I also know from Naruto that you've taken on nine traitors for the sake of the Leaf. That's an admirable feat from someone of your current status..." 

Jiraiya held a serious expression, crossing his arms, "Well, I'm with Naruto. I've observed her enough to know that she's no threat to the Leaf. In fact, it's far from what you're thinking, Tsunade. She's a carbon copy of Sanjiro-Sama." His tone was slightly amused, reminiscing their past with the old man.

Standing up from the desk, Tsunade sighed, "As bad as that fact is... it's better than... you know..." She glanced back to Kazumi, "For Orochimaru to put him in that type of state... The same man who used to throw us across forests..." She lowered her face, in deep thought for a moment.

Jiraiya had a bead of sweat fall from his cheek, trying to avoid recalling that memory of the menacing Sanjiro from their childhood.

"I've already tried to reason with the shinobi officials." Kazumi deadpanned, "I don't mind whatever punishment I am given." Her expression hardened, "On the condition that Sanjiro-Sama awakens and I get to kill Orochimaru."

Naruto looked back and forth, confused, "Like I said... Harmless! She jokes about killing all the time...!" He nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head.

"Naruto, it's best we leave the new Hokage with Kazumi." Jiraiya cleared his throat, leading a reluctant Uzumaki out of the office.

"Hey, wait! Old hag, our deal!!" He cried, the large doors slamming in his face.

Kazumi had her eyes over her shoulder, slowly turning back to a cautious sennin, "What deal?" She repeated.

Tsunade smirked, leaning back against the desk as her brown eyes stared down at Kazumi with no fear, "That cute kid begged me to not punish you. You should be glad you have someone like Naruto, he's a good kid after all..." 

"All the Leaf officials want me gone... They even want to drag my incapacitated uncle into this when he wakens..." Kazumi frowned, the thought of Naruto defending her causing a vulnerable side to show, "I don't... I don't want anything to happen to him. My uncle should not take any accountability. I'll... happily cease to exist, if need be." She lowered her gaze, extremely anxious for her fate.

"Is hunting down Orochimaru what you wish for?" Tsunade asked.

"It's not a wish." Kazumi looked up at her, eyes narrowing, "I'm sick of my ignorance. In only one day that man managed to change my life for the worst." Her fingertips pressed against her throat, the light buzz from the invisible seal tingling her skin.