You're not the only one.... ×Book 1×

83. Gone....?

'Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one'

-Bruce Lee
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After we had rescued Naoki we returned to the land of fox, and explained our situation to the chief. He said he understood and Naoki would be allowed to live with me as long as she visited once a month. We agreed and Naoki wasted no time leaping into my arms and calling my mommy.

Now, after one long week of being away from the village; Naoki, Hinata, Kuro, and I are heading back.

*****

"You're a fat human."

"AM NOT!" Hinata yelled angrily, hitting Kuro roughly on the head "BE A MAN AND STOP BITCHING ABOUT IT! IT'S YOUR FAULT MY ANKLE IS BROKEN!"

Kuro grumbled something under his breath but continued to carry her with no complaints. I sure Kuro was well aware of the fact that I could heal Hinata's ankle using my Chakra, but he didn't want to mention it.

Hmm....?

"Mommy" Naoki said as she looked up at me with her big brown eyes "what's bitching?"

I gasped as Hinata gave me an apologetic look. Oh my, she seems to pick up on things rather quickly.

"Don't say that" I said, waving my finger back and forth as she nodded.

The village gates came into view and my eyes lit up in joy at seeing them.

We're almost home!

Naoki squealed in excitement and pointed at the gates, fantasizing about the village that laid ahead. Hinata smiled widely and said she couldn't wait to see everybody. Kuro however frowned and remained quiet but Hinata and I took notice.

"What's wrong Kuro" I asked sadly.

"Nothing" he said slowly "it's just that I've kind of been a lone wolf. I'm not use to places like this and I don't even know if the people are nice."

Hinata looked at Kuro and smiled deeply as he looked slightly concerned.

"Don't worry Kuro-kun!" She said, giving him a closed eye smile "if anyone bullies you I'll take care of them! Only I can bully you!"

Kuro flushed slightly and blew his hair away from his eyes as he smirked.

"Don't call me that, human."

Hinata giggled and we approached the village gates as we walked inside. I might have just been paranoid, but the village seemed so dead. Like all the happiness had been sucked from it.

What's going on?

"Hey look" Hinata said pointing towards the middle of the town "everyone came to welcome us!"

I looked and saw she was right, everyone was there.

Naruto.

Sakura.

Ino.

Choji.

Shikamaru.

Kiba.

Shino.

Neji.

Lee.

Tenten.

and even Kakashi Sensei, Jirayia, and another lady with long blonde hair I didn't know.

But....