Caretaker Of Jinchuriki's [Naruto]

{49} Another Child to Protect and Cherish

Naruto had won the battle against Pein and the village is being repaired. The villagers are slowly accepting Naruto's presence and thanks to Minato, Kurama has been sealed again since he was at the verge of breaking free.

But that is my fault, right?. . . I almost broke the seal so that Pein can be defeated. . . But, I am glad that he's dead, finally.

Right now, I'm being hospitalised because I had wasted almost all of my chakra during the battle. Every shinobi is being healed for their wounds as well. Even Hinata.

She fought greatly against Pein and she did it for Naruto. It makes me happy that somebody loves Naruto as much as I do. 

"How are you feeling, Akari?" Sakura asks when she walks into my room. 

"Much better, thank you. . . How are Naruto and Hinata? Are they okay?" I ask back. 

"They're doing just fine. Hinata is all healed up and so is Naruto. His wounds have healed quickly." 

"That's good. . ." 

"What's wrong? You look upset about something." 

"That is because I am upset about something. . . I was the one who was suppose to protect this village from Pein. . . He was my enemy to defeat and I let everyone I cared about down. . . Hinata got hurt because me. . ." 

"Hey, don't get yourself worked up. Hinata and the others are healing up." 

"I guess you are right. . ." I told Sakura to leave me alone for a while so I can think to myself. The village is being repaired, and everyone is doing as much as they can to help. Yet this guilt is eating up inside me. . .

I was not strong enough to defeat Pein and I feel like I let everyone down. People got hurt to protect me and Naruto. 

"Hey, there." My eyes become wide at the voice at the door. "How you doing? Sakura told me that you're all healed up." Naruto walks over to me, covered in a few bandages. 

My body moves on its own and gently tackles Naruto to the ground, wrapping my arms around his neck as my body begins to tremble. "Naruto. . . !" I whisper out and look at him with tears welling up in my eyes. "Thank goodness in you are okay!" 

"What's the matter? Are you feeling alright?" He asks while stroking the back of my head. 

"I am sorry that I couldn't control Kurama when you were in rage. . . I knew the truth about you, about your past, this whole and I did not tell you. . . Please, forgive me, Naruto. . . I thought. . ." 

"Hey, it's alright, Akari. You did your best to protect the village and to defeat the Akatsuki. The best part about this is that you fought with me, and as did Hinata. Both of you protected me, and I'm grateful for that." Naruto brightly smiles at me as he wipes a tear from my cheek. 

"Thank you, Naruto. . ." I gently smile back. 

Later on that day, all villagers were trying to build up the village again. As for me, I stood on a bridge while the river flowed beneath it. 

Now that Pein is gone, there is no Akatsuki, right? Deidara and Sasori are dead, Kakazu and Hidan were defeated by Kakashi, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji, I revived Itachi and he has earned the village's trust again, Kisame is unknown, and so is Konan. So, who is left? 

The man with the swirl mask that acts like a child and Zetsu. . . Perhaps they do not have the power to capture anymore tailed beast. Which only leaves Fuu and Chomei, and Killer Bee Gyuki. I gathered almost all of them, yet I failed to protect Yugito and Matatabi. 

"A-Akari?" My thoughts are interrupted when Hinata is standing next to me. 

"Oh, Hinata. Hello." I turn to her. "You are all healed up. I am glad that you are alright from the battle with Pein. You were very brave to defend Naruto like that. I am very grateful. It shows that you care and love him very much." 

"O-Oh! Thank you very much!" She blushes and fiddles with her fingers. 

"You do not have to be embarrassed." I giggle. "You confessed that you love him." I take a step closer to her and wrap my arms around her, pulling her close to me, since I am an inch taller than her. "You almost died protecting Naruto and I never thought somebody else would stand up for him like that. It lets me know that not all humans are bad people. . ." I frown, thinking back to when this girl was injured. "Hinata. . . You are a bright and special young Lady who has protected my child, and for that, I would love for you to become my child." 

"Huh!?" I feel her cheeks heating up. "Y-You mean it!" 

"Of course." I smile at her. "I see the way you look at him and how much you want to get close to him. You always wanted to follow in his footsteps. Because of him, you found your ninja way." 

"Th-Thank you, Akari!" Hinata pulls away from me and bows her head. "I would be honored!" 

"Good to hear, Hinata. My dearest child." I stroke the top of her head as we both smile at each other. 

Welcome to the family, Hinata Hyuga. 

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