A Ninja's Path (Kakashi X Reader)

Chapter Sixty One

"Come along, (Y/N). Tonight, we're going to turn you into a saint."

You turned Fox's statement over in your mind as you were escorted to the Administration Building's front entrance.

The sounds of a large crowd became louder, almost deafening, as you drew nearer.

A pair of Nightmares stood at the doors, opening them and bowing to Fox as you all passed.

You squinted at the bright sun, realizing that you hadn't seen it in... well, you didn't know how long it had been, but it felt like forever.

As you blinked away the brightness, you realized what was happening around you.

The normally barren square was overflowing with hundreds of people, probably herded in by Nightmares. In the center was a tall platform, circular in shape. It was split into two tiers, the taller one empty. But the lower tier-

"No..." The world tumbled and you fell to the ground, the only thing keeping you from collapsing being Lion's iron grip.

Tied up and on their knees, every surviving member of the rebellion was set up on the platform, forced to look at the crowd as Nightmares stood over them, hands casually resting on their katanas.

Your vision went red and you couldn't keep the quaking out of your voice as you turned to Fox.

"I'm. Going. To. Kill. You."

The Council member ignored you, walking down the Administration Building steps and toward the crowd.

"CLEAR A PATH!" Someone yelled and the masses parted for Fox.

Lion and Fuyu began moving too, practically dragging you across the square.

You felt dizzy, vision unfocused and blurry as you passed hundreds of faces. They watched you with fear and apprehension, unsure of whether your death was called for.

You made it to the platform and looked up. There, kneeling several feet away was the same man from the prison who had smiled. Who had begun the clanging that for a moment, had drowned out your despair.

His eyes were empty, his face broken and bruised. He glanced at you but you couldn't make out his expression.

"Bring her to the top." Fox gestured at Lion as she took a place at the foot of the platform.

The bulky Council member pulled you up the platform, past the other rebels. Fuyu stopped at the bottom of the structure as well, standing across from Fox.

You glanced at her but she didn't pay you any attention, whether it was an act or she had reverted back to her other personality, you didn't know.

You reached the top of the platform, front and center in the square. Now you understood why Fox had you wear a white dress. You were a beacon, a speck of snow in the dirt.

Lion stood behind you, hands on your shoulders as he pushed you to your knees.

Dusk was approaching, the sun casting long shadows across the square. You glanced down at your own shadow, noting how long and gangly it looked. Like a monster.

"People of the Night, I request your attention!" Fox yelled from below. The voices lowered only slightly before regaining their power. Fox tried again but to no avail. She was too quiet. The Council member glanced up at Lion.

He cleared his throat and you had enough sense to cover your ears in time.

"THE COUNCIL WILL SPEAK!!!" The brute bellowed. His voice was sharp as a blade, cleaving through the masses and silencing them almost immediately.