Ever since that day, when they made a promise for the future, Satsuki seemed to have completely shed all her disguises, no longer concealing the possessiveness that was almost solidifying.
However, even Naruto, upon hearing the words "first use it to take my life" just now, clearly realized in his heart—this statement was perhaps a bit too extreme.
And unfortunately, the person sitting opposite him was not an ordinary girl speaking in anger or jest, but a member of the Uchiha Clan, whose strength came from intense emotions, and whose love and hatred tended to be extreme.
However, Naruto did not know that the true situation was probably worse than he could imagine at this moment, its extremity even far surpassing any living examples currently existing in the Ninja World.
So, how should he respond to Satsuki's declaration, which was mixed with deep affection and destructive tendencies?
Should he, like an ordinary person, immediately put on a stern face and tell her "you can't do that," "you can't have such dangerous thoughts"?
Should he use those high-sounding reasons to negate this heavy emotion that she had poured her entire life into?
...Naruto felt a sudden shock, realizing that his own thoughts also seemed... not quite normal.
He actually... felt that if he failed this feeling, it would be a mistake?
This thought made him doubt himself.
Satsuki's words, strictly speaking, were not just "a bit" extreme; this was almost—no, this was completely and genuinely yandere talk!
But why... why did his deepest heart, besides worry and heaviness, also feel... touched?!
Please don't forget, it was Uchiha Satsuki who accompanied Uzumaki Naruto through his entire lonely childhood.
On the surface, Satsuki relied on Naruto, but how could Naruto not rely on Satsuki?
At least during those young years when no light could be seen, Naruto had almost no sense of belonging to this cold Konoha.
He never looked forward to tomorrow, because every day was filled with isolation and whispers of malice.
Loneliness was enough to destroy any resilient soul... If Satsuki hadn't entered his world, then the "Uzumaki Naruto" walking in the sunlight today would probably have had his core devoured by emptiness and darkness long ago, completely replaced by the "Menma" who walked in the shadows.
"...There are no side effects!" Naruto said with absolute certainty, "Now, the one sealed inside my body and I have an incredibly good relationship!"
The thing sealed inside Naruto's body?
Satsuki pondered.
Indeed, the warm, brilliant golden Chakra now surrounding Naruto was completely different from the ominous, violent red Chakra she remembered.
But she still couldn't help but ask, "Really?"
"Really! It couldn't be more real!" Naruto nodded vigorously, even raising his hand as if to swear, "If... if this can put your mind at ease, we can go to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up every once in a while!
I promise, the check-up results will not show even the slightest abnormality in Chakra flow!"
"...Mm, that's good then." Hearing his solemn promise, Satsuki's tense heartstrings finally relaxed a little, and she nodded gently.
"..."
A brief silence permeated between the two, and the atmosphere was inexplicably stagnant.
Naruto couldn't help but regret his past intentional or unintentional concealment, and at the same time, a doubt arose in his heart: accepting explanations so easily doesn't seem like the proud Nizhu Zi I know.
Isn't the biggest characteristic of the Uchiha Clan the arrogance etched into their bones?
Just then, Satsuki looked up, "...Teach me."
"...Huh?" Naruto didn't react for a moment.
"Teach me to become stronger, teach me to become... worthy of you.
I will not give up, no matter how much effort it takes, how much time it consumes, I will definitely stand by your side with my own strength, honorably!"
"...O-of course!" Naruto immediately agreed, but then thought of something, "But, the reason for becoming stronger..." He was worried that she was still bound by the shadow of revenge or something.
"It's not anymore." Satsuki interrupted him decisively.
She understood Naruto's unsaid words.
In the past, her dream on her lips was to become stronger, to become a Ninja that the Uchiha Clan would be proud of.
But ever since that night; after they had exchanged their true hearts and vows, the source of her motivation had completely changed its trajectory.
"Naruto," she gazed into his eyes, asking another question that bothered her, "Why... did you hide your strength from me before?"
Of course, I was afraid you'd lose confidence!
These words echoed in Naruto's mind, but he knew he had to phrase it more tactfully.
"Well... because," he carefully chose his words, trying to make the reason sound more considerate, "I heard... that if the gap in talent and strength displayed by companions is too great, the other person might feel pressure, and I... I didn't want to cause you any unnecessary trouble or misunderstanding."
"...I see." Satsuki responded softly.
She had indeed heard that if a companion of the same level was too talented, some people might lose confidence or even doubt themselves.
But... how could he imagine her as such a fragile person?
The corners of her mouth curved into a slight smile, a smile that held a hint of helplessness, but even more, an immense determination.
"You underestimate me, Naruto." Her voice was very soft, "Your strength will never make me back down, I might be jealous, I might be unwilling, but the one thing I will never do... is give up the right to stand by your side."
She raised her hand and gently grasped his wrist.
"Anyway..." she concluded, her eyes reflecting the light unique to him, "all my dreams are entirely about you."
——————
Naruto walked on the Konoha street, which was gradually returning to order, his steps a little light, and his head even dizzier.
The conversation he just had with Satsuki was still echoing repeatedly in his mind, every word like it carried a scorching temperature, making him restless.
Nizhu Zi... when did he become so good at saying those kinds of things?!
He felt his cheeks flush, and his heart pounded unusually fast.
People's life experiences can indeed change their personality... there is such a saying.
But, Satsuki... has she really completely let go of the Uchiha Clan's hatred?
This thorough and rapid transformation made him feel a little dazed... Oh, by the way, at this point in the original story, Nizhu Zi was also about to let go of his hatred, if it weren't for his brother suddenly appearing...
His thoughts drifted aimlessly, Naruto was almost unable to bear the unfamiliar and surging emotional wave in his chest, so he used the excuse of dealing with follow-up matters to practically "escape" from the atmosphere that had made his heart race out of control.
Of course, Naruto didn't forget his newly acquired "little burden."
He carried a light backpack, which had an opening specifically made for a fluffy blue head to peek out.
Kogane stayed quietly inside, observing the slightly messy but still vibrant streets after the battle.
"Yo, Naruto, you're here! During the attack just now... you really were something, kid."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind him, interrupting his thoughts.
Naruto turned his head to see Inuzuka Kiba grinning and striding towards him, while Akamaru on his head barked twice in agreement, greeting him.
However, Kiba's gaze was instantly drawn to the remarkably conspicuous little blue head in Naruto's backpack.
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