Naruto didn't miss how everyone in the room had tensed as Mei Terumi finished her introduction. It was a natural reaction to a Jinchuriki's presence. But in those nervous gazes, he also saw quite a lot of scorn and even hatred for a woman who was supposed to be their comrade. Their eyes clearly showed they saw her as a weapon or a creature of evil.
Being born in a village with no tailed beasts made him unable to understand these feelings. However, he could understand what it meant to be different from others. To have a power that made people fear you, he could understand that very well.
No matter what the others say...for me you are a great shinobi.
A faint smile came upon his lips as he remembered the heart warming words of his little brother who had believed in him, loved him when everyone had given up on him. Maybe it was those connected feelings and shared bond that made him walk towards Mei who was now kneeling before him.
Mei blinked in surprise when the Commander himself knelt to her level much to everyone's surprise and offered her his hand.
"Call me Naruto. I hope we can work together" he said with a pleasant smile,
Mei connected her own hand with his and couldn't help but feel the positive emotions surrounding this man. Everyone around her was nervous, angry, disgusted and even afraid...but not this man. In this raging sea of emotions around her, he was like a small but peaceful island where she could find refuge. Even if she didn't know him, a part of him wanted to trust him and follow him.
"Pleased to meet you" she greeted him with a small smile, as he helped her stand back on her own feet.
She was disappointed when he broke their contact and returned back to his place at the center of the table. Mei couldn't help but see how soon he had composed himself. Gone was that friendly smile which was now replaced by a calm, composed and even cold look as he looked at the map of Osaka city placed before him.
"It would seem Nidaime thought a step ahead of us all. That's the Mizukage" praised Naruto honestly, as he gave Mei a small nod.
"How do proceed, Nanadaime?" asked Mei with an amused smile,
A small blush crept across Naruto's cheeks which was thankfully hidden by his facemask. He didn't know how to respond to that cryptic remark or the not so innocent way Mei was looking at him. Fortunately, Ino was not present in this meeting or it could have been quite embarrassing. Even few officers and most of the Swordsmen grinned as he was outsmarted.
A light cough escaped his lips as he focused his attention back on the map.
"Our ultimate goal is the sheer destruction of this city and the annihilation of the military forces stationed here. However that is a difficult task. Mei, how far are you able to control your Biju's powers?" asked Naruto seriously,
"I can control upto three tails. Anything beyond that and I lose control" she admitted honestly, some worry easily visible on her pretty face.
"We cannot have that so you shall stick close to me. I plan to use your aid wherever our forces are getting massacred and will stay close to keep you from going out of control" promised Naruto without any hesitation,
"Can you even do that? An out of control Jinchuuriki is a walking disaster which does not discriminate between friend and foe" warned Ameyuri, directing a suspicious look at the Terumi clan heir who glared back at her coldly.
"Channel your chakra, Mei"
Mei hesitated before deciding to obey that command. She started channeling her chakra and was surprised when Naruto gestured her to increase it. Complying, she nearly started summoning 1/4th of her power when she gasped and looked at her belly. A dull ache bellowed from within her body and her eyes widened in shock when dark marks started spreading across her body.
YOU ARE READING
The Seventh Swordsman
Fanfiction"My sword is yours in victory and defeat", Naruto remembered pledging those words to the Second Mizukage as he became one of the feared Seven. He swore to defend Kiri, to protect its people and serve its Kage until his dying breath. But he also made...
