Standing atop the hospital's rooftop, Naruto silently glanced at the moon shining in the night sky. After a few moments, his gaze shifted towards the Mist village spread all around him as the conversation with Madara came back in his heart.
He had decided to team up with that man and had even used his powers to free Kushina from the curse mark bestowed by the Uzukage in order to keep an eye on him by controlling her.
But could he really trust that Uchiha to hold up his end of the bargain?
He had his doubts as to whether Madara could truly bring his deceased loved ones back to life and only time would tell if the man spoke the truth.
He still didn't like the way in which most people saw him.
A great General.
He may have proven his prowess on the battlefield leading armies but that only showed his capability to destroy his enemies in armed conflict. As far as politics and the art of ruling went, he had a lot to learn if he hoped to succeed in his efforts.
He blinked when Kushina appeared beside him with a quick shunshin and grabbed a seat wordlessly.
"They want me to be the Fourth Mizukage" he admitted to her,
"Figured as much, they would be foolish not to offer you this after the way you won and your past deeds. Word has also arrived that Mangetsu and his army triumphed. The Capital and this country is now yours" she congratulated him with a bright smile,
Kushina frowned when it only made him silently stare at the vast landscape in front of him.
"Why not name you Third Mizukage as was your original role and one designated by Lord Gengetsu?" she asked in order to bring his attention back to the important topic.
"Something about letting Yagura's shortlived reign as the Third Mizukage be etched into the village's history as a reminder to future generations. The man also killed or tortured quite a few from the village who tried to oppose him, would be strange if people are forced to call me 'Sandaime' the same as that man. I guess people really need a fresh start" answered Naruto honestly,
"Yondaime, huh? Anybody who will challenge this?" questioned his friend,
"Just Mangetsu. The rest don't have the courage or strength. I'll handle him" replied Naruto straightforwardly,
She paused and watched him glance at the moon in the night sky with a longing gaze.
"What are you thinking?" she asked him gently,
"Do you think someday we'll be able to glance beyond our petty issues? There is a whole galaxy out there waiting to be explored and here we are fighting for petty things while the Otsutsuki- if they exist are out conquering entire planets and solar systems" he whispered thoughtfully,
"Maybe it's because humanity hasn't found a leader yet who could show them their real destiny is out there in the stars. I agree with you, we are always fighting for this piece or that piece of land or resources or grudges...there is plenty for everyone of us in this universe. We just don't know how to get it even if we have the power. I think you can do it" she encouraged him, making him chuckle.
"Me? Who couldn't even protect his family, friends or unborn child?" he argued, some despair evident in his voice which made her sigh.
"You are a good man and a great leader, but your fatal flaw is your lack of belief in yourself. Never hesitate- that's what we were taught as Spartans. Have you forgotten that?" reminded Kushina,
He remained silent and it was then she saw the scars left on his very psyche by the events of his painful life. Despite how hard he had tried or sacrificed, he always ended up losing what was dear to him which affected his belief in his own abilities.
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...
