Gradually, the passersby in Kakashi's eyes became silhouettes, their slightly curved eyes revealing malice, and it seemed as if someone was whispering.
Even if he closed his eyes and covered his ears, those strange expressions and ill-intentioned voices could still penetrate the barrier, reaching his mind.
In the confusion, Kakashi fell down the riverside path, tumbling onto the rocky beach.
[How tragic, Kakashi is about to develop inner demons]
[How many people in the world can completely disregard the opinions of others? Especially when he's so young]
[Wuwuwuwu... Don't torment our Kakashi anymore! Old Thief, I'll fight you!]
The last ray of sunlight disappeared from the horizon, and Kakashi stared blankly at the world plunged into darkness, his heart utterly lost.
He wondered if his father had truly succumbed and admitted his mistake to everyone, and then remembered what Naraku had said, repeatedly questioning himself on how to protect Naraku from meeting the same fate.
Then he thought of it.
-- Since missions are more important than friends.
-- Then I won't be Naraku's friend.
-- That way, he won't make mistakes because of me, right...?
[The sun has set, and the light in Kakashi's heart has gone out]
[No, Kakashi! This really won't do!]
[Naraku really can't handle any more stimulation!]
[Kakashi, I don't care what you're thinking! Throw it all away immediately!]
[Aish! Danzo, you old geezer, deserve ten thousand deaths!!!]
By the time Naraku finally caught up after much difficulty, all he received was Kakashi's avoidance and coldness.
He thought Kakashi was just having trouble accepting Sakumo's situation for the moment, and forced a small smile, saying it was alright.
He wasn't sure if he was comforting Kakashi, or himself.
Then, he heard an accusation never before uttered by Kakashi.
"Uchiha Naraku..."
"Everything..."
"Is your fault."
As the last note fell, Naraku's eyes in the camera suddenly lost their luster, turning into a blurry black mass.
What followed were the shrill screams of the audience.
[Ahhhhhhhhhh Kakashi what are you doing!!!]
[Please don't do this to him]
[You really know how to hurt him the most, wuwuwuwu]
[Kakashi, I hate you T-T... How could you say that, what's the difference from gouging out Naraku's heart?!]
[Actually, Kakashi is also super sad, okay? His own father is in the Hospital, and now he has to break ties with his friend to protect him]
[He wants Naraku to live according to the values of an ordinary Ninja, so he won't be persecuted]
[But Naraku is already prone to self-blame and internal conflict, he will truly believe this is Kakashi's intention]
[I'm dying first, sisters, when I shipped this CP, I never thought it would end this way]
— —
Naraku looked at the screen and still felt a bit sad.
Even if Kakashi was so heartless because his will was distorted by Black Zetsu, it was still very hurtful.
Naraku gnashed his teeth: It's all Black Zetsu's fault!
— —
In the picture, distant streetlights cast dim, yellow light.
Naraku seemed to return to the time before he came to the Hatake Household, lowering his head and clutching the corner of his clothes, desperately suppressing the tears that were about to well up in his eyes.
Kakashi's breath hitched, as if he suddenly had a moment of clarity, questioning himself in disbelief.
-- What am I doing?
He saw Naraku instinctively apologizing as he had back then, taking all the blame upon himself.
"I... I'm sorry... Kakashi... It's all... my fault..."
Hearing these words, a brief flicker of heartache and reluctance appeared in Kakashi's eyes, but it was quickly re-covered by coldness.
[Wake up, Kakashi!]
[If you keep this up, you'll really lose Naraku!]
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