Naruto Shingetsu: Cinders In The Hearth



The clouds struggled to hold back their tears over the small. Every one runs to their homes for shelter. Except a few who has been deprived of their lives by a man standing over their corpses. Instead of hiding their charred corpses their murderer draws out what appears to be a cigarette from his sleeves and conjured an obsidian haze from it and walked away as the haze erupted into flame. Before he could leave the forest he heard someone ask him a question.

"Why do you kill these innocent fragile beings? What drives you?"

"It seems he doesn't want to fight. I might as well give him an answer." Makeo thought for a moment before replying."They don't deserve death, I deserve worse. This is my sin and my penance"

"I do not comprehend. Wouldn't it be easier to simply end your own life?"

"Yes it would but I will eventually meet my end whether I cause it or not. There is a thin line between humans and monsters. Those who cross it should not expect to be treated as what they once were by themselves or others."

In the shadows of the crime, the young teen pensively looks at Maeko, processing all the information he just received from the man. These emotions and feelings, to be human, he couldn’t get a grasp on it. But, his mentor taught him enough to give a self-invoked opinion. His voice still developing, a soft voice crack as he begins to speak: “You have emotions. It is what defines you as human. And, humans make great blunders, mistakes and other irresponsible actions. Some repent for them, others run from their horror or do not see fault in their moral values.” How laughable. A monster himself speaks in an attempt to reassure a human. “You are no monster – you can take my word on that.”

Reminiscing on the time he spent with his late friends he looked at the sky with a weak smile on his face. "The corpses beside me are no mistake.That aside why else are you here?"

“That is a very good question.” His eyes turn in the direction of the corpses' remains, soon, returning back to Maeko. They had a distinct aura now, authoritative, yet concealed from the naked eye. “It is quite simple, actually.” His voice was without emotion, empty. “Just like you, Sir, I also committed a crime but for the better good. Now I am enjoying the scenery ahead of us.” He snapped his fingers, releasing the containment of the chaos he created as a growing smoulder appeared in the distance.

"Greater good. An interesting term. Just what is that?" said Maeko as he pointed in the origin of what the boy called "scenery".

"My crime."

"Interesting technique."

"Oh, I see. My mentor helped me develop the space-time barrier. I wanted to test it out for the first time, and you can see the result. Her ideals about this world are intriguing. You might know her, Kochi Uzumaki."

"I've heard somewhere of an Uzumaki girl who killed hundreds to say the least. She should be beyond resurrection by now."

"That's the truth, but she has returned. Let me ask you, Sir. Do you think the world is in balance? If you think about the amount of good and evil."

"I would say it's in balance in it's own way. Our actions and motives balance each other out and most are capable of good and evil. But even then there are those who are abnormal. Like the mentor you speak of and me."

"I see. I mainly just stand at the sides about this matter, but I wish to see my mentor's dream come true: to bring equality to this world."

"Interesting. I would like to meet your master. Assuming she's alive."

"She isn't my master as much as you believe." He corrected, considering he wasn't just any member and had a certain pride.

"Apologies for the misunderstanding. Now that I think of it we haven't been introduced. I'm Maeko Iburi and a former shinobi of Iwagakure. This balance you speak of is dynamic yet intriguing. I would like to observe you and your master achieve the balance you speak of. Again, assuming she isn't dead."

"Very well, Maeko Iburi."

He jumps down from the branch that he was sitting on, revealing a short stature (150-155 cm) for a teenage boy for 13-15 year old. His face concealed by his hoodie from his outfit, while a short ponytail lays just over his right shoulder. “My name or who I am is of no importance. Perhaps after you’ve spoken with Kochi, you will learn."

The boy reaches out his hand, “If you wish to come now, take my hand and I will take you to her.”

"He isn't joking about any of this" he thought as he stretched out his right hand in response.