Chapter 16- Life

Staring lifelessly out of the open window, watching the trees slightly swing back and forth was the boy's routine ever since they arrived back in the village together with other Jonins. The door slid open, and the female nurse came in holding a checkboard on her right arm.

She sighed at the sight of the emotionless boy staring outside the window to nowhere in particular.

"Itsuki-kun?", like any other day, she tried to start a conversation only to be ignored once again.

"Itsuki-kun...?", as time passed, she found herself unable to at least help the boy cope up with the death of his best friend. Beginning to lose hope in her patient, she also began to surrender.

Placing the checkboard down, she began unwrapping the bandages on his arms and proceeded to change them with new ones. No conversation sparked between them, just a lingering silence. Silently stepping out of the room after leaving a complete set of black clothes, she head towards the doctor's office to give her report.

Itsuki blinked his eyes and shifted to the drawer next to his bed. Bending over he pulled the handle and looked at the picture frame for more than a minute before closing the drawer again and leaned on the headboard, as he close his eyes.

A certain jonin watched him from behind the doors with a solemn expression. The look on the face of the genin made her remember the faces of countless shinobis who also lost a loved one in their lives. At some point, she understood him for she too lost someone very important. She was just waiting for a chance where she can open the locked doors to his heart only a remaining certain person can unlock.

Walking towards a room, to the third floor, she placed her fingers on the transparent glass, as if stroking the face of the still unconscious girl in the ICU. Out of all of them, she received the most injuries, moreover overused her chakra to near depletion causing her to be in a coma-like state.

Using Ninjutsus after Ninjutsus, straining her body to the maximum level, getting herself hurt, she broke her limit and leaped to a completely new level just to protect them. And yet, one of them died.

She couldn't bear to even imagine the look on her face when she wakes up to find her bright and cheery teammate gone. She was scared she might blame herself for the actions she took.

Looking down, she departed towards the Hokage's office to talk about the current situation of team 13, missing the slight twitch by the girl's finger.

It was raining, on the day of his funeral.

As if the clouds too were mourning for his death.

His friends consisting of civilians and ninjas were mostly present. One by one placing a white flower on his grave.

Alexa's POV

I...

I was awoken from a dream-no, more like a nightmare. Constantly thinking that I only have one purpose in this life, in this world, which is to enact revenge, I only view my goal, making me forget about something very important.

When I saw his body slowly losing its life, it hit me hard. What was this feeling? Why does it feel familiar for some reason? Something was torturing me inside my heart and my mind but it wasn't the same as that physical pain. For some reason, I couldn't control my body, my head was a jumble of words and thoughts unorganized totally unlike my usually calm demeanor.

Before I knew it, I showed a human side of me. My vision was hazy, as I trash around and hastily removed everything that was attached to my body. I heard something beeping loudly, I look towards the machine then to the door which suddenly opened revealing people in white coats.

They were saying something that I couldn't comprehend, their hands were raised towards me like trying to calm an animal that was out of control. My feet began moving and I stumble around as I approach the door which was blocked by numerous people. Pushing anyone that came near me, I run out of the room and staggered back and forth as the light from the hall flashed brightly.

I had to go somewhere, although I didn't exactly know where. Escaping out of the building I was met by the cold touch of the rain, soaking my whole body wet. Water splashed each time I took a step, my clothes and my hair uncomfortably stuck to my skin. I bump into random civilians and heard them cursing or apologizing, either way, I didn't care. My whole line of thought was focused on a place I was dreading to go.

I stopped the moment I saw a small crowd in black attire standing under the rain offering the same white flower on a particular grave. Walking closer to get a better look at the picture displayed, my eyes widened and my pupils dilated after seeing a bright grin from a familiar red-haired male. Tears welled up in my eyes and I shook my head in refusal of the truth.

"No...", I muttered in a small voice.

I bit my lower lip and looked down before closing my eyes as a wet sensation trailed to my chin. I let out a small sob before opening my eyes, the scene slightly unclear. I saw a white flower which was grown just right beside me, bending my body lower I pluck it. I held it in my right hand and slowly made my way towards the grave.

I felt stares at me and heard whispers of surprise and condolences. I ignored them and placed the flower down before stroking the picture of a dead comrade.

'...Kenma...'

Standing up I blink my eyes staring to nowhere in particular. Just then the rain stopped and I looked up to see the clouds spreading away revealing the sun that lit up the whole village. A warm cloak was wrapped around my shoulders and I held it closer to me before looking to the side revealing the same lifeless eyes as I was.

He turned his body towards me, and we locked eyes. No words were uttered but we understood each other. This boy was in much more pain than I was. He was just a teenager and I was mentally past my thirties, my past life experience helped me pull myself together but, I was still having a hard time coping up. Just how will this boy even comprehend something like this?

We were ninjas so we must be always prepared for the worst but we were not trained in the academy how to control our emotions when one of our loved ones die.

"Let's return to the hospital, you're not in a good condition to be running around.", his voice was cold and it held no emotion.

His actions spoke warm, albeit his cold demeanor. He took my hand gently wrapped around his before pulling me and we walked side by side. In the corner of my eyes, I saw a blonde and a pinkette looking at us with pity. Itsuki squeezed my hand irritated by the looks thrown at us.

"Those bastards...", I heard him curse in annoyance and anger.

He was right. Right now, we don't need pity but understanding.

I forced my lip to curl up and tug his hand then he looked at me.

"It's okay...", I reassured him, given how good of an actress I was he believed my smile was genuine. "You have me..."

He gave me back a smile before we left the cemetery. Just as we were about to cross the street, genins our age stood in front of us with solemn expressions. Everyone was wearing a full black attire except for me who was still in a hospital gown.

"Lhexi-chan...Itsuki...", Choji greeted and I gave them a nod, the boy beside me only stared off into space.

Shikamaru heaved a sigh. "Just tell us if you need anything, we'll do our best to help you."

Shika might be a lazy asshole but, he was a good friend. I gave him a forced smile.

"Hm. Thanks, Shika, we appreciate it."

"I'll treat you to a meal, you can eat anything you like!", Choji grinned.

Pulling my hand, Itsuki ignored the two boys and we continued walking. The smile vanished from my face the moment we walk past them. I staggered slightly as my knees buckled and I finally felt the tiredness with my body. The boy looked back at me with a worried expression on his face and stared at my feet filled with small cuts and mud.

He swoops me off my feet taking me off-guard and looks forward towards the hospital. Lying me on the soft mattress, the scolding from the nurses was postponed considering I just woke up from a week of sleep and is still under a traumatic event.

Itsuki let me change into a new set of clothes and female nurses helped me bandage my wounds before he walked back inside my room designated for me. I closed and open my eyes staring at my hands that were flashing red.

The brunette sat on a stool with clasped hands, his head sunk low. The silence between us filled the entire room with melancholy. Taking deep breaths, I look over at Itsuki.

"How're your wounds?", I asked out of the blue.

He sighed first before answering. "They're far better than yours."

"That's...great...", I was emotionally drained yet I was still trying to start a conversation so I could let my mind wander around.

"Anyways, take a rest first, I'll be back, I'm just gonna change.", I look towards him before nodding.

Hearing the door opening then closing, I shut my eyes and gripped the blanket tightly. Biting my lower lip, I muffled my sobs as I curl myself into a ball.

This place was no longer a fictional story I just watch back in the days. This world is real, the people here are all real, everything and everyone is. Their warm blood proved it. It's just me who didn't believe that. I finally woke up from the illusion I cast which detached me from reality.

I finally woke up to the truth.

If only, if only I realized it sooner, then he wouldn't have to die. I could have protected him, I could have saved him. We could have been laughing right now.

Guilt washed over me.

This is all my fault.

Itsuki's POV

Locking the door to my recently bought apartment, I walked the busy streets of Konoha. It was noisy and people were bustling with energy like usual. Passing familiar stalls and shops, it didn't feel the same with you gone. I looked around hoping you would pop out of nowhere and throw me a prank again.

But no one came, and nothing happened because you weren't here. I suddenly remembered how you can be so annoying every time. I can't believe I miss your boisterous laughs, cheeky grins, and stupid remarks. I can endure them all my life if you would be here.

I stopped at the park where we used to play. We were just playing as happy kids back then, not knowing we were creating memories. Memories that remained like a videotape in my head, continuously playing bringing forth happiness and sadness at the same time.

I thought I hated you, but I just came to realize that I wouldn't be complete without you. Like right now. My heart feels so heavy, and my body is so tired of constantly thinking about you and the promises we made.

I don't understand these emotions, but I know one thing, they hurt so bad. Right here, it's so painful right here in the center of my chest. It feels like my heart was getting torn apart just like what happened to your body.

I closed my eyes and your last words suddenly rang in my ears.

"Itsuki...promise me...", your voice was hoarse, drained of life and yet you still smiled forcing your muscles.

I held back a sob, trying to remain strong for you. "W-what...?"

"Promise me...that you will protect Lhexi-chan..."

You didn't have to say that. I already have pledged myself that.

"Idiot...of course I will..."

You grinned and coughed more blood. I knew it was over for you, but I held on to that tiny string of hope. I couldn't bear myself to lose you because it would feel like losing four loved ones at the same time, my best friend, my rival, my sworn brother, and my partner in crime.

"Tell...baa-chan...I'm sorry for hiding her denture..."

I laughed painfully, "Yeah..."

You looked at me, the life in your eyes slowly fading away. I clenched your hand tighter refusing to let you go.

"You're...a great shinobi...Itsuki...remember that..."

I bit my lower lip as I try to give you a parting gift.

A smile.

The only permanent thing you can give to a dying loved one is the last happy memory.

Tears continue to fall off my eyes then you closed your eyes and you breathe your last with a beam. I let out a loud cry of anguish while holding your body in my arms.

I fluttered my eyes open and looked down.

"Losing a precious loved one, I guess that's the faith of a shinobi."

"Uhm...Hokage-sama, are you sure about this?", a feminine voice asked.

Blowing a cloud of smoke from his pipe he spoke, "Yes I am."

"But...they are still..."

"I'm aware of that, Aiko."

The woman sighed reluctantly, but she can't possibly deny the orders of the Hokage.

"I understand."

As soon as the jonin left, the third Hokage read a certain passage on an opened scroll.

"I guess I'll have to retire for tonight.", placing the scroll in his robe he walked out of the room followed silently by his ANBU guards.

"It's been a long day...", he muttered after giving a glance to the bright moon. "Especially for those two..."