Naruto did not return to the inn. Instead, he went alone to the nearby Small River and murmured, "No one should come here. In that case..." He took out a container and opened it. A soul floated out, taking on Anko's appearance.
Tears were already silently streaming down Naruto's face as he looked at Anko's soul before him. Upon emerging from the container, Anko saw him watching her with tears in his eyes and smiled. "Naruto, why are you crying at the sight of your big sister? That's not like you."
Naruto said nothing. He simply stared at Anko, tears flowing down his face. With a sigh, she slowly approached and gathered him into her arms. The instant she embraced him, his body trembled slightly, and he could no longer hold back. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he sobbed. "It was me. It was all my fault. If I hadn't been so careless, so arrogant, you wouldn't have died, Anko. And now I can't even bring you back."
Anko said nothing. She merely smiled and silently held the sobbing Naruto. She could feel his anguish and regret, but she did not know how to comfort him. All she could do was hold him and let him pour out all the pain in his heart.
Only after Naruto's sobs gradually subsided and he began to calm down did Anko speak gently. "I don't blame you, Naruto. I really don't. You taught me what love was, and what happiness was. To tell you the truth, before I met you, I was always miserable. My teacher's betrayal left me feeling weighed down and in pain all the time. But after meeting you, I was happy. You gave me a reason to live. Your smile warmed my heart and pulled me out