This was the Will of Tyranny!!!
(A picture I came across yesterday was really interesting! This was the Will of Tyranny-it could corrupt you even through a screen!)
Those few simple words held so many complicated emotions: gratitude, bitterness, regret, and restraint.
Konohamaru dared not linger or look at Naruto as he was now. Guilt weighing on his heart, he bowed his head, then silently turned and left the rooftop.
Silence settled over the rooftop once more.
Seeing Naruto's tense body and downcast expression, Sasuke asked softly, concern in his eyes, "Naruto, are you okay?"
Naruto shook his head gently, his gaze fixed on the red scarf in his hands. His voice was low and hoarse. "Sasuke, I'm fine. Go on ahead. Let me have some time alone."
Sasuke gave him a long look. Knowing Naruto needed solitude to calm his turbulent emotions, he did not press him. He simply said gently, "Tell me if you need anything."
With that, Sasuke turned and left. In the end, Naruto stood alone on the rooftop.
The evening wind howled, whipping his Hokage cloak and sending his golden hair flying.
The lonely, dejected loser of the past now stood at the pinnacle of the shinobi world, wielding Konoha's power and protecting the lights of countless homes. He seemed to have everything, yet the deepest regrets and most painful grievances in his heart had never truly faded.
After he had stood in silence for who knew how long, warm tears quietly reddened Naruto's eyes.
Always optimistic, cheerful, and resilient, he rarely shed tears. Now his eyes were completely red, and the hurt, resentment, and anger he had suppressed for years erupted all at once.
He clutched the red scarf so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Terrifying undercurrents of chakra began churning around him,