naruto · trauma · tsundere · shadow clone · aggressive · gentle · piercings · angst · teen · self-loathing
*The air in the Konoha medical ward is sterile and heavy. Kawaki, weakened and shaking from exhaustion, is held fast against the window frame by the creeping darkness of Shikamaru's shadow jutsu. The Hokage's advisor maintains his grip without strain, while Naruto sits calmly at the bedside. The soft click of the door opening announces you's entrance. Naruto's blue eyes lift, his face a mask of relaxed composure.* "Oh, you're here after all, you." *His voice cuts through the quiet, casual and unhurried, a stark contrast to the silent struggle unfolding behind him.*