Chapter 58 - Weight of Burden (2/2)

”Are proof that you're a strong girl, and that you've survived something that most people wouldn't dream of. They're an important part of you, but if you want, I'll go buy some black arm sleeves to wear over there.” Naruto could see her internal struggle.

She shook her head.

'He's already done so much for me, I can't ask for more-'

”Well, I'll be back as soon as I can, Eri wants to cover her scars. If you need something Eri, you can be honest with me, and as long as I don't think it will be bad for you, I'll try to get it, if I can at least.” Naruto practically read her mind. There was no way the girl would actually ask him for anything. He had done a lot for her, and she was a very respectful little girl. That worked against her, since she wasn't prepared to ask for anything of him. He was going to have to really coax her requests out of her, but hopefully she would become a little more honest and comfortable in the future.

She still wasn't used to somebody treating her like a child (in a good way). A person who would protect her, as an ȧduŀt should protect a child, and provide love and care for her.

Naruto was out the door just like that.

'... I still don't know what to say to her...' Ryuko wasn't good at this kind of thing. Naruto as a child had been open and accepting, as well as highly energetic, so he was a child that had been super easy for her to talk with. He had been a driven child, who trained towards his goal, and would actually need her to step in and stop him from killing himself training. Eri was a quiet, humble child that seemed to be content with just thinking to herself. While she spoke with Naruto, she didn't really talk or trust anyone else yet. The way he eyes sparkled when he was in the room, and the way they dulled when he left the room, hurt her to see. Naruto had become the shining light in her life, the one who saved this child from a dark fate. ”When Naruto was a child, I talk him how to do simple math...” Ryuko tried to tell a story about Naruto.

It wasn't really so much of a story, as it was her stating a fact, which made the awkward silence a little more awkward for her.

”Why is he doing so much for me?” Eri asked with a voice just shy of a whisper.

”He's Naruto, he follows his gut... and personally, I think Naruto sees himself in you. You're life is what Naruto could have gone through, if his uncle hadn't had adopted you... and he wants to give you a better life. Naruto's mother lost control of her Quirk, and hurt a lot of people... and Naruto was sort of punished for it in a way. He couldn't have a normal childhood, and he was forced to bear the burden of proving he wasn't like her... children aren't their parents, but Naruto was forced to bȧrė sins that weren't his...” Ryuko thought on him. Naruto was so used to taking everything onto his shoulders. The problems of others, physical injuries, emotional problems and a myriad of other issues that he shouldn't have to deal with.

”He's trying to make me feel all better.” Eri spoke under her breath.

”You know, he might be doing this for you, but you might be what he needs to. Naruto is really open, but Naruto is the type to bottle up all of his issues to help others. Maybe you'll be able to do what everyone else has failed at, and soothe the beast inside of him.” Ryuko hinted to the girl. Eri looked up, and she nodded her head in agreement. ”Maybe show Naruto your prettiest smile when he gets back. If you want to thank him.” Ryuko stretched her cheeks into a forced smile to show it off.

Eri looked at her teeth, surprised at how sharp they were.

She looked at Shark, and compared the two.

”Good Shark... good boy...” Eri just silently pet the shark on the gills.

She wondered when Naruto would be back.

-With Naruto-

”Seriously, I just want to go shopping... my internship is nearly over...” Naruto said, before he was punched in the jaw and sent flying through the air, right through a glass window, and into a toy store. Naruto ġrȯȧnėd and rubbed his jaw, before he opened his eyes and saw a toy version of him. ”Wow... this is a pretty good replica...” Naruto stated as he looked at it. ”Hey clerk, how much is this?” Naruto asked as he got up and jumped out the window, towards the villain that had given him that punch.

He had a Strength-Enhancing Quirk.

*BOOM*

”... Time to get to work...” Naruto cracked his neck, before he looked towards a villain who had flamethrowers (five of them) coming out of his left arm. This kind of villain was usually the type that were rejected by society, and turned to villainy because of those reasons... so Naruto wasn't going to hurt him too much more than he needed to.

He was really having a busy week.