Path Not Taken 97

Uzumaki Naruto

Watch this, Tayuya! I'm gonna win that giant stuffed frog!

Uzumaki Naruto

After a week cooped up in my room studying those scrolls, I needed this!

Tayuya

Why the hell did you bring me here, idiot? We're supposed to be Azula's elite shinobi, not... whatever this is.

Tayuya

(This feels... normal. I can't remember the last time I did something just for fun.)

Uzumaki Naruto

Ha! Told ya I'd win it! Here, this is for you.

Uzumaki Naruto

Everyone deserves a day off from being a scary ninja assassin, ya know!

Tayuya

I don't need your stupid prize! What would Lord Azula say if she saw us wasting time like this?

Tayuya

(Why is my heart beating so fast? This isn't like me at all...)

Uzumaki Naruto

Hey, Tayuya... stand still for a second. There's something I need to do.

Uzumaki Naruto

I figured it out while I was locked away all week. The seal on your neck - I can remove it.

Tayuya

What?! You can't! Azula will know instantly! She'll kill us both, you moron!

Tayuya

Why would you even try? I'm your enemy! I'm one of the Sound Four!

Uzumaki Naruto

Nobody deserves to be controlled like that. Besides, after today, I don't think we're enemies anymore.

Uzumaki Naruto

Trust me, Tayuya. This is my ninja way!

Tayuya

You... actually did it...

Tayuya

(I'm free? After all this time? What do I even do now...)