Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Faith in Humanity ❯ Finding Faith in Humanity ( Chapter 20 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Title: Faith Arc - Faith in Humanity (PG-13)

Author: Karrafear

Summary: AU. What if Naruto survived a murder attempt on his life at the age of 6 and had to leave Konoha for his protection. Now 12, Naruto and Jiraiya returns to face the genin test.
 
Disclaimer: Naruto is an anime and manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. It does not belong to me; I'm simply using the characters and plot for my own creative devices.
 
"Demon's talk", /Thoughts/, "Speech", 'Speech emphasis', (FLASHBACK), Titles, (Author's interruptions)
 
Pairings: eventually NarutoXHinata.
 
Warning: Naruto OOC. PG-13.
 
This will be the last chapter of Faith in Humanity. Please look out for Restoration of Faith next time, which is the title of the second arc.
 
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Chapter 20 : Finding Faith in Humanity
 
Two days had passed since the defeat of Gaara and the sealing of Shukaku. Naruto found himself wearing all black, and standing mournfully at the funeral ceremony of the third Hokage's passing. It was a memorial service that required all Konoha citizens to show their respect to the recently deceased men and women who had died protecting Konoha. Luckily, there weren't that many, but still, even losing one was too much...
 
On the long table displayed in front of Naruto and his fellow Genins, stood the pictures of 7 proud Shinobis who had lost their lives defending the Leaf against the Sound and the Sand. Among them was the picture of the third Hokage himself, placed in the central podium surrounded by three pictures of each side. Every single citizen, civilian and Shinobi had placed flowers on the table in respect of the dead, symbolizing the united grief shared by everyone.
 
Naruto watched on with dazed sympathy as Konohamaru continued to cry on Iruka's shoulders, mourning his dead grandfather. He watched silently as all his new friends preluded him in placing their own flowers of respect atop the table.
 
It was like he was in a trance, he thought. Knowing what was happening and yet numb to all emotions outside of the emptiness that he now felt. He knew this was coming, he had prepared himself mentally and emotionally for the loss and yet, now he stood, completely stupefied once everything had proven as he predicted. He almost hoped that the predictions from his Aunt and his own visions were wrong, but they weren't. /What do you do if you knew you couldn't change the future? What do you do then?/ He wondered to himself. /What's the point of being able to predict said future if you couldn't change it?/ He could find no answer.
 
The Lady Oracle had left the very next day after the sealing of Shukaku - that was yesterday afternoon. She, Kaga-san and the three Sand siblings had made a quiet escape by teleporting to the outer regions of the Fire Country before leaving on their trek towards the Wind Country and the Sand village. Naruto was surprised that she was going to continue on with her tour when she wasn't completely healed from her own blood loss yet. But he had realised early on that when his Aunt decided to do something, nothing and no one can stop her, and so, he didn't try to stop her.
 
Naruto was also marginally surprised that Konoha Shinobis hadn't pursued after them since they had been harbouring the three Sand Ninjas with them in the first place. Or had they not noticed that the three had been with his Aunt the whole time? Once again, Naruto's assumptions had been proven wrong, since he later found out that Kaga-san had left the Elder Councillors of the Leaf Village a scroll detailing what the Air Nins have planned on doing, and somehow convinced the old Councillors to let them get away with it. It was during the supposed `errand' that Kaga had to undertake the day of the sealing, which he had had a private meeting with the councillors. The negotiations had eventually led to the quiet exit of these five Shinobis (his Aunt, Kaga and the Sand siblings) from the watchful eyes of the ANBU and Jounin of the Leaf.
 
After the ceremony, Naruto decided to take walk around Konoha, seeing the damage caused by the Sound and Sand for himself. He was quiet, contemplative, as he watched all the extra labourers do their best in patching up roofs, re-open shops, and restock food supplies. It was a surreal feeling. Only two days ago, he had gone to that shop to buy groceries, or the one next to it to have a look at the weapons on sale. And now, he had to consciously remind himself that there was a giant hole on one side of the building.
 
Naruto blinked out of his roaming thoughts while he walked quietly towards the forest, where he and his teammates had first trained against Kakashi. He looked over the Heroes Stone plate and read over the 8 new names having been added onto the stone since the last time he had visited it. It was with a slight surprise as he read over the first of the 8 names - Gekkou Hayate. /He must have been caught in between the fighting.../ Naruto mused to himself as he gazed sadly at the name of the Preliminary Chuunin Selection Exam referee. /I guess that's why they call this the `Fallen Heroes'/ Naruto thought as he recalled some of the villagers nickname for the Stone tablet.
 
Once again shaking away his depressing thoughts, Naruto continued on his aimless journey back towards the village centre, knowing that there really wasn't any place he needed to be at the moment, or anyone that he really wanted to meet.
 
`Yo. Naruto.' The sudden interruption brought Naruto back from his musings abruptly. He looked upwards to see the usually masked face of Hatake Kakashi waving at him stupidly.
 
Naruto frowned. “What is it, Kakashi-sensei?” He asked, slightly irritated at having been brought back to reality so unexpectedly.
 
Kakashi gave a small nervous laugh as he scratched the back of his head. “Ah... It seems the Councillors want to see you. For what reason I have no idea...” Kakashi explained in a non-threatening manner, as if it was an everyday occurrence that the ruling council of Konoha wants to speak to a lowly Genin.
 
Naruto's frown deepened in suspicions but he firmly shook it away after a few seconds of thoughts. /They probably have some questions about Aunt Ruri./ Naruto thought to himself resolutely before he gave Kakashi a final nod of acknowledgement and then turning around to walk towards the Hokage tower, where he knew the Councillors were waiting.
 
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Watching his student walk straight towards his new destination, Kakashi shrugged to himself, knowing that Naruto could take care of himself no matter what he is faced with. He stood a little longer watching the blonde haired boy disappear into the distance, musing about how far Naruto had come, how far all of his students have come. /Strength wise, Naruto could very soon rival me, I think. But for now, with the Sharingan, I still have the upper hand. / Kakashi silently compared the strength and skill level between himself and his young student. However, the whole implication of Naruto surpassing him anytime soon is already a very surprising factor; after all, Kakashi was world renowned as a Genius. /He really is his son!/
 
Turning around, Kakashi continued on his own path towards the old Uchiha residence, where he knew a certain black haired boy would be located. /Naruto has done his part, now it's my turn with Sasuke. Even Sakura is growing up just fine./ Kakashi continued to muse. Looking up at the cloudless blue sky, Kakashi gave a small, happy sigh. /They have all grown so much. They are the future of Konoha. They are the hope... and the spirit of fire that will forever burn... like the memories of the great heroes before them... Hokage-sama. The future is starting to look brighter, ne?/ He asked the sky.
 
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Upon entering the old office of the third Hokage, now converted into a war room for the ruling councillors, the Country's officials as well as other powerful clansman; Naruto found himself to be ushered in and pushed towards a seat in between two of his own fellow Genins - Sakura and Shikamaru. Looking around the room, Naruto noted to himself some familiar faces but most were unknown to him. There was (surprisingly) Jiraiya (standing in the far left corner), some Jounins and Anbu personnel (he recognised Ibiki, Anko and Genma from the Chuunin Selection Exams); there were a few Hyuuga representatives, as well as other powerful Clans (Aburame, Inuzuka, Yamanaka, Akimichi and Nara) present.
 
Seeing that Naruto had finally arrived, without further ado, Hyuuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuuga Clan called forth the meeting to begin.
 
Naruto frowned once again as he watched the proceeding discussions over what Konoha would do during the aftermath of the Sound invasion. He was still confused as to why he's even in this meeting in the first place. Looking over towards his fellow Genins seem to indicate their own confusion as to their own reasons for being in the meeting as well. Sakura had the same confused expression on her face and she could only shrug in response to his silent question. Shikamaru didn't even lift his head off the table to look at the discussions being held; he simply had no interest in what the hell the old geezers were talking about.
 
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One of the elder Committee advisors, Homura, concluded the results of the Sound Invasion in a brief outline. “The Sand has declared a complete surrender to the Leaf. It seems that Orochimaru had double-crossed them as well as us. Their Kazekage was found yesterday, his dead body and two other corpses were identified to have died several days before the Chuunin Exam. So far, the Wind Country's monarchy as well as his governmental departments have proclaimed Orochimaru to be the ultimate mastermind and argued for their own Shinobi's innocence in the matter. However, within the Sand village itself, there is still a large amount of mutiny and chaos within their streets. They were close to being overthrown by civil war itself; therefore I am unsure of how much we can trust their words. After all, once bitten, twice shy.” Finished with his explanations, Homura sat down in his own seat at the forefront of the long table.
 
Koharu, the only female elder Committee advisor took her place at the head of the table to continue with the discussions at hand. “Currently, both the Sand and the Leaf are in a very deep predicament. We have both suffered losses in Shinobi numbers, of course, Leaf having sustained much less than the Sand. But still, without an official Kage to lead us, we will be viewed as vulnerable and weak in our current state, and this may lead to further conflict with other countries. Not to mention... even our own people, the villagers, are getting fearful of this supposed imminent war. Therefore, I propose that we, the newly appointed emergency executive committee, to step up a stronger security and defence line, push for further development and prove to our customers that we are still strong.”
 
Pausing for a bit as most of the people within the room nodded to her wise advice, Koharu continued with the rest of her suggestions. “But our top priority right now is to appoint a Godaime Hokage (5th Hokage), to lead Konoha into the new age!” Instantly after that announcement, there were murmurs of opinions and ideas from all over the room. After all, it wasn't everyday that committee had the power to pick the next Hokage, most of the time, it had been the previous Hokage himself that had the privilege of picking his successor.
 
After a few long minutes of continued chitchat slowly rising into full out verbal arguments, the two elder Committee advisors had had enough. Slamming his fist down onto the table to silence everyone in the room, Homura stood up proudly in his old age and shouted to be heard. “Enough! I will not tolerate such undisciplined behaviour within this very room, in front of the four faces of the great Hokages!” Immediately, the room was silenced, none willing to bear the brunt of Homura's anger. Seeing that he had everyone's attentions, Homura continued. “Both Koharu and I have discussed this matter firmly beforehand, and we have come to the conclusion that Jiraiya should be the next Godaime Hokage.”
 
Jiraiya immediately snapped to attention and glared at his two elders. Opening his mouth, ready to retort, Jiraiya was abruptly cut off. “HOWEVER!” Homura interrupted, silencing Jiraiya as well as any other person who was ready to argue the point. “After a short counsel session with the Lady Oracle of the Kuunoki, we have deduced that perhaps Jiraiya is not of the best character quality to lead an entire village such as ours.” In the background, Jiraiya flinched, and Naruto smirked in amusement. “Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the last of the three Legendary Sannin would be the best choice to become the next Hokage. Are there any arguments against this suggestion?” Homura asked in a threatening manner, as if daring anyone to argue with him.
 
A few minutes to soft discussion among themselves, Hyuuga Hiashi of the Hyuuga Clan stood up from his seat. “I, Hyuuga Hiashi, clan head of the Hyuuga, accept this proposal for having the Legendary Tsunade-hime to become the Godaime Hokage.” As if the floodgates had suddenly opened, more and more clan heads soon stood up from their own seats to declare that they too, would accept this act. Eventually, everyone had agreed on this course of action.
 
Homura nodded in recognition, glad that everyone was actually agreeing on something. Waiting for the silence to return to the room, he finally started to detail the rest of the plan. “Even though we have all decided that Tsunade-hime is the best choice, we still do not know of her whereabouts. Therefore, Koharu and myself would like to volunteer Jiraiya to be part of the expedition to bring Tsunade-hime back to Konoha, are there any disagreements?” Most heads in the room nodded in acceptance, none shook in disagreement.
 
Behind them, Jiraiya slumped his shoulders in irritation and disagreement. /Damn! There goes my time of research./ He mentally cried to himself. His attention was brought back however when one of the Jounins suggested that he too, would volunteer to go on this expedition and accompany Jiraiya. “NO!” Jiraiya shouted to be heard, interrupting everyone's thoughts. “I'll bring her back to become the next Hokage no matter what. You don't need to send spies to accompany me.” He replied snidely, completely seeing through the disguise of the suggestion, knowing that most of the Jounins in this room didn't trust him to not disappear on them.
 
Hyuuga Hiashi, once again the voice of reason, tried to intervene. “Perhaps just one or two Anbu would be suitable to help you as part of the search party...”
 
“No way. No how.” Jiraiya replied succinctly. The rest of the room's participants looked at each other for any further suggestions. Jiraiya's eyebrow twitched in irritation as the murmurs slowly rose in height. “FINE!” He screamed. “But only ONE Shinobi is to accompany me, and I get to choose who.” He detailed the conditions. Koharu and Homura nodded in acquisition, already knowing whom he was going to chose.
 
Hiashi once again took up the centre stage as he addressed the Sannin face to face: “And who would that me, Jiraiya-sama?”
 
Jiraiya smirked. “Naruto. He would be the only one to accompany me on this journey.” Tilting his head slightly, Jiraiya looked straight at Naruto's blank face. “What do you say, kiddo?” He asked. With the whole room's attention completely focused on him, Naruto could only shrug in response but acquisited by nodded his head in the end.
 
With that part of the meeting over and done with, Koharu smiled warmly around the room, though her old and wrinkled face. Seeing that everyone had agreed (though some were more reluctant than others), she too, stood from her own seat to reinstate the rest of the meeting priorities. “Now that everyone is in accordance, let us continue with the rest of the meeting. The next step in the plan would be to appoint a temporary head of Konoha, to handle all incoming and outgoing Ninja activity, as well as other internal and external issues. I suggest that Hyuuga Hiashi-sama should take over this role, at least until the return of Tsunade. Does everyone agree?” She asked and most of the room's members had stood in accordance to agree, with the exception being Hyuuga Hiashi himself.
 
“Koharu-sama. Are you sure such great responsibility should rest on my hands alone? Please don't mistake me, it would be a great honour to take up this role, but are you truly confident in my ability to not lead Konoha into war?” Hiashi asked in a serious manner.
 
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It was surprising for Naruto to watch one of the most powerful and possibly the most arrogant man in the entire Leaf village ask one of the elders if he was truly worthy of the position. From what he had heard about the Hyuuga Clan leader from his Aunt and Kaga-san, as well as how shy and unsure Hinata acts; Naruto was almost sure that he would really come to hate the man. And yet, here he was, questioning his own worth in front of an emergency council.
 
Homura and Koharu took some time to convince Hiashi that he truly was the only man possibly capable of pulling this off. “After all, even the Lady Oracle advices that you take up the position, therefore you should feel confident in your own abilities.” Koharu's answer shocked both Hiashi and Naruto (who was able to hear them from the other side of the room due to his currently Chakra enhanced hearing). It was a well-known fact that all Kuunoki villagers despised the Hyuugas, especially the Hyuuga head family. After the certain incident that occurred almost 17 years ago, most Air Nins refused to come to Konoha due to the power held by the Hyuuga's in this village. (1)
 
Eventually, Hiashi surrendered his own arguments and took up the position of temporary head or leader for Konoha. “For my first task as acting Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, I formally welcome three new Chuunin recruits into official services under the Konoha banner.” Hiashi announced suddenly, which brought to attention the three former-Genins.
 
Every one in the room had swivelled around in their seats to look upon the three Genins in welcome (some more than others). “Haruno Sakura, Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru. I present to you your new Chuunin vests that will officially proclaim you as new Chuunins to the Leaf village. Do you accept your new rank?” Hiashi asked in a firm tone of voice.
 
All three Genins were still relatively shocked at the announcement that they had attained Chuunin level, though Shikamaru less than others. He had suspected it was something like that, but considering he had forfeited his own fight, he didn't think that he would have received the rank in the first place. Thought slightly suspicious and reluctant, Shikamaru was the first to come forward and accept his Chuunin vest as his father pushed him from behind. Shikamaru could only give Hiashi a wry smile as he nodded in respect and received the green vest, before putting it on proudly.
 
Sakura was next in line to come forth and accept her own vest. She hadn't truly believed that she had gotten the Chuunin rank, after all, she still thought of herself as rather weak and misguided. /I'm a Chuunin! I'm a CHUUNIN!!!/ Inner Sakura cheered as she jumped around in joy. /YEAH! TAKE THAT! I'M A CHUUNIN!!!!/ The mental image of herself continued to prance around while outer Sakura stood unsteadily in front of Hiashi, giving him a beaming smile and accepted her own green vest. /Who would have thought?! I'm weaker than Sasuke and yet I received the Chuunin Rank before him! I wonder why that is.../ Musing to herself, she silently wore the green vest over her normal red dress. Looking over her clashing coloured clothes, she mentally winched. /Damn! I'll definitely have to change my clothes. It's about time to, anyway, I was getting tired of wearing the same style all the time./ Sakura thought to herself happily, firmly giving herself an excuse to go shopping later as well as a reason to celebrate and gloat in front of Ino, her eternal rival.
 
Surprisingly, Naruto was the last to step forward to receive his own Chuunin vest. With everything that had been going on inside his head, having found out that there were certain future events he couldn't change, the discovery of Shukaku and his imminent sealing, Naruto had completely forgotten why he even entered the Chuunin Exams in the first place. His focus had completely shifted from surviving his Aunt's torturous training, to Orochimaru's planned invasion, to Shukaku and Gaara, and back and forth between other more important issues. Naruto was completely shocked that he had already overcome his first obstacle in achieving his original dream of becoming a Hokage. He had completely misplaced his dream when his Aunt had suddenly reappeared and demanded most, if not all of his attention. /Is that what I'm becoming? My life revolves around hers and others, but not myself... That isn't right./
 
Hearing Hiashi cough discretely, Naruto shook away all his musings to finally reach his hands out, ready to receive the vest. The green clothed vest was lighter than he had expected, but then again, it was empty of scrolls and weapons. Naruto touched the fabric almost regally. /Is this what father would have gone through when he first passed the Chuunin Exam?/ Naruto asked himself. He could just imagine to himself what it would have been like for his own father, the now renowned fourth Hokage of Konoha, to accept the vest that proved he had grown strong, strong enough to be placed with the responsibilities of Chuunin. Naruto hugged the vest close to his chest, close to his heart, ignoring the curious gazes he was gaining by NOT wearing the vest immediately.
 
After everything was settled with the newly appointed Chuunins - as in they have their new contracts signed, their pictures taken, et cetera - it was time for the three newly proclaimed Chuunins to leave the room and any subsequent discussions for the higher ups to argue over without their presence being necessary. Outside of the Hokage building, Shikamaru and Sakura waved to Naruto as they each had their own destination in mind - Shikamaru to his favourite spot for Cloud gazing, Sakura to the newly reconstructed mall to find a complementary dress to her new Chuunin vest. Naruto had nowhere to go and his mind was still too filled with chaotic thoughts for him to come up with any coherent conclusion.
 
Deciding that he would just let his feet take him to where ever they wish to go, Naruto stumbled upon Iruka-sensei - the man who had saved his life in the first place almost 6 years prior. Discovering that Naruto had attained the Chuunin Rank, Iruka enthusiastically invited Naruto to free Ramen at Konoha's most famous Raman bar - the Ichiraku. Of course, Naruto agreed.
 
Over 20 odd bowls of Ramen later and a very broke Iruka, Naruto finally decided to go home. Dragging himself to his apartment, Naruto was surprised that there was a small party awaiting him in his living room. Haku had made a small ice cream cake for the celebration, since he had heard from Jiraiya beforehand of the Council's decisions on promoting Naruto. Most other Shinobis and civilians alike had no clue that the three Genins had just been promoted, but then again, their official rank wasn't completed yet as they needed the Godaime Hokage's emblem to finalise everything; so most probably, Kakashi still hadn't heard of the news yet. Partying until quiet late at night, both Haku and Naruto decided to finally go to sleep, since Naruto had an important mission starting tomorrow.
 
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Lying atop his comfortable bed, Naruto gazed at the full moon outside his window. There, he laid and there, he thought. /I've come full circle, haven't I?/ Naruto thought to himself.
 
He remembered the night that Mrs Tanuki had first tried to suffocate him but was thwart by Iruka's timely presence. He remembered the subsequent discussion they had had between himself, the young Iruka, the third Hokage and the newly introduced Jiraiya. He remembered all those years spent travelling with Jiraiya, going from village to village. Though he had always been curious and often asked Jiraiya about the world, Naruto knew he was exceptionally cautious about who could get close to himself. /Never form any ties. Never let yourself be hurt. Never take the risk to open up your heart... God! I was an idiot!/ Naruto mentally scolded himself.
 
He remembered when he first met Elle and how she had somehow coaxed him into learning how to live again in the outside world without fear. /But the time spent with her was so short.../ Naruto mentally commented. /Sometimes I wonder, would her death be one of those unchangeable futures, like the third Hokage's death? If it is so, then... could I still blame myself for not doing enough? Would it still be my fault?/ After taking some time to think about it, Naruto's head started to hurt. /Why the hell was I feeling so guilty anyway? At the time, I was in pain, I was hurt, confused and angry... but that doesn't necessary mean it was my fault... and yet, at the same time, I still have any right to go on a rampage the way I did... It wasn't Kyuubi's fault... It was mine.../
 
Naruto finally forced himself to relive the nightmare of the night. He remembered what it felt like to push his clawed hand into someone's chest, breaking through the ribs as he went along and pulling out the living organ - the heart - still pumping furious for blood. He remembered how he had laughed, almost insanely; at the petrified stares the men were giving him as well as the screams for mercy that surrounds him. Most of all, remembered the stench of blood that covered his entire body as well as all the rooms. He remembered he liked the taste of blood, the feel of blood, the fissure of victory and triumph that thrummed through his veins... and he felt disgusted with himself. /It wasn't Kyuubi at all... It was me... I wanted revenge... I had wanted to rip them all bit by bit... just to satisfy my own hunger for vengeance and blood... And I did./ Naruto thought to himself sardonically.
 
There was no point in continuing to blame himself. There was no point in continuing to hide from the truth, the truth that it had been `himself' that was enjoying the killing just as much as the fox within that was encouraging him. Naruto was tired of always running from his past. This time, he would accept it... all the good times and the bad. That's what survival's all about... and he knew... he was a survivor.
 
/I was so stupid after Elle's death. Heh. I even thought I could kill myself./ For a long time afterwards, Naruto had truly thought that he couldn't be killed. He had tried to poison himself, starve himself, and slit a kunai across his wrist and throat - all to no avail. Either it was Jiraiya that interrupted him or he was eventually saved by the demon fox's power of healing inside of him.
 
But once again, Naruto realised he was wrong. /Somewhere deep inside my heart... I must have NOT wanted to die at all. I must have been desperate to live... It was all me.../ Once more, while Naruto ran away from reality, his inner heart fought tooth and nail to keep his life in tact. Naruto now recognised the signs, the signs of his own heart, his own mind fighting the very depression that had made him welcome death with open arms and yet fought against with every fibre of his being.
 
/I wanted to live... I know that now... I had always wanted to live... And Aunt Ruri showed me how.../ Naruto smiled ironically at his memories. He remembered his first meeting with his Aunt, the very first impression he had of her was that he needed to obey her. She was a woman that should be respected and complied with all her wishes. She had been firm, stern, and even downright sadistic at times, and yet, whenever the going gets tough, she always showed her more gentle side towards him - caring for him when he was sick or injured, telling him stories of his mother and father. There was a strange connection between them that bound them together stronger than glue. It was a bond of blood, of family, of destiny.
 
He had never regretted meeting his Aunt, though he did hate his lineage and the rules that must be applied to said lineage. However, when it all comes down to it, he would have done everything the same if only to get to know her for a little while, if only to learn from her a little more. She was family - that had never been in denial... but this place... Konoha... was home.
 
Konoha. The Hidden Leaf Village. This was the place where his father was born, grew up in, and died for. This was the place that his mother visited, fell in love with his father, fell in love with the place itself, and also died for. Naruto had often wondered what was so great about Konoha that both his parents would sacrifice their lives for. After all, wasn't family a lot more important than just a piece of land? But now he realised. He had finally come to an understanding after witnessing the third Hokage's funeral processions.
 
It wasn't just a piece of land, it was their home, the place they felt they belonged, a place where they feel they're welcomed and would happily spend the rest of their lives within, even if they were locked inside the gates for all eternity. That was the difference between Konoha and Kuunoki - the choice. The People living in the Hidden Air village have no choice; they could not leave the village unless they were given permission to. And most importantly, they hated the walls that entrap them into this singular place for all time. On the other hand, Konoha residents welcomed the wall as a sign of security and unity. It was a bizarre idea but none the less an important one.
 
“I've found my home, Aunt Ruri...” Naruto whispered as he slowly drifted off to sleep. /I've found my family and my home. And even though they're in different parts of the world, I'll find a way to unite them. I have faith in myself and faith in humanity.../
 
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(1) Once again, the `incident' will be discussed later in the series, so please be patient.
 
This will be the last chapter of Faith in Humanity. Please look out for Restoration of Faith next time, which is the title of the second arc.