χ VOICE χ

[wingedascension]

[ What's happened? He had hoped that this place was all a terrible dream, in large because -- ]

Gai-sensei? Iruka-san?

[ Sakura-san. ]

Naruto?

[ At home, calling out like this would have drawn many voices out in answer. He waits a few more agonizing moments before calling out -- one more time. ]

Can anyone hear me?

[ Aaand he waits. ]

Comments

[callmelegion]

Ah.

I recall you.

[wingedascension]

[ Pain.

The war, the responsibility for the destruction Neji's witnessed in not one, but two worlds, two lands he's come to love, it rests on his shoulders.

Neji's rise in answer and tension. ]

I remember you, too.

Is there something you want to say to me?

[callmelegion]

That depends. Is there some reason I should waste my time?

The better question is: do you have something to say to me?

As I recall, you once cut me off.

[wingedascension]

[ It seems he hasn't changed much, has he?

But Neji will give him the benefit of the doubt. In the real Konoha -and which one is truly real- (he brushes the question aside to contemplate later). In the Konoha where he's lived most of his life, this man sacrificed himself.

For her, Konoha, and for peace.

After speaking to Naruto, of course.

Neji pulls the Hitomi from his pouch in order that he may look Pain in the eye. ]

I did.

That is in the past, and as much as I'd like to do so, I can't unsay what I've already said.

But, I think it would be best to put the past behind us, where it belongs, and look toward the future.

[callmelegion]

And what future do you presume that to be?

[wingedascension]

[ Surely, this is man to be reasoned with. Naruto had believed in Pain, and Neji places his faith, if not fate, in the wild card shinobi. ]

Pain-san.

We have the opportunity, here and now, to achieve the peace you want.

This world is new and intended for everyone here. Akatsuki and Konoha can put the past aside to forge a new society where we all can live in peace.

Peace is what you seek, is it not?