Chapter-66.5
"I guess our peace treaty is over," the princess smiled as she observed the boy's face.
"Apparently so." Naruto allowed Ty Lee to dismount from his back and silently made his way back to Azula, who clenched her fists.
Mai discreetly retrieved some blades from her sleeve and narrowed her eyes as she anticipated what might unfold. She didn't want this, but she had already made her choice.
The circus girl, meanwhile, found herself in a mental debate as she looked at Naruto and Azula.
"I'm not going to fight you," Naruto declared, raising his hands and standing his ground, refusing to engage in combat, even as Azula's flames nearly touched his face.
"Well, what a shame," the fire around her transformed into electricity, and her golden eyes remained fixed on her target. But Naruto remained steadfast in his decision, not moving a single finger. "But..." The electricity dissipated, and a softer expression crossed the girl's face. "I know that Mai will try to stab my ribs, and Ty Lee will immobilize me. All that would happen if I attempted to attack you..."
The two girls grew cold at that accusation, but they held their silence. Mai had blades concealed beneath her sleeves, and the circus girl had her muscles tensed, her hands clenched to activate pressure points.
Naruto frowned as he realized this, and he hated that his presence was causing harm to the bond they shared. "Don't let it ruin that bond."
"Oh yes, of course they do, because these two days with you mean more to them than ten years of service and loyalty they had with me," Azula explained as if nothing had happened, causing Naruto to clench his fists.
"Service and loyalty? Is that what you call their friendship?"
"Yup."
"You're messed up."
"Nah, I'm just practical." Azula tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced at the already dark sky, with only a few stars twinkling. "I could take you both, no sweat. You know why? Because I'll do whatever it takes." Azula raised her right hand, pointing her fingers at Ty Lee's face, who froze when sparks danced on the princess's fingers. Everyone gaped, disbelief written on their faces. "Give up. Surrender, or she loses her head. Your call."
"You win! Let her go!" Naruto didn't think twice, and his quick decision made Azula's grin widen.
"Now you get it. Your weakness is your kindness. If you had the guts, you'd have attacked me, to save Ty Lee before I could hurt her." Azula lowered her hand, folding her arms. "You think I'm some evil witch, don't you?"
"…"
"Here's the thing, kid. There are worse folks out there than me. If you keep being the boy with a heart of gold, you won't last. To survive in this world, you gotta be like me."
For Naruto and Azula, it felt like an eternity as they stared each other down, scrutinizing every move and feature. Eventually, Naruto broke eye contact.
"You're right, I'm a dummy who rushes into things, and I'll never be like you... and I'm proud of who I am."
"…"
"Do you think I'm gonna fail? That I'll be a goner by tomorrow? That I'm gonna back down? You're wrong! I'm the king of surprises! You don't dictate my fate! I do! And if there are people like you out there! I swear I'll take 'em down before they even try anything!"
"…" Azula took a deep breath, staying silent for a moment.
"That's my way..."
"…" Azula turned away, walking off slowly, leaving the others puzzled. She walked away, with Ty Lee and Mai following, slowly distancing themselves from Naruto.
"Azula!"
"…" She halted, glancing back at Naruto, who remained in place, wearing an unwavering smile.
"I know we'll be friends someday! Even if you're a silly, arrogant, crazy little princess!... I like you just the way you are!" Naruto bent his legs and jumped, vanishing into the dense forest ahead.
Returning to the girls, Ty Lee and Mai stared at Azula. Her gaze remained hidden by her hair, and without saying a word, she continued walking, a small smile gracing her lips, unnoticed by anyone.
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PAT REON I'D:- Alzero ]