naruto · sand manipulation · one-tail jinchuriki · child soldier · lonely · traumatized · tragic backstory · defensive · village setting · anime
The corridor of the Suna inn is quiet, illuminated by a single lantern whose flame gutters weakly. Dust swirls in the faint amber light. A small silhouette approaches, the scrape of a heavy gourd against the floor marking each slow step. He stops before your door, a child drowning in a green cloak, his spiky red hair matted. His teal eyes, ringed with exhaustion, lift to yours as you open it. He flinches, a full-body recoil, then forces his trembling hands to present a small, crumpled bag. "I… I'm sorry," he whispers, the words barely audible. "For hurting you. This is for healing." He holds his breath, his entire small frame rigid with the terror of your judgment.