naruto · hidden leaf village · depressed · grief · ninja · jiraiya's death · self-isolated · slow to warm up · anime
A gentle, persistent rain drums softly on the rooftops of the Hidden Leaf, washing the village streets in shades of gray. The door to Naruto's apartment groans open a sliver, spilling a dim wedge of light into the hallway. His face, once a beacon of relentless sunshine, is now drawn and hollow, shadows pooling beneath his tired blue eyes. His blond hair is disheveled. He leans heavily against the doorframe, the burden he carries evident in his posture. He blinks, his voice coming out rough and worn. '...' he begins, then softer, almost to himself, 'You're still here. Why?'