It was already autumn. That night, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a bright silvery light. Due to traveling, injuries, and the recent battle with Orochimaru, Killer Bee was already exhausted and now even more drained. So, after chatting briefly with his brother and Fukai, he laid down to rest.
The autumn night wind carried a slight chill, blowing with a soft "woo-woo" sound. Killer Bee instinctively pulled his blanket up tighter.
By the campfire, A and Fukai continued chatting, while another jōnin created a shadow clone to keep watch from the shadows, guarding from both sides.
The autumn night was cold and quiet, the moon still glowing faintly white. By the fire, Fukai glanced at the deeply sleeping Killer Bee, then turned to A and said, "I heard that after me, this kid will be the next Eight-Tails Jinchūriki. I assume you've already heard this from the higher-ups, A?"
A was momentarily stunned. Though unsure why Fukai brought this up, he still replied seriously, "No, I haven't heard about that yet."
"My father, my uncle—they all failed." Shinkei looked at him and continued, "I'm afraid I won't last much longer either. Controlling the Eight-Tails isn't easy. Listen, A, as your cousin, you must hear me out…"
At that moment, A interrupted and objected, "But you've already suppressed the Eight-Tails to such an extent and are even controlling it…"
"Enough, A. Don't interrupt, listen to me." Fukai fixed his gaze on A and continued, "Things aren't as simple as you think. If not for medicinal support, my body would've long lost control. There are things only Jinchūriki understand. People who once got along well with me now look at me differently. In that moment, it felt like the whole world changed."
"No—maybe they do want to connect with me, to treat me like a normal person. But I know it's not that simple. Not everyone dares to be around someone who could lose control at any time. After all, people fear death—and I do too."
At this point, Fukai's tone grew despondent. "Maybe the moment I became a Jinchūriki, I was destined to walk a lonely path. Even without turning back, I could clearly see the road I was walking—but walking this dark path alone, facing fear and solitude, doubting whether I'm even fit for this role… I feel like I'm dancing with death. Surrounded by those emotions, constantly questioning where I belong, day after day of torment and mental struggle—I can't even tell who I am anymore. In the end, my heart feels blank, and that's when the tailed beast waits to strike, seizing on my vulnerable mind to rampage."
"Always fearing death… Even I've had thoughts of just ending it all." When Fukai finished, the atmosphere grew heavy and silent.
Looking at him, A realized for the first time just how hard his cousin's life had been. After a long pause, he finally spoke: "But your ninjutsu talent, your ability, your lineage, and even your character surpass everyone else's. If even you aren't qualified, then I can't imagine who is."
"Bee," Fukai said, glancing at Killer Bee before continuing. "It's precisely because I surpassed others that I was naturally chosen as the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki. But being a Jinchūriki isn't about those qualities. This is something I only came to understand not long ago."
"Then what is required?" A asked curiously.
Still looking at Bee, Fukai replied without turning his head, "It's something that can fill the emptiness in one's heart."
Following Fukai's gaze, A looked at Bee too. He realized that whenever Shinkei was on a mission with Bee, he would often observe him, as if searching for something. But A couldn't figure out what.
A continued, "This 'something'—what exactly is it? And why do you keep watching Bee?"
Fukai turned back and said, "All I know is—it's something that can fill the hole inside me. I don't even know why I keep watching Bee… It's like he has the thing I've been looking for. I've always believed that if I find it, I'll be able to live strongly. But now, it seems it won't be that easy. A, promise me—help Bee find that thing. I can feel my body deteriorating."
This time, A didn't reply. He fell silent, lost in thought.
The night was still and quiet, so silent even the usual nightingales forgot to sing. Though A didn't want to admit it, Fukai's body was indeed in bad shape. He knew that at most, Fukai could only last another year.
Looking at Bee—since graduating, in just over ten months, he had already reached jōnin level. A five-year-old jōnin—probably the only one in the entire ninja world. Yet such brilliance only brought endless trouble. Recalling Fukai's words, maybe he was right—Bee was too talented, and that's why he was naturally chosen to be the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki. But no matter what happens, Bee, I'm your big brother. I will help you find that thing that can fill your heart.
That night, A didn't sleep—he simply didn't have the mood to.
Morning came. The golden sunlight made the withered leaves shine even more brightly. Several figures were darting through the forest.
"Big bro, put me down already!" Complained Killer Bee, who was being carried on A's back. "It's not like I'm seriously injured!"
"No." A replied loudly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Alright, alright. This is kinda relaxing, to be honest. If you're not letting me down, I'm actually happier this way." Killer Bee grumbled in his heart, "No idea what's gotten into Big Bro today—he's acting really weird. But whatever, why overthink it?"
Time passed.
Scene shift: Kumogakure, Land of Lightning — Raikage Residence.
A looked at Killer Bee and said, "Bee, I've got some things to handle over the next few days, so I won't be with you. I think it's been a while since you visited your good friend, right? Use this vacation time to go hang out with him or just relax."
"Did something happen?" Bee asked curiously.
"Mm, just some small stuff," A replied.
"Oh," Killer Bee nodded. "Then I'll go do my own thing. If you need me for anything, just let me know."
Such a little adult. A glanced at Bee, then vanished from sight in a flash.
"A little adult, huh? I've never really seen myself as a kid…" Bee muttered as he watched his brother disappear. Then he turned and left the house too.
Bustling streets.
Killer Bee wandered idly, hands in pockets. The various shopkeepers were already loudly hawking their goods.
"Boss! One box of Dressert chocolates, and a chocolate ice cream too!" Bee called out.
"Coming right up!" The shopkeeper quickly handed him a box of chocolate pieces and an ice cream. "Here you go, just what you ordered."
"Thanks." Bee took the chocolates, handed over the money, then leisurely licked his ice cream as he strolled down the busy street.