Life exists as an unsteady flame. Untreated and uncared for, it can be overwhelmed by the world around it and vanquish. The tiny spark I fought to thrive was punished by its double-edged blade.
Everyone around me would unanimously agree- I had a good life. Far from grand, there were benefits from the fruit of moderately wealthy parents. Attending private school for a higher education, while also taught religious duties to one day become a minister, were large blessings. Among the brightest kids standing out wasn't particularly hard: whether it be my significant stature, high intelligence, or religious devotion. However, the pain was still easy to come by. For years, loneliness was a common sense of self. Like most teenagers, I struggled through depression and a gamut of negative emotions. Although I would have loved to claim my faith as the means by which I overcame every obstacle, the truth is the foundation of self-efficacy came in watching Naruto Uzumaki. Never would I imagine to be reborn in the world Kishimoto designed; living in a world alongside the hero of perseverance which spurned on my soul.
The last moments of the flickering flame came by a normal day. No freak accident extinguished the flame; rather it was deliberately doused with a firehouse. An old friend was being stalked. Despite stunning looks, her basic confidence was still lacking. Nonetheless, eventually, she caught on to her new-found shadow. When the girl's shadow discovered a male friend driving her home after a night of careless partying, he drew out his blade to end my life. Jealousy is an unstable flame, burning hotter than my own. With only a minuscule spark left, the girl screeched an unfathomable, "I hate you". The shadow's raging fire was blown out like a poorly crafted scented candle, which wafted the aroma of blood and regret. I spent my last moments gazing at my friend's broken cry before praying one last time. I prayed the prayer I had whispered all the days of my life: the desire to fulfill a purpose only I could achieve and apologize to the God I served for failing to do so. One last time, a gentle whisper returned the words, "Of course."
The body grows cold during death; systems go numb all over. Lack of pain cleared the thoughts rolling around until a forced mighty breath through every neuron through a fit. Stiffened ones and sore muscles began to relax, while the heart pounded relentlessly. A heightened sense of adrenaline from encroaching death had become the meek need flight in fear; more importantly, muscles were the ones urging, readying themselves for the necessary.
Opening my eyes, the view before was unfamiliar. No longer was it the night, but early morning. The ceiling was a plain white. On the other side of the room was a dusty window, with a brilliant sunlight making its way through the thin layer of filth. The décor and furniture were different. No more luxurious items such as a TV, recliner, and multiple gaming systems. In their place were a petite bed, single doored closet, night stand, and sets of barren shelves with miscellaneous items stacked adjacently left to the windows.
Of course, the sun was still simmering the mildly infuriating encrusted layer on the window; nearly too much so. The room was hot. Strange, near death moments ago there was nothing but the freezing cold abyss seemingly awaiting his physical body only to capriciously decide otherwise. Moments is definitely an exaggeration. Even if only a matter of seconds have been experienced since last being awake, at the very least multiple hours passed.
Forcing the legs to move despite the lack of sore muscles to touch the ground proved difficult as if the brain had been rewired in the time passed. Standing up was easier. The room felt mammoth sized while on standing still. Most peculiar, the body I had become accustomed to felt unreasonably light. Barely out of the previous view- right next to the closet- was a mirror. In a strange place with no known host made it uncomfortable, to say the least when concerning the next step. At least checking the wounds could be done before anything else happens.
Seeing is believing. The fire to which the previous body had fanned had indeed gone out. Before the mirror was a familiar face, whose body lacked mortal wounds. No words except unintelligible mutterings came forth. Perhaps God had granted a second chance, for the person in front of the mirror was Kiba Inuzuka; a young Kiba before his genin days. Shaggy, short brown hair with red tattooed fangs, dark brown eyes, and two fangs were the dominant features. Surprisingly, I wasn't Asian but looked as white as the day I died with a bit darker farmers tan.
A loud knock came from the door; little by little, obvious aspects to the room came in clear.
"Don't ignore me", shouted a strange voice. Although unfamiliar, it was terrifying. By reaction, the brain the sent a shiver down my spine. With a moment, the door was kicked open. Behind the malcontent foot was a wild, brown-haired woman dressed in standard jonin gear. Kiba's mother. What was her name again? "Don't you recognize your own mother?"
"Tsugumi Inuzuka?" I muttered.
"What the hell?" She snorted. "How can you forget your own mother's name?!"
"What's your name, again?" I asked.
"Call me 'Mom', brat", the woman snorted. "Only proper adults can call me Tsume." Showing her fangs perpetuated the situation far scarier than reality. She was an annoyed mother whose son called her by her name. But, a mom in front of you with superpowers is scary regardless of what universe. Like a tender mother caring deeply for her son, she noticed something was off. "Are you ok? You're scared more than normal. Hurry and get dressed." Mom was directing me. Mom. That's who this was now. Tsume Inuzuka is now my new mother, for the good and bad. In a way, my previous mother was still terrifying by comparison. But how should I react? Thrust into a life which is not mine, there is no action but to be honest. Telling her was the only option.
"Don't be screwing with me, Kiba", Tsume snarled. "You're my son. Take it or leave it, you came out of me." Vulgar. Significantly more vulgar the mom before. "It might be your first day of the academy, but it's no excuse to make up lies." Perhaps, telling the truth is a bad idea after all. But is it right to keep such a secret? A decision would have to be made soon. Kiba Inuzuka is effectively dead. On the other hand, what if this is an answered prayer? Chosen to be given powers and become a shinobi. Adventure, epic battles, and fighting for people I care about: is there anything I have wanted more? Still, there comes a problem. Those who I had known and loved are no longer in my life.
Without even noticing, Tsume had dragged me on top of Kuromaru, her one-eyed wolf with a pepper back and a faded silver underbelly. Outside, the grounds were covered in a light snow. I never even noticed we had left the house. Konoha's ninja academy was in magnificent view. Most of the building was ivory with scarlet orange shingles. The entrance was on the west, painted red with a wooden rooftop and a simple sign stating itself as the ninja academy. Details going unnoticed… The sign was readable, although the language was foreign. Words being spoken and written came as clear as the English engraved into the brain at a young age, as if a divine translator marked every word for their precise understanding. Past the Academy was the Hokage's office, painted the adored faded blood red.
"Behave well", Tsume said. "Class doesn't start for a while, but that doesn't mean you can slack off." Before she left, a simple tug on the back of her attire sufficed to garner her quick attention.
"Any advice?" I asked.
"Crush the competition, make lasting friendships, and be nice to us delicate flowers, got it?" Tsume said. Sprinkled around the academy's grounds were other parents and children. Disturbed stares were given by various adults. Tsume left alongside Kuromaru. As they continued to walk away, the lasting impression of their scents- an unbathed mutt doused in perfume- stayed strong. Breathing normally didn't exasperate or decrease their previous smell, nor did it waft like a thick musk before. A new body meant a new nose; the nose of an Inuzuka bloodhound.
Body odor emerged dominant among the adults on the academy's grounds. A sweating Hyuga moved sporadically. The Hyuga eyes were peculiar; a pale lavender without any noticeable pupils indicating a frail blindness. Ironic the doujutsu eyes which look blind are not the ones which are made blind by overuse. If this world is playing out by Kishimoto's authorship, then Hinata is being bullied and Naruto will save her. The moment that changes Hinata's life is hinged on these next few moments. The first major event of the Naruto world can unfold in person.
Running away from the academy, causing more awkward stares, led down a path edged out by barren trees. Standing a bit south were five children, three of which were much bigger. Voices could barely be made out, but comments about a Hyuga could be heard. Naruto stood a mighty three feet tall, with Hinata hiding behind him. The kids were pulling and destroying the scarlet threaded scarf which Kushina made. Truly, this was a scene out of the last.
"Who are you?!" One kid shouted, pointed at me.
"A friend. Stop bullying them." A moment ruined. If it weren't for Naruto's complete inability to perform and his perseverance, the slightest fraction would be concerned Hinata would no longer fall in love with him. Still, there's no excuse for these brats to be assholes. The three children approached with the tattered scarf in hand. It's odd being the small one in a fight, but luckily taekwondo techniques worked regardless of size. The kids began to give each other looks, readying a timing down to attack all at once. Fools. Giving away your tactics so quickly. Premediated defense was filled my legs with the anxiety and rage from the death felt not long ago. Moving forward to the kid in the middle, I tackled him to the ground, aiming the delicate fist for his throat. Only a couple punches got in before the other two threw me off on my ass. As they circled around their new pray, they all collapsed. The orange-clad Naruto had tackled all three bullies at once!
"I won't let you hurt anyone!" Naruto roared. Heroic, but ironic since the attack hurt me as well. Counterattacks ensued when Naruto was pushed on the ground. Kick after kick, preventing Naruto and me from getting up made fighting back difficult. The animated scene never got this violent.
"What are you children doing?!" Shouted the Hyuga man from before. "You dare fight in front of lady Hinata?! You will pay for your insolence!" Fearful mutterings of "run" and "crap" escaped the bullies' lips before bolting away as fast as they can. To the side, the older Hyuga man pulled the tearful Hinata away, who was reaching one arm out, yearning to escape to check on us. Still, her gaze drifted closer to Naruto's position. She probably doesn't have feelings for Naruto yet, but the love has been planted in a healthy soil. Lucky guy. Occasionally, adults can see a young child and have a grasp for what she will look like when she's older; Hinata was such a girl. No doubt Hinata would become more beautiful as she fell deeply in love with Naruto.
"You ok?" Naruto asked, leaning over. Kindly, Naruto helped me up. The young boy seemed kind. Naruto's hair was wild and sharp, but short enough to pass off as slightly unkempt. His eyes were a piercing blue as if they could see into another man's soul. There was a bit of blood on him, but nothing which seemed out of place. The whiskers which seemed off in his character design are darkly crafted birthmarks on his person; which appear as thin hairs placed on his face he forgot to wash off. Enough slight differences in their uniformity, such as the right cheek's top whisker being a couple millimeters longer and slightly down, while the bottom was shorter and curved minimal distance up to be seen but not realized, disparaged the thought it existed outside of nature. The orange jumpsuit was heavier, more reminiscent of an orange sweater. Naruto, the real Naruto, was standing before me.
"I'm Kiba Inuzuka", I said. "Nice to meet you." Pleasantries were quaint and Naruto likely wouldn't care, but it doesn't hurt to be nice to your heroes.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki", Naruto said. "I didn't need your help, just so you know!" Meeting heroes can be a bit of a drag. Although disappointing personally, his words seemed truly fleshed out of who he was.
"Of course, you didn't", I said. "That doesn't mean I didn't want to help." Naruto's gaze turned frantic.
"Crap, if I don't hurry I'm going to be late", Naruto said. Kicking his leg muscles into a gear which didn't exist for most children, Naruto took off. Naruto's feats were genuinely not surprising. He was surely faster now than I was as an adult. What was surprising was managing to stay a stride behind him the entire time.
"I'm attending the academy too", I shouted off breath. "Let's be friends!" As an adult, that sounds ridiculous, but a number of times of saying it to kids while working in a church have taught silly question can have genuine meaning if taken seriously. Naruto seemed to slow down to match strides. His face was puzzled but excited. Naruto could react in an array of actions centered around disbelief. After of years of being alone, would Naruto have a difficult time accepting someone?
"Alright, let's be friends", Naruto smiled. The disbelief seemed genuine, but once the words registered they were readily accepted. Perhaps this is why I was sent to this world.
Arriving at the same door, Naruto entered first, moments late. Iruka was standing there with a disappointed scowl.
"You're late and already in fights", Iruka said. Our clothes were dirty. The bit of blood Naruto's face had dried. Although feeling no blood, there were bruises and sore marks covering my body. Naruto looked away without a care.
"I'm sorry, Sensei", I said bowing. "It was my fault. Other kids were-"
"Nothing to worry about", Iruka said. His face lightened up quickly. "Please take any open seat you can find." The classroom was filled with different variations of life like Naruto characters. Sasuke sat in the true middle of the class, with the rows behind and in front of him being girls. Sakura and Ino sat on each side of Sasuke. Far in the back middle was Shikamaru, Choji to his right. Hinata was in the back left, amidst unrecognizable faces. On the other hand, Shino sat in the front, pencil in hand ready to take notes. Two other seats were available in the middle of the right section. Everyone either wanted a front seat to learn or a backseat to being shy. "The seats are for today only. Tomorrow I'm assigning a seating chart."
The school went by relatively fast. No new information was gained, as it was more of an introductory day for the curriculum. The members of team seven, eight, and ten were all a bit different than expected. Naruto was outgoing and rambunctious, but he wasn't a complete failure of a student, giving minor attention to Iruka always. Sasuke smiled, but to be fair, his family hadn't died yet. A bit morbid, but it would be hard to imagine smiling after seeing your entire family murdered in front of you. Sakura focused hard during class time, giving little to no attention to Sasuke. By all accounts, amongst his fan girls, Sasuke chose the one who worshiped him the least. Ino was far more a flirt and hug friendly person than socially acceptable amongst eight-year-olds. Choji actually did eat from a bag of chips the entire time in class; even more surprising, he chewed the chips silently befitting a master shinobi. Shikamaru was more socially engaging than I would have thought. He is definitely lazy, but he always had something to say, even if it was under his breath. Hinata… Hinata did not stumble over her words at all. She was definitely nervous, but instead of continually stuttering, she would half-finish sentences completely. And Shino was very forgettable; an invulnerable fly on a wall surrounded by frogs seeking to devour him- who didn't even buzz to garner a single frog's attention.
Lunch was a pleasant experience and felt like elementary school again, spending time with Naruto who was eating a cold ramen noodle cup he cooked that morning. Tsume packed an assortment of meat soon to go bad, with diced vegetables and spices mixed in them with rice. The new mom was quite the cook with meat, the polar opposite of the old mom who was a master of baking and vegetable dishes, but regularly failed to cook a proper steak. Even I didn't know I loved steak until a proper chef prepared it great care. The creator of the pork, chicken, and steak rice dish was a perfectionist of cultivating flavor. Whoever the Inuzuka chef is, they are a master at their craft. Sadly, the girls around were all repulsed at the grotesque appearance of a meat-centered bento. Choji, on the other hand, was welcoming with open to arms to try the meal in exchange for his mother's own delicacies which consisted of less meat, but more carbs and grains in a similar style. Shikamaru sat next to Choji, not saying much, but always chimed in when girls would make comments.
The second half of the day was as easy as the first, with an added surprise. Mizuki helped Iruka out with a few icebreaker and game activities to help the class understand each other. The gray-haired monster engaging with children with a smile on his face lays the groundwork to nearly getting Naruto killed, but in turn, sets him on the path to later become Hokage. How does filler work in these cases? Is Mizuki a henchman of Orochimaru? For now, gathering intel takes priority. The first day of school was a smashing success; reminiscent of the first day of college classes with professors who see it as too much work to go over anything but the syllabus. Truly a beautiful day. Still, is it right to live like this? Perhaps Naruto would know the answer. The school day was nearing its end.
"That concludes class for the day, students", Iruka said. "Come to class tomorrow ready to begin your education as a future ninja." The students had mostly already finished packing up before his statement was finished. In many ways, this world mirrors reality. A hand hit my back.
"Let's have some fun", Naruto said. His words held a meaning of terror. Naruto wasn't quite the prankster yet since he hasn't been ignored by his own class. What was Naruto's definition of fun as an eight-year-old? Only an idiot would willingly get in trouble their first day in a new world with a new body. To be fair, there was a fight earlier.
"Let's hang out. Have dinner with my family." Naruto stared back with an expression void of thought. It makes sense to be surprised knowing his background, but that's no excuse for that behavior to exist.
"Ok", Naruto squeaked out.
Heading home was a bit difficult at first. The constant surrounding glares were brutally distracting. How could anyone live like this? Not everyone glared, but those who did maintained a malicious eye. They hate Naruto, lashing out at a child in their grief because they have no other option than force it somewhere. Truthfully, a proper reaction might be a genuine concern for his well-being. However, it is extraordinary he manages to curb their negative emotions. Naruto Uzumaki, the boy given hawk-eyed looks, is the future hero of the world. Making matters more complex was the inability to know where the Inuzuka compound existed. Following the smells of wet dogs led us down a path of random strangers for the afternoon. Happily, shortly after a few awkward interjections from Naruto, the distinctive musk of Tsume had caught wind.
A handful of minutes passed, Naruto and I were at the foot of the clan's compound. The building itself was not particularly large, but significantly larger than expected; painted with wood, with roof tiles a similar color to the common orange of Konoha. In comparison to the land of the other clans, the Inuzuka's had to have them beat. The yards were enormous, lush green despite the light snow. Miscellaneously placed bushes and flowers covered the front yard and sides of the house, fit with a flight of scents intoxicating to the proper dog. A filthy window towards the front right was recognizable as the impoverished sunlight filter from this morning. The entrance had a wooden porch with several chairs and tables, stretching from the left side to the rotten window and coming forward a body's length.
Approaching the door, it flashed open with a young woman in her early twenties, raven locks, and chocolate eyes. All too familiar, she had a remarkable appearance like an old friend. The now obvious silence of two young boys was questionable at best. An audible gulp might as well have been heard from Naruto's throat. Peeping behind her was a young girl. Like the older woman, she had raven locks and chocolate colored eyes, but in the tiny body of a child.
"Young Master, I'm pleased to welcome you home", the woman said. "It seems you've made a friend, congratulations. Is he staying for dinner?" Naruto delivered a few elbows to the side, although a confused look seemed to frustrate him.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" Naruto asked.
"I'm sorry", the woman replied pushing the small girl forward. "How rude of me. My name is Anzu Maki. The little girl behind me is my daughter, Haru Maki. We are the maids of the Inuzuka clan."
"Pleased to meet you!" Haru shouted while bowing, her face slightly red.
"The dogs are eager to see you, Master Kiba", Anzu said. "Take your shoes off and follow me." Following down the initial corridors, there was a set of bronze outlined double-doors, with a golden sign of a dog saying, "kennel." In the center of the house was essentially another yard with a glass roof, a brief assortment of flowers, and a single tree no greater than three meters tall. At least twenty dogs crowded the area. Right of the entrance laid a staircase leading up to a porch pushing inward on the second story.
"Kiba, can you Haru help feed Kuromaru's children?" Anzu asked. Following Haru back inside, she walked towards a kitchen looking area, with a pantry door to the side. In the pantry were countless bags of dogs food full of shapes, sizes, textures, and color differences. Oddly enough, not a single bag had a brand name on it. Haru pointed to a dog food bag out of reach for her. Reaching it proved simple enough with a ladder. Haru was sweating at the large doors to the garden.
"Wait!" Haru shouted.
Opening the garden door was a near death experience. A horde of hungry dogs ambushed the food, tackling anything in their way to dinner. Haru was whimpering while being sniffed and licked with the malicious intent of mischievous dogs.
"Young master, call them off", Anzu shouted. "They will listen to you." On top of the dog, the pile was Kuromaru and several smaller clones. Pushing Kuromaru off was the greatest challenge befitting a young Inuzuka heir. He gazed with the full intent to disobey any command given. Paw in hand, a fierce back and forth struggle engaged. Screams and barks were from all persons were let out.
"Kick its butt!" Naruto shouted.
"Be careful!" Anzu added. As the battle persisted between man and dog, more dogs piled on to resist.
"I've taken it!" Haru said with the dog food in hand. "Get off of Kiba." Kuromaru was shocked, calculating his next move. Perhaps today would be a victory in this situation, but what about tomorrow? What about the next time he decides to disobey someone who isn't Tsume? Lunging forward as fast as possible, teeth and tongue met the only remaining ear of the slightly aged wolf. All of the dogs stopped in their tracks and peered towards the previous fights results. Kuromaru whimpered.
"You will all obey me." Delivering a quick snap from the habit of training two previous dogs, Kuromaru sat in an upright position with each dog following his example.
"Well done, Kiba", Tsume said out of nowhere. "I never thought I would see the day." Clapping beside her was another woman who shared Tsume's features, but lacked the edged expressions. She also had brown eyes and brown hair, but her hair was long and tame, and her eyes were plain to indicate a normalcy of being.
"No hug for your big sister Hana after her first day as a genin?" Hana asked. Of course. Kiba had a sister. A twitch flared on her eyebrow. "Are you that surprised I made it as a genin, Kiba?!"
"What are you talking about? I wouldn't be surprised if you became a jonin."
"Of course, you shouldn't be surprised", Hana said. "I'll become the first female hokage one day." The girl was smug. She may not look anything like Tsume, but they are not that far apart. "Who's the kid, Kiba?" Naruto looked over and back at Hana.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki", Naruto said. Hana twitched once more but left the room with the dog food in hand and three smaller clones of Kuromaru following her. Tsume motioned to help Haru finish feeding the other dogs. Thankfully, Naruto helped. Dog by dog was introduced, thanks to Naruto's curiosity. Strange how each dog really contained their own personality. Some barked when called their name, while other lazed around and wouldn't get despite being perfectly capable. Other's sat in a constant ready to pounce position. Regardless of the general consensus of their actions, they responded with slight differences.
"Dinner is ready", Hana blurted out at the entrance. The table was set with several types of meat and vegetable dishes, enough to feed an obese family reunion- a feast of feasts. A large table with designated seating for the immediate family and Naruto, covered in a velvet tablecloth. The true decorations of the main table and lesser tables next to it consisted of tender meats, properly cooked vegetables in different assortments, fruit or chocolate desserts covered in whipped cream, all lined to be passed around to allow everyone to try a bit of each or steal themselves for more. There was soup as well. Scrumptious décor all around the tables in a wonderfully suiting fashion to befit a guest of all guests- the future seventh hokage who saves the world.
Various unrecognizable men and women came to the table throughout a half an hour period. The main family table was for the head family and their guests, while most other families ate in their own rooms or houses which existed in the back yard. Typically, the clansmen will each eat with and feed their own ninken. However, tonight is a clan meeting and joint dinner prepared by the head family; apparently, Anzu and Haru are the maids as well as preparers of the dinner's meal and the school lunch bento. Several clansmen were asking about the first day at the academy. When Naruto spoke of a fight before class started, Tsume laughed and responded with the vicious fangs of an angry mother like earlier this morning.
"How can you let your ass get kicked, Kiba?" Tsume asked. The comparison between old and past mothers are oddly similar. In a similar situation as a child, mother encouraged fighting a kid pointing out the difference in waist line.
"It won't happen again", Naruto said. "We'll kick their asses next time." Tsume raised a brow.
"I like your friend", Tsume said. "Naruto was it?" For the first time, Tsume gave a hard look at Naruto, who sat straight back in his chair.
"Bit of mouthy kid", Hana said.
"Says the women who declared to be the first kunoichi hokage."
"What was that, Kiba?" Hana asked.
"You can't get upset for saying he'll kick a couple academy students butts when you have to over the trials of a kage." Hana placed a finger out, wishing to say something, but was quite dumbfounded. She must not be used to Kiba saying something intelligent.
"I wasn't upset", Hana said. "Nor did I say being mouthy was a bad thing."
"Kiba definitely didn't either", Naruto said while slurping a bowl of red bean soup. Not in the mood to continue, instead focusing on the plethora of meat platters on the table. Thankfully, Naruto's random comments about things being delicious and overall excitement brought smiles all around. He is a joy to his core, with a natural authenticity. The dinner lasted for a while, with every scrap being eaten by the clansmen. Eating with dignity was a foreign concept in clan affairs.
Helping Haru and Anzu cleanup was the next task while everyone else attended the meeting or went home. Naruto helped too, albeit since there was nothing else to do. Night had descended on the first day as Kiba Inuzuka. Naruto headed home with a smile and full belly, asking Tsume to come over more often- deflecting the answer to me. Yes was the obvious answer, ending Naruto's content first day in the academy. Not all was pleasant in the state of affairs of the Inuzuka clan. Many were frowning upon leaving.
"Hey, Kiba", Tsume said after the last members of the clan left the dining area. "You can't hang out with Naruto anymore. Got it?"
"Screw that. We're friends, aren't we?"
"What did you just say to mother, Kiba?" Hana asked. "It wasn't a request." Their reasoning was obvious- Naruto was the jinchuriki of Kurama, the nine-tailed fox. However, young Kiba nor Naruto know this. Saying too much without the truth being believable can be bad for a ninja.
"Why does everyone hate, Naruto, mom?" A question all too familiar every viewer asked themselves. No matter how far a story goes into detail, there is no reasoning greater than personal experience. Tsume looked down with sadness.
"I can't tell you", Tsume said.
"He's a jinchuriki, right? I heard villagers say it on the way home. Why does this make people hate, Naruto?"
"They broke the law", Tsume said. Hana's expression changed to confusion. "Eight years ago, shortly after you were born, a demon attacked the village. No one knows why. It destroyed many buildings and killed even more shinobi. A large portion of the Inuzuka clan died that night. The compound house used to be full of clan members all the time, but now it is empty. Most of the clan members live in guest houses in the back."
"How does this relate to Naruto?"
"The fourth hokage defeated the monster", Tsume said. "He sealed it into Naruto. Naruto is the nine-tailed fox."
"That sounds more stupid than I thought."
"Kiba, he killed your family!" Tsume roared. "I'm serious about this. The clan brought it up at the meeting. You are forbidden from talking to him." Tsume was teary eyed. For the first time, she seemed broken up rather than angry.
"Mom, can you hear me out?" Tsume looked down, not responding. "This morning after the fight, I asked Naruto to be my friend. He didn't know how to respond… Mom, I'm Naruto's first friend. Isn't that sad? Why should he be punished? What if he becomes the demon everyone hates by ignoring him?"
"The clan will have problems with you doing this", Tsume said. "It's stabbing your family in the back."
"I don't care. If anyone disregards the people they love so quickly, they never loved them, to begin with."
Tsume smiled.
"I'm proud of you, Kiba", Tsume said. "Ignore what the clan says. Naruto seems like a good kid. Be the best friend you can, perhaps an even greater rival."
"Can he ignore them so readily?" Hana asked.
"Of course, he can", Tsume smirked. "You were there for the meeting. As of now, he's officially the next heir. He'll oversee restoring our clan to its former height."
"Wait, what?"
"We'll talk more tomorrow", Tsume said. "I'm tired anyways. Come Kuromaru. Let's go to bed." Tsume hugged me goodnight, followed by Hana. "Don't worry about it, son. You'll do a great job."
"Chill out, little bro", Hana said. "You'll be fine."
Mother and sister, that is who Tsume and Hana are. At their core, they love Kiba Inuzuka- now me. They have the utmost faith and confidence even if I'm still only a child. If I'm to live in this world, that is who they are now. They are my family.
On the other hand, befriending Naruto was one of the greatest blessings to occur in a life. He really can bring a smile to anyone's face, regardless of how they feel about him. Fighting to protect Hinata and tackling those kids when he could have run away took guts. He was willing to be diligent in class, even if only a bit. High energy, but always willing to lend a hand if asked. It's only a single day, but the Naruto who I watched every day has come to life, fought, and laughed alongside me.
Whether God heard the last whisper from the previous flame's lifeforce is unknown. However, destiny, hopes, and dreams: if these exist in this world I know I'm meant to be here. To become a hero and go on grand adventures, that is my calling. Perhaps here can be achieved what my last life could not. A purpose only a main character in an epic can hold for themselves- this is what I want my life to be. It won't be easy, of course. Nothing worth fighting for ever is. I do not understand the journey to be embarked on, Father, but thank you for the opportunity. A miracle has occurred to live in a world of powerful shinobi. I am Kiba Inuzuka.
A/N: My first self-insert at the suggestion of a friend. I hope you enjoy it. I'm attempting first person writing, which my skills can be very capricious towards. While the third person is pretty consistent, my first person has a higher ceiling and much lower floor. Let me know your thoughts: what is something I can improve on? What are things I did well on? Etc. Feel free to be critical. There are even questions I tried to purposely raise and quell at the same time, trying to leave it to the imagination for later. Feel free to be critical of loose aspects.
If there are little things you want to see, let me know those too! If you guys come up with an idea that sounds fun, I'll probably include it with your permission. Also, I'm not a big shipping guy, so if there's a funny ship you want to push during more fluff centered pieces, feel free to let me know. Have a good day. Until next time.