What is a ninja?
I ask myself that often never really finding an answer but the one that has been told to us.
"A ninja is one who endures."
Many people believe and accept that statement for what ninjas truly are.
I, for one, do not.
Ninjas are not just people who have to take everything in and have people expect them to do all the dirty work. They do not just fight without a purpose. They either follow orders or do what they believe in. It's true they get to decide what they want to do with their power, but those who use it for good are very wise and strong-willed.
Ninjas are human beings too. They have feelings, homes, families, and partners. They may seem like tools, but-
Ninjas are more than that.
We see it everyday from the medic Nins at the hospital to the Hokage herself at the Tower protecting the village.
Ninjas are the most powerful, intelligent, and remarkable beings that you will ever meet.
Well, some of them.
My point is we do not just endure; we fight for what we believe in for the sake of others and for the village.
"Ha ha!" The streets fell silent as the village people turn their heads, "You'll never catch me! Ha!" Immediately all the faces in plain sight grimaced at the realization of the possessor for the booming voice.
The commotion undoubtedly caught my attention.
I stopped as well as my cousin who watched intently with disapproval. I watched as the boy appeared and I held in a giggle as I tried to contain myself. The scene before me was rather entertaining than irritating as most people are seeing it.
I saw a boy wearing a white shirt with a single orange swirl in the middle. He seemed to have gone through a paint house for all the stains of different colors plastered everywhere from his blond hair to his toes. He was being chased vigorously by two men dressed in Konohagakure combat uniform. He seems to cutting corners, but then appears again in the same spot on the street.
They seem to be having a hard time capturing him while the boy with paint stains was grinning and laughing like he was having the time of his life.
Just as the scene was about to pass me and my cousin, where we standing idly by on the sidewalk, they finally caught him by the hem of his shirt making him squirm in the man's hold.
I turned around completely as I was only a few feet from the blond boy then I suddenly had the urge to yell for them to let him go, but I bit my tongue.
Such disrespect is never allowed especially to someone who is of higher rank than you.
The man who caught him was fairly tall with dark brown hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail that formed a pineapple. His skin was a perfect olive shade going along with his dark brown eyes. One thing about him that was absolutely noticeable was the long gash spread across his nose.
He was yelling non-stop at the boy and I watched as everyone started cursing and bickering under their breaths. The boy managed to get free from the man's grasp and landed on the ground sloppily. He gritted his teeth and started shouting.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto!" He paused and stared at the ground, "and I will become Hokage!" The boy yelled with all his power then he sharply turned and ran away.
The two men cursed under their breath as they started jumping upon the roofs. After the two men disappeared the village people started raising their voices with foul language and words that my mind does not recognize nor does it want to, but I was too immerse in the boy I didn't pay attention.
But one word caught my ear. I don't exactly know why, but I guess it was just my childish curiosity.
The word was now being spoken many times with so much distaste on their tongues. I gazed up at my cousin as he held onto my hand gently. He didn't bother to look at me as he still stared like the scene was still continuing.
"Kyuubi? What's a Kyuubi?" I stared at him innocently. He snapped out of his reverie and looked down at me. He faintly grimaced at the word adding more to my curiosity.
"Do not concern yourself with that." He said softly. I managed a small frown. He then started to walk again which caught me off guard causing me stumble for a moment, but my cousin did not stop nor did he slow down. I regained my balance as my eyes were faced to the ground.
Kyuubi...
I let out a small smile as I replayed the event in my mind.
Uzumaki...
My cheeks started to warm up as a small shockwave sparked within me. My eyes widen in surprise as the sudden jolt somehow gave me a sense of strength and... A new feeling... I have never felt before.
My heart started pounding rapidly against my chest. My palms became sweaty. My breath became unsteady. My head was whirling with unknown emotion. My cheeks were as red as a tomato.
I continued to face the ground as I hid my face.
I did a short glance behind me and I noticed a small boy laughing as he pointed upwards at the Hokage monument. My eyes followed and before I knew it I was giggling.
"So that explains the paint stains..." I said quietly.
My cousin eyed me as he stopped.
"Is there a problem, Hinata-sama?" I looked up at him and shook my head.
He narrowed his eyes, "I'm fine," I say as I calmed myself down and smiled. He nodded his head and continued walking.
I faced forward and followed as my smile widened. I lifted my right hand to touch my cheeks softly as they burned tenderly.
The Hokage monument was covered in crazy and amusing designs that were once the Hokages of Konohagakure, but now appear as colorful clowns. The monument had one giant swirl on the cheek of the third Hokage. It looked like a signature for his work and I secretly applauded him. The rest were too random and sloppy to even pinpoint what shapes they were.
A harmless prank.
I suddenly felt happy beyond belief by the prank. I raised my head and I could feel my cousin's stare hooked on me.
"Hinata-sama…" without looking at him I answered him.
"Yes?"
"You appear to be very happy."
My smile did not falter, "It may seem so…"
"It's been a while since I've seen you smile like that, Hinata-sama." I did not continue the conversation, but instead stayed quiet as I realized his words.
True, I haven't felt this way in a long time.
... Naruto.
Uzumaki, Naruto.
Now that's a name I will never forget.
I have a feeling this won't be the last time I'll be seeing him.
