Update: 1/28/11 - Just a quick note if you missed it in the summary. This is set before the manga actually begins. It is set in the Naruto universe but is not canon. It is primarily all OC. Canon characters do not appear for several chapters and are only mentioned briefly once they do. Also, the concept of this story was conceived before Shippuden so there are a lot of ideas that do not follow canon. I understand the reader's expectations of a story do not always agree with the author's. I'm sorry to have disappointed you if that is what you were expecting here. If you are a canon die-hard this story is not for you.

I respect comments that will help improve my story or writing skill but please at least read if you plan to offer constructive criticism. A poor review that says "I didn't read it but your story sucks" isn't going to have much meaning to me. I appreciate you may have different expectations and I appologize if my brief summary led you to believe the story is something other than what it is but that does not make it a "flop". It just means I need to write a better summary. Unless you have access to my traffic or inbox to see the hits/visitors or PMs that I've received or you have an understanding of what MY expectations are as the author, you are not qualified to speak to whether or not my story is in fact, a flop. I appologize if the story did not meet your expectations but please be considerate of the fact that your expectations do not represent ALL readers' expectations.

Chapter 1: Unnamed

"Lord Kaito, surely now you will concede."

Kaito sighed deeply into the palm of his hand as he leaned back in the chair behind his desk. He dismissed the two guardsmen on either side of the door with a wave of his free hand.

"Has the child been subdued, Akuna?" he asked in resignation.

"She has." Akuna replied. "Kaito, her outbursts are becoming more troublesome now that Enoki has left for the academy. She wishes to join her cousin and she will continue to act out until she is permitted to do so."

"Her mother expressly forbid Amaya be trained as a shinobi. The Council of Elders agreed, Akuna. I must respect their wishes."

"Kaito, it's not like you to hide behind The Council. As for Shikama…She left Amaya in your care. She has taken no responsibility as the girl's mother. She rarely even visits her. I believe there is more to your objections than this."

Akuna finished pouring the drinks placing one cup of sake in front of his friend. He had known Kaito since they were students at the academy themselves. Kaito was descended from the Hikana clan, the ruling clan of the Land of Water for the last 6 generations. The Hikana clan was known for producing strong shinobi. It was this apparent hereditary genius that kept them in power. Overtime though, this genius appeared to have waned. While Kaito was a strong shinobi, he was far from genius. He had been second in line to become Daimyo, after his older brother, Tanaka.

These past few years had been tough on Kaito. Flecks of grey were starting to appear in his chestnut hair. Fine wrinkles were beginning to show themselves at the corners of Kaito's usually smiling brown eyes

The 2nd Great Shinobi World War had nearly come to an end by the time he became Daimyo. His father, Fusco had struggled to keep The Land of Water out of the War. The Council had been relentless in their desire to expand their territories by taking advantage of the neighboring lands weakened by the War. Their efforts only increased as the end drew near.

The Council had been trying for years to undermine the authority of the Hikana clan. They desired power over the other nations and were frustrated with the partnership between the Mizukage, Yagura, and the old Daimyo, Lord Fusco. They felt the balance of power was too one-sided, leaning in favor of the Hikana Clan, who they believed had become soft and weak. Originally Yagura had agreed with Lord Fusco and opposed participation in the War. As it drew to an end, however, Yagura began to challenge Fusco, siding with The Council. He became a tyrant, implementing changes to the order and hierarchy of Kirigakure. Lord Fusco suspected there were members of The Council who had betrayed the Land of Water and somehow manipulated Yagura in attempt to control him with catastrophic results. He was unable to prove his suspicions before his assassination, though. Tanaka became Daimyo as Kaito stood beside him.

Tanaka inherited a country torn by internal strife. The country had already been on the brink of civil war. Tanaka allowed his anger over the betrayal of Yagura and the assassination of his father to dictate his method of rule. While his father had tried to resolve the conflict peacefully, Tanaka believed a strong militant approach was necessary. He decided to eradicate his country of those who opposed his clan, attempting to dissolve The Council.

In addition to accepting their father's death, fending off The Council's advances, and dealing with Yagura, the brothers were faced with the scandal and disgrace of their sister Shikama's return, pregnant and unwed.

While it had been well known the Princess had indiscreet tendencies, to put it mildly, her skill as a kunoichi had been incomparable. Shikama had become the strongest shinobi to descend from the Hikana line in nearly 50 years. She was capable of using fire, earth and water natures and possessed 2 Kekkeii Genkai. Whether out of fear, awe, or respect, the public had turned a blind eye toward her perversions. Now, with a bastard child on the way, it was no longer possible to disregard the scandal

Shikama would say nothing of the child's father, giving no clues as to who he may be…at least not officially. Tanaka, Kaito and Akuna knew better. She had left nearly a year before on assignment. Her mission was to investigate a foreign ninja who had been seen in the country. She was to determine, by any means necessary, any involvement in espionage or subterfuge which could threaten the Land of Water. More specifically she was to determine if the stranger had been responsible for Yagura's betrayal. Akuna had accompanied her himself. He had seen the relationship that developed between Shikama and the foreign ninja. There could be no other man responsible. To make matters worse, the investigation proved fruitless. The Council used the scandal as means to undermine the integrity of the Hikana Clan, gathering more support for their military aggression.

Kaito watched from the side lines as The Council attempted to force Tanaka into submission. Tanaka would not submit. In the end, after only a few short months as ruler, The Council cornered Tanaka, presenting him with an ultimatum. He was forced to decide between his country and his life. Tanaka chose his country, sacrificing himself to save his people. Before doing so, with Kaito's help, he managed to convince The Council to refrain from war, if only for awhile; his bargaining chip, the newborn child of Princess Shikama.

Those present at her birth knew she would one day be more powerful than her mother. They could sense the chakra in the infant; a signature more powerful than any seen in the known history of the Hikana clan. Both factions hoped that she would be the key to resolving the civil unrest in their country and return Kiri to greatness among the shinobi villages.

Despite his reluctance, Kaito had become a fair and just ruler. He witnessed Tanaka's fall and learned from his mistakes. Kaito knew he must handle The Council diplomatically rather than by brute force as Tanaka had done. Kaito was a masterful diplomat. His efforts in mediating the final negotiations between The Council and Tanaka had earned him their respect. He patiently listened to the advice of The Council but made it quite clear from the beginning he would consider only sound, supported advice when making decisions. He would not be their puppet.

He ignored their insistence that the infant possessed resources beyond any she would ever be able to control. He knew it was a ploy. He knew it was an excuse they were using to attempt to gain control of her themselves. Kaito worried that Amaya's attendance at the academy would remove her from his protective custody. He feared the influence The Council may exert over her. More importantly, he feared the power he would loose should she submit to their exertions. He believed as long as he could control her, he may be able to mend the deep injuries from which his country had suffered.

Kaito's mind was wandering.

Shikama showed no interest in the child after her birth. This had concerned Tanaka and Kaito despite reassurance from the midwife and other womenfolk that it was not unusual for a woman to go through a short period of detachment after giving birth. Kaito himself couldn't recall his wife, Junko, experiencing such feelings after the birth of their son, Enoki. He hoped Shikama would come around but even now, 2 years later, Shikama kept her distance.

Junko had chosen the girl's name after Tanaka had returned with the crying child, imploring Junko to relieve him. The child's despair was infectious. It was as if she could sense her mother's distaste for her.

"Please, Junko." He pleaded. "I took the baby to Shikama hoping she would at least look at her or hold her perhaps."

He had implored Shikama to hold the child, feed her, give her a name. She simply said, almost whimsically "motherhood just isn't something I ever considered for myself. You're much more suited to raise it than I, Tanaka. Take it away." As if the baby were a mere trifle and Tanaka's distress was amusing to her. "You will take care of it, Tanaka. You always do" she laughed.

"I don't know what to do." He nearly cried to Junko and Kaito.

"You're mistaken Akuna." Kaito said quietly returning from his memory. He continued with a wry smile "Shikama left her in Tanaka's care. I have Tanaka to thank for my current situation, as Daimyo as well as guardian of the little terror."

"Heh, Regardless, at this rate, the palace will not withstand too many more temper tantrums." Akuna mused. "Perhaps The Council would agree with her training if we took the approach that her lack of chakra control places you in danger."

"Hrm. Not likely. You were there. You know as well as I, they would rather see her locked up in a prison somewhere under the highest level of security. There is no humanity in what they propose."

Akuna remembered that night quite well. It was the night Kaito had become Daimyo. The first order of business for The Council was an attempt to gain custody of the small child. They wished to have her imprisoned, as Kaito said, to be used as their tool when the time was right.

"Tanaka believed this child holds the future prosperity of the Land of Water in her hands. As such, her growth and development should be nurtured. She should be educated and molded to become a great leader. She should not be imprisoned in a manner that will foster hatred and fear. The Hunto Accord will be honored, when the time comes. There will be peace. You have no fears as long as the child remains in my care."

Akuna couldn't have been more proud of his friend.

"The child" Kaito thought.

At some point he too would have to consider her a tool. He would be forced to let go of the paternal feelings that he had developed for his niece. Of course Junko didn't mind caring for Amaya. She had grown quite fond of the child. Her own pregnancy had been very difficult. After several miscarriages had left her weak and frail, it had been determined she would not survive another. She gladly accepted the roll thrust upon her as she had so desperately wanted a daughter of her own. She was dismayed by Shikama's disregard for her own child.

"I don't know what to do" Tanaka had nearly cried.

Junko decided in that moment, she would love the baby girl as though she were her own. She was determined that for every ounce of contempt, animosity or disregard shown to this child by Shikama, The Council, or anyone else, it would be countered 10 fold with her love and compassion.

Junko carefully took the crying infant from Tanaka, carrying her gently to the rocking chair by the window, she sat down and began to hum a lullaby. As she cradled the child a cool breeze blew through the window carrying with it the scent of the fresh spring rain as it fell shortly after sunset. A sense of peace filled the room and the baby's cries slowly subsided. "I think she likes the rain." Junko said softly. "We'll call her Amaya."

"I think it's your lullaby, Junko." Kaito whispered as he stood beside his wife gazing down at the infant. He knew Junko's heart and could see her intentions as she rocked the baby who was fighting to stay awake. He could see the determination set in his wife's deep blue eyes as she stroked the baby's fine brown hair. That was her way. She never did anything half hearted. It was what Kaito loved most about his wife. He knew she would love this child as she did her own. If he had any reservations or objections he would never be able to express them to her. He could not say no to those eyes.

"Amaya suits her." He said reaching for the infant's hand. As her small hand tightly closed around his finger, Kaito was overcome with a sense of love and peace. The kind of calm one feels when relaxing in the cool breeze that precedes a gentle spring rain, fragrant and refreshing. Closing his eyes he drew a deep breath, savoring the fragrance of the night rain now heavy in the room and released it slowly.

"Perhaps you are right, my love. Perhaps it is the rain that has soothed her."

There was something more though. There was something more than the calming sense of peaceful love. Was it…perhaps…could it be gratitude?

He opened his eyes to see the child staring back at him. Her eyes appeared focused on his as though she were intent on relaying some kind of message.

"Those eyes… I never thought I'd see such eyes."

"Kaito?"

Kaito looked up to see Akuna staring at him questioningly, a concerned look on his face.

"I'm sorry Akuna. I was distracted."

"Kaito, as her uncle and the Daimyo, I'm certain you could convince them of the necessity of proper training. Amaya is a prodigy."

Kaito couldn't help a small grin.

"Do you have any idea how ridiculous that would sound to The Council? They haven't been close to the child. To them, they see nothing more than a toddler prone to temper tantrums. She will not even speak in complete sentences yet you expect me to convince them she should be admitted to the academy? A prodigy…huh?" he shook his head.

"She should be educated and molded to become a great leader." Akuna pressed "Those were your words."

Kaito knew his friend was right. Amaya just wasn't ready though. He needed more time.

"I'll tell you what…You tutor her. Get her to communicate in a suitable manner, without the fits, behaving in a manner appropriate for a shinobi and I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you Lord Kaito. I will do my best."

"I know you will. Now, enough with the 'Lord' business. How about another round of sake, my friend?"

And here is my original A/N. It's still applicable so I didn't want to delete it completely but I felt the updated one at the beginning was too important and a huge A/N at the beginning might discourage someone from continueing to the story.

A/N: I've never written fanfic before. This is my first attempt. Actually it is my first attempt at any kind of fiction as I have never written for any purpose other than academics before now. I hope it's at least somewhat acceptable. It was this idea that brought me here. I've been a reader for several months now and was happy to see several stories with similar concepts. A couple of them were so similar, in fact, I considered not posting this at all. I don't want to seem a copy cat or anything. In the end I decided I just wanted to have fun with it…if for no other reason than the fact that it's been playing out in my head at night and has been keeping me awake. Perhaps if I put it here I can finally get some sleep =)

This is VERY loosely based on Naruto of which I claim no ownership. It is set quite some time before the beginning of the Manga, so be aware that characters from the Manga will not appear for several chapters. Please do not flame me for story/plot/character inaccuracies. This is a story that's kind of been running around in my head for quite some time now, before a lot of the actual events occurred in the Manga. What's the point of fanfic if I can't take some liberties with artistic license anyway? Right? As the story progresses it will fall a bit more in line with the Manga.

So…here goes. I hope you enjoy, please review...it would go a long way toward fighting my insecurities and protecting my fragile psyche =P