"Kaa-san I'm home", I call out as I close the front door. I quickly remove my shoes before heading into the kitchen where my mother stand at the counter chopping vegetables. "Smells good, what are we having?"
"Your father and brother will be having a nice sukiyaki, while you and I will share simple salad. Won't that be nice." She says with a smile and steel in her eyes.
Internally I sigh, why it must always be like this. "That sounds nice but maybe I could have the same as tou-san..." I trail off as she stops her chopping.
A frown pulls as her face. "Now dear you know you need to watch your figure. How will you get a good husband if you get fat? I mean look at you!"
"Kaa-san you know as a kunoichi in training I burn through many calories in a day and need to eat large high carb meals to make up for this." I try my best to keep calm as I explain for what feels like the millionth time. Why can't she understand how important my training is, how much I want to be a kunoichi?
"But sweety if you get anymore muscles then you will end up an old maid!" She sounds as though this is the worst thing in the world. "No, you need to stop with all this foolish training nonsense and listen to me if you don't want to end up alone. It's not too late dear, you could still get a nice husband like you father."
"Or maybe I could become a great kunoichi." I counter, even though I know she won't listen.
"You could be such a wonderful wife and have a good life, if you'd only stop this nonsense now while you still have a reputation. I mean you will never make it as a ninja so best to stop now before it's too late." She gives me sugary smile and pushes the vegetables and knife closer to me. She nods encouragingly.
I scowl as I leap to my feet and storm towards the front door, ignoring her yells to come back.
I won't give up my dreams. Not for her, not for anyone. One day I will be a kunoichi and I will be great.
I head towards the academy training grounds intent on improving my aim.
Maybe once I have my headband she will accept my choices.