Author note: Hi guys! This is my first fan fiction and I'd like to thank anyone who's taking the time to read it! I hope you find something you like that keeps you reading, and would love your suggestions to help improve my writing! I've read and rewrote so many parts of this, so I hope you don't have to put up with too many misspelling or typos! I've invested a long stretch of time into this story as well, so the writing style might change slightly as it progresses. I may go back to change a few small things as I continue, but here's me inviting you to take a look at what I have so far! Happy reading!

~SLP

WARNING: This story does consist mainly of OC's, if you're not a fan of that, then this story may not be for you! :)

I do not own the rights to any of the Naruto world. All original characters and plot are my own.

Thanks!

My Ninja Way!

"Please Lord. Help me to not screw this up."

The prayer I spoke softly in my head, eased itself to a peaceful conclusion and I allowed myself a few seconds to fade back into reality before opening my eyes slowly, and gazing at the stone shrine in front of me. It wasn't fancy by any means, just a cross made of stone with an oval, wooden, shelter like structure protecting it from the weather. This appeared to be in vain, the stone had been worn smooth and even sported a few chips and cracks here and there. The shrine sat on a short pedestal, the only thing making it stand out amongst the forest floor.

One of the first things I'd done when I'd gotten back, was come to this place to see if the statue still remained. It was old back then, and it had only grown older in my absence. I almost couldn't find it under the leaves and debris that camouflaged it, but was filled with such a deep happiness when I discovered the bit of stone still stood.

I took the time to unbury it and dust off the dirt and webs in order to restore it to its prior condition. I was about to go about cleaning the moss from the base, but found it actually gave the shrine an almost regal sort of beauty… Well maybe it wasn't exactly regal, not to anyone else, but that's why I loved this particular place to worship. It didn't seem as though anyone knew about it, especially after having to unbury it, and I felt that this precious stone statue was mine alone.

After bowing my head deeply, I got to my feet slowly and proceeded to walk a little ways to lean against a tree. I looked up between the leaves to see the blue of the sky. Just then a particularly strong breeze blew a handful of leaves from above me, and I caught one as it fell. I held the one I'd managed to grab between my fingers and against my lips, using it as a whistle like I'd watch my Father do with much fascination. He knew many tricks when it came to being outdoors, some useful, others simply entertaining. This happened to be one of the more useless skills, but nonetheless I'd practiced by myself until I had it mastered.

It had been beautiful for the past few days, and today was no exception. It was easy to enjoy standing among the trees and streams that made up the forest that surrounded the Leaf village. It could be so peaceful and calming. The last time I'd been here was when I was younger, when things were different.

'Were they better then?' I wondered to myself.

No… They were not better. I'd known my place and my role was more clear… but it was not better. Things weren't easier either, but at least I didn't feel a sense of guilt that seemed as though it were eating away at my soul.

The sound I made with my leaf was low and humming. To me it was a noise that fit in amongst the whooshing of the wind blowing through the trees. My mind was in an almost meditative state as I lost myself temporarily, melting into the woods that surrounded me.

This was the path I had chosen, and although those around me said I should have made the decision long ago… It did not feel as though they were entirely sure of me. Then again, was I sure of me? How could doing something right make you feel as I did? Lonely, unsure, selfish. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to come back to the Leaf village… But I had nowhere else to go. Besides that, when I said the word 'home', Konaha is what came to mind.

I had once heard that home is where people think of you, but I doubted anyone remembered me.

"Perhaps if I have no one to think of me…" I said to myself quietly after pulling the leaf from my lips to think aloud.

"I will find someone to think of. Maybe my home can be here because of it."

Pushing away from the tree, I lifted the leaf to my face and blew it from my open palm. It was sent spinning into the air like a mini tornado, flying high into the air on an unnatural gust. As it began its spiraling descent to the ground, I clasped my hands lightly behind my back, beginning my walk toward the restaurant I had scouted out earlier. It had been two weeks since I'd arrived at the Leaf Village, and after much thought and multiple meetings, the Lady Hokage had decided I'd be placed on a team in need of a member. It was odd, and a bit sad to discover the kind old man that had been there years before had since died, but this new Hokage seemed quite capable. Still it raised the question, what happened to the previous Hokage?

There was currently only one team with an opening, so there was no need to contemplate options. After explaining when and where I was to meet my new team, The Lady Hokage sent me off with demands to relax and stop looking so worried.

But how was I supposed to do that? The mere thought of relaxing puzzled me. So much was going through my mind, how could I possibly stop worrying? What if my team didn't like me? What if they thought I was useless, because I hadn't been around to take the chunin exams and was still a genin? I had spent so many days, nights, weeks training and being beat into something deemed useful, and with the master who was assigned to me, it had been very difficult… I knew I was capable, but how would they?

With nothing left to do after talking to the Lady Hokage, I'd decided to find the restaurant she'd told me about, wanting to make sure I knew where I was going. I was still terrified I'd screw something up by taking a wrong turn even after checking out the place beforehand. The Leaf had changed so much since I'd left, there were multiple new buildings and so many things had been updated that I found it was nearly an entirely different village to me… or perhaps it was the fact I was never permitted to be anywhere but home or school aside from occasional trips to the market.

As I walked through the gates, the two ninja that seemed to nearly always be stationed there, Izumo and Kotetsu I believe… smiled to me and nodded their heads. I smiled back and gave a slight wave.

They had been there when I'd trudged tired and alone through the village gate two weeks ago. It was dusk and chilly out, tears beginning to fill my eyes as I'd realized I'd finally made it… and there was no turning back. Nothing like realization to make you panic and question every decision you've made.

I was so worried that because of who I was connected to… because of my family… I wouldn't be worth anyone's time. You see, others may not have heard of a no name such as myself, but that didn't mean they were unaware of the people connected to me. My family who had made the wrong decisions. And it wasn't as though I hid it from those who asked. I wasn't a liar and as ugly as it may be, I did not want to deceive others, simply because I longed for their acceptance. I knew I would be hated for it down the road if it had been found out I had not been up front when being questioned.

So unfortunate as it was to start off a reputation connected to my family… I bared it. Because of them my life was so much harder. They had done as they wanted, ruining the image of themselves and those around them like spilled ink on a blank page. I was drug down with them until I had let go, but now I was alone.

When I had first arrived at the Leaf Village I'd been interrogated about anything that might prove to be useful, the Lady Hokage explained it was a precaution. Like I said before, I withheld nothing and gave them as much an answer to their questions as I could. Some of the things they wanted to know I had no information on, and although they seemed displeased by this, they accepted it for the time being. I suspected they were planning to try again at a different time. I knew how they must see me; a potential traitor and with no sense of honor… But I'm different from them! My family that is. I'm a ninja, and I'm proud of that. I will never let anything take away my will to fight. That is my ninja way.