Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the Naruto manga. Everything else that's not in there is mine.
Note: The Guide, Stats, Skills will all be in my profile and accessible for anyone who wants to know, so that the story will be able to progress without distractions. This is also because all explanations for functions and calculations would have made every chapter worth 10k of words, and would be extremely confusing and messy. I will indicate – Document Name * Tab the information is found at * Section of the tab – as indicators if you need to refer.
This fanfiction will follow the Last Name – First Name sequence that is common in Japan. It might take some getting used to, but I'd like to be immersed in Japan's traditional culture as much as possible from what I could learn from online.
10th November, 5 years after the end of 1st Shinobi World War
It has been a few months now, ever since getting these lucid dreams in my sleep. It had started ever since my parents passed away, seemingly replacing what should be there to recover from the grief. Dreams that seemed so real yet impossible.
Dreams of vehicles that are the main mode of transport, some that are even able to transport people at extremely fast speeds through air. All these are impossible here. Vehicles are a luxury that the Snow village guarded jealously; and even so, only the richest can travel in them.
These dreams started with scenes of me growing up as the only child in an upper-middle income family, with two loving parents. Of sitting on the carpet floors of the Library, happily reading various crime or detective novels that I could get my hands on. Of playing role playing games or simulator games during stressful times. The me in these dreams have always liked the fantasy world and deduction theories.
These dreams seemed to proceed in a chronological order, from my early years, as though I had lived it myself, minus the feelings associated with these experiences.
There were dreams of volunteering in various mental health associations during my teenage to adult years; which explained the eventual interest in Psychology. That prompted the 3 months "battle" to convince my parents to allow me to take Psychology alongside with my current Degree in Design Innovation.
I remembered being strangely obsessed with calligraphy and herbal tea, likening it to meditation, where I would be seen resorting to during breaks. Calligraphy would be seen everywhere around the house, and the letters to my parents when I was in college would be written in my self-created calligraphy styles.
Then it got worse. These dreams seemed to have evolved to memories, where I seemed to have recalled memories I never knew I had even in my waking hours.
Like remembering when my parents died in a fire back home when I was still living in the dormitories in college. I picked up meditation and yoga daily as suggested by my favourite lecturer to cope with my grief. Luckily, I didn't need to work part time as I had decent savings along with being in my senior year with college and lodging fees fully paid for.
I remembered eventually settling down working as an Innovation consultant, picking up physiology and nutrition along the way. I eventually decided to take a PsyD in after a year of saving up and contemplation. It was a constant struggle, I continued to work in my company as I still stubbornly refused to touch my inheritance money. My parents would have wanted me to have enough savings for an emergency.
After graduation, I managed to land a job as an assistant lecturer. Honestly, I had no other goals or aspirations aside from these. My life would have been a normal one, if not for the fact that I have never had any friends. I would constantly baffle my parents with my inability to form bonds, the most I could achieve was acquaintances. Being from a traditional asian culture, I did not have a lack of ability to conform and work with my classmates and team. It was more that I could never seem to feel comfortable with any of them and vice versa. I have never felt lonely weirdly, for some reason I found myself enjoying the solitary atmosphere.
It was one day when I was home after a headache-inducing night out with my colleagues, social interactions still being as confusing as ever. I was getting ready to sleep when I felt nauseous, body suddenly feeling weak and cold. Grabbing the covers of my bed, I tried to warm myself up while making a cup of ginger tea when I suddenly rushed to the sink and started puking.
When the heaving stopped, I tried to reach for the tea when the sudden movement made me faint and giddy. I remembered reaching for the chair, blacking out at the next moment.
It was most likely serious food poisoning, but I had no idea how I could be so sure. Without access to such books in the orphanage, I had no way of knowing aside from my "memories".
It was one day, exactly a month before my 5th birthday when the "memories" have settled down, and it seemed that there isn't any more information coming in, I started seeing "levels" and "name" as well as "positions" on top of the other orphans and caretaker's heads in the orphanage.
People that I never knew; wouldn't have known as due to the end of the 1st Shinobi War five years ago there were still countless of orphans joining, their names, their titles were all apparent to me. It was frightening. The memories were already shaking my belief that my current life is real, things that happened here was considered magic or sorcery in my life. With the added game features to my perception, it was like I was in a warped version of a role-playing game with no way out.
As I began my new-starting-today daily morning yoga and meditation routine, I can feel my nerves calming down as I focused on my breaths. Despite the misgivings in regards to my sanity, the routine from my memories was extremely calming regardless of the frequent stumbling and pain from never stretched before muscles.
Sitting up to end the routine, I opened my palms while breathing out through my mouth. Suddenly a weight landed on my palms shocking me out of my meditation. "Wha…" Right in my hands was a thin A5 sized notebook with the words 'Game Guide' on top. Looking up at the mirror in front of me and confirming that the words hanging on top of my head are still present, I decided to just open it and get some answers myself instead of wasting time wondering.
== To read the guide, please visit profile to view. - Guide –
"This is…" I huffed as I rubbed my eyes with my palms and traced the green leather spine, the same shade as the leaves of the hashirama trees. Deciding to just go along with this "Game" lest I start screaming my head out, I swiftly selected options and chose all visibility, mental sensor and no notifications before grabbing my sensu and falling into familiar steps of the Sasaki Nihon Buyo.
Before the passing of my parents, I have been taught in the Sasaki clan skills as befitting of the heiress. I might be considered an heiress but my family were all that's left of the clan. Father an archivist for the Daimyo, taught me all he could about this land's brush calligraphy and the history and geography of the lands. Mother as one of the main dancers for the Daimyo and head of the clan; as all heads are females, taught me the clan dance Sasaki Nihon Buyo as well as traditional tea ceremony.
My parents frequently travelled with the Daimyo to the various villages for work, leaving me back at the capital with different nannies or baby sitters. They would often make mochi with various designs to entertain me as well as styling my hair.
It was on one such travel a few years after the end of the 1st shinobi war and 3 months earlier where the daimyo was attacked by a group of jounin ranked "Missing-nin" from Kumogakure. Everyone knew Kumo held a grudge, and they couldn't afford to start another war as everyone was still recovering. The daimyo was safe thankfully, but many of the civilians serving were not since the ninjas priority was to protect the Daimyo. Being the only orphan in this event, and the sole heir of a famous performing arts clan, I was given the privilege of being placed in the safest orphanage in the Fire Village, right inside Konoha as well as paid tuition in either the civilian school or academy of my choice.
I was extremely conflicted. Logically, I know it isn't the Daimyo's fault. It's a safety hazard for living in a world filled with two vastly different groups of people, one overpowering the other easily. The Daimyo was especially constantly at risk, and my parents knew what they were getting into. There was a reason why the Sasaki clan is only left with me as the sole heir.
Light and relaxed steps with gentle wave of the arms, gradually increasing to cheerful and excited spins. The Nihon Buyo would easily lift the spirits of all observers. Well, my mother's version would. I still could not stop tensing my shoulders when spinning more than one circle.
Being placed in the Konoha orphanage is honestly a huge privilege. With the scarcity of shinobi, there were not enough to look after the orphans forcing them to limit spaces. Only orphans with connections or history were allowed in. If Konoha could, they would be more willing to bring in as much Orphans as possible. Out of every 10 child 1 would end up being a Shinobi.
Of course, every orphan had to at least give the academy a try. If they were to flunk out they could choose to attend the civilian school, but at least every orphan would have some skills to protect themselves.
I have no idea if I could continue my family trade. I have no willingness whatsoever to perform in close proximity with the Daimyo anymore. I do not hate him, I just did not want to see him ever in my life.
Relax the shoulders and neck, stiff arms and relaxed wrists and fingers. Dainty toes and strong thighs. Cheerful fast paced steps slowly turning strong and swift, emotions getting hyped up and preparing for battle. The dances of this world speaks a lot about the history and progression of the lands. From the cheerful hopes in a new beginning, to the strengthening bonds and friendship in the formation of lands. Then the rifts between the lands formed arriving to the chants of battle. Mother had often spoke of using the steps in this part of the dance to protect herself from other civilians wishing her harm, with the Sasaki sensu's structure usually made from sharp steel found in shurikens.
The dance suddenly changed to lethargy, heavy shoulders and frail feet. Hopeless and aimless movement speaking of the end of war, where friends and families were lost. Slowly and steadily steel returned to the spine, grim postures embracing the finale as resolve grew to carry on their legacy, their wishes, hopes and dreams as well as to protect all that is left.
The Sasaki clan's Nihon Buyo is created with such a vast amount of steps and arcs with transitions in between to ensure that it can be performed back to back without any awkward stops. The members of the clan were often tested for their mastery in the dance through the consistency in strength and emotions portrayed with perfect posture and steps for 3 hours straight.
Once the final step is done, I fell into the standard bow with my hands in front. My current level only allowing for a single dance without any major mistakes. Grabbing a change of clothes, I walked with unhurried steps towards the communal bath to get ready for breakfast.
Ever since entering the orphanage, I have been cooping myself with my own daily routine and thoughts, only responding when spoken to. I have been improving, I believe, finding myself being more aware of what went on around me, what I ate, and what people were chatting amongst themselves about.
After showering and putting on a light plain green yukata with the clan symbol scattered around on the obi. I smacked my face and tried to put on a smile. "Well, at least this grimace doesn't look as bad as yesterday." Going through the regular motions of pulling my hair in a bun and decorating it with chopsticks with the clan symbol dangling from it and putting on a geta before sliding my sensu into a pocket hidden in my sleeves, I stood in front of the hallway mirror and sighed.
Staring back at me is a young girl with light violet hair and reddish-violet eyes, pale skin and short yet slim stature. Mother often said that clan features will always shine through the females, everyone having violet hair.
The slowly increasing sounds of chatter and screams around broke me from my thoughts and I walked calmly towards the dining room. Bowing in greeting to the Matron, I grabbed a plate before going to one of the tables at the back to eat.
"Nao-chan."
Looking up at the Matron, I noticed that she must have followed me to the back. "You've only been here for 3 months, so you are most likely unaware, but today is the day the Shinobis would be here to talk about the Academy, so you will have to stay here after eating."
Nodding in acknowledgement, I placed my empty plate in one of the empty containers before grabbing a bottle of water and returning to my seat, observing the other orphans as they rushed to grab their meals.
The titles above their heads showed that most of them are from civilian clans, with some heirs here and there. Dealing with merchant, construction, farming and many others that were frequently higher on the risks factor from travelling or occupational hazards. There were others who are from shinobi clans, mostly the sole remaining heir.
Feeling that her thoughts are taking a turn for the worse, Nao decided to explore her gamer functions as she mentally selected the menu button.
= To view stats please go to profile – Chapter Stats * Prologue - Nao * Aa -
Looking at my current stats, status and skills had me wondering why this game seemed to give more benefits to others than the main gamer. It seemed like it's an ability that constantly promotes a selfless mentality. I understood this village's culture, it's rather like my other memories. The priority is not to self, but to everyone. To never be a burden to others, and to help whenever possible. The culture revolves around co-dependence and strength in unity. I agree whole heartedly too, as a bundle of chopsticks is always stronger than one.
This does not change the fact that I am constantly reminded to make friends, to find people I would trust. I'm already not sure if I'm sane, and to make others suffer with my constant presence, it makes one doubt that I'm being selfless here.
The dining hall hushed as a pair of shinobi walked to the front and addressed all of us.
"As you may know, ever since the 3rd Hokage was appointed, he made a law to ensure that all orphans will be given a chance to attend the Academy. We are here to answer all questions you may have."
With that, the speaker, a blond-haired man with his hair in a ponytail walked to the side near the door. The other Shinobi, a man with a buzz cut and broad shoulders went to the other side of the room and proceeded to stare menacingly at all of us.
Surprisingly, the older kids here who seemed to be familiar with this chose to gravitate towards the menacing man, with the other kids following suit. I looked around confused before deciding to find out more first. The man with a buzz cut was apparently an academy instructor, named Maki Akio with an unknown level. Deciding to go on a hunch, I mentally thought info while looking at him and was pleasantly awarded with text and an outline of a box.
"Maki Akio is a shinobi of Konohagakure. He seems to be fond of children and takes his job as an Academy Instructor seriously."
There wasn't much details at all, but given that what was said were things I could easily figure out by observing his interactions with the children around him. I could see hints of a smile as he responded to them gruffly, as though he was trying to put up an uncaring and stern façade. 'Seems like these children know how to read people well too. But why…'
Turning back to the other man, I noticed that he was the Yamanaka Clan Head, named Yamanaka Inorei. Unknown level again. Upon seeing his description, I gasped and clenched my fist.
"Yamanaka Inorei is the clan head of the shinobi clan Yamanaka. The Yamanaka clan is known for its skills in intelligence gathering as well as mind reading."
Now I… no… that did not explain why the other kids did not approach him. Deciding to just ask straight out instead of speculating, and I wanted to see if my mind was playing tricks again.
Gathering my courage, I stopped right in front of the man and went into the default smile when welcoming customers.
"Hello." Yamanaka-sama looked down and smiled gently. "You would need to head over there with your questions though, I'm only here to speak to those who might need counselling from what they might have faced." He gently patted my head before placing his hand on my shoulder, planning to steer me towards Maki-san.
Digging my heels in I continued to stare up at him. "Counselling?" Thoughts ran around in my head with no clear direction. Gradually it slowed down as I focused on only one word. Mind reading. I could find my answer now. I probably am insane, letting someone in my head. Either way I'm insane. Definitely.
The matron walked over, apparently signalled whilst I was lost in my thoughts. "Nao-chan, aren't you going over to ask Maki-san questions?"
"Maki-san?" I looked up at her briefly before facing Yamanaka-sama again, repeating the word counselling over and over under my breath.
The matron sighed before facing him and giving a small bow. "Yamanaka-sama, I deeply apologize. She's new here, just in for three months. Kept to herself mostly, seems like she has not gotten over her grief. She's probably trying to ask for counselling…"
With that, Yamanaka-sama loosened his hold on my shoulder and returned to patting my head. I noticed him looking up behind me, most likely to his partner before coming to a decision and gently held my hand. The matron must have briefly went to retrieve my file as she passed him one with my picture pasted on the front page. She cast a worried glance over at me before returning to overseeing the others.
I felt myself being led to a room with tea already prepared, and waited for him to be seated before settling into a seiza in front of him. I immediately grabbed the pot and served the tea for both of us, as taught for informal situations.
"Sasaki Nao-chan correct?" At my nod, he smiled and continued rifling through the papers. "Standard protocol for all counselling, your matron as your de facto guardian have given her permission for this. Upon entering this room and with the closure of the door, all privacy seals are activated and conversation in here will be recorded only for the Hokage and his chosen personnel's eyes, as well as the both of us."
Smiling gently at me again, he wrote something down in the file before placing his entire focus on me. "Now Nao-chan, as this is the first session, we're just here to understand more before deciding if you need recurring sessions. Try to be as honest as possible and take deep breaths and tell me if you're not comfortable answering. Do your best to not lie okay?"
I nodded again and took a deep breath. "Mind reading." At his look of surprise, I repeated, feeling more determined. It's not because I was convicted of my decision, but It's more that I felt like I was dangling at the end of a cliff, hanging on and feeling my palms sliding.
I did not think this through, it was on total impulse. I understood that this was after the world war, and a shinobi state. I was drilled on the history and culture and knew a bit of the politics.
It was reckless.
I'd probably regret it.
Nao chose the option to see the titles, names, and levels whenever she focused. Instead of seeing it every single time, which would have been extremely distracting and making her even more confused.
In traditional medicine / herbal, Ginger is known for its ability to relieve nausea. It also helps a lot when you're feeling cold. A more accessible alternative to when you're feeling cold is cinnamon, even though it's not as effective when it comes to nausea.
Nihon Buyo is a general term for a type of Japanese Traditional Dance, with more sub types within it. It literally translates to "Japanese Dance". I don't really know much about this sadly.
Sensu is a handheld folding fan used in traditional dances. I wanted the clan to have steel blades as it's spine as a protection for their clan members, especially clan heir, and that every member would be given their own personal fan that symbolizes who they are.
Geta are a little like wooden clogs, which Jiraiya is seen to be wearing. Nao prefers to wear socks with it.
Seiza is a traditional and very formal way of sitting. Now mostly used in traditional arts such as before and after learning traditional dances, or in tea ceremonies.
The traditional Japanese clothes and footwear for females are generally restrictive and doesn't allow for being quick or flexible. They must walk slowly and gently as well as calmly. I wanted to incorporate that into what she has learnt as a clan heir which is deeply entrenched in the grace and poise of the females of traditional culture in entertainment arts, while conflicting with her memories as an independent individual that doesn't see the need to devote her life to make others happy.