Summary- Murakami Kana came to the human world with her father's servant, Takatsu, with only one task: collect the Jinchuriki and destroy The Great Shinobi Nations. To set things right again, she will bring together the most powerful being to ever live. As she gains respect and help from many shinobi. Will she conquer this land and obey her father's orders or will she turn away and pave her own destiny for love and friendship? So many questions that only with time will you find the answer.
-_-
In the peaceful sand dunes of Sunagakure no Sato the wind blew softly whispering to the lone traveler. The hooded figure wore a long silver coat that shielded him from the blistering heat of the sun that perpetually beamed down. A small child sat on his shoulder wearing a black cloak and a straw hat with a bell on the left side.
The sun had dropped when the figures arrived at Sunagakure no Sato. As they approached the gates, he pulled down his hood revealing spiky silver hair that reached his shoulders, and greenish yellow eyes. His smooth pale skin glowed as the moon steadily rose into the night. The child on his left shoulder removed the straw hat and held it relaxingly with in their left hand.
"Names and registration." The guard demanded.
"Murakami Takatsu and Murakami Kirai, we do not belong to any village but we wish to live here in Suna."
"Very well, welcome to Sunagakure no Sato."
The silver haired man, Takatsu, continued walking and soon they entered Suna. Homes where lit up and loud laughter rang from many restaurants and bars.
"Taka, where we going to stay?" Kirai asked. For the first time her features were visible from the moon light, her shoulder length fiery orange red hair was messy with her bangs in her face, and bright blue eyes looked around curiously.
The man sighed and looked around the village, then pointed toward an abandoned house. Kirai's eyes lit up in excitement and she hopped off Takatsu's shoulders.
"Yay lets go!" Pulling on his arm, Kirai made her way to the abandoned house. It was a small house yet big enough for the two of them. It defiantly needed some work, but they planned to be here for a while so why not choose a fixer upper? Kirai immediately began exploring the house, and noticed that some windows were broken but the power still worked. They each had their own rooms, but Takatsu had a feeling Kirai will be sleeping in his room for a while till she got use to the house.
There was still some furniture left in the house, like two beds, a couch, and some appliances.
"Are you hungry?" Takatsu asked opening his backpack.
"Mmhmm." She replied lying on the couch half asleep.
Grabbing some money from the bag, Takatsu left the house to get groceries.
~After dinner~
The two lay in Takatsu's bed each one wide awake talking.
"You remember why we are here right?" Takatsu asked looking up at the ceiling. Nodding, "Yes, do you think he will be in the Academy?"
"I'm not sure, but your father said that he felt that Shukaku was here somewhere. So I'll enter you into the academy tomorrow. For now lets get some rest we will figure things out later."
******I made an important change! Kirai's name changed to Kana!!!!!********
The next morning when by fairly quickly for Kana as she was entered into the academy and was attending the school that afternoon; her blue eyes gazed at the children playing a game of kick ball. She had no interest to play the pointless game as she sat on the railing observing.
'Who could it be?' Kana thought to herself, each child she looked at seemed to be the same as the last. She scanned the play ground each one had the same level in strength, and nothing seemed special about any of them. That is until a red headed boy came toward the group of children playing kick ball. He was younger than Kana, and he had dark rims around his eyes from the lack of sleep. As he handed them the ball, the children began to run away from him. Tears flooded his eyes as he reached out to them, causing sand the grasp a young girl's leg. Kana's eyes widened in surprise, as a blonde man jumped in front of the attacks.
The red headed boy's attacks ceased when he realized he knew the man.
"Gaara, calm down, it's me Yashamaru." The blonde man, Yashamaru, cooed leading the boy Gaara away from the academy. Filled with curiosity, the young girl jumped off the railing and began trailing after the two. They eventually stopped at a small house near the outskirts of the village. Kana quietly tip toed to a window and sat listening to their conversation.
"I hurt you …" Garra mumbled wrapping Yashamaru's injured hand in gauze.
"No, it's just a scratch it doesn't hurt." Smiling Yashamaru ruffled his hair.
"What does pain feel like?" Garra asked picking up an envelope opener. He stared at the sharp pointed tip and plunged it into his hand only to be stopped by sand. The red haired boy then repeatedly jabbed at the sand, but it was useless.
"Pain, well I'm not sure how to explain it but I'll do my best. It's a physical or mental suffering due to an injury, so where ever the injury is it's something that brings you sorrow and despair. Does that make sense?" Yashamaru scratched his, not sure if he explained it right.
"Yea, I think I get it." Garra then clutched his chest, 'It hurts here…could this be pain?' He thought.
"Well I have to get back to work. Why don't you play inside tonight?" Yashamaru suggested grabbing his ninja gear. He headed for the door as Kana quietly hid herself.
"See you later Garra."
--- Later that night ---
Kana sat in the abandoned house talking to Takatsu.
"I think I found him," Kana exclaimed excitedly, "He's really cute! I'm going to talk to him tomorrow. I wonder what I should say." She then looked up into the sky as if the answer was there.
"Very good work Kana-hime, tell me about him. Do the other children alienate him?" Takatsu asked, wanting details about the boy.
The red-orange haired girl nodded her head, "Yea they do it's so sad too! He accidently attacked someone today, but I think they deserved it. If someone was being that mean to me I would make them eternally suffer!" Laughed Kana.
"Yes, yes I know you would. It's getting late, why don't you go to bed." Takatsu advised, "You do have a big day ahead of you."
"Right! Goodnight Taka!" Kana said cheerfully skipping to her bedroom.
"Goodnight…"
Takatsu gazed out at the lit up village. Many questions swirled inside his mind as he tried to organize and shift through them.
'After we gain Shukaku, shall we continue in order or go straight to Kyuubi? He is bound to be enraged with the fact that he is trapped within a mere human.' He thought
"Kudara-sama, what do you advise us to do?" Takatsu asked closing his eyes as he opened a communication link between the two worlds.
"Takatsu," came a booming voice, "You will go to Kyuubi. He knows that Kirai is here, and is waiting for you. His host is a strong boy that will be of great use to my daughter. Finish up with Shukaku, he too will become useful in years to come."
"Yes, Kudara-sama. We will do as you command. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance." Takatsu then cut the communication link.
He sighed heavily opening his eyes. 'Just as I thought,' Takatsu then felt a tug on his pants.
Kana gazed up at him sleepily, rubbing her eyes she asked, "Was that daddy?"
Takatsu looked at her surprisingly, "Yes I was just talking to him. How did you know?"
The seven year old shrugged, "I don't know, I just felt his presence here and then he was gone."
"Okay well back to bed." He directed, shooing her back into her bedroom.
--- The next day ---
Kana sat on the same railing, gazing out at the play ground looking for Garra. She spotted him sitting alone on the swings. Looking around here to make sure no one was paying attention, the small girl then disappeared and reappeared on the other side of the play ground.
"Hi my names Kana, what's yours?" Asked Kirai introducing herself enthusiastically.
"Garra," He mumbled shyly, but his eyes lit up in happiness.
"Do you want to play?" She inquired offering her hand. Garra nodded his head and took Kirai's outstretched hand. The two chased each other around the playground and took turns pushing one another on the swings. They played until it was time to go inside, where they learned about the basics of chakra and the different elements. Kana listened intently on the lectures soaking up all the information she could learn. The day soon ended and it was time for the two to part ways.
"You'll be here tomorrow won't you?" Garra asked sadly not wanting his new friend to leave.
"Of course I will silly! I'll be waiting by the swings!" Waved Kana as she walked in the opposite direction of Garra.
The red haired boy returned the wave and watched her retreating form till she was out of sight. Then he too turned around and walked back home with a smile on his face, and this time there wasn't anything the villagers could say or do to ruin his perfect day.
---
"Guess what!" Yelled Kana running to Takatsu, "I learned about chakra today! And I played with Garra. He's really shy, and nice and even though he's two years younger than me I still love playing with him!"
Smiling Takatsu chucked softly, "Well it sounds like you had a pretty good day. So to celebrate your great day how about I treat you to yakisoba?"
Kana's eyes lit up, "Yakisoba! Thank you Taka!"
The two then swiftly left the house in search for a yakisoba stand. It wasn't hard to find and it wasn't that busy either.
"What can I get you two?" An elderly man asked, bringing out water's.
"Ill have the kata-yakisoba please!" Kana excitedly ordered.
"And as for me I'll have shio-yakisoba." Ordered Takatsu, giving the man their menus.
"Alright coming right up." The yakisoba man replied moving to the back of the kitchen to place their order.
Their food only took a few minutes to cook and it was soon delivered out to an extremely enthusiastic Kirai; who devoured the noodles within minutes.
"Now Kana-hime, this is a special treat. You won't be able to have yakisoba all the time. It isn't very nutritious or good for you. Your father would kill me if I returned you all fat and weak. So you must eat vegetables, fruits, and protein to grow strong." Takatsu lectured.
Kana sat and listened attentively until he was done and then continued with her meal. Satisfied, Takatsu then began his meal. After they were done eating the two headed back to the house. On their way they ran, literally, into a rather familiar red haired boy. He slammed into Kana, who was looking around not paying any attention to where she was going. They both fell back onto the ground rubbing their heads.
"Hey! Watch where yah- Oh hey Garra!" Kana exclaimed helping him up off the ground.
His tear streaked face, and puffy eyes were an immediate give away that he had been crying. The red haired boy clutched a small brown paper bag; the contents of the bag were unknown. Putting a comforting hand on his back, Kana led him out of the streets and into a near by park. The two sat in the grass and Takatsu decided to give them their space and sat on a bench not to far from where they were sitting.
"What happened?" Kana asked sincerely concerned for the boy.
"I was going to bring some medicine to the girl I hurt today, but she rejected the medicine called me a 'disgusting monster, who should have never been aloud to live'; she then slammed to door in my face. I just wanted to help her…" Cried Garra more tears filling his eyes.
"Oh Garra," Comforted Kana pulling him into a hug, "Forget about her. She's a mean, cruel girl who doesn't care about others. It was wrong of her to call you those things, it wasn't nice at all; you were just trying to help her. Don't think about her, think about me kay'. I'll always be here for you; I'm not going anywhere I promise."
Garra moved his head closer into her upper shoulder and clutched the back of her shirt tightly. Softly he cried into Kana's embrace. Once all the tears had been shed, Garra lifted his head out of her shoulder and looked up at her.
The two talked for a couple minutes before they stood up out of the grass and walked over to Takatsu.
"Garra, this is Takatsu." Kana introduced, "And Taka, this is my friend Garra."
Takatsu smiled warmly at the boy, "Nice to meet you Garra."
The red headed boy nodded shyly looking half at the ground and half at the young adult.
"Well, it's getting late shall we walk you home?"
--- Next day ---
Garra sat on the swings by himself waiting for Kana. The high pitched creaking noise ran throughout the playground as he slowly pushed himself back and forth. The loud voices of other children's laughter filled the air making the boy even more depressed. As the red haired boy looked down sadly, he began talking to a worn out bear he was holding.
"See, I told you she would leave. No one wants to be friends with a monster…" He muttered sadly, dragging his bear across the sand as he slowly swung back and forth.
"What are you talking about?" A female voice asked. Turning around Garra's eyes lit up as he saw Kana standing behind him with her hands on her hips.
"You are not a monster!" She assured him, pushing him high into the sky on the swings, "And I already told you I'm not going anywhere. I was helping Taka find a job and we lost track of time. I didn't abandon you or anything silly!" Smiling the two then begun another happy day together.
The lecture of the day was history and the importance of learning from it. Even though it bored Kirai to her very core, she still forced herself to listen; knowing that if they were teaching it to them then it must be important for them to know.
"You must study history and see the importance of it so you don't make the same mistakes they did. You must learn from their mistakes, just like during kunai practice. If you aren't holding the kunai right, you can correct yourself and learn from it. But if you don't even notice your mistake then your aim will be off, and you won't ever survive in the ninja world." Their sensei finished, satisfied as the majority of the class nodded their heads in understanding, which included Kana and Garra.
They then moved on towards the Taijutsu lesson for the day. The class had all ready learned the stances, and strikes they just needed to spar now.
"Okay class, pick a partner and begin sparing." He announced as everyone scattered around the training ground looking for their friends.
It was a given that Kana and Garra would be each others partners and they immediately began the sparring. Moving into the stance they were taught, Kana rushed forward striking Garra's shoulder only to be stopped by his sand. Grimacing, she spun around and tried another punch to his chest, but again sand stopped her attack.
Becoming frustrated, she began to think of a way to beat the sand. As she pondered, Garra saw an opening and he punched her in the shoulder. Seeing his attack out of the corner of her eye she was barely able to dodge his punch.
"Hey I was thinking! You can't punch me!" Kana yelled breaking her concentration.
"In a real battle no one is going to wait for you to figure out their techniques and how to beat it." Garra replied rushing forward again.
This time Kana was ready as she slipped into a defensive position. She ducked under a punch, and then moved her leg underneath Garra's own legs, she expected to hit sand instead but she swept his legs off the ground making him fall. His sand broke his fall, as he looked at Kana in amazement. But his smile quickly faded as he looked into Kana's eyes, her once deep beautiful blue eyes were replaced by dark blood red orbs. As Garra stared into her scarlet eyes he was neither scared nor terrified. He felt calm and was drawn to her eyes, as if he was wrapped in wire and Kana was slowly reeling him in closer.
Kana herself just stared at Garra, as foreign chakra was pumped into body. Power and knowledge flooded her mind and body. She saw images of places she has never been and people she has never met, yet it all seemed so familiar. She then did see someone she knew her father; he had a fiery phoenix on his shoulder as he addressed nine other people.
As Garra grew closer to her he had this uncontrollable feeling that he had to bow to her. It was like royalty stood before him and he didn't even know it yet and his subconscious knew he had to bow. His mind kept telling him to and soon his body moved on its own as Garra was unable to control himself. He watched as her eyes dulled and her body drained of all color, yet she still stood tall.
A ping of worry hit Garra as he watched, yet something within him told him she was okay. After a minute went by Kana's complexion returned and her eyes faded back to their normal blue color; Garra hurriedly stood up to see if she was okay.
"Kana, what happened?" He asked helping her sit down.
"I'm…I'm not sure." Kana replied, she herself was just as confused as Garra.
Their sensei had been walking around watching the other teams spar and made his way towards Kanda and Garra.
"Are you okay?"
Kana nodded her head, "Yeah just feeling a little sick, can I go home?"
"Yes, Garra why don't you walk her home."
---
"This is where you live?" Garra gasped looked at the old run down house.
"Yup," Was all she said as she walked into the house.
"Taka!" She yelled, knowing he didn't start work yet. He came out of the kitchen, "What are you doing home?" His voice full of worry; Kana thanked Garra for walking her home then quickly ushered Takatsu into her room.
"I don't know what happened, Garra and I were sparing and I was trying to get passed his sand barrier thing and I was concentrating and then I suddenly got passed it and I made Garra fall. I then began to feel a rush of power and I felt different. I then saw people and places that I never saw until I saw daddy. He was in the throne room with nine other people plus a red-orange phoenix perched on his shoulder." Kana exclaimed taking a deep breath then continued, "They were having some kind of meeting about the elemental nations. I didn't understand most of it but they did say that they were going to destroy them. Taka, who were those people?" Kana asked her voice shaky as she trembled slightly.
Takatsu rubbed his temples and sighed deeply then answered her, "Those were the tailed beasts in their human forms before they were sealed. Now tell me exactly what you were thinking before Garra's sand shield went down."
Kana thought for a moment trying to remember, "I was thinking that I wanted the barrier to come down. I think I actually wished for it to go down and then it came down…"
"I see," Mumbled Takatsu then turned his attention to Kana, "Kana-hime, your father told you that you had one of the tailed beasts sealed within you didn't he?"
She nodded lifting the back of her shirt revealing a tattooed ten feathered Phoenix that covered her whole back and its long tail wrapping around to her belly button. Around the seal on her stomach was ten feathers but only one was colored an orange red.
"Just as I thought…" Takatsu whispered, "Kana-hime," he announced, "Your father sealed his strongest and most precious pet within you, Suzaku the ten tailed Phoenix. All the other tailed beasts respect her, and obey every command. Which means when today you wanted Garra's sand barrier to come down, Shukaku, the demon residing in Garra, obeyed; and he took down the barrier." He explained.
Kirai nodded her head understanding, "What is Suzaku like?" she asked.
"Well, I am extremely lucky to be one of the few that has met and talked to Suzaku. She is gentle, kind, loving and hates to fight. Suzaku will only enter a fight when necessary; and many see her as a mother figure. Her beauty is far greater than anything in this world and her powers are vast and limitless. The rest you will have to learn for yourself. I guess I should break the communication barrier with her now sense you already gained a tail."
Takatsu then moved into the living room where there was more space. He sat down cross-legged and motioned for Kana to do the same. Placing one hand on her forehead and making a one handed seal with the other, Takatsu whispered, "Kokoro: Densou Kaihou."
Kana's eyes immediately felt heavy and once they shut she found herself atop a mountain surrounded by clouds. The clear blue sky seemed to go on forever as she moved toward a lit cave. Once she reached the end she saw a huge red-orange bird. Its tail and wings were covered in fire but you could distinctly count ten tails on the large beast.
"We finally meet hatchling. My name is Suzaku the Mistress of all demonic beasts and your fathers most trusted ally."Suzaku stated bowing her head slightly to Kana, "We are now able to communicate and when you leave this place you will be able to hear my voice and I will hear yours; all you have to do is think whatever you wish to say to me."
"What is this place exactly?" Kana questioned looking around. She touched the cave walls, the material was solid. The damp cold walls felt alive like an actual mountain.
"We are in your mind. I reside here, as I refuse to live within your stomach." Suzaku answered, her voice soft and beautiful.
"Taka said that I have earned one tail? What does that mean?" Kana inquired.
"I have ten tails as you can see, and as my host you will inherit my powers. Gradually, you will earn tails as you progress and become stronger. The first tail is the easiest to obtain out of all the tails. But the host of Shukaku has only one tail to obtain, and getting that tail will take a while to acquire. As you gain more tails, they will become harder and harder to get and only you can receive my full powers. Humans aren't supposed to gain unworldly powers that we demons possess. It's your job to collect the sealed demons and destroy this world to create balance once again." Suzaku instructed.
Kana nodded, "What is it you can do?" She asked.
"All demons reign supremacy over an element or something. For instance, Shukaku controls the sand, Nibi controls the dead and Kyuubi controls wind. I command fire and the mind itself."
"What do you mean the mind?" Asked a very confused Kana.
"Let me start from the beginning so you will understand, Phoenixes are immortal; every 500 years we lit ourselves aflame and begin the next era a new being. We represent life being reborn from the ashes, so my blood can heal anything no matter how severe; it is a technique that you will eventually gain. I have gained much knowledge over my years of life, and I will share select memories with you. As I said earlier, I rule over the mind. It is an extremely difficult and complicated technique to learn but I'll do my best to explain it. There are stages of what you can control with your mind. First are objects such as kunai, swords, animals and medium sized boulders. Then heavier items like a ninja. You can also use it to destroy buildings and such. As you gain more tails you will eventually be able to control their minds. That's enough on that though for today. Do you have any more questions?"
Kana nodded, "What happens now that I gained my first tail?"
"Ah, your first tail increased your chakra reserves; it gave you 2/20 of my chakra. The rest is up to you." Suzaku answered, "For now just learn all you can, train as hard as you can, and become the strongest Kunoichi in the elemental nations."
Kana opened her eyes and looked around her. The sun had set and the dark house was silent. 'I guess Taka went to work…'
Deciding to take Suzaku's advice and go train, Kana left the house in search for a training ground. She found one easily and began doing pushups, crunches, and kunai practice.
Kana hit her target 6/10 times; she then picked up her kunai and tried again with the same result.
'You are gripping the kunai too tightly. Loosen your grip,' Mentally advised Suzaku.
Taking her advice, Kana loosened her grip a bit then threw the kunai. It hit the tree but it missed the bull's eye. Trying again, this time concentrating harder Kana threw the kunai and it landed dead center.
"Yes!" She yelled excitedly jumping up in the air. Collecting the kunai again, Kana stared at the target loosened her grip, and then threw it. The dull sound of metal embedding itself in wood was heard the rest of the night.
--- A week later ---
The energetic seven year old Kana could be found training at every hour of the day. After meeting Suzaku, she threw herself into training and insisted that Takatsu train her. The young man eventually agreed and began bringing scrolls home on training tips and techniques to help her become stronger. They bought chakra weights and Takatsu began teaching her how to use chakra. Not having any trees to climb, Kana began walking up the walls of their house and soon she stared to sit on the ceiling. Sitting on the ceiling took more chakra than just standing, but Kana grasped the concept and was soon able to meditate on the ceiling for long periods of time.
Suzaku gave her advice daily which helped her training regiment. She had even suggested on waking up at sunrise to jog around the village before it got to hot. Kana instantly agreed, and the next morning she was up early ready to train.
Garra soon saw the difference in Kana, and wanted to train also but couldn't find anyone that would help him. Each shinobi had refused to train him even though he was the son of the Kazekage.
"Kana," He had asked one day, "Could I train with you?"
"Of course!" She replied and eagerly told him her schedule and the two began training together regularly.
Kana sat in her room reading a scroll by moonlight. The seven year old couldn't sleep even though it was way past her bedtime.
"Training for beginners," She read out loud, "Introduction: The key to successful training is doing it right the first time. It is suggested to train with a higher ranked ninja to enable you to have perfect form on your techniques. The ranks are as follows:
Kage- The strongest shinobi in his/her respected village. They command their village's ninja army and have absolute rein and authority over the village.
Special Forces Unit- They are the backbone to each village and keep it running. Which out them, the village would not function correctly. There are currently numerous branches of Elite ninja's but the known branches are:
ANBU: The most common and widely used in all ninja villages. Primarily used to complete higher level missions that lower leveled ninja's cannot complete.
Hunter Nin: Introduced in the Second Elemental War and were used to track down rouge ninja's who had betrayed their village. They are extremely fast, and skilled at killing their target quickly. Some villages still use them today.
Jounin: The most common level that most ninjas reach. They make up 40%-60% of the ninja army in each elemental village. They are well rounded ninja with experience and knowledge in each of their techniques. Each Jounin generally teaches a Genin team for however long they wish until they feel their team is ready to move on up the ranks.
Chunin: The second most common rank; are primarily younger ninja. They make up 20%-45% of the ninja army. You achieve this rank by either passing the Chunin exams, a recommendation, or prove yourself in battle to be Chunin material.
Genin: Is the first level where children from the ages of 6-14 get their first taste of what being a shinobi is really about. They experience common D-ranked missions and low level C-ranked missions. They are generally put on teams of three consisting of two boys and one girl. Then every two years, the Chunin exam is taken place in a different village each year where all the elemental villages send their best Genin to compete."
Kana yawned bored of reading this information but turned the page, "Chapter 1: Chakra Control."
She continued reading until she couldn't keep her eyes open and passed out; which was at 3 o'clock in the morning. Three hours later she was up running around the village with Garra.
The boy was a few inches shorter than Kana and was much slower. What she thought was a jog, was a sprint to him.
"Come on, Garra!" She encouraged gradually speeding up. Not wanting to be left behind the boy pushed himself more to catch up with her.
When they had finally stopped sweat dripped down Garra's forehead as bent over gasping for air.
"How…are…you…so fast?" He managed to ask between breaths.
Kana shrugged her shoulders beginning to stretch for their next workout, "I dono, I guess I have always been like that. Plus I have longer legs than you!" She teased ruffling his hair. His dark rimmed eyes glared playfully as he too began his stretches.
The young fiery haired girl touched her chakra weights with to her two index fingers adding more weight to them.
"How much are you adding this time?" Garra asked looking over his shoulder at Kana.
"Ten pounds." She replied simply moving her arm and legs around. They moved slower than before and you could see that it strained her to move each muscle.
"Fifty push-ups, and sits-ups." Ordered Takatsu, entering the training field.
The two nodded and got right to work. Normally, Kana would finish before Garra but with her extra weight, it became harder and harder to continue. Sweat dripped onto the ground as she slowly continued pushing herself off the ground then lowering back down. Her arms began to tremble under the weight of her body plus fifty pounds on each limb. Kana's breathing became labored, and she clenched her teeth tightly. Her arms then gave out suddenly making her tumble to the ground face first into the dirt. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lay on the ground. She had reached rep number 46 and was almost done yet her body wouldn't let her continue.
'Finish your exercise.' Suzaku ordered mentally pushing to girl to continue, 'Get up.'
Takatsu watched quietly, holding Garra back from helping her up. "She cannot always depend on others to help her get back up," Mumbled Takatsu to Garra. Not understanding his logical words, Garra continued to try and squirm out of his grasp.
Moving her fingers through the dirt, then her feet Kana slowly pushed her upper body up off the ground. She breathed heavily, staring at the ground.
'You can do this.' Kana told herself moving her body into a push-up position. Then she pushed her body off the ground with her arms still trembling, and slowly brought her body back down. Repeating it four more times the exhausted seven year old collapsed again once she was finished this time with a smile on her face.
After the conditioning, the three took a small break drinking water and eating a rice ball.
"Taka, when do you think we should tell Garra?" Asked Kana later that night.
"Hmm, perhaps tomorrow. You two have grown closer and he seems to be quite fond of you." Takatsu winked, nudging her playfully.
Sticking out her tongue she protested, "Ewe, Taka I don't like him like that! He's my brother!"
Laughing Takatsu nodded, "Yes yes, I know I was only kidding. So then tomorrow you two won't go to school. I want to take the whole day to explain this to him carefully."
--- Early that morning ---
Kana did something out of the ordinary and met Garra at his house. He was surprised to see her and agreed to skip school even though he wasn't sure what was going on. Grasping his hand, something she has never done, she quickly led him though the deserted sandy streets of Suna. The morning sun had not even risen over the horizon as they reached her house.
Takatsu sat waiting for them in the living room, with a hot cup of tea in his hand. He smiled warmly at the two and gestured them to sit down.
"Garra, have you learned about the one tailed demon Shukaku yet in school?" Takatsu asked, once he received a nod he continued, "Then you should know that the history they teach you is incorrect. They did not seal the demon within a cup. He was to powerful to be kept in an object. So they sealed the demon within a child. That child is you, Garra. You have the one tailed beast Shukaku sealed inside your belly."
Garra stared at Takatsu, his dark rimmed eyes wide with shock. "That's why I am called a monster…that's why know one wants to be friends with me…it's because I truly am a monster." Mumbled Garra, he then turned his head to look at Kana, "Why? Why do you choose to be friends with a monster?" The boy wondered.
"Because I too have a demon sealed within me. I am just like you. But what people don't get is that we aren't monsters; we are separate from our demons, Garra. Don't forget that." Kana reminded hugging him.
Takatsu smiled again tucking a silver piece of hair behind his ear, "Now Garra, I'm going to open a communication link so you can talk to Shukaku. Ask him any questions you may have, and listen to what he has to say." Making the same hand seals as before Takatsu then whispered placing his to index fingers on his forehead, "Kokoro: Densou Kaihou."
Garra found himself in an empty desert with hills and hills of sand as far as the eye could see. Turning around he saw a distant cave beneath the sand.
Once he reached the cave, he saw a giant sand colored raccoon with blue markings all over his body.
"Boy, it's about time you showed up!" The demon laughed, "What took you so long?"
The boy stood staring at the monster, a bit fearful, "Are you the demon Shukaku?"
The raccoon nodded, "Of course I am, but more importantly you have made an extremely powerful and useful ally."
Garra looked at the raccoon confused, "What do you mean?"
"I'm talking about that girl! Kaita, Kama, Kena whatever her name is-
"It's Kana!" Garra yelled angry for messing her name up.
"Yeah, yeah whatever, Kana has Suzaku sealed within her. The ten tailed phoenix. You would do well to stay by her side and do whatever she tells you. You do not want her as an enemy when she gets older." Shukaku informed staring down at the boy.
"Why would I leave her?!" Garra questioned, "She was my very first and only friend! I'll stick by her till the end!" He promised.
"Good, keep it that way; and boy make sure you protect her. It is your job to make sure no harm comes to her. Your sand is something no one can penetrate so use it to protect her!" The demon ordered, shivering in fear at the thought of her fathers wrath if he found out she was hurt.
Garra nodded, "I will."
Kana and Takatsu sat silently in the living drinking tea as they waited patiently for Garra to awake. His small body lay on the opposite couch unmoving with only his stomach slowly rising and falling indicating he was breathing.
"Do you think he will come with us?" Kana whispered, taking a sip of her tea.
"I'm almost positive he will. He has a lot of potential to be a great shinobi, and he's a good person as well." Takatsu answered reaching over to feel his head.
"He's coming back," He announced, moving back over to the opposite couch.
Garra sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes.
"So…?" Kana asked excitedly, "How did it go?"
The red haired boy smiled, "Great, he's really not that bad. He said that he would help me with my training so I can become just as strong as you."
Kana laughed, "HA! Like that would happen!" The two smiled at each other then laughed again.
"Garra there is one more thing I would like to discuss with you." Takatsu interrupted, "Kana-hime and I will be leaving Suna in two weeks and we want you to come with us. It is of course your choice, and I don't want you to choose now. You really need to think it over, because we are traveling to Konoha next and we don't know when we will ever be back in Suna. Think on it for a while then give me your answer."
--- Later that Night ---
Kana slept soundly in her bed. The training that afternoon completely wiping the young girl out. Takatsu sat in his own room with a candle light looking over a scroll he had taken from the library he worked at.
Numerous aged and ripped scrolls littered the desk as he scanned over the paper. The scroll read forbidden techniques. But he quickly tossed it aside, not finding what he was looking for. Quickly creating hand seals he opened a communication link, "Kudara-sama, Sunagakure no Sato does not have the jutsu you seek." He apologized, "But Konoha is known for its Kinjutsu specialists so I'm quite positive it will be there."
"You will search every inch of this nation until you find it. It is here, my pitiful wife hid it somewhere I know it. Find it."
"Yes, Kudara-sama I will. There is also something you should know. I fear Kana might grow attached to the humans here on earth, and might not complete her mission."
"Hmm, yes that is a problem. Make sure you remind her of what she is, who she is and the consequence for betraying me. I do not want her to gain Suzaku's knowledge, it would ruin my plans. And if we need to we will go to plan B. Do not fail me."
"Yes, Kudara-sama, I understand. I will not let you down." He mentally bowed then severed the connection.
--- A week later ---
Garra had been quieter than normal. His thoughts keeping him distant from the physical world. Kana and Garra had finished their training and Kana left to train alone for awhile.
The red haired boy ambled along the streets alone, noticing all the glares and whispers. Each cruel laugh penetrated deep into his skin, hitting him like needles as he tried his best to ignore them. But to ignore them all was impossible, and soon he found himself running along the streets trying to escape their unwelcoming stare. The young boy tried thinking of Kana, but the deep pain in his heart that had been tearing him up inside was growing bigger. A few months of memories can't solve year's worth of pain no matter how good and enjoyable those few months had been.
He ran until he found a secluded playground, and he sat on the swings like he had so many times, and swung himself back and fourth slowly. Garra closed his eyes, and let the wind take him to another place besides here.
"If you hate it so much here, and you have the opportunity to leave, why are you hesitating so much?" asked Shukaku mentally.
"I don't know, is there really any reason to stay?" Garra wondered, "Yashamaru…he would be worried sick if I didn't come home. He cares about me…"
"I don't know kid," The raccoon warned, "I'm not so sure about him. He seems a little off to me. But if you think so…"
"Garra!" A voice yelled, bringing him out of his daydream.
The said boy opened his eyes to find Yashamaru looking at him worriedly.
"I have been looking all over for you. Let's go home okay?" He announced grasping Garra's hand and leading him away from the playground.
"See, he does love me."
---- Late that night ---
Garra sat on his bed staring at the moon, having only slept an hour the boy was wide awake. Being the container of the raccoon, the young boy never slept more than an hour every night.
But soon the moon became obscured by a building and he decided to leave the house and sit atop the highest building so nothing could interfere with his vision of the moon.
Garra sat on the Kazekage's tower looking over the village. He could see everything, and even though it was a long climb it was sure worth it. Dangling his feet off the side, the boy sat silently enjoying the quietness of the sleeping village.
"Should I ask Yashamaru about leaving the village with Kana-chan and Takatsu-san?" he mentally asked.
"No, do not say a word to him." Shukaku advised, "That man is untrustworthy, who knows what he will do."
"Oh come on, Yashamaru wouldn't do something that would hurt me. Remember he loves me Shukaku. People who love each other don't hurt one another. Just like a mommy and a daddy, right?"
Shukaku sighed heavily and shook his head, "Kid believe what you want, just don't say anything to that worm okay?"
"Fine, I won't say anything for now." Garra pouted and returned to look at the moon.
A cloud moved over the moon and the village grew dark from the absence of light that the moon provided. Suddenly two kunai's were thrown towards Garra's back and his sand shield automatically blocked them.
Garra turned around in horror to see an assassin preparing to kill him. He put up his hands in defense as more kunai were thrown at him. They all were collected by the sand, nothing penetrating it's defenses.
"Stop it!" Garra yelled, tears falling from his eyes as he reached out towards the man. His sand automatically followed and began covering the man in sand cocoon.
"Reach out your hand and squeeze your hand into a fist." Shukaku commanded helping the boy.
He did as he was told and the sand tightened around the man squeezing the life out of him. Garra released him once he thought he was dead and his body fell to the floor. Trembling, he slowly walked over to his attacker and took off his bandana, revealing Yashamaru.
"WHY?!" yelled Garra tears falling from his eyes.
Yashamaru opened his eyes slightly and managed to mumble, "Please die, demon." Before his chest exploded from exploding tags.
His sand protected Garra as he clutched his head screaming.
--- Kana's house ---
The house was silent even Takatsu was asleep at this ungodly hour. Kana's eyes suddenly snapped open, and she sat straight up turning her head in the direction of the Kazekage tower.
"Garra…" She whispered running out of the house.
--- Kazekage Tower ---
Sand stood up around Garra as he screamed in pain; grains of sand engraving the kanji for love on his top left side of his forehead. The wound healed immediately but word written in blood remained.
"Why?!" He cried, "Why won't anyone love me?" The boys anguish and pain clear as he fell to his knees clutching his chest.
"It hurts…" Garra whispered hoarsely, "The pain in my chest…" Sand began to form a protective cocoon around the boy as more tears fell. Kana arrived minutes later and gasped at the sight before her.
She took a step forward towards Garra but the sand retaliated making her quickly step back.
"Garra!" She shouted trying to get through to the boy, but he ignored her calls. He had retreated to his subconscious, the pain too much for him to handle. Using the sand to shield him, Kana was unable to get close to Garra as she relentlessly attacked the sand.
"Command the shield to come down." Suzaku advised, seeing the current situation.
"Shukaku!" Kana ordered her voice commanding and full of authority the young seven year old did not realize she had, "Take down the barrier!"
Grains of sand slowly fell out of the place as the clumps began dropped back to earth. Kana was instantly at Garra's side cradling the young boy in her arms. The cold body felt limp in her arms as he did not respond to any of her words. Closing her eyes, tears began to form as she hugged the red haired boy closely.
"I'm here Garra, please open your eyes…" She whispered her tears dripping down onto his head.
Within his mind, Garra felt numb as he sat next to Shukaku. The raccoon demon tried his best to comfort the boy but he ignored the attempts and Shukaku all together. As he sat with his legs closely tucked into his chest and his arms wrapped around them, the boy ceased to cry. The tears dried up, as emotions drained from his body. He simply stared ahead at wall thinking intently.
"Tell me Shukaku," Garra finally spoke, "What is the true meaning for me being here in this world?" The deep questions far surpassing an intellect of a five year old.
Shukaku was taken aback by the question and chose his words carefully, "No one knows their true purpose here until they have fulfilled it and returned to kami-sama. So until then, you must do what you feel is right and hope that that is the correct path to walk."
Garra shook his head, "That's not good enough. I need to know that there is a reason to live; a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to actually want to do something with my life."
Shukaku inwardly shook his head, 'These are not questions a child should be thinking about…'
"If you must need a reason, live to get stronger; live to protect those you love and care for, like Kana-sama. She cares deeply for you and I know you do as well. So protect her, grow stronger for her. Live for her, and that will be your reason to get up in the morning." Shukaku advised hoping he was giving the child good advice.
Garra stood up and stared up at Shukaku, "Fine, I will live my life only to serve and protect, Kana-hime."
Garra slowly opened his cold dead green eyes, as he looked up at the weeping Kana.
"Why are you crying?" He asked, moving out of her lap.
Completely surprised and over come with joy the girl pulled him into a tight hug.
But once she saw the look in his eyes, to cold mercilessly stare, she knew he had changed from the fun, loving, boy she once had grown to care for.
"Garra," Kana whispered, and grasped his cold hand in her own warm one, "Lets leave this village."
And the next morning the three travelers left the village traveling like shadows. Their identities unknown to all who came into contact with them, as they made their way to Konohagakure no sato.
--- 6 months later ---
It took the three longer than expected to reach the large village. Taking many detours, and doing petty favors to get money, they were able to accumulate enough to get them to Konoha.
"What is Konoha like?" Kana asked Takatsu as they traveled slowly along the main road.
"Well they are strong ninjas who care for their comrades more than any other village. Many ninja's from Konoha are in the bingo book, they are extremely skilled and could kill with one strike." Takatsu explained, "One day you two will become just as strong and will be able to do the same."
Garra remained silent listening to the conversation as Kana stared at Takatsu in awe, "Who are they? The ones listed in the bingo book?"
Takatsu flipped through a couple of pages and skimmed down to the bottom of a page, "Hatake Kakashi: Known as the copy cat ninja. He can copy any technique and use it against you. Is skilled with a blade, and is a well rounded shinobi specializing in Ninjutsu. His appearance is silver white hair, his head band over his left eye, and his age is unknown.
(Blah blah blah…. He continues reading off names.)
And lastly Uchiha Itachi: The youngest shinobi to graduate from the academy at the age of six, this skilled Anbu captain is said to have never lost a fight. He is extremely fast, and excels in Genjutsu and Ninjutsu. His age is also unknown." Finished Takatsu, inwardly growing bored of the book.
"Wow," Gasped Kana, "They are really strong. Do we have to enter the academy too?"
"Yes, that is most likely where the Kyuubi host will be. He should be young, around Garra's age."
Garra remained silent, and soon the other two followed in suite continuing their journey quietly.
That night Kana sat by the fire reading a scroll, she rubbed her eyes sleepily but continued to read. Garra walked over and sat next to her.
"You should get to bed, you're tired." Garra commented.
"I am not." She protested but was soon followed by a loud yawn making her drowsier.
"See, I told you."
Kana waved him off and climbed into her bed sleeping bag instantly falling asleep. Garra shook his head and climbed up into a tree above where Kana was sleeping. He sat up in his perch all night watching over her as he conversed with Shukaku.
---
They reached Konoha within a couple of days, and the cool weather of winter quickly greeted them.
Even though Kana was more attuned to warmer climates, she found herself enjoying the nice weather. The misty quiet mornings with fresh dew gently touching the ground and the soft rustle of trees from the wind seemed enchanting to her. All the green trees and bushes bewildered her, as she had never seen anything like it. Not even seeing the village yet, Kana already liked Konohagakure no Sato just solely based off of scenery.
As they neared the gates, Takatsu had to scold Kana for continuously touching nearby leaves of a bush.
"Kana leave the bush alone. You will attract unwanted attention to us."
Garra pulled her away leading her back onto the main road.
"But it was soft, it had like fuzzy hair on it…" mumbled Kana quietly in protest.
"State your name and business." A young man asked at the gate. Kana recognized his jacket signifying he was a Chunin.
"This is Murakami Kana, and Murakami Garra. I am their older brother Takatsu. We wish to say here for awhile. I am in need of a job." Takatsu answered confidently.
"Very well," Replied the bored Chunin, "Welcome to Konohagakure no Sato."
And so the three entered the large village; beginning a new adventure.
----
GAH! This has to be the longest chapter I have ever written! I just couldn't find a stopping point! Other chapters will be shorter I just wanted to get the story going. Also not as much will happen in each chapter as it did in this one.
I do tend to move the story along quite fast. I do not like to go day by day for too long. I will frequently do time skips it may be a week, month or a year whatever I think is needed. REVIEWS are welcome and I appreciate every single one of them so please R&R.