There wasn't any miraculous epiphany that guided me through life.
For me, it was the moment that counted; and I was dead set on enlighten it.
Luminous I wanted to be.

For me, for you, for everyone.

I didn't particularly stand out along the masses. I kept my dark grey hair open and most of my body covered permanently, sticking to darker colours, fitting my last name.
"Thunderstorm" it meant. Sounding mysterious even though I was quite sure it was changes to be that way some generations ago, because it sounded "cool".
I wasn't from any frowned upon or renowned clan. My family was numerous but mostly sticking to the civilian lifestyle. Nothing's wrong with that, but when it comes to getting your hands dirty, I sometimes whished for ancient clan techniques that would give me some advantage.

Nevermind, I knew that you could succeed with commitment to the one and only will of fire.

Here I stood, willing to light it all up.

"Chiko!", Ino shouted while jogging up to me."- I didn't even know you'd be graduating with us!"
I rolled my eyes. How would you know? On the contrary to common believe Konoha did not only have one class the year seemingly all heirs were enrolled. But it seemed like they kind of sorted the wheat from the chaff, separating clan kids and those of civilian background. Maybe they were more promising?
"…Don't you think so?", Ino asked, a bright smile on her face.
"Ehhh. Yes, absolutely", was my half-hearted reply.
"I can't believe Naruto painted the Hokage monuments again. One would think he'd learn to behave, but he seems like a lost cause".
Naruto… That boy was a special case for sure. I did not know him well but I have learned about his orange trademark jumpsuit and his crazy obsession with ramen.
"I don't think he's a lost cause. I think he just needs to lay down for some while." I replied and Ino huffed clearly not agreeing with me.
"Yes… I need to be going; Iruka-sensei will be announcing our teams today. Will you also be there?"
I shook my head and waved as our ways parted at the front door of the academy.
I made my way to my room and sat down at my desk. Nearly everyone was there already. I tended to either be fashionably late or barley on time. I hated being the first one, nevermind the situation. I just didn't enjoy having to make Smalltalk or waiting for that matter.

"What do you mean with I'll be joining another squad? Why can't I stay with someone I know?", I asked my Sensei. Mizuki-sensei was an elderly woman who no doubt had a very harsh life.
"Listen Chiko, life is not fair and having a four man team is forbidden. The Team you'll be joining has graduated last year but have not been promoted to chunin yet. They lost a team member due to a very stupid accident. I will not say what it was; it'll be their part to share the story with you. I don't want you to feel insecure about meeting them, but I can tell you that they are some very special people. You're to join them at 1pm at training ground 4 today."
I nodded, cursing inwardly.
"Understood, Mizuki-sensei, I won't bother you again."

_
Thank you so much for getting to know Chiko. Let's see where it all goes from here.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.