Chapter 1

I listened quietly to the gentle sounds of the waves while sitting on the sand. Raised, and lived in California for my whole life, I didn't know how Japan looked like – but by the sound, it was beautiful. Ino, my childhood friend told me all about it – from the cute Asian boys, to stylish shops, and the odd objects that Japan is oh-so-popular by. You see, we attended kindergarten, and grade 1 & 2 together.

During those times she was my best friend. I was heartbroken when she had to move back to Japan with her parents but up until now (high school), we kept in contact. Not that it was an everyday thing, but if anything big happened she would always be the first one to know through mail; sometimes by rare phone calls.

My parents were Japanese too, but my dad had some business job to do in the US so we just lived here. At first it was only planned for a few years but my lively mother adapted well the culture so we had no choice to stay or we'll hear her complain 24/7. I'm close to both of my parents, but I guess Mom would understand me more. I don't see dad often since he's quite busy with work (tch, workaholic much).

I sighed; I didn't want to move to Japan even though some part of me was curious to finally see my blood's homeland (heh, if that even made sense). I liked it here in Cali, living with my parents in a small but cozy home just before a soft, sandy beach; it was ours, no matter how small, that piece of land was our and ours alone.

For as long as I remembered it was the place where I went to every time I got angry, or upset. I remember a few times when I ran out crying blindly into the rain to get to a small tent I made just out on the sand.

"Saku~" my mother's sing-song voice echoed from the house. A few soundly bumps met my ears as Mom tried to weave her way through the scattered boxes containing my belongings. She skipped towards her daughter in a light sundress and etched on her face was a smile.

My mom was always beautiful; medium pastel pink hair and almond hazel eyes and her she looked 10 years younger than she was. "There you are! I knew you would be there but you know – do you want to spend time alone? Or do you want to just – you know – talk to me. Would you like some mango smoothies? I just made some in the kitchen. Oh! Yeah, I made.. I made your –"

"Mom it's okay, I'm a big girl now" I said after cutting her off. She always had a small habit of rambling when she was upset, or maybe excited – well, she's the one I got it from (I babble quite a lot too). I looked back at the waves and patted the small patch of towel next to me. "After all, I'm moving to Japan to start high school (more specifically IB) living alone right?" My voice rose higher in pitch but softer in sound at the last sentence.

Even though I wasn't looking, I knew her eyes softened with sadness (possibly regret also) and her hand resting on my lap twitched. "Saku, you know why… I didn't want you to, but your dad said it was for the best. Think on the bright side! You get to see Ino, go to the best school in the city? Aren't you excited, honey?"

"Of course, Mom." My automatic reply gave to an uncomfortable silence. I was still bitter that Dad and her didn't confront me until it was too late; now I'd have to switch schools, live alone, no friends whatsoever except for Ino.

A quiet cheery tune met our ears as I recognized it as the old ice-cream truck. My mom instantly brightened again and pulled me up to my feet. Mom and I always bought some kind of form of ice-cream when the truck came – which was about 3 times a week.

After we met the old seller and bought a few ice-creams, we went back to my towel. The ocean today was deep, cobalt blue and the afternoon sun glinted in an orange and yellow glow on the surface. I was startled when I felt soft hand come up to brush rosy locks off my forehead. I always had a enormous forehead from when I was born and because of that, I was teased by others. That's when Ino came in – her fiery attitude and confidence beat other kids away. As time swam by though, I stopped thinking about it my forehead but every time someone touched it, I felt a sting of uncertainty and embarrassment once again.

My apple green eyes locked with cheery hazel ones; she wanted me to be happiest before I go. I smiled – what did I do to deserve someone like her. "Mom, I'll be fine. You know, I'm actually looking forward to my new apartment and to break free from your clutches." We giggled a few times from my joke.

My mom felt her hands along the sands behind her back and pulled out a small box. I looked at it curiously as she tugged my hands to open it. She took a deep breath: "Uhmm… you know… me and dad wanted to congratulate you for turning 17 and also for being brave enough to live alone for a few months." She held up a hand to stop me from talking – I was beginning to deny… "Saku, I just really wanted to tell you that your our blossom – both of us love you so much and you've been… you've been the perfect daughter… you really were a gift and –" Her voice thickened in the end causing her to pause and swallow.

Words died in my throat slowly as I pulled out a delicate looking silver chain. Attached to it was a long spiral shape of a seashell. The shell itself was soft gold with two diamonds fixed rims of the shell. The chain was long enough to let the shell fall lightly on the cleavage. "Thank You, Mom. It's beautiful."

She smiled softly and I felt that my confidence was back at full swing. Here I come Konoha High!