Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto, only my OC

The intimidating gates of Konohagakure seemed to tower over us...well more me I suppose. It didn't help that I was the only child among the small rough looking group behind me, sans the babies in their families' arms of course.

I looked to the remains of my clan and village as I hesitated to step out of the shadows of the gates and into the unfamiliar village. They looked to me, so obviously expectant. I allowed myself one selfish thought before before my sense of cynicism and responsibility retorted back.

I didn't ask for this! A snarky scoff was the only response in my mind.

None of them asked for it either, but our village was still slaughtered wasn't it? After I flinched at my thoughts and was properly rebuked the other voice softened, more somber than harsh. It is time you take the place your family left you. The survivors look to you now to lead them. Though she'd known the truth far before the voice told her, the unfairness of it all irked her.

I'm only 8 years old! Besides I won't officially be the head until I'm AT LEAST a chunin and I probably won't reach that level until I'm AT LEAST 13! That other, more irritatingly logical side only spoke calmly again.

It does not matter. You were the one who gathered the survivors, you were the one that willed them to live on for the loved ones they lost, to leave the ruins of the place we had all started to call home. The memories of y oral and very passionate speech would have brought a blush to my cheeks if it didn't morbidly embarrass me so much to the point of making me pale rather than the former.

What's with all this 'you' business? We're the same person! The inner voice only seemed to sniff and I was sure if this inner voice had a body that it would be giving me a superior look right now.

That's not the point, the point is they look to you now, official or not.

So now I'm the unofficial head of the Okami clan and leader to our nonexistent village? I didn't even want it to begin with! I had happily given the privilege of leading to my little brother- My thoughts stopped short when they began to wander towards my family before I mentally shook myself.

Now was not the time for self reflection. I had a clan to lead as unexpected and unwanted as it may be. I straightened my back, steeling myself to the gaunt, shaded faces of my people, looking each in the eye for a few seconds with determination in my eyes. Hell, if an 8 year old isn't scared of change, of starting over, why should they be?

I could see how my short look affected them, their own backs straightening, a look of grim resolution on their faces. Their eyes were no longer glued to the ground beneath them, but now held high with all the pride and confidence they could muster. Even the few wolf ninken accompanying us began to push out their chests. I gave a sharp nod of approval at the-no-my clan.

We are the Okami clan, strong and proud no matter how few are in our pack. I looked forward to the gates again and no longer did they seem so intimidating. The shadows began to shrink as the sun rose over the Hokage monument, momentarily dazzling my clan and the few civilians that were rescued. This was Konohagakure, their chance for a new life, a stable life after all the chaos and tragedy that followed it.