Yo, first multi-chapter story.
In my twenty plus years of living I have always done plenty of thinking, about my future, past, and the present. What the future has in store for me, looking back at past regrets and how I could have done things differently, how my current actions were going to affect my future, one could say I was quite the introvert. Even the subject of death didn't escape my contemplation, yet for all of my deliberation I would have never expected the end to be so… anticlimactic.
In my mind death came in countless different scenarios; ranging from old age, tragic accidents, and even the more extravagent Hollywood inspired scenarios (often involving aliens, giant monsters, and plots of world domination) but the reality was beyond anything I could've imagine. It all began in an all too familiar situation, pulling yet another all-nighter in an ill-advised attempt at getting all of my deliverables ready for the next day's architecture presentation. As was the norm in such situations, I was taking my 4am break munching on some chips watching my favorite Naruto moments on YouTube (What can I say, I'm the epitome of the perfect student).
Whether it was the hurried way I stuffed the chips down my throat or my exhaustion causing my brain to screw up the very basic task of chewing properly, I'll never know. Perhaps it was a combination of the two. The only certainty was that a chip that was currently obstructing my airway, and I was slowly asphyxiating myself on the most trivial of snacks. All of my attempts to clear the blockage from my airways were in vain; the last thing I remembered was making a pact with whatever higher power was willing to assist me in exchange for allowing me to survive the embarrassing ordeal. However it appeared that my luck had run out, my pleas fell on deaf ears, my life flashing before my eyes just before everything turned black.
The afterlife or at least what I'm assuming is the afterlife was definitely not what I expected. No fluffy clouds or the more expected fire and brimstone. Instead, upon opening my eyes I found myself in the arms of a beautiful brunette woman. Her face is covered in sweat, her long hair a disheveled mess, yet despite all of this she has an almost heavenly glow about her, kindness and warmth radiating from her very persona.
Finding myself in this position the pervert in me assumed that this was in fact heaven and that I was currently in the arms of an angel. That theory was immediately refuted when I realized that my body was much smaller to than I remembered it being. My puny little arms flailed about every which way as I also found myself with very little control over my body's movements. Speaking proved to be even more challenging as any of my attempts at communication came out as unintelligible gurgles. Despite my best efforts the tears start pouring out of me, my gurgles turning into cries of frustration as I find myself with even worse control over my emotions.
The brunette for her part smiled warmly at my frustrations, bringing me closer to her as she kissed my head affectionately. Calming down a bit, I take the opportunity to further examine the woman before me. She is fair-skinned, with fine features gracing her face, hazel eyes soft and filled with kindness. Her most unique feature is the rectangular markings on her cheeks, just under her eyes. For a moment recognition flashed across my mind, but I could not place where I had seen the markings on her face before. She then began rocking me back in forth gently and singing softly into my ears, her rhythmic movements and smooth melody soothing me to the point that I find myself slowly losing consciousness.
No matter how much I fight to remain awake, my eyes slowly begin to droop, and just before I fall asleep I take one last glimpse at the woman. Despite all of my confusion, there was one thing I was absolutely sure of. The connection between the two of us, the overwhelming sense of tranquility and affection as she holds me is all too familiar. I come to the realization that this woman is my mother, and in that moment all my worries and anxieties are forgotten, my only concern was to bask in the warmth she provided for me.
When I was finally roused from my slumber I once again find myself in the arms of yet another stranger. Unlike the woman, my new mother, the manner in which this person carried me with some hesitation led me to believe that he were unaccustomed to carrying a baby. Rough, calloused hands caress my cheek as a few unintelligible words were spoken to me. A large part of me wanted away from this man; for despite all of his efforts I was extremely uncomfortable with the way he was handling me. Yet another part of me was curious to get a better look the man, my assumption being that he's my new father, so I hold back the urge to cry for help in order to get to know him better.
I direct my gaze up towards his face as best as I can in this kooky little body I now have. Emerald like eyes looking right into my own, their depths containing so much experience and wisdom, but also containing a youthful quality to them like those of a child. Unlike my mother, his features are more rugged in quality, his jaw laced with stubble and a goatee adorning his chin. He too has the rectangular markings I first saw on my mother, and as my gaze moves up just a bit more I finally discover where it is that I am. A headband holds his short black hair in place, the metallic plate containing an insignia I know all too well, that of the Hidden Leaf village. Suddenly I know exactly where I had seen those markings before, on the face of one Rin Nohara.
Rin Nohara, the third member of Minato's genin team and the first to lose their life. She was the cause of Obito's treachery and Kakashi's withdrawal from the world; somehow I ended up in the same clan as her. So not only have I ended up being reborn into the world of Naruto but I also have the opportunity to change a few things, hopefully for the better. But first things first, I got to figure out if I'm still a guy or if I've been reborn into a girl. How unfortunate would that be, no more urinating while standing, growing out my facial hair, or any of the other luxuries the male population get to partake in.
"Yuzuki how are you feeling, Tsunade told me the labor lasted well over twenty four hours. If anything would have happened-"
Smiling brightly the new mother reassured her husband, "Naoki I'm fine, we're both doing well. And the only reason I took so long was because he refused to come out until he felt his father had returned from his mission. I swear he must be a sensor type, just like his mother."
"He, as in a boy?" The first time father couldn't help but grin upon hearing the news. Throughout the pregnancy Naoki had secretly been hoping for a boy, but outwardly he had always feigned indifference, stating that as long as it was healthy the gender didn't matter.
"Yes it's a boy, mister I have no preference. It's no fair, I was the one that wanted a little girl but I never get what I want." Pouting slightly Yuzuki took the newborn back from her husband. "I propose a compromise, since you got your son I get to choose his name."
Stroking his goatee in mock contemplation, he countered. "Hmm, what were you thinking? Nothing too girly I hope."
Giving her husband her best puppy dog eyes, she shared her thoughts. "Something short but sweet, just like him. How about Ren?"
Turning away from his wife less he falls victim to her tactics, he responded teasingly. "I see you aren't pulling any punches. But I can't allow our firstborn to have such simple name; no he should have a strong name. After all, he is the new heir to the Nohara clan and I know he's going to be a great shinobi."
Rolling her eyes in annoyance, Yuzuki quickly diminished her husband's claims. "Are you still going on about the whole clan thing? Honestly, there's nothing wrong with coming from civilian families you know. Besides a clan of three isn't much of a clan."
"Every clan had to start from somewhere, the Nohara clan starts with us. And as the heir to the clan, my son should have a strong name that commands respect. Besides, if you let me choose his name then I'm sure the universe will repay you by giving you the daughter you've been wanting so much."
Huffing in defeat, the young mother submitted to her husband's desires. "I suppose I can let you win this battle, but the next time I pick the name no matter what. And the universe better make sure it's a girl next time, or there'll be hell to pay."
"Deal. I was actually thinking about naming him Yorutaka. Yes, Yorutaka Nohara, a great name if I do say so myself."
"Hmm. Yorutaka, I suppose that's alright." Gently caressing her newborn she consulted the now sleeping baby. "What do you think my little Yoru-chan, did daddy pick a good name." Taking the slight yawn as a sign of approval, the name of the baby boy was finally decided.
As the newborn slept the new parents continued discussing the future, Naoki going on and on about the future of his imaginary clan. Yuzuki quietly adding a comment every now and then, preferring to let her husband ramble on about his dreams of establishing the greatest clan in the history of Konoha. The couple's discussion was interrupted by a knock coming from the door; standing before them was none other than Tsunade Senju. Wearing an amused expression on her face she greeted the newest family.
"So how are my favorite clan heads doing with their latest addition?" She teased, knowing all too well of Naoki's dreams and aspirations.
"Tsunade, don't encourage him. He already obsesses way too much about that, always starting crazy traditions left and right." Yuzuki reprimanded the sanin, shaking her head at Tsunade's antics.
Tsunade continued to tease the new mother, grinning all the while. "Oh come now Yuzuki, I happen to like the Nohara clan markings, very distinctive indeed and the color suits you quite nicely."
"See, I told you the markings were a cool idea." Naoki quickly interjected; glad to see someone finally acknowledged his brilliant ideas.
Yuzuki scowled and playfully snapped back, "If it was up to you we'd be covered in markings from head to toe in all shapes, colors and sizes, looking more like clowns than a shinobi clan. Honestly, I don't want to imagine what things would be like if I wasn't around to keep you from going overboard on all your wild ideas."
Before Naoki could respond Tsunade addressed the couple, her tone much more serious than before. "Before you two have another little argument I'd like to say somethings in regards to your future. Don't worry, the baby is perfectly healthy, and given some time to rest Yuzuki should also be fine. However, I strongly recommend that you don't attempt to have any more children in the immediate future. After you wait a few years then you may attempt to have another child, mind you it will more than likely be as complicated as your first pregnancy was, if not more so."
Seeing his wife's solemn expression upon hearing the news, Naoki quietly reassured her. "Don't worry, it's like you said before, at some point we're going to have a little girl and I when we do the naming rights will be all yours."
Perking up at her husband's comforting words, Yuzuki thanked Tsunade and slowly drifted off to sleep. Both mother and son slept soundly that night, a welcomed escape from the thoughts and worries that afflicted the both of them.
That's the first chapter. A few hints as to what's in store for the next chapter if you paid close attention.