"Kill me if you really want to..." his mask breaks instantly when he hears me voice. After all these years, he finally remembers me. "You won't be able to harm the next person that comes through here anyway."
I think my words hit him hard as he realises just what I mean.
-5 years earlier.
It hurt knowing that he wasn't coming back, but I didn't know if it was for forever. It has taken me a while to get used to the idea that he isn't going to come back to me, so I have finally decided on moving myself and Rikki back to Kirigakure, to keep going with our lives, but also so I would be able to work again.
It took a few weeks to get into a routine of not having him around anymore, but we slowly settled into it. But it started to get harder again... I would come home from work, to see Rikki, smiling up at me. Her demon like eyes shining with happiness... And his shade of hair colour... It hurt to look at my own daughter because it reminded me of him...
I decided on the right course of action to take – I was to get her a nanny. I know it's not the best thing to do, but what other choice did I have? I couldn't look at her without a lump growing in my throat and tears threatening to overflow, and a nanny would mean I would be able to concentrate on working, instead of being paranoid about what she is doing at home all alone. But it also meant that I would have to work even longer hours at work, to be able to afford to pay the nanny, for continuously looking after her.
It took a few more weeks into getting used to spending nearly twenty hours a day at the office. I had even become used to just sleeping in my chair, instead of my warm bed at home. My large white oak bed, at home, which hadn't been slept in for about seven weeks now. My blue oak wardrobes, full of my clothes, which hadn't been touched. I worry about Rikki since she is probably missing me. I have pretty much left her, not long after her dad leaving...
Will Pov.
It took me around three whole months to achieve the amount of money that I needed to help myself take care of them. It was time that I could head home and show to them that they are my world.
It took me about two whole days to make my way home, without being seen by anyone that might recognise me. When I finally came within the distance to see it, I was distraught. Looking from the top of the cliff, I could see below, the old run down cottage that was once my home. The river to the right of it was beautiful, light blue, pure and clean. I looked at the wood, that was been eaten away at, wondering if they had actually waited for me.
I wanted to go down, and check for myself, but I knew they weren't there. Why would they be? There was no smoke coming from the small chimney I had built. There was only silence. Not even any birds in the nearby tree's making a sound.
I had hoped they would have stayed and waited for me, but I must have being joking with myself. How would Jess have known that I would have being actually coming back? And she definitely wouldn't have given me any notice to where she may have gone to.
I feel a twist in my stomach, as I turn away from the sight. What was I supposed to do? The only thing I can do is go back to the Viper's, and make some more money. That way, I will be able to travel and find them one day...
Jess Pov.
I'm sat at work, tapping my pencil against the desk, thinking of missions that are needed to be done around the village. I have had plenty of people writing in, asking for help on certain things, and the price they are willing to pay for the help that they are receiving. The only problem I have reached, is that all of the missions so far are all for Chuunin, which makes it hard to keep the newer ninja working, and learning. Also the higher levelled are also complaining from lack of work that keeps testing them.
Suddenly, my door is slammed open, revealing my secretary holding a form.
"Ma'am, we've received an urgent mission. There's been trouble with Viper again." She reveals, panic rising in her voice.
I stand quickly, taking the form from her, scanning it quickly.
"Send the anbu out immediately." I advise. This is definitely a problem for us. Especially if they come near the village... if Rikki found out it would be hard work for me, to stop her from trying to find her dad again...
My secretary runs out, to pass on the information, shutting the door behind her. I sit back down, taking in a deep breath, turning from facing my door to face the window. Its then that I hear my door reopen. I decide on staying facing away, so whoever enters is unable to see the concern on my face.
"It's daddy, isn't it..?" I hear behind me. I don't want to face her right now... it hurts, the idea of not been able to tell her where her father has gone, or why he has left us. I must make note to get her a new nanny as well, this one seems to be letting her wonder around too much...
I sigh, finding it difficult to decide if I should tell her or not. I decide to think of the pros and cons quickly in my head, deciding on telling her.
"Yes, it is to do with the group that your father went with..." for a moment I decide that I shouldn't have told her... what if she wants to attempt to find him?
"I want to join up as a ninja, mummy..." she seems hesitant as she tells me, as if she doesn't know how to tell me. I spin around in the chair quickly, looking at her; panic has risen throughout me within milliseconds of taking in what she said. Different thoughts fill my head within seconds, making me worry about the different things. What would happen to her? Is it safe for her to become one? She is only four years old after all... is she even able to become one at her age? Well, it is my decision after all, being the head of the village and all... but do I really want her to be put in danger? She is a demon child though, which gives her an advantage, since she is strong at her age. She is probably already at the level of a Jounin, Chuunin at lowest.
I sigh again, thinking of what help it will be, having her join the school. If she joins there, I don't need to be paying a nanny, and I will be able to keep a record on where she is at each moment in a day. I can also make sure she gets the best teacher I can, as I make all of those choices.
"Okay, I will see what I can do... as long as you promise to be as safe as you can, and run things by me as much as possible..." I sigh, giving in. What can the harm be? I can make sure she has no dangerous jobs if I really want to...
I watch as excitement fills her face. She looks like a little child, that has just been told that they have been given a mansion full of sweets, chocolates, and every single toy that they could dream of ever having. She moves quickly, hugging me tightly.
"Thank you, thank you thank you..." she beams, as she runs out of my office. I stare after her, amazed at the amount of energy she has. I set straight into finding out if she is able to join at her age. Well, as I find out, she is able to join, and me being me, I put her with the best teacher that could be asked for. Gaara, the Kazekage. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher, since he is also a jinchúriki, which means he will be able to help her, with learning to use the powers she has been given from birth. The only difference between her and any other jinchúriki is that our seals can be broken when they are weak, whereas hers will never break, and the demon inside her, which is one with her, will die with her.
I decide to send my assistant out to inform her that she will be able to start training by the end of the week. First things first, we need to wait for Gaara to arrive from Konoha, where he has been spending a lot of time.
I spend the rest of the week, sitting with an impatient Rikki in my office, waiting for Gaara to arrive. It does get annoying at times, but it means she gets used to being out of the house and around ninja. She also realises just how busy you can get at times, being a ninja.
A bit into the day, on the Friday, my assistant knocks and enters. She leaves a letter on my desk, while I'm sat on my window seat with Rikki, watching the village. She seems extremely interested in the day to day running of the village, that it makes me smile, watching her point out the different people walking past. I turn to see the letter on my desk, and stand slowly to receive it. I read it quickly, a smile forming on my face. Rikki looks at me, irritated, wanting to know what it says.
"He's here. Your training starts with him this afternoon. And he's brought Naruto to help..." I say, smiling at the idea of two of the best ninja I could have asked for, coming all the way to Kirigakure, just to help train my daughter. She squeals with excitement, rushing towards the door, to head out to meet them. I pass her the letter so she can find them, before she passes me. I stare after her, hoping I made the right decision...
Rikki Pov.
I head over to the fields on the outskirts of the village as quickly as I can. I am bursting at the idea of training with these two people my mum has told me about. She always used to talk about them, and how they are similar to us, but that they are much stronger than us. She has always said though that Naruto may be the strongest person that she has ever met. I don't believe that it's possible to be stronger than her though. She has always been the person I have looked up to, and still want to be alike her, and one day take over her as Mizukage.
It doesn't take long to find them, lying in the middle of the field, laughing at the clouds above. It does seem interesting what they are doing, as the clouds above usually are entertaining with the different shapes they take. The only thing that gets to me is that that is not why I am there. I stop in front of them, smiling down at them, as the turn their gazes on me, shocked at the age of me, to say I am wanting to become one of them.
We spend about half an hour getting to know each other. I understand now why my mother wanted me to train with them, as the things they have been through helps them to be better when it comes to their work. It also helps them when it comes to training me, because they can look from another's perspective. Gaara, as he told me, was usually alone, but often with his brother and sister, Kankuro and Temari. It intrigues me, the way they told me about the fight they had together, which taught Gaara that he wasn't alone, and that even though we are different, we can still have friends that will worry about our outcomes. Naruto, on the other hand, had a horrible childhood, without either parents, and without a friend in the world. The others in his village had been scared of him, and kept their children away from him, which brought a lot of prejudice onto him.
We start training on a daily basis, for about three hours at a time, stop for lunch and my usual lessons that were taught by my mother's friend, from Konoha, who now works with her, Sakura. Sakura usually helps me to learn different techniques. The main things though, are things I will need to become a Genin.
It takes a few months to get me ready for the exam to see if I qualify for being a Genin, which I pass with flying colours. I give Gaara, Naruto, Sakura and my mother big hugs the moment I found out I was officially a licensed ninja. It made me so happy that my dreams were finally beginning, and one day I would be strong enough to go and attempt at finding my father, who had left for some absurd reason... my mother didn't even know if he was coming back for us, so we left that house and carried on with our lives.
I was awarded my own headband, which I decided was much comfier on my waist, since I was extremely young and small compared to the rest of the students that were also becoming Genin. I look around at the others, as they hug their parents, but look at me weirdly. My mother, cuddles me still, I also think she knows that I will be treated differently by them, since in a way, I am different, and always will be...
It often hurts knowing that none of the other children want to spend time with me, but hey, I don't ever have time to waste on them, so it doesn't really matter too much. One of them approached me when I was eating ramen with my nanny, but was pulled away by their mother when they had noticed. That had annoyed me to the point that I had waltzed right into my mother's office demanding that they be dealt with. After that day, and my obvious feelings about it, my mother had banned anyone to hold against me my demon. It was strange the way they were acting; they didn't hold my mother's against her... but Naruto had told me that Konoha had held his against him most of his life.
Well, I was happy for the moment and that was all that mattered. I started my training the next morning, working still with Gaara, Naruto and Sakura. I really enjoyed working with them. I usually ended up teasing Naruto, getting him angry, which resulted in Sakura giving him a good hit to the head. It was always fun with these three that I didn't want to give it up. Ever.
"I want you to try a simple transformation jutsu, but I want you to do it on one of your clones." She suggested. I hated making clones, let alone using transformation jutsu's on them... but I couldn't complain... they were helping me achieve my goal to becoming a strong ninja in as little time as possible.
We spent weeks working on each technique, some even from scrolls locked in my mother's office. If she found out we had been in there, we would be dead... not literally though... at least I hope not.
It was a few weeks later that the Chuunin exams were, which I entered. Being on my own made it much harder, but easier at the same time. It was harder as I had to go against three ninja at the same time, but it also meant that they couldn't trick me into thinking they were my teammate in any way.
I spent the first day attempting to find somewhere to hide, so that none of the others could find me. The forest all seemed the same though. When I first entered, it was dark, but I kept going along a long path, following the sounds of others moving towards the centre. The tree's all looked the same though, which was irritating when you were attempting to get out of the place.
It entertained me though, when I reached the first group in which still had a scroll. It didn't look very strong at all, which was good, and I am sure I intimidated them, since I am on my own. Being on my own usually does that, because I wouldn't have been allowed to enter if I wasn't strong enough to take care of myself. It also didn't help that they knew of my demon, which enhanced the fear they felt.
It didn't take me long to get hold of the other scroll that I needed from them, and I headed straight for the centre of the forest. Not many of the other groups that had entered the Chuunin exams tried to fight with me as I made my way there. One group found out the hard way as to why, when I sent them flying into the river, when they got close enough for me to get my small fists on them.
It took me a day and a half to make my way through the forest, which to my surprise was expected of me by all my superiors. My mother seemed relieved when I reached the room in which I was able to open the scrolls. But now all that was left to do was wait for the other teams to make their ways through the forest and catch up to me, so we could start the second part of the exam.
The next part of the exams went even easier for me; I didn't even have to think much of a plan to beat the people I was placed against. I studied most of them throughout the small amount of time in the forest, and the others during their first matches. I knew what their strengths were, and I also knew their weaknesses.
I went through with flying colours. There was only one other student that passed, the others would have to try again next year. Well, at least I passed, that's all that matters. It wasn't very different being a Chuunin, but the feeling of self accomplishment filled me, knowing I was closer to my dream. It wasn't much further, and my mother wouldn't be able to keep anything to do with the Viper's away from me. I would be able to attempt to find him. We may be able to become a real family if I can, well, if he comes back with us... but what's the chance of him actually doing so? He might have forgotten about me... about my mother... would he have actually forgotten about his love?
Jess Pov.
I look at Rikki, noticing just how much becoming a ninja has changed her. She definitely isn't the little girl that I remember bringing with me to Kirigakure. The last couple of years really have made a difference to her. I can feel inside of myself what is powering her to become stronger... I wonder if it's right to let her be powered by this... her father left us, alone, with no money or any way of getting through it, leaving me to make money to be able to afford such a rundown home... I even left that place, so we could live comfortably... and that meant leaving him... I still don't know if I want this...
I stare at her, letting my happiness for her success take over. After all, she deserves to celebrate. Maybe I should take her out for ramen? I know she has become fond of it, since working with Naruto. Yes, I will take them all out for ramen.
"Rikki, Naruto, Gaara, Sakura, who wants ramen?" I ask, trying to keep a smile on my face. The excitement that courses through Rikki and Naruto's face doesn't surprise me, neither does their answer.
Rikki Pov.
The next morning, I was back to training. I never went on actual missions, there was no point. We had enough money, and even if we didn't, no-one would hire me. All they would think is that I am too young to be a ninja, I won't make a good job of what I do, or that I have a demon inside of me, I am not safe.
My training goes well for the first few weeks, but toughens up after that. I think they are getting me ready for the first Jounin exam, which is three weeks away. They usually leave a period of time between the Chuunin exams and the Jounin exams, so that they can prepare the area that it is to take place in.
The only difference between them, is that in the Jounin exams, it is questions instead of the finding your way through the forest task. It shouldn't be too hard, as I do know everything I need to know. I have done since before I took part in the Chuunin exams.
It has annoyed me that it had to be my mother to make the exception of me taking part in the exam, as new Chuunin usually aren't allowed to. They believe that they won't be able to get to their level within the time limit between each exam. But me... I have been ready since a week before the Chuunin exam.
I kept practicing for as long as possible in a day, that I wouldn't be going home until nine pm, which I think upset my mother a lot, but if I wanted my dreams to come true, then it was one of the things I would have to cope with doing...
What really amazed me followed the next day. I was training with Naruto in the field beside my house. He was wearing his usual vest, and orange tracksuit bottoms, coming at me with a kunai, while I was continuously dodging him, wearing my usual white vest, and black shorts. I was getting faster by the day, that I'm sure my mum wasn't surprised of what was about to happen. During our training, it was about ten am, one of the members of the anbu appeared at the edge of the field. For a few minutes they just watched me train. It would have been good to be able to see the emotions on their face, or what they thought of this, but their face was covered by their usual mask.
They slowly walked towards us, as we stop mid-step and turn to face them. I look confused as to why a member of the anbu would be here. They usually don't come out to visit anyone unless it's to either ask for help on a mission from those who are very high up, but here they are.
They stop in front of Naruto, which makes me think they are here for him, but they remove their mask at a nod from him. I recognise him instantly. Shikamaru. Why would he have come here all the way from Konoha?
He turns to face me, which surprises me a lot. He smiles at me widely, crouching down and cuddles me tightly.
"Long time no see, Rikki" he says, hugging me tighter.
"I know... you haven't been to see me Uncle Shikamaru..." I complain. He chuckles, as he pats my head.
"Well, down to business. Rikki, it is a great honour, to request on behalf of Kirigakure, for you to join our ranks." He requests. I look at him, shocked by his words. Me? Become an anbu? But I haven't even passed my test to become a Jounin yet! Is that even possible to do?
"Is... is that even possible...?" I stutter. What should I say? Of course I want to, but is this really possible?
"Of course it is. They have seen your potential, that they want you to join us..." he confirms.
"Wow... I'd love to...!" I exclaim. A smile forms quickly on my face as I realise my dream is actually going to happen. I can look for my father at last...! It excites me that I jump on him, and hug him tightly. How should I tell my mother? Or does she already know? She probably will, since she is the Mizukage.
My thoughts are confirmed when she leaves the house, holding a very small anbu uniform. She smiles at me widely, seeing I have already heard the news. I let go of Shikamaru and run towards her, hugging her tightly, feeling her arms wrap around me, hugging me back.
Jess Pov.
Time went by quite quickly. The last few years were hard work; Rikki was now the leader of the anbu black ops. It hurt to see her come home every day, talking about the different missions that she has been able to go on... being a mother can really hurt you, knowing your baby has been in dangerous situations...
It was the following day that destroyed me the most... both me and Rikki were requested to do a mission... which included the viper's... I didn't know if I should tell her about it, or do it on my own, but not telling her, meant taking someone else with me. It was a two person mission, as it was that dangerous. I ended up telling her, knowing it may not actually be her father that we could run into, but any number of their men. She didn't react too badly to the information we had been given, but accepted straight away. The mission was to start the next day.
We set off at dawn to make our way to where they had last been spotted, and caused trouble. We didn't know if they would still be there, but were to follow any trace of them until we found some.
We had spotted some of their men in the forests heading towards Konoha.
"Rikki, you go towards the right, and block them from entering Konoha at the south gate." I advised her. She nodded, and flash stepped out of the area to do as I said, whereas I followed them through the forest. It wasn't long until I found one of their members, just stood there in the middle of the path. I stopped just before crashing into them. That's odd, why would they have stopped?
It was that moment, I saw the ground coming towards my face, and then everything went black.
I'm not sure how long it took for me to come to, but it was still light, most probably the same day...
"Who are you and why are you here?" a rogue ninja spits in my face.
One of his colleagues has my arms tied behind my back, one hand in my hair, forcing my head back so they can see my face, the other hand holding a kunai to my throat. If I move even an inch, the kunai will cut into my skin.
"And how did you find us?" the one holding me adds.
"We've been watching this area for ten years; I am here to stop you and the assassinations from happening." They laugh loudly.
"Great job you're doing there, all tied up." The one opposite me snickers.
I wonder how I am to get out of this mess. I keep thinking to myself of the different ways i can do this and the outcomes to them, until my thoughts are cut short.
Out of nowhere, another one of their group appears. It can't be, can it? It is... He stares at me, straight faced. A flicker of emotion hits his face as he sees me, and leaves it as quickly as it came.
"Where did you find her?" he asks them. He doesn't actually recognise me. Maybe I can use him to get out of this. He at least owes me that.
"Near the cliff edge. Do you know who it is?" the guy behind me questions in reply.
"No but her headband means Kirigakure." He assures them.
It hits me then as to why he doesn't recognise me. Not long after him leaving for good, I moved myself and Rikki back to Kirigakure, the place I am from, cutting most of the ties I had with him. At that same time period, I cut my hair short, and dyed it blond.
The kunai starts to dig into my neck a little, panicking me. That's when I decide to start my plan to escape.
"Kill me if you really want to..." his mask breaks instantly when he hears me voice. After all these years, he finally remembers me. "You won't be able to harm the next person that comes through here anyway."
I think my words hit him hard as he realises just what I mean.