Hey all i now I've been MIA fr ages now but I've finally got the time to really nuckle down on the story!

THanks for all the reveiws and follows!

Enjoy :)

~Hotaru


Chapter 3: My Savior

8 yrs later (16 years old)

'Faster.'

*Shlick, Crack*

'Your still not fast enough, increase you speed.'

*puff, puff. Crack!*

'Not your strength I said speed.'

*slick, Crack. SMACK*

'aaaaaah!'

Sweat dripped from my face as I attempted to take in shuddering breaths pleading in my head for the intense burning to stop.

'We're done here.'

The cold tone to his words caused my eyes to widen and panic soon took over me.

'Wait! Tobi-sama I can do better! Ju-'

*SMACK*

The sound echoed around the surrounding forest as my body impacted the earth. I chewed the inside of my cheek attempting to get the sharp sting I felt too stop. Unsuccessfully of course.

'You're wasting my time now.'

His words were like salt to my wound. Undeterred turned away from him with one thought in mind.

Pumping my legs as fast as I could to the two kunai markers I had recently impaled into the forest floor I continued to run back and forth, making sure to never let my pace to waver.

15 laps, increase speed….30 laps increase speed….45 laps increase speed.

It didn't feel like long until the sun sent reds and pinks ablaze in the sky, painting it in its vast shades.

160 laps increase speed…

A gasp escaped my lips as I stumbled over my own feet again face first into the unwelcoming rocks and dirt yet still a fire burnt, forcing my body to stand up as I continued to push my legs. Now numb with pain.

175 laps….increase speed…

It wasn't even two steps more, that I found my now bleeding cheeks crushing into the dirt.

Get up!

I roared in my head forcing my body to comply as I pushed my body, refusing to allow my chakra to aid me.

195…Increase…

Pain shot up my foot as I tripped again, the burning fire engulfing the now injured foot.

5 more…4…more…

The pain intensified yet I refused two allow it to affect me.

3…2…last lap.

'AAAAAAAAAAAH!'

A scream ripped from my raw throat as my left foot past the kunai mark, finishing my 200th lap.

I collapse onto my knees blood blurring my vision, the coppery liquid pooling in my mouth leaving a rather pleasant taste.

'Hekikū…'

The deep voice caressed my ears making me smile as my eyes closed, darkness taking over.

Tobi-sama…


'You don't need to do this Tobi-sama.' I sighed for the hundredth time. Only to be rewarded with a simple grunt.

'Hn.'

He placed my shoe over my newly bandaged foot before standing back up.

'Hekikū…'

I froze, my eyes quickly darted to the familiar orange mask my eyes wide.

His tone… it was so soft.

'Next time don't hurt yourself.' He said placing a warm clothed hand on my head. One solitary black eye stared back at me.

Immediately my face heated up, my mind unable to create even one coherent thought.

'T-Tobi-sama…' I stuttered.

The hand slowly started to retreat, but was meet with my firm grip as I pressed the warm hand into my hair.

'Thank you.' I beamed up at him before letting go.

Tobi-sama nodded softly before turning around to walk along the forest path.

'Come my Chīsana Aoi Tori.'

'Hai Tobi-sama.'

There was a silent pause as we continuing our journey. Chewing my lip awkwardly I built up the courage to ask my next question.

'Eh Tobi-sama, have you ever been in love?' I asked casually. Well I attempted to anyway.

'…yes.'

Jealousy hit me like a tsunami.

'Eh? Really! What was she like?'

Tobi-sama turned around giving me a weird look. I think.

'Why the sudden interest?'

'n-no reason.' I stuttered.

Actually I don't even know why I'm asking this.

'She was a kind girl, she cared deeply for others...' His voice trailed off.

'Really?' I asked looking up at him my curiosity increasing.

He sighed deeply before taking a deep breath.

'She was the only one who truly cared about me at the time…she never gave up on me, she believed in me when no one else would.'

'She sounds…amazing.' I whispered my heart clenching in pain.

What is happening to me?

'I can't wait to meet her Tobi-sama.' I beamed at him.

Tobi-sama gave me another look, yet my smile never wavered.

'Anyone important to Tobi-sama is important to me!'

'…she's dead.' The hollow words shook me to my very core.

Still determined I would show Tobi-sama. No matter what.

'The upon my death ill hunt her down and we'll talk for all eternity about all the amazing things you did Tobi-Sama! I'm sure we will be the best of friends!'

Tobi-sama only grunted in reply continuing forward, never wavering in his steps.

Just whatch Tobi-sama, I'll show you, how much you truly saved me.