Kazu sat before Ichigo as he examined the juncture between her neck and shoulder. The pain from this spot had grown to be almost unbearable. Tears were welling up in her eyes.
Ichigo frowned. His adopted sister had been cursed. And, by the man who had killed her clan no less.
But, one question remained. How did the medic ninjas miss this one but not Sasuke's? Did Orochimaru not want them to know that he was trying to take her as well?
His fingers traced the mark. It was hot, velvety, and rose up above the rest of the skin. He felt her tense underneath him as he touched the mark. A small whine escaped her lips causing him to remove his hand.
"So, do you know what it is?" Kazu asked, her voice wavering from the pain. Ichigo sighed.
"Yes, I do." He stepped back and picked up the white chalk he had grabbed before examining the cause of her pain. He began drawing a circle around her.
"Well?" Kazu asked slightly worried. What was he doing? Why was he drawing those symbols?
"It's a curse mark. But, I'm going to neutralize it. Just sit still, and know it might hurt a little bit." Ichigo said as he finished with the symbols. He once again stood behind her and began the procedure.
()()()()()
Kazu rubbed her shoulder as she sat before her Hotoya scrolls. Her curse mark rarely hurt her now that Ichigo had done whatever he did.
Her blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun with strands framing her face and playing softly in the wind. The red of her tank top was bright against her black fish net shirt. Her black shorts showed off her tanned skin as she sat Indian style on the ground.
She was proud to say that she had mastered her kasurigama. It was a great accomplishment for her. And now she was ready for the next step in the Hotoya way. She was ready.
Slowly, she un-scrolled the information scroll. Scanning until she made it to where she left off, she then picked up the indicated scroll. She pushed the information scroll away from her and placed the needed scroll right before her. She leaned forward and read from the scroll for instructions.
Congratulations young one. You have achieved the first step to mastering the way of the Hotoya. The next step is to receive one's Familiar. The first step is to once again prick one's finger and place the blood on the needed scroll.
Once again, Kazu withdrew her kuni to prick her thumb. Squeezing said finger, she dripped blood onto the scroll open in front of her. She watched as the blood began to form Kenji signs.
Perform the hand signs one's blood creates to achieve one's Familiar.
Kazu readied herself. She squared her shoulders and straightened her back. The blood began to move on the paper forming the sign of the dog, tiger, and then the dragon.
Once her hands finished performing the needed hand signs, smoke appeared over the scroll. Briefly she wondered why her clan had to be so secretive. However the train of thought died as soon as she saw white leathery wings extend themselves from within the smoke.
What could it be? The smoke to her right was getting pushed away by some tail swinging back and forth. It was white like the wings.
"Aahh!" Kazu heard a cute little whine before the rest of the smoke was blown away by the white wings beating up and down. With the smoke gone, a small white dragon with red eyes stood before Kazu.
It cocked its head to the side as it turned to look her in the eyes. Crystal blue stared deep into inferno red. Its wings expended then closed as its tail whipped back and forth behind it.
"Raaaww," It roared cutely when it opened its mouth. Kazu smiled. It was so cute! She watched as it stretched; its tail becoming rigid before relaxing again.
Suddenly it launched itself at her. Caught off guard all Kazu could do was lean back. This caused the dragon to miss her shoulder and latch onto her collar bone with its teeth instead. Blue orbs widened in surprise.
Kazu could feel its tongue lapping up the blood spilling from the cut it created with its teeth. A burning sensation began creeping up to the front row seats in her senses. It crept along her collar bone, a top her shoulder, and down her arm to her elbow. Her mouth opened in protest, yet nothing came out.
Within seconds the dragon let go. Its once white lips now stained red with her blood. Kazu narrowed her eyes at the inaccurately cute and innocent creature. It licked its lips removing the blood slightly. It tried slowly moving towards her again, but she backed up.
Kazu glanced down at the burning sensation of her arm. Black ink screamed out against the sun kissed color of her skin. Her new marking was tribal and flame like. Hesitantly, she traced her new marking.
"No don't be afraid. I'm your familiar." Its voice was soft. And it felt as if it was directly speaking through to her mind.
"What?" Kazu spoke out loud. The dragon moved closer and rubbed itself against her leg. A small growl rumbled from its chest, almost like a purr.
"I'm your familiar. My name is Shakuton. But you can call me Shaku." The white dragon jumped into her arms, snuggling into her chest. Kazu couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. It was just so cute!
"Mmkay Shaku. I'm Kazu. Let's get training." Kazu replied, pulling Shaku closer to her chest. Leaning forward, she strained to read from her scroll.
Once one has their familiar, one can start learning the Jutsu of the Hotoya clan. All Hotoya's have a small amount of Fuuton based chakra. (A/N: Fuuton means wind.) In addition, The Hotoya clan only has one special Fuuton based jutsu.
The Doragon haison no Jutsu is a basic level jutsu (A/N: Doragon = dragon, Haison = takes flight). This jutsu pushes a sphere of wind, originating from one's self, out and away from one's body. This jutsu is used primarily for if one is surrounded by enemy ninja.
The hand seals are: Tori (A/N: Bird), Saru (A/N: Monkey), Uma (A/N: Horse), and U (A/N: Rabbit).
Once one achieves mastery of this Jutsu, the next step is to learn the Jutsu of one's remaining Jutsu types. Refer back to this scroll for further instructions upon completion.
Kazu smiled as she stood. This is just what she need! And for the first time she was saying that without being sarcastic. She knew she couldn't survive the last round with just her two major jutsu. All of her possible opponents know them already.
Slowly, she loosened her arms around Shaku and allowed her to jump to the ground. Shaku then proceeded to circle the pile of scrolls she had brought with her before settling down in front of them as if guarding them.
Kazu walked to the middle of the clearing, readying for the jutsu. Her hands morphed to the first needed hand sign Tori as she focused her chakra to her skin. Hands changing signs to the Saru, the chakra focused on her skin grew. With the sign Uma, it stabilized. And, with the sign U and the announcement of the jutsu, her chakra pushed out around her in a sphere, combining with the wind around it.
It went about two feet away from her before dispersing rapidly with wind whipping out ferociously. Kazu smiled, happy that she had no trouble forming the sphere. It was just her control that needed work.
Kazu nodded to herself. She could do that.
()()()()()
Kazu stared at the twin swords before her. They had materialized on her back while she was perfecting the Doragon Haison no Jutsu. She had seen them before. …On her mother and father's hip. The black on was her father's and the white one was her mother's.
Reverently, she unsheathed the black sword and ran her fingers feather lightly along the slick black blade. Longing for her parents consumed her. The flood gates of her eyes were threatening to spill over as she gazed upon the obsidian mirror of her father's blade.
The feeling of smooth scales rubbing against her cheek brought her from falling over the cliff of sadness. Soft pricks from Shaku's claws massaged the shoulder she was perched on. A soft purr like growl emitted from Shaku as she tried to calm her master.
"Come Shaku. We must put these in their rightful places." Kazu said softly as she stood, with Shaku perched on her shoulder. Placing the swords on the hip opposite of her kasurigama, she picked up her scrolls and headed for the small Hotoya compound.
()()()()()
Kazu glared at the man standing outside her window. The glint of light coming off of his glasses gave him away as Kabuto, Orochimaru's personal henchman.
"He could grant your every wish." Kabuto whispered to her, trying to coax her. Kazu hugged her marked arm against her body, thankful she was wearing a long sleeved pajama shirt.
"No." She whispered out, wishing her voice was stronger than it sounded. Kabuto smirked.
"You will join him." With that he disappeared. Once he was gone, Kazu dropped to the floor, tears spilling onto her cheeks. How could he ask this of her?
()()()()()
Kazu walked into the waiting area for the third exam with her head held high. Her usual outfit showed off her new 'tattoo'. Naruto had come up to her earlier bragging about how he had progressed so far in his training. Then, finally noticing her marking, he ogled it, yelling about how cool it was and asking if he could touch it.
Kazu giggled at the thought. He was so freaked to find out that her 'tattoo' was velvety and was raised above the rest of her skin, just like her curse mark that she played off as part of her new tattoo.
As Kazu leaned against the railing waiting for the last part of the exam to start, she heard Shaku whine about being left at home. She sighed wondering how many times she had to explain the plan to Shaku before she would understand the need for her to stay home until she summoned her. After all, Shaku was her secret weapon, at least for now.
()()()()()
Kazu frowned, biting her thumb in anticipation as she leaned against the railing. Something was up; she just couldn't figure out what yet.
Naruto had won his match against the Hyuuga boy, Neji. Kazu felt sorry for the boy. She knew what it was like not to live with her parents. But, to have a curse mark such as his would be hell. Kazu sent her condolences to the boy, mentally. Poor boy.
Shikamaru's match had been interesting for sure. He had been matched up with the female sand ninja. Kazu had thought that he would win no problem. But, to her surprise he had lost because he had run out of chakra.
Her match had been after that. However, her opponent, the sand ninja in the black jumpsuit, had forfeited. Kazu winced as she accidentally bit her thumb in anger. She really had wanted to fight her opponent. His specialty, chakra strings, was one she had never fought against before, and she had been looking forward to it.
So, she had been called the winner by default, and the next match was called to a start. It was between Sasuke and the red haired sand ninja. Like always, Kakashi-sensei arrived at the last possible moment, with Sasuke by his side.
Sasuke had changed in the month of training. His attire was different. Instead of a t-shirt and shorts, it was a blue jumpsuit thing with the Uchiha symbol on the back. He still wore his arm warmers. But, his eyes seemed different, almost like that Orochimaru's. From her perch on the rails, Kazu could see the power hungry look behind his eyes.
He's going to take up Orochimaru's offer.
Kazu's hand flew to her curse mark as it stung slightly. She fought the wince that pushed to show itself. She had come to realize that her mark hurt worse when his goons were around.
Hers eyes widened as she realized what she just thought. When they were around… Crystal blue orbs left the fight below, consisting of a sand orb and Sasuke charging up for a jutsu, and began to search frantically for Orochimaru's goons.
She pushed off the rail, straightened her back, and scrutinized the crowd as her muscles tensed. What were they doing here? This was not good. Not good at all.
She balked as she caught the eyes of one disguised as a guard. He winked at her. Kazu stumbled back. All the other contestants within the waiting area glanced at her questionably. Was she okay?
Kazu turned and walked over to one of the guards in the waiting area.
"I need to go to the bath room." She said. The guard nodded silently before pointing down the hallway. Kazu followed the path he had established for her, nodding in thanks.
She walked into the bathroom and headed straight for the sink. Turning on the cold water, she splashed her heated face, trying to calm herself down. Something was up. And, it wouldn't be good if she was making stupid mistakes because she was scared.
Supporting herself on the sink, she stared herself down in the mirror. Her arms were shaking, and her eyes were wide. Slowly, she took deep breaths to calm herself down.
"Shaku be ready. I might need you in a minute." She sent to Shaku. She could feel the anticipation coming off her new dragon companion. A small smile made it to her lips. All she had to do was remember that she wasn't alone.
"Okay, master." Came the soft reply.
Pushing herself off the sink, she steadily walked out the door. She had thought she was prepared for everything as she walked through the door. That was until she saw who was blocking her way in the hall: One of Orochimaru's henchmen.
He wore the infamous white shirt slightly open, the big purple rope, and the dark blue pants with blue ninja shoes. His skin was pale white as if he powdered himself with the powder of the geishas. His hair was black and his eyes silver. Kazu backed up slightly.
"Oh don't be scared. Orochimaru just wants me to talk to you about the answer you gave Kabuto. You see, he believes you gave the wrong one." He stated cockily as he stepped forward. Kazu stumbled back, before turning and running in the opposite direction. She needed to find Ichigo. He had said to come and find him next time she was confronted by one of them.
She heard him following her. His gate matched her own as she ran. The thud of his feet hitting the floor was slightly after hers…or was it before hers? She couldn't tell. She could feel her blood pumping through her veins. Adrenalin coursed through her system.
She took random turns through the halls, pushing herself faster when she felt her pursuer gaining on her. She wanted to breathe a sigh of relief as she made it out of the labyrinth of hallways. Her feet had slowed at her arrival of the outdoors.
That was bad.
Suddenly she ducked. Her assailant flew over her and landed in front of her. She pulled out a kuni in response. He chuckled.
"That won't help you. Now don't fight. I'm just here to give you a message." With that, he also pulled out a kuni. Except, he lunged for her. Kazu blocked and rolled to the left. Steadying herself on her toes, she threw another kuni in the direction of the goon after her.
Again she took off. And, again she was blockaded by the goon. His hands were just finishing up a jutsu. Yet, he didn't speak. Ice shards formed in mid-air and rushed towards her. Kazu jumped to the right to avoid the deadly projectiles.
Her hands formed the hand sign Tatsu (meaning dragon) summoning Shaku to her side. Smoke appeared over her left arm, above her fire marking. Kazu could feel her claws materialize and pinch her skin through her clothing. Shaku let out a little growl.
The goon smirked. She was farther along than Orochimaru-sama thought. He will be pleased to hear this.
Her hands set to work again as she set up another jutsu. Kazu focused her chakra into her chest, feeling Shaku do the same. She inhaled. Shaku followed suit.
"Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Kazu yelled exhaling, placing fingers before her mouth in a 'C' shape to stabilize the flame extending from her mouth. Shaku exhaled as well while releasing a loud roar. The tiny dragon perched on Kazu's shoulder added more fire to the flames created by Kazu, making her fire ball that much bigger and that much harder to control.
Once she was out of breath, Kazu staggered a bit, cursing silently because her jutsu drained a lot of her large chakra supply. It was obvious she needed to work on the jutsu more.
Her pursuer smirked as he watched her stagger, trying to stay on her feet. He was just sent to fight her as recon. And if she already had her familiar that meant that she was moving swiftly through the Hotoya's training. Orochimaru-sama will be pleased. Satisfied, he jumped off to assist his leader.
Kazu thankful her attacker had left dropped to her knees. Shaku whined in worry; her wings were spreading and closing in anticipation as if she felt something else was wrong. But, Kazu couldn't stop her eyelids from falling shut, even after she heard a large explosion.
()()()()()
Kazu stood with the rest of team 7 on a roof as Kakashi-sensei scolded the boys for trying to attack each other with the chadori and rasingan. And, Sakura being ever in love with Sasuke jumped in between the two trying to get them to stop. It was a stupid move that could have cost her life. Luckily, Kakashi-sensei had redirected the two's momentum into two water towers.
Kazu stood on the sidelines, silently observing. Her right hand was occasionally ghosting across her curse mark. Her left hand was gripping her kasurigama, ready for action.
Not against her team mates, but against one of Orochimaru's goons. Ever since the Chunnin exams, she felt as if she was being followed. It wasn't the best feeling; it put her on edge.
And with the Hokage murdered and the village in chaos, she felt the only people she could rely on were Ichigo, who was off on an important mission tracking down Orochimaru's men, and Shaku, who was a dragon and not a person.
Kazu watched as Sasuke glared at Kakashi, glanced at her, and then left by jumping off the roof. Her eyes slightly narrowed. He had come up to her several times asking her why she was rejecting Orochimaru's offer. He kept trying to persuade her to go with him, to go for power. And, every time she would refuse, denying the option of learning from her clan's murderer.
And, she could tell by that look that he was going to leave soon. And with him leaving soon would come the last time he asked her why she wasn't taking up Orochimaru's offer.
Kazu heard Shaku growl when she heard Kazu think of that name. She had opted to keep Shaku at home until she summoned her during training, for a practice fight. It was obvious Kakashi-sensei was more focused on Sasuke and Naruto; and, she didn't feel the need to compete for his attention.
Blue eyes watched as all the others dispersed from the roof top, leaving her alone. Kazu allowed herself to wince as she felt the curse mark sting. Methodically, she scanned the surrounding roof tops for the culprit. She grimaced when she locked eyes with Kabuto. Slowly, she backed away before jumping off the roof top and heading off to find Naruto. She needed a friend with her.
Kakashi-sensei stood crouched on a higher roof top than the one Kazu was previously standing on.
She had been quieter than she had been before the Chunnin exams. And he could see the tiny glances Sasuke would send her and the glares she would send back. And with the threat of Sasuke defecting from the Hidden Leaf, Kakashi was curious.
And, now his curiosity was satisfied, somewhat.
He had witnessed her wince and touch the marking on the juncture between her neck and shoulder. At first he had just thought it looked similar to the one Sasuke possessed, but now he realized it is the same one. She had been cursed too.
And the glances and glares? Those where questions and answers. It seemed as if Sasuke had been asking her repeatedly if she would go with him and leave or at least leave too, but, if gathered anything from the glares, she said no every time.
But, that didn't explain what she saw and when she turned tail down and ran in the opposite direction. Could it be that she was afraid of Orochimaru?
()()()()()
Sasuke glared at everything and anyone he passed as he walked home. He was pissed. How could Naruto be stronger than him? HE deserved it, trained for it none stop! And yet, the knuckle headed ninja Naruto could still make more damage than him. It was impossible! It was unfair!
He was leaving for Orochimaru's and that was final. He needed to get more powerful like he needed air. He had made a promise to himself and his dead parents that he would avenge them. And, he couldn't do that if Naruto could beat him. It just wasn't possible.
However, he wasn't just pissed, he was confused too. And Kazu was the source of his confusion. He couldn't understand why she would refuse Orochimaru's offer. Her parents had been killed just like his. Everyone had heard the story, but her clan was so small that most didn't pay it as much attention.
He just couldn't understand her refusal. Shouldn't she want the same thing as him?