Chapter 29: Chicken or the Egg?


"Hey, Honorable Sister!" I hear a familiar voice call out. The sudden urge to roll my eyes is difficult to suppress.

"Hi, senpai!" I say cheerily to the Uchiha. "Long time, no see."

"I know, what's with that? You become a genin, and suddenly don't have time for little ole' me," Shisui teases. The desire to remind Shisui that he is neither little nor old resonates through me, but I learned long ago not to rise to his comments. It only makes them worse.

"I'm sorry about that. Yuki-sensei keeps us really busy."

"I've heard." He says blandly. "Any idea why you guys are still only running laps?"

"I don't know. Sensei says we need practice, and that we need to understand the reason behind all the running."

"Whatever that means," Shisui mutters.

"No one seems to have figured it out yet. I think Tenma-san is getting frustrated."

"Well, speed and stamina are both very important as a shinobi. Also, you need to look underneath the underneath. If he has you running, think about reasons you would run."

"I know. I just wish I understood what he wanted us to understand," I rant, then realize that I am complaining a lot. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to unload everything on you like that."

"I don't mind."

"Even so, I apologize. What are you up to?"

"I have the day off, so I am on my way to help out at the police station."

"That sounds like fun."

"It can be," Shisui replies neutrally.

After that, we fall into a comfortable silence, walking side by side through the city center. I meander my way over to a small dango shop, standing in the back of a long line, and Shisui follows.

"I didn't know you had a sweet tooth."

"Eh. It's for my team. They've been really bummed that we haven't gone on any missions yet."

"Awww. That's so sweet of you." He claps his hands to his cheeks, pushing the skin up to crinkle around his eyes while grinning. I laugh at the expression. He has made it on several occasions, almost always mocking Itachi's fangirls. After a moment, Shisui sobers. "Hey, Aimi-chan..."

"Yes, senpai?" I ask, wondering what has gotten him in such a sudden somber mood.

"Never change, okay?" Initially I feel confused by the request. Thoughts flood my mind, about the things I've seen, and the lessons I've been taught.

"I don't know If I can promise that," I say meekly.

"Well, at least try," He responds.

"I will," We reach the counter of the shop, and I order five servings of Dango from the brunette behind the counter. She cheerily gives me a total, and I hand over the money. A stack of packages is set in front of me, and she wishes me a great day.

I quickly seal all but one of the wrapped desserts into my pocketbook.

I extend the package to Shisui, who looks at it confused.

"It's October nineteenth. Happy Birthday, Shisui-senpai." A slow grin spreads across his face.


"Yuki-sensei... " I say between panting breaths. "I have an... idea as to why... we are running."

"Oh yeah? Care to enlighten us?" He says, signaling the team to gather around. I wait patiently for Shinko, who had been in the far corner of the field. When the team is all gathered, I start talking.

"Well, at first I was thinking that you just thought we were slow and had no stamina, but then I got to thinking about the running itself," I say. "Do you want us to be good at running so we can run away from things?"

The other three stare at me incredulously.

"Shinobi don't run, Rule-number-twenty-two!" Tenma yells.

Shinobi Rule # 21: A Shinobi must never run in fear.

"Rule number twenty-two does state that 'A Shinobi must not run because of fear.'" Yuki-sensei says quietly. "Aimi-chan is correct. I am training you so that running is second nature."

"Why, sensei?" Itachi questions.

"Right now, you are all genin. Some foreign nations might have academy students who are stronger than you. You will never know when you will come across someone who is vastly stronger than you."

"No way! I am going to be a totally awesome shinobi," Tenma cries out.

"Someday. But for now, you all have a long ways to go before you are strong enough to become chunin, and if you do not run away from fights you cannot win, you might not ever become one."

We four genin exchange weary looks.

"I expect all of you to become great shinobi, however, you may have to run a lot before you get there. Understand?"

"Yes, Yuki-sensei." We chorus.


"Good evening, Namikaze-san"

"Hello, Shinto-san." I incline my head politely to the grocery store owner. He owns the entire building, including the apartments that are above the shopping area.

"Busy day?"

"Incredibly. What about you, sir?" I ask.

"No busier than normal. Have a good night."

"You, too." I say, going up the stairs to the Namikaze-Uzumaki apartment. "I'm back." My voice echos throughout the small apartment. I look around for anybody, but find it empty. A pair of bento boxes and a note rest on the table.

Hey Aimi-chan,

I got called out on a mission, and will be gone for a few days, maybe a week. There are leftovers in the fridge.

Can you take a bento to your brother in the office? He is always so busy.

Your favorite Uzumaki,

Kushina

I smell like I ran a half marathon - which I did - so I decide to shower quickly before delivering the bento.

As I go to leave, I look at my sword. It stands in the umbrella basket by the door.

Shinobi Rule # 56: A Shinobi must never be without a weapon.

I shake my head at the silliness of the rule. But, I can't find myself willing to break the rule. I slip the odachi and scabbard over my shoulder before leaving.

Dusk has settled by the time I set out. I wind my way through the district towards the Hokage's office. The autumn breeze is chilly on my damp hair, which I put up in a high ponytail. My bangs are braided, hanging down and framing my face. My konoha headband is worn proudly around my brow. My sandaled feet tap lightly on the ground as my legs carry me past restaurants. Brilliant light streams out of all the open storefronts. Happily families gather around booths and tables. Couples sit in candle lit situations, leaning close to one another. A young mother passes me, carrying a sleeping infant swaddled in a blanket.

All the while, I listen. The couple at the bar are discussing marriage. The family in the booth is pondering adopting another child. A chunin squad eating a meal together are retelling war stories. A chef in the back of a restaurant is flirting with a waitress. Several older ladies share gossip about the war.

"I heard that delegates are here. Right now, talking to the Yondaime."

"Really? Do you know where they are from?"

"No, she couldn't see the headband."

The aromas of the city flow around me as I walk.

I can see why Nii-san likes Konoha so much. It feels like home.

A gust of wind whips past me, and my fingers clench around the knot on top of the bento. I should hurry. Minato will be hungry. I speed up to a jog -huh, this pace is no longer strenuous. Thanks Sensei- and the hokage tower comes into view. The red domed building where I had previously watched the Hokage Oath Swearing ceremony. The face of Nii-san's predecessors are carved into the stone of the mountain. Scaffolding had been set up, and a stone carver was already underway in carving the likeness of the yellow flash onto the wall. A face far sterner than any expression I had seen my brother wear stares out across the city.

Some familiar and unfamiliar faces flash by as I walk. I can't help but grin as I spot a certain brunette walking towards me with an certain Uchiha. I wave at them, and Obito and Rin grin at me.

"Hey, Aimi-chan!" Obito calls cheerily, "What are you up to?"

"Hi, Obito-san. I'm taking dinner to my brother right now."

"Aww," Rin coos. "You are such a good little sister."

"Ne ne, mind if we walk with you? We haven't seen Minato-sensei since he became the Hokage."

"You are more than welcome to join me," I say, grinning. The three of us fall into stride, walking towards the tower. Elongated patches of light stretch across the ground from the illuminated windows. We shuffle our way inside the tower, squinting from the sudden bright light.

"Hello, Honorable Sister." The secretary says, leaning over the desk to see what I have in my hands, "Ah, is that for Minato-sama?"

"Yep. I brought dinner here for Nii-san," I say, grinning. The civilian woman nods, and goes back to filing her long red nails.

"Ah," an unfamiliar voice says from the waiting room. "Are you the infamous little sister of the Yellow Flash?" I look up to see a face that I've never seen before. A pair of scars cross on his chin. Bandages wrap around his face and half of his body. He looks like Obito did when I visited him in the hospital, and how did he get those scars? I start to answer his question, but a memory from the academy goes through my mind.

Shinobi Rule # 13: A shinobi must never give information to a potential enemy, and everyone is a potential enemy.

Inspecting the man, I find no signs of which village holds his allegiance. "Depends on who is asking."

"Good answer. It's good to not go around sharing intel."

"I figured as much."

"I am Shimura Danzo. I am a village elder here in Konoha." I bow lightly, showing my respect. "Pleasure to meet you, Namikaze-san."

"Likewise."

He turns and walks down the hallway, leaving me and the two chunin standing in the reception hall. Rin and Obito share conspiratorial glances, but say nothing. I walk up the flight of stairs towards Minato's office. The large wooden door is shut.

"I got this," Obito says cockily. He walks calmly up to the door, and raises a loose fist to the door. For a moment, Rin looks impressed at how mature Obito is acting. Then...

"Oi! Sensei! Your little sister brought food for you!" He raps his knuckles harshly against the wood, creating a sound that surely must be reverberating throughout the office.

"Obito-kun! That's not how you-" Rin starts to sternly reprimanding the Uchiha, but is interrupted when the door to the office is yanked open. A man wearing a mist forehead protector stares down at us. No flicker of expression can be seen on his face, but his eyes betray the malice he feels.

I glance past the foreign shinobi to look at my brother. He wears a scowl, clearly not pleased by...something.

"I apologize, Hokage-sama." I bow lightly, "If it is a bad time, we can come back later." I try to blow off the whole 'little sister brought food for you'

"Nonsense. The man's got to eat, right? And what better than a home cooked meal from a sibling." His eyes glint wickedly.

Minato makes a subtle gesture, ushering me towards him. I cautiously cross the room to my brother, not stepping to close to any of the many foreign ninja in the room. I recognized many of the symbols of the various forehead protectors throughout the room. Kumo, Kusa, Kiri, and Iwa. Two ninja from each was in the room. Sitting behind the Hokage's desk in a row was a row of Konoha shinobi.

"Ah, Namikaze, are these your students?"

My brother simply nods, eyes hard. I recognize his 'Shinobi' mode. Stern expressions, cold eyes, tense muscles, and subtle amount of killer intent.

"An Uchiha, eh? Where'd you get those scars, kid?" An Kumo Ninja asks mockingly.

"And who is this cutie?" A perverted sounding Kiri-nin questions, looking over Rin.

"Enough of changing the subject." I hand over the bento, and the three of us retreat hastily from the room.

After the door shuts behind us, I let out a long, breathy sigh. I look at the two chunin. They don't seem phased.

"Heh. That was awkward." Obito remarks, causing which Rin slaps his arm in agitation.

"I think I'm gonna head home now. It's been great seeing you two." I mumble, distracted by what had just occurred.

"It has. We should train together some time." Rin says kindly.

"Yeah!" Obito yells enthusiastically, "We should get food some time, too."

"We should." I say politely.


I fiddle with the lock, sliding my key into the opening by feel. The light in the hallway has gone out again. Third time this month...

A series of clicks echo through the lock as the grooves of my key slide into place. The muffled echo of a familiar heartbeat sounds from the roof. An ANBU...is that Kakashi? No...it's the guy who wears a bear mask.

"Finally," I murmur. I slide the door open, and make my way inside, locking the door behind me.. I slip my shoes off in the entry, and make my way to the kitchen. The bento Kushina left for me still rests on the table.

What is this sinking feeling? I kneel at the low table, settling onto a cushion. My arms slowly extend towards the bento, the apprehension in my gut growing. The knot... It was tied going the other way when I left... Crossing the long part of the box, not the short side...

Outside the apartment I hear something. A new heartbeat resonates next to the ANBU. Metal and...flesh. One heartbeat. The new one. Then the tapping of a shinobi's feet on the wooden walkway outside the door. Steps coming closer. I can hear the clicking of metal and what sounds like a lock being picked. I stand, and face the door, drawing my odachi. Gripping the ribbon wrapped hilt firmly in my hands. The tumbler clicks, and the lock's inside knob twists. The door slides open agonizingly slow. If I hadn't been able to hear as well as I did, I wouldn't have noticed the near silence of the intruder.

"Whoever you are, get out of my house. Now." I declare to the two inch opening in the door. Perhaps not the wisest mood. I just gave up the element of surprise.

The door stops moving, and the sound of the intruders footsteps disappear into the distance, as whoever it is flees.

I wait, counting the seconds. Seventy-one...Seventy-two...Seventy-three...I don't think he is coming back.

Listening intently and still counting, I slowly make my way towards the door. One hand lifts off of my odachi as I slide the door open further. Stepping out into the cold air, as I look around for an adversary. The wooden hall floor feels rough and worn under my feet. I look off to the right, then the left, slowly searching and listening for any signs of an attacker. One hundred and seventeen...one hundred and eighteen... I guess the left. I turn to reenter the apartment when I see it.

An explosive tag on the top of the doorframe. In the distance, I hear someone say "Katsu."


I roll across the ground of the street below. Grunting as my shoulder impacts the ground roughly. My ears are ringing, however, I had jumped back fast enough to avoid the blast, but not the shockwave. My sword is still firmly grasped in my hands. I look up at the sky, which seems to be spinning. Smoke rises from the apartment. It seems to be on fire. A flash of light appears overhead, swinging down towards me.

Instinct takes over, I roll away from the sword's strike. The metal sinks deeply into the earth where I had been laying a second before. I swing at the arms attached to the sword, but a hand deflects the strike with a kunai. I swing my leg at my assailant, making him retreat to keep his footing. Using the momentum of my side kick, I kip up, landing on my feet while slashing my odachi.

For the first time, I get a good look at my attacker. She -my attacker was a woman- had blonde hair, but not nearly as yellow as mine. It was much more platinum, contrasting against the reddish hue of her skin. Her dark eyes were malevolent, cold, empty. A metal plate attached to a ribbon was tied around her brow, much like mine. But, unlike mine, hers bore the symbol of Kumogakure. The village hidden in clouds.

"You are not meant to be here." I state blandly, hoping to stall for time.

"Says the girl from Grass. Why don't you behave, and come with us quietly." Her voice is muffled by the ringing in my ears.

"Never."

"Fine. You've brought this upon yourself." She waves her hand, and a shadow looms over me from behind.


A/N:

Would you prefer if I published each arc as an individual chapter? (E.g: Aimi Traveling, adjusting to Konoha life, Academy Days, Genin Days, etc?)

Or do you guys like the chapters dividing the arcs?

Instead of each 1.5-3K word chapters with well time cliffhangers?

It would mean you would have to wait longer between chapters, but they would be much longer...

Also, to the few people that inquired about my chapter titles...they are really just the first thing that pops into my head.

Am I from the South? Honey, y'all don't wanna count all the places I've lived.

Aurelia Azyton.