Reality

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "Naruto", it belongs to its original creator Masashi Kishimoto. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out.

P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website. If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

Cast:

Destiny ~ Aqua from Konosuba

Warnings: Spoilers for an event in Kushina's life, panic attacks

Today's Special

The illusion that everything will just turn out magically without having to communicate:

Thoughts,

Feelings,

And needs,

In a relationship is an immaturity that will make true connection impossible.

~ KYLQ

{Katherine P.O.V}

After spending fifteen minutes, ten of which were just me staring at the clothes trying to figure out how to put them on, I was dressed and ready for the day. Just in time to.

I heard two knocks on the wooden door of the room I was staying in, "Are you ready to leave?" A woman's voice was heard through the door.

I had definitely heard her voice from somewhere before, I just couldn't pinpoint it. I then mentally slapped myself as I realised that I would definitely know the voices here, I had most likely heard them several times from the anime!

Two knocks once again rang against the door. I glanced at the mirror across from the bed, but quickly averted my eyes once I saw a glimpse of bright, fiery red hair.

I tried to calm myself down a bit by taking a deep breath and then letting it out.

Repeating the process several times, did absolutely nothing to calm down my nerves or slow down my rapidly beating heart.

Instead, it only used up time, as I learned when instead of the usual two, three swift knocks rang through the door.

"Kushina U-"

Stealing my nerves I quickly opened the door before the women could finish. There was slight surprise in her eyes, but other than that, there was no indication that my sudden action had fazed her.

Unsure of who she was or how I was supposed to greet her. I stayed silent, hoping she wouldn't consider it odd. I do remember Kushina looking quite sad and quiet when she was brought into the lead village.

Apparently my guess was right, because the woman turned around and began to walk away.

When the woman noticed that I wasn't following her, she turned her head around to look at me. "Come now child." She said sharply.

I quickly snapped out of my daze and quickly walked over to her. Once I was beside her, she began walking forward again. Leading me through various wooden hallways.

I tried to keep track of the way, but the building was like a maze. Soon she pushed open a tall wooden door, and my eyes were hit with the blinding sun. I blinked my eyes rapidly and soon saw that I was surrounded by a bunch of trees. Clearly this was the more rural part of the village.

The woman began walking again, luckily this time she walked slower, so I could also watch the ground underneath me for anything. The pathway was bumpy and covered with gravel and branches.

For the first time in the last 24 hours, I was truly happy that I was in Kushina's body, and not my own. Because there was no way I would have been able to make this journey in my old body. I would have been panting by the time I was out of the building…

That's right. This is Kushina's body. I need to take care of it. It's the least I owe her. So I can't keep the same unhealthy lifestyle I had in my old life.

But the glutton in me couldn't help but argue out. 'Isn't she a ninja? We'll have to exercise more. So It's only natural that our cheat days also grow.'

That's right… my footsteps came to a halt as the crushing realisation that I would now be forced to become a ninja truly fell upon me.

It would be dangerous and I could die at a moment's notice.

But that's the thing… I can't allow myself to die!

"Kushina!" A voice calls.

It takes my brain a second to comprehend that the woman was referring to me. "Yes?"

"You can not stop. Lady Mito is expecting us. We mustn't keep her waiting. Now, come child." The women commands. I began walking, side by side this time. From the corner of my eye I begin taking in her features.

The woman looked to be in her late 20's or early 30's. She had chestnut brown hair which was pulled into a tight bun, and dark brown eyes. She looked strict, clearly demanding respect, and used to getting it.

And then it hit me. She's Biwako Sarutobi. She was the third hokage's wife, and the ones who helped Kushina through her labour. But as a result, she also died that night as well.

My heart felt like it was filled with bricks and nearly sank to my stomach as I understood the women in front of me would die in a couple years. By then she would be no older than her 50's. What a short life that would be.

But could I save her?

How would it affect the plot?

Would Kushina have saved her?

Yes, she would have. But can I? I'm… weak…

The trees that we're covering the sun began to thin out, as more buildings began to appear.

And then I saw it.

Ichiraku ramen.

Ichiraku ramen from Naruto.

I was standing in front of the shop I had used to fantasise about in my dreams.

And for the first time in my life, I wanted to wake up in my room.

I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, and my breathing began to speed up.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was dashing through an ally. Completely ignoring Biwako's screams for me to come back.

When I could no longer hear her, I crouched down next to a wall. Covering my ear, I tucked my head between my knees. Rocking back and forth a little as I tried to stop my tears. But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't.

I know I always said this was my dream.

But it isn't.

I can't do this.

I'm weak.

I'm a nobody.

What right did I have to take Kushina's body?

I thought I had come to terms with it in the bathroom. But I clearly hadn't. Seeing all the colours, the landmarks, the shops that could only be in Naruto.

Made me truly realise this isn't something I can handle.

I just am not ready for this.

I can't do this.

I'm weak.

I'm a nobody.

I just am not ready for this.

I can't do this.

I'm weak.

I'm a nobody.

I just am not ready for this.

I can't do this.

I'm weak.

I'm a nobody.

I just am not ready for this.

I can't do this.

I'm weak.

I'm a nobody.

I nearly jumped into the air when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned my head up to see Biwako's disapproving glare.

But seeing my tear soaked face, she softened a bit.

She crouched down to me, and with a gentle voice spoke. "I'd like to tell you this is all a dream. But I won't lie to you. You're homesick, I know that. But can you please try and work with us. Soon, you'll begin to see that Kohan can become your home as well."

She's right.

I am homesick.

I just want this all to be a dream.

But it isn't.

It's my reality now and I need to live with it.

I owe it to these people, and to Kushina. To try and save as many people as I can with my knowledge.

Just like she would.

"Come now, Kushina."

Kushina… That's right.

I need to keep her memory alive as well.

But can I do that… without losing who I am?

I intend to focus mainly on Katherine, her development, the effects she has on the story and how she changes it, relationships, and of course her and Minato's love story. Because of that it could be quite a few chapters before we hit the Naruto anime storyline. And depending on my pace and how quickly they get over hurdles, Naruto Shippuden may not happen anywhere near like the anime went. So figured I'd give you guys a heads up.

I was inspired to write this, and the idea for equivalent exchange, for one life to be born, one must be gone (That wording is mine), from that fanfic 'love leaves you scarred', It's a great fanfic and I highly suggest you go read it. It's long, which I love, and very well written with barely any grammar errors. It's also a Minato x oc love story. It's such a great book that it would be a shame not to read it, I highly recommend you go check it out. It's on (and wattpad as I just found out) by the user "His Rose bud 125".

Since I was inspired to write this by this fanfic, a few ideas may, intentionally and unintentionally as well, overlap with Love Leaves You Scarred.

OMG! I just realised that Katherine's last name "Locket" is super similar to the one from Love leaves you scarred's last name, "Lockheart". I honestly swear it wasn't intentional. So sorry about that guys.

Edit: Jesus Christ! I just re-read the fanfic and realised Katherine and Rachal have another thing in common! They were both chubby in their past life. I can't believe I forgot that!

But I wasn't doing it to be a copycat, I just did that so there would be a sort of contrast between Katherine and Kushina's bodies which would make it harder for her to accept the transition and put more pressure on my oc for 'maintaining' Kushina's body.

Yes, I did add that little detail to torture my oc a bit and tug some heartstrings - because I, personally, love a little angst in my stories (Don't worry, I won't be a devil for the whole thing - their will be plenty off fluff and I'll try to add in some simple wholesome moments here and there). And I know this would play a huge part in her journey to accepting her new reality, and coming to terms with that this isn't just an anime anymore, it's her life.

Sorry this note was pretty long, and kind of repetitive. But I figured it would be better to get all this out of the way in the beginning.

(Because I myself have a habit of skipping over notes sometimes, I'll leave this up for a couple chapters.)

Also we can expect to actually see Minato in about 2 chapters.