Chapter 6

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All good things must come to an end. This was another heart-wrenching chapter, but you can't write a Naruto story without going through the emotional rollercoaster.

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"Being alone has nothing to do with how many people are around."

~ Richard Yates ~

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It has been close to a week since my little… 'outburst' at the training field. During that time, I was updated on my newfound status as a bargaining chip and secret weapon to be used against Suna.

"From a member of the village to a political trump card," I sighed as I lay perched on the top of a tree and admired the night sky.

Konoha was a beautiful village, there was no doubt about that. However, it could never compare to the sheer wonder of Suna, of the desert, set against the backdrop of a clear starry night.

There was a soft rustle behind me and I sensed a familiar chakra signature flare up, the owner kind enough to let me know that they were approaching.

"How are you doing Tsubaki?" Minato asked.

I tried to hide my embarrassment. I still had yet to apologise to Minato and Kakashi for my outburst, even though Kushina reassured me that it wasn't my fault. "Just peachy," I mumbled, pulling my knees up to my chest and curling in on myself.

The jounin still came to sit himself next to me, taking in the sight of Konoha with its brightly lit lanterns and the sound of the village's nightlife.

"Kushina has told me that you really enjoy the night," He spoke, "And I can see why."

I turned to peek at the shinobi from the corner of my eyes, and pulled myself together to sit back on my ankles and stare him straight on.

"I'm sorry Minato-san." I bowed, forehead touching the ground. "I cannot justify my actions, and there is no excuse for the way I behaved. The only thing I have left to offer is my most sincere apologies."

There was silence. Then, the feeling of a weight on my head as Minato ruffled my hair. "You have nothing to apologise for Tsubaki. You're a shinobi, but you're also human with feelings and emotions. Never lose sight of that."

I let out a small smile. They were simple words, yet they were the words I needed to hear. To be given confirmation that it was okay to be human. I could not deny that losing my dad would forever leave a hole that might never be filled, a pain that could never disappear. But as I sat with Minato on that tree and looked on at Konoha in the tranquil night, I started to think that one day, I would be okay…

… or so I thought.

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-Hokage's Office-

"Can you repeat that Hokage-sama?" I gulped, feeling my stomach sink and chills run up my spine.

The old man looked at me sadly, "Your mother hasn't been heard from since she left to look for your father. We have also found the wreckage of a battle which was your sister's envoy. As of this moment, both your mother and sister are presumed dead."

His eyes flicked around, presumably to ensure that the silencing seals around his office were still in place. But I could hardly bring myself to care. In the span of a week I had been orphaned, my entire family decimated in one fell swoop.

This must be a joke.

"Will there be a funeral? A burial?" I whispered, eyes locked on the window behind the Hokage.

"Tsubaki." I turned, Kushina was there. I wonder how long she had been beside me, "There will be a memorial, but no funeral."

Confused, I asked "Why?"

My sensei pursed her lips, "They don't have a body to bury Tsubaki."

"Oh… oh yeah." I nodded.

I didn't need to look up to see that Kushina and the Hokage had exchanged concerned glances. I just stood in silence, eyes dropped down to study the small cracks on the floor. Distantly, I heard them keep talking and I let them. I couldn't hear a word they were saying, I was just there.

Eventually Kushina had dragged me out of the Hokage's office and I ended up sitting beside a small stream, toes dipping into the water as the stream continued on its course.

"Tsubaki, oy Tsubaki."

Looking up, I saw Kakashi's masked face looking down at mine.

"You good?" He asked, to which I just stared dumbly at him.

He just sighed, and left, leaving me to go back to stare at the river stream. In all honesty, I couldn't fault him. I appreciated that he was trying to help, but what I really needed was a distraction.

"Tsubaki!"

Obito's voice broke through the fog that was starting to settle in my mind. Blinking, I looked up at the energetic Uchiha who grabbed me by my hands and started bolting in a direction.

"What are you doing Obito?" I asked, nearly losing my footing. "Kushina-sensei asked me to stay by the river and wait for her."

"It'll be fine," he waved, "I've got something that'll cheer you up."

I just followed, numb, until I found myself at the entrance of the Uchiha compound, and my mouth dropped. The entire compound was decorated in fiery reds and yellows. Several stalls were set up along the main area within the compound and members of the clan were drifting between them, coming out with different trinkets and snacks.

"This is our annual festival within the clan, it's a tradition we've carried on with since before the founding of Konoha."

"It smells good." I smiled, taking in the beautifully delicious scents wafting from the stalls. Sweet and savoury delights just waiting to be enjoyed. "But I'm not Uchiha, are you sure I'm invited?"

"You'll be fine," he waved, "Mikoto told me to invite you so you're all good. Just stick with me." I nodded, and couldn't help the smile as Obito dragged me to the first stall we could find where I started to salivate at all the treats on display.

"Oh my gosh it all smells so good!" I squealed excitedly, holding my hands out as the vendor passed some very generous servings of sugar to two kids.

"You should try the daifuku," Obito said, as he finished his first kebab, "It's the best."

I nodded, and pulled out the smooth ball of squish and squeezed it between my fingers, watching as it simply expanded back into its original shape. "What's the festival for?"

Damn the daifuku was good, my hand dived back into the bag in search of another and I mentally made notes to get more before I left.

"So," he started to speak between mouthfuls, "Historically, it was held during the Warring States era to help boost the morale of the clansmen. But nowadays, we use it as a way to celebrate and commemorate Kana, to keep her memory and spirit alive within the Uchiha."

I munched, hand going back for another daifuku, "Who is Kana?"

"We don't know for sure," he shrugged, "She wasn't born an Uchiha, but she lived within the clan compounds for all of her life that she was basically a clan member. According to legend, she was our guardian angel and protected the heart and the innocence of the Uchiha clan."

"She sounds very well-loved by the Uchiha." I smiled.

He nodded, "She was, they weren't ever really the same after her…"