So, I had always liked this anime, is not for the song mostly. So~
Also, a time skip to a four year old Iruka-chan! I think I finally got down the ages Kakashi and his team and when he became Genin! I'm so happy!
Prays won't change anything
Only the resolve to fight can change the present
Ten years ago…
She was running again, why was she running? Glancing back, saw two pairs of emotionless eyes glaring at her. Ah! Yes that's why… she had refused to participate on the mission again… why did she refuse, again?
Soon enough, jumping a few more tree's ahead, she turned leaving the original path she was heading. Hiding behind a tree, she masked her chakra so they wouldn't sense it. She watched as her team continued on the path she originally was going before moving on to a different path.
Noriko looked down at the pond staring at her own reflection. Wondering to herself how she allowed herself to continue the abuse… Allowing them to choose her outfit, her status on the team... she eyed the blue tunic, sleeves going down to her elbow. To make the tunic bring out her figure, a brown leather handmade belt clung to her waist. Black leggings clung to her legs, matching her black sandals.
The outfit itself was pretty, simple and brought out her figure. Just the way the team wanted it. I hate it. She thought, bitterly. Braiding her chestnut brown hair. Why couldn't I have gotten a different team? She knew exactly why, she was placed on the team. They weren't defense or offense, nor were they support or tracking team.
No.. they were a different sort of team and she hated everything about it. Staring at her reflection, harder. She couldn't help but hate her eyes, more than anything, she wished, her mother had gotten away with taking away her eyesight, when she was young.
Not like that would have changed anything. She thought, grimacing. Putting her hands into the water, she cupped some of the water and splashed it onto her face to wipe away the dirt on her face.
SPLASH!
HuH? Startled, Noriko turned, slightly wide-eyed at the boy who was thrown her way and splashed water all over her. He groaned, sitting up from the lake, he sheepishly looked at the girl, who stared at him soaking wet from the water.
He let out a nervous chuckle, as her staring turned into an unimpressed look. "Gomen..?" Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Nice going Ikkaku. He thought mentally, scolding himself for embarrassing in front of his crush, who didn't even know he existed.
"HAHAHA!" A maniacal laughter came from the left side of the lake. "Nice going Ikkaku!" Noriko watched as the boy let out a defeated groan.
"IKKAKU!" A female voice shrieked. "ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?" Glancing toward the direction to what she supposed was the boy genin team. She raised an eyebrow as she saw one of her former classmates, looking worried for the boy. Feeling that she was being watched, she turned to look at the person that was caught in the aftermath of her teammates, stupidity. 'Noriko?" The girl asked, surprised written in her features, which made the girl snort mentally. And she calls herself a Kunoichi. She thought, smiling 'happily' "Kohari." She said, greeting her former classmate.
"EH!?" The silver haired boy cried out. "Kohari! You know an actually babe?" He pointed out, only to be slapped in the shoulder. "Hatsu!" She cried out. "Don't be rude!" Before she blinked and her feature grew angry. "And what's that supposed to mean!?"
"Nothing, nothing." Hatsu waved her off, lazily. "Just that I hadn't thought, you'd be doing actual girl stuff, since I'm pretty sure your a boy." Kohari gaped at the boy, balling her hands into fists. She screamed. "I'll show you who's the actual girl!" Noriko and Ikkaku watched on with a sweat drop.
Ikkaku was about to intervene when. "Noriko!" an enraged yell came from the right not too far from the lake. Making Noriko sigh, standing up, she waved. "It was nice seeing, Kohari." Which went unheard as Kohari was literally choking Hatsu, who was trying to ram her into a tree.
Xxx
Blue-green eyes snapped open, Noriko breathed in the air, smelling the oak and vanilla candle that had burned out a while. She let out a breath, trying to calm her nerves. Why am I suddenly remembering that? She wondered, idly. Getting up from bed despite, her muscles protest. She stretched, swiftly gathering her clothes from the closet.
Ruka-chan should be up. Noriko thought, happily. Thinking about her daughter often made the endless nightmares go away, made depressing thoughts, to leave as well when she thought about the family she gained when she married Ikkaku. Sure it was small and loud when Iruka wanted to be, annoying when Haru made her presence known, but she wouldn't trade it for the world, not even to be accepted back into her clan.
I think I'll be making Iruka favorite today. Noriko thought, humming into the kitchen. Only to be stopped by an arm blocking her path. Narrowing her eyes, she followed the arm to look at the owner of it. "Ku-kun," She said, sweetly. "What's the meaning of this?" Which was quickly translated to: Why the hell are you getting in my way?
Ikkaku sighed, mentally already knowing that his wife had recalled a slight pleasant and unpleasant memory and was probably trying to get to Iruka to reassure herself about a few things.
"Noriko." Ikkaku said, seriously as he held up a scroll. "Did you know about this?" Noriko, stared at the scroll, before glancing towards her husband, who gestures for her to take the scroll. Hesitantly, Noriko took it from his hand, raising an eyebrow as she unrolled it.
….. Therefore all kids, from the force of Shinobi's both retired and/or active must Attend the Ninja academy by the age of five…. Those deemed… Civilians from the schools… Those Will be Recruited…
Blankly, she looked up to her husband, who stared back arms crossed. Quietly she shook her head. "I thought we had enough batch of ninja, fresh out of the academy…Had I known…" Noriko trailed off, her face falling emotionless, Yet Ikkaku could see it in her eyes. I would of gone back. Was the clear message, making him grim at the reminder. That despite them being able to start the life they wanted, she had duties she to attain, even now. Guess, Iruka will have to learn to suck it up, along with all the other five year olds. Ikkaku thought, feeling hopeless, that he wasn't and wouldn't be able to help his daughter find her own path.
She won't ever be aware that she didn't choose this path… Noriko thought, haunted. Not until it's too late..She glanced at the clock, trying to regain some sense of the normality of their routine. Something to cling onto if not for an hour or so more. "Ahem." Clearing her throat to gain her husband's attention. "We'll discuss this later." She said, glancing one more time to the clock. "But it would seem you'll be late for your first meeting to your Gening team."
Making him pale and rush out.
Iruka, peaked into the kitchen, by the door. "Were's tou-san going?" She asked, looking at her Kaa-san who simply smiled, shaking her head. "Mission." Noriko said, softly.
Umino Noriki. I thought, looking at my silent but caring kaa-chan. Having not noticed, until I turned four that she was silent, but full of affection. Though she barely said a word or showed emotion, There were times I had to stop and wonder how she and Tou-san came together, before realizing something; it was comforting.
In a way it reminded me of my "original" dad. Both stern, silent but full of affection. Although, there was a major difference between them. Kaa-chan did it because it seemed unbreakable half the time, like she had perfected it over the years and even with a child she refused to break it. My "original' dad on the other hand did it was because he wanted me to be strong.
To harden myself for the upcoming and unknown future, that I was about to take once I left High school.
Meanwhile with Kaa-chan, there were times where it honestly scared me. it was like her ninja mode was never off, with barely any presence she gave out. Although, while it took sometime, I can honestly feel her presence without having to turn to look now.
Sighing, I stared down at the breakfast, that Kaa-san made hastily, after tou-san left. "Good morning! Obaa-san!" I said, smiling as Obaa-san comes into the dining room, with a yawn. Perhaps, it was because of Kaa-san, but I could feel Obaa-san presence right, before she even entered.
I wonder if this is like some sixth sense..? I pondered over it, before shaking my head. No can't be. "What's this." Obaa-san said, putting her hand on top of my head. "Not even turning to smile at your poor old Obaa-san?" ruffling my head, making me feel the need to whine at my now perfectly ruined hair. 'Obaa-san!"
Chuckling, she retracted her hand, "Now let's see what your kaa-chan has cooked for the both of us." Which if honestly wasn't much, mostly oatmeal with brown sugar and toast with jam. So this was the life of Umino Iruka, Huh? I thought, amused. One of the many Civilian turned Ninjas, lived the same non exciting life like the rest… Yawning, I momentary wondered if I could miss the meeting with Mizuki so a nap could be taken, place in a comfy place.
Kaa-san, silently walked into the dinning room, not even bothering to do the normal mutual greetings. Making Obaa-san eye her wearly, as Kaa-chan sat down across from. For the first couple of minutes it was just awkward silence. Putting down the spoon, I looked up from my food to stare down at her, eyes ever so subtle widening as… "Iruka-chan." Kaa-chan said, for the first time smiling. "Do you want to be a Kunoichi?" Making the whole room temperature freeze. Why is she asking. I thought, panicked. Possibly staring wide-eyed at my Kaa-chan. Why now? I hadn't actually come terms what I wanted. This future that I had within my hands was so.. So much different, than my past world. The Opportunities that I known back then, weren't exactly all available here. Hell! I didn't even know if they had Civilian schools. Maybe they did, I was pretty sure they did with all the complaining about my cousins did once the Kota company came into view.
Then there was the fact I wanted to change minor things. My own way, more specifically. Yet.. How could I… when I didn't even know how to go about it? When the thought of being a ninja made me sick to my stomach; looking at my kaa-san smiling face for the first time in a long time. I asked the more logical question. "What's a Kunoichi?"
Obaa-san, stared at Noriko, silently. Staring at her like she was re-evaluating whatever peace treaty they had made between them a year ago. "A strong and big person, that protects their family." Kaa-san said, closing her eyes, her smile never once fading as she said. "Don't you want to help protect Tou-san and Obaa-san and Kaa-chan?" Staring at the women, that made two side of my instinct go against each other. She's good. I thought, trying to figure out a way to get out of this conversation without answering. Had I been a normal naive and innocent kid, then I would've said yes in a heartbeat. Sadly, for Kaa-san this was not exactly my first time in life.
Yet…
She opened her eyes staring dead set right back me, making me gulp back whatever it was I wanted to say. She looked so serious, eyes gleaming with something that I couldn't figure out.
"Enough." Came the short sharp reply. Their voice firm and calm, but with hidden anger. "Noriko, now is not the time." Kaa-san, opened her mouth to protest, the smile gone from her face and her eyes going blank. "Besides, as the head of this family and with my age, it should be I who gets to train Iruka." Kaa-chan looked disdained at the claim.
Taking one look at me, she turned back to Obaa-chan. "Alright." She said,reluctantly. I looked down to my food. It happened again… I thought, feeling weird. Pushed… Your being pushed again… Disappointment washed over me. You can say something, Say something! Looking back up, opening my mouth I try to say no… Yet, nothing comes out… Not like they were looking at me anymore. You can't can you? A voice whispers in the back of my head, tauntingly.
Sighing out one more time, I looked away from the people in front of me.
She's acting weird.. Mizuki thought, staring at his friend, who with a dazed look, walked with him towards the meeting ground to their friends. Furrowing his eyebrows together, he wondered what got Iruka in such a sour mood this morning. "Ruka-chan." He said, hesitantly, making her gaze up at him absentmindedly. "Uhm..." He tried to scramble up something to say.
"OI!" Both kids turned to the scream heading towards them.
"Guess what!" Izumo said, excitedly. Making both of them look at him with a raised eyebrow. "I'm going to go to the academy, next year!" Iruka flinched, head snapping to her friend, eyes widening. "A-academy…?!" Iruka stuttered out, Mizuki glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, darting between Izumo and her. "Mhm." Izumo nodded, grinning at them. "Now we'll be even!" He said, not noticing how pale Iruka had become at the mere mention of the academy. What got her so upset..? Mizuki pondered,He's only talking about the academy... He paused. Wait… Is she even going?
He never actually thought that he would be doing something without Iruka being present. In fact their bond, despite how much he ends up being attacked by a vicious cat, Was pretty much of them being inseparable and wherever one goes the other follows. So with that brilliant logic mind of a four year old. Mizuki says. "Great! So are Ruka-chan and I!" Beaming at Izumo, who beams back at him.
Neither notice the dark aura beside them coming from their beloved friend. Great! She thinks. I can't back out and figure something out. After all, she was never one to say something when both of them were literally beaming out happiness at the thought of them all going to the Academy next year, to be child soldiers, for their beloved Village. Didn't the academy start at age 8 though..? She sighed, not knowing what to do but follow along, nor the first time her own future out of her control.
Are you sure you ever had control over your life… ? A voice whispers her flinch and look around their surroundings. The playground was busy as usual, kids playing and adults shaperoning their kids or walking by. Yet, no one near them… "What's wrong?" Izumo said, concerned.
Glancing to see both her friends looking at her with concerned and innocent expression. Guilt clawed its way into her stomach towards her heart. Wrenching it ever so tightly, making her wonder why did she have to act this way.."Nothing, nothing." She said, forcing a smile. "Just got an idea on how to…" Trying to come up with something she blurted out. "How to finally get rid of a troublesome chicken!"
Izumo perked up at the mere mention of the chicken, while Mizuki paled. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Mizuki asked, are you sure you want to involve Iaumo? Was the unasked question, not that Mizuki had a problem with Izumo! No… It was more like he was concerned that Iruka might drag Izumo to a hell that no one should go into. looking at his long time friend with a slightly scared expression. Ever since they first met, he somehow ends up being the one to get the short stick of her ideas and misadventure. Especially, when it comes down to getting rid of that chicken who lives right next door to Iruka.
Although, He grudgingly agreed that the chicken was a menace to society and should be rid of the sake of everyone, He was less inclined to allow Izumo into their mission of getting rid of the chicken since… well Iruka was scary everytime they failed…
Those few moments scared him shitless, more than her experiments of trying to get rid of that Rooster honestly.
"Of course!" Iruka exclaimed. "That chicken has had a long run, you hate that bird as much as I do!" Making him look away, knowing that she was right, sweat dropping as she concluded with. "Plus, It's not like anyone would actually miss it!" Mizuki shook his head and inches away as he watched her hug Izumo, side hugging more like. A gleam in her eyes as her smile widen, Making Mizuki shudder at her insane look, not that Izumo would be able to tell.
Why the hell was he friends with her again?
"Plus, if i'm going to rule the world, I need an army, starting with that chicken." Iruka mutter, looking determined.
Oh yeah… Thats why….
"Ruka-chan," Mizuki said, with a tsk. "I thought we talked about this," He pinched his nose as Izumo glared at him, for his tone towards Iruka. "You can't keep experimenting on animals!" Mizuki exclaimed, Someone need to keep her in line with sanity. He thought, sighing. "Plus, who's going to lead the army if your the leader?"
Making her pause and shrug at him. "Who knows." She said,looking slightly offended. "I've never experimented on animals! Just the annoying ones.. Mostly on that dumb neighbors chicken!"
"You experimented on that so called demon cat," Izumo commented, earning a thank you look from Mizuki and a betrayed look from Iruka. "And had several ninja curse at you, not that they knew it was you who gave the cat abnormal speed for a week." Iruka, looked away. Wincing at the reminder of the incident.
Had did Izumo even know about that incident, anyways!?
"It was one time, and I wasn't aiming for the cat! I was aiming for the chicken, that stupid cat, got in the way…" she trailed off sadly in her last attempt, trying to set the chicken on fire, was hard! Not to mention experimenting in chemistry has been a total.. Fail. Most of the chemical reaction she had hoped for, doesn't exactly work, not to mention the different types of elements were completely different and just so similar it was aggravating! Plus, there was a reason why the schools didn't allow her to teach chemistry, in the first place. It also had something to do with the fact that she had made a dreadful cloud that could have been a huge explosion in college.
Mizuki sighed, Iruka his wonderful, awesome best friend. Even if she was a girl. Was a great actress, he really, really hoped that no one discovered her sadism or encouraged her impulse lying disorder. He was absolutely sure she had one, with all the times she got scot free from being in trouble. Though if Iruka somehow found another sadist within the academy….
He shuddered, the thought of two Iruka's scared him.
The world would be doomed. Especially, in Iruka's saying, it's always the quiet ones. For now he had to stop his friend from committing murder on that poor, poor chicken. Why did she even hate that chicken? What did it ever do to her, other than wake her up in the mornings?
"So what is the plan?" Izumo asked, innocently. Making Iruka beam at him and Mizuki groan at as Iruka launched herself to explaining a plan with too many holes inside them.
Meanwhile
Goddammit! Ikkakur thought, growling as he struggled to get out of the trap. A rather well planned trapped if you asked him. One that was worthy of being promoted to a saboteur and ready for the front lines within a matter of three months….
Except… It wasn't made by his genin team. Oh no, not at all. He recognized the markings, the well planned strategy behind it and the brillant trademark. No this trap was left behind a while ago and his genin team picked up on it. So grouping together the made him rush into the trap without him noticing as he blindly tried to get away…
Usually, this would set a warm feeling with any Jounin, believing that they might have found a genin to leave their legacy behind, to help them realize who the next kings were. He should be happy to be off the front lines for now, being to spend more time with his darling Ruka-chan. Except… They weren't supposed to pass. Ikkaku thought, narrowing his eyes at the genin, who stood in front of him cheekly.
It baffled him, honestly. It was like a cloth having become undone and redone differently. Ikkaku wasn't supposed to have a genin team, he was sure of it! Then again he was never supposed to have been Jonin either… So what changed? He thought, getting out of the trap with ease. What's different? Sighing, he looked at his new team with unreadable eyes. It's starting to get all fuzzy. "Congrats." Ikkaku said, slouching a bit, a smirk playing on his lips. "You officially a genin team." He watched as they all sagged in relief, like a great weight had been lifted.
Which since this was their second time under a different Jonin instructor, the weight had been lifted since they determinedly fought of the Genin corps to get this second trail.
Now that he thought about it… Should I even be worried? "Now let's go get something to eat, follow me." He shook his head fondly as he heard his team victory cry and hive fiving each other. Let's just hope none of you have all that good chakra control yet.
Umino Residence….
Haru, glanced down at her granddaughters sleeping form, then turning back to her daughter in law."Are you sure Noriki?" she asked, gently. Making Noriki looked at her with her usual expression. "As much as I love my daughter." Noriko quietly said. "She needs a firm hand to train her." Taking one look at her daughter, Haru could see the flash of pain settling into her eyes. "It wouldn't do anyway, if I were to train her anyways." Noriko muttered, Not when I have things to take care of..
They both sat in silence, not knowing what exactly to say to the other. Not having ever had the time to properly bond with each other before the wedding, not even after as Missions were increased at every given chance for Noriko and Ikkaku, only until the pregnancy showed up their bond had more or less wavered back and forth.
This stupid war… it has your fingerprints written all over it, Danzo. Haru thought, walking towards her soon to be five year old granddaughter. If only I got to Noriki first, then maybe.. No It would have turned out the same. But at least I can make amends. But will she even agree? Pondering on the women that she had barely spoken to over the past decade after their family grew or died off, depending on the one you speak of. Haru pondered over how the conversation will go.
I wonder how the genin team Ikkaku got assigned to are doing? Noriko thought, trying to reel in her mind and panic to something more pleasant. If they passed then they should be getting something to eat or coming here, whichever comes first if Ikkaku hasn't terrified them with that big head of his… With a sadistic ting, she pondered over the things she would of done to get a team in line without doing much.
The door creaked open and a brunette poked out her head to look inside the house. Seeing both of the adults sitting in the living room having tea with each other, the little girl hesitantly went inside. Carrying a stack of paper and books, that she must've gotten from the civilian library near them.
"I'm home!." Iruka called out, struggling to maintain the weight of the books. To her displeasure and walked into the living room and sat onto the ground opening the book onto a bookmark
"Iruka-chan." Haru said, making Iruka look up from the ground; where paper were spread out and books scattered."Hai, obaa-chan?" Iruka asked, looking at her innocently. So far so good, Iruka thought. No one's pointing fingers at anyone, yet. Meaning, no one has found the chicken…. "Why don't you show me what you've been working on?" Iruka's Obaa-chan asked. Making the little girl straighten up, looking up at her Obaa-chan confused. Does she know? Iruka thought, timidly handing her obaa-chan the notes she was writing.
Haru, opens the notebook, her expression goes from interested to blank in minutes, glancing up she takes one look at her daughter in law before returning her gaze back to her granddaughter. Noriki, stared at them with emotionless expression. Clenching her hands into fists, chanting in her head, thinking. Forgive me. She thought, grimmly. Forgive me otou-san...
"Iruka." Haru began "Tomorrow you and I will be going to the market."
XXXX
Ikkaku, opened the door to their house, with a smile on his face, as three troublemakers follow behind him. Poking his head inside, he smiled as he watched the three women of his life in one room together. His mother was sitting down looking over some paper that was laid onto the ground and a few stack of books with her and his daughter. Starting already? He thought,feeling rather annoyed with his Kaa-san. Isn't it too early? "Tadaime!" He called out making them look up.
"Okaerrinsai." His wife said, back as Iruka brighten up at the sight of him and ran towards him, warming up his heart. "Ruka-chan." He said, arms opening up to take in her little form. Behind him his genin team watched awkwardly at the sight, unable to comprehend the scene.
Noriko raised an eyebrow at the team behind him. Which went ignored by Ikkaku who was in his little world with his daughter, who seems to have finally misses him after a while. Though he was hesitant to allow three strange boys come to his house, he needed to show some trust to his students and therefore brought them to his home for lunch. That and well little kids tended to be a nice ice breaker, right?
Review!
A/N: So I realized I hadn't made something very clear. Iruka or the Si-Oc was not planning to become a ninja, like at all, nor was she planning to be just a regular had been planning on something different. But because of some political things and a war still raging on she is forced onto the path.