The man, named Fujio, supplied her with metal scraps. Katsu was extremely grateful. With more material, she was able to make her 'projects' more stable. She also learned a bit from the man. He knew how to craft swords and katanas. As well as the differences.

It was useful. Katsu now knew how to bend metals and shape them easier. Along with learning from the man, she had another place that felt comfortable. It was much better than the silence of her house.

Of course, the man wasn't doing this all for free.

"KATSU! GET THE STEEL QUICK!"

"Y-YES SIR!"

His shop was very popular in the ninja world. Because of this, the shop was busy.

"KATSU, TAKE THE CUSTOMER!"

"YES SIR!"

Something about the shop was fun. Maybe due to the movement around the shop or the loud sounds of metal clashing.

Something about it was endearing.

"Katsu. Nice work today."

Fujio ruffled the small girl's hair. His hands were big and calloused from the work he does.

"Make sure to come back the next weekend. I definitely need your help."

He grabbed a bag full of metal and handed it over. Katsu grabbed it with her two hands.

"Make sure you get home safely."

"Thank you!" Katsu bowed and did a u-turn.

And back home she went.

Academy was still hell.

No matter what she tried, her skills never improved. All that seemed to improve was her skill in math and science. Not like the academy cared for those two subjects.

"Hey! Bottom Last!"

Yes, that was now her new nickname in the school. It's not like the kids were smart enough to think of anything better.

She ignored the yells of the children.

"Hey! I'm talking to you!"

Katsu nearly jumped out of her seat at the loud yellings of a child.

"Oh wow. I couldn't tell at all." She huffed out, sarcasm dripping in her voice.

The certain child currently mocking her was the academy bully, Domen Tetsuo. He was a childish boy that seemed to complain a lot. He wasn't too skillful but he had popularity.

"Well then listen well! I need you to do my math for me." He grinned happily, looking as if he figured out a mind-blowing fact.

Katsu examined the boy closely before turning away, eyes closed.

"No."

And there she was. On the floor bleeding. Wasn't that just great? It was a normal thing now. Tetsuo would ask for her to do his homework for him, then he would pound her to the ground when she refused.

Just a normal day.

Then again, she could've gone the easy way out by actually doing his homework but where was the fun in that. She wasn't going to let this bully tell her what to do.

"Katsu."

Her father was home for once. He wasn't usually at the house due to ninja missions but when he was, Katsu wished he wasn't.

His eyes examined over his daughter's injuries. It was normal by now so seeing her hurt wasn't new.

"Get cleaned up. I want you out in the training fields by 3:00."

Katsu nodded tiredly and stumbled her way to the bathroom. Her father was so neutral about her injuries that it hurt Katsu. Why couldn't at least act a bit worried? How the hell did her mother fall in love with this rock?

She looked up to the mirror to see her bruised face. She had a purple splotch on her cheek and a few cuts on her nose. Her arms were littered with cuts and bruises as well. At least her legs were fine.

"You got this Katsu." She glared at her reflection. "You've done it before, you can do it again."

Usually, her injuries would be healed by the time she came back to the shop. If they weren't, she would cover them with bandages. Freaking out Fujio was something not on her list.

"Ah kid, what the hell happened to ya?"

Kastu didn't have time to heal this time. Her nose had a nasty cut and bandages were littered across her face. It was clear as day that it hurt to take a step.

"Nothing you need to worry about." She walked into the shop, getting ready to work. "I'm fine."

Her words weren't convincing enough for the older man. He huffed, grabbing the arm of the child. Katsu winced slightly.

"You are clearly hurt. What the hell does the academy do to give you injuries like that?!"

Katsu mumbled a bit, pulling her arm out of the man's grip.

"It wasn't the academy. Just… some training accident."

She could feel the gaze of the older man on her back. She shivered and ignored it.

"Well, you ain't workin today like that."

Katsu opened her mouth to argue but was cut off by the man picking her up.

"H-Hey!"

Fujio ignored the child's complaints and set her on a metal table.

"Here, let's fix your bandages. Shall we?"

Katsu hunched over, not replying. Fujio peeled off the mess of her wrappings, cringing at the purple hues of her skin.

"Jeez, what kind of accident didja have?"

Katsu stayed quiet, letting him wrap up her wounds. Once he finished he looked towards her, his eyes soft.

"Hey kid, why don't you take a rest today. There's not as much business today so I should be fine."

Katsu opened her mouth to argue but stopped. It would be nice to get a rest.

"Okay…"

She jumped off the table, heading towards the exit.

"Katsu."

Katsu stopped walking

"You'll tell me if anything is going on, right?"

Katsu felt her throat tightened and she looked away. Tears threatened to fall from her face. Taking a breath, she replied.

"I'm fine."