Land of Fire: Forest, Early Morning…
A single-story cabin was off in the forest. The trees around it were the perfect height for Shinobi tree climbing, a nearby lake was the right size for water walking, and there was a clearing with all kinds logs meant for various training.
Inside a room of that cabin there was Daichi Ryu, now no older than 11, currently getting dressed. He had short, dark blue hair and forest green eyes. His attire consisted of a gold shirt underneath a dark blue gi with golden trim and matching pants.
On the back of his gi there was the Fusion Clan crest, a golden sun, and around his neck he wore a dark blue amulet with the same crest. Daichi walked to his desk which contained all the schoolwork his mother had him do. Shinobi didn't need to be particularly smart.
His mother knew, his father had known, this. The fact is, there were many Shinobi who weren't good at this sort of work. Still, it never hurt to study. He hoped his mother hadn't been taking it easy on him because Daichi wanted to truly to earn high marks.
He made sure his desk was tidy before grabbing his dark blue and gold sheathe and strapped it to his waist. They contained basic training swords, so naturally the blades were worn down from all his training. Mother was a great instructor, and she often said he was a natural.
Daichi grabbed his kunai and shuriken pouches before walking out the door. He then walked straight outside and up the path to the training grounds. Once there, he drew both his blades, and walked into a circle of various logs which were cut deep one way or another.
Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. Daichi went to work practicing precision by cutting along these deeper cuts in the wood. After a full hour of practice, he got to work on his aim by throwing kunai and shuriken at logs painted with targets.
Each log was set at a different distance away from him. There were also logs suspended by vines. Daichi threw some shuriken at these first releasing the logs before proceeding to nail every target. The moving logs eventually stopped, so Daichi walked up to them.
He collected his throwing weapons, set the logs up again, and went another round. After a few more rounds, he moved onto a network of suspended logs. He threw shuriken to free the suspended wood and moved through them.
Some Time Later…
Daichi was currently practicing the Jutsu in his arsenal. More specifically, the combat-oriented ones. There were a few outliers that had to be practiced later or he didn't have access to yet. He just couldn't meet the requirements for it out here.
He weaved the appropriate had signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
3 clones of Daichi appeared. Two of them moved across the field while the remaining clone came to stand next to him. Daichi held out his hand and charged lighting while the shadow clone next to him grabbed a kunai.
"Lighting Beast Tracking Fang." Daichi declared.
A wolf made of lighting charged one of the clones while the clone next to Daichi threw the kunai at the remaining clone. The wolf of lightning slammed into the first clone dispelling it while the kunai thrown at the other clone hits a log.
Daichi was proud of himself. "Alright, I got those Jutsu down."
Mara walked over to him. "I'll say you have my little Shinobi."
Daichi smiled and ran over to his mother hugging her.
She hugged him. "I'm so proud of you." She let go. "It seems like just yesterday we started training and now look at you. Your father would be proud of how far you've come."
"Does that mean we can head to Konoha early?" Daichi asked hopefully.
"Not yet." Mara giggled. "I said we'd head to Konoha after you showed me you can perform all the training I laid out. I still need to see that you got tree climbing and water walking down."
Daichi nodded. "Just watch."
He looked at the nearest tree and sprinted over to it. Daichi then proceeded to run up and down, multiple times, just as fluidly as if he were on the ground. When he was done, he flipped off it and landed on the ground
Mara started walking towards the lake. "Good. One more test awaits you."
Daichi followed her, and once they reached the lake, he ran onto it. He then proceeded to run laps before stopping atop the surface near his mother
Daichi waved. "See, I got this!"
"Well done." Mara smiled. "We'll leave for Konoha first thing tomorrow morning."
Daichi smiled and jumped on the water's surface. "Yeah!"
Cabin, Night…
Daichi was ecstatic to see the place of his birth. He'd heard countless stories about it, and finally, he would get to see it. See the place where his father grew up, make friends, and start down his path to becoming a Shinobi.
He was so excited that he'd packed his bag and set out a fresh set of clothes right after breakfast. Since he couldn't really sit still for school work, he ended up spending the day training. Now, he was getting ready for bed as Mara knocked on the open-door drawing Daichi's attention.
Daichi smiled. "Come in mom."
Mara entered and took note of his packed bag. "I see you're eager to go."
"I finally get to return to Konoha. Not only the place where I was born, but dad as well. On top of that, I can finally take my first real steps towards becoming a shinobi." Daichi stood up. "Of course I'm excited."
Mara sat on his bed with a serious expression. "Remember, being a Shinobi isn't fun and games. Konoha is going to be a mine field for you."
Daichi sat on the bed with her and nodded. "I know how important the Fusion Clan, and my blood limit, are. Rest assured, I want to see the clan rise as much as you say dad did. I won't see it swallowed into another clan.
On top of that, you've clearly defined the difference between fan girls and a genuine Kunochi. I'll know what to look out for. As for my joyful attitude… Well, how could I not be. Despite knowing what could await me, you've told me all these stories about how great Konoha is."
Mara frowned. "Daichi, do you hate me for keeping you out here?"
Daichi was shocked. "What!? Mom I could never hate you. Sure, when I was younger, I didn't understand, but now I know you've been looking out for me. I know it couldn't have been easy raising me." He hugged her. "I love you with all my heart."
Mara hugged him back. "I'd be lying if I said it were easy but nothing worth doing is ever easy. Also, I wouldn't trade our time together for anything. I love you so much my little Shinobi." She walked to the door. "Get some rest because we're leaving early tomorrow."
Forest Path: Next Morning…
Mara and Daichi had left their cabin far behind and were well on their way to Konoha. Unfortunately, their trip was not going to be an easy one. Mara suddenly stopped, grabbed Daichi, and jumped back in one, fluid motion.
Unfortunately, that was not enough to completely avoid the small finger bones launched at them as Mara was grazed in several places. When she landed, those wounds began to bleed. This utterly shocked and worried Daichi.
Mara smiled at her boy. "Don't worry. It'll take more than that to defeat your mother." She then protectively held Daichi while addressing the hidden Shinobi. "I know you're out there. It's likely you've killed the Leaf Anbu assigned to follow us if you got this close."
A young man with pale skin, vivid green eyes, angular facial features, two scarlet dots on his forehead, and shoulder-length white hair stepped onto the road blocking their way forward. He was perfectly calm and radiating killer intent.
His attire consisted of a lavender shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, traditional shinobi sandals, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist.
A circular pattern of three curved lines was at the base of his throat. His killer intent was through the roof telling Mara that, despite his young age, this man was dangerous. She wouldn't put it past this man to be Jonin level.
"My name is Kimimaro." He held out his hand, "I'm taking your boy. You can give him up willingly or I can kill you."
Mara knew he meant business, and she could feel her son shaking. Daichi never been exposed to killer intent, so of course this was frightening him. Now, she couldn't console him because she had to think of a way to ensure Daichi's safety.
They were close enough to the village, and the Third Hokage had told her about the latest patrols just in case. If Daichi could make it down the road, there was the chance he'd run into them. That is if Kimimaro hadn't killed them as well. It was the best chance she had to save her son.
Mara set Daichi down behind her. "Daichi… you need to run."
Daichi looked at her in shock. "W-What."
The young man acted by extending bones from both palms and charging at Mara who met him with two kunai. "Just run down the road! Don't stop and don't look back!"
The young man kicked Mara before going for the killing blow, but she regained her footing. Mara then moved her hands and managed to hit the Shinobi in the chest pushing him back. Kimimaro just moved in again and thrust the right bone into the back of her left hand.
Chakra flow halted as the bone tore into her. Blood coated the bone and began to flow from the wound. This pain would not stop Mara. She nailed Kimimaro in the chest with her left foot sending him tumbling off into the forest.
Unfortunately, this caused the bone to forcibly tear through Mara's hand leaving it a mess of skin, blood, and bone. It was painful, but the Kunochi wasn't about to succumb even as blood began to pool on the ground.
All Daichi could do was stare at the wound frozen in place, so Mara weaved one handed signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" She poured a large amount of her Chakra into the clone ensuring it would get the job done. "Pick Daichi up and start running to the village, now!"
Without a word, the clone grabbed Daichi before running off down the road with every ounce of speed she could muster.
This finally snapped Daichi out of his fear and shock while tears began to build. "Mom! No!"
Daichi began to struggle and hit the Shadow Clone as Kimimaro came from the forest. The shinobi noticed his target getting away and prepared to go after him when the original Mara slammed into him. Both disappeared into the tree line.
"Put me down!" Daichi yelled as he continued to struggle.
The Shadow Clone kept moving and spoke to Daichi giving him Mara's last words. "Daichi, you mean everything to me which is why I do not regret what's about to happen. I won't ever regret saving you. Just live a life you can be proud of."
Daichi struggled no more and began to openly cry while begging. "Please let me go! I want to save my mother! Please!"
The clone continued talking. "Never lose that strength I see in you. Know it's okay to mourn; however, don't let my death consume you. Now, when my clone dispels, run to the village as fast as you can. Please, don't come back for me. Honor my last request. I love you my little Shinobi."
The clone dispelled dropping Daichi on the ground. He stood up looking back the way he came from. He wanted so badly to run back, but he knew he was no match for Kimimaro, but that didn't matter. What did matter were his mother's final words.
Those words spurred him to turn around and sprint away from the battle. "I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry I was weak. I promise I'll become stronger. I'll become stronger, so I never lose anyone I care about again."
With Mara
Mara had been beaten down as a bone was shoved through her chest making her cough up blood.
Despite this, she smiled. "I lived as full a life as I could Hagane." Kimimaro removed it and let Mara fell to the ground. "Daichi, your father and I will always watch over you. I loved you so much my little Shinobi. Goodbye."
Kimimaro left the Kunochi, as the life left her eyes, and walked away from the village.
The Village Hidden in the Leaves
Daichi ran into the open gate and collapsed on the ground. He was finally where he's always wanted to be, but he could care less. For now, he just stared at the ground in a desperate attempt to collect himself further. Coming here like this was not going to be easy to explain.
It was even harder being here now that he lost his mother. He couldn't contain himself and stated crying. The two men behind the desk immediately jumped into action. The first had brown hair and dark eyes. His hair was combed down and covered the right eye.
He wore a Konoha forehead protector like a bandanna along with the standard Konoha shinobi attire. The second man had spiky, black hair and dark eyes. A strip of bandage ran across the bridge of his nose. His attire consisted of the standard Konoha shinobi attire.
The black-haired man had noticed the crest on Daichi's back. "Izumo. Get the Hokage and tell him what's happened. I'll stay here and keep an eye on him."
"Got it Kotetsu." The brown-haired man stated before taking off.
Kotetsu carefully approached Daichi. He felt sorry for the kid, but his training made him weary. After all, this could be some trick to spy on the village. The Fusion Clan member did his best to collect himself once more as he noticed Kotetsu approaching him.
"Stay here at the gate and wait for the Hokage." The guard ordered.
Daichi simply stood and nodded solemnly before walking to the left of the gate. He then collapsed to his butt, buried his head in his knees, and sat there crying.
Elsewhere in the Village
Kakashi Hatake has grown into a well-trained man. Besides being taller and now wearing Konoha infantry clothing, he hadn't changed in appearance that much. He was walking along when he noticed something flashing in the window.
It was a forehead protector held by a familiar figure on a roof across the building. Kakashi jumped up the roof to meet with the figure who had short brown hair and black, almond-shaped eyes. His attire was like what you'd find on any Anbu.
A black, sleeveless jumper under a grey flak jacket, strapped-up shinobi sandals, arm-length gloves, and a sword was strapped to his back. He also wore a mask that resembles a cat's face covered in green, and red markings. An Anbu tattoo was on his left shoulder.
"Did the Hokage send you to find me Tenzo?" Kakashi asked.
Tenzo shook his head. "He hasn't, but a certain boy in a gi has entered the village. On the back of that gi is a sun crest."
Kakashi nodded. "I'll check it out for myself."
He ran along the rooftops leaving Tenzo behind. He stopped on a rooftop across from the gate where he saw Daichi with his head between his legs. The sun crest on the back of his clothing was unmistakably that of the Fusion Clan.
Kakashi crossed his arms. "Daichi? If so, where is Mara?"
He knew the Third Hokage would call him into the office, so Kakashi left the scene to take care of some business.
Front Gate
Daichi's head rose as Izumo return with two other men. The first had long, ash blond hair reaching down to his lower back, which he wore spiky on top and ending in a long ponytail, blue-green eyes, and strong facial features.
His attire consisted of the standard flak jacket over a black outfit, complete with hand-guards, forehead protector, and a sleeveless red haori. The second man seemed far more impressive. He carried himself with kindness, yet an air of importance.
This second man was below-average in size and looked like the Hokage as his mother described. His skin was light, hair grey, and face gaunt. He also had wrinkles and liver spots of old age. His attire consisted of the customary hat and haori.
The Hokage looked at Daichi before turning to Izumo. "I assume this is the boy you told me about?"
Izumo nodded. "Yes, Lord Hokage."
The Hokage addressed all the villagers that had gathered since the boy arrived. "You may return to what you were doing prior to this child's appearance. I will handle the situation from here."
The villagers began to disperse as the Hokage once more turned his attention to the child. He certainly looked like Hagane and Mara's child, but the situation was bizarre. Without Mara to vouch for him, he'd need confirmation.
The Hokage nodded. "Young one, follow Inochi here. We need to determine if you are who you appear to be. Going with him is the fastest way to do this. If you are confirmed to be Daichi Ryu, then he will bring you to my office."
Daichi nodded and followed after Inochi while the Hokage started his walk back. Daichi was familiar with Inochi because he'd been in his father's class. Both him and the Hokage were trustworthy according to his mother.
Hokage's Office, Some Time Later…
Inochi led Daichi into the room which had many windows to look out on the village down below.
The Hokage couldn't help but noticed the saddened expression on Inochi's face. "Lord Hokage, this is Daichi Ryu; furthermore, Mara Ryu may be dead."
"Elaborate?" The Third asked.
"They met a young man, Kimimaro, on the road. From what Daichi observed, this young Shinobi seems to be from the long thought to be extinct Kaguya Clan. He even had their rare blood line trait, Dead Bone Pulse." Inochi informed.
"If she might be dead, then there is a chance she's merely injured." The third looked at the Yamanaka. "You know where they are, correct?" Inochi nodded. "Get Shikaku and Choza. I want the three of you to head out there and look for her."
Inochi nodded. "Yes sir."
After Inochi left, the Hokage addressed Daichi. "You have been through much today and until we know your mother's fate, there isn't much we can do. For tonight, you will stay at the village Inn. One of my Anbu will take you. Tomorrow we will discuss things further."
"Thank you, sir." Daichi stated as Tenzo appeared.
Leaf Village Inn
Daichi was led into a room and left alone. He locked the door and fell onto his bed without even bothering to taking a shower or change. He just buried his head in the pillow and cried until drifting off to sleep.
Hokage's Office, Night…
Kakashi stood before The Third Hokage as the moon shone through the window. "So, Mara Ryu is dead."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Inochi and his team brought the body back." He looked at Kakashi. "With the passing of his last family, you are the one entitled to take care of him."
"I intend to take care of him without being in his life." Kakashi stated with no emotion.
"I can't force you to be a father Kakashi just as I can't force Jiraiya or any other Shinobi to fulfill their obligations. It's your choice what you do." Sarutobi replied.
"I'm not saying I'll leave the boy to suffer completely alone. I'll observe things from a far and do what I can to aid him. When the time comes for him to become a Genin, I'll take him on my squad. He'll remain provided his team passes my test.
That's all I can do without being the constant. In the meantime, give him access to the Fusion Clan House. I also assume you were going to ask me to show him around?" Kakashi asked as he approached the desk.
Sarutobi nodded. "That was the case until you chose a hands-off approach."
Kakashi simply said, "I trust Guy to do the job for me."
With that, the Jonin left the office.
Konoha Inn
Kakashi slid the window of Daichi's room open and slipped inside. He set a fresh pair of clothes by the window and looked at the Fusion Clan member. After a few moments, he turned around leaving the way he entered.