Konnichiwa mina-san ^_^ This is my first try at writing a Naruto ficcie, second try at writing fanfiction in general, so plz be nice. Any and all constructive criticism is welcome and greatly appreciated.
OMG I'm so stupid…I didn't realize u could just replace chappies so I deleted the story and reposted it…*sweatdrop*
Chapter 1: Coming Home
It was a cool autumn afternoon. Konoha was beautiful, with multicolored leaves and relative tranquility hanging over the lives of its inhabitants. On a hill overlooking the bustling part of the village sat a young woman, perhaps 17 or 18 years of age, staring fixedly at the Hokage monument on the opposite side of the village. In her hand, she griped the leaf headband that symbolized the passing into adulthood for ninjas in the village below.
A figure appeared silently behind her—the village's newly appointed fifth Hokage, Tsunade. "You miss him, don't you?" she asked the girl. The girl tensed slightly at the realization of the Hokage behind her, but calmed almost immediately. She answered the question with a silent nod.
Slowly, she stood up and faced Tsunade, her head hanging slightly, as if burdened by an invisible load on her neck. Her golden bangs fell across her eyes; some of her deep maroon hair picked up the slight breeze and danced to its inaudible tune. After taking a deep breath, she lifted her head and looked at the Hokage. "How could I not?" she asked in return. I've not forgotten him these last thirteen years."
Tsunade sighed. "You were but a child then, Kiaka."
"I remember him like it was only yesterday that I last saw him," Kiaka replied, looking to the memorial again. "For nine years I've tried to run away from the pain, for nine years I could not—so I came back. Now I'm home, and I can face the pain."
A giggle escaped the Hokage. "You've always been in Konoha, one way or another. You've been taking care of your brother all these years, even if he doesn't know about it, or remembers you," she said. A small smile crept to the corner of Kiaka's mouth.
"Perhaps," she whispered.
Kiaka followed Tsunade back to the Hokage Manor and filled out the necessary paperwork for her to return to live in Konoha and become, once again, one of its citizens. Her hand shook so violently as she tried to sign the documents that it took her a full hour to finish, and still then a few of her signatures were a mess of swirls. To herself she though, 'I've mentally prepared for this day for a while now, why can't I calm myself?'
"Okay, next thing," Tsunade announced when Kiaka handed her the documents. "Housing. There is a small problem. Konoha *sweatdrop* is short on housing." She paused and waited for a response. None came. She continued in a more subdued tone. "But I'm sure you already know where you're planning to stay." Still no answer, but the Hokage knew what Kiaka was thinking. "Of course. That boy is probably training with his team currently. Take your things to the apartment." Tsunade handed Kiaka a piece of paper with an address on it. Kiaka still showed hardly any response save for taking the paper and staring at it.
"And if he asks why…" Kiaka began softly. Tsunade's face grew more solemn. She realized the girl was not all ready to face this.
"You may tell him I assigned you as his roommate. He won't question that," Tsunade finished the sentence. A slight nod was all that showed that Kiaka had heard that at all.
Suddenly the girl looked at Tsunade, her eyes a little brighter. "Arigatou Hokage-sama," she thanked the leader, bowing as she did.
"It sounds weird having you call me Hokage-sama," Tsunade hinted, her voice returning a bit to its more playful tone. Kiaka grinned.
"Then arigatou, Tsunade nee-sama." Both of them grinned.
"Dismissed."
********************************************************************
One last note, Kiaka calling Tsunade nee-sama… she's not using in the context of calling Tsunade her elder sister. Calling young/young-ish women nee-something is a common thing, especially if you're somewhat close to them, or they're a friend of your parents. That's the way that Kiaka's using it.
I'd like to thank Silver Dragonfly for bringing up the point of when Kiaka left Konoha. I was too wound up trying to make sure certain…people were young enough not to remember her that I completely forgot to realize that the way I originally had it, she left at age 8. Leaving at 9 now might not make much of a difference, but she was forced to grow up fast so I hope it makes a little more sense. Arigatou Silver Dragonfly.
Kirsta