Obligatory Disclaimer: The series Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto; I only own my OCs, picture, and this story.
Chapter 33: Of Silver Tongues
I was equal parts nervous and excited, the anticipation growing with every second as the gossipy crowd around me grew in volume. The overwhelming life that chatted and laughed about was so unlike anything I'd seen in Konoha- not in all the years I had been alive and for good reason. Treaties were being finalized, troops were returning home, and the Sandaime was stepping down.
Today was Minato's coronation.
A sea of crests surrounded me, the kanji for 'fire' displayed proudly on the backs of everyone present. I was similarly dressed for the occasion, a high collared long sleeve shirt tickling my chin with a white samue-styled blouse over top and black knee length skirt to pull it all together. I stood with my clansmen who demonstrated a more modest level of chatter amongst themselves; there was a lot to talk about after all.
The Namikaze's exploits had spread throughout the village like wildfire after the announcement of the Sandaime's resignation had been released to the public. The news of how our new leader had taken on a thousand Iwa-nin single-handedly was an often overheard tidbit. It was no surprise that that was what people hung on to; it was power and skill that every civilian and ninja respected even if they didn't know the man personally.
Power that they could trust to keep them safe.
Though that was not to say everyone agreed with the decision. There were many murmuring within the compound, and just having my foreknowledge, I knew a certain mummy man was not happy with the blond's rise to Hokage, a fact that made me very happy. It was a relief that my existence hadn't caused this to change at the very least, and as I had a meaningful connection with the man, I was more than happy for his success.
A hush overcame the crowd as the Sandaime approached the railing atop the roof of the Hokage's Tower, controlling the atmosphere with his presence alone. The years had not been all too kind to him, the weariness present in his shoulders and his gray hairs even more pronounced than the last time I had seen him. It didn't take long before it became quiet, the only sounds coming from children who didn't quite understand what was going on and their shushing parents.
"We've arrived on this day, a day we have all hoped for and worked towards for years," he began, his voice ringing out over the area.
"Soon, peace will return to our village, and it is all thanks to the efforts of all our shinobi, your friends and loved ones, both living and passed, who have paved the way for change."
There was a scattered murmuring throughout the assembly, in remembrance of those lost over the years of fighting. I averted my gaze from the old man to peek at my parents. Although I was standing with the Main family, Hideyoshi and Hiashi with his wife standing not too far away from me, Mother and Father stood at my side as well, the later standing just behind us- 'in his place'.
I struggled to not think about how things could have gone if they hadn't returned. I probably would've been completely adopted into the Main Family, taken from my home and everything I was familiar with. I surely wouldn't have gotten all the love and care that I needed, the personal and human interactions that kept me sane through my insane lifestyle. Once again reminded how lucky I was, I shifted just a bit closer to my parents.
"Very soon we will come into days of peace, and my council and I have decided it is time for someone else to lead us all into these new times," the Sandaime said and stepped back, turning to someone we could not yet see.
"I now present to you all, your Yondaime, Namikaze Minato!"
The crowd around us erupted in applause as the man of the hour walked into view, the iconic Hokage's Hat sitting upon his head. It was not the Minato I knew who lifted the veiled hat from his spiky golden mane. Instead, it was our new Hokage, the Yellow Flash, who stood above the collected populace of Konoha who cheered even louder at his reveal. The blonde deserved it more than anyone, but I couldn't help but wonder how many people in the crowd really knew him- knew his ideals and personality.
Although, I guess in retrospect it didn't matter in this kind of society. Being born and raised here, going through the academy's curriculum, there was really only one train of thought, a single philosophy that ruled over the village, even if not everyone followed it.
The Will of Fire.
As long as the people believed that he had that- because why else would the Sandaime choose him- it didn't matter what Minato thought personally.
Still, I found a smile spreading across my face at the sight of him. At the very least, if Minato held the office of the Hokage, hopefully the Uchiha could be spared their fate. Hiruzen Sarutobi was a man who had lived and led the village through two wars. He was used to losing people and I could see that in how he had handled the Uchiha situation in distant memory.
Because why else would he have left the fate of an entire clan to two teenage boys? Why else would he stand by and let it come to that point in the first place? They had been a gamble he was willing to lose.
Suffice to say, I would not miss the Sandaime.
When the cheering died down, Minato spoke, his voice flowing over the crowd clear and distinct.
"I thank you for all your praise, and I hope that I can meet all your expectations," he said, his bright blue eyes roving over the people, over the lives he would now be responsible for. "I promise to do right by everyone."
Simple and to the point.
It was kind of funny to see the blond taking on the mantle of Hokage, even though I knew it was always going to be this way. Having spent much time around the man, Minato Namikaze was a bit of a dork. Naming conventions aside, the man was easily flustered by probably his one and only weakness, Kushina, and the redhead took advantage of it whenever she could. He could never win an argument with her though I don't know if it was because of her skill at arguing or his weakness in defending himself from the vibrant Uzumaki.
Nevertheless, as dorky and lighthearted Minato was, he was also a ninja, one that had risen to a Kage level. He wasn't someone anyone wanted to go head to head with if they valued their lives. Besides, I certainly couldn't think of anyone better for the position and didn't want to think of the alternatives. I just worried that new hat of his would change him irrevocably, as it had no doubt did with the Sandaime.
Hopefully, Kushina would never let that happen.
At the last of his words, it was time for the festivities to begin. Most of the civilians were quick to disperse to get the stalls ready for the festival and take care of last-minute preparations for the events later tonight, leaving only the bigger clans present. I gave a little smile to Mother and Father before moving away from them, Mother squeezing my shoulder lightly as I went to stand closer by Hiashi and Hideyoshi. It was all a show and as the declared heiress, I was expected to greet the new Hokage alongside my clan's leaders.
It wasn't long until the man of the hour made his way towards us. I briefly wondered where Kushina was, though I recalled seeing her briefly at the end of the ceremony, being led by an older woman that I was only half sure was Lady Biwako, Hiruzen's wife. It was probably something related to her pregnancy, and although I was sad to have missed her, I knew that took precedence.
I made sure my expression was one of respectful neutrality as he approached, though inwardly I wanted to run up to the man and hug him. Hopefully I would get the chance later whenever I met up with Kushina, though the blonde would probably be very busy for the foreseeable future. I watched mutely as Hiashi and Hideyoshi exchanged pleasantries with Minato, my hands clasped politely in front of me. It seemed unnecessary for me to make an appearance at all; I mean, I wouldn't have missed Minato's coronation for anything in the world but having to stand with the Main Family was a bit overkill, especially if I was going to ignored anyways.
Although the elders always adopted that kind of attitude, Minato never would and he gave me a subtle nod in greeting as he was pulled into talks with the older men. I paid attention passively, their indifferent compliments and other bland platitudes floating over my head until I was mentioned by Hideyoshi.
"I've heard that you have taken part in training our young heiress," he said, eyeing me in his peripheral, and though my back was already ramrod straight, I felt it go even more so at the attention.
Minato smiled openly down at me, and I found a one spreading on my face automatically, as small as it was under the weight of my elder's gaze.
"Junko-chan has been an excellent student; my wife, her shishou, would say the same," he said, his blue eyes moving from me to match Hideyoshi's. "I'd even say that she helped my team in ways that I couldn't have imagined."
I didn't know how this turned into an impromptu discussion about me, but a muted heat began to spread over my cheeks and ears at the praise. The way he met my eye, I knew it was his way of thanking me for working with Obito. I knew that Minato knew about our random training sessions, I had told the man as such, but I wondered if he ever sneaked a peek at our sessions like Kakashi did. If he had, I never caught sight or sense of the man- he wasn't a Kage level ninja for nothing.
Still, I kept silent, knowing that I was not expected to speak, and I willed away my blush as Hideyoshi turned to look at me directly.
"Then it appears that it was a good decision to grant Uzumaki-san request," he said resolutely, and it took all my willpower not to roll my eyes even as a pit formed in my stomach at his words.
It was uncomfortable hearing outright how much control the Hyūga elders had over my life, but Hideyoshi couldn't be insinuating that he had planned this all along, could he? Nor did I appreciate the little dig at Kushina, as if she was only useful because her husband was now the leader of our village.
It seemed as though his insinuation wasn't missed by Minato, his blue eyes flickering slightly, though his pleasant smile remained present.
"I agree. Junko has developed into a fine kunoichi under Kushina's guidance," he spoke, a charming smile on his face. "Though I may be a bit biased."
I couldn't help but be impressed by how Minato handled the situation as he smoothly bid the Hyūga elders farewell, having to meet with more clan heads and others wanting to greet the new Hokage. It would be a tough road ahead for him, being as young as he was and having a whole bunch of elders effectively watch his every move- a feeling that I could relate to entirely.
As the newly crowned Yondaime disappeared into the crowd, the murmuring of my gathered clansmen returned just as mutely as before, if not a little more intensely at the blond's exit. All that was left to do was for the clan head to dismiss us and then we could go about our lives. It was strange that history had been made this day; a new Hokage was stepping up to the plate and the war was slowly but surely coming to an end after years of fighting.
And yet, after all the fanfare and the festivities, I would go to sleep and wake up to life as usual, training and getting ready for the chūnin exams. Though it wouldn't be usual for long. The more time passed, Kushina would progress in her pregnancy and then she wouldn't be able to train me anymore- at least physically. I could foresee our fūinjutsu lessons continuing but learning intensive jutsu, going on missions…my life on that front was more and more unsure. And that didn't take into account that I also no longer had insight of the 'plot', since Obito's fate had been averted.
However, in the grand scheme of things, what I lost from my foresight didn't compare to what could be gained in the long term. Minato would remain as Hokage since Obito was safe and sound, and he and Kushina would live to be able to raise their son. It was the best possible outcome from my interference, especially with what little I could do considering my situation. Things would be different, but weren't they already?
I didn't let myself get absorbed into negative thinking- especially when there was delicious festival food to be had. Once I was dismissed from Hideyoshi's side, I had scampered over to my parents and was immediately swept up by my mother. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the festivities, and of course, it being the first festival spent with my parents in years, we enjoyed ourselves until I had to be carried to the compound, falling into a food coma on the way back.
The following day, just as I had predicted, things returned to normal for the most part. Of course, it wasn't completely normal- Minato was the Hokage now and things in the village were still moving and changing- but I found myself running through drills in Hizashi's backyard as the man watched over me with an analytical eye.
Unlike with the elders, there was no tension, no worry if I made a mistake, knowing that the man would firmly but kindly correct me.
As I reached the end of my routine, I wiped the sweat from my brow and took a deep breath before moving into my cool down exercises. Setting my bō to the side, I stretched my muscles, feeling the light buzz of chakra under my skin as I pulled it from my core to soothe the overworked tissue.
"You're making good progress on your bōjutsu in a short amount of time," Hizashi commented from his place on the raised wooden walkway where he had been observing me.
Probably not fast enough for the elders.
"Thank you, Hizashi-sensei," I sighed, properly ridding myself of sweat with the towel he provided me. "Although I am unsure whether I'll be able to achieve enough mastery to use it effectively during the exams."
The chūnin exams were going to be held in a couple of months- in spite of, or due to Minato's promotion as leader of Konohagakure. It was a good opportunity to show that, despite the change in leadership and treaties towards peace with other nations, the Hidden Leaf Village was still as powerful as ever- if not moreso.
My participation in the exams were certain and yet uncertain. While the elders of the clan were becoming increasingly more annoying in their expectation for my attendance, which was guaranteed in their eyes, Kushina had only mentioned in briefly in the few sessions she was able to attend with me. In between all the things going on with her husband and the coming of their child, aka future savior of the world, I understood why it wasn't at the top of her priorities at the moment.
That didn't make her absence sting any less.
It was a selfish thing to think considering everything that was happening but I missed being with her and learning from her. Of course, her absence wasn't the worst thing in the world since I also had my parents and others around who were working towards my benefit; but it just wasn't the same. Hizashi and my father were excellent mentors but they were no Kushina Uzumaki.
From the backyard we were had trained, Hizashi led me to the sitting room where a tray of tea and light snacks were waiting for us. Aunt Natsumi stood at the table, seeming to have just placed them there, a wobbly baby Neji hanging onto her yukata and staring at us with big eyes.
"Thank you Natsumi," Hizashi said, a shimmer of warmth in his voice at his wife and son.
I was quick to follow with my own appreciation. The demure woman wasn't always present when we were training, her health not the best, but when she was, she always made sure we had refreshments once we were done. The Hyūga woman smiled shyly in response to her husband and offered one to me too with a little bow.
"Please enjoy Hizashi, Junko-hime," she said, sparing a glance and another smile at her little boy as he quickly toddled over to his father, before disappearing deeper into their humble abode.
Hizashi easily swooped up Neji into his arms as he took a seat at the low table in the room and I sat across from him, a small smile spreading across my face at the scene. Despite being almost a year old, Neji was a quiet child for the most part, which allowed him to sit in on Hizashi and I's discussions after our training sessions. He was easily placated by the presence of his father and rarely interrupted our talks, but at times his cuteness was just too distracting.
As our recap and planning concluded and Neji began to fall into a post food stupor, my eyes settled on him. It was hard to see little chubby thing becoming anything like disillusioned prodigy shown in canon, though life had a way to subverting both expectation and desire. I could already see the love he held for his father growing steadily and strongly, a love that could help guide the boy into a level-headed and emotionally stable man.
However, the pessimist in me couldn't help but wonder- would I be able to save Neji from his fate as well? Could I stop the tragedy of his childhood? As heartbreaking as it was, I would not be able to stop him from getting the Caged Bird Seal but could I change things enough so that at least he'd have his father at his side?
I didn't know much about Hizashi from canon, but the one I had come to know, the one who had become both my mentor and somewhat of my ally against the elders, was a man who cared deeply for his family and wanted nothing more than to be seen as equal to the rest of the clan, as many branch members did. And as I was surprised to find out, Hizashi Hyūga had become another one of my precious people. I didn't want him to die.
However...Obito was safe so Madara's plot couldn't come to fruition. Minato would remain as Hokage and since Kumo respected his power- at least their Kage did if memory served correctly- then they wouldn't plan to steal Hinata. Hopefully. Although if I was still the heiress when or if that happened, even if they tried I wouldn't be as easily kidnappable as an actual child; at least, I hope so. If that was the case, then the Hyūga Affair wouldn't come about.
Would I really need to do anything now?
I was broken away from my thoughts as the subject of my inner monologue clambered onto my lap with a huge yawn and promptly fell asleep; the bold eccentricities of children never ceased to amaze me. I braced the boy with one hand and covered my mouth with other, a huge smile spreading on my face.
I wish he could stay this way forever.
I shifted from my seiza position to cross my legs, making a more suitable resting place for the admitted heavy child. Neji made a soft noise as I ran my fingers through his hair, before going quiet again. He didn't seem to love me as much as Hizashi and Riku, though I took solace in that he enjoyed my existence at least a little bit.
However, the more pessimist part of me reared itself again, and I couldn't help but be reminded of how much older Neji had hated Hinata- would he despise me as much as he did her? Or even more so since I had or still was part of the Branch family and yet had been promoted and held as the clan's heiress? Just like the rest of the clan?
My troublesome thoughts must've shown on my face because Hizashi coughed lightly, bringing my attention back to him.
"What is on your mind Junko-hime?" he asked, setting his tea cup on the short table in between us.
I lightly toyed with Neji's hair with an inaudible sigh but straightened up with a practiced smile.
"It is nothing Hizashi-sensei," I said. "Just thinking about the future."
The older man let out a short hum, signaling me to continue. We didn't have these kinds of talks often, like the one in the clan library, but more often than I expected, Hizashi occasionally checked on my mental state through these talks. Of course, as much as I trusted the man, considering his closeness to the top of the Hyūga hierarchy and being leader over the Branch family, I didn't open up to him as much as I would my parents or Kushina. But I did share some of my less harsh thoughts about the clan.
"I know I won't be able to change the clan significantly by the time Neji-kun is ready to join the academy." Because it wasn't as if the child had any other choice. "But I hope that…I hope that I can at least do something to make his life better."
I said this quietly, conspiratorially as upheaval of the clan order wasn't something to be so spoken openly about. I raised my eyes from the sleeping child in my lap to meet the eyes of his father. Hizashi had that look in his eyes, one that appeared often when we had our discussions- one that was analyzing me not as a student or child, but as a mature thinking human being. Although it was a bit warmer than that- almost, if I wasn't being conceited, a bit familial. He hummed again as he went to pour himself another cup of tea and refilled mine.
"It will certainly be difficult Junko-hime," he says, quietly as well. "But there are many in your corner who hope for your success."
I raised a brow. I could count on one hand the amount of Branch members that were on my side and didn't hate me. The disbelief was present and glowing on my face as Hizashi chuckled, a brief and light sound that was hidden by the newly filled cup he brought to his lips.
"Don't be disheartened Junko-hime; you are making great progress. Everyone in the clan knows even if they won't acknowledge it."
"But will it be enough?"
Hizashi met my eye evenly and there was silence for a moment, the only sound coming from the wind chime hanging outside the room and Neji's soft breathing.
"Change isn't something that comes easily. But even so it comes, even if it doesn't seem obvious at first glance."
The enigmatic response raised more questions than it answered but in a way, I guess it made sense.
It was simple as it was profound. Change whether it was good or bad, came without anyone asking for it. I experienced that firsthand day by day in my new life. How things changed from what I expected from that past and long-gone reality. Hizashi was right in that regard- we couldn't stop change from coming, no one could, and most times it exceeded our expectations- actions we took today and yesterday would and could do unexpected things in the future.
The only thing we could do is hope that it changes things for the better.
And as it happens, most things change without your involvement whatsoever.
And usually for the worse.
I should've expected it when most of my training became split between Hizashi, Father, and on rarer occasions Mother, and I don't see Kushina for three weeks straight week after Minato's promotion. Every scheduled meeting was pushed further and further back, with apologetic excuses and I understood- I knew I wouldn't, couldn't, be one of her priorities right now. But it didn't make it hurt any less or stop the ugly memories of that first mission gone awry and the aftermath and her absence then, even though this time was different in every way.
I have to remind myself that it's different, a positive kind of different, because treaties were being signed to bring peace between the villages and Kushina and Minato were going to have the family they always wanted. It's a good kind of change.
So I was not surprised when, while I'm training with Riku in our training ground, the cawing of a bird breaks me from my katas. The hawk swooped down onto my waiting hand, bringing a scroll that asks for my attendance to the Hokage's Tower as soon as I am able.
This was it.
I reached the Tower in a minutes via rooftop transit and my canine companion tread close to my side as we bypass the secretary and head to the conference room. It takes me longer than I'd like to admit to knock on the large wooden door that towers above me and my anxiety only rocketed at the sound of Minato's usually soothing voice granting me entrance. Taking a sizable breath, I pulled the door open and resigned myself to my fate, my practiced smile in place.
For a moment I expected to see the wizened Sandaime, the familiar strong but weathered shoulders and salt and pepper hair coming to my mind's eyes as soon as I passed the threshold. Only for a moment though. The image was quickly replaced by Minato's youthful visage, spiky blond locks bright and blue eyes only slightly haggard, a testament to the stresses of his new position.
And unsurprisingly, Kushina stood at his side, clad in her civilian clothes. She looked just as tired as her husband and a quick glance at the slight protrusion against the fabric of her dress tells me why. It also confirmed every anxiety and worry I had.
Still, I cleared my throat quietly and stepped before Minato's desk, bowing as I did.
"Good afternoon Minato-sama, Kushina-shishou," I announced respectfully.
It was awkward to refer to him in such a way. The formal Hyūga part of me fought against the informal Junko who had seen the man both as a teacher and almost as a brotherly figure- but the formality won out in the end. This wasn't just a friendly chic-chat after all.
The newly crowned Hokage smiled warmly, pushing the stack of paper in front of him to the side that he had been working on- though he doesn't get to speak when the redhead at his side rushes from behind the desk to gather me in her arms.
"Junko-chan! It feels like I haven't seen you in forever!" she exclaimed as she squeezed me and I returned the embrace in kind.
"It is good to actually see you," I agreed, pulling away to lightly press my hands to her stomach. "I hope that you've been doing well."
Kushina beamed at the action, placing one of her hands over mine, while the other goes to pet Riku who rested his large head over her shoulder.
"The morning sickness and the cravings sucks but I've been through worse dattebane. We're both doing fine."
The familiarity was both warming and chilling, because I knew this would probably be one of the last times we would be able to interact like this in the coming months. I could tell that she felt the same as her hands go to wrap around mine.
"I'm so sorry I haven't been able to train you these last few weeks," she began, but I was quick to interrupt her, shaking my head. I didn't want her to stress about it, even though I would be lying if I said each called off session hadn't left a harsh sting every time. It'd be bad for the baby.
"I understand shishou." I squeezed her hands back. "You and Minato-sama's lives have changed significantly over the last couple of months and it will only continue to do so."
I gave her a more earnest smile. "You don't have to worry about me."
"Always so mature…!" Kushina squealed, squeezing me to her again. "But I'll never stop worrying about you- you know that."
She pulled away, looking at me closely. There was a misty quality to her eyes but before I could question it, it disappeared, and the Red-Hot Habanero was back full force.
"You probably know why Minato called you here, don't you?" she asked, turning slightly to the blond who had been waiting patiently for us.
My stomach dropped and my smile falters before the mask comes back pristinely.
"It is for my team reassignment."
I let the words out before they could get stuck in my throat. I had been expecting and dreading this. I knew I couldn't last in limbo forever- I was a Leaf Ninja and as such was expected to go on missions for the good of Konohagakure- not just practice in the village. Of course, during Kushina's previous absence I had still went on d-rank missions in-village but considering I had killed a man- I still remember the metal sliding through flesh and the blood on my hands and the adrenaline- they were not a productive use of my skills.
Especially with the chūnin exams coming up, I needed more than I was getting right now, even though Hizashi and Father's training was indeed valuable.
Kushina sighed, another flicker of emotion in her violet eyes.
"You were always a smart one," she said. "Of course, I wanted to keep training you but someone-"
She threw a glare that lacked any real fire at her husband. "Decided it was best if another jōnin took over your training."
"And because it would be the best course of action for the you and the baby as well," I added smartly.
Kushina huffed lightly, messing up my hair. "You and Minato sound exactly the same, dattebane."
The man in question rose from his seat, smiling down at me, unbothered by his wife's words.
"Kushina also believed that was unfair for you to have to go without a suitable teacher," he said, a more empathetic expression on his face. "Although she was heartbroken to give up teaching you."
I looked up at her with wide eyes and grabbed her hands again.
"No matter who becomes my sensei, you'll always be my shishou."
Of course, I didn't know how long his team assignment would last, especially with the chūnin exams and my possible promotion, which would probably result in another reassignment. But that would change nothing between me and Kushina- she was family.
There was no mistaking the glistening in her eyes this time and the redhead lifted me off the ground.
"Ah Junko-chan..!"
It took a moment to get Kushina to calm down. Although the idea of being placed with another person I didn't know set butterflies off in my stomach, knowing that she was still thinking about my welfare even though she had been busy with a much more significant life change, mollified me. Once the atmosphere settled, Minato finally took back the reins.
"I must apologize for taking so long to get your reassignment through. I had wanted to oversee it myself considering your situation, but it took longer than I expected."
"It was no problem," I said, being only half-truthful. "I understand that it wasn't a priority with everything else happening. Thank you for your consideration."
The treaties with the other nations, in-house troubles, and learning the ins and out of being Hokage took precedence. Though I couldn't help but wonder if the man had even been given the chance to visit Obito and Kakashi in the hospital with all the official things he must've been busy with since his coronation. Though with his skills, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't use his spare time- if he had any- to teleport and check on them. At least I hope he had though I didn't want to interrupt the meeting and waste more of his time than Kushina and I had already by asking.
Minato smiled warmly at me and shuffled through the stacks of paper on his desk to pull out a folder. I couldn't help but appreciate how well the man fit in the position, the new Hokage all business as he straightened himself and the room took on a more professional air.
"Considering the circumstances that led to your original team assignment, it was a bit tricky to find an available team that needed another member and would also help foster and improve your current abilities."
His expression flickers the smallest bit in his pause and I couldn't help but wonder what would cause that and my nerves returned slightly.
"However, in the last week, an opening in a team has appeared. Since the chūnin exams are soon approaching, and by the jōnin's own interest in you, this is the best outcome at the moment."
I fought the urge to narrow my eyes in suspicion and my stomach churned a bit. Who was this person who was so interested in me? I knew my prodigal status and my position as heiress shone a big spotlight on me but having been sheltered by the clan and Kushina, I had sort of forgotten that there was a wide, vast network of ninja, both hidden and unhidden, that possibly had their eyes on me all this time.
But if Minato was overseeing the process, it couldn't be anyone sketchy…would it?
Minato continued. "The team you will be joining has experienced more than you have, but Kushina and I have no doubt that you will flourish with them, considering your own."
His reassurances did little to calm my nerves and the longer he prolonged the inevitable, the more my stomach twisted.
Just get to the point already!
Instead I smiled politely and nodded, clasping my hand together in front of me.
"I trust your judgement, Minato-sama," I said simply, and Minato smiled again.
"Thank you Junko-chan," he said, before looking at the door behind me. "He should be arriving very soon."
I didn't know if it was some Hokage granted ability or just the blond's natural skills but as soon as those words left his lips, there was a knocking on the door. My curiosity piqued by Minato's apparent stalling, I stretched my chakra outward, to see if I could get a sense of my new sensei, in hopes of calming my anxiety when we inevitably came face to face.
At first there was nothing- which was a clear sign that whoever was behind the door was an expert of concealing their chakra. But then, maybe in reaction to my own, something appeared- or rather something let itself be known.
Chakra, the lifeblood of this world, revealed a lot about a person, as I had come to find over my almost seven years of living here. Kushina's was vibrant, warm and inviting, with a little bit of a bite to it- while Minato's was calm like the waves on the shore, though like the ocean, hid something within its depths. Their chakra was something I was intimately aware of, having been close to them for most of my life, that I could latch onto and feel immediately safe and secure.
The chakra that rose to meet mine stung- it burned against my senses and I instinctively pulled my chakra back to myself, like jerking away from a hot stove. It had the same effect; my heart sped up and even though there wasn't physical pain, the presence was enough to make me flinch. What I had sensed was undeniably strong- the person was skilled, and they knew it. But what shook me the most was the undercurrent of danger that lurked within, almost triggering a flight or fight response.
Most ninja had that overt atmosphere- we were trained to be soldiers, walking weapons in the simplest terms, but this was vastly different. There was a chilling, malevolent quality that wasn't completely hidden away- something so inherent to this person that it couldn't be hidden away. Like something lying in wait, lurking in the dark.
Alarms were blaring in my mind and my stomach sunk deeper than before.
This wasn't going to be easy, was it?
However, every alarm, instinct, and intuition in the world wouldn't, couldn't prepare me for the figure that stepped through the door at Minato's allowance- a figure that was frighteningly familiar.
I didn't notice anything but his eyes- serpentine and lined with purple which seemed to look through me and know every secret I tried to hide- locked onto mine.
This couldn't be happening.
Author's Notes
Posted: December 1st, 2018
A transitional chapter (one that I'm not completely happy with), but one that signifies many changes to come- obviously.
As always, thank you all for the reviews, follows and favorites; I really appreciate them! Sorry for the delay, again; life is just hectic at the moment, but I'm glad I was able to get this out regardless.
I also posted a new picture on deviantart (username "Eirron') if you want to check it out. It's a character sheet for Junko and Riku and I'm really happy how it turned out.
Next time on For a Chance at Happiness
Chapter 34: Of Shaken Routine