Article 28 - Chapter 24 - The Meaning of Sacrifice
Warnings: I do not own Naruto, it's intellectual property is owned by none other than Masashi Kishimoto. I own the OC's that I've added to the story and nothing more.
Notes: Got writer's block HARD during this chapter. Can't even tell you how many hours it took me to pump out this much content with how slow I was writing. Hopefully next chapter comes more naturally, but anyways, here's 6k words for you all.
*** Call To Action: Looking for someone capable of being an editor/proofreader. Also accepting Beta's to hear opinions about chapters before I release the final draft to FFN (If you're interested, hit me up with a PM. Thank You!)***
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Last Chapter: Excerpt)
"Time right now is precious, I still need to slaughter the clan momentarily, so let's jump straight into the eye transplants." Obito said.
A maniacal cackle sounded and echoed within the tunnels.
"MAGNIFICENT!" Zetsu yelled, enthused.
┬┴┬┴┤ Chapter 24 ├┬┴┬┴
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina Alibi Clone POV)
Sweat pooled on my brow. The sun beat down bathing me in both light and heat. My palms flew out striking the wooden dummy systematically without failure. The slight pain of my hands and shins spurring me into a frenzy.
I accelerated my pace more… and more.
Ragged pants fell ungraciously from my mouth as I flung my palm into the neck pad finishing the array.
If I weren't a clone and had all my chakra, how much faster would I have been? 3 seconds? -maybe 4?
"Splendid! 59 seconds, under a minute already! Hinata, take note of her form. You still have much to learn." Hiashi announced.
The compliment at the expense of Hinata's self-esteem felt empty. Surely rejoicing in it would feel wrong.
"Tch." Neji let out narrowing his eyes. He slowly rolled his shoulders and pulled his arms trying to limber up.
"Next."
The prodigious boy eagerly squared up with the dummy, waiting at attention in a ready stance.
Hiashi stared at his watch holding a finger silently indicating "Not yet…"
"Start!" he commanded.
Neji's form was artwork in itself. Jealousy leaked into my consciousness, but I quickly staved it off knowing that my power was shortly going to skyrocket.
Still… it's so beautiful. Even with wonderful genetics, there is no way I could keep up with him if we had the same tools. Even to get a sub-minute I had to reduce my bone density so my arms could move faster.
Neji's strikes clapped the wood in a rhythmic symphony like it were an instrument. The tempo steadily increasing becoming faster and faster. Pop, pop, pop.
Kicks and knees flew seamlessly into his non-stop barrage.
This is it. This is why the Hyuga refuse to change. If everyone in the clan was capable of this, I might even be hard pressed to argue against their methods.
Neji blitzed his way through the finishing strikes flawlessly ending it with a palm strike savagely to the neck.
"53 seconds! Brilliant, your improvements never cease to amaze me. At least 'you two' might be able to carry the clan to new heights."
I observed Hinata's shoulders and face drop in shame igniting an animosity inside me as well as making my stomach drop like I was experiencing the sharp descent of a rollercoaster.
I fought to swallow my discontent by pulling my attention back to Neji's display.
"That was awesome! Neji you are amazing!" I shouted causing a satisfied grin to appear on his face before disappearing entirely. "~wasn't that amazing Hinata? Don't you think Neji is a true talent? I don't know if even I can catch up to his skills."
Remember be positive.
Neji's lips curled into a frown, turning his back to us pretending not to be listening.
"That's not true, unlike me you have skill. You can do it, I know it!" Hinata barked uncharacteristically.
Well, this is new…
Hinata seemed to realize what she had just said. Her face began reddening resembling a tomato.
"Thanks for your vote of confidence Hinata, but you can improve too. Don't be so down on yourself." I replied.
Now with the morning session concluded, Neji stormed off with heavy feet seeming to be throwing a small tantrum.
Neji, what do you want from me? To completely ignore her?! You know I can't do that!
My shallow allegiances tugged for control. Whispers saying to stay with Hinata, while others told me to chase Neji. I felt like I was being used like a rope in a tug of war. Neither side wanted to see progress for the other, instead gripping and tugging harder.
I leaned over so that I could whisper something to Hinata.
"I'm going to go check on Neji." I said.
Her eyes begged me to stay, but a soft and gentle smile arrived on her face. "I understand."
My eyes leaked my unhappiness at her comment, no doubt reminding her of our conversation last night causing her to grip and squeeze her wrist shyly.
I'll have to discipline her later for not being upfront.
My feet raced to make up the ground for my indecisiveness.
I know Neji is still a kid, but I didn't expect him to act this childish.
Monstrous trees passed by me as I kicked my speed up further. The soft taps of my feet impacting the ground played in my ears. The soil was still soft from the rain which fell yesterday.
I came up on a hill, charging up it confidently until reaching the top, Neji's back entering my vision.
For a task so simple, there was no need for the byakugan.
He turned around having heard my approach looking confused and perhaps a bit annoyed.
"Neji~ wait up!" I called out.
A smirk appeared on his face, and he turned back around breaking into a sprint.
What the?
I broke into a sprint as well. If I wasn't just a clone, I would be using clones and substitutions to gain ground faster.
I leaned further forward, pressing off the ground with as much force as I could feasibly and reasonably produce through my toes.
Still, I'm thankful that somehow the clan hasn't noticed my diminished chakra reserves and realized that I was just a clone yet.
Neji ran and ran, not able to pull further ahead, yet I couldn't close the gap at all.
I chased and chased, finding myself wondering if he would ever stop.
His strides slowed until he stalled completely, leaning over and supporting himself by resting his elbows above each knee gasping for air.
The sting in my lungs was welcomed, but I appreciated that he finally stopped. My nostrils greedily sucked in air and I let it out in a huff from my mouth. My heartbeat began slowing.
"Neji?" I asked still puzzled why he was so upset.
"Purely hypothetically… Say we weren't made to protect the family… And to fight off the village's enemies... What do you think our purpose is?" He asked.
Thump. "...Excuse me?" I let out questionably.
Am I hearing things? Surely he didn't just…
"~What do you suggest could be our purpose?"
I couldn't stop it, I realized too late. My lips curled into a grin.
"Neji, we could do anything. We could abolish the side branch by consolidating the clan. We could-"
"-Do you know what your saying? Can you hear yourself?" he exclaimed.
-Okay? I guess he wants me to 'sell' it to him. Fear not, I'm no slouch in salesmanship.
"Why do you think I've been spending so much time with the heir?" I questioned.
Neji grew quiet, compulsively grabbing his chin while he sifted through his thoughts.
"...Say that I believe you've been gaining her confidence all this time simply for this plan of yours. What if she doesn't even become the clan head? What if Hinabi becomes the head instead?"
Tch. You really don't want to make this easy for me do you?
"I'm also slowly gaining favor from strong political parties. The Hyuga's practices are unacceptable! You have suffered enough because of it to understand, haven't you?"
"-But...The main branch will never accept, and with these?" Neji said pointing a finger to his covered forehead. "-With these, we will never see progress."
There is another card I can play… but is this the time to play it? I can only play it once… Should it be now?
"... Neji, are you capable of keeping a secret? A secret with the same value as my life. Do you understand? If I trust you with this secret, it means I'm trusting you with my life."
Neji's obstinance melted and instead an unbecoming timid expression replaced it. He seemed to fight with himself for some time wordlessly before dragging his eyes back to mine.
"Absolutely."
His response was filled with confidence despite toiling with his answer moments before. I wasn't certain that he could be trusted, but never trusting anyone would only serve to impede progress and leave me all alone. I didn't want to be alone.
" I believe I've found a way to remove the caged bird seal. It will take quite some time for preparations… years truthfully, but I'm certain I could break us both from them."
Sweat seeped from his skin drenching him and alerting me to his fear.
Come on, don't break on me now. I know inside you somewhere is the spirit of a revolutionary. I don't just hope, I know it damnit!
"Neji, the safe and simple life is best left to the untalented and uninspired. Does the clans wrongdoings not spark a fire in your heart? Can you watch as your family is enslaved for generations? To witness your children and your children's children falling victim to the same cycle… All because of your fearful inaction?"
His lips quivered and tightened till he looked like he was on the verge of a breakthrough. He's so close, just a little bit more.
"Neji?" I called out waiting for him to look at me again. "Did your father sacrifice himself for Hiashi just so you'd have to do the same for lady Hinata?"
A flame ignited in his eyes and his vial temperament leaked into the atmosphere awakening goosebumps on me. Yes! Yes!
"Absolutely not… My father always told me stories that the clan could change and how his brother would do it… My hopes died with him though."
"Then revive your hope and either carry it or place it in me. Be the man that your father always wanted to be. I promise I'll never quit trying, I'll fight to my very last breath."
His eyes became glassy reflecting the light brilliantly. His eyes shone for the first time in many long years. The dead eyes of hopelessness where nowhere to be found. The ghost that once lingered had been vanquished, A quiet force of nature awakening in its place.
"I...I want to soo bad. I always wanted to, but I always talked myself out of it, I didn't know how, it was always a foregone conclusion - Failure."
"-And now?" I asked excitingly.
"-And now I'll entrust my hopes to you. I'll assist you however I can."
"You realize revolutionaries sometimes must do terrible things? Change always comes at a cost. What is your version of acceptable cost?"
A tooth sunk into his lip, anger rising in a flash. "That's not for me to decide. I want to see your plans for change become reality, and any cost you're willing to pay, I'll find acceptable."
Yes! Yes! Neji you finally opened your eyes to this accursed world haven't you? You won't regret this. I won't let you. I'll take care of everything.
"Wonderful! Neji… thank you. Thank you for trusting me. I'll be sure to remember this for the rest of my life."
A smile crept onto both of our faces and I couldn't resist. I charged closer and wrapped my arms around Neji squeezing him. His welcoming warmth leaked into me soothing my fatigue.
Everything was going to work out. I've finally got someone on my side, and soon I would have unfathomable power. Just let me enjoy this victory a moment longer.
I clenched him even closer to myself. Real allies and friends are precious commodities. Perhaps soon I won't need to wear my mask around him at all. What a lovely thought!
"No, thank you. Thank you for waking me up. Without you I would've likely watched forever. I just don't want to regret anymore."
"I don't know if that's possible, but surely we'll have less regrets when we make progress, right?"
He solemnly nodded his head in agreement. My stomach lurched and tingled as I stared into his eyes. Excitement, breathlessness, confusion, eagerness, as well as a multitude more of feelings fought for control.
What is this? I asked myself.
His smile warmed my heart. Was there a need to identify why? It was because he was there for me in a way no one else was, right?
I couldn't be sure, but honestly I didn't care why. I was just thrilled to be happy. Wholeheartedly giddy. I looked upon the future with joyous anticipation.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina POV)
I stood ramrod straight, absolutely at attention with both of my hands clasped behind my back. I was merely a spectator in this process. Eye surgery was not a well covered subject within my expanse knowledge of the narutoverse.
I had expected it to be difficult, yet a much more dumbed down process from which I could expect in my previous world because of the multitudes of jutsu which could be used to assist.
My assumptions? More or less confirmed.
While in the field, it would certainly be possible to make a hasty insertion and heal it enough to use it with medical ninjutsu, however it would later need to be adjusted and reattached professionally to get it's full applicable use.
Believe me when I tell you that Obito was quite the surgeon. His masterful work showed the yield of his great knowledge and excellent motor skills.
I looked on in awe. His performance certainly commanded my respect, especially since three of these eyes would be my own.
"Ooo, Just... a few more seconds for these finishing touches." The man spoke while leaned over the tranquil body of Leon Uchiha.
My excitement undoubtedly leaked from me as I was unable to contain myself. SO VERY CLOSE.
Obito chuckled in acknowledgement. "It's been some time since you last had the sharingan, isn't that right?"
The hair on my neck stood on end. "Yes it has. Too long."
Obito's glowing hand left Leon's forehead then ending the jutsu. His head swung around stopping to peer at me.
"It's completed?" I asked in false confidence.
"Yes, the transplants are complete." He replied.
"Do you think they need to activate their sharingan once, or think I'm safe to kill them now?"
Obito remained silent continuing to pick up and put away the tools for the operation. After he finished, he turned around facing me. The red glint of the unmistakable sharingan poured out of his masks eyehole.
"Obito?" I asked.
My gut sunk alerting me to a perceived danger.
Again? Stomach settle yourself. I'm just fine.
"Yes. Everything should be in order." He replied in monotone. "-I must go check on something, but before that… How would you feel about me picking out my own eye?"
His assistance was invaluable, but I was hoping to give him an eye after discovering their powers. At this point, I won't know what ability he'll gain which could be troublesome if we ever find ourselves enemies. Still… how could I deny him when he's done so much for me. It would be telegraphing my distrust and greed… How can I possibly say no?
"I don't have any problems at all with that." I lied. "Thanks for your bountiful assistance."
"Heh." Obito let out approaching the two incapacitated teens.
He withdrew a tool from a tunic pocket beneath his cloak. It was a three pronged claw with a sturdy handle. There were small buttons and levers which controlled each prong of the claw. He lined the tool up, sticking it into the gap between the eye and eyelid, twisting it severing the connection.
He pulled his arm back and the eyeball squeezed out from the cavity leaving a gruesome hole in Neeko's head.
So he chose one of Neeko's eyes, hmm… I hope he doesn't receive the ability that seems to distort time. If Obito could distort time AND space… that could be very bad.
He turned back to myself, dropping the eyeball into a jar filled with preservative solution then twisting the cap on.
"'Till next we meet Izuna." Obito spoke.
Why would he take the eye and then say this? Does he not plan to return?
"Wait~ You're coming back after the massacre correct?"
Obito stopped in his tracks, never turning around to face me while he answered: "The massacre is a bit ahead of schedule than my original plans. There is still much I must do. I'm certain you can manage on your own, yes?"
"Oh, what if I ever need to contact you?" I asked.
Wait… Ahead of schedule? I wonder if in the cannon Narutoverse the massacre was also ahead of schedule… or if it was wasn't and this is instead is in line with the changes that now seemed to shout the massacres inevitability… If this is changed… what else has changed?
"Zetsu!" Obito yelled bouncing off the walls.
A grinding noise beneath the depths sounded breaking to the surface. The plant-like-man sprout through the floor arriving to the beckoning call.
"You called?!" Zetsu exclaimed still writhing about.
"Loan Izuna your ring." He commanded.
A black tongue shot out of the figures mouth, squirming around while eyeing me.
"Is this ring important to you?" it asked in a dark mocking voice while stripping the green '亥' (Sign of the Boar) marked ring from their right little finger.
"It's my only way of communication with you all, So I suppose."
"Oh, is it?" It replied back in fake surprise.
Why does this seem so familiar?
The arm reached out, dropping the ring into my outstretched palm. The heft cemented in my mind my entrance to the Akatsuki.
"Zetsu, You might need to come back and grab the ring when we catch a Jinchuriki, but till then, Izuna you are free to use that to leave a message to '零' (Zero) I'll be sure to let Nagato know what's going on later and he'll inform me if you ever message."
The space in front of Obito distorted into a swirling vortex that he quickly walked through, disappearing.
Zetsu stared at me a long while in silence now that we were alone.
"HaHaHA-HAHAHA!" he screamed. The devilish laughter making my blood briefly run cold.
Why does Zetsu unsettle me… soo much?
The Plant-like-man retreated into the crack on the ground wearing a devious smile and glaring at me as he descended.
"Interesting. Very Interesting." He said.
They were his last parting words before riding out along the deep root system. My byakugan watched him as he left which soothed my anxiety. I was glad they were finally gone, but now I would need to work on building a kiln.
I grabbed the precious manuscript opening it to the page with the information on the Kiln. The diagram and notes tucked into the margins explained how to construct it which was a relief.
I shouldn't kill the boys yet or I risk the bodies decomposition - since the Kiln isn't ready yet, but there is only about 10 hours of tranquilizer left. I need to get a move on if I don't want to have to forcibly restrain an awake EMS user. This will be a race against the clock.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Itachi POV)
"It's too late. We've failed. Even the Kotoamatsukami on your father wouldn't suffice to quell the flames of rebellion. The pride of the Uchiha make the coup inevitable."
I had fully expected the elders words. I had long since arrived at the same conclusion.
My family and the peace within the village could not coexist. A sacrifice would have to be made… My clans and my own sacrifice to stave off the revolutionary bloodshed. Why must humans be compelled to harm one other? Why does this world reward violence? -It sickens me.
"I understand. Are the accommodations made for Sasuke?" I asked.
Younger brother… Live and grow up far away from this worlds violence. Become strong, stronger than me or father. Become the new beacon of hope for the Uchiha now that my light is fading.
"Yes, I have… However, Itachi you've broken your promise, haven't you?"
What? I would never. I wouldn't risk Sasuke's life for anyone's… even Izumi's.
"Certainly not." I answered in confidence.
"I TOLD YOU THAT ONLY SASUKE COULD BE SAVED. YOU DARE DEFY ME?!"
I didn't defy any order, what is he doing? Checking my loyalty?
"Sir, I have completed my assignments without fail and without notice." I replied.
I steepened my bow, still balanced on a knee, before the 'leaf's shadow'.
"LIAR! Why is Jade Uchiha's residence vacant? -And why does it look like someone staged a battle inside as an excuse to defect from the leaf?"
"What? There must be a reasonable explanation…" I answered confidently but alarmed.
"Prove it to me… Prove to me that this is all some mistake. Kill Izumi Uchiha now! Show me the extent of your Loyalty. Show me that your loyalty does not lie elsewhere!"
What? No! Not like this, I still haven't planned the full extent of the genjutsu… The life that I want to show her… the one we could have shared if it wasn't for the inescapable violence this world festers.
"Tenzō! Bring the girl out!" Danzo shouted as he slammed the butt of his cane into the floor like the gavel of a judge.
The man entered with the girl bound in his grasp. His apologetic eyes flashed my way not setting my heart at ease.
Tears began streaming from my eyes. A gut wrenching pain seized me even as I attempted to disguise it. A ninja is loyal to the mission.
"Izumi…" I let out in a bated breath drawing nearer.
Her eyes had already been long stained red. They were puffy but still held compassion towards her lover - towards me.
"I'm so sorry... " I struggled.
"Itachi…" She whispered. "It's alright. I understand."
-But It's not alright… But there is nothing else that can be done. Out of time and out of options, I'm just a powerless man against the whims of destiny.
"My love, I will never forget you. I will love you 'till the end of eternity." I announced.
I scooped her into my arms causing her to jump slightly despite the critical eyes of Danzo still trained on me.
"You... are my one and only." I whispered through my emotion. Her smile breaking onto her face while lost in my eyes.
"Don't cry… It's alright." She said.
No its not!
"I'll always love you my dear." She finished with another smile to set my heart at ease.
She doesn't deserve this… I don't want this...
I lifted my arms up and bent my neck down, swooping in for a final kiss. Our lips approached and I clenched my eyes shut. Her soft mouth met my own, her tongue pushing into my mouth.
In soul crushing acceptance, I opened my eyes, morphing them into the mangekyo.
As little time as possible… for no less than 80 years… See the life I had planned for us… Experience the life you deserved. Farewell... my sweet angel.
Tsukuyomi!
The Genjutsu lasted only a picosecond. All the information transferred so quickly, atrophying and aging the woman nearly instantaneously.
Her body crumbled to dust in my grasp, falling and sifting to the ground. Her merciful smile etched into my brain and my heart beating in my chest. Vial emotions seeped from my psyche, fracturing it to the point I was sure was irreparable.
I wiped my face with my hand, staring at the tears I had shed. Proof of my humanity in the wake of such an unthinkable decision.
It was the Sandaime's fault! If he had acted sooner he could have prevented it. He wasn't blind, he just didn't do what was necessary. He'd rather other people make the hard decisions for him. IF I WERE HEALTHY I COULD HAVE TAKEN HIS SEAT… God...Do you really have a plan, or is all of this actually meaningless? ...and even if it is, I beg you, Please protect Sasuke...
A chilling emptiness now filled me. It was as if there was a gaping hole where something important had once been.
"Excellent! It seems you are still loyal." Danzo announced.
"Shut up. This is all for Sasuke and the leaf. If i find that you ever disobey my wishes, I will come for your head Danzo."
"Hmm… So long as you are a protector of this village, I will keep my word. Sasuke will be safe, and never told of the great sacrifice that you had to make. Everyone will be told the story of the psychopath that murdered his family for recognition and power. The secret dies with you and our villages elders." Donzo said.
Danzo is an expert liar, but his heart is typically in the best interest of the village. The pain inside me gradually settled putting into perspective the numerous lives that I would need to end to keep my part of the deal.
"Well… It seems I'll need to prepare. So long Donzo."
"Remember to take your predetermined escape route to be sure you can leave unhindered." He said.
Like I need your reminders, Just make sure you keep up your end or I'll be back.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
(Mina Alibi Clone POV)
As part of my clan training, I was required to occasionally oversee Hinata and tend to her needs. Today was one such day. I arrived for my shift 10 minutes early, both as a showing of respect to my duty as well as a way to establish a bond with her.
I stood at the overarching door of the bedroom in the alternate compound trying to grasp my composure before announcing myself.
After briefly inspecting my attire and smoothing down any wrinkles, I knocked on the door.
A muffled response came from behind the door that I couldn't decipher. I waited patiently at attention before a crash came from the room alerting me to something wrong.
"Byakugan!"
I twisted the doorknob simultaneously, flinging the door open to evaluate the situation.
I hopped inside before realizing what had happened. Hinata had knocked over her trunk of clothing in a rush to answer the door.
"Sorry. For a second I thought that maybe-" I started.
"-No it's my fault. I shouldn't have knocked over my luggage. It was rather clumsy of me. I'm sorry."
It was at this point that I realized something. I hadn't ever known Hinata to be particularly clumsy, but I have increasingly found myself in scenarios like this lately. Was she intentionally doing it as a ploy for my attention?
Hmm… Honestly it was hard to say, but I could probably do a little digging to find out.
"Your hair looks like you just took a nap. Would you like me to brush it for you?" I asked putting on my impression of a warm smile.
My eyes locked onto her beautiful locks. She was blessed with wonderful hair unlike myself. I had a deeply ingrained compulsion to brush it, touch it, and run my hands through it.
"Umm...I-If you would be so kind." She replied with all the shyness I had expected.
A small smile arrived on my face. She is submitting to my requests.
I spotted a chair tucked away in the corner of the room. Quickly retrieving it, I placed it in an open space near the rooms center.
Hinata tentatively watched before she unzipped and dug into a pouch. I stealthily snuck behind her, looking over her shoulder to see what was inside.
The contents I discovered were a multitude of hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories.
"This one!" Hinata exclaimed handing me a decorative hair brush of unmistakable quality.
My grin widened as I accepted the brush from the girl.
I ushered her to sit down with my hands, and despite growing faintly red in the cheeks and neck, she followed my directions.
The brush ran through her hair starting at her scalp then making my way down to her ends. With each stroke she leaned back into the brush letting me know she wanted it even harder.
With each stroke my ears detected a soft groan of pleasure. I discarded the stroking motion for that of a circular motion, digging into her scalp.
She started breathing deeper, still pressing her head into the brush increasing the pressure.
Wow… I've never seen Hinata act like this. She's loving it — and so am I.
I leaned in closer paying even more attention to the girl's responses so that I could drive her wild.
I pulled my mouth close to her neck while still weaving the brush through her locks. Slowly, I let out a deep warm breath on her neck causing her to embarrassingly quiver in pleasure.
"Aaahhh-uhha" she let out almost panting at this point.
I decided to discard the brush, now favoring to use my hands instead.
My nails scratched, digging into her scalp. My wrist turning each and every way to stimulate her in new ways.
After showering her with my attention, I pulled my hands out of her hair to even my own dejection, but it was nothing compared to Hinata's disappointment.
I leaned closer, whispering into her ear. "Earlier today you weren't genuine with me were you?"
"I-I… no…"
That's what I thought.
"What should you have told me?" I asked.
"... that… I wanted you… to stay with me?" She struggled.
As a small reward, I reached out, resting my hands on the back of her neck.
"—And what do you want now?" I asked wanting to hear her say it.
Instead of words, she childishly shook her head indicating that she wanted me to get back to work.
"Nuh-ahh. I want to hear it." I scolded
"Keep going! Please keep going!" She exclaimed.
I was getting slightly light headed from the visions in my mind, but I acknowledged her brave request with positive reinforcement.
"Good girl." I whispered soothingly.
My nails dug back in and she pressed against it with increased vigor. My guess was she wanted to make up for lost time.
"I really like your hair… its sooo pretty." I commented.
"Uhhhh-huh?" She let out questionably.
"I'm serious. You should consider growing it out."
She paused for a moment to think, then replied with: "You really think I should grow it out? I'm… not that confident in myself… and longer hair would make training even harder."
I wouldn't back down here. "I'll help you with your training if you want. What do you want Hinata? If you want long hair I could help you get to the point that you could be confident."
"-I'm hopeless, I don't-"
My fingers stopped moving despite me not meaning to stop.
"-Don't say that in front of me again. You are not hopeless, you are simply a different type of learner and Hiashi doesn't know how to train you correctly."
Hinata's body tensed at my outbreak. I had even startled myself with how forceful the beginning was.
"You… think so?" She asked still puzzled.
"Absolutely." I said without a hint of doubt.
I began running my fingers through her hair again, tracing my fingernails on her head in patterns.
I wished we could stay like this forever. Hinata was finally opening up to me. She was starting to come out of her shell she carefully constructed to protect herself.
A confident knock appeared at the door throwing water on our parade. The visitor didn't wait for a response, instead shoving the door open and stepping through.
"Sister! Let's go outside! I want to show you something I've been practicing." The visitor shouted, excitement evident in her tone.
"Mhmm." She replied with a hint of regret. "Okay Hinabi, just-"
"Your hair is a mess sister! Weren't you just getting it brushed? Is Mina not good at it? I can do it." She announced.
Hinata didn't seem ready for Hinabi's words as her head transitioned to pink and she stuttered a few times before I picked up her slack.
"I was scratching her head because it was itchy."
"Itchy?" Hinabi asked. "Father says an itchy head means dandruff, and that its gross."
"An itchy head could just as easily just be from dried sweat or a dry scalp." I responded.
Hinabi seemed to accept my explanation quickly sweeping it under the rug. "Okay, okay. Can we go outside now? Come on."
Hinata let out a giggle to which I shortly joined her. We both grabbed one of Hinabi's hands and headed out the door while Hinata used her free hand to play with her hair, likely trying to make it look presentable.
┬┴┬┴┤神の起源├┬┴┬┴
Authors Notes: Let me know how I'm doing. When I see your comments telling me what I did either good or bad, It helps me motivate myself to write more often! Thanks everyone for making it this far in the story.
Reviewer Question: - How old were you when you had your first kiss? (My first kiss was at age 5 with a girl who was my friends sister, age 7 or 8 at the time.)
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**SPECIAL THANKS and COMMENTS to the great people below who left me a review, It means a lot!**
-toadfist - "The MC's situation is quite strange. Yes this once Male 20 something year old was removed from his body and stuck in this younger body, and the chemical processes of her body and thought are still that of a child making self control difficult as well as a multitude of different influences such as the yearning of affection. Now that she is a 7 year old female of body, if we call her a pedophile for being attracted to children her age or slightly older in this case, than that would mean she would have to go after someone significantly older or no one at all. This is simply sending off the responsibility to someone else as now THEY will be the ones who is viewed as the pedophile because they are involved with a 7 year old. If Morality was to be upheld, it would mean she would instead need to wait and prolong any opportunities to bond to characters until she was an adult… which in this world is technically once she reaches Genin I suppose. IDK, at the end of the day it's a complicated problem that honestly no-one wins with. Sorry for rambling."
-Lull Meister - "I admit that my writing and storytelling has had flaws such as Characters POV's resembling the MC's too much, poor plot progression, ect… However I believe my character interactions are one of my strongest suits, and I don't believe Sasuke's reactions and conclusions were out of character, just that his thought processes and narration were a bit too similar. As for the 'jumping the gun,' there is additional evidence that has not been shown in the story that should be added next chapter."
-texiut - "glad to see your enjoying the story. MY biggest peeve with Naruto in general was its attempt to 'Kid Friendly' the violence and brutality of the ninja life, and i'll unfortunately agree that it kinda works through the lense of a character with Naruto's moral compass. But through other lenses we can see that Konoha is nearly as brutal as the other villages when they sense something wrong. Sasuke for his defection and crimes would have gotten NO clemonsey without Naruto's assistance. The 3rd Hokage had constantly been too soft to make important decisions causing worse for the village, so as he aged he became more shrewd, however when Naruto or young (in training) ninja are around, the 3rd seems to put on another persona."
-writegood - "Yeah, When I thought about the prospect of doing a story of a 'villian' entering the Akatsuki , I started flipping out. I loved the idea, so much like Being-x's hand steers the story, my hand will perhaps steer the story towards the potential of the Akatsuki. Mina is being taken over by vengeance and it is blinding her to much. Sometimes as a broken human, you just want to see the world burn."
-thepowerfullkira - "All I'm willing to confirm, is that Obito doesn't know. Also for the idea of adding a Devil May Cry weapon, i'm not entirely against it despite not knowing where I could possibly add it and how. Honestly it's unlikely, but who knows, maybe."
-Irina Akashira - "Thanks for your continued support."
-Casu4lDucK - "Oh me too. I can't wait to write Madara as he's one of my favorite characters in the series. His reaction will be priceless."
-Re Fenrir - " Well… she's got the three eyes still in the teen's head, next chapter though. Also, I believe you are mistaken about a unique ability from the EMS. The Limbo clones, and Sasuke's teleportation ability were both abilities of the rinnegan that only the awakener can use. (Not passed on by transplant.) The Perfect susanoo is available to EMS users though, as well as increase of base power, unlimited use without deterioration, and a decrease in chakra cost."
-Kaneki 17 - " Glad you enjoyed… at least part of the story. Everything needs a bit of work since this is my first story i've written without a very rigid outline and as such has lacked a bit."
-006Sam - "Oh, Zetsu should likely be able to poke holes in Mina's story as she speculated but he refrained.As a reader, don't you get the feeling Zetsu knows something the rest of the characters and readers doesn't?"