It turned out eventually that the Leaf had to pull a lot of strings and make substantial concessions to the Land of Iron to get them to agree on having a small team extract me and ship me back to Konoha to live there. Of course, considering my rather peculiar abilities that just didn't fit in the harsh, frozen environment the samurai inhabitated and tended to burst out at any given time, an argument was made that it would be beneficial if I were trained by the Leaf and later would be deployed to my homeland when they needed me to aid with, err, say infrastructure development.
Really, Mokuton was as versatile as it was unpredictable. Tenzo had explained that those shapeless roots I had created could turn into pillars, timber, floor tiles, window sills and furniture, all with the right training. That also went for the offensive power of this element, the attacks could take any shape and form.
Sadly, it appeared that Hashirama Senju, that according to Tenzo was the first Wood Release user, hadn't left that many notes behind, never thinking that a succes or may be born with the same ability. Though I wasn't yet clear on how me and Tenzo were related and everybody seemed to conveniently switch to another topic when I'd ask, it was easy enough to figure my mother had been a direct descendant of the Senju clan, and as such one of the more distant cousins of Tsunade. I didn't know how to feel about having relatives alive, but I was told she had left the village a while ago, so it was unlikely I'd see her very soon and thus, make up my mind about it.
After arriving I was plunged suddenly in hyperawareness, whereas before on the way back I had still been stuck in that stupor, where events seem to move faster than they can be processed. Everything here was so vibrant and full of life, streets bustling with activity, trees and flowers growing from every direction possible between buildings huddled together. I felt my chest slowly expanding outwards, as if a pressure had slowly disippated.
I liked it here.
We headed through serpentine roads towards one of the larger buildings in the village, red and circular, with the kanji for
Fire drawn on top. One of my resquers explained on the way that we were going to the Hokage, the leader of the village, to report back on the success of the mission and get me started on the administrative process that involved establishing my Konoha citizenship.
The Third Hokage himself was a bit of a let-down, back when i first met him in his office, fooled by his aged stature and grandfatherly look into thinking he was just as harmless. Later I would learn about the steely force of character and all encompassing power and knowledge that laid behind that wrinkled frame, but also the means he used to get me there.
He welcomed me warmly, like one would a long lost relative and assured me Konoha would soon feel like home. At that point I rushed to confirm to him that I already liked it way more than back in Iron. But maybe the way his eyes flashed when he heard my eagerness should had sent off warning bells in my head, but his gentle smile only served to reassure me more. I was young and desperate for approval at that time, since i'd recieved none before.
'It is my hope you will find here everything you need in order to cultivate and learn to control your abilities. The First Hokage was the founder of this village and the first to possess and master the legendary mokuton, that brought him many achievements. And while I believe the swordsmanship training that was given to you isn't lacking in any way, it would be a waste not to hone your skills as a shinobi, considering your potent affinity for this natural element.' Here he paused to gauge my reaction before continuing. 'As such, I wish to extend you the invitation to join the Academy, starting next month.'
I turned the idea in my head a couple of times before agreeing, I was sick of having no control over my powers.
The Hokage's smile was definitely pleased this time, having the air he had expected my answer. And why wouldn't he? I found myself in a deplorable position, back home i would be shunned or executed for what I'd done, and I wouldn't be able to live anywhere else as long as I was a natural hazzard to my surroundings, so it wasnt like I could do anything but accept what they offered me.
'Then I wish to welcome you to Konohagakure no Sato. I have no doubts that in time, you may come to accomplish just as much as the First, Midori-chan.'
'No, not Midori' I replied frowning. That name had been given to me as a mockery and a bad omen at my birth. Nothing green survived in the snow, all living plants withering and shriveling away from cold. But I would survive.
'It's Juno Senju'. And I swore to myself in that moment, that ten years would be all it would take.
The Third smiled with grim satisfaction.
Okaay, first real chapter is up, this time also a bit longer than the previous.Thanks to anyone who gave this story a go
So Juno meets the Hokage and makes some important decisions. But his motives for bringing her in aren't as selfless as one would think.
In the next chapter she starts settling in the village and figures her next move.
