'Again.'

Kaiya transformed into a wolf, her body aching terribly. She's been transforming back and forth between a human and a wolf for three hours now with no stop, and the need to rest began to demand attention harder and harder with each transformation. Before she knew it, she transformed back into human. Pain.

Her face was red as a tomato, as her body was drenched in sweat. Kaiya let herself lay on her back on the cold ground. Her father sighed.

She asked him to train and help her master her transformation, but it was more challenging than he thought. It was much easier with that Taka kid. But to put it fairly, that kid was trained day and night for it ever since he was born. Everything done to him was for that purpose. While Kaiya... she was never really forced into anything on the matter, and her losing interest in her clan didn't really help much, either. It only so happened that her body became more resistant, and something triggered her to transform.

'No, don't sit down, Kaiya. You'll make the cramps worse,' he said, as he pulled the girl up back on her feet. 'Let's take a lap to the Spirit Seer house and back, walk for a few minutes, and then we can sit down. It'll help avoid some of the pain, trust me.'

Kaiya let out a light puff, as she began running, slowly. The house wasn't any further than a kilometer, but in her current state, even two hundred meters seemed much. Even so, Kaiya pushed off as many negative thoughts as she could.

She needed to become stronger. Not for her clan, not for her pride, but for herself. She could not, under any circumstance, risk to die again and rely on others to keep her alive. She wasn't depending on her life on others. If she would be doing that, would she be even living? If that were the case, what would happen if there was no one for her?

'So how's being an Alpha?' Her father asked as they jogged through the forest.

'Odd, may I say. When I came, everyone treated me as, well, me, you know? The Kaiya they always knew. But after I became Alpha, even people who were born only a few months apart from me treat me as if I'm some deity.'

'Well, you are the Alpha who won their place rightfully. You fought someone who was trained to be Alpha since birth and won, and... let this be only between us, but your aunt Ichika didn't necessarily do a good representation of what an Alpha should be. She did everything for the clan, yes, but she never really considered what the clan would want to change. She's a bit odd, your aunt. Most people are very much glad that you ended her ruling.'

'Most?' Kaiya hummed.

'Oh you know, out of ten people, not all of them will agree with each other on some things. Same thing here. Even if the majority disliked Ichika, there were still people who liked her. Fanatics, really. I wouldn't get anything to do with them for anything.'

'Hm.'

For a while, neither of them said anything.

'Dad,' Kaiya said, hesitantly.

'Yeah?'

'I was thinking, actually. Maybe I'm doing better than aunt Ichika, but that doesn't mean I'm fit to be Alpha.'

'What do you mean?'

'I've spent years away from home. Actually, I've spent as good as half my life away from this clan, with hardly any visits. I became a shinobi and I swore loyalty to Konoha. I can't leave it all behind just because I suddenly became Alpha.'

'Oh yeah,' Kaito said, softly, 'You didn't plan on becoming Alpha did you?'

'Uh-uh,' Kaiya shook her head. 'Maybe when I was little, but those were just some what-if fantasies, not plans or dreams I wanted to follow. I tried talking to Kouta the other day- I thought he'd make a good Alpha.'

'And?'

'Disaster. He was pissed that I'd leave again.'

'Kaiya, please understand not to be too harsh on him on this. He suffered just as much as you when Jun died. But he chose to stay. Not too long after Jun died, you left too. There wasn't much hope for you to be found again, you know? The hunters lost your track after a while, and they said that you were a lost cause. That you were still a kid with no experience, and that you're probably never to be found again, which meant that your fate was most likely to die from hunger, coldness, or sickness. Maybe even killed, like Jun. For Kouta, he lost both his brother and sister. After you came back, he was happy like never before, only for you to leave again, with clearly no intention returning, probably for good. I guess he felt betrayed, in away. His sister's home was here, with the Kobayashi. With her family That's what he said, I think.'

Kaiya bit her lip.

'My loyalty still belongs to Konoha, and I'm afraid it'll remain like this. If Kouta wants me back, he'll have to go through hell and back in order to make me return definitively. With or without loyalty, Konoha is a second family to me. It was painful to leave you all behind when I was 8, and it would be just the same if I'm to abandon Konoha.'

'I understand. Try to talk with him again, Kaiya. Maybe he starts to understand your point of view as well.'

Kaito wasn't stupid. He knew his son very well, and Kaiya's life choices weren't an uncommon topic between them. Kaito insisted on Kouta to respect his sister and her choices and, if possible, to make and attempt and understand why she made those choices. It was quite a brainstorm that required time and communication, but Kouta was making genuine progress. Kaito thought that the thing that would end Kouta's restlessness would be talking openly with Kaiya. Even if both of them could be stubborn on some things and topics, he trusted both his children to have the capability to hold a discussion calmly and respectfully, even if they didn't agree.

'I'll try to do so,' Kaiya said between tired, heavy breaths, 'Just so you know if he makes a scene again, I'm not opening the subject ever again.'

Kaito shrugged. 'So be it. It's a problem between you two, so I'm not going to get involved with more than advice. No sides picking or whatsoever.'

As the two reached the Spirit Seer house, something caught Kaiya's eyes, making her stop from sprinting. A boy around the age of nine with short hair in a dark shade of blue was watering some plants that surrounded the house.

'Oi, Riku-kun!'

The boy bolted up and spun around immediately, dropping the metallic watering pot he was holding. He walked to Kaiya and her father and bowed.

'Good afternoon, Kaiya-san, Kaito-sama. Thank you for coming. It is a pleasure to have you here.'

Kaiya puffed a little in amusement. The boy was just too much respect.

'How are you, Riku?' Kaiya asked as the boy stood up straight.

'Excellent! I just arrived here yesterday evening. I thought nobody would come except for me so I thought that I'd make sure everything's fine, but it seems like you paid a visit as well, two days ago. You weren't alone, though.'

Kaiya looked down at the boy, tensing up, making sure the boy got her message. She didn't know if her father knew about the thing.

'Kaiya, what did you do?' Kaito asked in suspicion, seeing the girl's tensing.

'Nothing.'

'Maybe I'm mistaken, but it wasn't Fuzasane-sama or Kouta-san, eh-' Riku began, only to be cut off by Kaiya.

'Shush!' Kaiya hissed. 'I'll tell you later, dad.'

Kaito blinked hard, keeping his eyes shut for a moment. 'Alright.'

Kaiya sighed lightly, in relief. In comparison with her mother, her father had a better developed respectful consideration when it came to Kaiya's wishes. Yes, both of her parents cared and respected Kaiya, but, in a way, Kaito managed to do it in a less nosy-protective way. Kaiya appreciated it.

'So, all good? Everything's fine?' Kaiya asked Riku.

'Yes.' Riku shrugged. 'The floor on the second floor is a bit sketchy and old, though. I might ask my sister to come and help me change them next spring, or summer. If you can, you should come as well. If you can.'

'I'll see what I can do. How are your Spirit Seer abilities? Do the ghosts listen to you?'

'So-so. I can communicate with them and most of them listen when I ask them something, but there are still a few who don't listen. I still can't summon, though.'

'There are always some pesky ghosts. They're still human, in a sense, you know? About summoning... don't stress too much. It's really complicated. I can't do it, either.'

Summoning was a term known by all Spirit Seers. It was a Jutsu that allowed the user to summon ghosts in a physical appearance, visible to normal people and with the ability to move like a living person. It could be easily seen as a version of the Reanimation Jutsu, but without necessarily forcing the dead to come into the living world, and with a free will.

To put it simply, a Spirit Seer would open a 'door' into the world of the dead. A spirit could go through it and join the world of the living, still in a physical form, if they wished to, but with a slightly weaker body. They could be killed easier than a living person. The tricky part was, however, a good chakra reserve, a good chakra control, and an immensely good control over the Spirit Seer abilities. For Kaiya, she was doing fine with her chakra reserves, but, as much as she wished, her Spirit Seer abilities were only a little above average, whatever the average was when the elders talked about it.

'Yeah. It's frustrating, really. I wish I could just talk to my father.' Riku said, with exasperation in his voice.

Kaiya bit her lower lip. Riku's father died when he was really young and the fact that the people in his clan continued to talk about his father and compare him to his father took its toll on the boy. In a way, Kaiya understood how the boy felt. He needed closure, a clarification for himself. He just wanted to see what his father thought and why people were praising him so much. He just wanted to be himself, yet he was burdened with a history of predecessors he was never meant to meet.

'It'll all come together if you do your best. At some point, you'll find an answer.' Kaiya said, quietly. 'Believe me.'

Kaiya exchanged looks with her father for one moment, before eventually excusing herself to Riku, in order to the basecamp. As they returned, the two didn't run anymore, choosing to take a walk instead.

'Well?' Kaito asked.

'Hm? Oh yeah, about that. You know Lee right?'

'That weird boy dressed in green?'

Kaiya snorted lightly, in amusement. At first glance, Lee could be easily be labelled as odd. It was all a matter of getting accustomed to him and his personality that one would start to get the real essence of the boy.

'That one. I don't know if mom told you, but, eh... he's my boyfriend.'

'Oh. So he's the one?'

Kaiya smiled a little. 'I guess you could say that, yes.'

'He better treat you well. I'll talk to him later and if I find anything to tell me that he isn't treating you right, I'll grind his gums, I swear.'

Kaito's comments couldn't do anything but amuse Kaiya. Her father was protective, but she didn't mind one bit. She knew that if something was to happen, her father would always be there for her and have her back. In many ways, it was comforting and assuring.

'Thanks, dad.'

'Don't worry. If anyone in Konoha bothers you in any way at all, you can always come to me, ok?'

'Sure.'

Kaiya bit her lip. In a way, she wanted to tell her father more about her time in the ANBU, more than the positive things. The way some people acted with her because of her ancestors, and the things said around it. Pretty mean stuff, but Kaiya couldn't bring herself to do it. Even with her father's good intentions, some things were never meant for other people's ears.

As the two entered the basecamp, it seemed like they came at the right moment, as Fuzasane and a few other people were preparing something to eat.

'Just in time. Kaito,' Fuzasane called out, 'could you please bring some deer meat? Kaiya-chan, please bring three buckets of water from the river. The buckets are here.'

Kaito and Kaiya nodded. As Kaiya went to get the buckets, she couldn't help but hear one of the women's comments.

'Fuzasane-chan, putting the Alpha to work? She's supposed to reign over us, not serve us!'

'Akane-san.' Fuzasane let out a deep sigh. 'Alpha or not, she's still my daughter. If anything, she listens to me. Besides, it doesn't even work. It is to be expected of her to do something like this?'

'Hm?'

The women who were preparing the food along with Fuzasane couldn't help but wonder. On the other hand, Kaiya understood her mother perfectly.

'While people hail the Alpha only so much,' she explained, 'the Alpha has, in fact, the lowest position in the clan. They must always put the clan's problems before themselves. A true Alpha doesn't sleep when the clan is unrestful, and the true Alpha won't take a single bite of food if their clan is starving. Bringing some water for you to use to cook- it's one of the seemingly insignificant things an Alpha has to do. Excuse me now.'

Kaiya took the buckets and turned around and walked through the field, to where the river was located.

A young woman that was helping Fuzasane sighed. 'How did you raise such a smart kid, Fuzasane-san? My son won't even listen to me!"

'Talk to them. You'd be surprised how much a small child can understand.'

The woman frowned a little. 'Fuzasane-san, my son won't listen-'

'Then you don't approach and talk to him in the correct manner. You're young, and with your first child. Believe me, I think I'd know some things on this topic. I raised three children, and they're all different.'

The young woman lowered her head a little, returning her focus on cleaning the meat. 'Yes, Fuzasane-san.'

Kaiya filled the two buckets in no time. As she was returning to the basecamp, the weight in one of her hands lightened until there was no weight left to carry.

'Let me help you.'

Kaiya looked at her helper, surprised. 'Kouta. Thanks.'

This was the first time he truly approached her and engaged in a conversation ever since their argument. Kaiya knew that they'd have to start talking again, eventually. She just didn't expect him to be willing to get back on track as usual so soon. Not after what her father told her.

Not too long after Jun died, you left too. For Kouta, he lost both his brother and sister... they said that you were a lost cause. You're probably never to be found again, and your fate was most likely to die from hunger, coldness, or sickness.

Kaiya shook her head a little, coming back to reality.

'Hey, Kaiya, about what I said after your coronation...' Kouta paused for a moment.

'What is it?'

'I... I'm not sorry for what I said, but I'm sorry for being so rude to you. I upset you, and that was never my intention. I was very upset as well, and I didn't know how to express my feelings correctly.'

Kaiya took a moment to take in the boy's words.

'Thank you for your apology. I appreciate it.'

Silence crept between the siblings for a moment.

'So... will you forgive me?'

Kaiya pursed her lips as she kicked a pebble.

'I will, but please listen to what I say and well next time. I thought about what you said, and the whole situation, too. Your anger is justified, I'm not bothered at all because you feel like that. Just... let's talk in a different manner next time, okay?'

Kouta nodded in approval. 'You should really consider remaining as an Alpha. You'd lead us well.'

Kaiya sighed.

'I can't. Even so, even if I don't necessarily want it, it's my obligation to play my part in this clan. I will, but not as an Alpha. I want to help these people get on a better path, and the first step is changing the mentality, I think. How to do that? The Alpha. I got rid aunt Ichika, which is a great step, and, since I don't plan on remaining, now I need a successor.'

'Are you still thinking of me as an Alpha?'

'Yeah, but I'm a little hesitant now. I hoped you'd accept, but seeing your reaction when-'

'I will.' Kouta said, not missing a beat. 'I want to lead these people into a better future than the one aunt Ichika promised.'

Kaiya took a moment to assimilate what Kouta said.

'Good.' She nodded. 'You'll still have to beat me, though. Good luck with that.'

Kouta pursed his lips. 'You won't give your best in it, will you? I won't stand a single chance, then.'

'We'll see about that.' Kaiya smiled, as she sped up a little. 'Let's hurry, though. Before mom gives us both no chance to fight.'

'Hn.'

The two sped up through the forest until they found themselves back into the bubbly, chatty sphere of the basecamp. They brought the buckets to Fuzasane, who gave them an affectionate smile in return. Seeing the two together, it couldn' make Fuzasane anything but happy. Just like when they were little and they'd do everything together. When they were all together, and none of this happened. All three of them.

The afternoons were always a nice moment in the Kobayashi clan. Every member would come to the basecamp and talk to each other while eating something. It helped the members bond with each other and, even with the various divergences, nobody complained about it. Everyone needed a break, and it was always nice to spend it with your friends and relatives.

The atmosphere was joyful most of the time, especially in times like this. Taking advantage of her place as an Alpha, Kaiya changed one or two things in the clan, much to everyone's happiness.

First of all, she allowed the hunters to go hunting in a larger area, as far as they wished, as long as they kept a good distance from villages. During Ichika's reign, all children had to go through some training and testing in order to see if they were fit to be hunters. The ones that were seen as fit could continue as various types of hunters, and the ones that didn't were assigned various tasks and jobs around the basecamps, such as building and repairing tents, taking care of the animals that were brought by the hunters, working with the furs and skins or, if they had a knack for it, become healers.

Kaiya didn't fully agree with the judgment behind it. She requested that no child should be forced to learn how to hunt from a young age unless they want to or the clan is truly in need of more hunters. This brought immense relief to many parents, especially worried mothers of children with warm hearts.

During the now cool noon hours one day, Kaiya was sitting with one of her cousins, chatting as they enjoyed some food, which now mainly consisted of various plants. It was already November, which meant that the animals would begin to prepare for the upcoming coldness and search for shelter, just like the Kobayashi. That all meant one thing: The prey would become rarer, and the people had to start preserving food. Nobody liked it, but everyone knew there was no other option, so they tried to make the best of it. Even with the occasional shrivelling wind, the day could be considered a nice one. The weather could only go downhill from now., everyone thought.

'Kaiya! Hey, Kaiya!'

Kaiya and her cousin turned around, confused about who was so eager to call for the girl, to see Kouta approaching the two at a fast pace. He stopped with a halt as soon as he reached them.

'Kaiya, I want to fight with you for the title of Alpha.' He said under his breath. 'I'm ready. Please.'

A/N

Hello, everyone! How are you guys doing?

Here we are with chapter 20! Quite a chunk of writing, isn't it? I really enjoyed writing it, to be honest with y'all. With this chapter done, we are almost finished with the Kobayashi Alpha arc (this one, for the confused souls), and there's only about half a chapter left until its completion. With that being said, I'll cover the things that are left in this arc in the next chapter and bring Kaiya back to Konoha and move on with the canon arcs. What do y'all think?

Also, I'm really happy to introduce you all to Riku, the other Spirit Seer! He's going to make some more appearances later in the story (In the Fourth Shinobi War, I think), along with his family branch. I think he's a really cool character, I really like him. Maybe I should write about him in the short story (more like the spin off) about Kaiya's childhood. What do you guys think of him?

Oh yeah! Speaking of the spin off with Kaiya's childhood. I'm planning on writing it soon. I personally find it interesting to write a 10-15-ish chapter book that covers more of what happened through Kaiya's childhood, the traditions and culture within the Kobayashi clan, and some appearances of the other family branches, like Riku's clan.

One last thing: I've decided to publish the chapters in this book weekly, during the weekend. I've been having one or two chapters finished in my drafts and I don't like to keep you guys waiting for too long, so I guess there'll be a weekly chapter. Any delays will be announced on my page and in the last published chapter.

See you guys in the next chapter!

-Avery