Never in my life have I felt such a whirlwind of emotions in such a short span of time. I was confused, angry, scared, nervous, anxious, tense, complete sadness.
And in all honesty, the incredulous look my supposed "mother" was giving me didn't help one bit.
"Masumi, what in the world is wrong with you?! You're acting crazy! Did you have a nightmare?" She opened her arms for a hug, and I immediately jerked back. "Come here."
"No…" She stopped to listen. "Don't… me…' I muttered. I started to sway as if I had been spun around a thousand times.
"Huh? Masumi, come here." She said with more force, brows furrowed and frown present. She was a millimeter away from touch my cheek when I gave her a glare with the all the intimidation I could muster.
"I said… I said…" The ticking time bomb of my emotions exploded right then and there. I grit my teeth and clenched my fists so tightly I could've sworn I drew blood.
"I SAID DON'T TOUCH ME!" I smacked her hand out of the way and started to grow dizzy; I felt like I was going to be sick. I could see the look on my "mother's" face, a look of hurt and betrayal, but in all honesty, I couldn't have cared less. This woman was not my mother. She looked just like her, but she… she wasn't. She was missing the flower-shaped hairpin she had bought a couple months before and she always wore it.
With the frightening predicament I found myself in, along with many unanswered questions, I panicked and ran out the door. I didn't have a clue where I would go. I just had to go.
As I ran through the village to wherever place, a million questions ran through my head.
How did this happen? Why did this happen? Why me? Who the hell killed me in the first place? Why did they kill me? Will I die in this world? Will I get back to my own world? How do I get back to my world? And just how the hell do I become a ninja?!
As these questions ran through my head, I spotted a lonely alleyway between two shops. I had to get there quickly because honestly, if I didn't I would have a breakdown in the street.
I checked to see if I was truly alone and as soon as I confirmed I was and that no one could hear me, I fell on my knees and let out a cry of despair.
I was surprised yet thankful that the bustle of the village could drown out my screams because I don't think I'd ever screamed so hard in my life.
Uncontrollable and ugly sobs erupted from me as countless tears blurred my vision and streamed down my cheeks. There were so many emotions I was feeling. Sadness, anger, fear, confusion, and utter hopelessness. I slammed my fists on the ground and clenched at the dirt dampened from my tears.
This was a living hell. I was in a world where people could cause earthquakes with their own fists, where people could make tsunamis with a mere hand sign. How could I survive in this world? I'd never be able to see my loved ones again...
"Kaa-san… Tou-san… Aiko-chan…!" Were they safe? How did they react to my death? How did they take it? Do they miss me?
I sure miss them...
"Masumi! This hairpin is the best thing ever! Hey, are you even paying attention?!"
"Sorry I always come home late, Masumi. Why don't we go to the park over the weekend?"
"Sumi-chan~! Let's watch Naruto together! Look, look, this is my favorite episode!"
A wistful expression appeared on my face. "Yeah…"
They were my "precious people", as that Naruto boy would say. A new resolve stirred inside of me. I got up from the ground and wiped my tears away with my arm. This world was strange, I'll give it that. However, I had to make a decision. Would I let it bring me down, or would I conquer? Obstacles were made to be overcome, so naturally I was obligated.
Determination practically emitted from me. My resolve was steeled, and before I knew it, I was marching out of the alley. "I needed that," I commented as I looked back at the alley one last time.
"I should probably apologize to my mother in this world, too..."A pang of guilt ran through me as I recalled the way I had treated her. It was unfair to her. "Yeah, that would be a good idea." I figured I should at least be on good terms with everyone if I was going to stay here for a while. Making allies and heavy research, those were the two things that would benefit me to the fullest.
Needless to say, I had to start somewhere. There were a lot of buildings around the village. Did they have a library?
A delicious smell distracted me from my thoughts. Ramen? I scanned the area and spotted a ramen shop just ahead. "Maybe the owner has an idea where the library is. I can get something to eat, too!" Humming in delight, I made my way over to the shop and my mouth started to water as the smell got stronger.
A man and a younger woman were making ramen and taking orders. I stared at the delicious looking bowls of ramen.
"Welcome!" A smile appeared on the man's face, and his good-natured smile suited him very well. I couldn't help but smile back. "I haven't seen you around here. This your first time?"
"Oh, yeah, I guess." I scratched my head. "I actually have to ask you something, er…" I pointed towards him. He got my message and smiled again.
"I'm Teuchi, the owner of this shop. The girl working with me is my daughter, Ayame." The girl turned around and waved at me. She had the same smile her father had.
"What would you like today?" Ayame asked politely.
"Oh, um. I just needed to find the library. Could you point me towards it?" I laughed sheepishly.
He turned his head to the left and motioned behind me. "Across there, just make a left turn then go straight."
I bowed. "Thank you, Teuchi-san! Have a nice day!" As I ran to the library, I could hear the two say goodbye to me.
Alright~! Two allies already!
I should have lost at least ten pounds today with all the running I was doing. However, I had finally made it to the library.
Taking a deep breath, I gave the entrance a solemn stare. I had already come to accept my fate as being stuck in the Naruto universe. Now, I had to adapt. It would be easier said than done, but I had to persevere. And as I thought this, memories my "precious people" flowed through my mind.
That was motivation enough, because I immediately went into the library. "Um, excuse me?" I timidly waved at one of them who was reading a book. I peeped at the cover. What the hell was "fuinjutsu"?
"Do you know where the basic ninja books are? You know, like the basics jutsus and stuff?"
"Over there," she simply said as she pointed towards said section. I muttered a "thank you" a rushed towards the bookshelf.
There were numerous books about the basics of being a ninja. "'Ninja Way', 'Simple Jutsus', 'Ninja 101… There so many!" I whispered. It was basically a gold mine of information. I quickly took the three books to the desk.
"I'd like to check these out, please!" This would be easier than I thought~!
I had to thank Murphy's Law for showing me mercy this time. It was about time I had some good fortune.
Sorry if this seemed rushed. I had a ton of school work to do, and I didn't want to take too long in putting this chapter up. Things will pick up from here, so stay tuned! I hope you enjoyed, and leave a review if you did! I hope my novelty in the writing department didn't show!