Chapter 2
Politics
In the typical bathroom was a simple shower with plain curtains- oddly under decorated compared to other features of the house. Turning the nozzle, the showerhead spouted out cold water warming its way to the luxurious scolding.
Summer has started in the village hidden in the leaves; sixty-two days have passed since becoming Kiba Inuzuka- since God had transferred the old flame. Strangely enough, there was a discovery that the academy started in April; particularly weird since the morning had fresh snow from the night before. Perhaps it is being used to the constant lukewarm fresh weather of California which makes the out of season snow off. Waking up each day as Kiba Inuzuka is far stranger still. Each day is the same surprise but spun in a different way, half expecting to be transplanted back to the former flame or to wake up realizing a life as Kiba was all simply a blessed dream to experience a brief friendship with the hero witnessed on TV for countless years growing up. This miracle truly is fascinating and impossible to understand, but harder to accept as reality as the days go on. The first few days are like living in a dream, marking the confusion every morning. As the gravity sets and physics sober up, life exists as the young boy of the Inuzuka clan. Old friends have been missed accumulatively. Mom was strong and fierce, "stating things like they are", yet nurturing for the emotion episodes of getting rejected or depressed. Dad was patient and strong, sturdy like a sage who was quick to listen and slow to speak. Both brothers were strong men spiritually, although fervent trolls in their behavior towards other. An odd cruelty which attracted countless men to them as friends. They were natural born leaders. Friends were easy to come by, but there were two best friends who stood out amongst the rest; standing side by side in each battle as the fights against teenage hormones to job hunting out of college. Tsume, Hana, the dogs, and the rest of the clan have a unique energy to life all their own, but it is a different power which flows through them. A flame all their own- which has been a relaxing process to be accustomed to- which is remarkably reminiscent of the lost fire. The Inuzuka clan is alive- the world of Naruto is alive.
The matter which is truly pressing though is the coming event if this world is alive: the Uchiha massacre. A theory read not long ago argued the Uchiha massacre took place in June, which has only ten days left, pinpointing miscellaneous facts and contextual clues from Japanese culture. The Uchiha massacre destroys Sasuke's person for years. Despite planning a coup d'état, the Uchiha still haven't committed any crimes yet. Still, it is treason. They would fight the current shinobi who wouldn't let them kill the men power, such as the Hokage and Danzo. Tsume- mom- would be in danger and potentially Hana too, as well as the few other Inuzuka shinobi. In the old life, the greatest worry at age eight is if homework was completed or seconds was allowed. A situation which truly is shit. Morally, the Uchiha haven't done anything yet and are victims of a system-wide source of oppression. Murder and overthrowing the government is not the answer, nor should be the massacre of an entire clan. It is all a moot point since Kiba wields no power nor influence to create peace.
Speaking of issues, the more trivial and infamous is currently Naruto furthering his prankster habits. Even at the beginning of his academy days, he is craving to be acknowledged by his peers. Although the village hates him for being a jinchuriki, the hatred in the students seemed taught to them. Those who do not carry this impersonalized, ingrained hatred, have come to dislike Naruto for his pranks and troublemaking nature. A circle of hatred and yearning for acknowledgment has been created. Some students in both camps hate me as well for being his friend. Laughing and smiling with Naruto is a crime. At the core, the other kids aren't wicked, and to a degree the villagers who interact with Naruto: they hate the actions of Kurama and his pranks, but love Naruto as a member of Konoha- although clear discrimination exists in part. A strange mixture of pity, hatred, and the will of fire which extends out its hand to Naruto.
The problem is Naruto is growing in his troublemaking tendencies. His bad marks have only worsened since befriending him. It was foolish to think a single friend could make the difference so clearly, but that is underestimating the constant influx of negativity headed at Naruto. Even if the hatred is less at first perceived, there is still hatred and disdain. Fate might be working out the need for Iruka and Team 7 to be the ones who acknowledge him. Fate seems to be pushing even a hero to my everyday annoyances, although pushing back is an easy task. One is not trained to be a spiritual mentor without the ability to tolerate even the most abusive or emotionally needy personalities. The frustrating part, despite all protests, getting roped into the same trouble as a part of Naruto's schemes merely for being his friend and laughing at his antics proves problematic. Getting into trouble is not the issue either. Growing up in the old life was a time of discipline and diligence. Pairing the persistent student with the troublemaker was difficult as a kid. Not much has seemed to change. However, whether it is the light wisdom and understanding from my former life or it is Naruto himself which fosters, something sets Naruto apart from others.
Each morning a new routine has been established. Waking up, helping Haru and Anzu feed the dogs not fed by their shinobi- and the few whose shinobi are KIA or MIA- followed by eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and showering while thinking of all issues at hand without doing anything.
"Are you done yet, Kiba?" Hana shouted.
Turning the nozzle back shut off the scolding water.
"Just finished." The Inuzukas' towels were master crafted furs from animals they hunted. The noblest of towels was a brown bear's fur, who can be wrapped five times around for its paws to tie together with excess slack. A bit childish, but it is a moment of pride for the bear's head to line perfectly with the waist.
"Still wearing the bear around your penis, eh?" Hana asked.
Hana's eye twitched with anger.
"You better not have used all the hot water again," Hana said. Ignoring Hana isn't always easy, but it is fun.
The same outfit was worn as most mornings. There wasn't a lack of variety, but two or three outfits which were very loose compared to the formal wear or perfectly fitted. Anzu and Haru exchanged greetings, giving me a bento for the day.
Outside, the sun continued to shine like each day. The trip to school was slightly out of the way. Naruto had asked to walk to school together since it's half way. Unsurprisingly, the meetup spot was Ichiraku Ramen.
Shortly passed the ramen shop was an old sight for the first time. Kakashi Hatake was walking side by side with Might Gai. Kakashi had the silver, wolfish hair which fanfiction writers adored. Although his left eye sharingan was covered by a headband and mouth and nose covered underneath by a mask, his right eye expressed enough emotion to dictate the rest of his face. The eye was tired, weary from a constant pestering. Brown eyes which closely resembled an unlit night's skyline, piercing through the darkness which makes its surrounding. Might Gai looked very dumb; given the appearance of the awkward middle school kid who grows up to be an enormous fighter with military gear and bulging muscles. The signature green spandex was tight, accenting the highly toned muscles Kishimoto seemed to leave out. Two things produced the vexing unattractiveness of Might Gai: the random fluorescent orange and poorly kept hair. The orange colored socks themselves weren't atrocious, but mixed with green made the outfit vomit carrots and broccoli. Regarding his hair, the bad part wasn't that it wasn't kept at all, rather that is was kept poorly. Letting his hair grow loose without care would likely have left it shaggy and wild like a raging beast. Instead, the perfectly misshaped bowl cut gave out an asinine look that made it cringe-worthy to think the man ahead would be capable of hurting Madara Uchiha. The bushy eyebrows looked constructed through some off-putting make-up. Truly, Might Gai destroyed stereotypes.
"Come on Kakashi", Gai said. "What if we only do five laps around the village this time?"
"Why can't we play rock, paper, scissors again?" Kakashi asked. The eye was filled with more dread than before.
"We did that last time", Gai shouted. "Kakashi, my eternal rival, you need to be empowered by the springtime of youth. Live a little. Let's run ten laps."
"One lap", Kakashi said. "And the slowest person wins."
"Two laps and winner treats the other to dinner", Gai said giving a thumb up.
"One lap, same consequences", Kakashi responded.
"Agreed", Gai announced.
Never would have thought Gai and Kakashi would be caricatures of themselves as real people. Perhaps that is what Naruto needs right now, a rival to work towards. Something to release all the pent energy.
Ichiraku stood as a small, one-off building on a street corner, painted with a white similar to most of Konoha with brown tiles. On its left corner hung a bright, yellow lamp. Its entrance had no door, with a simple faded yellow cloth sheets which had the restaurant's name knitted with a common red. Before it opened for early lunches, the outside had a metal garage door opening to prevent easy break-ins. Naruto wasn't here.
At the academy, most of the class was prepared with their books and notes out beforehand, save Naruto and a couple nameless others. On the second day of school, Iruka had prepared a seating chart. Sakura sat adjacent, while Naruto sat behind. None of the other rookie genin were close in proximity. At the front of the class Iruka-sensei, sitting patiently for the day to start and making small talk with students. The bell rang.
"Alright class get out last night's homework on kunai techniques", Iruka said.
The bell rang once more but did not stop.
"What's going on?" the class asked each other. Followed with, "I don't know"s.
"Quiet students!" Iruka commanded unheard.
Behind was a quiet snicker; a whispered chuckle which would be hard to hear even without the roaring ring. It was a snicker which befitted a mischievous fox; rather than being heard it was an aura that was felt. In anime and manga, there is often referenced a "killing intent", an unseen aura sensed by characters who can tell their life is in danger. Naruto gave off a similar feeling, but at the risk of those around him when a prank was to be unleashed from the gates of hell. For twenty interrupted minutes, Iruka attempted to begin the lesson before he decided to evacuate the class outside as to at least be heard. The rest of the school was already outside. The chunin instructors spoke to each other in a huddle for the time. Another ten minutes passed before the bell stopped.
A burly man appeared with a handful of wires and orange cloth in hand. Iruka stomped over to the class and yanked Naruto to a disciplinarian. Not long had passed.
"Since Naruto cost us a half an hour of time, I'll take it out of lunch and recess", Iruka said, with the class groaning in unison." Lessons did need to be made up. There are consequences for this type of action. The class is punished for Naruto's behavior, in turn hating him, which forces his hand in the same direction as before. The circle becomes endless. Thankfully, Naruto didn't miss too much of the lecture for the day; probably only another thirty minutes. However, Naruto spent the rest of the day with a sour attitude and few words.
To mark the end of the day, the bell rang a swift final time, reminiscent of the beginning day's activities. Each student had a clique they swarmed at days end. Sakura, despite being Ino's and other girl's rivals, would spend plenty of time with each other at safe proximity to their adoration of Sasuke. Sasuke would typically head straight home. A handful of guys from different ages typically played common games like kickball, but hide-n-seek and capture the flag were the most popular to temper their skills. Today was no different. Around twenty boys were all lined up on a chalk line with two captains picking out players.
"Hey, Kiba!" Choji shouted. "Are you going to come and play with us?" Each of the adolescent captains eyed up and down. Behind was a hesitant Naruto.
"Cool if Naruto plays?"
"The loser who got caught today?" A captain asked, looking at the other.
"Hell no", the other captain said. Naruto ran. His strides were explosive and sluggish, fueled by the rejected heart until he was out of sight.
"Why are you even friends with him?" the first captain asked.
"He can be frustrating, but he is sincere." The captains laughed. "He speaks his mind and does what he wishes. Boldness is a proud quality to bear."
"Anyways, do you want to play or not?" The second captain asked.
"No, I'm not in the mood anymore."
"A whiner like Naruto", a random kid said.
"Crybaby", another kid said.
"Do any of you even think about why you hate Naruto?! Didn't everyone start disliking him before he caused any trouble?!" Prodding words of children would normally not irritate so easily. After all, they are only children. But they are children who seek to harm another child, emotionally held captive without knowing what it means to be loved or to have friends. Even with a single friend now, Naruto still seems to not truly believe in that friendship. Would lashing back to the kids who threatened him help his emotional growth?
"That's ridiculous", the first captain said. "Why would we hate Naruto if he didn't deserve it?"
Challenging the undeveloped mind is difficult. Naruto's destiny does not matter. A young boy is deeply hurting, unable to fight the crashing waves of a misunderstood hatred. Although hatred wasn't absolute, making the very fragments of his being, it created the foundation for who Naruto was and wanted to become.
"I get what you're saying", someone said. A boy with unkempt raven hair, sage irises, and an unthreatening disposition stood out amongst the groups. Despite a rather distinct appearance, his attitude declared else wise. It would be impossible to forget a character like him. The makings of a child far too wise for his own years. "Why should we be mean to Naruto if that only makes him a jerk back to us?" The boy postulated the question, staring around himself in an eager manner as if half expecting the group to give a well-thought out critical analysis of the situation while half expecting them to end their bull shit with awkward silence. A canyon sized grin appeared on his face.
"Who are you?"
The smug boy's expression fell flat. "I'm Hiro Okada", the boy said. "We're… I'm in the same class as you."
Oh. I'm an asshole.
"I get what you're saying, but these Gais don't", Hiro said motioning his hands around him. "Let's all just be friends and have fun now. Alright?"
"Maybe next time."
At sunset, Anzu and Haru were crafting another scrumptious dinner. Helping them after classes each day was a joyful experience. Anzu taught the Inazuka basics, withholding the need to relearn the basics in indirectly. She was strong, but never took her position for granted. Everyone in the Inazuka clan was above her. Haru, shy and timid, was incredibly nervous around dogs. Each day she required help to feed the dogs, whether it's the main branches four or two dozen of the entire clan. A wondrous night was in the works. The for the nth time in the last two weeks, the clan was meeting again. Feasts, drunkenness, and abhorrent shouting filled the hallways once more. A life with oddities, but a blessed one.
Xxx
Waking up the next day was pain incarnate.
"What the hell is with your shouting, pup?" Tsume yelled. "You sound like a puppy left alone for the first time!" Raising a finger to indicate a comeback did nothing other than proving the timid pup in her eyes.
"The red fangs of our clan are gone!"
"Aaaand?" Tsume asked.
"What do you mean 'aaaand'?"
"Your twin fangs are tattooed upon becoming an official shinobi", Tsume said annoyed. "Did you seriously forget that already?" Truth be told, it always seemed like a peculiar birthmark passed from generation to generation.
What were the fangs painted with then?
"Of course, you're still confused", Hana said popping into my room. "We use strong make-up as kids to indicate our status and resemble the adults we admire. I have no idea how you plan on becoming the clan's head with your intellect." In the entire clan, Hana was the only one whose appearance alone would give no indication of an inner wild. Despite this, she manages to be the snarkiest of all the Inazuka bitches.
"We ran out of make-up last time too", Tsume said. Bullshit. "What? It is very strong make-up."
"How the hell did we run out if it's been months?"
"Watch your mouth, pup", Tsume. "Puppies don't swear. And I haven't had time to shop."
"How are we alive then?"
"Stop with the attitude", Tsume said with an infuriated glare. "Get ready for school already." Having no fangs felt like being stripped of clothes. Walking down streets naked with nothing but body hair.
"Come here, twerp", Hana said dragging me to her room. "I'll practice my skills on you and paint some red fangs."
"Uhhh."
Without consent, Hana began to operate. In one hand was a brush, another a container of different powers. Behind her was an innumerable assortment of makeups, hair product, and scents. The answer seemed obvious enough. It is a misjudgment to assume Hana is an Inazuka who looked anything naturally but wild.
"Why do you have all of this make-up?"
"It's a lot easier to flirt with boys this way", Hana said. "Besides, it's fun to be cute." A small blush came on her face.
Did she just say that?
"You tell anyone I said that and I'll spay you", Hana shouted, covering more of the view to prevent any remarks on the rest of room. Ferocious and independent as always.
Xxx
The school was a different story. An entire day had passed, but no solution to Naruto had appeared in my head. Still, everything was quiet on the academic front save a few quiet snickers from the girls noticing Hana's bestowed opportunity.
In the bathroom, the makeup seemed a bit of a failure. Hana pushed me outside before any examination could be given. The fangs were a pale red, compared to their normal blood stained coloring. The edges weren't actually edges, rather blended in with the cheeks as if someone was actually attempting to put on blush. Hana wasn't lying. It was practice.
A wet fart was let loose in the southern stall. Perhaps the classics are the best option?
Xxx
Iruka stood at the front of the class.
"Shino?"
"Here."
Attendance, what a wonderful time.
"Sakura?"
"Here."
Naruto isn't here yet. Of course, he isn't. He's probably off screwing around somewhere to the chagrin of others and his personal amusement.
"Hinata?"
"Here."
How does Hinata even develop feelings for Naruto through all the crap he puts his class through? People talk about Sakura's dedication to Sasuke, but Hinata puts up with Naruto's crap for years when it was easy to ostracize him. It's awe-inspiring a timid person like her maintains her feelings without imploding.
"Kiba?"
"I'm here."
Where is Naruto? How can he be pranked and understand what it's like if he isn't here?
"Naruto?" Iruka asked. "Naruto?" No response. "Absent."
The door opened silently. An orange jacket hid the face of quiet shame. Naruto snuck his way directly in front of Iruka's view with prayerful eyes. Unfortunately for Naruto, Iruka was a chunin.
"Just take your seat, Naruto", Iruka sighed. Naruto strutted over now. Something nefarious is in the works. With stunning confidence, Naruto pulled out his seat and thrust himself upon the chair. A might roar bellowed from underneath Naruto's bottom- a valiant roar refusing to be unheard.
The class laughed. Sakura chuckled the hardest. Naruto's desk partners pointed at his new found physical similarity to Kushina with tomato cheeks.
"Who dared?!" Naruto shouted. Tight-fisted to crush the crayons on his desk.
The answer was obvious. Sakura chuckled the hardest, but it lasted few seconds. I sat on the floor, chair fallen over, laughing on the hardwood. Naruto's read face turned to wide-eyed shock. His best friend betrayed him; the newly minted, first best friend.
"Kiba, head outside for a few minutes", Iruka said. "I'm not in the mood for this."
Strange, Naruto said nothing now. No snide comments. No vow of payback. No declaration of a prank war. He sat down and crossed his arms with a pissed off expression. The door to the hallway was slightly open from when Naruto entered moments ago.
Opening the door proved to be a dangerous task. Above was a falling metal bucket filled with water. Time slowed as the bucket's fluids waterfalled down with a pounding ferocity. Foolish is to think Naruto did not need words to declare war. Inaction and silence were the ringing gongs of a temple under attack. Fallen to the ground while covered in water and pummeled by a metal bucket onto my skull elicited laughter from some of the class, but above all the others was the loud and obnoxious Naruto.
If not a giant metal bucket filled with water, making the door harder to budge, it wouldn't have been an obvious set up for Iruka. Thankfully, even as a master prankster, Naruto lacked a bit of critical thinking. None of the terrifying events transpired. Naruto wouldn't get his payback yet. When the door was wide enough to walk through, a quick gaze to Naruto proved a worthy treat. Mixed expressions of fear and rage fueled his body language.
A few minutes of waiting passed.
"Sakura, can you fetch, Kiba?" Iruka said muffled.
Oh no.
Getting up didn't take long with a sudden burst of adrenaline. Even with the newfound strength, the door would no longer budge.
"Yes, sensei."
Please, no.
Planting my feet into the ground like the trunk of a sturdy oak, I displace my wrath upon the stubborn door.
"It's a bit stubborn", Sakura said.
Is she pulling the door too?
"I got it!" Sakura said.
It was too late. The previously out of reach bucket was making its way down. Sakura lies in front, surprised to the body inches in front of her nearly close enough to run into each other. Her eyes followed the patterns she witnessed, looking up. Water began to pound ferociously downwards like a waterfall in the same fashion as the simulation. Worst of all, Sakura, despite being aware, could not stop her momentum. The inches away became centimeters, which became millimeters. A terrifying situation all ending in a single, dazed crash.
Naruto stood up, pointing and laughing. Although the bucket created a dark aura stopping plain sight, the sudden screech of chair scratching across wood and initial hysterical laughter reminiscent of any trouble maker seem strong indicators. The metal bucket proved heavy as before, collapsing its weight onto most of my body. Most of the girls joined in laughter at Sakura; unprecedented in the simulation as laughing at a silly prank might catch Sasuke's disfavor. But laughing at an enemy to reinforce negative thoughts seemed their motivation. All the boys, save Sasuke and Shikamaru who was napping, laughed. An uproar raged across the class, ongoing upwards crescendo unto the heavens above. Thankfully, lifting the bucket was easier than thought although the reasoning was as painful.
Sakura was lying on my chest, soaked wet while her head was adjacent to mine in the bucket. A firm blush to match Naruto's own appeared on her pale cheeks. The mouth was contorting to anger, fear, shame, guilt, and twisted joy of not being the only victim. Her viridian eyes were filled with terror, pleading to place the bucket over our heads once more to silence and blind the outside world.
"Serves you right!" Naruto shouted. "Payback!" Sakura's eyes twitched fierce before turning back to terror.
"Naruto and Kiba, go to the principal's office!" Iruka shouted. Sakura still hadn't even mustered the strength to get off, but at Iruka's words, she ran to the nearest bathroom as if chasing away embarrassment itself. Poor girl.
The rest of the day would follow a pattern: pranking Naruto in a rather traditional way to infuriate him, in return he would maneuver a previously set up prank into my direction. Poor Sakura managed to persistently get caught up in getting pranked alongside me by Naruto. She must be embarrassed beyond normal human limitations. Visits to the principal's office enumerated upwards of six times. At the sixth and final time, the principal sent a note home to be reviewed by Tsume detailing all days activities. She would either be completely infuriated or filled with pride. There is no in between with her.
Xxx
Home is where the heart is. If that's the case after school sports are the sanctuary of boys' dreams. Although… mom and dad were always accepting of trouble when it happened since good behavior was a common occurrence with my brothers and I. Perhaps Tsume would react pleasantly?
The stony path between the gate and the front door seemed thousands of steps. Despite wishing for time to pause or slow, a single stride crossed thousands of stones. At the end of the pass was a single step hundreds of feet high, impossible to climb. Still, stretching out a single step proved too great the challenge for the mountainous wall. Lastly, the final challenge separating life and death: the gates of hades decorated with Cerberus and their pups. Smoke came out of their mouths, wafting the smell of burnt flesh fed to hounds and ripped apart mercilessly. Thankfully… the final task was too impossible to overcome. The door was far heavier than classroom's weighed down by a metal bucket as if weighed down by bathtub filled to the brim with mud.
"What the shit are you staring at?"
I was tackled inside. The ashen ceiling of hell's fumes was mere feet away. The burnt flesh was stronger than before. Flames ignited a few feet away, inching their way on to a new victim.
"Stop freaking out", the voice repeated. At the door was Kuromaru. An eyepatch covered one eye, with a tired grin on the dog's lips.
Kuromaru was talking. A dog was talking in plain, common language.
"I knew you forgot I could speak", Kuromaru said. "Waiting these last few months has been worth it. You can barely understand our barks."
Cerberus was here to devour my soul.
"Kiba?" Tsume said. "What's wrong?" Tsume was cooking the burnt flesh while seasoning raw flesh with her peppered fists. Anzu and Haru had gone out for the night, a special mother-daughter night they requested off. Tsume was cooking dinner.
"I got in trouble at school today." Tsume stopped pounding and walked over to me. Satan's presence was felt. It had been a while.
Tsume picked me up gently and placed me a chair next to her. Her face clenched with worry, a sniveling nose, watery eyes, and pursed lips. The devil appears as an angel of light.
"I'm so proud of you!" Tsume said. Am I the proud son of the devil? "The clan was getting worried about you! Two months had passed and not a single note was sent home! Most of us get a note sent home within the first week. When two months passed… We were beginning to get worried you were too good for a child."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I what I did on purpose, but I don't care about being in trouble."
"Why are you so worried then?" Tsume asked.
"I'm terrified of you." Tsume smiled. Strength and beauty were one and the same to Tsume. To be strong and beautiful meant to cast on Respect and Fear, who were one with each other to all her victims.
"Give me the note", Tsume said coyly, overwhelmed with emotion preventing near none of it to be processed correctly.
Tsume glossed over the note carefully, her eyes moving line by line.
"You had Naruto sit on a whoopee cushion", Tsume mumbled disappointedly. "You glued some of Naruto's change to the ground." She giggled a bit now. "Your 'made you look' convinced Naruto several girls were waving at him and disrupted class… You convinced Naruto to throw away his lunch because fake bugs were in it… You swapped a blank sheet of paper for Naruto's homework and spilled juice on it… You put water balloons in Naruto's shoes. And you… Straight up peed on him in the bathroom."
"His waving even convinced Ino Yamanaka that Naruto likes her and her friends."
"That's a bit mean to do to a friend", Tsume said. She was right. Some of those pranks were dick moves, although Naruto's were typically far worse.
"I'm trying to help Naruto understand why he doesn't need to prank others."
"You certainly are my child", Tsume said. "He's not giving you enough attention, huh?" Mothers are frightful creatures. Being able to look past their child's words and see part of the problem the child previously ignored.
"It's not only that. He shouldn't need to prank others."
"You're pranking him so all of his efforts will focus on you", Tsume declared. "You won't be enough to fill the void of a family."
"I know!"
"Make sure he knows we're here too", Tsume said. "If he's already family to you, then he's a son of mine as well."
"Mom…"
"Don't get soft yet, pup", Tsume said. "He's still disliked by most of the clan. But"-
"Screw them, right?" Tsume grinned ear to ear.
"You have a fire in you yet, Kiba", Tsume said. "The Clan can say what they will. Even as a 'goody-two-shoes' you have a chaotic and irreverent side. Now eat dinner."
Dinner was terrible, overcooked meat.
Xxx
Naruto was on time today.
The orange loving academy trouble maker took his rightful seat silently. Something was definitely off. No unusual smirks lit up his face. No glistening of trouble to come in his eyes. Instead, he looked down on his work and took out finished homework from the previous night and passed it forward to the others.
Iruka screamed. Stacks of particular literature had made its way into his desk and fell out of the drawers, spreading across a short area at the bottom of his desk. Iruka definitely showed some perverted signs in the anime from Naruto's sexy jutsu, but this is likely a prank.
Naruto stared vacantly downwards at his desk.
Naruto and I were sent to the principal's office once more. It was convenient to hand in Tsume's signed note, showing her acknowledgment of the situation. Although Tsume's note had her own choice responses causing the grown man to quiver slightly. He was unsightly; short, bald, with edgy black clothing as a middle-aged man trying to recapture the ninja prime of youth with the inability to actually chase down a newly minted genin. This was the terrible and worthless Mr. Miyamura. A disheartened Naruto had no note to hand in from the previous day, to which the principal gave him an extra day. After a long and stern talking to, Mr. Miyamura let us go. Worthless talk. Even if Naruto had committed the treasonous act of placing vast quantities of pornography in Iruka's desk, talking to the principal did nothing. His words were unmemorable and vain. At least he gave up on screaming and let us leave.
"Idiots", Naruto mumbled gratefully. "All of them are idiots."
"You've gotten better. Acting like that has caused a seed of doubt."
"Seed of doubt?" Naruto asked and then shook his head. "Don't talk to me like you know me!" He's right. No words needed to be said. Still, he's angrier than I thought. Perhaps speaking plainly might be the best thing to do. But Naruto had always been someone actions shout louder than words.
"Welcome back", Iruka said. "I trust there won't be any more mishaps."
"I didn't do anything wrong", Naruto said.
"It was Kiba?" Iruka asked.
"I only mess with Naruto." Iruka fumed. He sent two criminals to the principal's office with no success. It's not like anything could be done. One kid was an orphan and the other was the best behaved Inazuka since the academy's formation according to Tsume's words.
"Just take your seats", Iruka said defeated.
Walking by Sakura she passes the papers the class had been going over, with a small note attached underneath it.
"Kiba, meet me at lunch. -Sakura"
Shit. What did I do now?
Xxx
"We have to talk", Sakura said. The genius tsundere of the Naruto series, also the most mistreated character by Kishimoto. Her hair had a unique, natural coloring to it with bangs to cover her massive forehead and a red bow. Bleach blonde was a rare but possible natural hair color. Ino had the rare honey blonde coloring. If there was such a way to vary the color but keep the tone, it appeared as if Sakura had a mixture of honey blonde and strawberry blonde. A slight enough red tint to cause a change in color, but the powerful genes to determine texture and tone. Pink is simpler though. Green irises of hers are slightly upsetting, only because Kiba has plain brown eyes. Although, her green eyes were less of a strong and dark shade typically redirected from parents of blue eyes and closer to a luminescent pale green like gentle spring grass glistened by morning dew.
"What's up?"
"I want to teach Naruto a lesson", Sakura said pounding the table. "You're the only one resisting him. Let me help."
"Would Sasuke like this?"
"I'm not worried about that right now", Sakura said. "He rejected me last week. Ino and the others are giving me flack for it."
"He doesn't know you well enough." That was a big part of the reason for rejecting most of the girls in the academy, wasn't it? None of them actually paid attention to him, only his looks and cool demeanor.
"Yes, he said the same thing!" Sakura said. "But he also said there was something else. I think he likes someone." Her arms flailed slightly. Inner Sakura was born at Sasuke's first rejection, and she was fighting her way forward.
"Anyways, do you have something in mind?"
"We convince all the girls in our class Naruto likes them and everyone rejects him", Sakura said. "Whoever he likes will give the finishing blow."
"I don't know if he likes anyone." He definitely likes Sakura, but there is no clear indicator to when he starts. Filler details would probably help right now. Perhaps hating most of the filler and ignoring the odd timeline of events structured by Kishimoto was a poor choice. From the manga's beginning on is clear, but from before then to even during the academy days is rough to figure out in details.
"Then our plan is pointless!" Sakura shouted. "Without a finishing blow, he won't learn."
"Why are you upset? He hurt and embarrassed you. It's ok to be mad." Sakura's face stared back slightly perplexed, wishing to feign an act of superiority and of proper mind. "Deliver the finishing blow yourself. You're cute. If he likes anyone, it is probably you." Sakura's irises turned a deep crimson, possessed by the same demonic beast which empowers Tsume. Thankfully, she doesn't know Cerberus.
The rest of Sakura's recess, she spent it formulating the plan to lure Naruto to the class after school. Although I'm not sure how well it would work, she desires to use her newfound influence and charm over Naruto to draw him close before striking with her venom. Back in class, she passed a note claiming Naruto likes all the girls in their class and he was planning on confessing to everyone until he got a girlfriend. It was their duty as future kunoichi to reject him all at once. Otherwise, Sasuke might think one of the girls likes Naruto. Huffs and puffs were exhaled throughout the rest of the day. Inner Sakura was a master strategist, slowly coiling around Naruto's cold blooded body.
Xxx
After school was let out, Sakura followed Naruto a few minutes while I followed slightly behind her. Although the trail went cold quickly.
"Stop", Sakura whispered. "You were not meant to follow me this closely."
"You stopped."
"Look ahead", Sakura said. Naruto had stopped moving and gotten into a fight. A set of water balloons the size of a bucket had been dropped on top of three older kids- all from the group who he fought two months ago on the first day, with an even larger metal container fallen onto the ground.
"He's going to get beaten up", Sakura said gleefully. "Two blows in one day."
Sorry, Sakura, your wish cannot come true. When a passionate heart boils over in anger from a friend being in danger, legs cannot help but move on their own.
"It's him again", one said. "Don't let them get away. It's payback time." It is better to be cautious this time. No need to let bruises develop easily if it can be helped. Although years ago, I studied martial arts. Years of training impound the basics, even if specific techniques are lost to time. Fists were raised to above eye level and placed right foot forward. I widened my stance, bent my knees slightly, and began to quick hop on my toes. A tiresome experience, but effective. Each of the enemies looked bewildered, surprised anyone reacted to a fight with petite jumps.
Naruto punched his captor in their stomach, followed by a headbutt sure to give anyone a concussion. As another beast chose this moment to strike at Naruto with its fist, a quick right palm strike at the forearm knocked the arm away enough to miss barely. Full energy on his part was used and minimal energy on the defenders. The python which captured Naruto with ease in his hand had recovered and grappled Naruto once more. Two cobras were sicked after me. The first to the left aimed to tackle. Pinning someone to the ground was an ample strategy for quick victory. Unknown to them, quick hops were the trial by fire style to dodge quickly and move in. Upon moving to the right, a swift blow to the tackler might be decisive but also grant another opportunity to be grabbed. It's safer to let him fall. The right cobra sickened its palms back, ready to strike swiftly with maximum force. Swift palm strike pushing his right punch out down across his body opened up his right side. A swift round kick with the ball of the foot struck his side. When he grabbed his side in pain, a follow-up side kick to his stomach was caught. In Kiba's body, brute force wasn't the option like to break guard like it uses to. Behind, the left cobra attempted a headlock, but fast footwork and instinct took over. Placing my right arm between his and my throat, I pushed it away and maintained grip, twisting it slightly to pin him. Stepping forward, I placed my right foot passed his in the middle of his forced stance, with my left leg bent to the outside. Locking his right bicep with a right elbow and yanking the wrist back with the left arm, pinning him to the ground with his only free arm out of reach.
The boy started to cry.
Letting go caused him to run off. The remaining two caught wind of the wolf before them, still assured of their strength or venom. Naruto took advantage of the distraction and continued a relentless assault similar to a purposeful and calculated flailing, using each and every possible attack he could think of. Right cobra launched himself nervously forward, quick and sure to keep his arms in reach for a second at a time. Using his height and speed to take advantage of his reach offered only one counter solution. Upon the cobra unleashing his fangs, I cocked my leg up stomach high and pounced forward.
The right cobra was breathing heavily, unable to catch the breath he lost.
Naruto, once again grappled, struck the python's head again and again with his once, until both of their faces were bloody. When the python let go, he collapsed and Naruto fell with him in the opposite direction.
During fights, instinct takes over and feelings are shared. It seems ridiculous to say the two beaten kids understood how I felt, but it wasn't them a connection would be formed with.
"Why did you help me?" Naruto huffed. Sitting down was nice after that rapid expense of energy, even if on the ground.
"You're my friend." Naruto's body wiggled back and forth, attempting to sit up and talk back. Although with that many headbutts, he is probably a bit too dazed still.
"How can you say that?" Naruto asked. He was calm.
"I'm an Inuzuka. Think of me as being loyal like the dogs we fight alongside. There is nothing you could do to stop being my friend."
Naruto was silent.
A hand was outstretched, Naruto's hand, asking to pull me up. Perhaps words might be better.
"When you prank others to be acknowledged, it feels like I don't matter as a friend to you." Would words reach the eight-year-old savior of mankind in this world whom I adored? "I wanted to be acknowledged by you. You expect me to stop being friends with you. I thought messing with you would help, but it didn't. It's fine if you don't think of me as your best friend immediately, but we are friends."
"You wanted to be acknowledged by me?" Naruto asked.
"Yes." Naruto's face turned to slight discontent, followed by a facial expression only to be described as if someone turned on the light switch to a dark room with no windows.
"Would you feel better if I pranked people only when it's funny?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, just promise to let me know so I can help you out."
"Are you Gais ok?" Sakura asked, her voice cracked in worry and frustration. Naruto eyes lit up and placed his arms around the back of his head.
"Yeah, we're fine", Naruto laughed.
"We can prank Naruto some other time, Sakura." Sakura's arms fell down, defeated.
"Isn't Forehead supposed to have gotten them to go to class by now?" a group of girls said in the distance. Ino was among them.
"My plan failed anyway", Sakura said. "Ino and the rest are still angry since I confessed to Sasuke." Naruto twitched in confusion, not understanding for a split second for the reason why Sakura or any of the girls would want to confess to Sasuke. Is this the birth of the world's legendary rivalry?
"Come play with us."
"No, you Gais are trouble makers", Sakura said. Such ease. Inner Sakura being let out earlier seemed to want to cause trouble for Naruto.
"Well, if you get bored, feel free to hang out with us." The pupil of Tsunade and future teammate of Naruto, it would be better to befriend her now but it cannot be forced. Friendship and bonds can never be forced. "I'm sure Naruto would help you prank some of the girls who aren't nice."
Naruto's face lit up like the New York skyline, filled with eagerness for nightlife and secrecy. Without time to respond, Naruto grabbed Sakura by the arm.
"Let's go plot something!" Naruto shouted. Sakura was taken aback by his words. Realization covered her face. Naruto had a crush on her.
"Let go of her!" Ino shouted, running over to separate the two. "You have no right to force her to be your girlfriend."
"But I wasn't…" Naruto said.
"And Sakura!" Ino continued. "If you needed help rejecting Naruto, you should have told me! All of the girls would help you with that!" Naruto deflated, struck in the heart with the piercing hatred of drowning in the ocean. With no time to spare, Ino pulled Sakura back to her group of friends who fawn over Sasuke.
"I'll help you some other time, Naruto!" Sakura said. Ino stared at Sakura, lifting an eyebrow. "I don't want to be rude!" Ino continued staring condescendingly. "I'll explain later"
"Alright, well I need to go home", Naruto said.
"Weren't you about to drag Sakura off?"
"Yeah, but I actually need to go", Naruto said. "I'm eating dinner with old man hokage and his family tonight." Naruto took off running in the opposite direction as Sakura, waving goodbye. A new strut in his step appeared, different than the pride of a prank. Hopefully, Naruto realized through the exchange of blows the value of his friendship.
Xxx
Anzu was cooking dinner, to great joy. Haru was sitting in timeout. She had grown impatient and attempted to feed the dogs by herself but was attacked with cuddles and dog kisses. Unable to fend for herself, the dogs took the entire bag of dog food to the garden and feasted. Hana relaxed at the table, wearing a loosely covered bathrobe drinking a glass of juice. For a girl, she had no problems bearing it all with those she felt comfortable with. On the other end of the table was Tsume, reading a magazine detailing a rising merchant with the bold print of his name, "Miyu."
"How did things go today?" Tsume asked. "Another note?" Her eyes were tearful and excited, longing badly to know her son is a trouble maker.
"Sorry, mom, I didn't get a note today. My problem with Naruto is over." Hana, Anzu, and Haru all looked over in confusion.
"You're friends with Naruto again", Tsume said. "To befriend someone like him truly takes a gift. If you can lead him, then you can lead the clan."
"I'm not leading him though." Tsume rolls her eyes, determined to believe in her son's naivety. Maybe something is missing, but it's not important.
Xxx
Proper manners were a unique trait necessary of the Inuzuka clan. Although like many words of the modern world, definitions of things like "proper manners" differ per culture. Within the Inuzuka clan, they held their own standards of proper manners at dinners and feasts. First, with no guests at the table, the clan head and main family's head are the first to partake in the feast, followed by women and then men, both arranged from oldest to youngest, and Anzu and Haru were last. Typically servants weren't allowed at the dinner table, but through some coaxing, they have enjoyed in the seating next to the main family. Second, no utensils are allowed by Inuzuka shinobi except for soup and desert. Napkins are encouraged but not required unless a meat is doused in sauce. Speaking with a full mouth is extraordinarily disrespectful to the food and cook, not giving attention to proper flavor recognition. Thirdly, crude behavior such as releasing gasses, nose or teeth picking, and slurping are all greatly encouraged as common courtesy. Lastly, complete family gatherings of Inuzuka members are to be enjoyed in the clan's designated banquet hall and only to be used for special feasts. Formal attire in traditional clothing is required. Before today, none of the past meetings were of such great importance.
The banquet hall was on the western side of the house longways, north of the kitchen and connected with the large wall spanning most of the house's western side, adjacent to the dog's garden and other small rooms. Purple and crimson tapestry covered the walls and windows. Candlesticks were decorated with precious gemstones, including a large chandelier over the banquet. The banquet table had a purple table cloth with embroidered gold, rubies, and sapphires. According to Tsume, the wood was made with from a rare oak created by Hashirama's genes, along with a matching set of chairs with a cherry brown finish. It was rare to use tables and chairs at feasts. Only the main family seemed to even a normal table and chairs; most families used a short table and sat on the ground. To create a table long enough for everyone at common feasts, the different families brought their tables together; making it awkward to communicate with others, not at main family's table.
At polar sides of the tables were the two leading figures of the Inuzuka clan: Tsume and Gaku. Gaku was a man in his late forties or early fifties and survivor of the Third Great Shinobi War, proud of working alongside men like the 4th Hokage and Naruto's dad, Minato Namikaze. Gaku had shaggy, neck length brown hair with a trimmed goatee with matching brown eyes. Two red small red fangs were tattooed to far sides of his cheeks, acting as makeshift sideburns. An eyepatch was over his left eye, while he was also missing his right ear and had a wooden prosthetic left leg closer resembling a peg leg than an actual limb. Gaku carried his cane, black with an ornate wolf head for its handle, with him everywhere. He had two wives, one his own age and one closer to her mid-twenties, two daughters with a striking resemblance, and a black haired son a year younger than me. A powerful aura was released at his very presence. One look commanded respect and fear by nearly the entire clan.
Nearly.
"Are you going to start yet?" Tsume asked. "I'm getting hungry." Gaku laughed and nodded.
"Let's begin", Gaku said.
One by one each member of the family partook in the bountiful harvest of vegetables and collection of rare meats. Even more than the previous nights, this feast was particularly large. Stranger still, after Tsume and Gaku, the different family heads skipped before the shinobi.
First was Shiro Inuzuka, an immensely old man with a beard spanning down to his waist, harshly squinted eyes, wrinkled skin, and ivory tattooed fangs. He wasn't slow, but nor was he fast. As the oldest Inuzuka, he was respected by everyone, even Tsume. Survivor of second and third Great Shinobi Wars, he had outlasted the rest of his immediate family. His wife had passed away recently from old age, while each of his sons was KIA in the Third Great Shinobi War. All elected to remain unmarried until they were recognized as heroes of the war, passing on no children. Gaku had an intimidating presence, but it paled in comparison to the aura the old man gave off. Wisdom, Gentleness, and Understanding were incarnated and etched into the very soul of this man's walk.
The second was Jirou Inuzuka, a semi-decorated war veteran of the third war, although he is still quite young and closer to Kakashi's age. Jirou's face is plain looking, with the common hair and eyes of the Inuzuka, but with a light brown and navy tattooed fangs. He has great moxie but lacks true talent according to Tsume, which is why he has never reached the rank of Jonin despite being far more skilled than the average Chunin. He has a quiet wife and proud daughter, who has honey blonde hair matching her mothers, but with brown eyes like Jirou.
The third was Masaru Inuzuka, a man slightly older than Gaku, with neat black hair and blue eyes. Masaru had the largest family by far: three wives who each look different, eight daughters, six granddaughters, and thirteen grandsons. All of his daughters had arranged marriages, four remaining Inuzuka's and four given away to other clans to produce stronger relations and personal ties to nobility. Three of his four remaining daughters have two daughters themselves each, with the youngest girl producing a boy slightly older than me. Each of the four daughters he gave away in marriage has given birth to three sons and proud holders of their new clans kekkei genkai. He would hold the clan by the balls if it weren't for bad luck. Strangest, of all clan heads, he was a merchant by trade. His tattooed fangs were a crisp gold.
The fourth was Kaori Inuzuka, the raven-haired step-sister to Anzu, but twice her age. She was the only child of the previous family head, but weeks after his wife passed away he married Anzu's mother. After their father passed away, Kaori, as the new head, had no reason to let her step-sister live off her without blood relatives and essentially kicked her sister out. Tsume, as the new head of the main family, took Anzu in a decade ago. Not many details are really spoken in front of the children, but their suggestive wording sounds like Kaori and Anzu are actually have sisters, and Kaori's father was having an affair with Anzu's mother for years. To spite her unfaithful father, Kaori tried to kick Anzu out but, Tsume, unable to recognize Anzu as part of the main family by blood, let Anzu become a servant, disregarding her past and pledged to serve their clan. Not surprisingly, the calm malice emanating off of Kaori was matched only by the black fangs tattooed on her face. Kaori herself had a single husband and five daughters.
The fifth was Hisoka Inuzuka, a woman in her late thirties with pinkish brown hair similar to a pale, red leather, wolfish yellow eyes, and hot pink tattooed fangs. The clan feared her prowess similar to Tsume. Alongside Tsume and Gaku, was the only registered Jonin of the Inazuka clan still alive. Although Hisoka had a calmer demeanor than Tsume, she was considered crazier. If Tsume was a domesticated wolf living in a household than Hisoka was a house dog with unnaturally strong instincts driven to the wild and hunt naturally once again. Hisoka was never considered a marriageable option to those outside the clan. Like Shiro, she is the last of her biological family. Determined to never give up, Hisoka adopted three daughters close in age, two who are currently genin and one in her final year of the academy.
"Master Kiba, do you enjoy the steak my wife prepared?" Gaku said. Silence filled the room. A single bite out of my steak wasn't taken yet.
"I don't know. Is it my turn to start eating?" Gaku laughed. Something about his demeanor was very reminiscent of the vibe Danzo gave off in the show. Gaku had an agenda.
"You are the heir to the clan", Gaku said. "You certainly do not need to wait any longer."
"Thank you, Gaku, but I can wait."
"Firm resolve for a well-behaved, young man", Gaku said. Tsume ogled at me, trying to communicate without words with a mouth full.
"I'm far from flawless. I got a note yesterday for the first time. After school, today, Naruto and I kicked the butts of three older kids." Hana looked over this time, blinking swear words.
"How is Naruto doing now a day?" Gaku asked. The entire table stopped eating now. Any remnants of those enjoying a peaceful meal or conversation ceased. Did Gaku know I know about his container status? Was Gaku trying prod the clan?
"He's alright. He's eating dinner with the Third Hokage tonight. Quite the honor."
"It must be difficult for him to behave well in front of Lord Hokage", Gaku said. Must this man persist? Either the awkward tension should dissipate or he should quiet down.
Think.
Think.
Pathos.
Think pathos.
"His parents died in the nine-tailed fox attack, didn't they? As an orphan without parents, he isn't taught manners besides when he is here or at school."
Gaku smirked.
"You're right", Gaku said. "Enough with the questions. It looks like everyone has lost track of their place. Let's say we can all eat at once." The feast was reborn, rambunctious as always.
Xxx
Younger children and non-shinobi without influence aren't allowed to join in the clan meetings, as to prevent clan from being stolen.
"Thanks for waiting up, pup", Tsume said, sitting down at the main kitchen table next to me. The meeting after the banquet lasted for several hours, but Tsume requested I wait up for her. As the clan's heir, it was important we talk right after. "Are you ready to hear the challenges facing our clan?"
"Without a doubt, yes." As seen, the clan currently has seven families, with seven heads. The clan head is Gaku, despite not being part of the main family. He is the third head in hundreds of years to not be a member of the main family.
"What makes it worse, in recent years, the Inuzuka have greatly struggled to produce men", Tsume said. She proceeded to cover her mouth, realizing Kiba hasn't been given "the talk".
"Don't worry, mom. I know how sex works." Tsume looked vexed, begging to ask how. More important matters were at hand.
"Inuzuka women are powerful kunoichi", Tsume said. "Our clan's tradition dictates only a male can lead the clan though, preventing me from taking action." On average, according to Tsume, Inuzuka kunoichi are stronger and longer lasting than male shinobi. However, only the males have been revered as legendary shinobi throughout the centuries of the clan's existence. "The title bestowed on a powerful male Inuzuka is an 'Alpha'."
Alphas have all been legendary shinobi, the likes of which the current Inuzuka's pale in comparison to. In the past, each had multiple ninken with them, whose combined power was rumored to compare to tailed beasts. Alphas are significant for raising the status of the clan they accomplish in two ways. First, is the obvious: having legendary exploits to have your name etched in clan history and now Konoha. Second, since the clan has weakened in physical power over the last couple generations, other clans have a harder time giving away their men to Inuzuka women. They'll gladly take other clan's women. This is a common occurrence. Since no males are produced it makes it very hard to continue strong relations between clans. No bond is as strong as a family. If a clan only produces woman and gives all of them away, that greatly reduces the clan's strength, which upsets other clans seeking to arrange marriages and continue positive relationships. An endless cycle of despair befalls the Inuzuka clan in the process without an Alpha or male heirs. Tsume, in her own proud opinion, firmly believes not a single Alpha is left in the clan, save the last man bestowed the title: Gaku Inuzuka, whose body is severely damaged and more of a decorative title for tradition's sake than actually meaningful. Still, his presence carries quite the weight. Worse, Gaku is potentially still stronger than all the clan members and definitely stronger than Tsume. Above Tsume lies Hisoka and Kaori, along with non-ninken users: Kaori's husband and three of the husbands of Masaru's remaining daughters. Even though Masaru isn't a shinobi, he's exorbitantly wealthy by such standards than he is potentially more powerful than any of the clan. If he simply had a male heir, he would have easy access to nobility and taking complete control of the clan, but his one grandson is considered average in his classes.
"How am I the heir then?"
"You are the son and heir of the main branch's head", Tsume said. "Only three potential Alphas are alive right now. It hurt Hana since she could become the family head, but you have the best shot to lead the clan since… you're a boy." The last words were far more painful than the previous statements. A single tear was shed by Tsume, immediately wiping it away.
"What can I do?"
"You must become an Alpha, pup", Tsume said. "A shinobi powerful enough to rival kage. Do you ever wonder why Hana is determined to become the hokage? With the power of the village behind her, there is nothing stopping her from leading the clan as the first female Alpha and ending our traditions." Hana seeks to prove herself and be acknowledged by the clan as a powerful kunoichi. The sentiment is likely held by the rest of the Inuzuka kunoichi.
"Do you want me to end the traditions?" Tsume widened her eyes as if no boy had ever said that before.
"Is that what you would do right now, pup?" Tsume asked.
"Yes, I think it's silly the scariest person in the clan can't be an Alpha." Tsume laughed innocently.
"It's not that easy, Kiba", Tsume said. "Several clan members can beat me in a fight." A slight sense of defeat seemed to be over Tsume.
"I don't believe that." Tsume perked up her ears. "Moms are scary. If any of them threatened Hana or me, I know you would defeat them." Following the instincts of a son, there was only one course of action available- hugging Tsume.
"I love you, Kiba", Tsume said. Mother's are a powerful force. Even if Tsume didn't give birth to me, there was a natural bond she created with effort and care. A fierce and powerful love like a wolf, unshakeable like the trunk of a tree planted on a riverbed. "You've grown a lot."
"I love you too, Mom." Saying that felt easier than expected.
"I have good news though", Tsume said. "For the first time in years, the Uchiha clan has reached out about a possible arranged marriage to create an alliance between clans. They are offering their most powerful future kunoichi they have in marriage to the heir of the Inuzuka clan- you. We voted and accepted tonight. When you're an adult, you will marry a caring Uchiha woman." Marriage.
"You need to go to bed, Kiba", Tsume said and directed me to my room.
Marriage. I would be married to an Uchiha without meeting her. She could turn out crazy or cruel. Still, Tsume wouldn't appear happy about this if it wasn't good news for the entire clan, including its heir. Not being able to choose who I marry sounds hard, but in the past life, it was difficult to ever ask out a girl. In this world, I'm destined to be with someone. Children with an Uchiha sounds like a powerful mix of potential, mixing hatred and instinct.
The arranged marriage doesn't matter though. My fiancé is going to die before I meet her. What can be done? Is there a way to stop Itachi? No, that means the death of the village. Wait. Maybe… More thought has to be put into this situation. For now, sleep is the destiny that is ahead.
With a final whiff in the air was a lingering smell previously unnoticed, different than before. The entire house smelt like a hospital. Hopefully, God, everything is alright.
A/N: Chapter 2 is done! I hope you enjoyed it and thought it was a bit different than what you normally read. If you have complaints about the story, desires, or ideas let me know them. I also take any comments on ships. Feel free to make a case as the story goes on for a ship as well. One of my favorite things to do is fleshing out relationships between characters, whether platonic or not, and showing how they develop amidst each other's company.
Let me know what you think of the story! Particularly the more changes I'm revealing in this AU from canon. I even have two gender bent characters in mind to change up a lot of the relationship dynamics, as well as two characters to go through the academy with Naruto and Kiba who previously didn't in canon. Do your best to guess!
Heck, for fun, let me know who you would gender bend and how that would change their interactions. It might inspire more than the two I plan on if people feel strongly one way or the other.
Lastly, although I doubt he will read this since it's an SI, I thank Yojimbra for inspiring the idea of an "Alpha" from his femKiba fic, Finding an Alpha, which I read again this last week. It's really cute and full of fluff. I recommend it if you haven't read it.