~Chapter 4~

Reciprocal Recovery – Bittersweet Valediction

Master Yamamoto had stored cloaks in the boat, which gave them cover now as they walked through a ninja village. Kinata's cloak was somewhat too big, but she persevered, trailing behind her Master through stumbled steps. They were entering the Waterfall Village. So far their venture had nearly exhausted the five year old girl, but at least the trip had gone without interference. As they came upon a wooden house painted red, a young boy around Kinata's age slid from the sidewalk in front of them. He was dressed in large blue trousers, and a brown and crème shirt that seemed out of a peasant's closet. He had short cropped hair that bobbed different tints of green. His eyes were a golden brown.

Master Yamamoto smiled down at the boy.

"Ah, Yoshi, it has been some time since I last saw you." The boy crossed his arms, giving him a fake frown.

"Tch. Yeah! A whole two years ya old man! Ya said ya would train me. What gives?" Yamamoto sighed. He looked back to a wide-eyed Kinata. She stood innocently behind his legs, scanning the little boy up and down with her observant little eyes.

"Mm. I am sorry for that Yoshi. But I have been quite preoccupied in the last few months. You will have to forgive me for this." Yoshi's face instantly lit up. His arms dropped and he instead bowed his head, springing up to give him a cheesy grin.

"Nothing to forgive! Mom told me not to give ya a hard time about it. So I had to of course." His smile through his speech was devious. Their Master shook his head whilst chuckling.

"Still rebellious I see. But one day it could leave you in a tight spot. In any case, it is a pleasure to see you again. Let me introduce you to a new member of your household." Yoshi's face lit up at the change of subject, clearly excited. He inclined his head around Master Yamamoto's legs to sneak a peek at the person he was talking about.

"Kinata, this here is Yoshi Higurashi. He will be one those in your foster family. This will be temporary as we've discussed before, but I ask that you act upon a respectable and caring manner." Her sensei looked down at her in a stern but soft way. It was an expression he'd used often when he lectured Kinata, in hopes of teaching her life lessons. She was smiling politely to Yoshi but looked up to her sensei to nod. Suddenly, the door farther to the left opened up, revealing a woman in her early 30s with short dark hair. She glowed with happiness upon seeing Master Yamamoto.

"Yamamoto-sama. I am relieved to see you. I was beginning to worry what had been keeping you." His entire demeanor transformed before Kinata's eyes. His eyes seemed to melt at seeing the skinny and petite woman. The little girl was a bit awed by how his voice changed too. It was like he was speaking intimately.

"Ume. It has been far too long." She hesitated, nervously nodding her head, glancing to Yoshi who rolled his eyes. Kinata felt that she was missing many details to the situation at hand. That was when suddenly the woman was embracing her sensei, who seemed shocked at first, then pleased at her actions. When they released, which was rather quickly (probably due to the onlookers), Master Yamamoto's face became serious.

"So you received my message?" He asked. Kinata cautiously stepped forward, sensing that he would be subjecting her now. On cue, the woman gazed down at her, her smile even brighter.

"Yes. It came four days ago. You must be Kinata then? It's wonderful to meet you." Her voice was a soft but adorning whisper. Kinata felt instantly at ease with the woman. She smiled up at the lady.

"Her name must change." Her sensei's voice ripped the little girl's streaming thoughts of a new mom, a new sibling, and a new home away. She glanced up at Master Yamamoto.

"Of course. Grandfather has registered her as Kisa Higurashi. We need a picture and the papers will be finalized. We adopted her from the Sand Village." Yamamoto nodded, staring proudly at Ume as she ushered Yoshi and the girl inside. He followed swiftly behind.

"Well done. I am grateful for your haste." She smiled back to him, stepping through the door, pausing to look him in the eyes.

"As much as you've done for us, Yamamoto-sama, it is the least we can do for you." She gave him a small smirk. "Besides, last minute seems to be your motto. I am quite used to it by now." He gave a 'haha' and shut the door, watching Kinata take in her surroundings.

"Kinata, this shall be your home for the next two years. I want you to train and review over the subjects I have taught you on our journey here. Perfect those skills and focus on your abilities, so that when I return, you will be prepared to leave for a higher state of training." The young girl's face completely dropped. He hadn't mentioned absence on his part, only that she was going to live at a new home. Her stomach clenched as she tried to contain emerging tears.

"M…master Yamamoto…you…you're leaving?" He gave her a pained look, his brows furrowing at the little girl before him. So much had been instantly shouldered on this child. He felt terrible, guilty, and helpless to do much for her. He was doing everything in his powers. It was imperative for him to reach the Kusuma family and contact his other two allies in the Elite Knights. He needed a safe haven for Kinata in the mean time. But if he explained this to the clever girl, she would blast him with reasons as to why she should go with him. He couldn't risk her blood, fatal or not. So he kneeled down, sighing sadly.

"I have no choice. News will spread soon of our escape. To be seen with you will be deemed perilous. I swore an oath to your mother. At all coasts shall I go to keep you safe. You are under my protection now Kinata. You must trust me." She could feel the strong urge to cry but refused to show them. Not in front of her new family and especially not in front of her mentor. She looked down as she couldn't speak. Why does it feel everyone I've known has abandoned me! They're not at fault…and yet…I still feel deserted. The reference of her mother had also depressed her greatly. The massacre had happened a little more than a week ago, but the images were still graphic in her mind; the loss still too sore for her to move on.

"Kisa," He frowned when she didn't react. The others stood in respectful silence. Twilight was beginning to envelope the sky. He had to go, before night completely took over. He still had to purchase a horse and reach the borders.

"Kinata." His tone was strong but filled with concern. She snapped her head up, meeting his onyx eyes. His body was tense, and he too appeared to be having a hard time with the departure. She felt better noticing that.

"You must act natural in response to your new name. Who you once were must remain in the past," she frowned but her master continued, "I ask that you not forget such a past, but to push forward…in honor to the memory of your family and clan."

Kinata gulped through her tight throat. Her fists were clenched. She looked away, tears slipping down her cheeks. So maybe she couldn't hold back her emotions like she believed she could. I'm only five…how can I do this…without mom…without Rin…

She could see from her peripheral vision that his eyes were full of sadness, but of a wisdom beyond her own understanding. He was all she had left, and so he was right. She would have to trust him. Her mother had, with even a legitimate allegiance. So she reluctantly nodded, still unable to voice a word. He nodded back, grasping her left shoulder gently to wish her luck.

He stood up, clearing his throat a little. His eyes wandered over to Yoshi, who was frowning at Kinata, worried over her oblivious state. She was currently wiping her face from any moisture, pitifully hiding her embarrassment. Master Yamamoto felt assured that Kinata would find a rightful place in the household. The environment that those living here brought was one of encouragement, kindness, compassion, and love. All of which were things that the traumatized girl desperately needed.

"Yoshi, I apologize yet again for this quick departure. When the time comes for my arrival, I expect you to be just as good as Kinata, if not better. But do not underestimate her. She's of great blood."

Yoshi gave him a doubtful look, and then shrugged, running up to him to give him a quick hug.

"Two years. Counting today! Ya better be back Sensei!"

He chuckled softly, trying to keep his composure as Yoshi too held back tears. He glanced over at the beautiful woman standing off to the side, closest now by the door. He gave the boy a pat on the back, letting him go. She was smiling in a forlorn way. He nodded his head despondently to the door.

"Ume, be safe."

He stepped closer to her, her body reacting on instinct, inching towards him.

"You as well, Yamamoto-sama. I won't accept a later arrival of exactly 24 months. Yoshi is exceptional at keeping count." Her smile was now teasing, which he returned.

"Mm. It's a relief to know I shall have others waiting on my return."

He stepped half-way out of the door, then came to a halt, inclining his head over his shoulder to see Kinata still staring down at the ground. Her dark brown, almost black hair shaped her face. Her shoulders were slightly slumped.

"And Kinata," he had wanted to use her fake name, but opted instead for her real name, incase of the possibility that it would be their last meeting, "No matter what happens, smile. You will always find hope if you never forget why we covet a smile."

Kinata glanced up to him, her eyes watery. She gave him a wobbly smile, waving to him.

"Thank you Master Yamamoto. Promise to come back."

Her voice came out strong with lack of strain. It surprised her sensei a little, but he smiled as if having been rewarded by something. He gave her a quick nod. She hadn't asked a question, but had rather stated this to verify it.

"I swear upon it."

He took the final step out of the door, calmly walking back to the road, where he took off into the lurking night. And so, her sensei, the last of Kinata's past, was gone.