Still Waters Are Deep 1
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Summary: Follow the life of Senju Rurimi, daughter of the late Second Hokage. Read as the shy, reserved girl transforms into a quiet, self-assured leader on the battlefields of the Second Shinobi World War. However, behind the pretty facade, the Senju princess hides an incredible secret. Reincarnation!MOD
Warnings: see previous chapter
~ Chapter One ~
Rurimi woke when her hurricane of a cousin loudly barged into her bedroom, proclaiming it time to get up and ready for school. Today was the young girl's first day at the Academy, at only barely six years of age. (Her birthday had been the day before.) Sighing softly, Rurimi moved to the bathroom, absentmindedly grabbing the clothes Tsunade-nee held out for her to take.
After she was dressed, the blonde gently combed the short, spiky hair for her little sister. Both girls sat in front of a small mirror, so they could look at each other while Tsunade-nee worked.
"You're going to be just fine, so no worries, Rimi-imouto. There's nothing to be afraid of. Do your homework diligently, pay attention in class and always continue your training at home. If you manage to, at least attempt to befriend someone. Always be polite - but you already are either way. If that doesn't work, kick the boys where they hurt the most and go for the girl's face. Got it?" Her blonde cousin listed everything quite authoritatively, demanding a quick affirmation.
"Yes, nee-chan," Rurimi replied readily, knowing she would regret any other response. Tsunade herself tended to adhere to the 'hit first, fast, and hard, and then ask questions'-strategy when dealing with others. Her big sister was scarily strong - especially when angered. It only worsened after she had begun training under Sandaime-sama himself six years ago.
Cinnamon met emerald as the two girls' eyes connected via the mirror.
"Good. I'll bring you to school today and collect you later on, unless Sensei plans on some sort of mission out of the village. In that case, either Kā-san will wait for you at the gates or someone else from the clan," Tsunade-nee continued briskly.
Again, Rurimi nodded a confirmation. She even managed a shy smile. A soft, encouraging nudge from the Other helped settle some of the young girl's nerves.
The blonde smoothed out some imaginary wrinkles in the green t-shirt kimono her 'imouto' was wearing, held together by a white belt - matching the seams of her top. Underneath this the six-year-old wore light mesh armor. The outfit was completed by mesh leggings and white cargo pants, worn under a green apron skirt. Her kunai-holster and a small pouch, both pragmatic gifts from various relatives for Rurimi's last birthday, only emphasized her serious air.
"Very good. You look smart, professional, and pretty. Like a true kunoichi," Tsunade-nee added, stern demeanor softening a little. "Your parents would have been very proud of you, especially today."
The younger Senju smiled gratefully, emerald orbs beaming at her sister-figure. "Thank you, Tsu-nee," she whispered softly, allowing the childish nickname to slip through for once.
Her blonde sibling hugged her tightly (a little too tightly) before they were called down for breakfast. Both girls left together, hands linked as they had always been.
Mito-obaa-sama had already arrived downstairs, smiling warmly at the two young kunoichi. Both girls hugged her and gave the still vibrantly red-haired woman their usual good morning-greeting, rewarded by a grandmotherly kiss on the cheek. Kin-oba-chan shooed them off to sit, placing two bowls of the dreaded rice porridge in front of the children.
Several Senju clansmen (and women) wished the white-haired girl good luck for her first day at the Academy. The shy girl always blushed pinkly at receiving so much attention, but politely thanked each and every one of the well-wishers.
They ate quickly, mindful of the hot rice, to avoid burning their tongues. Then, Rurimi retrieved her writing utensils, received another round of hugs and kisses from her aunt and adopted grandmother, before leaving alongside Tsunade-nee. The two women would arrive a little later for the entrance ceremony - apparently some chores had to be completed first.
On the way to their destination, the two Senju were greeted warmly by various villagers. Rurimi always blushed modestly, embarrassed to receive so much attention when she personally had done nothing to earn it. However, the timid girl unfailingly replied with a polite nod or shy wave. Most older women cooed at her 'adorableness', the rest sighed, muttering something about their own children never behaving this politely.
Tsunade-nee just looked approvingly at her little sister, a proud smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Their peaceful walk was interrupted by two boys that independently from each other joined the Senju heiresses.
A white-haired boy with red facial markings called: "Hey Flatchest! What are you doing?"
Tsunade-nee glared darkly at the boy, promising painful retribution in his near future.
"This is my idiot teammate, Jiraiya. That's Orochimaru. Creep, Idiot, meet my imouto, Senju Rurimi. Today's her first day at the Academy. You better not ruin it," the blonde growled angrily.
Rurimi bowed politely towards the two boys, muttering something along the lines of 'nice to meet you'. Orochimaru-san and Jiraiya-san obviously had not expected such a meek response, judging by their stunned expressions.
"You sure you two're related?" Jiraiya-san tactlessly wondered out loud, stealing incredulous glances at the temperamental blonde and timid civilian.
Tsunade-nee just rolled her eyes at his question, bonking his head. Hard. "Yes."
Then, she retook her little sister's hand, guiding them towards the Academy building.
Rurimi gulped fearfully as she cautiously took in the many mingling children who would attempt to become shinobi and kunoichi in the future. The shy girl almost gave in to the temptation to hide behind her big sister, just to escape from the many curious stares directed at her by the crowd. Many immediately dismissed the timid six-year-old who obviously wanted to crawl desperately into her cousin's reassuring embrace.
After an encouraging nod and friendly shove from Tsunade-nee, tentatively Rurimi approached her year-mates. With a last wave to her blonde sister, the young girl smiled shyly at the people closest to her.
A purple-haired girl with brown eyes returned the gesture with a friendly grin. "Heya! I'm Yamamoto Miné! Who are you?"
Rurimi bowed politely in greeting. "Senju Rurimi. Please take good care of me, Yamamoto-san."
The purplette's grin broadened. She then proclaimed cheerfully: "Nice to meet ya. But ya can just call me Miné-chan. 'Cause we're gonna be best friends! Just you wait!"
Unfortunately, Hokage-sama arrived in that moment, starting the traditional entrance ceremony. Sandaime-sama had prepared an inspirational speech about the Will of Fire and Konoha, but Rurimi couldn't remember a single word of it after he finished. It must have been good though, because Mito-obaa-sama applauded approvingly, a genuine smile adorning her face.
Afterward, the children were separated into groups, their respective classes for the foreseeable future. Tsunade-nee had said that a lot of the hopefuls dropped out for various reasons until about third year. Depending on the number of remaining students, the classes would be fused into a single large group.
Before Rurimi followed her newly-appointed sensei to their classroom, the white-haired girl quickly sent one last look to her sister. Tsunade-nee smiled encouragingly, reassuring the reserved girl. Her blonde nee-chan even appeared to be quite proud of the fact she had managed to somehow speak to another girl (who luckily had been placed in her class as well).
Miné-chan caught her look, prompting an embarrassed Rurimi to duck her head timidly. She was afraid to have provoked mocking remarks, but the purplette just grinned understandingly.
Instead of commenting though, the other kunoichi-in-training simply slipped an arm around her shoulders, playfully ruffling the spiky, shoulder-length hair.
That's when Rurimi snuck a peak at her new friend, knowing school would not be as terrifying an experience as she had expected beforehand.
The Other kept quiet during most of the time Rurimi spent at the Academy. Sometimes she felt a gentle nudge of reassurance or interest, but usually the voice remained neutral in regards to the curriculum. Nevertheless, occasionally Rurimi suspected that the Other disapproved of the lessons, or more precisely their content.
However, as a Senju, especially the only daughter of Senju Tobirama, Nidaime Hokage of Konohagakure, her very life depended on knowing how to defend herself against potential assassins or kidnappers.
Additionally, a lot of high expectations were placed on Rurimi's small shoulders, mainly due to her late father's and uncle's prowess as widely-feared and respected shinobi.
Moreover, a smaller fraction of the older veterans also remembered her mother, one of the most powerful kunoichi of her generation.
Kin-oba-chan had assured the dainty six-year-old on multiple occasions that her parents would be proud of her no matter what she decided to become and advised the child to forge her own path. According to the retired kunoichi, this was the best way to honor her late parents' legacy.
The first day at the Academy would prove to set an ongoing example for the following ones. Miné-chan arranged for the two to sit together, in an easily defendable corner of the room. From there, they still had a good vantage point of the blackboard and their sensei.
Said teacher was an older Chūnin, around thirty years of age, who wore the standard uniform of his rank. His black hair was cropped short to the scalp, directing one's focus to a set of sharp, light-blue eyes. Several scars lined his face, testament of the fact that he had been part of the First Shinobi World War as well as other battles. Apparently, the Chūnin preferred shaving over grooming a beard, allowing for the full effect of his sharp cheekbones to come to light.
"Good morning, class. My name is Furokawa Takeshi. You may address me as Furokawa-sensei or Sensei. I will be your teacher for the foreseeable future. If you are unhappy about this fact, feel free to leave at anytime. Just don't expect to be welcomed back into my classroom. This is your only chance. Use it."
Then, he jumped straight into a long lecture on the history of the village, barking at the group of clueless children to take notes. (Somehow, he knew that only Miné-chan and Rurimi actually had taken out their writing utensils. Both girls had placed them on the table in front of themselves so no rummaging was necessary.)
Furokawa-sensei talked for an hour or so about the history of Konoha, then proceeded to begin his math lesson. Followed by a writing and reading class.
Soon enough, the day at the Academy ended, freeing all those within for the afternoon.
Miné-chan accompanied her new friend to the gates, hands clasped tightly. (That way the crowd would be unable to accidentally separate them.)
Tsunade-nee patiently waited to collect her little sister, just as she had promised earlier, by the entrance. Rurimi beamed at her nee-chan, proudly introducing her first friend.
"Nice to meet you," the fierce blonde said in response, smiling at the purplette. She approved after a long searching look that seemed to examine the younger kunoichi's very soul.
Miné-chan bowed politely. "You too!"
They exchanged some smalltalk, before the two Senju left for their clan compound. Rurimi was invited to play with Miné-chan for an hour or so after school the next day.
On their way home, Tsunade-nee grinned. "So, that wasn't bad, was it?"
Her little sister blushed faintly, ducking her head. "No. We have a very strong sensei, Furokawa-san. He is very loud, but I like his explanations," the white-haired civilian explained quietly.
Her blonde cousin chuckled. "Only you, Rimi-chan!"
Thus, the young Senju spent her days. If possible, Tsunade would bring the white-haired girl to the Academy, wish her a good day and then Miné-chan would bound over, cheerfully greeting her friend. The two paid close attention while class was in session, both wanting to do their best, but had quite the fun during lunch break.
None of the other girls joined their small group, usually teaming up with others of their same class. (Meaning civilian-born with civilian-born, clan-child with clan-child.) Boys in general still believed girls were icky and vice versa.
After school finished, Miné-chan and Rurimi would play for an hour, either at the nearest park or at their respective homes. Someone would come to collect the child in question.
Then, Mito-oba-sama and Kin-oba-chan would train Tsunade-nee and Rurimi for another two hours before dinner. At the moment, the younger kunoichi refined her chakra control and meditated while her two sensei attempted to disrupt her concentration through various means.
Following dinner, the white-haired child would complete her homework for the next day. Afterward she went to bed, resting for a new dawn.
Thus, time flew by.