I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.
~Friedrich Nietzsche
\( - _ -)/
"Shimura-san, should I release the clone?"
"No, keep Harumi there. It will later work as an advantage for Konoha."
"Yes, Shimura-san... but how do I report to you?"
"You can leave a clone with me," he suggested.
"No, not a clone..." he gave me a suspicious look so I took out leaves from my pocket and did the Bird seal.
The pile slowly formed into a shape of a small bird, no bigger than a hand. Its color turned from green to black as it flapped its wings then landed on Danzo's shoulder.
"Hideki, can stay with you and report anything that happens at Kiri."
"Tell me, how would a bird do that?"
"He could act as a messenger bird for Root. You can send him over to me once a month and tell Hokage-sama that so they won't kill the bird."
"If you wouldn't mind I would like to use this bird as an actual messenger of Root not only as an act."
"Of course, please, make sure he doesn't die during his first delivery."
"I'll see what I can do. Until next time, Takeshi," I nodded and proceeded to the Hokage office.
~(Kirigakure)~
Mangetsu was trying to communicate with Kiiro. Although Kiiro is not fond of him he still continues to bother the animal.
"Hel-lo, Kii-ro-cha-n, my na-me is Man-get-su. I am Ha-ru-mi-cha-n's fr-i-end." He said slowly in a ridiculous manner.
Kiiro was not amused. He growled at him and barred his fangs at the kid.
He backed away from the pup and turned to me with an eyebrow raised. "What is wrong with-wait..." he turned to the dog then back to me. "... is Kiiro a boy or a girl?"
I started to sweat then gave him an incredulous look. "I don't know, Mangetsu. Would you like to check? I'm not going to stop you?"
He didn't say a word.
"I didn't think so," I huffed confidently.
I looked at Mangetsu, he was playing with Kiiro. Kiiro was slowly warming up to him, they moved from trying to maul to playing conversation fetch. The conversations included one-sided arguments, random angry barks and lots of throwing.
"You know, I've been curious for a while..." I said interrupting their game.
"About what?" he skeptically asked.
"Why do you care?" It came out rude, but it has bothered me since the first time I met him.
He flinched. "What do you mean?"
I suddenly regretted my words and started to stutter. "S-sorry for s-sounding rude, but its just-" I sighed. "You have been very helpful and I don't even know why you do that. You helped me with Apple-man, you brought me to your house, inside your clan compound, you gave me your scarf and these clothes, and you still visit me and occasionally give me food even though you don't need to. I just want to know why. Why do you do all those things?"
He was quietly staring at me as I waited for his reply. "Being born from a clan and having food everyday isn't really as fun as it sounds," he said with a monotone.
"You mean you would rather live here outside than in your own house?"
He stopped throwing the ball then gave me a sad look. "Being born into a clan, means that people have high expectations for you. Especially if someone of high-ranking was from your clan... The second Mizukage was from the Hozuki clan."
He thinks that every person is expecting a lot from him and because of the pressure he thinks that I have more freedom than him. I tilted my head as if to question my own conclusion.
"Mangetsu, the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. I know it sounds stupid but trust me, it's true." I told him with a smile.
"I don't understand what you mean by that, but I'm assuming it was something that would reassure me. So thanks for trying." He grinned then glanced at the cloudly sky. "I just hope I have someone in the compound to talk to."
He's lonely, that's for sure. I tried to think of a way to fix his problem, but the only thing that goes into my mind was Suigetsu.
"Hey cheer up! Forget about it. Look Kiiro's chewing your shoe."
His eyes widened in horror. He swiftly turned to Kiiro then grabbed the other end of his shoe. This resulted into a mini tug-of-war.
"No, Kiiro. Bad dog! Let my innocent footwear go!"
~(Inside Dreamscape)~
"I have big news Yagura is the new Mizukage." I said.
"Yagura, the future jinjuriki of the Sanbi?"
"Yes," I confirmed. "a few months ago I have heard from Mangetsu that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had a mission at the Land of Fire, do you have anything that can help me figure this out."
"Guy's father died using the 'Eight Inner Gates' to save them from enemy ninja. I guess they're the enemy ninja." I said thoughtfully.
"I see, so how's Guy handling it?" I felt small sympathy for my friend, he didn't do anything to harm me.
"Pretty well actually, we race more often and he's training to be a taijutsu master." Real me said with a smile.
I gladly returned it. "I'm relieved he's not brooding like us, that inspirational moron never ceases to amaze me. Anything else?"
"The Hokage pulled me out of Root. He says that he wanted me to join the main ANBU unit."
"Doesn't that make you feel like a doll being passed around by a bunch of 3-year-olds?" I asked.
He laughed nonchalantly. "Yes, yes it does," Takeshi and Harumi are both Robin Odon after all.
"One more thing," he started. "I'm training with a jonin, his name is Sugiyama Hideo."
"A jonin sensei... like Ebisu?"
"Yeah, and I asked the Hokage permission to take the jonin exams before joining ANBU. You know, to get more experience." He explained.
"That's a good idea, I think. Are you getting any missions?" I asked.
A groan of annoyance was the reply I got. "The boring D-ranks and occasional C-ranks, that cat is killing me. How many times does it run away every week?!" He asked retorically to himself before continuing. "C-ranks are mostly delivery and escort missions inside the border."
I shrugged. "At least you're doing something there, all I do is talk to a dog."
"And Mangetsu?" He offered.
"What are you talking about? I see no difference." I said crossing my arms as I held my head high.
"Is that what you think of him?" He asked with a grin. "Anyway, back to the important events. Fugaku and Mikoto are married."
"Already? I thought we would have more time." I scratched my chin. "This means we have about 6 years left before the Kyubi event happens."
"I guess so," he agreed. "Hang in there, ok?"
~(Konohagakure)~
The Hokage thought that it would be a good idea for me to have an ordinary sensei. So now I was stuck with Sugiyama Hideo. Hideo was about the same age as Minato he had cream-colored hair, chocolate-brown eyes and a thin physique; even though he loves to eat.
Being a ninja probably helped with maintaining it... but what about the Akimichi's...?
He smiled a lot, he usually took me out for food, he always talks to me about unimportant things, and he would always ask me if I was tired. Overall he was nice.
I wasn't used to having a laid back teacher. Training with Madara and Danzo gave me the impression that all teachers were strict and stoic; they made you learn from personal experience. Hideo was different he would not only point out my mistakes he would also help me fix them. He doesn't just say, here's a scroll learn everything in it and show me how much you have accomplished after a week, he actually teaches me.
"Thank you for helping me, Sugiyama-san." I said while dipping my head.
His features saddened as he said, "Hokage-sama was right about you growing up too fast."
"Sorry, Hideo-sensei, I got used to calling people by their last names and adding 'sama' or 'san'." I said looking down. Uchiha-sama and Shimura-san. Why do I call them that?
"Try controlling it. I know it's not easy but you'll get it eventually," He then ruffled my hair.
"Ok, Hideo-sensei." I smiled at him. I like him way better than Madara and Danzo.
"Want to go for sushi?" He offered grinning.
I gave him a questioning look. "Isn't it a bit too early for dinner?"
"It's never too early for food." He retorted childishly.
"Whatever you say, sensei," I said with a smile. He reminds me of someone.
Mikoto invited Kushina and I over at her and Fugaku's house after she heard from the Hokage that I was going to take the jonin exams.
She and Kushina had planned on having a mother-and-son type of talk with me. Speaking of mothers, Mikoto is 4 months pregnant.
I was eating crackers while Kushina was quietly sipping tea, Mikoto did the same before a look of concern became visible on her face.
"Takeshi-kun, are you sure about taking the jonin exams? I'm not saying that you're not strong enough, it's more of an-"
"Please don't worry about it too much, Mikoto-san, I heard that panicking isn't good especially when you have a baby with you. Besides, I'm not taking the exams yet. I'm still training with Sugi-er, I mean, Hideo-sensei." I slipped again.
Kushina scowled. "You're too young to be taking this test, dattebane."
"But-"
"No buts. If I was the Hokage I wouldn't let children enter the academy at 4, it's too early. 6 or 7 would be average," she murmured the last part to herself before continuing. "No one has the right to take away anyone's childhood, dattebane." She said crossing her arms.
Actually, it's 'no one has the right to persuade a child to have a suicidal dream', but I guess that statement is close enough. I thought, while giving her a bored look.
"People have different ways of protecting the village, Kushina-san," I started "I suppose training 4-year-olds how to use deadly weapons is one of them. It couldn't be helped; war is happening. The village needs as much skilled ninjas as it can get."
No one said a word and reverted back to silently drinking tea. Changing the conversation right about now would be a good idea. I grabbed another cracker, bit it and smiled widely.
"These taste great, Mikoto-san. When the baby you have in your stomach finally comes out you should definitely give him these." I said as I took another bite. "Where did you get the baby anyway? And how did it get in there?"
She blushed and stuttered. "T-Takeshi-kun, you don't just get a baby."
"Okay... where do babies come from then...?" I curiously asked.
I honestly did not know the answer to the question. While it is true that I died when I was 13 and I'm supposed to know this, the training and other events made me forget.
I always forget things that I categorize as unimportant and remember the relevant ones. So to me fighting is more important than the human reproductive cycle. I'm not entirely clueless about the topic, I know that it happens privately between a man and a woman. Other than that though I don't know anymore...
Both women blushed. Kushina asked stuttering. "N-no one ever told you?" I shook my head. "Didn't your sensei from the academy teach you that?"
I raised an eyebrow at her. "They teach you that at the academy? I must have fallen asleep during the lecture." I said scratching the back of my neck. "Well... since it's obviously making you uncomfortable I won't ask you again." They both sighed, relieved. "I'll just ask Minato-san and Fugaku-san instead." I proclaimed while smiling innocently.
They both paled and stared blankly into space.
"Kushina-san, Mikoto-san..." I waved my hands in front of their faces but they were unresponsive.
The door suddenly opened and I was greeted by Fugaku, Minato and Kakashi. Great they're here!
"Hello everyone..." Minato greeted while grinning.
My mood lightened up a bit. "Minato-san, nice timing, I just wanted to ask you if you knew where ba-imf mm mrm." I was stopped by Kushina's hand.
I blinked owlishly as Kushina talked. "Nothing, don't worry about him. I've got it covered," she laughed nervously.
Fugaku and Kakashi raised an eyebrow while Minato shrugged it off.
"Whatever you say, Kushina," he said playfully. "So how are you, Mikoto?"
I decided to visit Team Minato during their meeting and bought food for them with the plan of revealing to them, Obito and Rin, the horrible truth about being a genin. Boring D-rank missions...
"Yes! I did it! I'm a genin! I'm one step closer to becoming the Hokage!" Obito beamed happily while jumping up and down.
"Congratulations, Obito. You too Rin," Rin gave me a smile in return while Obito hugged me tightly. He was probably thinking of Rin and I was within arm's reach.
"Don't think that being a genin is a great thing because in truth it's not the best rank for anyone. Mainly because of all the stupid D-rank missions, although it does help you prepare for bigger missions most of them are normal everyday chores like cleaning the lawn, picking herbs, babysitting, catching a run-away cat, and walking dogs." I stoically dropped the news.
"You make D-rank missions sound like a nightmare." Obito said with a shiver.
"That's because they are. It depends on a person's opinion but I know that everyone hates them to some degree," I presented them with two plastic bags each with their preferred goodies, in my opinion.
"Here, Obito," I said handing over the plastic. "I wasn't entirely sure on what your favorite food was so I just bought you dango."
"W-What?! I can't accept that." He said looking away.
I sighed. Of all the times to act noble he chooses this particular event. Way to go, Tobi.
"Come on it's a congratulatory gift for becoming an official ninja. Don't let my mission money go to waste," I whined.
"Sorry... thanks a lot!" He said while digging in.
"Rin, I hope you like strawberries because that was all I could think of to give, sorry if you don't like them," I handed the other plastic bag to her.
Rin gave me a sweet smile as she accepted it. "Thank you, Takeshi-kun. Strawberries are actually my favorite."
"Really?!" I exclaimed surprised. "Huh... what are the odds of that?" I said to myself.
"Takeshi, shouldn't you be with Sugiyama-san by now?" Kakashi interrupted.
I shrugged. "Not really I still have some time to spare and it's not like Minato-san's here yet," Chakra flared behind me a split second after I finished the sentence. "I stand corrected."
I turned around to greet him. "Hello, Minato-san do you mind if I hang out with you guys for a while?"
"No, not at all, just make sure to arrive on time for your training."
"Ok," I agreed.
Their training consisted of mainly physical exercises and short spars, which I politely declined to join.
Obito currently trained with shuriken while Kakashi did exercises and Rin practiced and read about medical ninjutsu and herbs. Minato and I sat by a tree, talking about the three of them.
"What do you think about the team so far?" He asked while chewing on a grape. I examined all of them for about half a minute before answering.
"Obito is an Uchiha which means that he would most likely be well-versed with Fire Release. So far his Taijutsu, though not in par with Kakashi, can be considered average. Weapons," I trailed off to look at Obito, his weapons were scattered around him and only a few were sticking on the log. "Not so good, though his skills with would increase once he unlocks his clans kekkei genkai."
Minato considered my observation and motioned for me to continue after letting the information sink. "Rin is very skilled in the Medical field. Her weapon skills are exceptional and her Taijutsu is the same as Obito's, if not better. I don't know a lot about her skills like I do with Obito and Kakashi but I think she could be a medical-nin prodigy. I don't need to tell you about Kakashi because I'm sure you already know what he's capable of... Minato-san." I quickly added.
Minato grabbed a grape from the plastic before replying. "Of course, very well thought Takeshi. How long have you been analyzing them?" He asked turning to face me as he popped the fruit into his mouth.
"Ever since you passed them and started your training," I answered. "Interesting test, by the way... Minato-san."
"Thank you!" He beamed. "So, two days ago?"
"Yes," I gathered my belongings and left him the plastic with the grapes. "Thank you for your time, Minato-san. I need to go now, Su... Hideo-sensei would probably start looking for me in a minute," I dipped my head.
"No problem, you're welcome anytime." He replied grinning. "And thanks for the food too, Kushina would like them."
"You live together?"
"No, but I visit her everyday," he answered.
"Why?" I asked.
He laughed warmly. "I can't believe you don't know, she's my girlfriend," he said with a wink.
"Girlfriend...? Oh right, did I seriously just forget that." I retorically asked myself.
Minato grinned. "No worries, it's fine. People forget things all the time."
I nodded then turned to the team. "See you guys later!"
"Ok," they all replied at the same time but failed to notice due to immense concentration. "I think your team should be fine, Minato-san. They're already replying as a team." I joked.
He laughed then nervously scratched the back of his neck. "I guess so. I just hope they won't do that all the time, it sounds machine-like."
Doesn't he mean robotic...? Oh right, robots don't exist here, just good old-fashioned deadly wooden puppets controlled with chakra strings. I smiled at the thought, but quickly frowned a second later. Puppets...
I was face to face with a baby with raven-colored hair and dark onyx eyes. The child was 8 months old but it always looks as if the child could understand every single word you say.
I sat outside staring at the beautiful garden, though no flowers grew the simple small pond and lone tree was enough to make the place eye-catching.
I cradled the child in my arms and extended a finger at him. He grabbed the finger as if on instinct and started to play with the others. I frowned feeling sorry for the child. The fate that lies ahead for him is cruel and depressing.
People have different ways of protecting the village... My own words echoed in my mind.
I was assigned to take care of the child while his mother was out grocery shopping. I was always the one to be left alone with him because I was the only one that both his parent trusted with their house and him.
The little boy suddenly pulled on my shirt. I turned to see him stare at me with wide innocent eyes. "Ta..." he managed to say.
"Just, 'Ta'? Come on you can do it, three syllables. Ta-" I coaxed.
"Ta-" he repeated.
"Ke-" I said slowly.
"R... ke-" He's having trouble with 'k'. I noted.
"Shi," I said the last syllable.
"Sh-shi," he finished with his brows knitted.
"That was very good, now try connecting them. Ta-Ke-Shi." I again coaxed slowly.
I heard the door slide open behind me. "Takeshi-kun, I'm back."
"Ta-kes-shi." he finished.
I smiled at him. Mikoto was surprised. "Did he just...?" She trailed off.
I turned to the flabbergasted woman. "Yes, Mikoto-san he said my name."
Looking back at the child I grinned widely and playfully poked his forehead with my forefinger. "Good job, Itachi."
"Ta-Ke-Shi." He repeated trying to get used to the word.
This child was going to suffer so much. How do I stop it? Children should be taken cared of not trained.
"I'm so proud of you Itachi. You can finally say Takeshi-kun's name." Mikoto cooed as she took the child from my arms.
They look so happy but... It won't last forever. Nothing lasts forever.
I stood up and headed to the door. "Have a nice day Mikoto-san. See you again next week."
"Of course, Takeshi-kun, don't be late again." She joked.
I smiled. "I won't," I promised as I walked outside. Children were running around playing tag and 'ninja'.
This clan bears the Curse of Hatred yet all the children are lively. I suppose only the person who embraces the curse will be affected.
"Hey, Takeshi, what are you doing here?" I looked behind me to see Obito.
Or it could be that people are persuaded into embracing the curse.
"I was just babysitting Itachi again."
"It happens weekly now?" He asked.
"Yup, want to eat with Hideo-sensei and I again?" I offered.
"Sure!"
Living at this village with no Madara, Danzo or anything related to having big responsibilities for the future, has made me realize...
"Great! Let's go get, Rin." I beamed.
"W-What?" he blushed.
"Oh... you don't want her to join?" I asked tilting my head.
"No! It's just- she might be- I don't think-" He stammered.
"Don't worry about it. I've got this." I reassured him.
Maybe this world wasn't such a hopeless case after all...
~(Kirigakure)~
I threw a ball of paper and Kiiro ran after it, being alone for almost a year makes me bored out of my mind.
I had everything I needed food, water, a place to stay, and limited protection from the people who wants to catch me.
But something's still missing.
Kiiro came back with a slightly drool-covered paper ball and barked, telling me to throw it again. I shrugged, I have nothing better to do.
I was about to use the ball as a projectile when I heard footsteps. My eyes widened in panic. What if it's the Orange-man?
I grabbed Kiiro and curled up into a ball trying hard to hide by the corner. I hate it when this happens.
When the footsteps halted I was face to face with identical twins. If it weren't for the other's shaggier hair I wouldn't have been able to tell them apart.
While they looked at each other I pretended to sleep.
"We know you're awake," one of them said.
I lazily opened my eyes and stared at them. "I'm seeing doubles and I'm hearing things. I must be going crazy," I murmured.
Kiiro popped out of my scarf and growled at them. "Bark! Bark!"
I lifted him up to my face. "What is it Kiiro?" he barked again. "Are you saying they're real?" he wagged his tail and licked my nose.
We've rehearsed this plenty of times, Kiiro is a smart, smart dog. I wouldn't let anyone take him away from me, he's mine.
"Hello, were right here," the other interrupted.
"Yes, and what do you need?"
"We want you to join our group, I'm Gozu," he said pointing at himself.
I tilted my head. "What group is this, who are the members?"
"Just the two of us," Gozu answered.
Human contact might be the 'missing thing' that I need, but then again connections don't always work out.
"Sure thing," I said standing up. "Hi, my name is Harumi." I said holding out my hand.
But I guess I'll find a way to make it work, without getting to chummy, chummy with these bratlings.
They stared at it. "Uh," Gozu started, not knowing what to do. He looked at his hand and held it out as well. I quickly grabbed it and shook hands with him.
"Hi, my name is Harumi," I repeated.
Gozu let go of my hand and stared at his own as if it were an alien.
"And you are?" I asked turning to the shaggy- haired one.
"Meizu," he answered warily. "So... are we doing the hand shaking thing or what?"
I rolled my eyes and held my hand out. He did the same and we shook hands.
Shortly after he let go waved his hand around. "Whoa, that was so weird," he said with goofy enthusiasm.
"So, what did you want my help with?" I asked.
Meizu went out of his trance and answered. "We need help with gathering food. We've been hearing about someone who has successfully done it a couple of times, and we're assuming it's you."
"Yup, you got that one right? And it's not food gathering it's hunting."
"Okay, whatever, so what do you say?"
"Sure," Kids will be kids. "Where do we hunt first?"
Meizu looked around. "This one," he said pointing at Aya's stand.
"No," I disagreed flatly.
"Why not? It's super close." Meizu argued.
"Yes the owner and I are super close," I explained. "As long as, I don't steal from her, she won't rat me out."
Gozu made a 'hmpf' sound and crossed his arms. "No wonder it was so hard to find you."
I ignored him and voiced my thoughts. "It's almost lunch time," I said looking at the sky. Dark and gloomy as always, but the market is beginning to get crowded.
"Let's go for bread or rice... or sushi. Which one do you prefer?" I asked turning to them.
"Bread... two loaves." They answered in unison.
"Just two, why not make it five?" I suggested.
"Okay," Gozu agreed.
I nodded and called Kiiro. "Please help us distract, okay Kiiro?" He barked enthusiastically. "Good boy," I said, scratching behind his ears.
"How is a dog going to help us?"
"I've never been caught, did you really think I worked alone?" None of them answered at that I rolled my eyes. "Meizu you be the distraction, Gozu you're coming with me."
~7 minutes later
"The brats went over there!" Aya exclaimed at the bread stand owner.
I panted. "Meizu, *pant* you idiot! *pant*"
"I said *pant* I was sorry!" He whisper-shrieked.
We only managed to grab one loaf because the 'distraction' accidentally pointed at our direction.
"They're gone, Harumi-chan."
"Thanks, Aya-san."
"No problem," she went back to her business like nothing happened.
"I don't like hunting with you two, it gets me in too much trouble. However, exercise is required once in a while."
"Would it help if I say you're pretty cool for a girl?" Meizu tried his luck.
But all his 'luck' got him was a punch on the shoulder. "Idiot, how can you not tell the difference between a male and a female?"
He rubbed his arm. "You're a guy?!"
I scowled. "Of course, I am!"
"Please do explain, Harumi-chan." Gozu said emphasising both my name and the honorific.
"Harumi, though more common for girls, is unisex and I don't have anything to cut my hair with," I explained.
They stared at me with calculating gazes. I continued to scowl until it suddenly turned into a wide grin when familiar chakra popped into existence beside me.
"Hello, Mangetsu, what brings you here for the fifth time this month?" I greeted.
"Hey!" He replied enthusiastically, seemingly oblivious to my question and the two frozen kids. "I brought apples and a bit of onigiri."
"Great," I said giving him a small smile. "Thanks a lot."
He blinked and turned to Meizu and Gozu, finally noticing their presence. Narrowing his eyes he asked, "Harumi, who are they?"
"Oh, them?" I stabbed a thumb at the two. "Don't worry they help me with hunting, first mission went great!" I said the last part sarcastically.
"I said I was sorry," Meizu whined.
"Sorry doesn't fix anything." Gozu said taking my side.
"Oh come on!" Meizu shouted.
Mangetsu gave me the plastic bag and said, "Here, Harumi see you in a while." Before jumping away.
"Who was that?" Gozu asked.
"Just... an accomplice," I said. Or a friend.