Apologies for taking so long I was busy with other commitments - University.
Hopefully it's a chapter you will all enjoy.
Lost Life
Chapter Three – Conflict
The girl was odd to Naruko, mind you she hardly if ever, conversed with anyone herself but this was insane. The girl orphaned no less than two hours ago was like a chatter box, constantly asking odd questions. Maybe it was an Uzumaki thing.
Naruko and her companion were now on their way to Uzushio. Deciding to forgo making a portal without proper training, least she end up in the middle of Iwa. She decided to just do it the civilian way. Rent a boat. Shari decided to tag along with her becoming her new 'companion' of sorts. Naruko wasn't about to just say 'no' and leave one of the last family members she has to fend for herself.
When Naruko had mentioned the fact she was on her way to Uzushio, Shari practically begged to let her come along, stating that 'she had always wanted to visit the place her family had originated from' even if it was destroyed. Shari had even started telling Naruko the stories her mother once told her about the beautiful place Uzushio used to be.
"There it is!" Shari had called out, spotting Uzushio in the distance.
True enough Naruko opened her eyes and looked towards the place Shari was looking at. There it was, the broken city. The once prosperous village was nothing but ruins, buildings which were made of rock where broken and crumbled down to the endless sea. It was a rather depressing site but despite that it still had a warm feeling to it for both the girls.
"What is this feeling?" Shari asked looking at Naruko for an explanation.
"Perhaps our family still guards this place, even in death." Naruko said speaking in a calm tone.
"Does that mean they are welcoming us?" The question itself was even a mystery to Naruko.
It was a curious question but it could be true. Naruko herself couldn't answer, as she didn't know whether or not it was true.
As the boat slowly drifted towards the land, pushed further by the waves that crashed against the island they finally arrived. Without anything happening perhaps they were actually being welcomed, perhaps even guided? The Uzumaki where naturally stronger in their seals and their vast expanse of chakra; perhaps it was a fail-safe in case the island was ever laid under siege and they were to fall.
Despite being so easy to access for the girls, Naruko couldn't sense anyone else on the island. Being out of 'practice' as she would put it may have something to do with it.
As the girls left the boat and stepped foot on the land, one with excitement and the other being alert; they both walked across the shore towards what seemed to be a broken gate. Whilst everything else was made of stone buildings and such, it seemed the gate was made out of wood. There was nothing oddly specific about the gate though except for the word 'Uzu' which could be made out, the rest of the gate though - was destroyed.
With a timid look Shari looked over to Naruko to ask a question, before she could though a sudden wind swept over the both of them. It picked up both of their long hair and bristled their clothes as the wind moved past them and into the once prosperous village. They could hear a faint sound; the sound was something akin to a flute playing. Perhaps it was the wind moving between the destroyed buildings but it was oddly comforting – for both of them. Naruko started to walk into the village – if it could be called that.
Shari on the other hand was too distracted to notice, until Naruko turned around and called for her to catch up. Picking up her feet and running towards Naruko did they then notice an odd site, a building – a single building stood, untouched from all the destruction surrounding it.
"Do you think that maybe-"
"I believe so." Naruko answered the unasked question.
Moving towards the buildings entrance both girls noticed something – on the door looked to be a seal. A seal that Naruko read to be – lock. On moving in for a closer inspection did Naruko notice that within the seal Lock – it had many underlying seals such as; blood, preservation, guidance, soul and something that Naruko couldn't make out but it looked to be something along the lines of – defensive death. Possibly a fail-safe in case anyone without Uzumaki blood tried to open or unlock the seal – would result in death.
Naruko then looked at her hand – towards Shari and then did something that made Shari look like a fish out of water – bit her thumb, hard. To the point that blood started to dribble down her thumb and onto the dirt floor.
"N-Naruko!"
"Relax."
With that she placed her thumb onto the seal - it glowed for a few seconds. Then it stated to dissipate. The door could be heard unlocking, Naruko smiled and pushed the door open – the preservation seal could do nothing to stop the door from squeaking, rather loudly.
"Hello."
A young Kaguya around the age of four sat on the lap of her mother, a beautiful woman – With long white hair styled into two buns that where held together with two thin silver needles, a face that held no wrinkles, eyes that were deep blue in color - a perfect hourglass figure, feminine hands with long manicured nails. She wore a white robe with a symbol on the back that had a dragon entwined with it. The symbol represented infinity. Her name was Kazuchi Ōtsutsuki the queen of the clan.
She held a book in front of Kaguya and herself and was reading from it to the young girl. The book was thick and made of black leather and was embroidered with gold lining, on the front of the book was a dragon – also embroidered with gold. The book contained many pages that held many detailed stories, whether or not these stories were fiction or not - was left for those who read it to decide.
Kazuchi was reading the story of the three brothers to young Kaguya. A story where two brothers are granted gifts – and the younger one nothing.
"Many years ago, three brothers traveled are dangerous road, they came upon an unusual sight – a man was lying on the ground bleeding to death. The eldest brother Sadami stopped and walked over to the man and lent down – seeing his brother go to help the man Baretto the middle brother went over to also help. The younger brother Taichi didn't know how to help as he was too young."
"Why didn't he help?" Kaguya asked
"Do you want me to read this to you or not?"
"Sorry."
"Now then – Taichi observed his brothers from a far help this man, they bandaged him up and lifted him together. The brothers continued to a place where they could rest and set up camp, cooked some food and made sure the man was alright. In the morning the brothers awoke but the man was not where they left him."
"Where was he mummy?"
Kazuchi gave Kaguya a pointed look yet continued to read.
"The brothers where confused – especially Taichi having checked on the man half way into the night. Everything was revealed though as when they were eating breakfast a brilliant light shined in the center of the camp where they were eating. The man appeared – yet he looked different, no longer was he hurt and he seemed to be able to walk fine. The man spoke with a thousand voices 'You have passed my test, many before you have just walked by and left me there – for that you shall be rewarded.' The eldest brother Sadami asked 'what sort of reward' the man revealed himself to be the Shinigami and said 'you two shall have what you desire most – power.' Baretto looked confused 'Two of us?' he asked. 'Yes only you and Sadami shall receive my gift' the Shinigami responded."
"But what about Taichi!"
"Kaguya, quiet!"
"Sorry mummy, I'll be quiet now."
"Good girl, now where was I? Ah yes – 'Yes only you and Sadami shall receive my gift' the Shinigami responded. Sadami looked confused. 'But what about our youngest brother Taichi?' looking over the brother looked angry and a little bit jealous. 'He did not help – therefore he does not get a reward.' Baretto being the noblest of the brothers asked 'Can I give up my reward then?' the two brothers Sadami and Taichi looked at him in complete astonishment. 'Why would you do that?' the Shinigami questioned, 'Taichi is little and didn't know how to help, it would be unfair if I were to receive some power and he wasn't' Baretto responded. The Shinigami looked at the three brothers then decided something – all the brothers seemed to glow. 'I have halved the power I was going to give you both and gave it to your brother. Farewell' and with that the Shinigami disappeared."
Kazuchi closed the book and looked down at her daughter – who looked like she had a million and one questions about the story.
"Now Kaguya do you understand the moral of the story?" Kazuchi asked looking at her daughter with a questioning gaze.
"I think so. Baretto was willing to give up his power for his brother because it wouldn't be fair."
As Kazuchi nodded Kaguya continued.
"But that's stupid, the Shinigami should have just given the power to Sadami."
Now that surprised Kazuchi – she hadn't heard anyone say that about the story before, not even her eldest son.
"Explain."
"Well – think about it. The Shinigami could have ignored Baretto's plea and gave all the power to Sadami – then Taichi couldn't complain because neither he nor Baretto had any power at all." Kaguya explained.
"An interesting look at things Kaguya." Kazuchi praised – it was enough to make Kaguya's cheeks redden
"But you best keep those thoughts to yourself – now time for bed."
"But I'm not tired." Kaguya whined – all the while rubbing her eye and yawning.
"If you don't go to sleep now – the tickle monster will come and get you." Kazuchi replied a bright smile on her face, as she put the book aside and slowly brought up her hands and wiggled her fingers.
Kaguya squeaked and ran away from her mother – her mother on the other hand gave chase. The halls where soon filled with laughter from the duo.
Naruko and Shari both jumped in surprise as a voice greeted them.
"Finally an Uzumaki has come to claim back this land!"
The voice was female interestingly enough. The voice was coming from behind them so they both turned around and gazed at the female.
"G-Ghost." Naruko said, pointing at the person.
The 'Ghost' smirked and said "I'm not a ghost. Mito Uzumaki at your service." She gave a mock curtsy.
Mito Uzumaki was beautiful she was tall and shapely. Having a feminine face with full lips and gorgeous amethyst colored eyes. Deep red hair that was held into two buns – the buns where held together with two wooden sticks – chopsticks if you would. She wore a white kimono that had red lining. She held her hands in front of her – both sleeves interloping to cover them.
"B-But – you're dead." Shari said.
"Of course and I still am dead. I am nothing but a clone of the original – an advanced blood technique if you would." Mito explained – the smirk never leaving her face.
"You set those seals on this place to preserve Uzumaki knowledge. Didn't you?" Naruko asked.
Mito nodded. "I did indeed – it was a safety precaution. My father disagreed always saying nothing would happen. Better to be safe than sorry was always my way of explaining it, so he gave in and let me place them there."
"Is that why you look so young? The seals were placed here – I would guess, straight after your marriage to the Shodaime Hokage?" Naruko asked.
"Yes, I was worried of course. I had a right to be – I was no longer home. Another reason my father let me do it I suppose, it allowed me to ease my mind. Now then shall we move inside?"
Mito smiled and moved inside, making the other two follow her. As they walked inside the door closed slowly behind them, making them jump slightly.
"Now then I am also here to guide one of you to the chamber of knowledge. Be warned though – only someone worthy of being the clan leader can make it through the chamber." Mito explained.
"So essentially it's a test to becoming the clan head?" Shari asked.
At Mito's nodding head Shari then turned to Naruko.
"Then Naruko should do it." Shari stated.
"Oh?" Mito questioned – lifting a delicate eyebrow.
"Naruko saved me – brought me here. She came here with a purpose. Although I don't know that purpose I feel as if this, Chamber of Knowledge is the thing she came after." Shari explained.
Mito and Shari then both turned to stare at Naruko – in response Naruko looked at Mito.
Smirking Naruko asked a single question – the answer would shock both Mito and Shari.
"Mito – do you believe in reincarnation?"
When Kaguya was fourteen it was still believed women where weak – she had to prove them wrong. Her older brothers where firm believers that the men had to do the hard work – fighting for the clan. Kaguya wanted to prove them wrong so she sought help from the only person who would help her – her mother Kazuchi.
Kazuchi hadn't changed much as Kaguya grew older. True she had gained some age lines and wrinkles but she still looked as beautiful as she did when Kaguya was little. Kaguya had always wanted to be like her mother – beautiful until she died. Yet hold wisdom beyond her years.
Kazuchi was also known to many as a skill blade wielder – she could fight with her father - Forgas on even grounds and sometimes even prove to be able to overpower her father due to being nimble and agile. This is the main reason she sought council from her mother – if Kaguya could possibly be able to persuade her mother into training her she could prove her worth.
Kaguya made her way to her mother and knelt in front of her – surprising Kazuchi and Forgas, who were discussing something she didn't bother herself with.
"Mother." Kaguya spoke. "I wish for you to train me in the ways of the sword."
Kazuchi stared at Kaguya in wonder, knowing why she wanted this. Kazuchi didn't question her – but why did she seek her mother of all people? She could have sought someone who was much more skilled then herself.
"I know what you want to ask mother – but I cannot let a man train me. They don't know how a woman moves. You know how agile our bodies can be. I have seen you fight father. You are skilled – that is why I want you to train me. I will accept no one else." Kaguya explained the unasked question.
Kazuchi looked into her daughter's eyes and saw the fire in them – the will to prove her worth, to prove herself in front of the clan. Who was she to deny.
"No." Was her father's simple response.
Kazuchi turned to look at Forgas - and Kaguya looked up to stare at her father. She felt betrayed, her own father didn't want her to be trained. She could defend herself this way! Prove that she doesn't need guards.
"Why father!?"
"You will not be trained." Forgas responded and with that he stood and left – making it known that it was not up for discussion.
"I'm sorry darling." Kazuchi said, allowing her lips to pull into a downcast expression.
"I don't care what he says." Kaguya said, surprising her mother. "He dictates little in my life. The decision is yours and yours alone. Train me." Kaguya continued.
Kazuchi thought about it – Forgas had no reason to deny her request what so ever, father or not. She asked her mother. Then she made her decision – a decision that would shake the world.
"Meet me at the Hollow tomorrow morning at dawn. If you're late expect punishment."
Kaguya squealed and hugged her mother then ran off with a massive grin on her face – Kazuchi laughed at how Kaguya reacted – she didn't know what she was in for.
"Still a child at heart."
With that Kazuchi returned to reading a familiar book.
