A/N How's it going?
We have another update here.
Really I don't understand why it takes me so long sometimes. I'm really just regurgitating the old fic with only a couple touch ups here and there...
Whelp, if you've read my old fic this chapter shouldn't be surprising. Its rather mundane actually.
But we get to start straight off with a flashback, Yay~
~Chapter 3 - ADAPT TO CHANGE
- - - - - Dream - - - - -
Naru swung her legs idly back and forth as she sat on the edge of a cliff. There was a cool wind blowing through her shortened hair and the crashing sounds of the waterfall soothed her heart.
"I knew I'd find you here." A warm voice said as she heard footsteps behind her.
"Well, Kakashi-sensei, like you I'm doomed to spend hours wasting away in front of a stone." She waved over at the direction of a neatly made tombstone, which she had taken the time to painstakingly carve.
"At least I'm still in Konoha where people can find me." Her sensei gave a small greeting to his buried student.
"Hey! It's my day off anyway," Naru pouted, it's not like she could visit every day. Why did the Valley of the End have to be on the border of Fire country?
"Maa-maa, no need to get all feisty on me." He ruffled her hair, "Why did you have to cut it anyway?"
"It was stained with blood," She answered simply. Despite the fact it wasn't possible for blood to stain hair, and that it had been washed out long ago, she could always see the blood soaked strands whenever she looked at her reflection. Thus she had hacked it off, and her sunny blonde hair now only came up to her shoulders. She had already dealt with Ino and Sakura screaming about what a waste it was, making her promise to grow it out again.
"So," Kakashi began after a moment of peaceful silence, "What flowers did you bring him?" He had seen the gorgeous bouquet resting on the Uchiha's grave, wrapped in elegant black paper and a red ribbon.
"I got him some pink carnations, lots of cyclamens, a couple daffodils, geraniums, purple hyacinths, some random pansies, and some crimson roses. Ino wasn't at the shop today so her dad wrapped them up for me. Apparently he's working on a rose hybrid that would have been perfect, but they're taking a while to grow so they'll have to wait for next time." Kakashi hummed in thought as she listed off the flowers almost professionally.
"Maybe I'll bring something for him next time as well." He decided.
"The teme would probably like that. I know Sakura visits on her day off as well but she can't come often due to hospital work."
"It's understandable. Deaths aren't uncommon in our line of work so it's hard to find time to mourn properly." Kakashi said knowingly.
"Yeah, yeah." Naru wanted to stop him before he fully went into teacher mode. She stood up dusting off her jumpsuit and turning to face the taller male. "So what did you need me for?"
"Tsunade-sama wanted to see you. She said it was urgent." There was another silence with an added coy smile from the tale male.
"Then why didn't you tell me straight away!" Naru shouted at the laid-back man. "Unlike you I refuse to be three hours late to important appointments!" She quickly left the area via shunshin after a small wave towards the grave.
- - - - - Reality - - - - -
Miyu blinked a couple of times, trying to get back to sleep. It didn't work seeing her biological clock had been waking her up at 4:00am for the past three years. There was an uncomfortable weight on her and she pushed it off, smiling as she heard a surprised yelp. With a discontent look the fox rolled back onto his feet and slapped her with his tail.
"Did you ever think that if you stopped sleeping on top of me, I'd stop pushing you off?" She suggested. Kurama merely gave her a look that said he wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. Looking out of the hospital window she could see the sun hadn't even risen yet and deduced no one would be checking on her anytime soon. Miyu sat up and crossed her legs preparing to meditate. It was better she found out where exactly her chakra levels were right now.
"Don't bother me." She told the fox as she settled into slow and steady breaths. She focused on her chakra which was significantly smaller than before and set about improving her circulation. She followed the flow around her body separating the large mass into something small enough to be counted as units. She could feel the nature's energy around her but avoided it for the moment, deciding that sage mode was a skill which should be saved for when she was better trained. Her chakra reserves were no longer as large as she remembered. They we're roughly the same as a newbie chuunin or a trained genin, something that did not bode well with her or her future plans. At least less chakra made it more manageable and her chakra control, no matter how bad it was before, hadn't lowered further.
It was already at the bottom so of course it could not get worse… The fox taunted. Her brow twitched in annoyance but she didn't retaliate.
"So, what should I get to doing first?" She asked. After entering the new timeline there was so much for her to do and she had no idea where to start. Speaking to the Hokage yesterday reminded her of the civil war in Amegakure where Pein would emerge from. If possible she would have to prevent that by somehow saving Konan and Nagato's friend.
They would be strong allies, especially the Rinnegan user. The fox yipped approvingly.
"I don't know when the war is going to end so I should try and get to them as soon as possible, and I'm hardly strong enough to defeat their enemies." She looked at her weak limbs, "I heard that Danzo had a hand in this whole thing and sent over heaps of his Root agents. I'll be relying on you quite a bit and I know you haven't fully recovered either."
We will make do like always, thinking has never been your strong point so do not start now. He teased.
"Baka-fox," she shoved him lightly before deciding she had spent enough time in bed, and hoped off. Miyu hardly made a sound when she landed, and tried to get a feel for her body. It was awkward at best, seeing as she thought her limbs were longer than they actually were.
Your taijutsu was not a strong point either, and truthfully you are bound to have gotten much worse.
"I don't even want to think about it. I guess I should start conditioning my body? Should I start with weights?"
Better not Kit, Kurama answered, your body is still growing at the moment. You may stunt your growth.
"So what can I do?" She asked.
Stamina training, chakra exercises… feel free to use some resistance seals.
"I don't have any ink or a brush." Miyu wouldn't mind putting the seals on now, since there wasn't anything better to do until someone realised she was awake. Judging by the fact the sun had not yet risen, that would be quite some time. The fox waved its tail around and pointed at her arm.
We will just have to use old fashioned methods and use your blood in place of ink. I will write it on for you. She nodded and searched the room for a small jar, found in one of the drawers, before biting her wrist and letting the blood flow out. She got a decent amount before her arm automatically healed up.
"Here ya go. You remember the seals I used to use right?"
Of course, who do you think I am? He yipped indignantly.
"The great Kyuubi no Kitsune, yeah, yeah." Miyu answered sarcastically, "Now come on, get it over with." He grumbled as much as a fox could and dipped the tip of his tail into her blood. In quick deft strokes he drew five identical seals, on the inside of each wrist, on her ankles and one on the back of her neck.
Done, now you just have to activate them. He sat down and began cleaning his tail by licking the blood off.
"Does it even taste that good?" Miyu asked in curiosity.
As a matter of fact yes. You humans always cook your food so you would not understand the taste of fresh blood and flesh. She just stared as he moved onto lapping the leftover blood, enjoying it like the carnivore he was.
"Right then," She pushed a small amount of chakra into each seal and tried to move around a bit. Nothing substantial yet, it just felt as if her movements were being hindered by the air itself. "Alright, there working now." The seal itself glowed dully and she waited for it to fade before rubbing the blood off, the resistance seals permanently in place."You need to get washed off…" Miyu said glancing at the fox whose muzzle had traces of blood. The jar itself though was sparkling clean.
How is your elemental control? Kurama asked. Miyu concentrated long and hard trying to conjure up some water but failed with only a slightly damp mist that made him sneeze.
"No good." She looked at her small hands in frustration, before sighing and shaking her head. "Well, let's go find a sink and get you washed up."
"You're awake!" Minato said surprised as he led his two students into the room.
"How are you feeling?" Rin asked pleasantly.
"Better. I think a good rest was all I needed." Miyu answered with a warm smile.
"You'll probably be discharged then. If the nurses say you're ok." Kakashi added. True to his words when her nurse came in to check on her she was declared fine and then out the doors within ten minutes.
"So, where's your fox?" The blond jounin questioned as they walked.
"Out hunting." Miyu replied.
"I hope he doesn't attack the Nara's deer." Minato worried, faltering in his step.
"He knows better, and he only eats wild animals." The fox's partner stated. In her timeline the Naras had taken a drastic and much needed measure, using their prized deer as provisions for the then homeless civilians and fighting ninja. The whole herd was gone in a month.
"So, we should probably go shopping today… you're going to need some new clothes." She couldn't go around just wearing the hospital-given civilian clothes. They'd have to get something more proper especially if she wanted to be a ninja.
"…I don't have any money." Miyu commented.
"We didn't expect you to." Rin responded, "That's why Minato-sensei will be paying for you."
"I couldn't-"
"It's a mission." Kakashi cut in. "The Hokage is practically giving us a break. We are assigned to take care of you and the money we receive after would be used to pay for any necessities and then some."
"Ah." Miyu smiled at the elderly Hokage. She would definitely have to repay him then. Before they had even realised it they had arrived at their main destination.
"Miyu, in here!" Minato led her over to a large clothing store and quickly went about browsing.
"Hey Rin," Kakashi turned to his teammate, "Don't you think those two look related somehow?" His eyes flicked between the jounin and soon to be academy student.
"Now that you mention it they do have a lot of similarities. I mean Minato-sensei's hair colour is quite unique in fire country and she has the exact same shade. The Yamanakas don't count since their hair is usually platinum blonde. They have similar facial structures as well, but I can't really tell since Miyu's still a kid." Rin seemed to be thinking pretty hard, "Their eye colours are also fairly alike, but Miyu's is a shade greener than blue." Both of Minato's students watched the cheerful interaction between the two blondes.
"It isn't completely unlikely for someone Sensei's age to have a young child…" Kakashi trailed off.
"I can go ask some of the nurses at the hospital if you want." Rin offered, "They have samples of her blood which we can compare to see if they're related." The boy nodded showing his approval. There was no way two people so similar wouldn't be related.
"Rin! Kakashi! Get over here!" their sensei called. Both students stopped their conversation and came over.
"What is it?" The medic asked.
"Doesn't she look adorable!?" He pointed over at Miyu who was dressed in an orange turtleneck and a pleated black skirt.
"That won't do at all!" Rin exclaimed quickly sifting through some other clothing racks. "She should wear something like this!" In a flash the girl had been changed into a cute orange summer dress. Kakashi eyed the glint of the silver rings around her neck, wondering why they looked so familiar. There was also a green gem hanging between them that reminded him of Tsunade's famous necklace.
"She wants to be a ninja so get her something practical," Kakashi sighed. He pulled out a pair of black pants and a matching top.
"Eh?" Minato and Rin cried, "But that's boring!"
"There's no orange…" Miyu muttered looking down at the black clothes in her hands. Despite how ill-fitting the colour was for a ninja she couldn't help but like it.
"Well we're definitely keeping the dress." Rin replaced the black top with the summer dress.
"I like this one!" Miyu pulled out an orange sleeveless hoodie that was trimmed with black.
"Then we'll get it," Minato decided adding a couple more of his own choices to the pile. "Uh, Rin… could I get you to find Miyu some…uh…undergarments?" The jounin requested.
"Of course!" Rin pulled the girl over to the back of the store and began sifting through different articles. "These should do for now." She said placing a mixture of orange, black and blue items in the girl's hands, "Though you'll have to come back here when you're older." Miyu nodded in understanding. They walked back to where the two males were waiting to pay and added the underwear to the pile. Miyu adopted a grudgingly accepting look when she couldn't pay, but before long they were all done, standing outside deciding what to do next.
"Oh shoot!" Rin exclaimed looking up at a clock on the shop wall, "I need to get to work!" She bid the group farewell and dashed off.
"Since we're done I'll be leaving too-" Kakashi turned to leave but a strong hand grabbed his shoulder, holding him back.
"Not so fast Kakashi~" Minato had an almost frightening smile on his face, "I need to pick up some groceries so while I'm gone, show Miyu around Konoha." The silver haired boy sighed, but agreed knowing there was no way for him to refuse.
"Where would you like to go?" The rather socially inept boy asked.
"Anywhere, should be fine." Miyu replied with a shrug. She had no idea how she should act in front of the younger Kakashi, and to make matters worse, she was alone since Kurama was still off hunting. The weather was fine, the sun shining down brightly on the two undecided kids. She fiddled with the chain around her neck, noticing it was different from the old ones that used to carry the matching rings, and wondered where the fox got it from.
"So, those rings are important to you?" Kakashi asked after a long silence.
"Yes," She replied softly her eyes full of various emotions, "They're very precious to me." The boy tried to identify her expressive eyes but only managed to pick out sadness before they were buried once again. They continued to walk until Kakashi suddenly stopped, and looked around nervously. "Are you okay?" Miyu asked, inwardly curious at seeing the panicked side of Kakashi.
"Shh!" He covered her mouth rather desperately, though he was trying to hide it. "He'll hear you." The blonde was completely confused and was tempted to shout just to find out who this person was. Turns out she didn't need to.
"KAKASHI!" Came a booming voice as some ran towards them. Whoever it was, they must've been running quite fast to create clouds of dust in their wake. "My eternal rival!" Kakashi swore under his breath cursing Minato for dragging him out of his apartment that morning. Miyu's eyes visibly widened as a green-spandex wearing teen with a bowl cut and defined eyebrows skidded to a stop in from of them. "I am here to offer my condolences!" The silver haired teen briefly wondered if he could shout any louder. Miyu assumed it was for Obito's death and came to realise how close she had been to saving the boy.
"Uh, thanks…" The boy answered awkwardly. It seemed this Kakashi hadn't found a way to deal with Gai yet. Miyu at least found his presence warming and comforting, something she missed when he was gone.
"No problem! It's the least I can do. I heard that your flames of youth have dimmed and came precisely to fan the fires back up to their former glory!" He ranted on passionately until finally taking notice of his rival's companion. "And who is this youthful looking miss? You must introduce me, my rival!"
"Ah, this is Uzunami Miyu." Kakashi replied. "She's new to Konoha."
"Mmf fu meef oo." Kakashi realised his hand still covered her mouth so he quickly removed it. "Nice to meet you." Miyu repeated.
"The pleasure is all mine!" Gai said in his usual loud voice, "I am Maito Gai, Konoha's sublime green beast and Hatake Kakashi's eternal rival!" Miyu wondered if she should also try to get a cool nickname this time around but quickly pushed the thought away. "That being said, Kakashi, I challenge you to a duel!"
"Sorry I must decline." Kakashi replied swiftly, "As you can see I am showing Miyu around Konoha."
"It's fine there are various ways to compete that would take little to none of your time!" He continued undeterred, "How about a game of wit? Or shall we test our luck again?" He just wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Um, could I suggest something?" Miyu asked quietly, Kakashi giving her a wary look, "It's a game that will test your mental endurance."
"What is it?" The Hatake asked.
"It's who can stay silent for the longest." He instantly perked up at the idea.
"How will this help?" Gai questioned, quite confused.
"What if you're on a mission and you need to be silent, sneaking through the shadows? Then you'll have to practice keeping quiet right?" Her logic was flawless.
"That is actually a very youthful idea. Kakashi let us both try this game! And, if I cannot defeat you I will run a hundred laps around Konoha…" The boy nodded in agreement as his self-proclaimed rival went off on another rant. "…And if I cannot do that I will climb the Hokage monument with only my fingertips-"
"I think we should begin." Kakashi hastily cut him off and awaited the peace that was sure to come.
A/N As always, thanks for reading :D
This time the flashback was a short moment between Naru and Kakashi, timed a couple of months after Sasuke's death.
Not a lot's happening right now but I aim to rectify that soon.
Anyway I hope you continue reading.