A/N Yo! Welcome back.
I'm proud to present you all with the newest chapter of Tender Sea: Revamped~
Right just to clarify things. Miyu's existence and cover story won't be affecting Minato and Kushina's relationship. I've had a hard time trying to explain it but basically they both share a common half-sister (that is in reality non existent), but they themselves aren't related at all (with or without the half-sibling).
Wel I think this chapter is fairly important (at least it's a precursor for a major reveal in the next part...) ahahah...
Also some character might be a bit OOC but there's not much to work with when they're dead in the future (ie, the Uchiha clan, Kushina and Minato etc), or still susceptible to change (i.e Iruka, Itachi etc)
But anyway, the positive feedback is encouraging and motivating. I really do mean it when I thank you for reading at the end of each chapter.
~Chapter 7 - INTRODUCTION
Uchiha Fugaku was by no means a cold-hearted man like many others would suggest. He was the head of the esteemed Uchiha clan and so acted as such, but, he was also a family man. He had a loving and beautiful wife and a prodigious son he could be proud of and now apparently, a daughter as well. Then again something was definitely off. He knew for a fact, that she was definitely not his daughter. If anything she looked the exact replica of Namikaze. He didn't know what to think. Unless the results had been fabricated, what Uzumaki had suggested would have to be correct. Yet he had no recollection of any such event. Before Mikoto there had never been anyone else. However, if the papers spoke the truth, then she was 50% Uchiha. Half. It was enough to manifest the Sharingan.
Sighing he rubbed his temples, and entered his home. The Sharingan was a coveted kekkai genkai and also the pride of his clan. It could not be allowed for an outsider to attain it. Then again she also held connections to some very important people. It would be wise for him to keep her close. He thought in place, listening to the soft, quick footsteps of his son approaching. "Welcome home, Chichi-ue." Itachi called, with a small, almost non-existent smile.
"Hn." Fugaku rested a hand on top of his son's head, "I hope you have behaved yourself." He felt the nod, and made a noise of approval. He turned in search of his wife who he later found humming in the kitchen as she cooked.
"Back already?" She asked surprised, "What did the Hokage want?"
"It had to do with the girl Minato brought back." The Uchiha head began.
"Oh? I saw her just this morning running around with Maito Gai." Mikoto remembered, "She's a cute little thing." Fugaku showed a fraction of a smile. Maybe this was a sign that his wife would welcome the new addition.
Kit. Miyu felt herself being nudged but stubbornly resisted. Kit, wake up already.
"Five more minutes…" She curled up further in her warm bed after feeling the chill of the morning air.
You know there is no point in trying to get back to sleep, Kurama drawled, you are just being lazy.
"I know," despite what she said she made no move to get out, "I didn't dream last night…"
Did you want to? Her companion asked.
"I miss them," She mumbled softly, "If dreams are the only way I can see them again then…"
You can still see them, the fox nudged her small body. He didn't like to see his former container look so weak. You have seen Kakashi nearly almost every day since our arrival.
"It's different. They're different." They were two different people. That was the only reason she could be around him, because to her, Kakashi Hatake had already died. Her ninja heart had steeled itself stopping any tears. "This Konoha isn't my Konoha." Her voice cracked and she wondered if she had finally broken.
They are different, Kurama agreed, but you still have a place here. You have carved yourself a place here, with your own power. He comforted her with a furry paw on her head. I think I may have rushed you into this, I have forgotten that humans need time. He let the girl lie there. Dawn was still a far while away so she needn't worry about the day yet. When the demon though back he couldn't remember her having mourned properly yet.
"Miyu?" Minato poked his head into her room, feeling something off, "Are you ok?"
"…" She didn't respond, adding to his worry.
"What's wrong?" He came to sit by the bed, Kurama not moving, but staring at him intently. Minato was at a loss. What happened to the cheerful kid he knew? Then again she had lost her all memories so maybe it was the panic and stress finally catching up to her. "There, there," he patted her back in a soothing manner, "It's ok, I'll be here for you." He said reassuringly. She remained completely silent but the irregular breathing told him she was still awake. Neither said anything for the next couple of hours. Not even noticing when violet eyes began watching them sadly.
"Are you ready for the Academy?" Minato asked, while flipping an omelette.
"Mmhmm." Miyu responded cheerfully, this morning's woes pushed to the back of her mind. She had changed out of her pyjamas and wore black pants with a long-sleeved, black top. Not a speck of orange on her.
"She's starting the Academy?" Kushina asked, walking to the dining table. She took a seat beside the girl and Minato handed her a plate with freshly cooked food.
"Yeah, looks like she's already learnt some of the basics so Hokaga-sama decided to let her attend." He answered.
"Hmm. How interesting." Kushina clapped her hands enthusiastically, "I can't wait to see how she does!"
"We're not really sure what she remembers but she has the academy jutsu down as well as the basics." The blond jounin explained, "Of course I'll help you with anything you need, Miyu-chan."
"Arigato, Minato…jisan? Jichan? Chan?" She puzzled her way through the possible honorifics, not noticing Kushina's snort of laughter.
"Isn't she the cutest?" Minato beamed towards his girlfriend before focusing his attention back onto the girl. "Feel free to call me anything you like…but Jisan makes me feel a bit old."
"Minato..." She decided, dropping the suffix completely.
"She's a sweet little thing." The red haired woman turned her attention to the younger girl, "How about me? You can call me neechan."
"Ah, alright Kushina-neechan." Miyu repeated endearingly. Kushina smiled happily in response.
What a happy looking scene. Kurama yipped while trying to get back to sleep on Miyu's shoulders. Kushina stared at the furred animal intently. It seemed so familiar, but maybe it was just the species.
"A fox huh…" Subconsciously her hand moved to rest on her stomach where her own tenant slept.
"So do you have anything to do today?" Minato asked, jolting the older woman from her daze.
"I have to check in with the old man but then I'm free for the next couple of days." She replied nonchalantly.
"You know, he is the Hokage so you shouldn't blatantly disrespect him." His brow furrowed in concentration, "I don't even know how you get away with half the stuff you say to him."
"I speak the truth. He's old and he knows it." She snorted and shrugged, "Plus he's cool that way and doesn't seem to mind as long as it's not in front of anyone important." Miyu found herself nodding along.
"I like Jiji!" She added.
"I like you." Kushina said, ruffling the girl's hair. Miyu's cheeks puffed out in irritation as she tried to fix the mess.
"Well at least you two get along," Minato sighed, "Come on Miyu, I'll walk you to the Academy."
Finally, the fox huffed, trailing along as the slow day started to pick up.
Waiting in front of the Academy, it didn't appear to have changed a bit. Just standing outside the gates Miyu could already hear the excited chatter of kids. Most parents stared at the blonde duo with open curiosity, their children doing the same. She had guessed by now that Minato was already some sort of village idol and she was a young girl who shared a striking resemblance. "Will you be ok?" He asked, crouching down to meet her eyes.
"I think so," She replied, "And if anything goes wrong I have Kurama with me." She patted the fox fondly.
"Alright, well I guess I'd better get going," He shifted on his feet, a look of concern crossing his face, "I'll be moving your stuff over to the Uchiha compound later on. You know how to get their right?"
"Hai." The girl nodded.
"Alright then, ah, feel free to contact me if you need something." He raised his hand and gave a small wave which she returned enthusiastically.
"Right, see you later!" Miyu skipped into the building with her faithful companion, leaving her uncle by himself.
"I feel kind of lonely," Minato said offhandedly, "Maybe I should give Kakashi and Rin unexpected morning training?" He whistled happily while his two remaining students were overcome with a sense of foreboding.
Meanwhile Miyu made her way to her classroom holding a slip of paper the Hokage had told her to give to Saito-san, the academy instructor that would be teaching her. She came to room 2-A and knocked on the door politely. "Huh?" A gruff voice called, "Come in." Miyu sild open the wooden doors but stayed back nervously. She hoped she would be able to make friends.
"Um..." The fox nudged her impatiently from behind and she stumbled into the room, "That wasn't nice Kurama!" She shouted angrily at the fox.
"Who are you little Miss?" asked a well-muscled man with cropped black hair and a chuunin vest. Miyu handed him the note and looked around the class nervously. Everyone looked about nine years old, but she was told that this was the graduating class.
The age limit was probably raised in our time because the war was over Kurama informed as he strode into the room, surprising most students. Taking a look at the students in the top row she almost did a double take. There was a familiar looking brunette sitting alone in one of the back rows, a recognizable scar stretching across the bridge of his nose.
"Well class," The chuunin said loudly, "We'll be getting a new student. This is Uchiha Miyu, your future comrade."
"Nice to meet you!" She greeted as whispers broke out. It was overall confusing, for the blonde Namikaze look alike, after arriving with said ninja, to turn out to be an Uchiha.
"I'm Takao Saito and I'll be your teacher," Saito introduced, "Does anyone have any questions."
"How old is she?" an Inuzuka asked from the front row without raising his hand. Miyu didn't doubt that she looked younger than her age.
"Age doesn't matter when you're a shinobi." Her teacher answered bluntly.
"What's up with the fox?" A girl with shoulder length black hair asked. The chuunin looked at her for an answer.
"This is Kurama." Miyu introduced, "He is my partner." She left it at that and everybody seemed to understand seeing as there was a similar situation with the Inuzuka.
"Are those whiskers?" Another girl asked while pointing at her cheek.
"They're… birthmarks." Miyu said uncomfortably.
"Are you sure he's an Uchiha?" A boy up the front questioned doubtfully.
"Yes. Alright! That's it for questions." Saito clapped loudly getting everyone's attention, "Sit wherever you want gaki." He said. Everyone watched her expectantly and were surprised to see her walk all the way up the rows to sit next to the lone boy.
"Hello. I'm Miyu" The short blonde introduced with a grin.
"I'm Umino Iruka." The brunette grinned back in a friendly manner. Iruka was such a cute kid. Miyu thought happily.
I heard he was a lot like you. Kurama voiced while sitting on the desk in front of her, you will probably have a lot in common. She smiled happily while watching the boy out of the corner of her eyes. He seemed to struggle to pay attention and she caught his glances each time he turned to look at her, much to his embarrassment. She thanked whatever god up there that there was less knowledge for her to remember. A good chunk of the history had yet to happen and she had grasped the theory a long time ago. Their teacher continued to talk about stealth and other similar topics while pacing in front of the room. Hours dragged by for her before he finally stopped.
"Alright brats," Takao announced with a brisk tone, "It's lunch so get your shit and get out of my classroom." Miyu personally found it funny that her teacher spoke so frankly, comparing him to the future Iruka.
Lunch… I'm going hunting. The fox stood and shook out his fur before abruptly jumping out the window.
"Whoa!" Iruka jumped in his chair as he felt the breeze and saw a red blur, "Where's he going?"
"Kurama's going to hunt for his lunch. Do you mind if I eat with you?" She pressed her fingers together in a marvelous impression of a certain shy Hyuga.
"Uh… no I don't. Do you want to go outside?" The blonde nodded and he led her to the base of a large tree, his eyes brimming with curiosity.
"So, what do you have for lunch?" Iruka asked pulling out his bento. In response Miyu pulled out her own orange wrapped bento. Taking off the lid both kids were surprised and the cutesy food lying neatly beside the rice. "Did your mum make that for you?" He wondered.
"…No, I think it was Minato." She answered truthfully.
"Ah." Iruka hadn't expected that of the famous ninja. "What's up with you two anyway?" He asked instead, "At first I thought you were his daughter, but then Saito-sensei introduced you as an Uchiha. I don't think I've ever seen a blonde and blue-eyed Uchiha." All this was said as he wolfed down his food with the speed only a growing boy could manage.
"I'm him niece." She answered easily enough.
"Hmm." Iruka nodded in acceptance, "What about being an Uchiha then? Can you do that eye-thing?"
"The Sharingan?" Miyu deciphered. She wondered if she should be able to do it or not. Theoretically, under the guise of her amnesia, she could pull out a lot of varying skills.
"Yeah, that one." The boy remembered.
"I'm sorry," She decided, "I'm not sure how."
"Oh well," He replied, only slightly disappointed, "How old are you anyway?"
"Eight." She responded.
"Really?" He squinted his eyes as he inspected her closely, "I thought for sure you were younger but in the end that's only a year less than the rest of us."
"So what have I missed out on?" Miyu began, "I mean, what have you guys learnt already?"
"Hm? Well Saito-sensei doesn't really care too much about theory and history," The brunette scratched his nose in embarrassment, "I don't mind since I'm not very good at those things… Anyway, we went through the Jutsu last week. You know which ones I'm talking about right?"
"Do you mean Bushin, Henge and Kawamiri?" He nodded showing she was correct.
"Yeah, those are the ones. We have our graduation coming up so you better learn them if you already haven't." Iruka advised, "Every couple of days we practise our sparing. We did that yesterday so you just missed out. Other than that there's not much else. Most of the times we go through mock situations in class."
"Mock situations?" the blonde prompted him further.
"Yeah," He tried to remember back a few days, "I think the most recent one was where you were a chuunin on delivery that got captured by the enemy."
"And what did you do?" Miyu asked curiously.
"Ahahah…" Iruka laughed nervously and mumbled out his answer, "…I said to struggle, fight back and try to escape."
"And how did Saito-sensei say you did?" The girl wondered.
"Ah, he said I'd be dead since they'd kill me for being too troublesome." Iruka mumbled unhappily, "Act complacent unless you know you can win the fight. Only an idiot would try to confront stronger shinobi while outnumbered." His voice deepened as he tried to mimic his teacher's idiosyncrasies, "Actually, struggle all you want. You brats are better off dead so you don't reveal any village secrets."
"Pfft." His impression of his teacher was horrible. Both kids broke out into childish laughter.
"You look like you're having fun Iruka." A voice sneered. Both children stopped laughing and Miyu turned to see who had interrupted them. Black hair, onyx eyes, and a cocky demeanour, it couldn't be anyone other than an Uchiha. She sighed and packed away her forgotten lunch.
"Go away Ichirou." Iruka glared back at the boy.
"Make me." He taunted. Miyu never liked bullies and instantly took a further disliking to the boy. "Who are you?" He asked rudely, turning his attention to the blonde.
"Isn't common courtesy to offer you own name first?" She shot back. He didn't react to the jab and instead announced himself proudly.
"I'm Ichirou Uchiha," He answered, "I'll ask again. Who the hell are you midget and what are you doing with the deadlast?"
"Midget? Miyu repeated twitching slightly.
"Just leave us alone, Ichirou." Iruka said tiredly.
"Why should I?" The boy scoffed, "I'm just here to make sure you know your place." He made a grab for the brunet but was intercepted as a small hand grasped his wrist.
"I'll ask you now to leave." Miyu said in a chilling tone. No one would ever harm a loved one in front of her. Not while she could help it.
"I'll leave when I want to." The Uchiha answered with a glare, snatching his arm back from the girl's surprisingly strong grip.
"...Trash." Miyu insulted him with a heated glare.
"What did you call me?" Ichirou growled angrily.
"Sorry, was I too quiet for you?" She growled back, closer to an animal's, "I said you're trash." Iruka was doing his best to stop her but his efforts were futile. The larger boy lunged for her and she smiled back wickedly. Slapping his outstretched arm away she swept his foot underneath him and sent the boy sprawling to the ground. Iruka watched on looking rather shocked. "Lunch will be over soon, we'd better get going." She said, shaking Iruka from his astonishment.
"Right." He agreed. He turned away slow enough to catch some movement in the corner of his eye from where the proud Uchiha had fallen. "Miyu!" Iruka suddenly exclaimed watching as Ichirou went for a sneak attack. Without turning the blonde stuck out a leg ad tripped the boy, again, and sending him tumbling.
"I'm not an idiot, Uchiha," She said in clipped tones, "Annoy me or Iruka again and I swear I will break at least one of your limbs." She left him in the dirt as she and Iruka walked back to the classroom. The rest of the day was spent finding out what she had missed in the curriculum and explaining some difficult parts of theory to Iruka.
Miyu walked leisurely out of the Academy, looking quite bored and whistling an annoyingly repetitive tune. Ku padded silently on her right, having returned from his hunting trip, keeping an eye out for any possible dangers.
How was lunch? He asked pleasantly. She would have replied if a voice hadn't cut her off.
"That's her!" She widened her eyes as a distraction presented itself. Ichirou looking slightly beat up, was pointing her out to the two adults behind him. Both men had a strangely bored expression on their faces, one even yawning slightly.
It seems I missed out on quite a bit. The fox deduced. It was nothing important. Miyu answered truthfully.
"Can I help you?" Miyu put up her most innocent look, causing the guards to look at Ichirou sceptically.
"Um, are you sure?" asked the guard on the left, with long hair tied in a ponytail.
"Of course!" Ichirou stamped his feet like a child on a tantrum, which she supposed he was, "She's definitely the one who attacked me!"
"Sorry about this." Said the man on the left with short cropped hair, "But do you mind coming along with us?" Miyu shrugged and allowed them to lead her to the Uchiha compound. It was strange to see it so full of life and people. She made a mental note that she would also have to somehow prevent the Uchiha massacre. They led her inside and she was brought to a man she presumed was his father.
"Otou-san!" Ichirou began. Ah, so she was right.
"What is it?" The man looked slightly exasperated.
"Today at school that girl suddenly came up to me in a sneak attack and beat me up!" The child lied straight through his teeth.
"Excuse me?" Miyu asked, "I did nothing of the sort." Kurama snorted at the foolish bully.
"She's lying." Ichirou continued, "And she made it so I couldn't fight back by using her fox to threaten my classmates." His father rubbed his forehead with his hand.
"May I begin by asking who you are, Miss?" He turned his attention to the little girl. He wondered how a small girl like her could have beaten his son. Ichirou, even with all his faults, was the best fighter in his class.
"My name is Uchiha Miyu," She inclined her head politely, but after they heard her name, she instantly felt that the atmosphere in the room had shifted.
"Ah," The boy's father looked at her with something that could only be described as contempt, "Fugaku's bastard child?"
A/N Thanks for reading.
You don't really have to focus on the OCs, they're there to make the story easier to write and usually won't have a major role.
As you can see I've made Fugaku a bit more 'accepting' and caring, after all from all the flashbacks I've seen, he really does love his family. (plus I figured things really began falling into hell after the Uchiha were accused of the Kyuubi attack)
Uh, we get to meet Saito-sensei (and random, fun to write character), as well as younger Iruka (he's probably going to become fairly different in the future.)
Miyu has adopted the Uchiha name (she's still kept the others don't worry), and she's moving into the compound. After all, I think Minato and Kushina would be more understanding, and from withing she can make the changes she wants~
AHHH, I hate ending chapters because I'll always remember something I've forgot to add...
Anyway, as always, I hope to see you in the next chapter.