Around Eight Years Ago

"Are you out of your mind?! Why did you bring an outsider in our village? You knew how we had to go into hiding because of the warmongers who wanted our kin!" An old man clad in black robs, with blood-red and golden trimmings yelled. He was obviously fuming with the way his blood accumulated on his face, making it redder by the minute.

The man before him—a man who was average in height with auburn hair and a pair of striking red eyes—visibly flinched at the loud volume that the older man's voice had reached. By this time, the two of them were surrounded by people with uncanny resemblance to him, especially with the hair and eyes. Only, they were a shade lighter or darker.

"I can't believe you, of all people, would be doing this!" The older man continued ranting. He took a shaky breath when he paused before looking at the younger man who stood resolutely on his spot.

"You of all people should know. You are the next in line as clan head, Naohiko."

Naohiko's eyes seemed to burn as he stared back at his clan elder. And he could feel somebody clutching onto his garments, as if seeking for comfort. He knew what he should have done for the sake of his clan's safety. But he was not a cruel enough person to leave someone behind who was seeking help.

"I hope you wouldn't regret your decision. As for the woman, she can stay but she has to prove her worth first in order to be granted asylum here. Even then, I gather that she will not be able to find her place and be accepted here." With those words lingering in the air, the man turned on his feet and walked to the small hut that made out of sturdy wood.

"Yes, father," was the only response that Naohiko was able to come up with before he turned to the person he had saved.

The woman had fiery red hair. A trait that she shared amongst her famous clansmen as well, before her clan had met its demise. She had bright, golden eyes that flashed with fear, as she held onto his shirt tightly. Her hands trembled and Naohiko felt sorry for her.

"I-I'm sorry! If I had known that your father and your clan would be against this, I would have had asked for help from other people instead," the woman said in a soft, apologetic voice.

Naohiko smiled reassuringly at her, as he shook his head, "You don't have to apologize. It was my choice, and I had known that you were in trouble even before so I decided to help you."

At his statement, the woman became confused as her grip on his clothing went slack. Naohiko took this chance to turn himself around in order to fully face her. His expression softening at the sight of the woman. Beautiful was understatement to describe the ephemereal beauty that she possessed. Her beauty was incomparable to those of the women in his clan and it just enchanted him.

"I believe it that my decision to save you was right, and I know that you are a strong woman to be able to gain your place in my clan," he said in a vague manner that if other people would be able to hear what he said, they would only think that he was encouraging her.

"I will do my best then," the woman said, a small smile finally gracing her lips. But the act was enough to relieve him, and become more taken by her.

"Naohiko-sama," a boy around the age of five called out softly as he stood in front of the said man with a bashful expression.

"What is it, Ryou-kun?" Naohiko bent down on one knee as he spoke to the rusty-haired boy, who looked at him with big, dark eyes with hints of red in his irises.

"I-Is Nobuhiko-sama going to send you away, Naohiko-sama?" The boy asked, his eyes glinting with concern. Naohiko threw his head back, and laughed loudly before he shook his head.

"No, don't worry. I'm still the next-in-line as clan head, Ryou-kun," the older man replied, amusement dancing in his striking red eyes. The younger boy sighed in relief, before grinning widely at him. Then, he ran off to play with his peers.

Naohiko's mind wandered to the sweet boy. Ryou was the child of his clansmen. Said boy's father was his close friend who died during his travel to Iwagakure, when bandits attacked the merchant caravan of their clan. It was still fresh in his mind, how a lot of his people had died during that time. After all, it had only been three years since then.

A tug on his shirt brought him back to reality, as he saw the woman he had saved looking at him with mild concern. Little did he know that his expression turned grim, which alerted the woman immediately.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something that happened to my clan in the past," Naohiko mumbled, as he sheepishly scratched his nape.

"It's fine. Anyway, as much as I don't want to be a nuisance to the rest of your clan, I really have nowhere to go anymore so-" She was cut off mid-way when Naohiko sternly looked at her, and placed a finger on her lips.

"It's fine, Hitomi-san. I assure you that the clan will be able to accept your presence sooner or later," he smiled reassuringly, as he turned around and motioned her to follow him.

He led her in front of a small hut, beside a large and wide one. It was modest but definitely clean and looked as if it was newly built. Hitomi eyes widened as she stared at the towering male beside her, who looked smug. It amused her how the man seemed so serious earlier, but he was actually hiding a childish persona underneath it.

"This is going to be your new home. I will be asking Ryou-kun's mother, Mirai-chan, to help you settle in as well as get you oriented to the clan's laws and rules-whatever you want to call it," Naohiko chuckled as he gently put a hand on her head, and patted it. Hitomi grabbed his hand to make him stop, as she looked him in annoyance.

"Many thanks for that, Naohiko-sama, but I would appreciate it if you stop treating me as if I am a child. I am already a grown woman, as you can see. Thus, I have no need with you invading my personal space," Hitomi quipped. Her tone held a hint of irritation to it, but her expression was as calm as the water during the summer season.

Naohiko's eyes traveled from her head to toe, as if he was comparing her physical appearance to the statement she had just made earlier. This time, it earned him a glare from the woman before him. He just dismissed the prickly sensation that her glare was giving him, and sneakily smiled at her.

"I can see where you're coming from. You're definitely a grown woman. You'd be my type if it wasn't for your feisty attitude, though." Naohiko said in a playful manner, which made Hitomi furrow her eyebrows in distaste at his insulting comment.

"My sentiments exactly," she replied sarcastically as she stomped off to the hut that was going to be her new home from now on. Probably for a long time-or maybe, until she passed on to the next world.

Naohiko stared after her retreating figure with a gentle expression on his countenance, and flinched at the sound that the wooden door of Hitomi's new home had made after she slammed it shut behind her. He conjured up a chuckle at the woman's amusing reaction to his treatment towards her. After all, he was totally lying when he said that she was not her type. In fact, it was the opposite of it. The type of women she disliked or often ignored are the ones who are too obedient for their own good.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder how she will be able to adapt to the lifestyle in his clan. After all, Hitomi was an outsider who had no knowledge of what his clan is capable of.

To say that Hitomi fitted in well was an understatement. Almost a month had passed and the said woman was already getting along with a group of women, may it be the elderly or the ones who are of the same age group as her. And upon seeing that, Naohiko couldn't help but be relieved. He had expected more backlash from his clansmen for bringing home an outsider.

"Are you relieved, Naohiko-sama?" Mirai, one of the closest friends that Hitomi had made and the first of his clansmen that he had introduced to her, asked. A smile played on her lips as she also stared at the scene before them.

"To be honest, yes. Although, I kind of expected it." With those words, Mirai looked at him with confusion. Naohiko cleared his throat, before he explained further.

"Well, Hitomi is a strong girl. The way she held herself together despite being chased by... dangerous people when I first met her, it astonished me. Normally, girls would be panicking too much already." His eyes and tone of voice held fondness in them, and it made Mirai smile widely at him.

It was obvious that their clan heir liked Hitomi, but was still oblivious to his growing feelings for the said woman. She figured that it would be in their best interests if the two of them figured it out by themselves. Mirai silently stepped back, as she left Naohiko alone to watch Hitomi from afar as she interacted with the rest of their clan members.

"What is the meaning of this Naohiko?!" The same elder and his father, Nobuhiko, shouted in disbelief. He couldn't believe that his son would do this to him. To their clan.

Only a year had passed since he had passed the duties of being clan head to his son, and then this! This blasted woman who had no any Higanbana blood in her bore a child. And it was Naohiko, no less!

The couple was sitting in front of him in seiza, and to be honest, he would have ordered for their banishment instantly if it wasn't for the fact that Naohiko was the clan head now. Nobuhiko pinched the bridge of his nose, as he slowly felt the beginnings of a migraine.

"I'm sorry, Nobuhiko-sama, but please let me keep the child! It is going to be your grandchild, after all." He heard Hitomi explain in a desperate voice. The woman had proved herself for the past years. She had done a lot for the clan, from helping with the management of expenses and business to helping with the security and curing illnesses of their clansmen. But the fact that she was not of Higanbana heritage still remains. It would do no good if the heir of their clan was not pure-blooded. It coud be a cause of uprising from the other clansmen.

To say the least, Nobuhiko was conflicted. He knew that Hitomi was a good woman. Too good, in fact. She was bold with a good head on her shoulders, beautiful, and definitely someone who was competent enough to become the wife of the clan head, as well as the support of the clan. The only thing getting in the way is her lineage—or being from a different one, thereof.

"Only the two of you could be held accountable of your decisions," Nobuhiko finally said, as he heaved a sigh afterwards. His son and soon-to-be wife's expressions brightened up immediately, but he raised a hand which made them halt from their celebration.

"The two of you would surely face a lot of obstacles, especially the disagreements from our clansmen. However, know that you have to stand strong despite the odds." The elderly said, as he clasped his hands together and stared at his son.

"Naohiko," he looked at him seriously, and the said man straightened up on his seat. "Know that you are already the clan head, so you have to be aware where the best interest of our clan lies. As for Hitomi," Nobuhiko looked at the said woman, who met his eyes with her intense-colored ones. He internally nodded approvingly at his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

"Become Naohiko's support. You are not only the mother of your child now. But also, the mother of everyone in the clan. I truly believe that if it is you, you will be able to achieve great things. Despite being harsh to you most of the times, I know that you are a bright and strong girl, who deserves a better life." The woman's golden eyes grew misty at the older man's words. She had been so grateful to him and Naohiko for letting her stay with their clan, despite the negative effect that it could have on their reputations.

And she always knew that despite Nobuhiko-sama's seemingly unreasonable requests and harsh words, he was a naturally caring person who had the best interests of everyone in his clan. To be accepted and become a part of their clan now, was such a huge honor as well as something to be really proud of.

"Thank you, Nobuhiko-sama," Hitomi managed to say, as she held back the tears that were threatening to fall. She bowed her head deeply to him, making sure that he knew how grateful she was of him.

"I cannot believe that you had let Naohiko marry that outsider, Nobuhiko-sama!" A young man dressed in black robes with red trimmings cried out indignantly. He was about in his late thirties, with dark red hair and a pair of wine red orbs. And it glinted with hostility that the older Higanban was not pleased to notice.

"Settle down, Musashi-dono." Nobuhiko said in a dismissive manner as he quietly sipped his tea.

He was already expecting this kind of outburst from somebody within his clan, after all. It was only a matter of time. And now that the quarterly council meeting had begun, someone would surely speak up regarding the recent happenings within their clan.

"If only you had not accepted that blasted woman—" Musashi stopped halfway when Nobuhiko had set his teacup on the table rather loudly.

It made the other members of their clan's council to train their eyes on their previous clan head. They, too, cannot believe his decision. However, they were more accepting of it than the man who had been the one to flare up at the news first.

"Musashi-dono, the main family had always married for love, didn't you know? Hence, I do not want to force my son nor my grandchild to those old-fashioned arranged marriages. Even I married for love," Nobuhiko said, as he recalled his memories with his now-deceased wife. Musashi finally calmed down, despite still feeling infuriated that an outsider had tainted the noble blood of their clan head's family.

"Hitomi-san seems to be quite adept when it comes to handling the clan's matters," Akino, a woman in her late forties, commented as she took a sip of her tea. Her eyes then landed on Nobuhiko who did the same.

"Yes, she is. Actually, I am quite fond of her now. After all, she was able to prove herself to me as well as to the whole clan," the elderly man said, a small smile playing across his lips. The other members of the council who were present were pleasantly surprised at the action.

It was rare for them to see their former clan head smiling. It was after his wife's death that his smile had been seen less and less. Especially so, when Naohiko became more outspoken towards his father, which made the latter become adamant to adhering to the rules of the clan.

"It seems she was able to not only gain your approval but your affection as well, Nobuhiko-sama."

This time, Hirano spoke up. He was a man of average stature, with burgundy hair, styled in a crew cut. He was also sporting a trimmed beard. And his glimmering eyes were a beautiful shade of red—garnet red, in fact.

"Well, she is bearing my grandchild after all. It's high time that I slowly enjoy the time I have left. I can't wait until the baby is born," Nobuhiko chuckled as his eyes trailed to one council member to another.

"Thus, I am hoping for everyone in the council to support Naohiko and Hitomi. They are, after all, with heir already." Then, he pointedly looked at Musashi whose nose and ears seemed to emit smoke.

The man was still wet behind the ears, even after a few years had passed since he was nominated as a member of their clan's council. Nobuhiko had observed since the beginning, that Musashi was always the pessimistic ones when it comes to certain decision regarding their relationships outside of the clan. Nobuhiko just hoped that Naohiko would not easily be deterred by this... abomination of a man.

"Aww, isn't she cute?" Mirai cooed, as she held out a finger to the being that was bundled in a pure white blanket. A tiny hand shot out and held onto it tightly.

"She is, isn't she?" Hitomi smiled as she looked down at her newfound joy in life. She was glad that her child had been born safely, and without any complications. Though, she was sure that it wouldn't make her love her baby girl any less.

"Naoko-chan, say hello to your auntie Mirai," she said in a soft voice as she rocked the child bundled in the blanket back and forth.

Naohiko, on the other hand, sat on her left side on the bed. He was still stumped at the fact that he was now a father. He looked down at his child—his precious, precious daughter. He cannot believe how almost a year had quickly passed by. And seeing his daughter upclose just made his heart melt.

Slowly, her eyes opened, revealing a pair of pale, red orbs. Tiny hands reached out and Naohiko couldn't help but let his index finger be enclosed in his daughter's fingers. The action made Hitomi smile lovingly at her husband and daughter.

"You should hold her too, Naohiko-san," Hitomi suggested and handed their daughter to him.

Naohiko's eyes widened in fear at the thought of holding the small bundle of joy in his arms. He was afraid that he will suddenly drop her. But slowly, he let his wife settle their child in the security of his arms. His heart just warmed at the fact that he was holding their child now.

This little girl who would grow up quickly, and will leave the nest someday. He couldn't help but tear up because of his thoughts about the future. And upon hearing him sniffle, Hitomi chuckled light-heartedly at his silliness.

"You know that she won't grow up too quickly right? I'm sure it'll be a long journey for us as parents." Hitomi said reassuringly, smiling widely at Naohiko before staring lovingly at their daughter covered in white blanket.

"You're right," Naohiko agreed, as he planted a light kiss on little Naoko's forehead and continued to cradle her in his arms.

Yet, how wrong the both of them were.

Not more than five years later when their small, hidden village was suddenly engulfed in huge, hot flames that indiscriminately burned down anything and everything in its way. Hitomi ran out of their humble home, tugging gently at the hand of the now four-year old Naoko. The little girl looked on at the catastrophe before them that consisted of burning houses, fighting and villagers running and screaming like chickens that had their heads cut off.

"Mother, where are we going?" Naoko shouted amidst the chaos.

Hitomi barely glanced at the little version her and Naohiko as she proceeded to find her husband within the burning premises of the village. He had not returned home yet before the village was under attack and she just hoped that he had not met such a fate that would leave both her and their child brokenhearted.

"We're going to find your father, Nao-chan," she said, loud enough for her child to hear. Naoko just kept silent as she followed behind her mother obediently when a masked figure jumped down from a tree, preventing them from continuing their search.

Instantly, Hitomi was on alert and stepped in front of Naoko protectively. She could not afford to put Naoko's life at risk. No matter what, she would protect her. Protect her daughter. Protect their child. Even at the cost of her own life.

"Hitomi!" The familiar voice of Naohiko that the both her and Naoko loved so much resounded despite the mayhem happening in every nook and cranny of their village. He pulled out a katana from its sheath that was strapped at the side of his waist and was met with the clashing of metal.

"Who are you?" Naohiko narrowed his eyes at the dangerous intruder who had his whole body from head to toe covered in black clothing. A hitai-ate was also tied loosely around his neck, but due to the darkness—excluding the surrounding area that was still burning—the Higanbana clan's patriarch was not able to see clearly which hidden village the ninja was from.

"I don't think you will be able to do anything with that information at your disposal," the mysterious ninja replied in his low, gruff voice as he quickly pulled out a kunai from one of his weapon holsters strapped around his thigh and tried to slash Naohiko who barely avoided it.

"Hitomi, take Naoko away from here!" Naohiko barked, as he tried to evade from another deadly attack that the unidentified shinobi. Hitomi bit her lip in apprehension, not wanting to leave her husband behind when it was so dangerous right now.

Although she knew that he was a skilled swordsman (he did save her from attackers years ago, after all), but to fight against a shinobi who had more skills in disposal is simply suicidal. But Hitomi did not want to have Naoko to be in the midst of the crossfire as well.

"No, father! Please don't make us go away!" Naoko cried out, her tears streaming down her cheeks as she watched her father fight the bad person before them. She clutched onto her mother's clothes tightly.

"Quickly!" The booming voice of Naohiko made Hitomi snap out from her thoughts, and when she saw that he was on even footing with the unknown ninja, shewas reassured enough to leave him for a moment to make sure that their child was hidden away safely.

Hitomi carried little Naoko in her arms while the latter protested. They went to an empty clearing after Hitomi made sure that there were no hostile presences around. She set down her daughter by the bushes that could completely cover her tiny body as she gave her a small backpack.

"Nao-chan, can you call me the way you used to?" She asked, smiling gently down at the child before her. Naoko looked up at her mother with tear-stained face, eyes filled with confusion and fear.

Somehow, her young mind was able to understand the fact that there was something wrong going on and that she would be forced to follow someone again. But this time, it was not training or lesson on how to become a proper heiress of the clan. Instead, it was for her own survival. For her to continue living.

"Mama," Naoko called out using her small voice. Tears dripping quickly dripped down her round, pinkish cheeks. Hitomi was proud and glad to have her as her daughter, although five years were too short for them to be with their growing child. At that realization though, her own tears started slipping down her face as well.

"I'm so sorry, Nao. I wish we could be with you until you grow much older or until your father and I are on our deathbeds," Hitomi said as she wrapped her arms securely around Naoko who was now sobbing loudly, while calling out to her and Naohiko.

"I'm sorry, Nao, for not being able to see you grow up. Your father and I are sorry for putting you through this. We're really proud of you for being the heiress of the clan and our daughter. We love you so, so much." Hitomi squeezed Naoko one last time, before letting her go.

The red-haired child just looked on in horror as she was left behind to stare at her mother's retreating figure which was headed to the direction they came from earlier. She wiped her tears away—coughing, sobbing and sniffing.

"Mama, please listen!" Hitomi halted in between her steps, and turned around one last time at Naoko before rejoining with Naohiko. Her eyes were silently probing Naoko, who hiccuped as she tried to form words but it came out as incoherent blubbering.

"You can do it, Nao," she urged quietly, and Naoko finally managed to get her emotions under control. Words by her instructors and teachers were ringing inside her head at that moment, as she recalled them.

As the clan's heiress, you should be able to properly get your emotions under control or else an enemy could take advantage of it—may it be during negotiations or a fight.

You should not let your emotions rule over you, Naoko-sama. As the future head of the clan, you should be able to decide wisely without letting your emotions get in the way.

Please always remember these words.

"Mama, I love you too. Please tell papa as well. And make sure to come back and get me so we could all be together again," Naoko pleaded, although her voice became smaller by the end of her sentence when she noticed how her mother nodded her head, while smiling sadly.

"Of course, dear." Hitomi said, as she turned around and ran without looking back even once.

And that was the last time that Naoko had ever seen at least one of her parents.

The next thing she knew, she woke up the next day in the bushes where her mother had left her and she searched her whole village for what was left of it.

There was nothing.

[A/N]: *whispers* Rui's back!

And since I have reached ten chapters already for this story, an extra chapter for you guys! This is still canon, of course. Just that, it was before Naoko was born and of course, after she was born as well. *wink wink*

I hope it was alright! Also, I'm so sorry for not updating as often as I did last month—errr... months, I guess? But anyway, it's summer vacation for me already. I am interning at a company right now, since it's going to be my senior year in university this coming August. (/□＼*)

~o~o~o~o~

LPWomer - That—I cannot guarantee. Do look forward to the main storyline though! *winks*

Dark Rose Charm - Here's a part of the Nao's past~ But the story she told Kakashi will be on another update... hopefully. ;)

Magic-tracy - Awww, thank you! Please look forward to the next chapters!

~o~o~o~o~

On another note, thank you for waiting for me to update! I hope you guys are still excited for this story. Thank you so much for all the love and support!

You guys are the best! ヾ(＠゜▽゜＠）ノ