Kanoko stood tall with her arms crossed staring down at Naruto and Sakura.
Of course, the strong image was ruined by the several bandages on her face. After all, it had only been a day since they officially became genin, but Kanoko wanted to get started right away.
"Ok. Since we are officially a team, we need to know more about each other's skills. I'll go first." Kanoko ran through a series of hand signs before her shadow started to move.
"This is the Shadow Possession Jutsu. Shadow manipulation is what the Nara Clan's base many of their jutsus off of." Kanoko released her rat seal. "To be honest, you won't see me use that jutsu unless absolutely necessary. It is very draining to my chakra and only gets weaker the longer I hold a person."
Kanoko reached behind her to grab her sword. She swung it out, "My kenjutsu skills are strongest of all my assault abilities right now." She took a few different stances with her sword to demonstrate.
Putting her sword away, she opening her kunai pouch and pulled out a scroll. She held it out, "I also have measurable skills in fuinjutsu. Sakura, if you need storage or explosive seals, please let me know and I would be willing to provide you such."
Sakura just nodded before Naruto jumped up yelling, "Hey! How come you'll give Sakura-chan your secret scrolls, but not me?!"
Kanoko's eye twitched before saying, "You can make your own scrolls. I only offered them to Sakura because she is on my team and likely doesn't have any fuinjutsu skills."
"What is this fuinjutsu you keep talking about?! I don't remember hearing about it in the academy!" Naruto said with his eyes narrowed and his arms crossed.
"Idiot! That's because you skipped class like you always do!" Sakura yelled at Naruto, "Fuinjutsu is a type of jutsu that seal objects, living beings, chakra, along with a wide variety of other things within another object. Fūinjutsu can also be used to restrict movement or unseal objects either from within something or someone." Sakura finished, as if she read it straight out of the book.
Naruto still looked confused. Kanoko sighed, "You really don't know what fuinjutsu is? What kind of Uzumaki are you?", muttering the last part.
Naruto looked mad and was about yell when Sakura interrupted him, "What do you mean, "What kind of Uzumaki is he"?"
"… I don't like where this is going…" Kanoko thought before answering. "The Uzumaki is a clan known for its proficiency in the art of sealing. They were also known for their vitality: large chakra reserves."
Naruto stared at Kanoko in wonder before asking softly, "I have a clan?"
Kanoko shifted nervously before looking away, "I'm not sure… Their village was very far from here and I haven't heard anyone speak of them."
Sakura was trying to add up the facts in her head, "Then… how do you know so much about them?"
Kanoko didn't look at either of them, "I… …read things." Kanoko said lamely before stating loudly, "Naruto! Let's see what you can do!"
"Huh?" Naruto asked, being interrupted from his thoughts.
"Ninjutsu, taijutsu, and I won't even bother asking about your genjutsu skills." Kanoko said flatly.
Naruto stood up quickly with a grin before shouting, "Haha! I'll show you my great and awesome jutsus! First Shadow Clone Jutsu!" And with that, at least 30 Naruto copies popped out of thin air.
Kanoko just stared bewildered before walking up to a clone and poking it. It didn't pop.
It was solid.
"Impossible." Kanoko thought before turning back to the real Naruto. "Where did you learn this?!" Kanoko barked out.
Naruto giggled before saying, "Oh, just somewhere! It was super easy to master too!" He finished with a laugh, placing his hands on his hips.
Kanoko's eyebrow twitched, "Super easy! Why you! It wasn't super easy to create, you bastard."
"Just show us your next jutsu, idiot!" Sakura said getting impatient.
"Aww! Sakura-chan… Why are you so mean…" Naruto said dispelling the clones and running through a few hand seals, "This one is 100% Uzumaki Naruto crafted! Sexy Jutsu!" Suddenly Naruto transformed into a naked and busty blonde.
A tick formed on Sakura's head and she tightened her fist. Kanoko just gave Naruto a bored look.
"NARUTOOO!" And was the only warning Naruto got.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined with tears in his eyes and bruises on his cheeks.
Kanoko sighed before crossing her arms again. "They're children Tobirama. Just remember that they are children."
"Is that all Naruto?" Kanoko asked flatly.
"Well, I have other super awesome techniques, but they're super-secret, so I can't tell you." Naruto said with his eyes closed and his arms crossed.
"He doesn't know any other techniques, is what he means." Kanoko and Sakura thought at the same time.
"That just leaves you Sakura." Kanoko said turning to Sakura.
Sakura stared at Kanoko for a second, and then looked to Naruto, before shifting nervously with a small blush on her face, "Well… I know the transformation jutsu, and the clone jutsu… and the body replacement jutsu…"
*silence*
"Wow Sakura! You know all those jutsu?! That's so cool!" Naruto told Sakura, looking sincerely impressed.
Kanoko just stared at the both of them in shock, "Those… are all… wait… are you saying Naruto… both of you…?" "That's all they know?! Breathe Tobirama, breathe."
"Ok, never mind. What about taijutsu and genjutsu? How are you in those subjects?" Kanoko asked trying to recover from her shock.
Sakura put a finger on her chin, looking up before answering, "Well, I'm not that good at taijutsu and I don't know any genjutsu, but I'm pretty good at identifying when I am in a genjutsu." Sakura finished with a smile.
"I guess it goes without saying how under prepared clan-less ninja are." Kanoko thought, further thinking about the discrepancies between genin from clans, those not from clans, orphans, and those from civilian families.
"Ok, looks like we have a lot of work ahead of us. I'm going to be frank: We're going to train hard and I'm not letting Kakashi assign us any C-ranked missions until the both of you are efficient in at least two defensive jutsus." Kanoko finished with a flat tone and look.
"WHAAT?! WHO DIED AND MADE YOU LEADER?!" Naruto yelled, getting in Kanoko's face.
Kanoko simply pulled out a lighter, clicking it so fire came out and said, "I'll make good on my promise. Without regret."
"AHH! No, please don't burn down Ichiraku Ramen! WHAT DID RAMEN EVER DO TO YOU?!" Naruto yelled waving his hands.
"It continues to fuel your existence. That is how it has wronged me." Kanoko said flatly while closing her eyes.
Sakura snickered at that while Naruto just cried in the corner.
Kanoko pulled out two chakra nature squares before looking back up at Naruto and Sakura with a serious face, "Naruto. Sakura."
Naruto and Sakura looked back to Kanoko with curious expressions.
Kanoko took a deep breath and said, "It doesn't matter what you do, you may live and die as you like. However, no matter what road you end up taking, remember to protect the people that are precious to you."
Kanoko stopped at looked up to the stone faces above the village before continuing, "This way of thinking is known as the Will of Fire. A mission, promise, drive, whatever you want to call it, to protect the village: The place where all those precious to you can live in peace and happiness."
It was silent for a moment as the wind picked up and the leaves swirled by.
000000000000000000000000000000000000
Kanoko was standing in front of the doors leading into the Hokage's office.
She had spent the past 12 years telling herself to remain hidden. There were always a number of threats in the ninja world, many of which you could never foresee. In addition, Kanoko had yet to learn all of the changes that took place in her absence: inside and outside the village. The possibilities and dangers were endless, so she reasoned secrecy was her only option.
Opening her eyes to gaze at the doors again, she thought back to her new team: Team 7: Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi-sensei. It reminded her of a time before.
When she had students of her own.
She had asked Naruto and Sakura to trust to her completely: to fight together, defend each other, and support each other in their dreams.
And yet. Here she is. Reluctant to put her trust in her former student, someone she had entrusted the one thing that was most important to her: The village.
She tried to convince herself that her being Tobirama, in a small female body, didn't make any impact on the village and as such, the information would just be a burden to her former student.
But she had the mind of a former Hokage – that in itself warrants concern.
Which lead her down another path: Elimination.
Kanoko didn't even try to defend herself, in that if she was the Hokage and such a security risk was running around the village, that she wouldn't remove it – permanently. She did like to think that she would reconsider if the individual was Hashirama's reincarnation, but the safety of the village was always her prime concern.
Of course, there was the possibility that the Hokage would either: Laugh – not believing her, or, have her sent to T&I for suspicious behavior.
Kanoko had more than enough reasons to burry this little secret of hers.
But Kanoko had already made up her mind.
"The Hokage can see you now." A chunin said opening the door for Kanoko.
Kanoko looked at the chunin before walking in and stopping a distance from the Hokage's desk.
The Hokage looked up from a scroll before saying, "Ahh. Nara Kanoko is it? I was a little surprised to hear that you wanted to speak with me. You just passed your genin test, correct? And are on Team 7?" The Hokage finished with a kind smile.
Kanoko kept her expressionless gaze, "Hai. I am indeed on Team 7 and am now a genin."
"Haha, good! Well then, how can I help you?" The Hokage stared curiously at Kanoko.
Kanoko took a short look left and right. The Hokage picked up on her concern and said, "The Hokage's office is private. You don't have to worry about anyone overhearing things they should not know."
"Expect for the ANBU protecting the Hokage… I'd rather they not listen in either. We'll see if this suffices." Kanoko thought before walking over to the desk and sliding a piece of paper to the Hokage slowly.
The Hokage's face dropped into a suspicious frown. Curious though, he grabbed it and opened it up.
I once told you, "Protect those who love the village and those who believe in you. And nurture those to whom you can entrust the next generation. Starting tomorrow, you are the Hokage."
The Third Hokage looked up at Kanoko sharply before leaning back with a distrustful look. He gazed at the paper again, then at Kanoko. Kanoko neither move nor changed facial expressions. She simply stood and waited.
Hiruzen closed his eyes for a long period of time, debating in his head before he waved his hand, indicating to the hidden shinobi to leave.
Opening his eyes again he said, "Why should I trust your words? There were a number of shinobi that could have given you this information."
Kanoko, without a moment of pause responded, "Because all the shinobi present were loyal and honorable shinobi of the leaf. None would act in this manner."
The Hokage closed his eyes again, thinking, "I can think of one, but sensei meant a lot to him, I'm not sure if he would do something like this."
Opening his eyes, he said, "I will need more information. What jutsu did you use to revive yourself? And why are you hiding as a child – a girl at that? Why now? Why not all those years ago - instead of naming me as Hokage?" Hiruzen had more questions, but settled on those for the moment.
Kanoko stared back at her formed student, "I did not use a jutsu to revive myself. How I came to be is a mystery, which I myself have yet to learn. I suspect an outside influence, but again, to what end? How does my presence – limited as it is now – advance another's goal? Your questions are well asked, but I do not have answers you seek. And Hiruzen, if you think time has weakened my memory of you – dismiss that thought. What is your real question?"
Ignore the Kanoko's question, the Third Hokage looked back at the girl with a hard look, "You leave me in a difficult position. You say you are Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage, my sensei, but all you have to show is a piece of paper with a quote – that may have not even been written by you." The Hokage crossed his arms, already coming to a decision.
"You're right." Kanoko said before following with, "I have given you an impossible truth with no collaborating facts. Honestly, the whole idea could be something I made up in my head and forced myself to believe."
The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, but Kanoko interrupted him, "That being said, there is one way to prove myself to you… I was hoping it wouldn't come to this… but it appears I have no choice."
Kanoko sighed before taking a deep breath and releasing it. She looked Hiruzen straight in the eyes as the Third Hokage had his full attention on Kanoko.
"I was starting to train you in the art of sealing, as your clan had a contract with the Monkey Tribe and you wanted to know more. After sending Koharu and Homura off on another task, I took you to the land of whirlpools. There, I taught you about different seals and introduced you to some of the Uzumaki clansmen…"
Hiruzen nodded, as he recognized the time, but still was not convinced that another couldn't have told Knaoko to say this – as many of the facts given were vague.
"…And after dropping you off to train, I ventured to the edge of the village. You started having difficulty with the mechanics of the seal, so you left to find me. It took a bit, but you eventually found me…"
Kanoko cleared her throat with a fist in front of her mouth. A small blush grew on her cheeks, "And I… Ahem… Was partaking in an accident ritual of appreciating the Uzumaki's clans… water activities…"
.
Kanoko was as red as a tomato.
Hiruzen was speechless. His eyes, blank circles.
.
.
.
The Third Hokage gazed away for a second, thinking of the memory before his nose started to bleed. Quickly, he composed himself with a cough.
"OK. Say I believe you…"
The Third Hokage's face went serious again, "What are your intentions?"
Kanoko's face went back to a stoic expression.
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Shikamaru laid outside, in the grass with his hands behind his head, gazing up at the orange sky. His team had practiced their jutsu with each other earlier in the day and he had been relaxing on his hill ever sense.
Choji, who normally joined him, had to be home early tonight.
So here Shikamaru lay, alone on his hill, watching the clouds go by.
"So I'm a genin now, huh? Such a drag..." He thought. He watched his sister train day and night and wonder if that was what was in store for him. He didn't like that thought. It sounded troublesome…
"She's changed a lot. Or maybe not at all? Hmph, I can never get a read on her. Other girls are simple; scary, but predictable. They're always trying to improve themselves for some love interest. What's the point?" Shikamaru turned to the side to grab at some grass.
"But Kanoko? She never looked twice at a guy she wasn't assessing for weaknesses. She never shows any emotion. Maybe irritation and on rare occasion anger, but happiness? Or love? I didn't even think she cared about her own family. She never shows it."
Shikamaru thought back to the Hibachi incident."Outside of that moment…"
Shikamaru shift back onto his back and closed his eyes. "She's so troublesome."
It wasn't long before he fell sound asleep, tired from the long and active day.
The blades of grass shifted as Kanoko walk up to her sleeping brother.
Normally,she would wake him up to walk home on his own, but she was feeling vulnerable today. She would never admit it out loud, but Shikamaru had warmed his way into her heart. She was truly beginning to see him as a brother: someone to hold and protect. She reasoned that she had felt this way from the first time he held onto her as an infant: Trusting her to keep him safe as he slept.
With a small, soft smile, Kanoko placed Shikamaru onto her back and started walking home slowly – as to not wake him up.
She stopped at the top of the hill and gazed down at the village.
"It's time I grow up. I have to accept that I'm no longer just Senju Tobirama; I'm Nara Kanoko too. I now have people that are precious to me, no matter how much I resisted in the beginning."
Images appear of a kitchen with Yoshino waving her wooden spoon at Shikaku, his hands in the air as a sign of peace…
...of Shikamaru, with his hands behind his head, laying in the grass with Choji munching beside him with a smile on his face…
…of Naruto and Sakura, helping dig Kanoko out of the ground, with bruises on their face, laughing at Kanoko's predicament…
…of Kakashi, as he gazed at the KIA stone, teaching them about the importance of friendship: that ninjas who abandon their friends are worse than scum…
..and of her brother, Hashirama, sharing with her his dream, and his love for the village.
"I have to find the will to become stronger, braver, wiser, kinder; to protect those precious to me, who love the village and who believe in me."
.
An outline of a girl with a boy on her back, the orange sun setting in the background, was all that was visible, as she walked away, into the distance.