Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Naruto or its world. I don't own any media or pop culture referred to or mentioned in the story.

A/N Trigger warning: neglect, and fear of heights

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1 Year Before Konoha - Near Takigakure, North of the Land of Fire

"I-I don't want to play this game anymore Baabaa," Nami trembled, trying not to fall. "I'm scawed."

"I only want what's best for you Mimi." Miho reminded the girl.

Miho tried not to let her frustration show at the 4 year old. Nami had shown good progress with the exercises earlier that day. This step shouldn't be so difficult. "Now, do it right this time. Then, you can get down." Miho chided.

Nami sniffled, nodding shakily. The little girl's feet wobbled from the movement, making her whine again as her perch swayed underfoot.

Nami was several meters off the ground, trying to balance on a branch under Miho's supervision. On top of that, Miho placed her away from the trunk, stating it will, "Encourage you to master this skill quickly."

This all started as a "game" many days ago. More specifically, it started after Miho saw Nami jump across river rocks all by herself!

Of course, she had scolded Nami for the danger at the time. "What if you fell off?" Miho panicked. "What would I do if you were hurt or swept away?!" Miho shouted, in relief and anger at the girl. What was Tsunami thinking?

At the time, Nami shook her head at grandmother's worry, as if the idea never crossed her mind. "But Baabaa, I knew you'd catch me." Nami said in the carefree manner young children usually have. Miho could only sigh and hug the girl, making her promise to stay close.

Over the following days, Miho's worry turned into surprise when Nami showed her talent for, "walking like a kitty!" as the little one excitedly proclaimed one day.

It turned out Nami had an uncanny knack for balance and coordination. So, like with other aspects of training, Miho made it a game for her granddaughter.

Soon, weeks passed, and the "game" progressed to more difficult tasks. Nami's jumps went farther. Higher. From still objects to moving ones.

Nami loved this new game! But more than that, she loved her grandmother's approval of her accomplishments more. How exciting to Nami! Her grandmother was happy with her.

Nami liked being a good girl.

That's what made today so scary. Unlike before, the height was higher. The branch was thinner. And this time, Miho wasn't holding her hand.

It was all up to Nami.

The wind picked up again, moving the branch more than before. Nami cried out, arms pinwheeling. "Obaa!"

"Adjust your balance Tsunami." Miho stood on a nearby branch, but she didn't move to steady her like all the times before. "Remember what you did at lunch." Miho had assisted Nami, showing the girl how to tumble safely. They spent the last few weeks on this, so a higher jump was the next step in Miho's mind.

Nami tried to do what her grandmother said, shifting her weight. But the wind disagreed with her.

A sudden gust moved the branch unexpectedly and Nami's foot slipped.

"AAH!" Nami fell backwards, plummeting to the ground. As she fell, she reached out where she'd last seen Miho. But the woman was gone!

Before Nami could process what happened, Miho caught Nami, breaking her fall two meters off the ground.

Shock and adrenaline raced through the little girl. She clung to the woman, crying in Miho's ear. "Obaa-mama! I don' like this game!" Nami gasped out between heaving sobs.

Miho carried her to their sleeping area. She was tense, not reacting at first. When she spoke, it was soft, but her tone was sharp. "Haven't you learned?" She pulled back from the crying girl, setting her on the log.

Nami tried holding onto her grandmother, wanting to be comforted after the scary experience, but Miho was having none of it. Tsunami wasn't a baby anymore. "What did I tell you?" Miho held Nami's hands, focusing her intent on the child.

Nami whined. "I'm sorry!" She hated this tone from Miho. She had tried her best, she didn't mean to slip. "But it—."

"Then why do you continue acting out?" Miho cut the girl's cries off. There was no reason to fail something so simple. Miho told her just that.

A long silence was her response. Thoroughly chastised, Nami bit her lip and bowed her head. She sniffled, a new wave of tears flowing. Was it really her fault? Was Nami "acting out" and being a bad girl?

"You said you were sorry." Miho stated. With a finger under Nami's chin, she lifted her granddaughter's eyes to hers. Steely gray drilled into mournful silver. "Then, be a good girl, my Heart." She said firmly, leaving no room for excuses.

A few more tears trailed down Nami's cheeks before she responded with a solemn, "I understand grandmother," in Uzek. Miho preferred Nami speak in Uzek, even when they were alone.

Nami didn't get how she was "acting out," but her grandmother was always right.

"Sifu." Miho instantly corrected her. It's time she stopped playing these… games with Nami and treated them as the training they really were. She's not a baby anymore.

Nami paused, processing the title she heard in some of Miho's stories of the woman's time in Uzushio studying under her Master, her sifu. Was Nami so bad she couldn't call grandmother, "Obaa," anymore?

The little girl was so confused, a deep sadness dragging her down. But still, she responded as directed: "Yes…Sifu."

Nami didn't want to play this game anymore. But it seemed she didn't have a choice.

After a quick meal, Miho placed Nami on a similar branch. This time, when prompted, Nami nearly made the jump. She only missed Miho's arms by a meter or so.

Like last time, Miho caught her before she hit the ground below. For the first time, Nami wasn't sure if Miho would do it again.

"Good. One more time, and then we stop." Miho told Nami as she walked up the tree using chakra-enhanced steps.

"Yes, Sifu." Nami said, subdued.

For the rest of the evening, Nami did her best to ignore the sad lullaby singing in the back of her mind. (Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm…) It didn't bring her comfort like it usually did…

That day, 'Obaa' and 'Sifu' became two different people in Nami's mind.

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A/N Miho is still a work in progress for me. She might change in future edits, but for now, she remains. Thanks for reading!