Sumire's POV
My aspiration to have a career as a ninja has been slowly cultivated by my father over time.
He first introduced me to the concept of shinobi through books that he would read to me. He chose the ones that described the existence of shinobi villages and how people lived in them. I particularly liked the books about clans, especially about the Senju, which he happily expounded to me. Then came the best part; the bedtime stories where he narrated his experiences while he was still serving as a Konoha ninja under the hokage. He told me tales of the war he participated in, of his powerful comrades widely acknowledged across the elemental nations, of the countless times death had almost claimed him, of the fun times of his genin days.
That was my goal. I wanted to serve the village, and by extension, the Land of Fire like father did. I wanted to fight alongside comrades and protect them the way he did. I wanted to be like him, a ninja of Konoha.
Father always said that I was far too smart for my age; I was able to grasp things that a normal child would not be able to. He explained that it is a common occurrence for some clans to have a child develop earlier than most. I was only three years old when I could read literature that was fitting for children who were already studying at the academy.
I have read a book about the various techniques that ninjas can specialize in. I found it fascinating. I learned that Fuinjutsu is a sealing technique that involves using calligraphy and is activated by chakra. To master this art, one must become proficient at writing perfect kanji, which enables the individual to create seals.
It crossed my mind that this is the one I could probably learn first, since perfecting the art of calligraphy takes a lot of practice and it would be years before I can finally learn about seals and start using it. I hope that I will have mastery over the written art form by then.
I was four years old when I finally decided to ask for calligraphy lessons from my grandfather; he hired the best instructors he could find in the Land of Fire, since he adored me and wanted me to learn as much as I could. He thought of it only as a budding hobby that I might enjoy, but as young as I was at the time, I knew how it could be useful for me in the long run. I planned to be one step closer to my goal of becoming a shinobi by learning what I could as soon as I was able to.
I consider myself to be pragmatic and sensible. Therefore, I make sure that I do everything with a purpose, hoping that my actions and decisions would lead to ideal results that would help me achieve my goals sooner. However, I also like to indulge myself in pleasure whenever I can, as long as it does not hinder the plans I have for my future as a ninja.
One of my guilty pleasures is my hobby of painting. It is an activity that I genuinely enjoy, as I am enamored by the artistic expression that one can create on a canvas. If I were not aspiring to be a ninja, this is something I would choose as my career instead. I became interested in the art after seeing a piece my mother created, which inspired me to try it out myself. My grandfather ensured that I learned painting from the best instructors, as my mother was no longer around to teach me.
These thoughts reminded me that it would be best if I write a letter to my grandfather now while I have the chance. I have the feeling that busy days are coming ahead, and it has been long since we last communicated. I am sure he would be happy to hear from me.
My letter was lengthy; I told him all the things that had happened so far. I inquired about his well-being and expressed my wishes for his good health. I joked about hoping my cousins weren't giving him a headache and asked him to give my regards to them. I told him about my stay in the village and what Father and I have been doing lately. I mentioned the silver-haired boy named Kakashi Hatake becoming my first friend and how Father adores him. I informed him of the training that the masked boy invited me into and how he likes to read as much as I do. I even confessed that I find the boy attractive when I saw his face for the first time when he removed his mask. I plan to include the picture Dad took of Kakashi and I since I have a spare copy anyway. Surely, grandfather would be happy to see it.
Kakashi arrived at the front door just before dinner, carrying a bag slung over his shoulder. My father greeted him and led him inside, then showed him where he would sleep. His room was located a few doors down from mine; the staff had already prepared the bed and made sure everything was comfortable for him. I knocked on his door and he ushered me inside. As he was putting away his clothes in the closet and arranging the remaining stuff he had brought with him around the room, I told him about my plan to show him the rest of the compound and introduce him to the staff in the house.
Our conversation was interrupted by another knock on the door, father peeked at the door, "Kakashi-kun, have you got everything you need?" my dad asked him with a smile on his face. The silver-haired boy nodded and added a short thank you for the invite to stay over. Father stated, "Dinner will be served shortly, I know you two are already hungry. Come along now."
Father informed me of the reason why settled back in the village as we ate our supper. Obviously, he trusts the handsome boy with us and has no qualms talking about sensitive matters in front of him. I had no doubt that he views Kakashi as family since he clearly dotes on him.
Apparently, father is now the Senju clan head since my elder cousin, Tsunade onee-san, told him of her decision to leave the village for an indefinite period of time. That is big news, he would probably be busier since being a clan head meant that his presence would be needed at the council permanently.
He took up the responsibility and moved us back to Konoha because he didn't want the clan to be underrepresented on the council. He knows that some council members are very sly and would take advantage of having an empty seat during meetings. Aside from that, the Senju name has a big political sway in the council chamber and has powerful connections at the daimyo's court in the capital. He made sure that he could contribute for the betterment of the village in any way he can.
He always said that Konoha is the legacy of our family and we should protect it with all our might.
The time went by slowly as I did all my activities in iteration each day. I do cherish the company of my handsome friend, but there is nothing new to be excited about.
It was another lazy afternoon, I had finished my lessons for the day and was just lounging around the house. Kakashi had just arrived from the academy, and like always, he had a book in hand. I was sitting down on the sofa and didn't notice I was tapping my foot repeatedly while mindlessly staring at the ceiling. The sound of my foot hitting the floorboards became louder and more agitated as seconds passed by. The silver-haired boy finally slammed his book shut and turned to me, playfully saying, "Give the floor a break. It's suffered enough from your feet." He lightly chuckled beside me.
"Sorry, I didn't realize," I replied as I put my feet up on the couch and hugged my knees close to my chest.
He bumped my arm with his and then whispered, "Anything on your mind?" His voice was curious, but there was concern in his eyes.
"Nothing big, I just felt bored at home," I said reassuringly with a smile on my face.
"Do you want to go explore the village? I can take you around," the masked boy offered graciously.
My face brightened at the thought, but remembered that my father might not agree to the idea. I hadn't really explored Konoha before. I had only observed it through the carriage window every time we passed through town on our way to the Senju clan grounds. I was younger then and always needed to be accompanied by an adult.
Kakashi noticed my dilemma, "We can ask permission from your father first," he said and gave me an encouraging smile as he dragged me along the house to look for my dad.
We found him at the library, writing a missive using those special papers with the Senju emblem etched at the top. It was probably something important since he only used those marked sheets rarely.
The silver-haired boy told father about our plans and asked if we could be allowed to go out. I already knew that there was a low chance that he would permit me to leave the house, and it probably showed on my face. With my eyes casted downwards and a tight line drawn on my lips.
"Alright, I would allow you. But you must strictly follow the rules I would set." He said sternly while looking between me and the boy beside me. He leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath, "I knew that I couldn't keep you within the clan grounds forever. I've been thinking about it for a while now. There will come a time when you won't need to be protected anymore. You are being trained as shinobi, not only to fulfill your dream, but also to learn how to defend yourself from threats."
I looked at him surprised but still nodded in understanding, "What are the rules, otou-san?" I asked with hope in my eyes.
"You should stay with Kakashi-kun all the time since you are not familiar with the village yet and you should be home before sundown." Father looked at me with a serious face and then turned his gaze to the boy beside me, "I would send a team of ANBU that I hired to guard you around town." He stated plainly.
"Of course, otou-san. Is that all?" I asked him happily.
"You will not tell anyone about your heritage without my permission. The ones who are informed of your identity know to be discreet about it." He firmly added, "I trust that Kakashi-kun would be able to help me ensure your safety."
Kakashi and I nodded in response and assured Father that we would follow the rules. We bowed our heads politely and excused ourselves.
I understood my father's constant worry over me. My existence is not a common knowledge in the village since I was never really introduced to people publicly to avoid any harm or plots against me. Even at the capital, I only interacted with family members and the daimyo's staff at the palace. Few people like the hokage, father's circle of friends, and the household staff as well as the hired ANBU were privy to the information. I bet not even all the council members knew about me.
He joked a couple of times that he would only reveal my identity willingly to the public when it's time for us to invite people for my marriage or if I am promoted to jonin and become strong enough to protect myself from any danger that may come my way.
I think he meant it though. Shinobi or not, he can really be overbearing at times.
My eyes were filled with excitement and a happy smile was plastered on my face as soon as we arrived at the town center. Kakashi and I walked hand-in-hand and decided to get some snacks. We entered the dango shop, not minding the people around us. I did not realize at that time that some of the kids inside knew him. I noticed that the group of kids looked shocked as we entered the premises.
The silver-haired boy paid for our dango and shoved one onto my hand. He bought each of us one stick with three pieces of the colorful sweets, and some tea to go along with it. Kakashi hurried me to start eating as we sat by a table on the corner; I happily munched on mine and finished it quickly. He managed to hide his face from the people around the shop before he ate one, much to the dismay of the kids at the other table who were waiting for him to remove his mask. He offered me the remaining pieces of his dango since he said he didn't like sweets that much. I agreed happily, it just meant more for me. He placed the delicious dango in front of my face and he tapped it once on my lips, gesturing for me to open my mouth. I happily obliged as he fed me the rest of the sticky dessert.
A kid from the other table with short brown hair and purple marks on her cheeks started choking on her food when she saw Kakashi's action. The other kids looked dumbfounded at us, a girl with red eyes and wavy black hair gaped at us, a boy had his eyes wide as saucers and clumsily dropped the toothpick that hanged from his mouth, while the others in their table were just as shocked as the scene.
The masked boy in front of me seemed to notice the stares. He patiently waited for me to finish chewing the food before he held out his hand to me. I clasped my hand to him as he led us out of the crowded dango shop. We walked around the village while Kakashi pointed out the important places in town such as the academy, hospital, hokage tower, market district, and the training grounds.
After some time, we noticed the group of kids found us and were following us around. He turned to face them and asked coldly, "What do you need?" His face looked annoyed and his eyebrows were scrunched.
Some of the kids looked scared at him. One boy with goggles on his head stepped forward with a big smile on his face. "We were just wondering who you're with?" he asked politely, trying not to annoy the scowling boy beside me any further. The others held their breath, and hoped that Kakashi wouldn't be angry at them. The masked boy beside me just remained quiet and blatantly ignored the group in front of us. He took a deep breath and sighed, as if he was bored and wanted the situation to be over.
The silence was becoming really awkward so I tried to answer on behalf of Kakashi so we could go ahead without causing any trouble. I gave them a small smile before speaking, "My name is Sumire, nice to meet you all." I tilted my head a bit to bow politely while I introduced myself. I squeezed Kakashi's hand to let him know it's alright since he looked so tense. He looked at me and his eyes softened while his shoulders relaxed a bit, the change in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by the group in front of us. They seemed to take advantage of it though, because one by one, their voices filled the air with more questions and remarks. It surely annoyed Kakashi again because his face was in a deeper scowl than before.
"Let's go, Sumire," he said clearly with finality in his voice. He held my hand tightly as he guided me towards the direction of the clan compounds in the outskirts. He added, "Sorry, we didn't stay too long and got interrupted."
I nodded in understanding and muttered, "It's fine." We left his classmates with more questions than answers as we walked back to the Senju house. Some of their remarks and discussions could still be heard from a distance.
"You think she is a Hatake? She has silver hair too." One boy started loudly.
"No stupid. Her hair is silver-blonde." A calm female voice argued.
"Yeah, no way they're related. She has the prettiest eyes I've ever seen." A different male voice said dreamily.
"She is a very youthful flower!" A loud voice echoed.
"I agree. She looks good too." A different male voice agreed.
"She's not that pretty!" A different voice shrieked, clearly from an annoyed girl.
"I hope I see her around more." One voice said casually.
"I hope we don't." Another high-pitched voice stated.
Their voices became less audible so I couldn't make out the words they were saying.
"Well, you are clearly the prettiest for me, and I agree about those eyes." Kakashi commented while chuckling and looking at me. I just rolled my eyes at him playfully. We enjoyed the walk peacefully, the plants around us are still in full bloom. The colorful flowers brightening the surrounding lush greenery around the village.
We saw a wild rose bush on the side of the road, and the boy beside me suddenly stopped his pace. He went to the bush and plucked one flower with light pink and pale reddish pigments on its petals. He jogged back to where I was standing and placed the flower on my hair, it rested behind my left ear. I found the gesture to be very sweet. In return, I gave him an innocent kiss on the cheek of his masked face. "Thanks, pretty boy." I whispered softly. He did not say anything, but he touched the tip of my nose affectionately before we resumed our walk in silence back to the house.
I still have that flower displayed on one of the walls in my room. I preserved it using the process of flower pressing and placed it in a frame. It's a work of art now, a reminder of another beautiful memory I have with him.