The Start of Something

by RandomPersonPassingByJustCause

In another world, she would have never been born nor survived when Orochimaru escaped Konoha and destroyed all his labs. But in this world, a series coincidences allowed her to live and integrated into Konoha. An encounter between her, Uzumaki Naruto, and Uchiha Sasuke early on would change things, for the better or worse. (OC/Not Reincarnation)

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

~One of Orochimaru's hidden Labs, one month after the Kyuubi Attack~

In a dimly lit underground lab two infamous figures, Shimura Danzo, a man known as Shinobi no Yami, and Orochimaru of the Sanin were looking at the experiments contained in lab tubes. The Sandaime had sanctioned Orochimaru to do research on the Mokuton in the aftermath of the Kyuubi incident due to the rumored ability of Mokuton being able to subdue Bijuus. However even before his teacher had ordered him to do so, Orochimaru was already studying the fascinating case of Mokuton with Danzo as his secret sponsor and the older man was the reason why he had so many extra resources in his disposal. Hence currently he is showing the man a few of his projects to satisfy him while keeping his other personal projects like Edo Tensei and Curse Seal of Heaven a secret.

Gesturing at some of the lab tubes he explained dispassionately, "These few are an attempt to artificially create Kekkei Genkai by manipulating the genes based on samples from people with them."

Danzo didn't show much reaction to those so they walked further into a different room where instead of lab tubes, experiments were locked behind bars. Many looked deformed and in agony except one. Upon spotting the pale yet pretty woman with long straight dark hair and dead eyes staring into blank space, and heavily pregnant, Orochimaru's grin widened. This one might just peak Danzo's interest.

Gesturing at her Orochimaru explained, "This one is my first successful attempts at breeding using alternative genetic samples of those already long deceased. The father genetically is Nidaime-sama."

Raising his eyebrows, Danzo asked, "Tobirama-sensei has no Kekkei Genkai unlike his brother why him?"

Orochimaru grinned maniacally, "Ah yes indeed why? Part of it was because it's just such a shame that a brilliant man like him never left behind descendants. Just look at what Tsunade-hime accomplished. More relevantly, that our research regarding Mokuton isn't progressing as well as I hoped. I thought perhaps it has something more to do with Shodai-sama's bloodline. Although his descendants never inherited it, it's such a small sample size as he only had one child. I used Nidaime-sama's cells as a test to create life and this is the only case of success after many failures, but we'll have to observe the child as it grows to make sure everything works and refine this technique a bit more before using Shodai-sama's precious cells."

Danzo looked at the woman, "And the mother?" he asked. He was certain that Orochimaru would not choose a mundane woman for this purpose.

Orochimaru ginned even wider, "From Kirigakure's bloodline purge. It is rather easy to find people from the clans who fled Kirigakure if you know what you are looking for. This woman in particular is from the Yuki clan who possesses the Hyouton, a rather compatible Kekkei Genkai, in my opinion, to Nidaime's child."

Danzo hmmed and they both moved on examining the other experiments. To Danzo, while the unborn child was biologically his much respected teacher's, he did not feel anything beyond the belief that the child would serve well in Root should it be anything like it's father. The Roots that support Konoha are forever shrouded in darkness so Danzo did feel some pity that Konoha cannot openly boast about the descendant of a legend that would be bound to do great things.

However, six years later with Orochimaru being found out and escaping, Danzo was more preoccupied with making sure Root cleared out the information about his involvement in Orochimaru's experiments, especially after Hiruzen had discontinued the research citing that there were too many casualties, something Danzo thought was foolish. He had tried to convince his old teammate that some sacrifices needed to be made in order to produce results but Hiruzen was not convinced. In addition, he had to make sure Orochimaru didn't leave the country or get apprehended by Hiruzen's ANBU for interrogation. By the time he remembered and sent Root out again to check for survivors for spoils it was too late.

~Six Years Later, A few hours after Sandaime confronted Orochimaru~

In another world, most of the ANBU were sent to chase Orochimaru down but in this world, Sandaime decided that even if they tracked him down, none would be able apprehend him unless he himself pursued. However, he had already proven to be unable to strike down his former student when he confronted him earlier and gave Orochimaru the chance to flee.

Instead, Sandaime had ANBU inspect the ruins of Orochimaru's labs that he destroyed before fleeing which is why Kakashi's team are one of the many on the mission to gather information on Orochimaru's experiments as well as on the lookout for any survivors. So far it seemed like they could find neither, only dead bodies and rubble. Upon lifting up a particularly large piece of debris Kakashi found a little girl who had signs of breathing. He immediately called for Horse, one of his subordinates skilled in iryojutsu, to stabilize the child. She was barely alive he noted and the only reason she survived for them to arrive with help was because the horribly disfigured dead man shielded her during the explosion. They transported the child to the Hospital and notified the Hokage of a survivor.

~Two days later~

A child stirred awake from her hospital bed and immediately took in her surroundings. White beds, white walls, and two people.

The old man, known as the Shinobi of Kami and more commonly as the Third Hokage, smiled benignly at her. The other man with light blond hair tied up in a ponytail was Yamanaka Inoichi, the leader of Konoha's Analysis team who also gave her a kind smile.

"How are you doing child?" Sandaime asked.

The child tried to reply but her voice croaked. Sandaime passed her a glass of water sitting by her table side which she took gratefully but as she drank she kept a speculative eye on the two.

"Do you remember anything?" asked Sandaime gently.

"...The lab blew up." the child mumbled. The two men winced, so Inoichi tried a different approach, "What is your name child?"

"Koyama-san named me Shiina but Orochimaru-sama calls me experiment 417."

"Koyama-san? Who may that be?" asked Inoichi.

"He lived in the same cell as me and taught me stuff. Is Koyama-san out too?" the child asked asked with hopeful eyes

Sandaime gaze saddened, Koyama Yoru was one of his missing Tokubetsu jonin and was the charred body Kakashi found shielding the child, "I'm sorry my dear ...he didn't make it."

"Oh." the child's face stilled and bit her trembling lips as she tried to hold back tears, "I-it's okay I'm used to it, people don't last long usually in the cells. I promised Koyama-san to not cry if he died."

Inoichi's heart broke inside, from what little information they scavenged from the rubble, Shiina was the same age as his dear Ino-chan yet she is already so used to death. His hand clenched, "Unforgivable", he thought.

Suddenly Shiina tensed up, "Where's Orochimaru-sama?"

Inoichi focused on that, "What is your relationship with Orochimaru?" he asked sharply. Despite feeling sympathetic towards the girl, he cannot deny the possibility that Orochimaru planted the girl in the village as a spy or that she is blindly loyal to him. The latter can change but the former is a scary thought, therefore he must be sure.

Shiina shuddered, "He shows up every now and then, rambles to himself. He feels…weird and creepy like in a slimey way. Koyama-san said that what I felt was his chakra? I don't like him because of that. Koyama-san doesn't like him too. He said that he and the others in the lab became weird and left to die because of him and that…" the girl paused for a second to remember the exact wording, " 'That until the snake faced bastard is finally discovered and drops dead via Sandaime there's no way out.'" she finished quietly.

Sandaime felt a bang of guilt inside. His shinobi had trusted in him that he would eventually figure out and sentence the culprit to death as per law yet he had failed and let him escape because of his softheartness at his former pupil. He ignored that thought for the moment and focused on her words, that she could feel Orochimaru's chakra. It seems that she has the potential to be a sensor. All they knew was that she was the child of Tobirama-sensei genetically. They had found that shocking fact out when they initially thought that she was abducted by Orochimaru and tested her blood in hopes of finding a surviving relative in the village. Hiruzen was furious that his former pupil desecrated his Sensei's grave in order the create her.

Sandaime scrutinized the child, her hair was straight though unlike her biological father perhaps from her mother or biological uncle but she had the same coloring as his Sensei. She was very pale though, mostly due to her lack of exposure to sunlight, and a little malnourished according to the medic-nin that checked over her but it's nothing she can't recover from. As much as he was pained to admit it, his student did the village a service by creating her and accidentally leaving her behind. The offspring of a Hokage was definitely a boon to Konoha's strength in the future especially after the depletion of their forces after Kyuubi attack.

"So would you say that you are loyal to Orochimaru?" Inoichi pressed on.

The child, to her credit, looked disgusted and uncomfortable at that accusation.

"No." she answered,"Koyama-san also said that if I ever get out somehow I should go find Sandaime-sama and let him know of the labs. Where can I find Sandaime-sama?" she asked.

The Shinobi of Kami chucked, "I am the Sandaime child. Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen at your service."

Shiina's eyes widened, "You're Sandaime-sama?! Is Orochimaru finally gone then?" she asked hopefully

Sandaime closed his eyes and sighed softly, "I'm afraid not, he has escaped the Fire country. In addition you are the only survivor we have found. Orochimaru destroyed all his labs." he admitted resignedly

There was a moment of silence in the room before Shiina asked quietly "So what's going to happen to me now?"

Inoichi and Sandaime exchanged glances. Inochi nodded indicating that he sensed no falsehood from the child, she really does dislike Orochimaru. Sandaime exhaled from his pipe, then replied, "Rest up and recover first. Once you can be safely discharged we will get somebody to teach you about the village and then integrate you with other children your age. It will be your choice to become a Shinobi like Koyama-kun or stay a civilian."

"I don't know really...I'll probably choose Shinobi life though, civilian life...sounds boring." Shiina said

Sandaime smiled, "I look forward to your performance then Shiina-chan." Inwardly he was relieved the child chose to become Shinobi despite how unsure she sounded. It would be such a waste if Tobirama-sensei's only legacy was not to become one.

~Three days later~

"You called for me Hokage-sama?" asked Uchiha Itachi as he came in to Sandaime's office in ANBU gear. The eleven year old was recently promoted to ANBU bringing pride and joy to his family.

"Itachi-kun you have a little brother correct?" asked Sandaime

Itachi smiled like the doting brother he is "Yes, Hokage-sama. Sasuke is six this year and will be entering the Academy soon."

"I'm sure he would be a credit to his name and make you proud. Anyways I wish for you to take on a mission concerning a child his age" Sandaime said.

Exhaling from his pipe he continued, "Her name is Shiina, she is the only survivor we found in Orochimaru's lab baring Mitarashi Anko and she is six like Sasuke-kun. However unlike Anko-chan, she was born in the labs and doesn't know anything outside of it. Hence, I want you to teach her the basics to integrate her into the village in the future whenever you are free. Of course, I would be decreasing some of your missions outside of the village so you don't overwork. Think of it as a short getting used to ANBU initiation period and spend more time with your family before you really become busy. Her background is something only the upper echelon knows of and it will stay this way. Anko-chan is already getting flack for being Orochimaru's former apprentice, I do not wish for that to happen to Shiina as well."

"Hai, Hokage-sama" Itachi answered.

~Safehouse near the ANBU quarters~

Itachi in ANBU assemble and with an armful of books spotted the young girl he recognized from the file Sandaime gave him as he arrived at the safehouse the girl is housed at temporarily. The girl noticed him and stared curiously until he gave a nod and introduced himself.

"Good afternoon, You can call me Weasel, I'll be your teacher from today on."

~3 months later~

"How is Shiina doing these days Itachi-kun?" asked Sandaime

"She can read and write now although she still struggles a little with kanji but I believe that is normal given her age as Sasuke is the same. She had also read through the other books I have given her and is well versed in their content." replied Itachi. Although he was assigned to be her teacher, he was still called away for ANBU mission regularly so he brought books for the child to learn social norms from and later tested her on it. It was a good thing Shiina picked up reading and writing quickly or Itachi wouldn't have known what to do with her when he's gone.

"And what is your assessment of her Inoichi?" Sandaime asked the other man in the room.

"She's sane and should be fine to be integrated, Hokage-sama."

"Due to her background we cannot entrust her to any clan unfortunately. Do you two think she will do fine living on her own?"

"It is my opinion that it is best to put her in an orphanage Hokage-sama. That way she can interact and form bonds with other children her age." replied Inoichi

"What do you think Itachi-kun?"

"I don't think she would fit in at the orphanage Hokage-sama. She had never interacted with children her age and she can't relate to them, especially when she cannot tell them about her past. They might shun her then all the progress might be for naught." said Itachi thinking of his short childhood when dealing with normal children

"I see…you both have good points…" acknowledged Sandaime

Itachi thought of something but he hesitated, however the Hokage noticed it.

"Is there more you want to mention Itachi-kun?"

Itachi slowly nodded, "I think I have a solution."

"Hoh? Do share your idea." Sandaime encouraged

"I think it might be best to let her live alone but next to Uzumaki Naruto-kun."

Sandaime raised an eyebrow but gestured for him to continue.

"Naruto-kun doesn't have many if any friends due to his status as jinchuuriki. I believe if we introduce Shiina to him and ask for him to take care of her he would latch on and become friends with her even if Shiina is awkward around him. He is anything but determined after all. Shiina does not have a bias against him and even if she senses the malicious chakra of Kyuubi she can tell the difference between it and Naruto-kun's own chakra. Naruto-kun's cheerfulness might bring her out of her shell more as well as teaching her about living alone. Most importantly they could both use a friend." Itachi concluded.

Itachi will always have some affection for the blond boy ever since his mother brought him along to check on the newborn after the Kyuubi attack. He vividly remembers Naruto's vibrant mother and who was also his godmother. In her early stages of pregnancy she would always come to his house and gossip with his then heavily pregnant mother. Then a sheepish Yondaime would come pick up his wife after work looking tired from the paperwork yet beaming due to his imminent fatherhood. Perhaps he would have been another little brother for him to dote on openly given their mothers' closeness had the Kyuubi attack not occured.

Due to the suspicions of the Uchiha clan controlling the bijuu that night, the Uchiha members were ordered by his father, the clan leader to avoid the boy as best they could to avoid political drama. Therefore his mother despite her status as his godmother could not take him in (though he doubts Sandaime would have let any clan take the jinchuuriki in) and can only look after him from afar. Itachi frequently drops off bento his mother has made and dango he purchased secretly at Naruto's apartment. He had seen the boy ostracized by other children and wished he could tell Sasuke to befriend the boy but his father's orders were in the way. Shiina on the other hand, has recently become the little sister he never had. She was quiet, intelligent, enjoyed books, dango and tea, probably all due to his influence. Her eyes always sparkled the same way Sasuke's does whenever she sees that he has come to visit. It is why Itachi wants the best for both of them.

"Hmm what do you think about that proposal Inoichi?"

"It's worth a try." Inoichi replied.

"It is decided then, it's a good thing the apartment next to Naruto are empty." Sandaime chuckled mirthlessly knowing well the reason why it is.

~Two days later at Naruto's Apartment Complex~

Knock~Knock~ "Naruto-kun can I come in?"

"Jii-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, "Are you here to finally give up your hat to me?"

Sandaime chuckled, "I think I can keep it warm for you for a few more years. Here's your monthly allowance. Also, can I ask you to do something?"

"Ooooohhh is it a mission?! What is it?! Rescuing a princess? Fighting off bad ninja?!" the boy asked excitedly

"Nothing of that sorts my boy. You aren't even a ninja yet." Sandaime gestured at the young girl hiding behind him that Naruto just now noticed, "This is Shiina-chan, she will be your next door neighbor from now on. She has no family either so I hope you can take care of her. Can I rely on the future Hokage to do an easy job like that?" Sandaime baited him.

"Of course I can old man! Just leave it to me ttebayo!" Naruto shouted back

"Good good. I will take my leave then, paperwork sadly awaits no one. I do hope you two become good friends." The old man said as he bid goodbye to the two children.

Shiina and Naruto just stared at each other awkwardly, neither had much experience in making friends so Naruto decided to take the initiative and asked her, "So ah, ya name is Shiina? I'm Uzumaki Naruto, Future Hokage!"

"My name is Shiina…" Shiina paused as she remembered she now had a surname that the Hokage had her use for now. Since there isn't any Senju left in the village and a big name like that is bound to attract negative attention from other countries, especially since she isn't strong enough to protect herself, she is to use Koyama-san surname until she reaches Chuunin at least. "Koyama Shiina. It's nice to meet you. Hokage-sama told me a lot about you."

"Heh heh, all good things about how awesome I am I bet." boasted Naruto then his stomach growled and he blushed, "I-I was just about to get some Ichiraku ramen before Jiji came. You wanna come too?"

"Ichiraku ramen? What's that?" Shiina asked tilting her head slightly

Naruto was horrified, "What kind of rock have you been living under? Ramen is the food of the Gods and Ichiraku ramen is the best ramen place ever! Plus Occhan and Ayame-neesan are super nice! That does it, you're definitely coming with me!"

~Ichiraku Ramen~

"Occhan! I'm here again! Can I get my usual extra large miso with extra chashu!" Naruto shouted

"Coming right up!" Teuchi yelled back

"Oh hey Naruto, you're back again" greeted Ayame, "And who is this?"

"My name is Shiina, it's nice to meet you."

"My, my, aren't you a polite one, I sure hope Naruto can be more like you in that aspect." smiled Ayame

"She's never been here before! Never even had Ramen too!" exclaimed Naruto

"That won't do missy! You gotta have some ramen! Since you're a friend of Naruto's, your very first bowl of ramen will be on the house! So what would you like missy?" asked Teuchi

"I-I don't really know…" stammered Shiina, taken aback by the friendliness especially considering her only companions previously were the sarcastic but soft inside Koyama-san and the stoic, polite, and extremely kind Weasel also known as Uchiha Itachi. Weasel had told her his name the last day they met at the safe house and told her if she ran into any trouble she can go to him.

"How bout you try the Tonkotsu ramen?" asked Ayame "It's the most popular one."

"I-I'll have that then. Thank you so much." Shiina replied

"Heh you would definitely fall in love with it! Ichiraku is the best after all!" exclaimed Naruto

"Well said Naruto!" claimed Teuchi, as he set down Naruto's huge bowl of Ramen in front of him and the boy dug in immediately.

"It does smell really nice." Shiina admitted as she watched with undisguised fascination at how Naruto is chomping down on that ramen. Where does it all go, she wondered.

"Here you go too young lady, dig in." said Teuchi as he set Shiina's bowl down in front of her.

"Itadakimasu." Shiina blew on the noodles and ate it with some broth, "It's really good like you said Naruto!" she exclaimed, her eyes were literally sparkling.

In the background Teuchi and Ayame high fived. They had successfully converted another one.

"Gochisousama~" after Naruto and Shiina both finished or rather Shiina finished one while Naruto finished three. They paid and left as Ayame waved them goodbye.

On the short walk back to their apartments Shiina noticed that unlike Ayame and Teuchi who were extremely friendly, many of the other villagers they passed by shuffled out of Naruto's path, some gave him the stink eye, and others whispered words Shiina couldn't quite hear.

Weird, she thought.

Then she looked at Naruto from the corner of her eye, the boy definitely noticed what's going on and this was likely not the first time he has gotten such a reaction but he held his head up high. She decided to not ask him about it because the books said that it's rude to ask about a person's past especially if they don't speak of it. He has been kind to her all day today and his chakra is bright and warm, nothing like a bad person.

If anyone deserves this kind of treatment it would be a monster like Orochimaru, Shiina thought darkly.

To Naruto, normally the reaction of the villagers would depress him but today, he's got somebody that is willing to walk next to him despite all of this! A feeling of happiness gurgled within him. Is this what having a friend feels like he wondered. Eventually, when they made it back to their apartment complex, Shiina spoke up. "Ne Naruto?" she asked.

Naruto's heart sank as he panickedly thought "oh shit she's gonna ask why and she's not going to believe me when I say I don't know either."

"Teuchi-san and Ayame-san are really nice." she said conversationally

"Huh? Oh yeah they really are. When I first met them, they waved me over and gave me a free bowl of ramen too! They told me I was welcome to come back anytime so I did. It's like ah...my way of saying thanks I guess for being so awesome but of course the fact that the ramen is so good also has me going there so often too!" Naruto rambled.

He remembered that rainy day when he was walking around the village without an umbrella. He smelled the delicious smell of ramen so he went to check it out, but when Teuchi waved at him to come in, he got scared that he would be like the other villagers and usher him out once he realized who he is. But then his stomach growled and he decided to take the chance. It was the best decision he made in his life. Teuchi and Ayame welcomed him warmly, waived off his first bowl of ramen, and told him to come back anytime. Ayame-neesan even lent him her extra umbrella and told him to get back safely. He cried that day though he would forever deny this till his death and claim that it was the rain if anyone asked.

"Saying thanks huh…" Shiina mumbled, "Is it normal to thank people with things and action?" she asked

"I would say yeah cause I mean they did help you out of the goodness of their hearts." said Naruto thinking about Teuchi and Ayame.

"I see…ne Naruto can you show me to a place that sells Dango tomorrow and the way to the Uchiha clan district?" said Shiina making up her mind

"Huh? Why would you wanna go to the Uchiha district? They are super stuffy." asked Naruto

And they avoid me like the plague unless they have to, he thought

"To thank someone." was Shiina's answer

~Outside the Uchiha District in the Outskirts of Konoha~

Carrying the box of Dango in her arms, Shiina glazed at the Uchiha District from the bushes. Bright Uchiwa fans were painted along the walls and the whole place gives off a traditional feel.

Why were they in bushes?

Because after Naruto realized that the person she wanted to thank was Uchiha Itachi, a genius that even he has heard of, he decided they were going to sneak in like real ninjas. How Naruto knew how to sneak in Shiina did not know and probably didn't want to know but it seemed interesting so she went along with it. It seemed like they were in a practice ground judging by target boards hanging from several trees. Suddenly there were sounds so Shiina and Naruto quickly ducked their heads back into the bushes.

"Nii-san can you show me how to throw the shuriken at all those targets at once?" a voice excitedly asked

"Chill Sasuke, Itachi promised to spend the day with you didn't he?" another voice chided

The voice identified as Sasuke pouted, "Nii-san is also so busy that's why. Also why are you here Shisui-san? Don't you have other things to do?"

The other boy revealed to be Shisui faked a dramatic gasp and sob, "I see you like Itachi a whole lot more than me huh? I guess I won't bring you tomatoes next time."

"Nii-san is Nii-san, he's the best. You are just Shisui-san", Sasuke concluded wisely then he thought for a second and continued,"...please don't stop bringing tomatoes though."

Itachi chuckled softly in the background, glad to be spending time with his two favorite people. "Alright stop teasing Sasuke, Shisui. Watch closely." Itachi turned both hands, eight kunais appeared in his hands, then he jumped up, closed his eyes and threw them. Each one hit a different target hanging from trees at different heights right in the middle. Sasuke and the two in the bushes' eyes sparkled. That was so cool! They all thought simultaneously.

"Can I try Nii-san?" asked Sasuke excitedly, then he frowned, "How do you turn your hands and have kunais appear suddenly?" he asked as he inspected his hands.

"I think you're getting ahead of yourself chibi-suke, try throwing them first. If you make even half I'll teach you myself." said Shisui cheerfully

"But I want Nii-san to teach me and don't call me chibi-suke." replied Sasuke pouting

"I actually taught Itachi this many years ago." said Shisui

"But Nii-san is a genius, he can probably do it better now and teach it better."

"Brat you do know they call me a genius of Uchiha too right?"

Itachi smiled fondly at the two arguing, "Why don't you have a go Sasuke." he said finally stopping the argument.

"I'll show you Shisui-san!" said Sasuke as he took out eight kunais as well, jumped up, and threw them. Four of them hit the outer edge or the target, another three missed, while the last one went straight for the bushes Shiina and Naruto were in and would have hit them had they not dive out of the way quickly with their reflexes. Shiina let out a breath thinking how close that was, she didn't want to die so young yet not after just being freed, while Naruto suddenly jumped from the bushes enraged before Shiina can stop him and yelled at Sasuke, "What the heck was that terrible kunai throwing skills! You almost killed me and Shiina!"

Ah this is awkward. Is this what they call a facepalm moment? thought Shiina as she got out of the bushes as well since there was no point in hiding if Naruto revealed her. She observed the Uchihas there. Sasuke was wide-eyed and bewildered by the appearance of the two while Itachi looked as stoic as ever and Shisui looked at them curiously probably wondering what the heck they were doing at the private Uchiha training grounds.

No one knew nor expected at that time that this fated moment of encounter of the three would mark the start of something.

~Extra 1: After the Hospital~

After being released from the hospital, Shiina was situated at one of the ANBU safe houses with someone bringing food and pills prescribed by iryo-nin and orders of being outside in the sun at least a few hours everyday. Everything was so new to her, the blue sky, the fluffy clouds, and the bright sun. It was just like how Koyama-san described longingly to her. She soon met Weasel who after brought books and sometimes little snacks like her new favorite dessert dango. It was the most delicious thing she ever had.

Every two week though, she had to meet a man named Yamanaka Inoichi to just talk. The first time they talked it's pretty pleasant since he was really nice and asked her about how she was adjusting. Today however, the second time they met to talk, the topic turned to Koyama Yoru and her mother.

"How would you describe your relationship with Koyama Yoru?" Inoichi asked

"He used to be in the neighboring cell for as long as I can remember but after my...kaa-san died I got transferred to his cell. Koyama-san said that Orochimaru was trying to make space to hold more people. He told me stories and taught me things."

"What did he teach you?"

"How to read and write. He also said that he taught me how to talk too but I don't remember that long ago. He would trace the characters on the ground and tell me what is what."

"Did your mother not teach you?"

"She…for as far as I can remember she barely talked to me if she could. I don't think she liked me very much. It was all Koyama-san."

"I see" said Inoichi as he jotted down something which made Shiina tense up. Inoichi noticed and smiled gently, "Don't be nervous child, it's nothing. I'm just making some notes so I don't forget anything important. Now, you said Koyama-san told you stories, what kind?"

"Like how he grew up in the orphanage, his genin team, then interesting missions he took as a chunin and later tokubetsu jonin, funny stories of his friends, the story of how Konoha was founded, the tales of the Hokages, the three Shinobi Wars though he talked a lot about the third one cause he said he fought in that one, and the tales of some really strong shinobis like Tsunade-hime and the White Fang. There's probably some others that I can't think of right now."

"What was your favorite one?"

"The story of the Fourth Hokage. Koyama-san told me about how he single handedly defeated an army of a thousand Iwa nin and how he defeated the Kyuubi. He sounds really strong and Koyama-san really admired him too. His tone when he talked about the Fourth was different compared to the rest."

Inoichi nodded along, it made sense Koyama Yoru admired the Fourth, after all he was one of the men who were pressed and outnumbered when army of a thousand Iwa nin attacked and witnessed first hand how Minato defeated them all. Then he asked solemnly, "How did you feel when you found out Koyama-san passed away."

"...I promised him that I wouldn't cry if he dies too."

Inoichi coaxed gently, "Crying is a normal coping mechanism when people feel sad. It's ok to let it out. You are just a child, you are allowed to cry, even grown men cry sometimes."

"..." Shiina remained quiet not knowing what to say and looked down at her fingers which she fiddled mindlessly

Inoichi could tell he wasn't getting through to her nor had she moved on from Koyama's death. It wasn't obvious but he could tell from the way she looks aimless, lost all the time, and no real will to live as if there's no difference between living and dead. It was understandable, Koyama was her whole world just weeks ago and sacrificed his life to save her.

He tried another approach, "The funeral proceeding for the victims of Orochimaru had already happened before you woke up. Why don't you take some time to visit his grave then? You can ask the ANBU to take you there."

"Funeral? Grave? What are those?" asked Shiina curiously

"Funerals are where people say goodbye to their loved ones and then their bodies get buried. A grave is where their bodies or ashes are buried and when you miss them you can visit their grave and talk to them." answered Inoichi

"...But people who are dead can't talk back though."

Inoichi smiled sadly, "That's true but some people find comfort in talking to them though, even if it's just to let them know how they've been doing, what's going on in their lives, and stuff." An image of a certain white haired scarecrow flashed through Inoichi's mind. The therapy session ended like that in a solemn mood.

~ANBU Safe House~

After coming back from the session with Inoichi, his words were swimming inside Shiina's head. So when she saw Weasel again, she asked him if he could take her to Koyama's grave. Weasel nodded and said he would take her there tomorrow once he finds out where his grave is. Like Weasel promised, the next morning he took Shiina who had an armful of a bouquet of pink and white carnations to the outskirts of Konoha where neat rows of graves were located. The flower shop Inoichi's wife operated made her the bouquet after she explained what she wanted flowers for. White carnations for remembrance and pink carnations for gratitude, Inoichi's wife had explained.

Shiina took a peek at the date carved on the tombstones as she walked by. Many had October 10th six years ago carved. These are probably victims of the Kyuubi Incident Koyama-san talked about before, Shiina thought to herself. Then after some more walking they stopped in front of a certain grey tombstone. After setting down the flowers, Shiina ran her hand on the smooth marble and traced the carved name that spelt Koyama Yoru, his birthday that Shiina hadn't known of before, and the day the lab exploded. It felt surreal that Koyama-san was gone and buried underneath here.

"It didn't feel real that he's gone but knowing that he's buried underneath here...he's really gone isn't he. I can't see him anymore or hear his voice ever again...He won't tell me stories anymore, he won't rant about Orochimaru anymore, he…can't do anything anymore. All cause he tried to shield me from the explosions and save me…Stupid Koyama-san why didn't you save yourself? You wanted to be free so badly, you had people waiting for you..."

At this point, tears already started to fall so Shiina tried to hastily wipe them off, "I-I can't cry, I promised I won't cry…Ne Weasel d-do you think I'm being silly, crying uncontrollably like this?"

"...I once met Orochimaru when I was young." replied Weasel calmly, "It was right after the Third Shinobi War ended at the state funeral for all those who have fallen. I remember that he told me that 'Grieving for the dead is meaningless' and that 'there is no meaning to life unless in the case where life is eternal'"

Shiina stared at him not expecting he would start like that.

Weasel continued, "However I believe he is wrong. Nobody wants to die, that I know for sure but then why do Shinobi fight for their country and risk their life?"

He paused, then continued, "The answer is, to protect their home, their loved ones and friends, even if it meant that they might died for it. That is their meaning to their life, the life of a Shinobi, and what Konoha calls the Will of the Fire. Koyama-san had embodied that will that up to the very end. I believe that we won't know what kind of people we truly are until the moment before our deaths. As death comes to embrace you, you will realize what you are. In his last moments, Koyama-san decided that your life was worth it and something he must protect. That is why he saved you and we should respect his choice. Back to your question, I think it's normal to be grieving, from what you described previously, you both loved each other as family despite not being blood related, he fact that he gave his life for yours in that split second only goes to show that. Cry just this one time, grieve for him properly, remember both the good times and bad times you had together, then let his sacrifice sink in, value your life that he gave his for, and become someone he would always be proud of."

Shiina started giggling despite the tears, "Family huh? I guess we really were how like the books described family as. It would have been funny to see his face if I called him 'Tou-san'. It's a bit late but..." Shiina smiled sadly at the grave then bowed, "Thank you for everything Koyama-san. I promise I won't cry anymore! I'll live fully to my potential, I'll become a Shinobi, learn a lot of cool jutsus, and one day, I'll hunt Orochimaru down so he can't hurt anyone anymore!" Shiina declared determinedly, "But do let me come every now and then for now to talk to you some more before I can stand on my own." she whispered to the winds

Weasel smiled under his mask, it seems like his charge would be okay in the end.

~Two Weeks Later, Hokage's Office~

After finishing talking about some village business, Hokage remembered about Shiina who should have just finished a session with Inoichi a few hours ago. "How is young Shiina doing?" he asked

Inoichi thought back to his session with the girl today, those red eyes that seemed so dull and lifeless last time they met were filled with life and determination now. He smiled and replied, "She's much better now. I had her visit Koyama's grave and something must have happened in between. Now she's determined to become a Shinobi and one day hunt Orochimaru down."

"That's good to hear then." said Sandaime as he took a breath from his pipe.

"Really, I must thank Koyama for raising such a mentally healthy child despite the terrible conditions they were in. It really made my job easier. His file indicated that he grew up in an orphanage and even after he became a Shinobi, whenever he had off time from missions he would go help out there so perhaps that's why he's so good with kids. The stories he told her also made her subconsciously loyal to Konoha." explained Inoichi

Sandaime exhaled, "Konoha lost a good Shinobi." he commented.

Then he stood and turned to look out his window where he could see the whole village, "The previous generation will cherish and protect the next generation until they are ready to take our spot and do the same. That is the Will of Fire that Shodaime believed in when the village was founded. This next generation," he smiled, "I believe we can expect great things from them."