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Chapter 6: Hidden Blade
Kizashi was eating with gusto one of the fresh peaches their Kaa-Chan had bought today at the market, while he watched how his little sister Kohana turned their basement upside down.
"Again, explain to me what you are searching for, Imoto-Chan.", he asked amused.
His little sister looked really funny full of cobwebs and dust.
"A family heirloom.", was her short answer, opening another chest.
"What kind of family heirloom?"
"A weapon."
"A weapon, interesting.", the pink-haired young man bit into his peach. "What kind of weapon?"
Kohana stopped, and a little frown formed on her face.
"A...Hidden Blade."
The older boy couldn't help but snort.
"What by Kami is a Hidden Blade?"
"I will know when I see it.", she barked at him, closing the chest and opening the next one.
Kizashi raised an eyebrow. Someone was grumpy.
"Imoto-Chan, what gave you even the idea that we have something like that?"
She paused and sent him a look.
"Can't you annoy anyone else?"
"No, I wanna annoy you.", he grinned cheeky, which made Kohana huff well annoyed.
She rather wished her brother be far away.
This was something important, she didn't need his stupid commentary.
A few weeks had passed since she had become a Genin.
To her utter disappointment, the Ninja Life wasn't as glamorous as she imaged.
Besides training with Minato-Sensei and her teammates, which was awesome, the daily D-Rank Missions were absolutely horrible!
Painting fences, ripping out weed, babysitting, cleaning the Inuzuka kennels!
These were glorified chores, nothing more!
Obito and her were ready to burst, Rin tried to keep them calm and Kakashi seemed to have a sick satisfaction seeing them nearly lose it.
But the worst was the damn Tora-Mission!
If they had to catch that hellcat one more time, Kohana would lose it, she swore!
The only thing good was, like she said, the training Minato-Sensei made them go through.
Already Kohana felt much stronger. Obito and Rin also made great progress, Rin even started to learn medical jutsu. Sure none of them were on Kakashi-Level, but one had to celebrate the little victories in life.
Anyway, besides this, Kohana had found more diaries of Haruno Sakuya, her mysterious world-jumping ancestor and had learned quite a bit more about the Assassin Way of Life.
It was still difficult to wrap her head around that Sakuya had been in another world an assassin named Carina Auditore, coming from a long line of assassins, however with any more pages she read, Kohana believed it more.
There was also the fact, that she still got visions.
It was like she relived Carina/Sakuya's life.
Carina Auditore had lived in such a modern world, full of strange devices, yet was part of an order that protected humankind for centuries.
Haruno Sakuya was a weak Miko who had trained hard to become a semi-passable Ninja, during the Warring States Era and had been Uchiha Madara's lover.
What the soul who had inhabited these two women had in common was their dedication to the assassin order.
Sakuya had tried and succeeded in recreating the Assassin Brotherhood's most-priced weapon.
The symbol of the Brotherhood you could say.
The Hidden Blade.
On the page, Kohana had read yesterday night, was written that Sakuya had placed her Hidden Blade in a chest, in the hope someone in the Haruno Clan would in the future pick it up again.
Kohana was determined to be this one.
Reading all these stories about being an assassin and living them in her vision...Kohana felt closer to being an assassin, than a ninja.
Strangely it fit her like a clove.
The assassination techniques Sakuya had written down in her dairies, the green-haired girl learned them fast.
It was like her body already knew them, remembered them.
This gave her an edge against other ninjas.
She fought in a way, that was not seen since Sakuya, so her teammates had trouble to counter it. Even Kakashi had struggled in the beginning, but the Hatake wasn't a protege for nothing. He was the only one who could give her a fight.
However, Kohana missed the Hidden Blade.
She already lived out the Credo of the Assassin Brotherhood, yet without Hidden Blade she couldn't call herself assassin.
Kunai could only work so much. They didn't feel right when she tried out her assassination techniques.
No, she needed Sakuya Hidden Blade.
If she only could find it in one of these chests.
And if only her stupid older brother would leave her alone!
Kohana continued to rummage through the chests, hoping to find the Hidden Blade that her ancestor had left for her.
She couldn't shake off the feeling that it was somewhere in their basement, hidden away from prying eyes.
As she opened another chest, she saw a glint of metal and her heart skipped a beat.
Could it be?
Carefully lifting out the object, she gasped in awe as she held the Hidden Blade in her hands.
It was bigger than she imagined built in an arm-guard with intricate designs.
She recognized the Assassin's Brotherhood Symbol, which Sakuya had drawn in her dairy's on it.
The green-haired girl felt a surge of excitement course through her veins as she examined it closely.
This was it!
The prized possession of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Kizashi watched as his little sister's face lit up with joy and couldn't help but wonder what was so special about this strange weapon.
For sure he never saw anything like that, for what was this thing good for?
Kohana felt Kizashi's eyes on her but ignored it and put the arm guard on her right arm.
She tried to make the Blade flip out like she had read in the diary, but sadly nothing happened.
"What?!", she exclaimed surprised.
"Seems like your new toy is broken.", guessed her brother. "You need to fix it."
"Just awesome!", grumbled Kohana. "Of course, it's broken, I have to find the schematics for it now."
"And a smith who understands this strange weapon.", reminds her brother gleefully.
For that, Kohana trowed an old pillow in his face.
Her brother just let himself get hit.
Not like the pillow could hurt him.
Meanwhile, Kohana sighed in frustration.
Finding a smith who could fix the Hidden Blade was going to be a challenge. She didn't know anyone in the village who had experience with such an intricate weapon. However, she wasn't going to give up that easily.
She was determined to make it work, no matter what it took.
As she continued to search through the chests, her mind raced with possibilities of where she could find a smith.
Perhaps she could ask Minato-Sensei for help.
Kizashi watched as his sister's determination grew stronger and couldn't help but feel proud of her. He may not understand the importance of the Hidden Blade, yet he knew how much it meant to Kohana.
"Imoto-Chan," he said softly, "I'll help you find a smith. We'll figure this out together."
Surprised Kohana looked at him and smiled gratefully.
"Thanks Nii-Chan."
Well, Kohana had found the schematics but every smith Kizashi and her visit were totally clueless.
Just awesome.
"This is the only one remaining.", she groaned at Kizashi.
The smith stall belonged to Aito Takamaru. He was known in Konoha for his excellent weapons, the only problem was that he was really young.
It seemed impossible that he would understand the Hidden Blade.
Kizashi patted her head.
"Now, now, Ko-Chan, let's ask and see. If I remember right the Aito's been a smith family since the Warring States Era. If he doesn't can help, maybe his father or grandfather."
Kohana reluctantly followed Kizashi to Aito Takamaru's stall.
As they approached, she noticed that the young man was busy working on a Katana. He looked up as they approached and greeted them with a smile.
"Hello there! How can I help you today?"
Kizashi stepped forward and explained their dilemma to Aito-San.
The young smith listened carefully and nodded thoughtfully as he examined the Hidden Blade.
"This is quite an interesting piece," he said, "I've never seen anything like it before."
Kohana felt her heart sink. She had been hoping that Aito-San would be able to fix it, but now it seemed like all hope was lost.
However, much to her surprise, Aito-San continued speaking.
"But I think I might be able to figure it out," he said with a grin. "My grandfather told me often the story of how he made a special blade for a Miko named Haruno Sakuya. I bet it's this one, right?"
"Yeah, it is. Haruno Sakuya is our ancestor.", told Kohana with hope in her heart.
Aito-San nodded.
"Good thing you have the schematics too. I think with what my grandfather told me and these, I will be successful in repairing the Hidden Blade."
Kohana couldn't believe her ears.
Was this really happening? Could Aito-San really fix the Hidden Blade?
She watched in amazement as the young smith got to work, meticulously examining each part of the arm guard and studying the schematics that Kohana had brought with her.
For hours he worked on the blade.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Aito-San stood up and held out the Hidden Blade to Kohana.
"It's done," he said with a smile.
The glass-wearing girl took the arm-guard from him and examined it closely.
Sure enough, when she flicked her wrist just right, the blade sprang out from its hiding place with a satisfying snap.
"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed excitedly. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."
Aito-San just smiled modestly in response.
"It was my pleasure."
As Kohana left the stall with Kizashi by her side, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this new ally that she had found in Aito Takamaru.
With his help, she knew that nothing could stand in her way!
"Alright, kids, who want to spar today first?", asked Minato-Sensei the next day his four Genin.
After a good morning workout, it was now time for it.
Eagerly Kohana raised her hand.
"I would like to, Minato-Sensei."
She so wanted to try out her Hidden Blade!
"Good, Kakashi-Kun, are up to spar with Kohana-Chan?"
The Hatake just gave a nod.
"Yeah, kick his ass, Kohana-Chan!", rooted Obito for her, which made the girl blush a little.
Sweet Rin gave them both a smile: "Do your best Kohana-Chan and Kakashi-Kun."
"Aww, Rin-Chan, why do have to be on his side too?"
She just giggled.
Kakashi and Kohana stood before each other, waiting for Minato-Sensei to go.
Minato-Sensei gave the signal and Kohana immediately went on the offensive, her Hidden Blade at the ready.
Kakashi was quick to dodge her attacks, yet he couldn't help but be impressed by her skill with the strange weapon.
She moved with a grace and fluidity that he had never seen before.
As they continued to spar, Kohana began to incorporate more of Sakuya's assassination techniques into her fighting style.
Her movements became even more unpredictable, making it difficult for Kakashi to keep up.
Obito was cheering loudly for her and even Rin clapped her hands.
"Yes you rock, Kohana-Chan!", shouted Obito.
However, just as Kohana thought she had the upper hand, Kakashi suddenly disappeared from view.
She looked around frantically, trying to find him, yet he was nowhere in sight.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her back and realized too late that Kakashi attacked one of the weak spots of her body.
She fell to the ground with a thud, feeling defeated.
And she had been doing so well!
Kakashi walked over to her with an outstretched hand and helped her up.
"Good job," he said calmly.
The green-haired girl smiled back at him, feeling proud of herself for holding her own against one of Konoha's most talented ninjas.
They made the Seal of Reconciliation.
"Good spar you two.", congratulated them Minato-Sensei. "Kohana you really improved and this new weapon of yours is amazing. Kakashi as always impressive. Now Obito and Rin you spar and the winner of that spar goes against Kakashi."
Obito won the spar against Rin and so the two boys fought against each other.
Of course, Kakashi won, but Obito had given him a good fight too.
Then Minato-Sensei told Kohana and Rin that they should spar against each other.
Ready to spar, the two females faced each other.
Kohana flipped her Hidden Blade in and out, eager to test it out once again.
They circled each other warily, both waiting for the other to make the first move.
Finally, Rin lunged forward, aiming a punch at Kohana's face.
The green-haired girl easily dodged it and countered with a swift kick to Rin's stomach. She stumbled back, but quickly regained her footing and launched another attack.
The two girls traded blows back and forth, neither one gaining the upper hand for long. Kohana was impressed by Rin's speed and agility, but she knew that she had something that Rin didn't - the Hidden Blade.
As they continued to spar, Kohana began to incorporate Sakuya's assassination techniques into her fighting style once again.
She moved in quick bursts of speed, striking at Rin from unexpected angles with her weapon. The brunette struggled to keep up with her movements, then there was finally an opening.
With elegance, Kohana flipped herself over Rin, pierced her Hidden Blade into Rin's shirt and could flick her opponent like this away from her.
Rin fell down and Kohana was over her, Hidden Blade at her pulse.
"Kohana, wins!", called Minato-Sensei over.
Kohana was panting as she lowered her weapon and smiled at Rin: "You did great!"
Her best friend smiled back at her: "So did you! That Hidden Blade is amazing."
Kohana felt a surge of pride as she looked down at the arm-guard: "Thanks! Aito-San helped me repair it."
The green-haired girl helped her brunette friend up and they made the Seal of Reconciliation.
Minato-Sensei came over to them: "I'm really impressed with your progress lately, Kohana-Chan."
"Thank you Sensei," replied Kohana gratefully. "I couldn't have done it without your training."
"Now, who is ready for a D-Rank Mission?"
Three groans could be heard.
After the D-Rank mission, they had to walk the Inuzuka Ninken, Minato-Sensei called it a day.
Kakashi left with a lazy wave, while Rin said she had to help her parents in their shop.
That left Obito and Kohana.
Alone.
If she hadn't taken this chance to spend some time with her crush, Kohana would never have progressed in their relationship.
"Hey, do you want to hang out for a bit?", she asked him.
Obito's face lit up with excitement: "Sure! What do you want to do?"
Kohana thought for a moment before replying: "How about we go get some ice cream at the new shop that just opened up?"
"Sounds great!"
As they walked towards the ice cream shop, Kohana couldn't help but feel nervous.
This was the first time that she had hung out alone with Obito since becoming a Genin. She wasn't sure what to say or how to act around him.
Thankfully, Obito seemed oblivious to her nervousness and was busy chatting away about his latest manga. Kohana listened intently, she read the series too.
That was something they had in common.
They discussed plot points and why this character sucked and another was just amazing as they arrived at the ice cream shop.
Kohana ordered a chocolate milkshake while Obito got a strawberry sundae.
They sat down at one of the tables outside and enjoyed their treats in comfortable silence.
After finishing their desserts, they decided to take a walk around the village. As they strolled through the streets, Obito and her talked about the sparring matches today.
The Uchiha was giddy that she gave Kakashi a run for his money, even if she lost in the end.
"Maybe that will show stupid Bakashi, that we all can be amazing ninjas!", he told her.
"You really hate Hatake-San, mmh?"
"Hate is a strong word. I mean he goes on my nerves, but I don't hate him. I just hate his I'm-better-then-anyone-spiel he has going on!"
With that Obito frustrated kicked a stone away.
The Haruno bit her lip. She had a feeling, no she was sure that Obito hated also Kakashi because Rin was in love with the protege.
It was so sad, Kohana liked Obito, Obito liked Rin, Rin liked Kakashi and Kakashi didn't seem to have a crush on anyone.
No one was a winner here.
Only if someone got new feelings for another and they liked them back.
How Kohana wished she could make Obito fall in love with her, but sadly Obito was too fixed on Rin.
What could she do to impress him so that he saw her finally?
Kicking Kakashi's ass maybe?
Obito seemed to like it when Kohana gave Kakashi a challenge, but maybe anyone who gave his rival a challenge was cool in the Uchiha's eyes.
As they continued their walk, Kohana couldn't help but feel a bit down.
She had hoped that this outing would bring her and Obito closer together, however, if your name wasn't Rin Nohara you weren't even a girl in Obito's eyes.
Sighed inwardly she tried to push those thoughts aside.
Maybe she could just be happy with being friends with Obito for now.
However as they turned a corner, something caught her eye.
It was a small flower shop that she had never noticed before.
Curious, she tugged on Obito's sleeve and pointed at the shop.
"Hey, do you want to take a look in there?"
Obito looked sceptical at first, but then shrugged his shoulders: "Why not?"
As they entered the shop, Kohana was immediately hit by the sweet scent of flowers.
The walls were lined with vases of all different colours and shapes, each one filled with beautiful blossoms.
Kohana felt herself relaxing as she took in the tranquil atmosphere of the shop.
Even Obito seemed to be enjoying himself as he examined some of the more exotic blooms.
Suddenly, Kohana spotted a small pot of delicate blue flowers tucked away in a corner of the shop.
Forget-me-nots.
Her Kaa-Chan had taught her the Flower Langue, if she remembered right Forget-me-not meant True love.
She gulped.
Well if she couldn't say with words what she felt, maybe the flower would do.
Kohana walked over to the pot of Forget-me-not's and picked one.
Turning to Obito, who was still examining the other flowers, she said softly: "Hey, Obito. Do you know what these flowers mean?"
Obito shook his head: "No, what do they mean?"
Kohana took a deep breath before answering: "They mean true love."
She handed him the flower and looked into his beautiful black eyes.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Obito smiled at her: "I didn't know that."
The girl felt her heart swell with hope.
Maybe this was a sign that Obito would finally see her as more than just a friend.
The hope was crushed not a second later as the boy curiously pointed at yellow flowers.
"What do they mean?"
Kohana felt like crying.
"These are Primroses...they mean Desperate."
That had to be a cruel joke of faith!
Obito pouted and tucked the Forget-me-no behind his ear.
"Aww, I like the Forget-me-no more. Hey, do you think I should buy some for Rin?"
The girl felt a pang of disappointment at Obito's suggestion.
Of course, he would want to give the Forget-me-nots to Rin, the girl he had a crush on. She forced a smile and nodded her head, trying to hide her true feelings.
"Sure, that's a great idea."
As they left the flower shop, Kohana couldn't help but feel like she was stuck in a never-ending cycle of unrequited love.
But she refused to give up hope.
Maybe one day Obito would see her as more than just a friend.
Until then, she would continue to cherish their friendship and hold onto the small moments like this one where she felt like maybe, just maybe, there was something more between them.
!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!