We'd managed to fend off the invaders, but the taste of victory was anything but sweet. The battlefield bore witness to our sacrifices, marked by fallen comrades and echoing with the anguished cries of the wounded. Among the fallen was Konohagakure's leader, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In a gutsy move of selflessness, Sarutobi gave up his soul to seal away Orochimaru's arms, leaving him powerless to perform any more jutsu.
As the dust settled, a brutal truth came to light. The Sand, whom we'd considered foes, were nothing but pawns in Orochimaru's twisted game. The realization that they'd been manipulated into becoming instruments of destruction hit us like a ton of bricks.
The Sand's anguish deepened when they uncovered the truth about their Kazekage. Their leader, whom they'd thought was alive, had actually been dead for a while, his identity usurped by Orochimaru. This revelation hit them like a ton of bricks, amplifying their sorrow due to the betrayal.
Though the battle had ceased, its reverberations persisted. The events etched an indelible mark on both the Leaf and the Sand, shaping the trajectory of their future paths.
As for me, I was stuck in a hospital bed, my brain doing the limbo on the edge of consciousness. I'd given it my all in the fight, but my recklessness drained every last drop of chakra until I faceplanted like a ninja who partied too hard.
Waking up in the hospital was an expected outcome. Despite the circumstances, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had contributed to the fight.
The scene that slapped me in the face was Kakashi standing there, all cool and nonchalant like he'd just finished a cup of tea. But his chakra? Oh boy, it was giving me the side-eye, like, 'Really? You had to go and drain yourself like a leaky faucet, huh?'
"Listen," I said, my voice steady yet soft, "I get that maybe my actions weren't textbook perfect. But seriously, did you honestly expect me to just stand there and do nothing? If it were you, would you have been able to watch and not lift a single finger to help?"
Kakashi stayed silent, his eyes locked on mine. I could practically hear the gears turning in his head.
"In that moment, it hit me," I continued, my throat tight. ""I might not be a full-fledged Konoha ninja, but this place—it's my home. You guys are my family. And you don't abandon family. Ever."
Kakashi, ever the stoic, rarely showed his emotions openly. But in this moment, he did something that was very much in character. He simply nodded, his usual calm and detached demeanor intact. "You've done well," he said, his voice as steady as ever.
I was caught off guard. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I hastily wiped them away, my face flushing with embarrassment.
He didn't chuckle at my feeble attempt to dry my tears. Instead, he took a deep breath.
"I understand why you did what you did, Ariel," Kakashi said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "At your age, I probably would have done the same. We're shinobi, after all. Protecting those we care about... that's part of who we are."
Kakashi's words lingered, providing solace to my guilt-ridden heart. His understanding, his acceptance, it meant more to me than I could express.
"Remember, Ariel," he continued, his gaze unwavering, "being a shinobi isn't solely about strength or skill. It's about the choices we make, the people we choose to protect. From what I've observed, you're on the right path."
His words, filled with wisdom, provided the reassurance I needed. I wasn't alone on this journey. I had a family here in Konoha, and I was committed to protecting them.
As Kakashi's words resonated within me, I felt a sense of resolve taking shape.
"Thank you, Kakashi," I replied, my voice steady and resolute. "I'll remember your words. I'll work hard to become a better shinobi, for myself and for Konoha."
Kakashi simply nodded, his gaze as steady as ever. It was a subtle change, but it was enough. It was his way of expressing his belief in me. And with that belief, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Two days after the infiltration, the Hidden Leaf Village was still reeling from the shock. The air hung heavy with a mix of disbelief and sorrow, turning the usually vibrant village into a somber place. On this day, we gathered to bid farewell to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
The sight of the Hokage's hat, now ownerless, was a stark reminder of the void that Sarutobi's death had left behind. His unwavering dedication to the village, his wisdom, and his kindness had earned him the respect and admiration of everyone. As the Third Hokage, he wasn't just a leader; he was a father figure to many.
Amidst the sea of faces, my eyes were drawn to Naruto. Despite his usual boisterous demeanor, he stood in silence, his gaze fixed on the Hokage's hat. Naruto, whom I've come to see as an older brother, carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. His determination mirrored the same resolve Sarutobi had shown us.
As the villagers paid their respects, their faces etched with grief, each bowed head and silent prayer bore testament to the profound impact Sarutobi had on their lives. This was a poignant reminder of the cost of peace in our world—a price Sarutobi had willingly paid.
A surge of determination welled up within me. Sarutobi's legacy was not one of sorrow; instead, it embodied hope and resilience. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of a shinobi. As I gazed over the village he held dear, I made a vow to honor him by carrying forward his legacy and safeguarding our home with unwavering dedication.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's funeral wasn't merely a farewell; it symbolized our renewed commitment to peace and the enduring spirit of the Hidden Leaf Village.
And so, I began attending the Academy. As I walked the same halls that the legendary Third Hokage once did, I felt his presence guiding me. His legacy was a beacon, illuminating the path I had chosen. With each passing day, my resolve to honor his memory and protect Konoha grew stronger.
"Thank you, Third Hokage," I whispered one day, standing before his portrait in the Academy's hall. "I promise to uphold your legacy and protect our home, no matter what."
And so, my journey at the Ninja Academy continued. With each passing day, I was not just learning to be a shinobi, but also understanding what it meant to be a part of Konoha - a part of a family. And I was ready to do whatever it took to protect it.
