The sun, shining brightly in the sky, heralded the start of what seemed like a promising morning for Kaza Togusa. He shielded his eyes from the sun's rays as he slowly rose from his makeshift bed. Sleeping on a pile of old blankets and pillows had become routine for him, a frugal choice to save money for essentials like food, weapons, and books. Despite the spartan lifestyle he led, Kaza found a sense of familiarity in his humble surroundings.
As he stood up, his eyes adjusted to the light streaming in from outside, casting a soft glow on the worn walls of his room. A homemade calendar hung on the wall, its crude design serving as a reminder of the passage of time. Kaza reached for a pen and marked another day off the calendar, exhaling deeply as he did so.
He rested his hand against the date for a moment, taking a long, deep breath before turning to prepare for the day ahead. With three days left until the exam began, he knew training wasn't on the agenda for today. Exiting his modest home a little later, he wore his shrine keeper robes. Though not flashy, they boasted impressive detailing, featuring the clan's signature teal and white hues with a hint of purple lining. These robes had belonged to his late uncle before his passing, and now they belonged to Kaza, who treasured them dearly. He reserved wearing them for this particular day each year.
Arriving at the Yamanaka store, he purchased a large quantity of flowers. While it was a costly expense, he didn't hesitate to make the purchase. Standing there in front of the store, clad in his almost regal attire, his usually unkempt hair was neatly styled, framing his face in an unfamiliar manner. He looked almost like a different person as he waited for either Inosuke or Ino to assist him with his flower order. Despite his outward appearance, a sense of quiet introspection weighed heavily on him, reflecting in the somber expression on his face.
As Ino approached the Yamanaka store, she couldn't help but notice Kaza standing there, his usual unkempt appearance replaced by a surprisingly neat and regal demeanor. His hair was styled neatly, and he wore the shrine keeper robes with an air of solemnity. This transformation caught her off guard, prompting her to pause for a moment and study him with curiosity and intrigue. She noted the somber expression on his face, which seemed to hint at a deeper introspection. Wondering what had brought about this change in him, she quickened her pace, approaching him with a mix of surprise and interest.
"Good morning, Ino-chan," Kaza said softly as he remained calm, "I need three dozen roses, and sunflowers, please," he said firmly as he looked in her direction, his tone very neutral as he waited for her reaction.
"Good morning, Kaza," Ino replied, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected formality and request. She couldn't help but notice the serious tone in his voice, which contrasted with his usual demeanor. Nonetheless, she composed herself and nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, I'll get those for you right away," she said, quickly moving to fulfill his order, her curiosity about his unusual demeanor piqued.
"Thank you," he said without any other words as he waited and took the flowers into his hands, "I hope you have a good day, Ino-chan," he said with the same somber tone to his voice before walking out.
Ino watched Kaza leave with a sense of concern, his demeanor leaving her feeling unsettled. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was troubling him deeply. "You too, Kaza," she replied softly, her mind already racing with thoughts about how she could reach out to him and offer her support.
Kaza left with the flowers, heading to the shrine. He had one goal for the day, and as he approached, he came upon the great stone engraved with the names of all the members of the Togusa clan, all of his family who were now deceased, at least as far as he knew at that moment in time. He pressed his hands against the stone and prayed for a good while, then placed a dozen flowers at the base of the stone. Afterward, he placed others at the smaller stones surrounding it, continuing the memorial ritual that he upheld even during the darkest of times. Finally, he proceeded to the shrine. He didn't expect anyone to show up, but in case they did, he would be there to help and guide them, to be a light in the darkness, as was the motto of his clan.
As Kaza was engaged in his solemn ritual, Ino couldn't help but feel curious about his behavior. She glanced around and spotted her father nearby. Wondering if he had any insights into what Kaza was doing, she made her way over to him.
"Dad, I saw Kaza-kun today, and, um, I don't know, but he seemed really different today. Do you have any idea what it might be? Is there something I don't know about?" Ino asked, her curiosity tinged with concern for Kaza.
Inoichi paused for a moment, pondering Kaza's behavior and the significance of the date. His mind sifted through memories, and after a brief pause, he let out a sigh. Pressing his hand against his forehead, he realized something he had momentarily forgotten. It had been over a dozen years since the last time this day had come around.
"How much do you know about the Togusa Clan and their shrine?" he asked, turning to face Ino with a serious expression.
"Not much, Dad," she admitted. "I know about Kaza's family and the shrine, but I'm not familiar with any specific details or traditions associated with it. Why do you ask?"
"The Togusa were the keepers of the shrine of theirs going back before the founding of Konohagakure, even back to the times of the samurai, some say. It is a shrine with more history than any other in the whole of the village," Inoichi said softly, "But when a clan dies, the things they hold dear tend to die with them, such as the shrine. It is the day of light today, a day that was once a great celebration for the whole of the village of Konoha, but hasn't been well in a long while now. I guess everyone has kind of just forgotten, since the shrine has fallen into its current state, and since the death or virtual death of the Togusa during the events of the war, there is no one to hold the festival, no one to mark today, and no one to care about the traditions"
Inoichi remembered something else and thought about the poor boy, and the meaning of the day. He paused for a moment as he looked at Ino. He also remembered that extra detail. "Plus, the last shrine maiden of the shrine dead on this day, the reason was childbirth, Tia Togusa, heartbroken from the loss of her husband, died on this day, giving birth to her one child, Kaza Togusa."
Inoichi sighed again as he thought about it, "So that is it, it is the day of a festival that no one remembers, the anniversary of the death of his mother, and also his birthday."
Ino listened quietly to her father's explanation, feeling a mixture of sadness and empathy for Kaza. She hadn't realized the significance of the day for him and his family until now.
"I had no idea, Dad," she said softly, her heart going out to Kaza. "That's a lot for one person to carry, especially on what should be a day of celebration. I feel terrible for not knowing about it before."
Inoichi gave his daughter a reassuring smile, understanding her concern. "It's not your fault, Ino. These are old traditions, and with the passage of time, they've been forgotten by many. But now that we know, perhaps we can do something to make today a little easier for Kaza."
Ino nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Yeah, let's do that, Dad. Kaza shouldn't have to face this day alone."
"Well you know where he is going to be, he will be at the shrine all morning helping out anyone who comes, let me guess really fancy robes right," Inoichi said guessing on the appearance of the youngster, "those most likely were hand me downs left me overs from his family that he takes care of."
Ino nodded in agreement with her father's observation. "Yeah, he was wearing robes like you described. And you're probably right about them being hand-me-downs. He takes such good care of them, even though they're probably all he has left of his family."
Inoichi's expression softened with understanding. "It's admirable how he honors his family's legacy. Let's go pay him a visit, shall we? Maybe we can bring him some lunch or something to brighten his day."
Ino smiled gratefully at her father's suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea, Dad. I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture." With that, father and daughter set off to visit Kaza at the shrine, determined to offer him some comfort and support on this solemn day.
Kaza diligently helped an elderly couple with their prayers, engaging with others who had shown up, likely forgetting the significance of the day. Despite the shrine's diminished state, he had worked tirelessly in the preceding days to make it presentable. Walking them to the exit, he bid them farewell before rushing to assist a child who had tripped in front of the shrine, maintaining a positive demeanor as he endeavored to honor his ancestors, most of whom he had never met.
He distributed a single Togusa Rose to each visitor as a token of gratitude, presenting them in wooden vases that he had crafted himself. Fortunately, the number of visitors was manageable, allowing him to utilize the few dozen roses and vases he had prepared over the past year. The vases, fashioned from a fallen tree he had personally cut, showcased his dedication to his swordsmanship and craftsmanship. Standing amidst his preparations, he reflected on the significance of the day.
"Sensei, would you like to join in prayer today?" Kaza asked, smiling as he noticed Anko passing by.
"Sure, why not," Anko replied with a shrug, her curiosity piqued by Kaza's invitation.
"Then follow me," Kaza said as he motioned Anko to the old shrine, he showed her where and how to pray, going through the prayers with her and helping out as he then took one of the beautiful vases with a rose and handed to her, "Here you got to symbolize hope for the future and the beauty of the moment."
Anko nodded, following Kaza's lead as he guided her through the prayers and rituals. She accepted the vase with the rose, a hint of surprise and appreciation in her expression. "Thanks, Kaza," she said softly, touched by the gesture.
As Kaza watched Anko depart, he nodded slightly, his expression serious and contemplative. "Take care, sensei," he replied, his tone reflecting his solemn mood.
As Anko walked away from the shrine, she couldn't shake off the gravity of the moment she shared with Kaza. His unusual demeanor struck her deeply, leaving her with a sense of respect for the young man's dedication to his traditions and the weight of his responsibilities. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and concern for him as she continued on her way.
As Anko continued walking, lost in her thoughts, she unexpectedly ran into Ino and Inoichi a bit later. They noticed the contemplative expression on her face and exchanged curious glances.
"Ino-chan, Inoichi-san, what a surprise to see you both here," Anko greeted them with a forced smile, trying to shake off the seriousness of her previous encounter with Kaza.
Ino looked at Anko with concern. "Is everything okay, Anko-sensei? You seem a bit off."
Anko hesitated for a moment, considering whether to share her encounter with Kaza and the somber atmosphere at the shrine. Eventually, she decided to keep it to herself, not wanting to burden them with her thoughts. "Oh, it's nothing, just lost in my thoughts. How about you two? What brings you here?"
"We are going to check in on the birthday boy," Inoichi explained as he looked at Anko. He explained the information he had to Ino about the shrine, that day's importance, and also how it was both Kaza's birthday and the anniversary of the death of his late mother. Inoichi knew that Anko would have been far too young to really remember the old day of light festival or to busy being a ninja fighting, and dealing with Orochimaru issues.
Anko listened attentively as Inoichi filled her in on the significance of the day for Kaza and the Togusa Clan. She nodded understandingly, realizing the weight of the occasion and why Kaza seemed different earlier.
"I had no idea," Anko admitted, feeling a pang of sympathy for Kaza. "It must be tough for him, dealing with all of that on his own."
Ino nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it sounds like a lot for one person to handle. Maybe we should go check on him and see if he needs anything."
Inoichi nodded in approval. "That's a good idea. Let's go."
Anko paused thinking it made sense, she also realized something, "Ino, you know how Kaza was basically ignored in the academy, and only recently has made friends," she said realizing something very sad. "His grandmother died a number of years ago, I think the boy has not had a normal birthday at least since then, he never had friends after all and was ignored so who would celebrate his birthday after her passing. I think we should go find Junior and Shizuka make this day special for him as it should be."
Ino and Inoichi exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the significance of Anko's words. They both nodded in agreement.
"You're right, Anko," Ino said solemnly. "Kaza deserves to have a special birthday, especially after everything he's been through. Let's find Junior and Shizuka and make sure he knows he's not alone."
Anko smiled appreciatively at their support and determination to make Kaza's day special. "Thanks, guys. I think it'll mean a lot to him."
With renewed purpose, the three of them set off to find Junior and Shizuka, determined to bring some joy to Kaza's birthday.