Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Hello! You're probably wondering 'why is she starting ANOTHER fanfiction'? Well....that would be an EXCELLENT question.

Answer; I have way to many ideas and NOT enough time.

But anyway. I've got a few things to saw before we start off this book.

First off- I'd like to welcome you to my new Naruto fanfiction! Yes. Another one. It happened while I was thinking of characters, and suddenly I had three in my head that I sort combined into one.

Second- This book is cross-posted on Wattpad! As with all my other fanfictions; if you want to see pictures of the characters, learn about their powers and them in depth, as well as see aesthetics for them either go 'My OCs', OR go to my Wattpad Account (under my same username and same titles).

I recommend Wattpad for the pictures and aesthetics/casting and don't have a preference for which you go to for my Characters Biographies.

I do not yet have an update schedule, I'll update when I update. However- I will NEVER truly abandon a story- as I hate those. Even if it's on the longest Hiatus EVER- I will eventually get back to it I PROMISE.

I'm pretty sure that's it for the Foreword. The only thing I have left to say is I hope you like the book!

Chapter Text

In which a very confused teenager finds herself somehow reborn into the world of Naruto.

OR

In which a family is found, Canon is changed, Kakashi doesn't get paid enough, and Amira tries to save her precious people. Even if it means accidentally-on-purpose screwing over Destiny.

Fuck them all- if Amira is stuck with Team 7, she'll do her best to make everyone come out alive.

Who needs Canon anyway right?  

"𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭."

- Brian Tracy

Chapter Text

Hello once again! And because I have no self control, we're once more meeting at the beginning of a new fanfiction! 

This time- it's a Naruto SI/OC insert, because I've reading so many of those and can't help but have ideas. It's bad, I know. But I can't help that my brain has more ideas than I can write 90% of the time. 

Anyway. You should know the drill by now. Few words of wisdom and you're off. 

(By the way, check this out on Wattpad if you want to see the graphics and prefer to read it there!)

1.)

First off- Chakra is hacks. Just pure HACKS. Anyway you look at it- almost everybody IS or COULD BE ridiculously overpowered in some way. I mean seriously- just look at the the main characters. Because of this, My character is going to eventually be OP. Also- since she's reborn she has a better chance at learning new things faster, she WILL learn things faster. 
Also. I wanted to write a badass OP female character that just wants to live her second life without any focus on a specific guy, and character development DEAR GOD. I love Naruto- but they did their female characters really dirty. I'm here to fix it to the best of my ability. 
If you think she's too OP, you don't have to read the book. She's not going to be a Mary Sue exactly- but she WILL be OP.

2.)

So. You may have noticed back in the BIO (if you read it on Wattpad) some things said 'Classified'. There's a reason for that.  

Spoilers. The reason is spoilers. That's pretty much the reason. 

3.)

LOVE INTEREST!!

I...have no clue. Honestly- it could be anyone from A poly relationship with Naruto and Sasuke to a relationship with Kakashi later in Shippūden to someone totally left field like GAARA or KIBA. Hell. Even Sakura or Ino is a contender at this point tbh. 

But- no matter what- there WILL be Naruto x Sasuke. 

There just will be. Because I ship that with my whole freakin being. 

Otherwise- Pairings probably won't be set in place until like AFTER the Chūnin Exams. I might even have y'all vote on it. 

4.)

Okay. So. I have her about 5-6 months older than Naruto. Which means with the timeline I'm using...
(https://keepyourpantsongohan. /post/170439568877/timeline-of-naruto-universe)

She's twelve when they graduate but by the Chūnin Exams start- she's 13. So she's always gonna be SLIGHTLY older than the boys. 

Kakashi is 26 in Canon at the beginning of Naruto. Honestly...if they do end up being together, She'll be like 17 anyways. Which is a 12 year age difference, roughly, which honestly...I'm not all that bothered about. At least not in this instance exactly.
Mostly because she's technically a 18 year old teenager growing up in a military village and getting trained into a child soldier to kill someone at 5 years old. 

Also because- if people can ship Sakura x Kakashi, Naruto x Kakashi, and/or Sasuke x Kakashi with them ACTUALLY being mentally their age- I'm allowed to write my character already having an older teen mindset and being attracted to whoever she wants. (At an appropriate age obviously)

But that's for later. It's my story, so if I realize I want to take it in a direction I'll take it in that direction. 

Thank you. Next!

5.)

BASHING/CRITICAL

Not really bashing, as much as the OC has her opinion and I have my opinions and she is just VERY generous when giving them out. She's also a flawed human, and we all know how humans make mistakes and tend to sometimes hype focus on only a FEW traits of others- or they point out everything wrong and ignore the few good things.

Amira is still just a teenager in a child body, and while I'll try to make her believable and strong, and self aware- she's got flaws too like everyone.

But anyway, these are the character I'll be a little...critical of;

Hiruzen Sarutobi
- I am sorry. But this man should not have become Hokage after Minato died. He's a great man, but I just don't think he was a good choice after the Fourth died.

Danzō Shimura
- I don't need a reason with this guy, right? No. Good. 

Jiraiya
- Alright. Look. He's a really cool character- but he was also Naruto's GODFATHER. I get he had a spy network and it was 'too dangerous' to raise Naruto but really? You're a Sannin. Come on dude. Not cool. 

Sakura
- EXTREMELY LIGHT HERE. I would barely even call it critical. Honestly, it's just the OC and me talking about how she could've been better, and respecting her, while still surpassing and replacing her ass on Team 7.
I do like Sakura, even if she had very little development in the grand scheme vs so MANY OTHER CHARACTERS- and as such she won't be central to the story- but she will STILL become a badass Med-nin and apprentice under Tsunade. 

Konoha As a Whole
-- Okay. We love this village. But it is FUCKED UP. Let's be real here- the system isn't super good, but that's okay because any government isn't PERFECT. But I'm talking about the treatment of the Uchiha. ROOT. The Hyūga and their torture marking on the forehead that HAS to be some sort of cruel and unusual punishment's even in NARUTO.
I'm talking about the treatment OF Naruto. The idea that a FIVE YEAR OLD can live, cook, clean, teach himself, etc.- ON THEIR OWN and that's NORMAL.
I'm talking about how Sasuke lives in the compound where his entire clan was BRUTALLY MURDERED and he was basically MIND RAPED by his brother. Alone. He lives there ALONE. Seven years old.
I'm talking about how Konoha drove Kakashi's father to suicide because his mission was a set-up and he chose to save his comrades instead of let them die.
I'm talking about how Kakashi found his father, his only living family member, DEAD at the ripe age of 5 and was forced to not only live on his own, but be FINE and jump straight to Chūnin by 6.
I'm talking about the fact that Itachi and Shisui were so desperate Shisui ended up committing suicide after Danzō tried to steal his EYES and Itachi was left to pick up the pieces and forced to commit mass murder at the ripe age of 13 to protect his baby brother.
I'm talking about how while the Yamanaka deal with minds- there little to no therapy mentioned. At all. For anybody. Civilian OR Shinobi. 
I'm talking about the discrimination, bullying, and quite frankly terrifying idea of a TEACHER or CARETAKER being allowed to mistreat a child like that and not get anything but a slap on the wrist. 
Konoha is NOT a good village. Granted- it definitely isn't the WORST village, but it could definitely be a WAY better place.

So far, that's it. But the list could get longer or shorter really depending on my mood of the moment. I'm Bipolar like that. 

6.)

Canon.

Oh boy. Lets talk about canon. 

So....canon. Yes. Uhm...so far my idea is a tad different, I think. I won't give anything away yet- but things will DEFINETELY change. Amira says 'Fuck it' as soon as she gets onto Team 7, and then after that I'm just gonna go with whatever. 

Things will most likely progress similarly, if not roughly the same up until after the Exams. Mostly because- well- those are really important moments. Plus, I kinda like 'Canon' up to that point. 

Except for Orochimaru. I already know how I'm dealing with him. 

So basically the plan is; OC tries to stick to Canon but gives up and says 'fuck you Kishimoto' halfway through. 

Also- YES to the movies. I've noticed not many people DO the movies, and maybe that's because they don't think they're too good, but they're still canon and that means room for character growth sooooo-
Yes to the movies!

7.)

Suffixes.

Okay. I'll be honest- I might use them but I might not. Maybe only in some instances, where I feel like they should be placed- or that the characters would use them. 

Things like; "Kakashi-Sensei" will probably be used. So will 'san' 'chan' 'kun' etc. But the more complicated ones- probably not. And probably not a lot either. 

I am not Japanese and neither is my OC. I don't want to butcher anything horrible, so...yeah.

8.) WARNINGS

-- So this is Naruto, and they're training to be killer from like 5 years old- so there definitely going to be the standard blood, gore, violence, occasional torturing scene, and death. 
-- Also, Profane language because my OC has very little chill and a whole lot of shit on her plate.
-- No Sexual Content in this book. The most there's gonna be is maybe a cheek or lip kiss. That's it. 
-- There WILL be platonic cuddling however. Team 7 is a bunch of touch starved children and so they end up finding comfort in each other like THEY SHOULD.
 They become a FAMILY and it's ENTIRELY platonic and family orientated. 
-- Trauma, PTSD, and flashbacks will also probably happen- as well as hints of depression, suicide, and maybe unhealthy coping mechanisms. 
Again- It's Naruto. Everybody has issues. (Kakashi, Sasuke, looking at you)

Chapter Text

I was born on a cold winter morning. Snow had just fallen the night before, and it was the start of something new.

   I know this because;

   A.) I am (was?) a Capricorn.

   B.) I was born on New Year's Day. January 1st of 2004.

   I died, at age 18, on a hot summer night of 2022. It was yucky. And sticky. And I was murdered by some guy at a college party in the pool. Totally lame. I know.

There was a whole lot of nothing when I died. You'd think there's be some sort of afterlife. Somebody to welcome you to being dead. Or at least give a heads up that- hey! Yo! You're dead! Oh and by the way it's gonna be even more painfully boring than life was! Bye!

But no. It was just a big fat load of nothing.

Then, suddenly, everything began to get real painful, like a bunch of rubber bands decided to squeeze my body like a watermelon- and suddenly there was light. Bright light- and I heard a bunch of screaming. Which. OW. That hurt my ears. The screaming continued and I went to open my mouth to tell them to keep the DAMN BABY quiet, when I realized my mouth was already open.

I was the one screaming. I immediately shut it, taking in swift breaths and trying to not have a panic attack. Can babies have panic attacks?? Would it kill my development if I did? Shit-

I was a newborn baby. Whoever held me passed me off into warm arms and a gentle coo made me blink my clearly eyes. My vision sucked, but I could see a woman with light hair and a gentle, but tired smile. But it was full of love. She reach up and traced along my cheek with a finger and my baby body reacted. A lighting quick hand snatched the finger, and I clumsily squeezed it.

The woman laughs breathlessly, and leans forward to gently nuzzle my baby head with her nose.

"My little girl. My miracle. My Amira." She whispered, and I felt my eyes droop. I didn't want to sleep- but honestly, wasn't much I could do. Oh well. I'd think later. Sleep now.

| | | | |

   I was born when the roses bloomed. Yellow roses. Roses that smelled so sweet it made my baby head dizzy- in a good way.

I would find out why it smelled like roses. My new family's house was covered in them. Rose bushes were everywhere and there were always some in a vase somewhere.

I was born when Spring turned into Summer. When the cool breezes turned into hot winds and the gentle sunlight felt like it was spearing your skin.

In this new life I was a Gemini.

How ironically fitting.

Days passed slow. My eyesight got better and better. I managed to figure out how to control my body. Somewhat.

But that isn't important. Nobody wants to here about the joys of learning how to regain control of bodily functions. That's stupid as fuck. I don't even want to here about it- and it's my new body.

What you do want to hear about is how I figured out what the FUCK kind of world I was in. And let me tell you. It was some awakening.

My mother and father had been cleaning the house, my mom was a little more stressed than usual but my little baby mind didn't really think anything of it. I was too busy trying to regain control of my arms and legs, starting with my hands and feet and working all the way up. It had only been two months, but DAMNIT! I was so over this baby thing. I was so concentrated on what I was doing, I didn't notice when the door opened. Or when loud voices made their way down the hall. Or even when my parents entered the room.

I did notice, however, when a blur of BRIGHT ASS RED scooped me up and squeezed me. I startled, letting out a outraged screech and batting at whoever it was with my tiny, and weak, fists. Ugh. Was this hair? It was getting into my MOUTH- why was there so much of it?! What the fuck?!

"She's so cute Honaka! Look at her hair- oh...oh her eyes. They're just like yours." A loud, yet gentle voice cried as I was pulled away. I blink blearily, curse my baby vision, and squinted to focus up at the lady who was now holding me.

"She's my girl. She's so smart too, oh Kushina, you should see her. She already trying to walk and I heard her trying to make sounds." My mind stalled. I opened my mouth. A strangled gurgle came out as a yellow blur approached us. The two blurs, red and yellow, slowly came into focus and everything froze.

Deep plum eyes stared down at me, set in a pale face with a giant grin and lots of red hair. Beside her, gentle blue eyes with spiky yellow hair and a lopsided grin also seemed to look over me.

"Another baby genius huh? Lets hope this one has a better origin story. Hello little one." I just stared, limp, as Minato Namikaze smiled down at me and reached out a finger to gentle ruffle the tuft of hair on my head. Kushina Uzumaki held me.

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki.

Minato Namikaze....and....Kushina Uzumaki.

...OH HELL NO!

I tried to scream- because this should not be happening oh no no no- but all that came out was a slightly hysterical baby noise. I made it again, and began to wave my chubby fists around. Panic turned into anger turned into hysteria. I let out another panicky noise and waved my fists harder, squirming in Kushina's arms (oh my God whatthefuck) and making her yelp.

"Honaka-" A gentle presence swept forth- and that presence must be CHAKRA and now I feel like I should've seen it SOONER- and took me from Naruto's mother and father. It washed over me, along with my mother's gentle cooing and I look up at her face.

There was no Honaka Jikanoni in Naruto. There was no Akamo Jikanoni. There was NO AMIRA JIKANONI- there was no me. This wasn't possible. It wasn't. No. No. I wasn't dreaming though. There was no way my mind could come up with something this...this...realistic.

Also. I died.

I died. I died and was reborn into Naruto. Did that mean reincarnation was real and you just got put into any old universe? Was the multiverse theory REAL?! That means that writers from my world could be seers or something and they actually SAW into these other worlds. What the-

Wait. Wait. Can't think about that right now. Focus. Focus. Focus? Who's she? I'm PANICKING! I'm ALLOWED TO PANIC!

Any fictional world- and I got put into NARUTO?! Damnit. I don't WANT to be a child soldier! ....Ugh. Well, at least it wasn't Attack on Titan.

Fuck it all for small mercies...I guess.

"Is she alright?" Minato's concerned voice brought me from my musings, and I looked up at them with wide eyes from where I had been set and propped up on the couch. Wow. Look at me. Already panicked so much they had to box me in with pillows. Great going Amira.

"She's never reacted like that before." Oh crap. Mom sounded upset. Not mom. Fuck. "But..." Oh that tone was thoughtful. Why will I not like what next comes out of her mouth? "My clan's sensory is unparalleled. It awakens extremely early so perhaps she sensed the...um..." My mother looks awkward, standing with my father and staring at Kushina as if they should fill in the blanks.

I scrunch up my baby face. What would I have sensed? Could I even sense? What does chakra even feel like-

"Oh...the fox. I'm sorry, ya know." Kushina's dejected voice broke my musings, and screeched my thoughts to a halt. Oh my Madara. Kurama is RIGHT THERE. The tsundere fuzzball is RIGHT THERE! I made a happy babbling noise and couldn't help but reach out, squealing when they looked at me and instead staring right at Kushina.

A pregnant Kushina.

Oops.

They stared at me, I stared at them, and Minato approached me slowly. I quickly put down my hands and stared him in the face, blinking a few times as he kneeled down and started into my soul. Well. Not literally. But this man killed ARMIES. He's fucking terrifying on a 'world wide disaster' level. Honestly? This man is more terrifying than half of the villains in this series. If he was alive- I guarantee the Uchiha Massacre would've never happened. This guy could keep nations in line with his stare.

And he was staring at me. I should be more terrified. But, I was a baby. A BABY. What was he gonna think I could do? Hear the word 'fox' and automatically think 'oh yeah that Chakra demon sealed into your wife gut'. Nah.....nah....wait. Did they say GENIUS?! ...shit. Something to revisit later I guess.

"Amira. Did you feel something..." He seemed to struggle and I giggled- curse this baby body and emotions- when he frowned. "...bad? From Aunt Kushina?" I stopped giggling and paused. Well. This could go two ways. I could act like a dumb baby- which honestly probably wouldn't work. Minato was a genius. Kushina was a genius in her own right. And my parents knew me. Guess we'd go with option two.

I reached out with a baby hand, and touched his cheek. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath. I then stared at him as seriously as I could, before giving him the most sincere smile I could while being a baby that had no teeth.

Minato paused, before gently smiling back, grabbing my hand with two of his fingers and setting it back next to me. He gently rubbed my head before standing up and moving back towards a wide-eyed Kushina.

"She's definitely a genius child. Strange, but special." Minato- or is it UNCLE Minato because he called Kushina my AUNT so- stated softly. Kushina moved forward then, much more gentle this time when she picked me up and cooed.

"Aww. I'm sorry you had to feel this guy in my gut. Not my fault he's a big meanie- ya know?" She grinned at me mischievously, and I felt myself grinning back as infectious energy seemed to spread through me. It was hot and sparkly like a firecracker, but it whipped around her like a gust of wind kept it going. It hit me right then- that was chakra. No. That was KUSHINA'S chakra.

Was I a sensor? Shit.

"Can you feel another little guy in my gut? You guys are gonna grow up and go to the academy together- ya know? Along with that stuffy Uchiha Baby Mikoto is gonna have! You're gonna be the best of friends and best Genin team ever! YA know!" Kushina babbled, her chakra leaping and crackling and popping just like her. I couldn't help but giggle again, and reached forward to her stomach with my hand- where when I tried, I could feel two OTHER distinct signatures.

I must be a good sensor. Double shit.

The Kyuubi's I bypassed, now that I was aware it wouldn't go away and it really did make me want to burst into tears and cry- but I didn't. Kushina didn't deserve that, and I just showed I wasn't scared. Besides- KURAMA!! He's a SWEETHEART in the later series and don't tell me he didn't love Naruto by the end. Because he did. He also deserved better.

The next one I could feel was still developing. It felt incomplete. Like it was missing something. But it was similar to Kushina's- bright and warm like the SUN. But it was...steadier than Kushina's. It was steady like the river. Steady like the sunlight on a summer day. Steady like a GOOD BREEZE. Steady in the way that you knew it wouldn't fail. Steady in the way that you knew it was always gonna be there. And wasn't that just so NARUTO?

I placed my hand on her stomach, and smiled again. Naruto and Kurama.

"I think she can feel them! I think she can tell!" Kushina cries happily, and I looked up to see my mom and dad beaming at me. I looked over to Minato, UNCLE Minato, and gave him another gummy smile.

Naruto got that steady Chakra from Minato. Minato's chakra was...hotter than Kushina's. Not like the sun, but like you stood in front of a raging inferno for too long and you almost got burned. But it was steady. Steady like a flame. Steady...and powerful. Actually. Everyone in this room was ridiculously powerful. Like, I could feel my parents from here- and while my father was about the same as Minato my mother EASILY outclassed EVERYONE. And I'm talking about Kushina PLUS Kurama. My mom outclassed a Jinchūriki.

That's something for the next few months though. I have WAY to much to do until then.

....Fuck. Why couldn't I have been reborn somewhere PEACEFUL?

Chapter Text

Months passed by slowly after that, filled with roughly the same things. Eating. Sleeping. Shitting. Repeat. Sometimes, though, Minato and Kushina would come visit. Sometimes when I'd pretend to be asleep I'd hear the whispers of my parents and their friends. I was eternally grateful for my baby body and slightly younger mentality because it meant I picked up Japanese much easier than I would've if I was a teenager. 

   But I guess that wasn't all that happened. I finally managed to see how I looked in the mirror. 

   It happened because My mom decided to have me take a bath in the bathroom sink- really it wasn't my fault that she didn't listen when I told her that enough food was ENOUGH FOOD- and before she could finish scrubbing me raw my dad had called her name and she left me be. 

   Which. First of all- wow. Baby here. You're lucky I'm not a real baby. Imagine if I decided to crawl out of the sink and try my hand at flying. Instant death....maybe. Anyway. What I looked like. 

   I had turned my head, and caught my own eyes in the mirror. I'd be embarrassed later at the sound that escaped my mouth, but sue me I was surprised as FUCK. Because, well, even covered in soap suds and dripping with water...I was a fucking adorable child. 

   I had darker skin than in my last life. Looked darker than tan, almost an amber color that made me internally glow. You know that really beautiful skin color people from, like, Hawaii have? Or like- exotic colors? Girls who had that skin were on the top of my 'I'm Jealous' list. Yeah. Those girls, with THAT skin? That was ME now. 

   My eyes were different too. They were bright freakin purple. Like...a slightly darker lilac? Or maybe a really bright Amethyst coloring? Whatever. Oh, and they were ringed with a blood red that almost made me shiver. They also glinted with intelligence far beyond any regular baby should have. Even a genius baby didn't have the awareness in my eyes. Creepy. Creepy and way different from my old green eyes. 

   Oh, and my hair. Can't forget the hair. The hair that used to be long, straight, and blonde? Was now curlier, kinda like loose ringlets, and dark. FREAKIN. BLUE. Like a deep, dark, ocean color. It was something you'd ONLY see in an anime. Honestly. 

   As for my body type? As a baby I kind of had a chubby face, but that was expected. I wasn't sure about anything else though. 

   "Aww. Look at my daughter. She's never seen herself before how cute." I heard a coo, and looked slightly up to see my parents beaming at me in the mirror. I hadn't realizes I had put a hand on the mirror until now, and ended up giving them a gummy smile. Wow. Awkward. How long you been there my guys? 

   My mom took this opportunity to scoop me up and dry me off, dressing me in a small purple and blue baby kimono with a flowery pattern. I took this opportunity to really LOOK at my parents with my newly discovered perfect vision. 

   I didn't realize I had never actually LOOKED at my parents before. Wow. Some daughter I was. 

   My parents were both tall, and muscular. Though, I guess that made sense considering the world I was born into. Dad was slightly stocky, lots of muscles, with the brown skin I had and I think whatever nose I may have inherited. Mom was thinner, looked almost like a well placed wind could knock her off balance- but she was strong as hell. I saw it in the way she carried me, the way she walked, and I could feel it. Feel it in her chakra. She'd kick ASS if she had to. 

   Mom had darker skin too- but it was tan instead of an amber like mine. Her eyes, however, were the same purple-red blend as mine were. My hair, I guess, came from both of them. Mom's was a sky blue, straight and silky like water or silk. Dad's was pure black, and curly with tight rings that dropped down around his face and shook when he laughed. 

   Oh. And. 

   Mom had tattoos. 

   Deep black tattoos that stretched all along her arms and down her chest to her stomach and around her back. Up her neck too. There were even some white marking on her face, I noticed, but they seemed to flicker in and out of existence like some weird optical illusion so I wasn't sure. 

   That lead me to my next discovery. 

   I had tattoos too. They were as big or extensive as my mom's, but they were there. Curled along my wrists in deep black, while I could see the beginning of lighter imprinted ones trailing up my arms. Born with them, then- I figured. Maybe a Kekkei Genkai? 

   I wasn't sure, but I was sure about something else. Now that I had began to watch my parents more- getting out of my own brain and shock factor and actually LIVING my baby life to the best of my ability- I had noticed something else. 

   Mom was also sick though. At least, I was pretty sure through my baby eyes and slow-ish brain. They tried to hide it, but my mom's hands were turning white like her skin was being bleached, and so was her hair. Her eyes were getting paler too= like a mixture of blending colors and cataracts. Almost like the Hyūga if I really thought about it. She also coughed a lot, and looked like she wad losing weight. 

   I tried not to be worried. (It didn't work) So I distracted myself with the OTHER thing. 

   Like how the first thing I realizes when I saw my mom use chakra for the first time was the fact that...chakra is fucking crazy. I mean. I could FEEL the chakra surging up and out of my mom's huge ass reserves. I could feel it change and warp and suddenly- POOF! Fire! 

   Everything from my past AP physics and AP chemistry classes- yes I was that kid fucking fight me- was screaming at me that THAT WASN'T HOW IT FUCKING WORKED!!

   Energy could turn into fire. Yeah. That part made total sense. That's how combustion worked. But it didn't FUCKING HAPPEN by dipping into your LIFE FORCE and making a pretty hand sign!!! it was GREAT when watching it on TV but for all intensive purposes- it SHOULDN'T HAPPEN IN REALITY!!

   That's not even counting the LIGHTING Jutsus and techniques. Like the Chidori? Yeah. No. Lighting doesn't behave or work like that in reality! Not. Even. CLOSE. 

   Ugh. It hurt my brain too much to figure out right now. 

   It WAS anime, though, so I guess I had one thing to truly look forward to when puberty came around- 

   SUCK IT ACNE! 

| | | | |

   'I guess being a baby wasn't that bad.' I thought as I was passed off to a freaked out Kakashi. His one eye widened in a silent panic and he let out a terrified noise. I giggled, because oh my GOD come on it was teenage KAKASHI, and reached up to pat his cheek. He sent a helpless look at the other in the room, but my father pointedly didn't turn away from his conversation with Kushina, my mom volunteered to get more cookies, and Minato pretended not to see his panic and just gave him a beaming sunshine smile. 

I giggled again, grabbing at his mask and stumbling through my first few words- way too quiet for anyone else to hear. Kakashi would keep it quiet I bet. 

   "Ka'sh. Ka'sh." I gurgled, giving him the brightest smile I could. He stared down at me with a wide eyes for a long time, before his chakra churned like it was trying to explode and he let out a LITERAL whine. He brought me closer, now cradling me against his chest and slowly touching my face with a soft look in his eyes. 

   I tried not to cry, knowing that could potentially freak him out way more than before and he was like a wild puppy. Startled easily. Instead, I just gurgled again and gabbed his finger with another smile. I said the garbled form of his name again, and pretended not to feel the way his chakra surged with 'protectprotectprotect- MINE'. Pretended not to notice the way he held me just a little tighter and didn't make a movement to give me back, even when everyone else converged back into the room. 

   Later that night, I'd cry silently in my pillow as I remembered the way his chakra had wrapped around me. Unknowingly or not- he had clearly decided I was already one of his precious people. But I couldn't hate him for that. Based on that single interaction-

   I had decided he was one of mine too. 

   Which brought me to my next conundrum. Who the HELL was my family- and why did they know the Fourth Hokage? 

   See. The Jikanoni didn't exist in original Naruto, I'm PRETTY damn sure. I think we'd know if a superpowered clan that was good friends with Kushina and Minato existed. 

   Especially if they had a daughter that called them both Aunt and Uncle. For fucks sake, Kushina had all but demanded the fact that I was to be Naruto's God-Sister or face her wrath. Mom had agreed with an eager smile, and the two women had shared a laugh that made the men go cower in the kitchen. 

   I didn't blame them. Mom and Kushina could be SCARY. 

   But back to the main point. Did that mean after the Kyuubi attack- Naruto would get to live with us? He couldn't be raised by one of the prominent clans because, well, favoritism and politics. Plus the idea of a superpowered child running around was bad. (We're gonna ignore the hypocrisy of the village there) If he didn't go to the orphanage, and he came with us instead, how would that change the story? 

   'Well. At least he'd have a more loving childhood and could have better chakra training', I though- giggling and batting at Kushina's fingers to keep up baby appearances.

   Kushina laughed, looking at me with so much adoration in her eyes that my emotions suddenly plummeted. Kushina would be dead in a matter of moths. Kushina...Kushina would we DEAD in a matter of MONTHS. Minato would be DEAD. She wasn't  just a character anymore, she was my Auntie KUSHINA. He was my Uncle Minato. They were my parents' BEST FRIENDS. Fuck, even Kakashi- who I had privately started called 'Nii-san' or 'Onii-san' in my head- who held me so closely when he could and always looked like he was going to cry when he touched me. But they would be dead. And Kakashi...Kakashi would be put into ROOT and hurt and depressed and-

   I began to sniffle and soon I was bawling. Curse stupid baby emotions! Kushina panicked, calling out and in a few seconds the room was full of chakra. Even Kakashi was there, fully there not just watching as ANBU- and I felt stupid for crying even harder. I reach out my hands where Kushina tried to give me over to my mom and leave, getting my mouth to work with me and creating the first complete words out. 

   "No! No! No no no!" Everyone paused, even me, and we all stared at each other. I didn't look a gift horse in the mouth. My practice had paid off. 

   "No no! No go! R-red! Wan' red!" Okay. So it was a work in progress. But fuck it I was proud and I got the message across.

   Kushina swopped down, scooping me up back into her arms and cooing softly. Fat tears rolled down my cheek again as I pat her face, trying to memorize it best I could. Best I could, so I could tell Naruto when he was old enough to understand me. I look over at Minato too, reaching out my hands and wailing.

   "Sun-Sun! Sun. SUN!" Minato laughed, and Kushina handed me over to him with a few whines about how it wasn't fair that he was clearly the favorite between the two 'ya know'. When I was set in his arms, I did the same thing to him as I did Kushina. Only Minato stared semi-seriously into my face this time. That's why I loved Minato the most. He treated me like...well not an adult. Or even a teen. But at least a young child. He knew I was smarter, and he never dumbed anything down as a result. 

   "It's alright Amira. Why so sad?" He asked, a tilt of a smile on his lips. My own lips trembled and I burst into fat baby tears all over again- trying to memorize his chakra and making grabbing motions with my little chubby fists. he was going to DIE and I couldn't do anything ABOUT IT-

   "No- no good! Bad hat!" I blubbered, and Minato stilled. The warmth in his eyes fading ever so slightly and his smile faltering as he looked down at me. Kakashi (Kakashi-nii-san, Kakashi- brother) appeared beside him, his one dark eye looking over me nervously. I burst into wailing again at his appearance and couldn't help the mess that spilled from my mouth because I needed to DO SOMETHING. I didn't want to LOSE THEM-

   "Bad hat. Bad hat. Bad sw- sw-" I struggled to say 'swirly mask' but my vocabulary wasn't that good yet. This time it was tears of frustration slipping down my already raw and red cheeks. Damn baby emotions! I just waved my fist as if to convey what I was trying to say, but Minato had recovered and while his smile was just slightly more wary it was just as warm as before. 

   "She already knows the horrors of paperwork. She really is such a little genius." NO! NO NO NOOO! I squeeze my fists together and swallow back the scream that was threatening to rip out of my throat. 

I couldn't stop the attack. That was it. I was too young to make a difference. It was set in fucking stone. Naruto would become an orphan and Kakashi would lose everyone else he loved. I could only hold on to these soft pieces of memories until it happened, and then Naruto of them. Of everything from the way Kushina squealed to the smile lines on Minato's eyes- when he was old enough to understand. 

   Whenever that would be.

| | | | |

   It came too soon. It came way too soon, and was over before I could process anything. 

   Naruto did not get to live with us after the Kyuubi attack. Not just because he was placed in the orphanage. 

   But because I was as well. 

   My parents- my sweet mother and protective father with their beautiful chakras- were dead. Dead. 

   But it wasn't the demon fox that had taken their life. It was something else. And I say something- because that THING couldn't have been anything human. It was definitely not a Chakra beast either. 

   The night of the attack was like any other one. I didn't know what day it was, I was a baby and couldn't tell the date- so I had literally no clue what shit was about to hit the fan. One moment my mother was cooing at me playing with my chakra (because apparently in this family charka training starts immediately when sensory emerges- and it wasn't actually that hard to control it, disturbingly easy in fact. Could be because of our clan?) with my father making dinner, and the next an explosion rocked the house. The lights flickered, my parents froze, and then...then the screaming started. 

   They jumped into action- despite my mother being relatively weak she was still clearly a badass kunoichi. My father rushed in as she picked me up.

   Honaka. Something is wrong with Kushina. The Fox has gotten out- we need to help her and Minato. get Amira to Mikoto, Itachi will at least protect her." My mother nods swiftly, and before I realized what was happening I was bundled in a blanket that hummed with chakra (protective seals maybe?) and cradled in my mother's arms as they ran across the rooftops. 

   At first I was confused. Everything was blurry and chakra was being flung left and right, and suddenly I FELT IT. Kurama's chakra. It was just like the Chakra in Kushina- only about 1000 times more terrifying and huge in reality. It pressed down on me, angry and harsh and burning like an ACID- and it was all I could do to not start screaming bloody murder. Abrasive on my senses, I almost didn't feel the other signature- or that could be because it appeared out of NOWWHERE.

 It exploded from the ground in front of my parents, sending all three of us flying and my mother curled herself around me as we landed. 

   As she scrambled to her feet, and cursed in a language I had never heard her use before, I craned my head to look. I couldn't see it, but I didn't have to anyway. Cause in the next moment? I FELT IT.

   That. Right then. Then was the moment I cried. I let out a wail and couldn't help but squirm and thrash and scream because what the Kyuubi was? Was NOTHING compared to the sheer malice and HATRED of this...this someone.  No. Not someone. Nothing truly living had that much darkness. This was a some-THING. It was a THING because what else could it be? It was slimy and dark and coated everything around it like it was trying to consume all life. It existed only to bring and cause pain. Only for itself, with no regard or care for anything else. 

   I wanted to throw up. 

   My mother gasped, the rest of color bleeding out from her skin as she stood up and cradled me to her chest. A look I had never seen on her face before- sheer HATE- was directed at the thing. 

   "It is fortunate timing such tragedy is keeping most of your forces busy." Oh God- it SPEAKS. "I cannot let you live. You understand. Your bodies will be good food. Die knowing mother is grateful for your sacrifice." Mother? what the FUCK?? My baby brain can't process this right now- so much is going on and I want to CRY and go HOME what the FUUUUCCKK-

   "You get nothing. Not our chakra. Not our bodies. And NEVER our daughter. Honaka." My father stared at my mother while drawing a kunai. "Do what you must." My mother nodded firmly, her grip on her tightening before she turned and in a blue and white blur ran the opposite way of the thing. Leaving my dad to fight it. Alone. 

   I screamed and cried and waved my fists. Why?! Why was she LEAVING HIM?! What were they doing?! What was this thing?

   Suddenly, she stopped running and took cover behind a large pile of debris. Most likely from the Fox's attack- WHICH WAS STILL HAPPENING IN THE BACKGROUND-

   My mother kneeled, cupping my face and kissing my forehead once before beginning to make hand signs I had never seen before. 

"Amira. Amira my beautiful daughter. My sweet, smart genius. Mommy loves you. Daddy loves you. Your parents LOVE YOU." She was trying not to cry, tears watering in her colorless eyes. Her chakra churned like a tsunami beneath her skin and building- building. "We will ALWAYS love you. You are so strong. So brave. Such a powerful girl. You will be the most powerful Kunoichi. we will be so proud of you." She winced when my dad let out a harsh cry, but kept going and building her chakra. All of her chakra. What was she doing? Something like this was too much. She would DIE-

   "I wish I could help you. Watch you grow. Teach you everything about us. But know that mommy loves you. Mommy loves you, and she's going to protect you as much as possible." her voice was raw now, with the strain of holding back her tears, and with a bang my dad landed next to her. He was bleeding heavily, and they shared at look. One I had seen before on TV and heroes. People who knew they were going to die and accepted it already. 

   I let out a wail, tears slipping down my cheeks. (I had been crying so much lately maybe I was made of water. Maybe it was why I drowned-) No no no! Why wouldn't they LIVE- what was this THING trying to kill us? Why why why-

   "Listen to your mother. She's so much older and wiser than I am." My dad chuckled like it was an inside joke, (Dad don't laugh, please don't laugh at this) cupping his hands around my mom's and channeling the rest of his chakra into whatever she was doing as well. Everything began to get heavy around me, as ALL of their chakra gathering into the palms of their hands. My mom and dad were pale and sweaty and shaking by the end. They were dying, what were they doing with that chakra?? 

   (And can't you stop?! Can't you see that I need you?? I need my mom and DAD- Naruto needs his GOD PARENTS, please STOP- MOMMY-)

   "You won't understand. Not until you're older- so much older- and I'm sorry. I'm sorry baby. I'm sorry my beautiful girl." You're right mom. I don't understand. Please stay. Please stay so you can EXPLAIN- "you're going to have to protect your God-brother. Naruto will need your help. My strong, beautiful girl." My mother WAS crying now, leaning forward with my dad around her (Still trying to shield me- please STOP why are you determined to DIE-) as the barrier he had apparently set up to protect us shattered. 

   "I love you. My daughter. My Amira. The last Jikanoni." She whispered, and kissed my forehead so tenderly (the last one she'll ever give me- NO MOM) before both of them thrust their hands forward. 

   All their chakra poured forward. Straight. Into. me. There was a bright light, a burning, something seemed to break in my seeing my parent's crying faces- a primal howl of rage from that thing....

    Then- pain. And I SCREAMED. 

Chapter Text

It took a while. You know. For it to sink in.

That I had lost both my families in one night.

I only had Naruto left- and he didn't even know me. Let alone of my existence.

I wondered a lot. Those first few weeks. Stuck in a loop. Depression was SHIT as a child- and it didn't help that everyone was still reeling from the attack.

I wondered often if Minato and Kushina would've been okay, and ALIVE, if my parents were alive as well right now. I wonder, if I wasn't reborn- I would've died alongside my parents. Maybe I wasn't supposed to live past 5 months. Maybe that's why the Jikanoni clan was never brought up- because they were all murdered by that THING the night of the Kyuubi attack.

I squeezed my fists, letting my wails turn into hiccups and curling on my side on my cot the orphanage had given most of the babies. The something that broke inside of me when seeing my parents sacrifice their lives for mine sharpened. The glass pieces turning jagged and making a protective shield around my heart. I felt anger begin to burn beneath my skin, replacing the utter desolation I felt, my chakra swirling in response...and I knew.

Fuck it. Who cares if I was supposed to die? I'm not. I'm not and I'm alive even though my family is DEAD- I'm not. (Oh God Mom, Dad, Why'd you do it?) My mother and father protected me with their last breaths. They sacrificed everything so that I would live.

And live I would. Live- and kill whatever killed my parents that night. Whatever it was- it should learn to finish the job, because I wasn't going to hesitate the next time I felt its chakra.

| | | | |

After that night, it was different. After their death...things were different. Which- yeah, duh. I was still only technically 6 (5 1/2 but who gives a crap about details) months old in this body, regardless if I had the memories and rough maturity of a 17 year old. It was...hard. But not as hard as it would have been if I was a real baby. If I was a real baby I would never have been able to remember their faces. If I was a real baby I'd be less concerned about what the Hell I was going to do about my living situation, and more concerned about where my parents went.

Even so, grief sucked.

I mourned for my second parents. The life I had lost. The knowledge that had died with them. Also- the pain that injecting their chakra into me had caused, because really that hurt SO BAD. Anger helped. As it simmered beneath my skin and kept me going. I knew it was unhealthy- but it helped so I didn't give two fucks. I still cried a lot for them the next few months though.

I almost felt bad for the orphanage caretakers- then remembered how they treated Naruto and screamed twice as loud.

Yeah. I was a petty bitch like that.

Anyway. I knew I had to figure something out- because no WAY would I stay in the Orphanage until who knows how long. Besides- Danzō got kids from the orphanage. Uh uh. No way. I was, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, going to join ROOT. Not even the thought of maybe seeing Kakashi (Kakashi- Kakashi nii-san, I'm so sorry I tried) again could tempt me. No thank you Mr. Creep-o.

But seriously. I needed to figure something out. I was 90% sure my family was the last of our clan anyway so there was no protection from them. Plus, I really didn't want to share a room with 4 other kids my whole life.

So. I figured it would be fine if I just stayed on the down low, then just...went back to my house one day. Assuming it would still be there- but I was 95% sure it was a clan house- so it SHOULD be fine.

Maybe.

Should probably check in on that though.

But. My logic. Who's gonna miss ONE 4 year old kid out of DOZENS? Konoha let Naruto live on his own since he was, like, five. Not to mention Sasuke being alone in a whole ass COMPOUND since he was 7. A compound where his whole FAMILY was MURDERERD by his BROTHER. Or Kakashi. Or Minato. Or literally ANY OTHER shinobi child. Then again, this was a society that considered kids adults when they hit 12, or killed someone. Whichever came first. So. Maybe it wasn't the BEST system to base off of when I could live on my own.

Yet. I wasn't a normal baby, and this wasn't my old world. If I was a normal baby I would stay in the orphanage. If I was a normal baby I'd go along with everyone else. If I was a normal baby-

Okay. You get the idea.

Basically, I wasn't completely helpless (I was but I was ignoring that fact for now) and I had a plan (I do not have a plan. I had 12% of a plan that was barely a concept) and I would be fine. (I would NOT be fine)

What I really wanted was to be left the fuck ALONE, and to learn my ABCs and 123s in PEACE. I was so close to being able to toddle around at my first year and I was READY to be DONE with this place!

I just needed to find a fucking dictionary first God DAMNIT!

| | | | |

So like....growing up is HARD. I'm glad I don't remember growing up in my first life- because this? It Sucks.

The orphanage isn't BAD per say- for a regular kid like me who tries her best to be the angel of the world. But for so many others? It's clearly hell. Especially Naruto. Sweet, bright, shining Naruto. I had sensed him the first time I managed to walk around the orphanage by myself- ignoring the ache inside of me, ignoring the whispering cheers that sounded like my parents. Cheering me on.

"My beautiful girl." I shook my head rapidly, darting around another corner unsteadily and scowling when I knocked into the doorframe. Ugh. These legs needed to get used to this pace, cause I ain't gonna have the same coordination as I did in my past life.

I shuddered. That would be atrocious. Goodbye Ninja career.

Sneaking around was also easy. Good practice, definitely, but easy. To be fair- I wasn't even close to being a problem child compared to some of the other kids. But still. You'd think somebody would end up noticing how a blue haired girl with bright violet eyes mysteriously gets into places she shouldn't.

Like right now.

I yank myself up onto the chair, curse these weak ass baby muscles, and plop down with a huff. Staring at the matron's desk. I narrow my eyes. 'If I was dealing in illegal children to some creepy old guy where would I hide my money...' My eyes scan the desk carefully and I reach out my chakra in case there was a seal. 'Nothing...nothing...nothing...wait. Oooh! Secret compartment!'

"Secret tunnel...secret tunnel..." I sing song in my tiny baby voce with a little lisp quietly as I crawl under the desk with a toothless grin. Sue me. Avatar was great.

I press on the side, finding the scratched in seal and making a face when I realize there was dried blood on it. Of course. The Matron doesn't have chakra she can actively use- so she's gotta put her blood on it. Huh. Read that in a fanfiction once- cool head canon. Guess it's true.

I slowly let a little bit of my chakra out and grin brightly when the sound of a lock clicking open is made- and a little drawer pops open. I grin even wider when I see the stacks of Ryō. Damn. This woman is a BITCH. I'm so glad I'm stealing from her.

Yeah. I know I should feel a LITTLE bad- but come on. There's no way this shit is being used for the other orphans. Not with the files of the older kids sticking out and haunting my vision in the corner. I ignore them- there wasn't anything I could do for them. They're already picked, and if I try to take the files then I risk getting caught. Can't do that.

I take the first level of bills, stuffing them under my ratty, long, greyish shirt/dress they put me in. I make a face and sigh. Man. I can't wait until I can dip.

Sneaking out was a LOT easier than sneaking in. Which means it was so easy a 1 year old could do it. Oh...wait...

I make it back to my- and four others- rooms quickly and stuff the bills under the mattress. Or what they called a mattress. It was a piece of fabric stuffed with something like fluff. Or straw. Or both. I...kinda didn't want to know. I'd count the money later, as well as move it to the loose board behind my pillow. Now was too risky.

My stomach snarled, and I winced. I had missed lunch to get this money- I hope somebody nice is in the kitchen today.

Barefeet stumbled along the stained and worn wood of the halls as I sprinted to where I knew the kitchen would be. I heard loud talking from the mess hall, but I knew there would be no food left. Not now. Not so recently. In a few years- maybe. But not now. (Not ever, not for sunshine and smiles and blue eyes) So I maybe my way to the kitchen door in the corner.

Adopting big eyes and a shy expression, I knocked hesitantly on the door and forced a blush on my face. The woman who opened it was one I KNEW, but I hadn't SEEN her before. I let out an actual squeak and- you know what maybe I didn't need to eat lunch-

"Hello little one. I didn't see you at lunch, everything alright?" Her voice was like a cocoon. Warm and happy and motherly. Her chakra was like that too- so much so that I had to remind myself this woman was most DEFINETELY a spy and a killer and- a Medic-nin. She was a medic as much as she was a murderer.

My stomach snarled. Also- hunger is a great motivator. Stealing is a tiring job.

"I...I miss' lunch." I mumbled, making sure to add a bit of a lisp to cute it up. Nonō Yakushi smiled, kneeling down and gently touching my shoulder. I didn't meet her eyes- actually terrified that she may see through me. There's a silence, but she doesn't. She only laughs softly and ushers me in.

"Well we can't have that can we? Here," She grabs me and with surprising strength (still a ninja, still a killer) sets me on the counter. She slowly gets out enough stuff to make a sandwich and with care puts it together. Setting in in front of me and giving a soft smile. "There you go darling. Just don't tell anyone else." She winked, putting a finger to her face with a playful grin and I had to giggle. (But a Medic. But a healer.)

I slowly ate the sandwich, not letting my hunger get the best of me and when I finished I beamed at her. The adorable one that had everyone wrapped around my finger. Thank Kami for being a cute kid. I waved a shy goodbye, repeatedly apologizing, and she just laughed.

"If you want to get some more next time- you should come and keep me company." She joked. It was a joke, I knew, but as I made my way back to the room mentally preparing myself for the headache that was learning Kanji- my head stuck on it.

Why not?

'Why not?' I echoed in my head, even later that night when I counted out the bills. Six stacks of 20, 100 Ryō bills. I stare at them in my hands. That's...12,000 Ryō right there. Not bad for me- but holy CRAP. How do these people not have INFLATION? By the way Ninja get paid, and the actual affordable prices of food and shit- this is INSANE. My head shook rapidly, curly bouncing by my cheeks. Wow.

Quickly, the bills were stuffed away into the loose board and I curl up under my thin blanket, knees tucked to my chin. It popped back into my head. 'Why not?' I needed to learn to cook...doing chores would be good for me...and favoritism was never really a NO....but. BUT. If I wanted to leave- I'd have to do it quickly and quietly. Slipping away like water in a quick running river. (Damn I hate water, still hate water)

Getting close to that woman would only bring trouble. Worse trouble than Naruto on his best days. My absence would be missed. Would be SEEN and HEARD. They might not care so much, but there would still be a bit-to-do. Which...I didn't want. I didn't WANT to be seen or heard just yet. Not until my absence would be NOTICED. Noticed, and not brushed away. Then again...I groaned quietly. Burying my face into the flat pillow and trying not to screech. Why is this so COMPLICATED??

I fell asleep that night having no idea what was going to end up happening in the morning.

I hated it.

| | | | |

So I ended up waking up at the ass crack of dawn. Which. Sucked. I stayed in bed for about five minutes before stretching out my senses and feeling Nonō awake and in the kitchen downstairs. 'Ah. What the hell.' I thought, rolling quietly out of bed before darting out of the room and down the hallways.

I gently push open the door, and pause awkwardly when seeing her getting everything read for the day. Today was clearly biscuits, as she bustled around and got everything together. I looked towards a bunch of apples and slowly made my way over. Grimacing at the high countertop I looked around. I shall not be defeated! Grinning at the chair I noticed next to the far side, I scampered over and yanked myself up.

It took a while, but I got onto that darn counter. I stumbled my way over to the apples and plopped down in front of the cutting board with a puzzled look on my face. I look at my hands. Then the knife. Then the apple.

Oh this was a very bad idea.

I shrugged my shoulders and grabbed the knife- set up and apple, and started cutting. Made it probably halfway through the ten set out on the counter before she even noticed I was there.

"What are you DOING?!" She hissed, making me flinch. The knife slipped and sliced into my tiny child finger. I winced at the pain, but held it up to eye level with a pouty scowl. It wasn't that bad. It should be fine. Nonō didn't agree. "-not doing this without supervision! When did you get in here?" I looked up at the tail end of her rant, the board having already been washed and my finger tingling with the medical chakra being used on it. I gave her a grin.

"I cut five apples already. Your fault for scaring me." She stares at me, uncomprehendingly, before seemingly realizing my lisp was gone and I looked a tad more intelligent than yesterday. She sits back, her focus shifting from my finger to me myself. Oh boy. What did I just do.

"You're a little genius aren't you." She mumbled, and I almost flinch at the term (Minato please forgive me I did what I could I promise-) but hold myself back at he look on her face. She looks worried. Right. Geniuses in orphanages are given to Danzō. Damn. Why'd I do this again? She doesn't say anything else, simply healing my finger and wiping away the blood before handing me back the knife.

"Cut those apples up. You did good." That was the only thing said between us for the rest of the morning. I knew she was watching me, as I finished the apples and moved on to stirring the porridge for the baby and toddlers. When she rang the bell, I made to slip away, but she caught me. Some of the older kids came in to take the food away, and gave me curious looks, but didn't say shit. Could be because Nonō gave them a dismissing look, but whatever. I was more focused on how bad suicide really was for a poor orphan like me-

"Where'd you think you're going? You helped, you should get something good to eat. I've got jam." Well. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Jam sounded GREAT with biscuits.

So I had jam with my biscuits and some blueberries Nonō had pulled from nowhere. Then, she sent me to work on sweeping out the dining hall and bringing her the dirty dishes. That got me out of being yelled at by the older kids for being smarter than them at almost everything.

I helped with lunch and dinner too, getting better food than before as well and only doing a few chores. Nonō also began to subtly give me looks. When it was curfew, she sent me off with a small strawberry and a 'Come back tomorrow'. It was discreet, and nobody said anything about it.

Side note: I think I might be in love with this woman.

Side-Side Note: I'll definitely be coming back tomorrow.

| | | | |

You know that moment where you rethink everything in life? Yeah. That's about what's happening to me right now.

I was 2 1/2 when I first met Kabuto, and I had been prepared to hate this child. With all my being. But when he stumbled in to the kitchen one afternoon with a bloodied knee and the first thing he said to me was-

"You've got really pretty eyes." I'll admit. I melted just a little bit. And blushed. But Kabuto was a cute kid. Sue me.

Nonō had huffed, mumbling about adorable little troublemakers and we had shared a commiserating look. That was the start of a...pretty okay friendship.

Nonō had just laughed when I asked her if I could skip lunch duty to study with him the first time, waving her hand and telling me to skip all the lunches I wanted, because- 'That boy needs a few more friends.' I agreed. So I became one of his first. He was really quiet, but scary smart. 5 years older than me, but didn't treat me like a child at all. I liked it. I liked HIM. For a first friend- I could've done worse.

"Why do you write your threes like that? They don't have loops." He mutters, leaning across and viciously scrubbing at my paper. I stick my tongue out at him- mature I know, but shut up I worked hard on that 3- and swat his hands.

"I dunno." I did know. I wrote in English in the book under my bed to practice. "I just do." I couldn't forget. I didn't want to forget. Knowledge is power, and I didn't want to lose my power just yet.

"Well- STOP!" He stutters, waving his hands and turning pink as I grin impishly at him. Rolling over so my face is to the canopy of trees I nudge his leg with my foot. He sighs, pushing up his (technically Nonō's) glasses and sending me a long look. "Yeah?" I blow a strand of deep blue hair out of my face and turn to look over at him. He stares at me, expectantly.

I slam the book he had open shut and lunge forward. Slamming my hand on his shoulder and jostling him. "TAG! You're it!" He stares at his shoulder, then back up at me. I stick out my tongue again- come on even a genius has to have fun- and he lunges for me. I giggle, scampering out of his reach. He scowls, but lunges up from his sitting position and races after me. I let out a squeal, dodging around the tree and laughing freely when he curses over a root.

"A-mira!" He huffs, reaching out and snatching my shirt in his grip. I yelp, darting under his arm and forcing him to let go before spinning back around and grinning at his scrunched up face. "You're it. We have homework." He pants, pushing up his glasses. He tries to look disapproving, but as his eyes glances over me and his muscles tense I could see his excitement. He really was a ninja at heart wasn't he. Damn.

"Homework will be there later! The sun is out noooww!" I draw out, laughing as he groans and taking the chance to lunge at him. He dodges, sprinting a little farther into the woods surrounding Konoha and I run after him. We dart through shadows, and swing around trees. I managed to leap off a rock and knock into his shoulder, letting out a shriek of victory and scrambling away in the opposite direction. He groans, but chases after me with a smile.

Thanks to my smaller body, I'm a tad more agile than he is so it's harder to catch me in the forest. I play leapfrog across a small pond and it's rocks, giggling when Kabuto ends up splashing behind me- but I don't look back. My hair, it's a tad longer, now at my shoulders, blew out behind me as I sprinted through the trees. When I couldn't hear him anymore, I slowed to a stop- huffing and puffing.

At least my legs have gotten to use to my active lifestyle. I don't stumble much anymore. It's nice. I take in a deep breath of forest air, and shut my eyes. Everything was so bright and loud, chakra sensing was HARD when you were surrounded by it and had no one to teach you. I kept thinking back to mom...mom and how she tried to get me to work with it. I should've listened- I should've paid more attention and smiled at her more and cooed at my dad-

"Got you!" A body crashed into me- chakra that made me think of fish scales if they were made of metal- bright and tinkling and HAPPY- and we were sent to the floor.

"Fuck." I cursed, and Kabuto stared at me with wide eyes.

"Don't say that! Who'd you hear say that! That is a BAD WORD AMIRA!" He splutters, his arms on either side of me face as I grin up at him. I lean up so that were super close and my grin turns sharper.

"...Fuck." He yelps and I cackle, collapsing back on the dirt and staring up at his rapidly blushing face. That was another thing, it was pretty easy to get mini Kabuto flustered. It was kinda adorable. "Oh please. No one will care when we're older so why care NOW." My childish logic sounded great in my head. My friend? Didn't think so.

He scowled down at me. "Amira! If Nonō hears you we'll get trash duty for a WEEK." I winced, cringing at the thought. Yeah. Okay. Fair. But...

"Nonō isn't out here right now." I gesture wildly to the woods around us and Kabuto looks torn for a moment. It was only a moment, before it crumples into a face that would be a groan if it the sound had a physical look. I knew I had won, and beamed up at him. "Oh come on. Don't look so glum. I'm sure loads of people have been outsmarted by a 2 and a half year old before!"

He gives me an unimpressed look, pushing off and flopping next to me. "Two." I scowl, shoving him and shuffling so I'm leaning on a boulder that was on the outside of the mini clearing we fond ourselves in.

"Two and a half." He does the same. "Two." "Two and a HALF!" "TWO." "TWO and a HALF!" I turn to yell at him again but I get a face full of leaves and a laughing boy beside me. I stare at him, mouth open and wide eyed with leave stuck in my hair and dirt smudge on my face.

"Oh you bastard-" My hands grab leaves on the ground next to me and try to smash them on his face. He yelps, going to cover himself but it doesn't work and soon his grey hair is covered in leaves and we're laughing breathlessly on the floor once again. Soon our laughter fades and we're staring up at the trees, when a hand nudges mine.

"Amira?" His voice is quiet, and makes me looks over at him with furrowed brows. "Can I ask you a question?" I nod, meeting his eyes and seeing the seriousness. He takes a deep breath. "Are you going to be a ninja?" My mind stalls. I never actually THOUGHT about it. I mean. It was NARUTO. It was either be a ninja...or be a nobody. A civilian. My parents would've wanted me to be ninja. Naruto is my God-brother. He'll be a ninja. Kushina... "You're gonna be teammates, ya know!"

"Yes." I blurt out before I can stop myself. I turn my hand towards his and intertwine our fingers, but look down at the dirt. "I can't not. M-my parents. They..." I choke up, squeezing my eyes shut and trying not to cry. Stupid. Fucking stupid.

"You aren't stupid. When...when..." He struggles, obviously awkward but gripping my hand tightly. I let out a tiny laugh.

"When everyone else's did." I feel the still in his chakra, then the sadness and sympathy.

"The Fox?" I didn't answer. I let him believe it was the Fox. I didn't know what actually killed them, what went after us, so to anyone else it would be the Fox. He shuffles closer, so close that he wraps his arm around me and brings me into his chest. I sniffle, leaning into him and staring blankly at the forest in front of us. It was quiet, before he takes a deep breath.

"I don't know who I am." I don't dare interrupt him, even though I know this already. To my knowledge he didn't share with ANYONE besides his pseudo brother and foster mom. "I woke up with a bad head injury one day, couldn't even remember my own name." He let out a weak laugh, and I could feel him sorta burying his nose into my hair. "Nonō gave me my name. She gave me these glasses too, cause I couldn't read without them. I..I can't remember my mom or dad. Or my life, before."

It's quiet, and I tighten my grip on his hand.

"...That's rough buddy." He lets out a surprised bark of laughter, burying his face into my hair and wrapping me in a hug. I giggle, leaning against him and closing my eyes. Just letting his chakra slowly wash over mine and wrapping my huge reserves around him as well.

We stayed like that until twilight. When we came back, just a tad closer than before, Nonō took one look at us and just gave us dinner.

She didn't even scold me for not watching the time.

Chapter Text

I had forgotten one part about my friendship with Nonō and Kabuto. One horrible, sinking, painful part.

The part where they both leave in the end.

I was staring at Kabuto, hands clenching tightly into fists as I dared not look behind him. Where I knew Orochimaru was standing.

"You're leaving." I didn't wince, even though I wanted to, at my tone. Kabuto did, though. He winced. He winced and reached out as if to touch me again. I flinched back, gritting my teeth as a rock settled in my stomach. Fuck. Fuck. Why. Why did I have to get attached. WHY.

"I- Amira-" He stutters and I let out a frustrated scream in my mouth. He widens his eyes, never hearing that sound from me before as I glare bitterly at him- before tackling him in a swift hug.

"I hate you." I sob, gripping the boy who was about to become someone else. "I hate you."

He quickly hugs back, cradling me softly. "I'm sorry. I just-" He swallows and I know. I knew. I dig my fingers into his back one last time before drawing back. "I'm sorry." He rasps, his glasses falling down his nose. Reflexively, I push them back up and he chuffs out a laugh. Turning and digging in his bag, he pulls out a leather strip and grabs my hand. Pressing whatever it was into it, he gives a bashful smile.

"Cause I missed your birthday, right?" I froze, staring down at my hand. I went to open it but he quickly covered my hand again and ignored my watery glare.

"Don't look until I'm gone okay? So I don't see if you hate it." I scoff, wiping my eyes again with my other hand.

"'m not gonna hate it." I mutter bitterly, staring down at the ground. He hugs me one more time (the last time-) before grabbing his bag and leaving. I watch him go helplessly. Hopelessly. Devastated. Nonō comes up behind me with a fake smile on her face (I preferred ones that still had pain but were REAL-) and set a hand on my shoulder.

"Well? What did he get you then?" Her voice was strong, but shaky. I opened my palm, and promptly burst out crying. It was a black leather strand with a silver clasps, and a beautiful blue stone. It was circular and flat, and was a simple stone- looked like aquamarine but I wasn't a stones person- and it was so KABUTO.

That bastard had gotten me a necklace.

Damnit. He was making it so hard to hate him. I couldn't. I couldn't. Not after seeing him laugh like a child and pout at stupid things. Or playing tags until our breaths wheezed and cuddling in the forest. Or when he helped me with my Kanji cause I still sucked. I cried a lot that night, clutching the stone of the necklace around my neck. It fit perfectly in the palm of my hand. That made made me cry harder.

Cried for the precious person I had just lost to darkness.

| | | | |

It was about a week after that I met Naruto for the first time.

I had finished lunch with Nonō, a quiet and stilted affair after Kabuto left, and because I wasn't hungry I wrapped the other half of my sandwich in a napkin to eat later. I wandered the halls blankly, missing the presence at my side more keenly than ever, and somehow made my way outside.

"Hi!" I blinked in shock, staring at the tree (OUR tree, Kabuto and I's TREE-) where we usually studied. A sunshine beaming grin was directed at me, and I had to remind myself that the sun was ABOVE me. Not in front of me. I stared into bright blue eyes (I'm sorry Minato, Kushina, I tried-) and in stunned silence sat down heavily beside him.

"Hi." I whispered, staring at him. Awe filled me, as much as I tried not to be, chasing away the depression I found myself in and leaving behind something warm and bright. He beams again, and I couldn't help but make a strangled sound in my throat. This was my God-brother. I had FORGOTTEN about my own GODBROTHER. How could I? 'Take care of Naruto. He'll need it...' (I'm sorry mommy- I'll try, I promise Auntie Kushina I WILL-)

"Are you an angel?" I nearly choke on air at his question. Asked so innocently, but with such bright eyed conviction that I almost believed it. But no. I wasn't. I told him as much, then asked him why, and he shrugged. "We'll you're really beautiful, and if anyone was an angel it'd be you."

I just stare at him, because, how was he REAL? How was this boy REAL? Suddenly, his stomach snarls angrily and he winces- looking away in embarrassment.

"Are you hungry?" I hear myself ask, but don't register the words coming out of my mouth. Was I even breathing? How was this possible? How did he feel so much like my aunt but had so much of my uncle? How was he REAL?

"Yeah...they won't give me anything to eat sometimes." He mumbled, staring off into the distance at he other kids who were playing sadly.

I look down at the sandwich held in my hand and stick it out to him. "Here you go. I'm not gonna eat it anyway." He stares at me like I was the light in the darkness. (I swear Auntie- I swear I WILL-) I couldn't help but feel more guilt slicing through my stomach and up my chest. I forgot about this beautiful boy.

"Really?" I nod mutely, and watch as he snatches it from my grip and eats it almost lightning fast. "I th'nk yur an ang'l." He mumbles through a mouthful of bread and cheese, and I almost cry all over again. I shake my head, curling up into a ball and setting my head on my knees.

"I'm not an angel." I whisper, staring out into the bright summer day. The only thing I could think was that Kabuto was probably underground, so far underground that he wouldn't see the sun for a long time. I felt the tears slipping down my cheeks before I could stop them and just tossed up my metaphorical hands. I didn't want to be a cry-baby, I didn't want to feel like this anymore, but I couldn't help it. I hated this whole situation. I hated the fact my parents were dead. I hated the fact Minato and Kushina were gone. I hated the fact that Nonō would leave and die and I couldn't do ANYTHING about it.

I hated so hard it turned right back around and made me cry. Because I didn't want to hate anymore.

"Hey! Don't cry! Who made you cry! I'll fight them, believe it!" Naruto shouted, making me flinch and stare at him with wide eyes. Tears welled all over again, and I just shook my head- tackling Naruto to the ground and letting out a soft cry.

"Don't. They aren't worth it anyway." 'Liar...' my mind whispered. But I ignored it. Instead I plastered on a smile and grabbed his hand. "Lets go play ninja instead! The forest is awesome!"

Thank Kami for short attention spans of children- because Naruto immediately beamed and yanked me along in excitement.

| | | | |

"So you're leaving too." I state shortly, not angry...just tired. Nonō kneels down, touching my shoulder and trying to smile (like my mother before she DIED-) at me in reassurance.

"I'll come back." She tries to say but I shake my head.

"You won't." There's silence. "Come back." She searches my eyes. My too old- I know- eyes. Whatever she sees, she accepts. She brings me into a hug.

"I'm sorry." She whispers. Drawing back she kisses my forehead one last time before turning and walking away...walking out of my life like everyone seemed to do. Maybe something about being dead is preferable? Maybe death isn't so bad here. Not like on Earth. Where death apparently gets you reborn into Hell.

Maybe that's why everyone keeps walking towards it.

I don't know how long I stand there, but when I come back to myself the sky is streaked with Red and orange and I realize I probably missed dinner. Whoops. I couldn't really bring myself to care. Or feeling anything other than apathy at the moment.

I began the trek back to my room, and jolts to a stop when I realize something.

There was nothing holding me here anymore.

I mean, there was Naruto. But...the third would be coming soon. To take him away and set him up in a nice apartment (Nice was subjective but whatever) and give him weekly allowances. Then, I'd truly be alone. The only reason I stuck around past my third birthday was because of Nonō and Kabuto. Now...now they were (good as dead, dead, tortured, gone gone GONE-) away.

I stopped in front of my bunk, reaching up and grabbing the stone hanging from my neck for reassurance. I take a deep breath, then grab the bag at the end of the bed- a gift from Nonō, she knew, because of course she did- before beginning to fill it with...

I look around. Nothing. Well, I tilt my head. No. That's not true.

My fingers pry open the loose board behind my bed, and I wench out the piles of money I had been skimming off the head Matron for almost two years now. This was at LEAST 100,000. Not that she'd miss it- the bitch. I slowly stuff them into my bag, making sure to cover them with the two shirts and one other pair of drawstring pants I had. I put books Kabuto had left with me in the bag as well, gently and reverently. And my notebook. Where I practiced English. Where I made sure to remember.

That night, when everyone was asleep, and before I could lose my nerve...I opened up and window and jumped out. I made sure to time it during the switch of Naruto's ANBU- and before anyone knew I was gone...I had slipped away and was running into the main village by sunrise. I felt a little guilty for leaving Naruto (you were supposed to PROTECT HIM-) but I shook it off. He would be okay. He had to be.

I take in a deep breath, staring up at the Hokage monument and trying not to get hit by all the people. 'Yeah...he's gonna be okay...but what about you?' I let my breath out in a loud huff, puffing out my cheeks and tightening my grip on my bag. My stomach snarls, and I wince. Right. First- food. Second...we'll figure that out over eating food.

Walking through Konoha in late morning as a tiny child win raggedy clothes is not something I'd wish on anyone. The amount of dirty looks and scoffs I had gotten was enough to make me want to bash SOMEONE'S head in. No wonder these people were so quick to condemn Naruto. They're all relatively assholes.

Anyway, I managed to get some direction from a cute Genin with brown hair and blue eyes to a little café that was great for brunch. I probably devoured at LEAST three muffins- and COFFEE. Oh the COFFEE- precious force of life. I know you health professionals are probably going off. And YEAH- it's bad for developing brains and I shouldn't be drinking it as a kid- but I literally give zero shits at the moment.

It was COFFEE.

Also- I was screwed up mentally anyway. So. Probably doesn't matter.

After some wonderful brunch, it was time to figure out what the HELL I was supposed to be doing. But, as I walked past a store window and caught my reflection I realized something.

There can't be many clan kids with tattoos. Even less with eyes and hair like mine- plus my skin is something you'd find in Suna, or Kumo. It hit me just then- I stood out. Stood out like Sakura with her bright bubblegum pink hair and mint green eyes. I stood out horribly. Before I went ANYWHERE- I needed to get some better clothing.

So went my hunt for a thrift store.

Yeah, I said thrift store. Fuck you. Thrift shopping is amazing and I was SURE they had at least ONE in Konoha. If they didn't...well. I'd throw some tantrum.

Luckily for passerby's ears- they DID in fact have a thrift store. I quickly ducked inside, sighing in relief at the air conditioning, and immediately shot towards the young child's section.

I immediately gravitated towards the shorts, yanking down a few nicer pairs because FUCK was it HOT- and then immediately fled to the long sleeved side for shirts. I found a few tank tops, and a couple regular Tees, but nothing definitive until I yank out GOLD. Okay. More like turquoise and deep green, but whatever. It was a giant- to me- hoodie, deep aquamarine with lighter mint accents. I rushed to the change room, and grinned as I slipped on the familiar style. Kami- I had MISSED real clothes.

Ended up getting away with two pairs of shorts, a tank top and a Tee, along with the awesome hoodie I had immediately put on and drew the hood on over my head to hide my hair. I had also may or may not have snagged some dark glasses that looked like they used to belong to an Aburame to hide my eyes. I tossed my old rags into as dumpster behind the building and was off.

Hey. In all- I only spent like 400 Ryō. Great deal.

"Right. Now. The real search begins." I sigh, pushing up my glasses and ignoring the heat as I slink into an alley and determine how I'm going to do this.

I really just debated going up and asking some random person- but then my common sense kicked in and I realized-

A.) That's weird.

B.) Who's gonna answer a three year old who looks like she got swallowed by a bog.

C.) I don't want to draw attention to myself.

It was ACTUALLY a miracle no one looked twice at me when I decided I needed new clothes. Praise small mercies and living in a village in which three year olds are allowed to murder, I guess.

So. I went with plan...whatever. I closed my eyes, and stretched out my sensory range. It was huge- easily encompassing all of Konoha and the forest beyond, and I had to stop multiple times before it got to be too much- but finally I found something. It wasn't a lot, barely anything really, but I recognized my mother's chakra. To the West we go.

I yank myself out, stumbling and leaning against the cold wall of the alley as I try not to puke my guts out. I feel something drip out of my face and realize after I press my hand to it that it's blood. Oh joy, my nose is bleeding. Now I don't just look like a homeless troublemaker (you ARE homeless- shut up) but I also look like I just got into a fight with somebody and probably lost. Great.

I fish out one of my old Orphanage shirts and use it to stem the bleeding and mop up my face. I also realized I was thirsty as FUCK. Also. Got a killer headache.

...Maybe using my sensing to almost the max wasn't good right off the bat. Should look into that.

Meh. Not dead yet. Count that as a semi-win.

I set off, making sure to keeping to the shade as much as possible and pretending nothing else exists except me and my destination. I have to stop and pinpoint my mom's chakra multiple times along the way- getting more bloody noses and going through a whole shirt- before I get there. I wasn't able to sight-see Konoha because I was so focused. I was a tad bummed. Not gonna lie.

But...It was probably good I got there anyway, I was starting to get a little lightheaded from the blood loss.

The first thing I recognized were the roses. I didn't even see them- I smelled them. It made something painful wrap around my heart and squeeze it tightly, and I broke into a run around the corner before I even realized what was going on.

My house was in the sector where a lot of big houses were. They weren't CLAN...or they might've been minor clans...but they had property. No. They were probably minor clans, many had other housing units on the property. Mine was no exception- but while some had hedges or trees or pretty grass, mine had all of those thing. All of those things- and ROSES.

My breath caught in my throat when I rounded the corner, and I saw it. I knew immediately. I knew- and it called me. Called me with the hum of my mother's chakra. With old cracked bricks and worn wood. With bright colorful roses and twisting trees and leafy plants and honeysuckle that made my head swim. Called me home.

The property, like all things out here, was set on one side of a street- and took up nearly the whole block. It had a high brick fence surrounding it making sure there was privacy. On the other side, was another house, probably neighbors but I didn't care. My feet slapped against the cobblestones rapidly as I stumbled towards the gates. I skidded to a stop, staring up in awe at the wrought Iron gates. They were huge, and covered in ivy, and locked, but I didn't let that stop me. It was my HOUSE- and it KNEW THAT. It wouldn't lock me out.

I was right. The moment I grasped the handle, the vines curled around the two gates- vines that had morning glories and honeysuckle and were so sweet my head spun once again- quickly slipped away- leaving me free to push the gate open. (Home, home, home) I blinked back tears, closing the gate carefully behind me and watching as the vines took their places once again. 'Protection.' My mind helpfully suggested. I nodded. The chakra within this entire compound dwarfed that of Konoha itself. How I didn't just see it on this ALONE- I wasn't sure.

I turned, and began to make my way up the well worn and mossy cobble path. Towards the house. My house.

It was made of dark wood, and was very open like Japanese houses tended to be. However, it didn't feel exposed, because around the entire house was a huge beautiful garden. Somebody in my family was a green-thumb, because the amount of plants I knew I could count solely on one hand. And there were DOZENS more. Maybe even HUNDREDS.

I slowed down, trailing my hands across the blooming roses and blinking back more tears as their sweet scent hit me hard. My feet took me up the stairs and to the porch, where I glanced around. It was clearly a wrap-around, and a few rocking chairs and tables were set out. As if...as if someone was just out for lunch and was coming home anytime.

I grip the door handle, and shove it open. It opened without a sound, and my first steps into the house were muffled by a warm red and black carpet on the flooring. Immediately in front of me were stairs that lead up to the second level. One that I could roughly see from where I stood, but I turned my attention to the right first.

The right, it turns out, was the kitchen and dining room, as well as a living room. A living room I remembered so well- a living room than if I closed my eyes I could still FEEL the chakra that permeated the room. I choked back a sob. Mommy. Daddy. Auntie. Uncle. Nii-san. I could FEEL THEM all.

I fled.

The other side was more formal. A formal tea room, along with a lounge. Probably what was an icebox or something for alcohol. It didn't seem lived in. Barely used. Go figure.

I bypassed the stairs, and went through the back of the house instead. There was a full bathroom, a laundry room, and what looked to be a small workout room. Training room. Whatever.

I went upstairs next, and to the right. There were three doors and I opened the first one only to immediately shut it and collapse to my knees. I let out a harsh cry, my head making a dull 'thunk' against the wood. My parent's room. This was my mother and father's room. I could feel the chakra slowly seeping out from the halfway closed door. I quickly shut it all the way and, ignoring my bags, rushed to check everything else out before I broke down.

The second door was a hallway bathroom. It was smallish, but I figured that was because it was meant for the guest room to use- which was the third room. On the next side- the next side had my old room. Still with my crib and the stuffed toys in the corner. They paintings on the wall and the spread out crayons and books. Open closet with hanging onesies and adorable kimonos. Like I never really left.

There was a bathroom connected to my room. Another guest bedroom and bathroom, and surprisingly a sliding door let out to a wide balcony. It was above the entrance to the house, and looked out over the front yard, as well as wrapping around slightly. I couldn't see much, because of all the growth, but I found myself relaxing on the cushions settled in the corner. Probably for exactly this reason. I told myself everything was dusty- and that was why my eyes were so watery.

I took a hot shower for one of the first times in my life- tossing on the last shirt I had from the orphanage and the last pair of worn down orphan pants. Then, I steeled myself and opened the door to my parent's room.

It hit me immediately, their chakra signatures were everywhere, and I almost didn't notice what the room looked like. In the corner, there was a Victorian style window. You know, the one where it juts out in a circular type of architect and you have a loveseat there? Yeah that. Then there was their closet, I couldn't bring myself to look any further into that.

Their bed was large, and fluffy, with deep blue and gold covers and pillow cases. I crawl into the bed, beating it a few time to get rid of the dust, and squeezed my eyes shut as they become wet.

I kept telling myself it was the dust. Even when I fell asleep with tear tracks on my cheeks and woke up with a sore throat. Even when I cleaned all the blankets and pillows, did dozens of loads of laundry, and filled up the fridge. Even when I cleaned and cleaned until everything was spotless and the chakra that used to fill up the house was now only a wisp. Even when all the dished were clean and ready to be eaten on. Even when I went through the closets and donated most of my mom and dad's things. Even when I went and bought a whole bunch more clothes so I didn't have to wear the same thing every day.

Cause it had to be the dust.

It had to be.

Chapter Text

It took way longer to clean the house than I thought. Probably because I was three. But. I digress.

I was four now. Four years old and planning out my future on the couch I sat on as a child. I'll admit though. Planning was a lot easier when you had time to work through shit and actually sat down and thought it out all day.

I've also been playing around with chakra- and oh boy.

Something is either REALLY wrong with this world, or something about my family is just INSANE. Cause. Chakra? Wow. Easy as pie to manipulate. At least for me. It was kinda terrifying those first few times but eventually I got to a good point. My reserves were HUGE for my age, even more so after whatever mom and dad did, so I never really had to worry about exhaustion.

I explored more of the house too. Apparently, if I go out the back and follow a path through some low hanging trees I'll get to a training ground with a huge stone building on the edge. I tried to get in and had to shove my chakra through the seal in the door so that it would unlock. Turns out? It was a LIBRARY. A library FULL of awesome scrolls and tons of books.

Okay. So it was about four stories tall- but I could only access the first level. I didn't really know why- but there was something written on the doorway of the stairs about needing to be Chūnin. What bullshit. But okay.

It was actually...liberating. To live alone. To be free. To be surrounded by something that constantly screamed- home. It was calming. My parents deaths still hurt. Hurt bad. I slept in their room because- well...I was clan head now right? So...I should sleep in the clan head's bedroom. (I could tell myself that all day, but I'd never be able to lie convincingly out loud)

But anyway, my fourth birthday came and went. I spent it eating Dango, alone, sitting on a tree branch in the backyard and people watching from over the wall. Turns out, my parents had a whole bunch of money hidden in the house- so stealing wasn't REALLY necessary. We weren't a clan for nothing I suppose. Eh. The Matron was a bitch. She deserved it. Also, people watching in an anime shinobi village was mega fun. I didn't even know people's hair could BE that bright purple.

It was a good birthday.

The rest of the year passed pretty quickly. I guess when you're a kid, living alone, and soaking up as much information as possible time passed quick. I didn't really go outside the house, in fact I avoided it as much as possible. It wasn't that I didn't WANT to see baby Naruto...and baby Sasuke...and baby Sakura...and baby Ino-Shika-Cho Trio...but...I really don't think my brain could handle that.

So. I regressed back to my old-life ways and shut myself up in the library while filling notebooks with ideas and plans. And oh boy, did I PLAN.

I ended up covering my tattoos as much as possible. While I figured out they didn't work if they couldn't 'breathe' (and that's definitely something to look into, how much can I wear or NOT wear) I thought it was better to coast UNDER everyone's radar. At least until I started the academy and became a Genin, and could no longer hide in my house. Plus, it would allow them to store up an absolutely STACKED amount of chakra. Also- I didn't want to get picked up by Danzō for being the last of my clan. Sasuke was only safe because Itachi would rain Hell if he wasn't, after all.

Oh GOD. And wasn't THAT surreal? Walking down the street to get some damn groceries and seeing ITACHI UCHIHA with his brother buying some FREAKIN Dango!

I went home and had a panic attack the first time I saw it.

Point to staying in my house 90% of the time. (Because I was a COWARD I'm sorry Auntie-)

I mean. I'd like to say I adjusted WELL- all things considering- when I finally had time to relax, but that would be a big. Fat. LIE.

I was NOT adjusting well. I had nightmares, more like night TERRORS, of Kurama. Of my parents dying. Of ME dying- especially in my past life. I had panic attacks. I freaked out. I shut all the windows and doors and locked them and activated the seals to protect the property before hiding in the closet multiple times a week- like that would ever stop ANBU from coming. But it made me feel a little better.

I also hated water. Water was scary as FUCK and I couldn't even take a bath without feeling it in my lungs all over again. And the evening favorite- the horrifying chakra presence of that thing that killed them. The thing that killed my parents. Those were the worst, because I'd wake up shaking and crying- but filled with anger and hate. I hated it.

As someone who's love language was touch and sarcasm- being alone was torture. It was painful when I curled up in my cold bed and sobbed quietly wishing someone would just wrap their arms around me.

But. Instead of giving in, I was a stubborn and spiteful bitch, I threw myself into learning everything I could about being a shinobi. Or is it kunoichi? Eh. Whatever. Point being, Kakashi started training at like...2. So it should be fine. Totally not a coping mechanism...nope...

So yeah. I was adjusting fine. Perfectly fine.

On a different note- I finally started trying to figure out who the FUCK my parents even WERE. Apparently, like I mentioned before, I wouldn't be able to get into the deep parts of the library where the clan history books and clan techniques books were until I was Chūnin. How the FUCK the seals would somehow know that I also have NO idea- but that's not a big deal. I've got plenty of books in the 'child friendly' (Jeez what a joke nothing is child friendly here) portion to keep me interested until I hit that milestone.

Plus. If I run out there's always the Konoha Library, and when I started the Academy it's got one too. My bookworm soul is crying in happiness.

But, I'll admit, I'm an impatient bitch. I was getting REAL TIRED of not knowing shit.

Here were the things I DID know;

1.) Based on the timeline- I was OBVIOUSLY the same age, or a little older, than the rookie 9.

2.) My clan is entirely made up. Like some fanfiction gone fucking bad or something.

3.) Konoha is a death trap- and as soon as I hit Chūnin level I'm taking my shit and LEAVING. Unless I end up being a main character which, sadly, it looks like I'm shaping up to be. I could still take my shit and leave- but I'll play it by ear.

4.) Since I AM the same age as the Rookie 9- all I have to do is avoid them. No main characters? No main plot. Only, there's a huge problem with this. I'M NARUTO'S GODSISTER. I have a responsibility to at least check in on the kid. To tell him about his parents. So again. Playing it by ear.

5.) My clan was not entirely human. I mean, my mother's skin literally changed color. That ain't normal shit. Whatever else I am would have to wait until later though- because I didn't want to deal with it when I was only the ripe age of 6. (Okay, 5 now, but my point stands damnit!)

6.) My tattoos are, in fact, melded into my skin and are probably connected to my Kekkei Genkai.

7.) Chakra is my bitch. Seriously. This sensor shit and chakra control is INSANE. Even for THIS WORLD.

8.) I'm in Naruto now- and I'm gonna become the most badass Kunoichi EVER. Sorry Sakura, fuck you Kishimoto! Your lack of character development ain't gonna hit me.

I know right? Not even 10 points. Well...MAIN points. There are probably some bullets I could add to those. Like how I should do everything in my power to avoid drawing attention. From anyone, really.

...Yeah. HAHA. Fuck that. As soon as I'm safe from Danzō, you bet Hashirama's ASS I'm gonna do everything I can to be on top. So. Knowing me- I'll probably fuck up somewhere along the line. Which is why I've made clauses.

1.) If I somehow interact with the main characters BEFORE the plotline begins- make myself as unnoticeable as possible. They will FORGET me. Yeah, I know that goes against what I just said- but I really don't WANT to be in the middle of a war. Main characters have bad things happen to them, and while I want to be STRONG- not at the expense of my SANITY thank-you-very-much.

2.) If I somehow get involved DURING the plot line- which will probably happen being honest- then fuck canon. People need hugs and some common sense and I guess that'll be my job. I can't stand by if I get dragged into it and NOT do anything. I can be a bitch- but I'm not THAT type of bitch.

3.) DO NOT EVER tell ANYONE about the fact that I AM REBORN. Don't mentioned the future. Don't try to actively CHANGE the future where everyone can see and QUESTION it, and DO NOT let anything relating to things that are supposed to be secret out of your mouth. Except maybe Sasuke and Itachi...and ROOT...and Kurama...okay. MOST things that won't end up with me dead in a DITCH.

4.) ....if somehow, someway, villains get to me. Somehow. Then I've got to have some sort of backup plan. Which means I'll need summons. Which- I THINK my family has some but I'm not 100% on that. So- besides that. BASICALLY- I need to write everything DOWN. Write it ALL down. Starting from Kaguya and the God Tree all the way to freakin Boruto. (No matter how much I despise that show because it did EVERYONE dirty-) I'm not gonna take ANY chances that I'm going to somehow forget. I'll also be writing it in English- because I'm not STUPID.

Sometimes I'm glad for the depressing backstory I have. While I don't doubt my parents would be understanding and loving- not having to tone down my genius for my age intellect at home is a HUGE relief. But, I wish they didn't die. Because now I have no idea what to do with my...well.

The next list I have is what I know about my...UNIQUE situation. Meaning the clear clan-specific powers that I have yet to figure out. There are a few, extremely vague, books on the overview in the clan library on it. I've basically consumed those- Lord praise the ability to buy a dictionary- and can't wait until I've become Chūnin. I assume they've got more in-depth books in the deeper library, or the next few levels. Which I would've been impressed by their absolutely clear paranoia, if it wasn't so annoying.

What I DO KNOW is;

1.) My clan isn't human. or at least 100% human on my mother's side. Whatever else that means- it's ANIME dear LORD I'm scared- I don't want to think about it YET.

2.) Our tattoos are part of our Kekkei Genkai. They store HUGE ASS amounts of Chakra to be used at a later date. You better believe I will be ABUSING THE SHIT out of this ability. Yet- they need to be exposed to the air to work, which is kinda annoying.

(But whatever I didn't mind showing some skin in my past life and I don't mind now. Just because I didn't, didn't mean I couldn't. Especially seeing half the shit Kunoichi are wearing- like DAMN. They can FIGHT IN THAT? Color ME impressed. I could barely  w alk straight in HEELS in my past life...)

3.) Okay so. I've pieced this conclusion together from the soft references the kids books have in them. I'm not 100% confident- but I've got a pretty good idea. I hope I'm right. The clan's specialty- is TIME and SPACE Jutsus. Which, in itself, is CRAZY. Again- if I'm right I'll be abusing the HELL out of this situation.

(Time manipulation and teleportation WHO?! And I don't mean that Shunshin super-speed crap, I mean like full on teleport like Obito, but BETTER. I'm fucking PUMPED.)

4.) We have INSANE regeneration. Whether that's because of our Chakra reserves to rival; the Uzumaki PLUS tailed beasts, or it's just another part of our Kekkei Genkai? I don't know. But it's cool and convenient.

5.) I'll say it once, and I'll say it again- Chakra is my BITCH. Whatever my parents did that night was CLEARLY some sort of transfer Jutsu- which literally poured their remaining chakra into ME and then my tattoos by proxy. Not only that- but the quick overview from the smaller books basically said that absorbing and magnifying chakra was a thing I could do. Like- those magnifiers from that one TV show Netflix started? Shadow and Bone or whatever. I was a human, freaking, magnifier. Only with CHAKRA instead. It's awesome.

PLUS, in an accident that nearly made me jump off a roof I also figured out I could SEE chakra. Like the Byakugan or Sharingan but BETTER somehow. Like the two combined their abilities, added in a Rinnegan, and STILL leveled up. Bad. Ass. I'd check to see if I could translate the Stone Tablet, but I didn't want to have my ass beaten by an Uchiha. Also- this is part of Point Number 7, so I'll leave this here for now.

6.) Another thing I noticed from my parents is that they didn't NEED and hand signs to do Jutsu. Or at least mom didn't. Dad might've. But I never really saw HIM do anything except when he was fighting so...anyway. They also seemed to have an affinity for everything, but that would just be them being badass and well-read. Naruto could do everything, and Kakashi could do almost everything by the end of the series after all. So could Sasuke. Regardless- something to look into.

7.) We have a Dōjutsu. The only reason I know about it is because I saw my mom use it a few times. Also. The whole- almost falling off a roof- thing. I tried it, and our irises turn gold, and basically glow like fire. It's what happens when we release chakra from our tattoos- they also glow like liquid fire. Lava. Magma. Whatever. it's sorta cool on the dark skin tone I have in this life.

It makes me feel like a superhero or something.

Anyway- Dōjutsu. I have no idea what it's called- so I just call it 'Fire Eyes' in my head. Turns out, it's ALSO the reason for the whole 'seeing Chakra' thing. Which I discovered buy total accident and was a terrifying part of my young not-young life. Who knew right?

8.) Pretty sure I'm immune to Genjutsu by association. JUST because my chakra sensing is so fucking overpowered. I mean, if I'm not that would majorly SUCK- but if I am I can't wait to beat Itachi's future ass if I ever come across him. Assuming I do- hopefully I don't. But honestly- by the way I'm going, clearly my luck is flippant in this world so who even KNOWS.

9.) My family's Kekkei Genkai also allows me to draw on the Chakra from around me like it's candy. Not nature chakra EXACTLY- but just CHAKRA in any shape or form. I haven't tried it, except once, because I almost passed out from the bombardment of power. It was cool.

10.) I'm also assuming we- meaning my clan- have dimensions like the Rinnegan and Rinne-Sharingan can open up. Or at least I REALLY hope so. Not to discount the Byakugan, obviously, but dimensions are fucking bomb. It would be even more awesome. Not holding my breath though.

So if I was a normal human, I would be scared for my life- because only main characters get this many buffs. They get the buffs because they fight FUCKING GODS as their opponent. But, strangely, I'm not so scared about that. Clearly, someone wants me to succeed. Whoever put me in this body wants me to live- so I guess I've got to do so.

There's minor discoveries sure, but they aren't important. What IS important is that I'm six years old and starting the academy in five days. I'm going to learn how to kill people. Be put in a class that has a chance of being the main character class, and will have to interact with others again since the horror that was Konoha's orphanage. In 5 rounds of 24 hours. Was I ready?

HAHAHAHA...no the fuck I wasn't.

Chapter Text

It was a bright Monday morning. I was skipping along, trying to ignore my anxiety and heading towards the Academy for the orientation day. I had put on my classic big hoodie, jeans, boots, and had pulled my hair into a curly ponytail. I had drawn the hood up over my head on the way there, and kept my sunglasses on. Nobody gave me a second look- and I counted my lucky stars.

   I got to the Academy just as the Hokage was starting the welcoming speech. I settled in somewhere in the crowd of new student, keeping my head mostly down and not drawing attention. I noticed many main characters, including a tiny baby Sasuke grasping onto his older brother's hand.

   I looked away before Itachi could notice me staring. Oh Kami- I need to start using that instead of God now huh- I need to get it together. What was even the CHANCE I'd be in the same class as the main characters? No good. Probability was low- there were a LOT of civilian kids here. I'd probably be stuck with them.

   "Inuzuka, Kiba. Class A- room 24." I jolt back to reality, realizing that if they were going by last names I'd be next.

   "Jikanoni, Amira. Class A- room 24." A strangled sound left my throat, but I managed to bite it down before it got to loud. I glances around, willing my breathing to even out as I search out Kiba in the crowd. He was heading over to a teacher with long white hair, and glasses perched on her nose. I let out a wheezing breath- and followed him.

   Many characters were already there, and I wanted to jump off the Hokage mountain. Was is because I was part of a clan? Did they somehow KNOW? I mean- Haruno was rumored to be a clan, but a civilian one. Maybe they just shoved all the clan kids, regardless of status, into one class.

   Great. I didn't actually plan for this.

   After the last person in our class was called- Ino Yamanaka because of COURSE it was- we fell into line behind our new teacher and headed into the building.

   Our classroom was on the first level, probably because we were FIVE, and had the same setup as every other class. I automatically took the very back seat by the window, ignoring the looks some of the kids gave me and drawing my hood closer over my face. I shoved up my glasses as far as they would go and ignored everyone but the teacher. I heard someone take a seat next to me but didn't bother to look over.

   "Hello everyone. We're going to go around and introduce ourselves before taking a tour of the school. I'll go first. My name is Yuki Tomohana, I'm a Chūnin rank Kunoichi of the leaf, and I'll be your first, second, and third year teacher. I like sweet things and noodles, and I dislike bullies. One of my favorite hobbies is growing wildflowers." She beamed, and I bit my tongue to hold back a groan. Okay. Well. At least she wasn't a bitch? Especially since we'll have her until...I did the math in my head quickly. 9 or 10. We'll have her until 9 or 10, then we'll probably switch to Iruka.

   Before I had realized it, the person next to me- who had ended up being a civilian girl that I had never heard of- had already gone and everyone was staring at me. I sighed and stood up.

   "I'm Amira Jikanoni. I'm an orphan." I played with the idea of saying 'I'm dead inside' but decided not to. "I like hugs and being sarcastic. I'm normally a bookworm, but can tear you down in a second if I'm mad. I dislike people who think genocide is a good idea, and I hate people who judge without knowing all the facts and take things a face value. So in short, I hate mindless sheep. One of my favorite hobbies is planning world domination." I plopped back down in my chair, cackling on the inside at the reactions around me.

   I had said all of it in a dead tone of voice, not once reacting to anything I alluded to and staring down the teacher behind my sunglasses. There's an awkward silence after my introduction before she cleared her throat and put on another smile.

   "Wonderful. Now that we all know each other- let's take the tour."

| | | | |

   School was...ridiculously easy. Actually. Let me rephrase. It was ridiculously easy for ME.

I was pretty confused on what we were learning the first week- so I slid into the library and looked at the hardest books they had on the core subjects. It was an experience. Their math and science didn't go much higher than maybe Sophomore year in high school, so THAT was pretty much a breeze for me. They didn't write English, obviously, so I had no way of knowing how THAT goes but I was pretty sure it was the same concept- and history was...well. It WAS.

   For an all Honors girl that spent more time reading fanfics, wiki pages, and was focused on going into STEM? I blew through the curriculum with ease.

   History was...well. They didn't have textbooks for it and from what I actually knew in contrast to what they TAUGHT was both HEAVILY biased as well as EXTREMELY vague. They didn't have dates. Like...years. They had months and days the same- but no year marks. At least not past up to twenty years ago. They didn't have sources either. No required essays- a few quizzes but they were ALL multiple choice and ridiculously easy to pass. it was...kinda embarrassing. For them. Not me. Obviously.

   Oh yeah. You can't forget the propaganda.

   OH GOD the village propaganda! It was actually kinda sickening how they shoved it down kids' throats. I mean- it wasn't like it was needed. Most kids from here came from Shinobi families, they got all the 'encouragement' they needed at home.

   Science- oh boy- science was weird here too. There were televisions, cameras, DVD players, and other stuff like that. But no batteries, cars, or guns or anything. Most I could figure is- Chakra works weird and influenced the world around us different here. Shit like chemistry and physics could be waved away like nothing. Why do you need modern medicine when Fire country has about a dozen new plants, and why need surgery tools when a quick Medic diagnosis could have you up and about in no time?

   Not to mention SPACE AND TIME! Since Shinobi could do all of this shit with Chakra, they don't need guns or bombs or anything like that. It makes things from old Earth obsolete. Who needs an Atomic Bomb when you've got Pain running around murdering whole villages without the radiation??

   Like cars. And freakin pollution. I still take deep ass breaths when I'm sure no one is looking because THE AIR. It's so clear. I can physically FEEL my lungs being much more healthy than they were in my past life. If I wasn't so busy being amazed by the sheer power of the natural world I'd be a LOT more concerned about the state of Old Earth. But honestly- I've sorta moved on. At least I'm pretty SURE I have. I mean, I died. And yeah, that sorta SUCKS ASS- but like...I'm sorta...kinda...over it?

   I don't know. I probably just THINK I'm over it- and the trauma is going to come back full force in some huge boss battle or something. Probably. Sounds like something a fanfiction author would do.

   ...Does it count as foreshadowing if you did it to yourself?

   'No.' I shook my head and patted my cheeks, staring back at the front of the room. Uh uh. Not gonna try and fall down the fourth wall rabbit hole right now.

   I don't have enough mental capacity for that yet.

   On another note- PE is kicking my ASS. Not that I can't do it- no I can totally KICK ASS, it's just the actually physical exertion of it. In my past life- I was NOT athletic. At all. Nope. Not me.

   I was the girl in the corner that would sit up on the bleachers and study for her upcoming physics test, rather than even TOUCH any sort of gym or sport equipment. I was skinny. Shrimpy. I was always picked last for dodgeball. I SUCKED at throwing and catching. My hand-eye coordination was absolute SHIT. I screamed. Stopped. Dropped. And fucking ROLLED when a ball was thrown at me. My balance? HA- I tripped over my own damn feet getting out of bed. My endurance? Best not to speak of it.

   The only think I had going for me- was my flexibility. I bet you could guess how THAT went over in the cesspools of High School. A smart nerd that flexible? Hilarious. Now- I wasn't bullied, really, but there were jokes. And there's only so many times you could hear a sexual innuendo before bashing your head in ya know?

   Point being? As Amaria, I SUCKED. As Amira? I DIDN'T suck, but my brain still HATED doing anything of the sort.

   In this life, I actually had muscle. I had excellent coordination. I had wonderful balance and even better endurance. My flexibility was even BETTER. I didn't flinch when a punch, let alone a ball, came flying at me. For some reason, those fears and limitations were in my brain...but not my body. I didn't react how I normally would (how AMARIA would but I didn't think I could differentiate just yet), how I expected to. While that was weird, I just assumed it was another 'rebirth into Anime' pro.

   Okay. Lets get a few things clear.

   In my last life- I was a nerd. That was it. That was the highlight of my life. I was the nerd who always did her homework, got all the extra credit, passed with 110% and a 4.5 GPA every damn year. The nerd who wore huge T-shorts and hoodies with jeans or sweats and boots or tennis shoes. Sometime even slippers if I wasn't feeling it. I was the nerd who ate lunch in the library with her manga books and fandom wiki website open with a dozen pages as I simultaneously watched that same anime.

   I spent my lunch pointing out all the flaws while also being absolutely blown away by how amazing everything is. Planning fanfiction I would write when I finally had 'time'. Meaning never, really.

   I was a nerd, and I was proud of it. I never tried to hide. I never hid away my Anime tee's or my giant Akatsuki sweatshirt. I wasn't embarrassed, I didn't hide it. I was a nerd, and I was a SMART nerd. A nerd who knew how to compartmentalize shit to better remember and be able to absorb a whole textbook in less than an hour.

   I wasn't any less of a nerd here, in fact I was pretty sure I was even MORE of one. But- the only difference was that I now had the BODY and PHYSICAL prowess to back it up. I didn't just have knowledge, I had a way to appropriately use it. Not just the pen, but the sword (or katana I guess now) as well.

   Plus. Chakra.

   Chakra definitely helped.

   But more on that later I suppose.

   The first three years of the Academy were literally just introduction. Some basic math the first year but mainly how to write and draw Kanji, plus history. Math and Science didn't get serious until third year, and by then I had devoured nearly all the books on it in the library. Even the regular library had nothing more.

   I had resorted to writing down everything I remembered from my past life into notebooks I kept buying. One was for math, another for science, another for English, and the last was for history. History of Old Earth. It was half blank- half blank because I didn't know what to write. I didn't care enough to keep those things from slipping out of my head. I cared about the fundamentals, I cared about America and Pop culture references, and World Wars and such- but the mini things in between that? Presidents? Queens? Kings? It all slowly slipped away.

   My parents old faces. My sister and brother, they faded away. My school and classmates- inconsequential.

   They were being replaced with memories of this world. Of Amira. Amaria was fading, and I didn't know how to feel about it. I didn't WANT to feel anything- so I shoved the growing breakdown away and instead focused on what was in front of me.

   Which was Chakra.

   Oh man. Chakra. Chakra. Chakra.

   We started small exercises- you know the famous leaf exercise? Yeah that's the one- in third year. I got it easily, rolling around in a bunch of them and having them stick to me like I was a monster. It made me laugh, so I didn't care when some other kids gave me dirty looks for being top of the class. But, it did make me sorta uncomfortable when I realized I was being called a genius, a protégé, behind my back.

   So that's when I started going out and practicing in the backyard instead. That's when it happened. My first interaction with a character when I was eight. I had just turned eight, in fact.

   I just wish it didn't have to be Uchiha Shisui.

| | | | |

   'Uchiha Shisui was weird guy.' Was my first thought at I stared at him from upside down on a branch. My second thought was- 'He is also pretty ballsy.' The third? 'Holy fuck, he's also HOT.' That last one was enough to make me squeak in embarrassment and let go of my already shaky control. I plummeted from the branch, and prepared to land HARD on the ground before I was caught by warm arms.

"Never thought I'd see the Jikanoni house inhabited again. Hello kid. You wouldn't happen to be the missing heiress Mrs. Uchiha is always raving about would you?" He joked, setting me down and kneeling so he could be eye level. I said he was ballsy for that reason. Not many people would try to enter this property. I got the impression the Chakra would lash out against anyone I didn't specifically let in. The fact that he was- was a sign.

   "Don't tell her. Dying isn't on my list until I'm at least 13." I blurted out before I could stop myself. He stares before tossing is head back and roaring with laughter.

   "You're definitely Hanako's daughter. She'd say that too." His laughter fades, but his grin doesn't and he sits on the grass. "So. Where've you been kid?" I debate on how to answer, standing awkwardly a distance away and scanning him from head to toe.

   He was dressed in a classic Jōnin outfit. Black pants with the bottoms wrapped tucked into ninja sandals- oh I HATE those sandals but I'll talk about that later- a classic plain dark grey Uchiha shirt, the one with the high collar, and what looked like a sword scabbard around his back. His headband was tied around his forehead and held back his mess of deep black curls that threatened to tumble into his eyes.

   Looking at him- it hit me that he was young. He was...so young. He was 16- and yeah he was older than me, but his face still had some baby fat. Not a lot, but enough to tell he was still a teen. He was so young- and he'd die.

   "Here and there. Stealing from a corrupt Matron and running away in the dead of night. That sort of thing." I blurted out, wincing at my lack of filter. It didn't seem to bother him though, and he laughs again.

   "Such high adventures for such a little girl. Corrupt Matron you say? You wouldn't happen to have lived at the Konoha Orphanage would you?" I nod shortly, sitting down beside him and burying my toes and hands in the soft grass. A wind blew across the courtyard, making my hair sway into my face. I scowl- damn. I didn't want to be a classic female protagonist- long hair is more badass damnit!- but for now I'd have to chop it off again. Maybe just to my shoulders, not to my chin.

   We sit in silence, and I don't notice him giving me a considering look as I slowly reach out my chakra. It had gotten easier and easier to manipulate the longer I played around with it. Tree walking was pretty simple, and after I mastered it I had planned on starting on water walking as well. Could never hurt to be prepared.

   "Hey kid." I turn to him, raising my eyebrows in a go on motion. He cracks another grin at my expression but this time it was a little sad. "You look like your mom when you do that." I jolt, snapping my chakra back in at the grief in his sentence. Anger rose in my gut, anger at Madara. At whatever that thing was that killed them. At Kaguya. At Zetsu. At the Akatsuki and Danzō. I clench my hands, and give my hard stare at the ground.

   He reaches out and ruffled my hair, shooting a grin.

   "Ah, come on. I didn't mean stop. Your mom was a beast, but I bet you could be even better." He suddenly beamed, leaping up and grabbing me from my armpits and setting me beside him. "I know. I've already got a cute little Kohai, but he isn't interested in learning what I have to share. I've got to pass it on somewhere- so why not you! Your mom would KILL me if I didn't." I just stare blankly, not even processing what was happening.

   "So what you want to do..." He began to move his mouth, but nothing processed. I was still in denial stage of having the Uchiha here. He wasn't dead yet but...I look up at him. He had stress etched in every line of his body. He was trying to PASS ON HIS TECHNIQUE. He...knew what was going to happen was going to happen soon.

   I swallowed the lump in my throat, shakily forming my clumsy fingers into the tiger seal and drawing up my chakra. If he wanted to teach me...for whatever reach, whether that be a debt to my mother or release his own guilt...I would honor him. Honor him and learn it to the best of my abilities.

   "Hey. Hey, if you don't want to you aren't going to hurt my feelings!" His smile came into my vision, and I focused on it. Everything came back into focus, and I saw sadness in his eyes. I quickly shook my head.

   "N-no. I want to learn. I'll be as good as you one day." Shisui laughed, ruffling my hair again and standing.

   "That's the spirit. Do you want to know a secret?" I nod slowly. "I think you'll be better than me one day." My hands trembled, tears welled in my eyes. I quickly clenched my jaw, forcing them down and making my hands stop shaking. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair he had to do this. It wasn't fucking FAIR he was doing to die.

   'No. It wasn't fair.' I realized. But neither was this world. It WASN'T fair. I would have to live and adapt.

   'I promised I'd live for you.' I closed my eyes. (Mother, father, Auntie Kushina, Uncle Minato, nii-san Kakashi-) I had swore I would live for them. If that meant pushing myself until I bled and taking advantage of the weaknesses around me- I would. 'I WILL live for you.'