Nothing Is True

Nothing is True

… Everything is permitted.

What is real?

What is not?

Is she just turning crazy or are other powers at work?

One thing is clear Kohana will get to the bottom of this and maybe change the whole Ninja-World at the same time.

S.I. Third Shinobi World War 

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Chapter 6: Hidden Blade

Kizashi was eating with gusto one of the fresh peaches their Kaa-Chan had bought today at the market, while he watched how his little sister Kohana turned their basement upside down.

“Again, explain to me what you are searching for, Imoto-Chan.”, he asked amused.

His little sister looked really funny full of cobwebs and dust.

“A family heirloom.”, was her short answer, opening another chest.

“What kind of family heirloom?”

“A weapon.”

“A weapon, interesting.”, the pink-haired young man bit into his peach. “What kind of weapon?”

Kohana stopped, and a little frown formed on her face.

“A...Hidden Blade.”

The older boy couldn’t help but snort.

“What by Kami is a Hidden Blade?”

 “I will know when I see it.”, she barked at him, closing the chest and opening the next one.

Kizashi raised an eyebrow. Someone was grumpy.

“Imoto-Chan, what gave you even the idea that we have something like that?”

She paused and sent him a look.

“Can’t you annoy anyone else?”

“No, I wanna annoy you.”, he grinned cheeky, which made Kohana huff well annoyed.

She rather wished her brother be far away.

This was something important, she didn’t need his stupid commentary.

A few weeks had passed since she had become a Genin.

To her utter disappointment, the Ninja Life wasn't as glamorous as she imaged.

Besides training with Minato-Sensei and her teammates, which was awesome, the daily D-Rank Missions were absolutely horrible!

Painting fences, ripping out weed, babysitting, cleaning the Inuzuka kennels!

These were glorified chores, nothing more!

Obito and her were ready to burst, Rin tried to keep them calm and Kakashi seemed to have a sick satisfaction seeing them nearly lose it.

But the worst was the damn Tora-Mission!

If they had to catch that hellcat one more time, Kohana would lose it, she swore!

The only thing good was, like she said, the training Minato-Sensei made them go through.

Already Kohana felt much stronger. Obito and Rin also made great progress, Rin even started to learn medical jutsu. Sure none of them were on Kakashi-Level, but one had to celebrate the little victories in life.

Anyway, besides this, Kohana had found more diaries of Haruno Sakuya, her mysterious world-jumping ancestor and had learned quite a bit more about the Assassin Way of Life.

It was still difficult to wrap her head around that Sakuya had been in another world an assassin named Carina Auditore, coming from a long line of assassins, however with any more pages she read, Kohana believed it more.

There was also the fact, that she still got visions.

It was like she relived Carina/Sakuya's life.

Carina Auditore had lived in such a modern world, full of strange devices, yet was part of an order that protected humankind for centuries.

Haruno Sakuya was a weak Miko who had trained hard to become a semi-passable Ninja, during the Warring States Era and had been Uchiha Madara’s lover.

What the soul who had inhabited these two women had in common was their dedication to the assassin order.

Sakuya had tried and succeeded in recreating the Assassin Brotherhood's most-priced weapon.

The symbol of the Brotherhood you could say.

The Hidden Blade.

On the page, Kohana had read yesterday night, was written that Sakuya had placed her Hidden Blade in a chest, in the hope someone in the Haruno Clan would in the future pick it up again.

Kohana was determined to be this one.

Reading all these stories about being an assassin and living them in her vision...Kohana felt closer to being an assassin, than a ninja.

Strangely it fit her like a clove.

The assassination techniques Sakuya had written down in her dairies, the green-haired girl learned them fast.

It was like her body already knew them, remembered them.

This gave her an edge against other ninjas.

She fought in a way, that was not seen since Sakuya, so her teammates had trouble to counter it. Even Kakashi had struggled in the beginning, but the Hatake wasn’t a protege for nothing. He was the only one who could give her a fight.

However, Kohana missed the Hidden Blade.

She already lived out the Credo of the Assassin Brotherhood, yet without Hidden Blade she couldn’t call herself assassin.

Kunai could only work so much. They didn’t feel right when she tried out her assassination techniques.

No, she needed Sakuya Hidden Blade.

If she only could find it in one of these chests.

And if only her stupid older brother would leave her alone!

Kohana continued to rummage through the chests, hoping to find the Hidden Blade that her ancestor had left for her.

She couldn't shake off the feeling that it was somewhere in their basement, hidden away from prying eyes.

As she opened another chest, she saw a glint of metal and her heart skipped a beat.

Could it be?

Carefully lifting out the object, she gasped in awe as she held the Hidden Blade in her hands.

It was bigger than she imagined built in an arm-guard with intricate designs.

She recognized the Assassin's Brotherhood Symbol, which Sakuya had drawn in her dairy’s on it.

The green-haired girl felt a surge of excitement course through her veins as she examined it closely. 

This was it!

The prized possession of the Assassin Brotherhood.

Kizashi watched as his little sister's face lit up with joy and couldn't help but wonder what was so special about this strange weapon.

For sure he never saw anything like that, for what was this thing good for?

Kohana felt Kizashi's eyes on her but ignored it and put the arm guard on her right arm.

She tried to make the Blade flip out like she had read in the diary, but sadly nothing happened.

“What?!”, she exclaimed surprised.

“Seems like your new toy is broken.”, guessed her brother. “You need to fix it.”

“Just awesome!”, grumbled Kohana. “Of course, it’s broken, I have to find the schematics for it now.”

“And a smith who understands this strange weapon.”, reminds her brother gleefully.

For that, Kohana trowed an old pillow in his face.

Her brother just let himself get hit.

Not like the pillow could hurt him.

Meanwhile, Kohana sighed in frustration.

Finding a smith who could fix the Hidden Blade was going to be a challenge. She didn't know anyone in the village who had experience with such an intricate weapon. However, she wasn't going to give up that easily.

She was determined to make it work, no matter what it took.

As she continued to search through the chests, her mind raced with possibilities of where she could find a smith.

Perhaps she could ask Minato-Sensei for help.

Kizashi watched as his sister's determination grew stronger and couldn't help but feel proud of her. He may not understand the importance of the Hidden Blade, yet he knew how much it meant to Kohana.

"Imoto-Chan," he said softly, "I'll help you find a smith. We'll figure this out together."

Surprised Kohana looked at him and smiled gratefully.

“Thanks Nii-Chan.”

***

Well, Kohana had found the schematics but every smith Kizashi and her visit were totally clueless.

Just awesome.

“This is the only one remaining.”, she groaned at Kizashi.

The smith stall belonged to Aito Takamaru. He was known in Konoha for his excellent weapons, the only problem was that he was really young.

It seemed impossible that he would understand the Hidden Blade.

Kizashi patted her head.

“Now, now, Ko-Chan, let’s ask and see. If I remember right the Aito’s been a smith family since the Warring States Era. If he doesn’t can help, maybe his father or grandfather.”

Kohana reluctantly followed Kizashi to Aito Takamaru's stall.

As they approached, she noticed that the young man was busy working on a Katana. He looked up as they approached and greeted them with a smile.

"Hello there! How can I help you today?"

Kizashi stepped forward and explained their dilemma to Aito-San.

The young smith listened carefully and nodded thoughtfully as he examined the Hidden Blade.

"This is quite an interesting piece," he said, "I've never seen anything like it before."

Kohana felt her heart sink. She had been hoping that Aito-San would be able to fix it, but now it seemed like all hope was lost.

However, much to her surprise, Aito-San continued speaking.

"But I think I might be able to figure it out," he said with a grin. "My grandfather told me often the story of how he made a special blade for a Miko named Haruno Sakuya. I bet it's this one, right?”

“Yeah, it is. Haruno Sakuya is our ancestor.”, told Kohana with hope in her heart.

Aito-San nodded.

“Good thing you have the schematics too. I think with what my grandfather told me and these, I will be successful in repairing the Hidden Blade.”

Kohana couldn't believe her ears.

Was this really happening? Could Aito-San really fix the Hidden Blade?

She watched in amazement as the young smith got to work, meticulously examining each part of the arm guard and studying the schematics that Kohana had brought with her.

For hours he worked on the blade.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Aito-San stood up and held out the Hidden Blade to Kohana.

"It's done," he said with a smile.

The glass-wearing girl took the arm-guard from him and examined it closely.

Sure enough, when she flicked her wrist just right, the blade sprang out from its hiding place with a satisfying snap.

"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed excitedly. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."

Aito-San just smiled modestly in response.

"It was my pleasure.”

As Kohana left the stall with Kizashi by her side, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this new ally that she had found in Aito Takamaru.

With his help, she knew that nothing could stand in her way!

***

“Alright, kids, who want to spar today first?”, asked Minato-Sensei the next day his four Genin.

After a good morning workout, it was now time for it.

Eagerly Kohana raised her hand.

“I would like to, Minato-Sensei.”

She so wanted to try out her Hidden Blade!

“Good, Kakashi-Kun, are up to spar with Kohana-Chan?”

The Hatake just gave a nod.

“Yeah, kick his ass, Kohana-Chan!”, rooted Obito for her, which made the girl blush a little.

Sweet Rin gave them both a smile: “Do your best Kohana-Chan and Kakashi-Kun.”

“Aww, Rin-Chan, why do have to be on his side too?”

She just giggled.

Kakashi and Kohana stood before each other, waiting for Minato-Sensei to go.

Minato-Sensei gave the signal and Kohana immediately went on the offensive, her Hidden Blade at the ready.

Kakashi was quick to dodge her attacks, yet he couldn't help but be impressed by her skill with the strange weapon.

She moved with a grace and fluidity that he had never seen before.

As they continued to spar, Kohana began to incorporate more of Sakuya's assassination techniques into her fighting style.

Her movements became even more unpredictable, making it difficult for Kakashi to keep up.

Obito was cheering loudly for her and even Rin clapped her hands.

“Yes you rock, Kohana-Chan!”, shouted Obito.

However, just as Kohana thought she had the upper hand, Kakashi suddenly disappeared from view. 

She looked around frantically, trying to find him, yet he was nowhere in sight.

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her back and realized too late that Kakashi attacked one of the weak spots of her body.

She fell to the ground with a thud, feeling defeated.

And she had been doing so well!

Kakashi walked over to her with an outstretched hand and helped her up.

"Good job," he said calmly.

The green-haired girl smiled back at him, feeling proud of herself for holding her own against one of Konoha's most talented ninjas.

They made the Seal of Reconciliation.

“Good spar you two.”, congratulated them Minato-Sensei. “Kohana you really improved and this new weapon of yours is amazing. Kakashi as always impressive. Now Obito and Rin you spar and the winner of that spar goes against Kakashi.”

Obito won the spar against Rin and so the two boys fought against each other.

Of course, Kakashi won, but Obito had given him a good fight too.

Then Minato-Sensei told Kohana and Rin that they should spar against each other.

Ready to spar, the two females faced each other.

Kohana flipped her Hidden Blade in and out, eager to test it out once again.

They circled each other warily, both waiting for the other to make the first move.

Finally, Rin lunged forward, aiming a punch at Kohana's face.

The green-haired girl easily dodged it and countered with a swift kick to Rin's stomach.  She stumbled back, but quickly regained her footing and launched another attack.

The two girls traded blows back and forth, neither one gaining the upper hand for long. Kohana was impressed by Rin's speed and agility, but she knew that she had something that Rin didn't - the Hidden Blade.

As they continued to spar, Kohana began to incorporate Sakuya's assassination techniques into her fighting style once again.

She moved in quick bursts of speed, striking at Rin from unexpected angles with her weapon. The brunette struggled to keep up with her movements, then there was finally an opening.

With elegance, Kohana flipped herself over Rin, pierced her Hidden Blade into Rin's shirt and could flick her opponent like this away from her.

Rin fell down and Kohana was over her, Hidden Blade at her pulse.

“Kohana, wins!”, called Minato-Sensei over.

Kohana was panting  as she lowered her weapon and smiled at Rin: “You did great!”

Her best friend smiled back at her: “So did you! That Hidden Blade is amazing.”

Kohana felt a surge of pride as she looked down at the arm-guard: “Thanks! Aito-San helped me repair it.”

The green-haired girl helped her brunette friend up and they made the Seal of Reconciliation.

Minato-Sensei came over to them: “I'm really impressed with your progress lately, Kohana-Chan.”

“Thank you Sensei,” replied Kohana gratefully. “I couldn't have done it without your training.”

“Now, who is ready for a D-Rank Mission?”

Three groans could be heard.

***

After the  D-Rank mission, they had to walk the Inuzuka Ninken, Minato-Sensei called it a day.

Kakashi left with a lazy wave, while Rin said she had to help her parents in their shop.

That left Obito and Kohana.

Alone.

If she hadn’t taken this chance to spend some time with her crush, Kohana would never have progressed in their relationship.

“Hey, do you want to hang out for a bit?”, she asked him.

Obito's face lit up with excitement: “Sure! What do you want to do?”

Kohana thought for a moment before replying: “How about we go get some ice cream at the new shop that just opened up?”

“Sounds great!”

As they walked towards the ice cream shop, Kohana couldn't help but feel nervous.

This was the first time that she had hung out alone with Obito since becoming a Genin. She wasn't sure what to say or how to act around him.

Thankfully, Obito seemed oblivious to her nervousness and was busy chatting away about his latest manga. Kohana listened intently, she read the series too.

That was something they had in common.

They discussed plot points and why this character sucked and another was just amazing as they arrived at the ice cream shop.

Kohana ordered a chocolate milkshake while Obito got a strawberry sundae.

They sat down at one of the tables outside and enjoyed their treats in comfortable silence.

After finishing their desserts, they decided to take a walk around the village. As they strolled through the streets, Obito and her talked about the sparring matches today.

The Uchiha was giddy that she gave Kakashi a run for his money, even if she lost in the end.

“Maybe that will show stupid Bakashi, that we all can be amazing ninjas!”, he told her.

“You really hate Hatake-San, mmh?”

“Hate is a strong word. I mean he goes on my nerves, but I don’t hate him. I just hate his I’m-better-then-anyone-spiel he has going on!”

With that Obito frustrated kicked a stone away.

The Haruno bit her lip. She had a feeling, no she was sure that Obito hated also Kakashi because Rin was in love with the protege.

It was so sad, Kohana liked Obito, Obito liked Rin, Rin liked Kakashi and Kakashi didn’t seem to have a crush on anyone.

No one was a winner here.

Only if someone got new feelings for another and they liked them back.

How Kohana wished she could make Obito fall in love with her, but sadly Obito was too fixed on Rin.

What could she do to impress him so that he saw her finally?

Kicking Kakashi's ass maybe?

Obito seemed to like it when Kohana gave Kakashi a challenge, but maybe anyone who gave his rival a challenge was cool in the Uchiha's eyes.

As they continued their walk, Kohana couldn't help but feel a bit down.

She had hoped that this outing would bring her and Obito closer together, however, if your name wasn’t Rin Nohara you weren’t even a girl in Obito's eyes.

Sighed inwardly she tried to push those thoughts aside.

Maybe she could just be happy with being friends with Obito for now.

However as they turned a corner, something caught her eye.

It was a small flower shop that she had never noticed before.

Curious, she tugged on Obito's sleeve and pointed at the shop.

"Hey, do you want to take a look in there?"

Obito looked sceptical at first, but then shrugged his shoulders: "Why not?"

As they entered the shop, Kohana was immediately hit by the sweet scent of flowers.

The walls were lined with vases of all different colours and shapes, each one filled with beautiful blossoms.

Kohana felt herself relaxing as she took in the tranquil atmosphere of the shop.

Even Obito seemed to be enjoying himself as he examined some of the more exotic blooms.

Suddenly, Kohana spotted a small pot of delicate blue flowers tucked away in a corner of the shop.

Forget-me-nots.

Her Kaa-Chan had taught her the Flower Langue, if she remembered right Forget-me-not meant True love.

She gulped.

Well if she couldn’t say with words what she felt, maybe the flower would do.

Kohana walked over to the pot of Forget-me-not’s and picked one.

Turning to Obito, who was still examining the other flowers, she said softly: "Hey, Obito. Do you know what these flowers mean?"

Obito shook his head: "No, what do they mean?"

Kohana took a deep breath before answering: "They mean true love."

She handed him the flower and looked into his beautiful black eyes.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Obito smiled at her: "I didn't know that."

The girl felt her heart swell with hope.

Maybe this was a sign that Obito would finally see her as more than just a friend.

The hope was crushed not a second later as the boy curiously pointed at yellow flowers.

“What do they mean?”

Kohana felt like crying.

“These are Primroses...they mean Desperate.”

That had to be a cruel joke of faith!

Obito pouted and tucked the Forget-me-no behind his ear.

“Aww, I like the Forget-me-no more. Hey, do you think I should buy some for Rin?”

The girl felt a pang of disappointment at Obito's suggestion.

Of course, he would want to give the Forget-me-nots to Rin, the girl he had a crush on. She forced a smile and nodded her head, trying to hide her true feelings.

"Sure, that's a great idea."

As they left the flower shop, Kohana couldn't help but feel like she was stuck in a never-ending cycle of unrequited love.

But she refused to give up hope.

Maybe one day Obito would see her as more than just a friend.

Until then, she would continue to cherish their friendship and hold onto the small moments like this one where she felt like maybe, just maybe, there was something more between them.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Obaa-Chan VS Uselessness

Sakura Haruno is and was a character who divided the Naruto Fandom. The most common argument against her was that she was useless. Now what one shall do if you are reborn as her? Our elderly MC for sure will do anything, do not be her!

Or:

An 85-year-old granny and Naruto Fan gets reborn into the Shinobi world as Sakura Haruno. Rejected canon and modeled herself after Mitsuri Kanroji from Demon Slayer.

Chapter 2: The Bell Test

“These little brats!”, I cursed out Sasuke and Naruto.

Do you want to know why?

We are currently doing the Bell Test with Kakashi and…and this BRATS won’t listen to a word I say!

So I’m pretty much running around, keeping an eye out for Kakashi, to find my two stupid teammates and make them LISTEN!

I should have known, I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! Both boys were stubborn, yet I hoped they would consider my words.

Yesterday, before we all got home, I told them they should eat something for breakfast because Kakashi-Sensei was trolling us.

As expected Sasuke didn’t listen, but not even Naruto?!

So I was the only one who had eaten this morning.

The Bell Test pretty much played out like in canon, even if I tried to tell these two idiots that we needed to work together.

But nooooooo!

They had to prove they were better than the other and ignored my wise words. 

Since, sadly, I was the weakest of us all.

This sucks!

Even more so this stupid rivalry that Naruto and Sasuke have going on.

Can we not just all hold hands and be friends?

I will turn back old in no time with these two. 

These three if we count Kakashi-Sensei too.

He tried to put me into a Genjutsu, however, I knew what he had planned, since he did it with the original Sakura in canon, so I could dispel it fast.

At least, thanks to the perfect Chakra control I inherited from Sakura I could do this.

In all the other things I lacked seriously.

Sakura's body wasn’t strong, fast, flexible and endurance was a joke.

How should I be like Mitsuri Kanroji with all these weaknesses?

For the Breathing Style of Love, which was much like Rhythmic Dancing, I needed them.

I seriously had to step up my game or would be really…useless in this world.

That’s when I finally found Sasuke.

Buried to his head into the earth, thanks to Kakashi-Sensei’s Headhunter-Jutsu.

I crossed my arm and gave him an annoyed look.

“Are you done doing all alone Sasuke? Kakashi-Sensei is way out of our league, we need to work together! And before you say he has only two bells, Kakashi-Sensei intends to drive us apart and look how it is working!”

He sends me an annoyed look too.

“Look Sakura I don’t know why you have acted so strange since yesterday, but I will not take any changes here! I need to become a Genin! You wouldn’t understand!”

“Uchiha Sasuke, you are Rookie of the Year use your goddamn brain!”, I counter. “Did you ever heard of a team with a Jonin and two Genin? No! Because it’s always a Jonin with THREE Genin. Kakashi-Sensei wants us to work together, even if it doesn’t seem so. A ninja has to see underneath the underneath!”

Unlucky as we are the bell sounds.

The test is over.

I made a facepalm while Sasuke mumbled something about wasting his time talking.

“Hey, Mister I-Can-Do-All-Of-This-Alone? You want me to get you out of the hole or not.”

He doesn’t give me a verbal answer, yet I take what I get.

After a bit of fumbling I get Sasuke out and we walk in silence to the three logs where Kakashi-Sensei and a bonded Naruto wait.

Our sensei starts his spiel about how we should quite been Ninja, which of course angers Naruto.

Before it can escalate I start talking: “Kakashi-Sensei, I know we all are green behind our ears, but…I tried to work with my teammates here. The boys may not have understood the meaning of the test but I’m sure I will get them to.”

“Huh, what meaning?”, wonders Naruto, while Sasuke huffs.

“Sakura I watched you. You didn’t fall for my genjutsu and tried to work with your teammates.”, compliments me Kakashi-Sensei. “While you Sasuke and Naruto failed to see the real reason for this test, out of you three Sakura has the best chance of becoming a ninja.”

I just deadpan at Naruto’s shocked what and Sasuke's anger.

“Sakura, if you would be so kind…?”

I know what Kakashi-Sensei wants.

“Teamwork. This whole test was about teamwork.”, I began.

I explain how unlike it was from the beginning that one Genin could take out a Jonin, how the two bells are there to make us go against each other, how if we three worked together, and made a plan we could have gotten the two bells.

“Really good Sakura, your genius is showing. Sakura here showed how a Ninja should always see underneath the underneath, not always things are as they seem, which Sasuke and Naruto failed spectacularly. Because you see Sakura as weak, you didn’t hear her out. Physical yes, she is weaker than you, but mentally I would say she is years beyond you. Being a Ninja is not all about being strong and doing cool Jutsu, if you can’t use your mind you have already lost on the battlefield.”

My teammates look at me and Kakashi thoughtfully, while our Sensei walks up to the Memorial of the Third Ninja World War.

I let it play out like in canon and finally, it’s time for lunch.

I don’t waste time and put food into Naruto's mouth.

“Sakura, what are you doing?”, asks Sasuke. “Didn’t you listen to what Kakashi-Sensei said?”

“It’s again a test. How should we work as a team if one of us is hungry? Naruto would be a weakness Kakashi-Sensei would exploit.”, I answer, showing food down Naruto's throat, which he happily takes.

“Sakura, you are so smart!”, praise me Naruto between bites.

“Yes, yes, but seriously guys…we need to be a team. I will make you a deal if I’m wrong after we get the balls, I will go back to the Academy.”

From Sasuke, I get a frown, while Naruto looks shocked.

“You really would do this? For me and the teme.”

I nod.

“You two… you must become Genin, I see it in your eyes that it is so important to you…I don’t mind repeating the year if I’m wrong. So please accept this.”

Naruto says my name in aww, hopefully, it doesn’t make him crush on me harder and Sasuke gives me a respectful nod.

Then he also feeds Naruto.

Suddenly in a dramatic dust cloud with twirling winds, Kakashi-Sensei appears before us.

He growls, making my teammates surely shit their pants, till he gives us an eye smile and tells us we passed.

Then he says the famous words I love so much: “In the world of Ninja, those who broke the rules are called scum. But those who don’t take care of their friends are even worse than scum.”

Sign, oh Obito who did you become a villain? You were such an awesome good guy.

Yes, I know why he goes bananas, but still, why did Obito need to be the bad guy, he was always one of my favs.

After Kakashi declares us a team and how we will start doing missions tomorrow, he and Sasuke leave us.

I get my kunai out, freeing Naruto from his robes.

He thanks me, while I wave it away.

“What do you say Naruto? To celebrate Ichiraku Ramen?”

“You got it Sakura! Let’s go!”

Together we run to the Ramen Shop.

Well, it could have gone better, though at least Team 7 began.

So there is only one thing left to do.

“Hey Naruto, after our earned lunch, wanna train together, I have a feeling it will only get more difficult from here.”

“Oh? Sure, Sakura. Maybe you can help me to better understand what behind, behind things.”

Like a big sister, I ruffle his blond hair.

“Then also a trip to the library and then we train.”

A groan escapes Naruto.

“Must we waste our time with stupid books?”

“These stupid books helped me to get this smart, also, don’t complain.”

“If you say so Sakura.”

“Also I need to learn the Kagebushin from you future Hokage that is an awesome Jutsu.”

Naruto chuckles proudly and I hit him friendly on the shoulder.

I have a plan for how to get me and Naruto stronger, Sasuke I will get next time, but for now we deserve to eat some yummy Ichiraku Ramen.

All in all a good day!

Hippolyta

And she cries for the woman, who would have been her sister in another life.

She rages, she shouts, and she destroys her meagre things.

Is this a woman's destiny, she wonders, to sacrifice themselves for the greater good?

This One-Shot was inspired by the amazing fanfic penthesilea from starryhighqueen from Ao3.

It only has a chapter right now, but it is a gorgeous piece of literature, you have to read it! 

Here is the link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/50927074/chapters/128658328

Aerith’s death hits them all hard, but no one rages quite like Dalia herself.

The only connection to her missing brother…

The young woman who took her in, when she was alone in the world…

Who loved and cherished her as they were from the same flesh and blood!

Dead.

Killed.

Slaughtered!

By the demon Sephiroth.

Dalia's screams echoed through the Forgotten City. 

A physical manifestation of how the world lost its brightest light.

She tore through the new JENOVA abomination like it was made out of cheap cardboard. 

When it’s finally death she spits on it.

She curses it with any foul word she knows.

Tifa tries to comfort her, but she slaps away her hand.

Dalia doesn’t want any comfort.

She wants to spill Sephiroth's blood. 

Wants him to beg for the sweet embrace of death.

She would make him suffer, she swerves on Aerith's soul.

Without looking at anyone, she turns her back and walks away.

She can’t stand looking at Aerith, Aerith's corpse when she had been full of life only a half hour ago.

***

After Sephiroth's death, after the planet was safe from the meteor, Dalia Fair returned home to Gongaga.

Her parents take her back in without a word.

She is quiet the first few weeks anyway.

Probably looks like death herself, she musses.

Dalia sits on her childhood bed, looking at Zack's empty side and can just cry.

Cry for her brother who lost his life to protect Cloud from ShinRa.

Cry for Aerith who had sacrificed herself for them all.

It’s too much.

It’s unfair!

Why did two of the best and most amazing people she knew die?

She cries for her big brother. 

Her protector, her rock, her hero since childhood.

And she cries for the woman, who would have been her sister in another life.

She rages, she shouts, and she destroys her meagre things.

Is this a woman's destiny, she wonders, to sacrifice themselves for the greater good?

If one day she would have a daughter, she would teach her to rage against destiny itself.

No one should be a martyr for this people and this planet.

***

Cloud came for her one year after she had returned to Gongaga.

She wears one of the flowy dresses Aerith preferred in a soft blue.

Her black hair long and spiky like Zack’s had been with a little blue bow on her left side.

It’s probably not sane to represent her dead loved ones like this, yet Dalia is beyond carrying at this point.

Only like this, she feels close to Aerith and Zack.

She curses herself any day that she can’t hear the planet, the voices in the Lifestream.

Maybe if she was capable of it, she could talk to them again.

Cloud looks at her sadly.

The fierce archer is gone.

Leaving a husk clingy to memories.

He understands her.

The weight of the Buster Sword crushes him any waking hour.

“I miss you.”, he tells her quietly. “I know I should leave you alone, you made clear, you don’t want anyone of us near you but….I miss you.”

And Dalia realizes at the exact moment, she had missed him too.

The little flower of love that had blossomed between them, before Aerith’s death and the truth about Zack's disappearance came to light, is still there.

Barely living, but present.

Can she just be happy with Cloud?

Was it fair since Aerith and Zack didn’t get the chance?

Dalia opens her mouth, maybe to say no, she can’t, yet it’s like she hears Aerith's voice, sweetly whispering to her: “Be happy. For me and Zack.”

She listens, gulps and throws herself in Cloud's arms.

They hold each other tightly, scared the other would disappear if they let go.

“I missed you too.”

And maybe this is enough.

***

Geostigma was terrible.

Never felt Dalia so useless.

She can’t help this time, the child under her heart, can’t be risked, she knows this.

Cloud knows this.

All their friends know this.

And again it’s like Aerith talks to her, begging her to not risk the child's life, the life of her niece.

After Geostigma is cured, Dalia delivers a beautiful little girl with short blond hair.

Exactly like the voice of Aerith had said.

“What should we call her?”, ask Cloud full of wonder at the life he created with Dalia.

Were there any other options?

“Aeris.”

In remembrance of the women who made all this even possible.

***

Years pass and Aeris is joined by a brother named Zack, and two younger sisters named Azalea and Amarilis.

Dalia and Cloud are a happy couple and even happier parents, looking at how their children grow up in a world free of ShinRa, of Sephiroth.

She never misses telling her children the story of their aunt Aerith and their uncle Zack.

However, she makes one thing clear, especially for her girls: “No one is worth it to sacrifice yourself for them. You have the right to live to the fullest like everybody else.”

Zack, Azalea and Amarilis take the lesson, but soon forget because they are more busy with living life, which is what Dalia wants.

It’s Aeris who makes her worry.

She is the only one of her kids who has Cloud’s blond hair and spikes, making her look like a Chocobo chick and blue eyes like Zack and herself, who seem way too old for her young face.

Aeris is a silent and kind girl.

Sometimes she looks into the distance, seeming to see something which no one can.

One day Dalia asks her what she sees.

The answer her child gives is both frightened and elateding.

“It’s Aunt Aerith. She talks sometimes to me. With her is a silver-haired man. I don’t think they like each other very much.”

That night, when she is sure Cloud and the children are fast asleep, she gets outside and curses Sephiroth out.

Dalia makes clear that she can and will find a way to make his afterlife hell if he doesn’t leave Aerith alone.

This earns her a soft familiar giggle in the wind.

A little smile forms on Dalia's face.

At least she can still make Aerith laugh.

***

When Aeris becomes a mother herself, giving birth to a beautiful baby girl named Claudia, both mother and daughter talk again about the long death.

“Aunt Aerith was here.”, tells Aeris, while Dalia coos at her first grandchild. “With the silver-haired man…I think they get along now.”

Dalia raises an eyebrow and gently cradles little Claudia.

“Really? Are you sure, Aeris?”

“I am, Mama. Sephiroth…he is more human, no he is a human now. Not the monster from your and Papa's tales.”

Huh, of course, Aeris would find out the connection between the silver-haired man who was beside her aunt in the afterlife and the monster they fought.

Still, Dalia can’t help but ask: “Are you certain, sweetheart.”

Aeris nods which makes her spikes bounce.

“They seemed… happy. I’m glad Aunt Aerith isn’t alone anymore.”

Dalia purses her lips and looks down at her grandchild.

Aerith and Sephiroth are together in the afterlife and are happy with each other.

That sounds like a bad joke, yet her daughter wouldn’t lie to her.

When night falls again Dalia slips out of her home to talk to them.

“I…don’t know what happened…And I’m sure I don’t want any details but…if you make each other happy… continue…Still, Sephiroth if you harm or break Aerith's heart I will find a way to resurrect you, only to kill you again!”

Again, like so many years ago, the wind carries soft and familiar laughter only joined by a more masculine chuckle.

Dalia blinks, while the wind caresses her like a loved one, making her long black hair with silver lines in it dance.

Don’t worry about me….about us…we are happy…don’t worry anymore Dalia…

The woman gasps as she hears these words in her head and can’t help but cry.

Oh sweet, sweet Aerith…

She would do it, for her.

Strong arms circle her waist and Dalia sinks into the warm body of her husband.

“Done with talking to the souls?”

Of course, Cloud would know.

She nods.

“Yeah, let’s go to sleep.”

With that, like when they were young, Cloud carries her bridal style into their home.

Dalia laughs like the young girl she was once, while Cloud smiles at her cheeky.

I love you Aerith…be happy! You deserve this more than anyone.

The door to the Strife household closes with a clink, as the wind dances around the flowers they had planted with their children there.

And if you listen closely you would hear the laugh of a young woman and a man.

I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT!

ESPECIALLY YOU starryhighqueen!

THANKS FOR LETTING ME PLAY IN YOUR SANDBOX! *muah*

Anomaly

Anomaly; noun: something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

While her older brother Zack rises in the ranks of SOLDIER, Dalia Fair is one of the biggest Idol’s Midgar has ever seen! All seems well for the siblings, till the Whispers appear and try to kill Dalia. Now brother and sister must unrevail ShinRa’s dark secrets and why Dalia is an anomaly in the eyes of the spectral beings.

Or:

Zack has a younger sister whom the Whispers want to get rid of because they must protect the sacred canon.

Spoiler Alert: Dalia won't let herself get killed or erased by the spooky grim reapers wannabe!

Also, canon who, it's her show now!

Chapter One: Idol-Sama

Zack knew what he was doing was wrong.

Departing without notifying his parents, solely to pursue his aspirations of becoming a hero, was unwise.

However, he couldn't remain in Gongaga; only by joining ShinRa Corp's SOLDIER program in Midgard would he realize his dream.

 The raven-haired youth sighed deeply and placed a hand over his mouth as he attempted to slip out undetected.

The prospect of being caught by either parent or worse yet, HIS sister - who despite being two years younger possessed an impressive swing - loomed ominously.

He had dedicated himself to teaching her how to fight so that she wouldn't be relegated to the role of damsel-in-distress; contrary to popular belief, Zack knew that she wasn't fragile like a flower – far from it!

 When Dalia was born, she fell gravely ill. The esteemed physician, Old Doc Brown, even feared for her survival. However, he sensed within his sister a tenacious spirit and remained by her side for three days straight, holding her tiny hand and urging her to fight on. Despite the despair in their parents' eyes, Zack refused to give up hope on Dalia's recovery. His unwavering faith was vindicated as she gradually regained strength.

Zack beamed with pride at his little sister's resilience - an indomitable force of nature despite their parents' overprotectiveness.

 Therefore, it came as no surprise when he found her waiting for him in front of their home - blue eyes fixed squarely upon him and hands firmly planted on hips - sporting a fierce scowl that only added to her already formidable presence.

 "And where do you think are going?", she inquired.

 Until his death, he vehemently denied his whining.

 "Dali, Lia, my precious songbird-"

 "Flattery will not get you anywhere, Zack-Nii!"

 "Imoto, please understand. I must go! I cannot become a hero here!"

 Dalia scrunched up her adorable nose and let out a huff of frustration.

 "You do not seem like much of a hero to me if you run away from home in the middle of the night without so much as a goodbye or letter left for me!"

 Now he truly whined; the sight of disappointment on his sister's face was unbearable.

 "I’m sorry, Imoto-Chan," Zack began.

 "Just stop right there, Zachery," his sister interrupted sharply.

 Oh no, he realized with a sinking feeling as she used his full name - this was serious. It seemed that things were not looking good for Zack.

 As Dalia made her proclamation, "You have two options before I start screaming for Ma and Pa! Option one: turn around and get inside; never try to leave me again. Option two: leave a goodbye letter and we will go."

 The older boy couldn't believe what he was hearing.

 "We?!" He almost shouted but caught himself in time; there was no need to wake up the whole neighbourhood or alert their parents.

 His little sister nodded vigorously, causing her spiky locks to bounce - another shared trait between them - while pointing at a bag by her feet. "If you go, I go! We are a team Nii-Chan! I won't be separated from you. You are the only person who treats me like an equal rather than some sick child."

 "You're not sick; you're strong and clever- how did you manage to escape before me?" Zack complimented her with a grin.

Dalia grinned back mischievously.  "I had an excellent teacher who sometimes makes questionable decisions."

 Zack knew he deserved that jab at his character- it wasn't easy being the older sibling responsible for taking care of someone younger than him all the time after all...

 "Shall we proceed now?" inquired the little girl, extending her hand to him.

"And what about the letter for Ma and Pa?" he wondered aloud.

The mischievous grin on her face returned as she replied, "I have already left one."

He snorted in amusement at his own naivety and took her hand as they embarked on their journey together.

"So I intend to join ShinRa and become a SOLDIER. What are your plans for Midgar, Dali?"

She squeezed his hand tightly before whispering conspiratorially, "I aim to become the biggest Idol that Midgar has ever seen!"

"Idol-Sama, Idol-Sama! Rosethorne? For goodness sake, Dalia, wake up!"

With a hefty yawn, Dalia Fair arises from the couch in her backstage room and stretches herself. She had dozed off - how peculiar that she dreamt about the time she ran away with Zack. 

"Rosethorne!", the voice called out her stage name.

Dalia rubbed her drowsy eyes.

It seemed to be Amelia, her manager's voice.

Oh yes, it was Amelia!

"Hey Amelia, what is happening?" 

The brown-haired woman facepalmed at Dalia while grumbling something about why she was stuck with such an unruly child - hey!

"You have a photo shoot in 30 minutes, Dalia. Get ready quickly," Amelia said with a stern expression.

Dalia groaned and checked her PHS for any messages or notifications.

Thus far, solely her cherished sibling had sent her a message.

A meme featuring a chocobo that elicited an amused snort from her.

Zack unfailingly knew how to lift her spirits.

The idol resolved to dispatch a brief message to her brother.

Songbird: Hey Nii-Chan, isn't Mister Angeal giving you a run for your money? You'll never advance beyond Second-Class SOLDIER if you're preoccupied with memes!

The response arrived promptly.

Puppydog: I'm on break! Kunsel says hi. Don't you have something to do, Imoto-Chan?

Blast it all!

Dalia hastily freshened up and donned the attire hanging on the door before adorning herself with makeup and affixing her crimson wig.

She couldn't help but ponder what mischief Zack was getting into at ShinRa today; it was nothing short of miraculous that he'd achieved even Third-Class SOLDIER status thanks to his mentor Angeal Hewley despite having caused significant damage during his acclimation period.

"Dalia, we must go now!" Amelia hollered from outside the door, rudely interrupting Dalia's thoughts.

With that said, Dalia retrieved her purse and accompanied Amelia out of the room in readiness for another day masquerading as Rosethorne - an idol worshipped by legions yet known by few except for Zack himself.

It suited Dalia just fine since she could lead a normal life as a sister to a SOLDIER without having crazed devotees swarming about while also experiencing life as an idol with fame and love from her fans.

As they stepped out of the building, Dalia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. 

Another successful photoshoot was completed without any hiccups.

She glanced at Amelia who was checking her PHS, probably making sure everything was in order for their next appointment.

Dalia's mind drifted back to Zack and she wondered what he was up to now. She quickly pulled out her PHS and sent him a message.

Songbird: Hey Nii-Chan, how's your day going so far? Any interesting missions?

She waited for a response but none came. She shrugged it off and slipped her phone back into her purse. He would message her when he had time or he would tell her when they were both home.

As they made their way to the car, Dalia thought about how lucky she was to have a sibling like Zack. Despite his antics and carefree attitude, he always managed to make her laugh and forget about any troubles she had.

The car ride was quiet as both Dalia and Amelia were lost in their own thoughts. Dalia couldn't wait to get home and take off the wig that was starting to itch her scalp.

As they arrived at their destination, Dalia took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. Another day as Rosethorne awaited her, but for now, she just wanted to relax and be herself with Zack by her side.

Amelia playfully inquired of Dalia if she was prepared to showcase her latest single.

Dalia responded with a smile, affirming that she had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

She went on to explain that the song held a special place in her heart and she couldn't wait to share it with everyone.

Observing Dalia's excitement, Amelia nodded in agreement - clearly just as thrilled for the performance.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, Dalia transformed into Rosethorne - embodying her Idol-Persona.

The red-haired vixen donned a short black sparkle dress adorned with a single red rose, knee-high white socks and black high heels featuring small roses.

Gloved hands grasped the microphone before taking a deep breath and beginning to sing.

The melody flowed effortlessly from her lips as she poured her heart into each word; it became increasingly evident that this was more than just a performance - it was an emotional journey that resonated with every member of the audience.

By the time Rosethorne finished singing, every member of the audience was standing on their feet applauding wildly.

It was clear that Rosethorne's music had touched them deeply leaving them inspired and uplifted.

As Rosethorne stood there beaming from ear to ear, she felt grateful for sharing her music with such enthusiastic fans.

In response to the enthusiastic demands of the audience for more music, Rosethorne graciously delivered some of her classic Number One hits.

The crowd was elated and joined in with her, their voices melding together in a beautiful harmony. The atmosphere was electric as the entire room filled with joy and the sound of music. Rosethorne's energy and passion were absolutely infectious, leaving all members of the audience craving more of her amazing tracks.

As she wrapped up her final song, there was a collective sigh from everyone present that it had come to an end.

However, Rosethorne had made an unforgettable impression on each person who was lucky enough to witness her performance that night.

 Expressing her gratitude, Rosethorne exclaimed into the microphone and humbly bowed down. Applause reverberated throughout the room accompanied by joyous cheers and exclamations of adoration.

Smiling radiantly, she blew kisses to her devoted fans before announcing a special opportunity for one lucky audience member to meet with her for five minutes.

With bated breath, the crowd anticipated as she paused momentarily before calling out in suspenseful triumph: “The spotlight is on seat number 77!”

The occupant occupying seat 77 exhibited extreme shock, as evidenced by their reaction.

Rosethrone observed that the youthful gentleman with spiky blond locks and piercing azure eyes turned pallid like a sheet of paper.

Despite his condition, she couldn't help but notice how strikingly handsome he appeared; if she had to guess, he was her agemate.

So 14?

It seemed apparent that he wished to be anywhere else but here.

This piqued Rosethrone's interest; such a response was novel to her experience as normally her admirers would jump for joy or even faint (one time someone foamed out of their mouth), however, this particular reaction was quite intriguing indeed.

 She walked towards him, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

As she approached, he looked up at her with a mixture of fear and awe in his eyes.

Rosethrone smiled warmly at him, trying to put him at ease.

"Don't worry," she said softly. "I won't bite."

The audience chuckled at her joke, but the young man didn't seem to find it funny.

"Come on," she said, holding out her hand. "Let's go backstage and chat for a bit."

He hesitated for a moment before taking her hand and standing up from his seat.

Together, they walked towards the back of the room as the crowd cheered them on.

 Once they were alone in the green room, Rosethrone offered him a bottle of water and sat down next to him on the couch.

"So," she began, "what's your name?"

He told her his name was Cloud.

Cloud Strife.

Who named their son Cloud, she wanted to ask, but had a feeling he was asked that a lot and it would annoy him.

All in all, he really seemed to not want to be here.

 Rosethrone cleared her throat, attempting to alleviate the tension in the air. "So, Cloud," she inquired, "what brings you here today?"

 Cloud shifted uncomfortably on the couch before responding. "I... I obtained tickets from one of my comrades...he couldn't attend and no one else had time or said their girlfriend wouldn't allow them to go to the concert of the Beautiful Rose of Midgar, their words not mine," he whispered softly.

 "Comrades, are you affiliated with ShinRa?", she asked with interest.

 "Yes Ma'am erm Idol-Sama?"

 "We are the same age; Rosethrone is fine."

 "Erm, right, okay. Yes I'm a part of ShinRa. I aspire to become a SOLDIER!"

 Wow! What an unexpected surprise it was that a SOLDIER candidate would be her guest.

Did he know Zack?

Unfortunately, she could not ask him since no one could know who Rosethorne truly was.

 Rosethrone listened attentively as Cloud shared his aspirations for becoming a SOLDIER and described his training process. Despite his initial reluctance to be there, she sensed determination in his voice. As they conversed further, she became increasingly impressed by this young man's character.

 Then Cloud realized how much he had been talking about himself and turned adorably red-faced. "I apologize for prattling on about my SOLDIER training without letting you speak at all," he whined slightly.

The young Idol waved it away."No problem at all! You didn't want to waste the ticket and just went ahead with attending anyway", she said."Well, I hope you're satisfied with your prize."

Cloud shook his head vigorously."No, no! It's just...it's all so overwhelming," he admitted."I'm not good with people."

Rosethrone smiled kindly at him."I understand exactly how you feel", she told him."Sometimes, it can be tough believing that all of this is real."

Cloud looked incredulous when hearing this statement. He asked hesitatingly, "You feel like that too?"

Rosethrone nodded affirmatively once more."Of course!" she exclaimed; "Don't get me wrong- I adore what I do, and am grateful for each fan, but sometimes, it can simply be too much."

They both sat silently for some time until Rosethorne spoke again: "Do you have any questions for me?"

The young men hesitated momentarily before nodding slowly ."Um, yes actually...How did music come into your life?”

 Rosenthorn grinned broadly as she began recounting her origin story.

She explained how singing and performing were always passions but never thought it possible career-wise until Amelia, her manager heard her singing on the streets, was charmed by her voice, and took her under contract immediately after discovering her talent.

 After a while, Rosethrone realized that their five minutes were up. She stood up from the couch and offered her hand to Cloud, who took it hesitantly. "It was really nice meeting you, Cloud," she said with a smile. "I hope you achieve your dreams."

 Cloud nodded gratefully before turning to leave.

As he walked away, Rosethrone couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for him.

She had met many fans over the years, but there was something special about this one.

Perhaps it was his determination or the fact that he didn't fawn over her like so many others did.

 Whatever it was, Rosethrone knew that she would never forget meeting Cloud Strife.

And who knows? Maybe one day she would see him again - perhaps even in the newspaper as a full-fledged member of SOLDIER.

Finally, Dalia was home!

With a groan she took off her shoes and jacket, walking into the living room like a zombie.

Zack was already there, playing on his Gamestation.

“Hey Imoto-Chan, rough day?”, he asked grinning.

She just hit him over the head with a pillow from the couch.

“Hey, for what was that for?!”

“Zachery, I had a photo shoot, a concert, then two interviews, one for the television and one for the newspaper, while wearing high heels, I’m this close to murdering someone.”

Wisely her brother shut up and just kept on playing.

“What’s for dinner?”, she wondered, as she made her way into their kitchen, specifically looking for food.

There was a pizza carton.

“Again, pizza, Zack? I wanted Sushi.”

“How can you like the uncooked fish is beyond me.”

“How you can be a fit SOLDIER Third with the much pizza you eat is beyond ME!”

 Groaning, Dalia opened the pizza carton and started eating, not bothering to heat it up.

Zack shrugged, "I didn't feel like cooking tonight."

"Well, I'm too tired to argue," Dalia said between bites.

As she ate, she thought about her upcoming schedule and sighed.

"I have another concert tomorrow night and a photo shoot early in the morning," she said to Zack who was still playing his game.

"Sounds like another busy day," he replied without looking away from the screen.

Dalia finished her pizza and went to take a shower, hoping it would help her relax after the long day she had just had.

After her shower, Dalia sat down at her desk to go over her schedule for the next few days.

She had a rehearsal with her band in the afternoon, followed by an interview with a music magazine.

Then, she had to attend a charity event in the evening.

The following day was even busier, with a radio interview early in the morning and a music video shoot later in the day.

 Dalia felt overwhelmed just thinking about it all.

She knew she needed to stay focused and organized if she wanted to succeed in the music industry, but sometimes it felt like too much. She took a deep breath and reminded herself why she loved what she did - the rush of performing live, the connection with her fans, and the thrill of creating something new.

 With renewed determination, Dalia got to work on preparing for her busy schedule ahead.

She made lists of everything she needed to do and packed her bags for each event.

As she drifted off to sleep that night, she felt ready to take on whatever challenges came her way - one concert, photo shoot, or interview at a time.

The young woman didn’t expect to face some kind of freakish grim reaper wannabe that night!

Chapter 2: Training

On a night shooting stars cross over Konohagakure the life of 12-year-old Hinata changes forever. A white wolf named Shiranui searched for her to end the reign of the “Planet Eaters” as she calls the enemy. The young Hyuuga awakens power beyond her imagination. But will it be enough to end the millennia-old conflict?

OP!Hinata

Goddess!Hinata   

Chapter 2: Training

“Why did you lead me here, Shiranui-San?”, asked Hinata curious.

The school day was over and her wolf companion had told Hinata they had plans.

What plans she wouldn’t tell, till Hinata walked them to one of the abandoned training areas of the village.

The place was overgrown with plant life. 

It was clear that no one had used it in years.

The brooch shimmered and turned into Shiranui's floating anthropomorphic wolf form.

“Is it safe to show you like that Shiranui-San?”, wondered the Hyuuga Heiress, carefully looking around.

It wouldn’t surely be good if someone saw Shiranui. She was too alien, too strange. 

The people in Konnoha would not accept her.

“Don’t worry Hinata-Chan.”, reassured Shiranui. She made a fast sequence of hand signs and a dome of Chakra built around the training ground. “This place is one abandoned and thanks to my Jutsu we are safe from prying eyes.”

 “Oh alright.”

“And what we are doing here well…”, the Hoshi-Kami made a dramatic pause for effect before she told Hinata: “It’s time to start your training! What you learn at the Academy and at home is quite frack not enough. Maybe for a normal person, it is enough, but you aren’t. We need you to get in top shape to handle your godly powers.”

Dejected Hinata looked at the ground.

Even after a whole week with her, Shiranui was still so sure she was the Messiah.

Did she not see how weak in the Juken she was? Had she not heard how her father had dismissed her as a failure.

Did she not comprehend that even if she was a Clan Child people like Sakura Haruno were better in Chakra control than her?

The blue-haired girl had been so sure that Shiranui would see that Hinata was to wrong choice, yet it didn’t happen.

“Now Hinata-Chan, what is it with this gloom?”, tutted the wolf, rubbing in comfort their cheeks together. “You don’t see or feel it, but your body is already changing. Your Chakra is. Why did you think your Chakra Control got so bad all of a sudden?”

“Because I’m a failure…”

A growl came out of Shiranui. “I will eat your father's heart for breakfast if he doesn’t start to treat you with respect!”

“N-No, please don’t.”

“You are way too kind Hinata-Chan. On one hand, it’s a wonderful trait on the other some people don't deserve it.”

The Hyuuga didn’t know how to answer that. But Shiranui didn’t need an answer, she just petted her cheek.

“Where was I…Ah yes, your Training. From this day forward I will train you to become the goddess, the savoir you are meant to be…So…to start I want you to run 50 leaps around the Training Ground!”

Hinata wasn’t a person to deny training, even if she didn’t believe she was a goddess, more training was always good.

So she started to run.

The training was brutal.

50 leaps around the training ground.

Then 50 leaps, while using the leaf chakra control exercise.

And then 50 leaps, leaf chakra exercise and Shiranui throwing Shurikens and Kunai at her.

If she lost the leaf, the round started anew.

After that Hinata lay like a starfish on the ground. Her lungs were on fire and she felt how close to Chakra's exhaustion she was.

But Shiranui was not done with her.

Oh no.

50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups and 50 squats.

Then again while doing all this she needed to keep the leaf on her head.

Sadly this was only the first day of her hellish Training. The Hoshi-Kami pushed for more any day.

For the first time in her life, Hinata wanted to die.

Death would be a mercy to this!

Everything hurt! Everything!

Three months went by and Hinata couldn't believe it but…she had gotten stronger, also she could control her Chakra again.

She was faster and swifter.

More flexible and resistant.

Her senses became sharper.

Shiranui had a smug look on her face as Hinata noted all the changes in herself.

Then came the day Shiranui tested her Chakra Nature.

Shocking would have been an understatement.

The paper split into five parts, one got wet, one caught fire, one turned to dust and crumbled up.

She had all five Chakra Nature.

“I told you.”, sing-songed Shiranui. “You are the one!”

Now besides the “normal” training, elemental manipulation was also practised.

For that, her wolf friend taught her the Kagebushin-No-Jutsu.

Without a problem, Hinata made on the first try 100.

“Look what power lies in you!”, told her Shiranui proud.

The Hyuga Heiress and her clones just looked dumbfounded at each other.

So now with Kagebushin on her side, Hinata could train even harder and faster, since what her clones learned, she learned to.

Another three months passed and it was now half a year ago that she met Shiranui.

When Hinata looked into the mirror, she didn’t see a meek girl, she saw a shinobi.

Things had changed also at home.

Thanks to Shiranui's training her Juken was so good, that she hadn’t a problem defeating Hanabi. 

Her father had been surprised. Even more, after she defeated him.

“You may have even surpassed Neji, daughter.”, said her father with a proud glint in his eyes. “You are truly the heiress of the Hyuuga Clan.”

In school, she was also the top kunoichi. No one stood a chance against her. Her Shurikenjutsu hit always bullseye and in the battles, she always won.

This should make her happy, but Hinata felt nothing. 

She still didn't believe she was the Messiah, yet couldn’t deny her extreme progress.

She was something different.

Whether it was good or not would show the future.

The next six months Shiranui made her training even harder.

It was unbelievable that it could get harder, yet her Hoshi-Kami friend managed again that Hinata wanted to die.

Any day she was brought to her limits, only to surpass them.

It seemed Hinata didn’t have a limit, she only grew stronger and stronger.

And then a whole year had passed.

It was time to graduate from the Ninja Academy.

Now it would show if this hellish year would pay off in the real world.

Blood of my Blood Index

Mayako Namikaze was 21 years old when she lost her beloved older brother Minato Namikaze and her sister-in-law Kushina Uzumaki. Now the simple seamstress must raise her nephew Naruto in a village full of hate and a world full of pain.

Can she turn him into a good man?

Can she as a civilian even help Naruto reach his goal of becoming Hokage?

Only time will tell.

Prologue