It has been few days since the moment whole Ryuunosuke clan perished from existence and it's Leader sent young Katessa to the Konoha with the help of his teleportation jutsu. The scroll with their clan's crest was laying in the house of certain yellow-haired woman living in Konohagakure. In fact she was an old friend of now deceased Miketsukami and the only person he knew was worth of entrusting his daughter in case something would happen to him or his clan.
During that time the young girl was lying unconscious, too exhausted after dragon demon took control of her body and slaughtered her whole village, which was caused by her unstable emotions - anger, hatred, sadness mixed all together. Not to mention the unknown masked man, who on purpose kept fueling it with his words.
Minako Namikaze(1), foruth's younger sister, was very concerned once the young Ryuunosuke appeared in her home out of the blue. Yet she knew exactly what was the reason it happened, just as Toshiro predicted not so long after Katessa was born. That's why Miketsukami asked young Namikaze to take care of his daughter once the whole clan will perish including himself and his son.
She couldn't accept the fact that such kind yet powerful ninjas like those two would ever join the afterlife, with everyone close to her heart who were already dead. She was mourning the first two days but she knew she had to take hold of herself to take proper care about her friend's daughter, not to mention she knew he wouldn't want to see her sad in vain. After all she believed that he will never be gone, just like her brother because they will permanently live in her heart and memories.
She lent her spare room to the sleeping girl, she guessed she fell into coma after having to deal whatever happened back in the Karugakure. She wasn't sure if Katsa will remember anything and how she will react in the new place, to new faces, to the fact she was left alone here without her family and clan. It will be first few though months of her getting used to the new life, but she already made sure that she will be there to help her get adjusted to it.
Finally, one certain morning, the young Ryuunosuke started to open her eyes, rather slowly to let them adjust to the blinding light, in the room she didn't recognize. She sat up on the bed, looking around with squinting eyes, not being able yet to have proper use of her blue orbs. She rubbed them groggily, furrowing her eyebrows.
Sadly, a temporary amnesia didn't touch the little girl, when she recalled fast what happened before she lost consciousness. News about Toshiro's death, the encounter with masked man especially when his eyes turned scarlet red later and the moment where she raged and lost control of her body. What happened later on resolved too fast. And yet...
She still remembered, even if it was no longer her who caused the chaos later on, but the creature which seemed to appear out of her. She saw everything trough his eyes...
Her eyes blue pupils shrinked at that realization, she started to tremble and once again in her eyes appeared tears, because she saw as the creature destroys the village, she saw how it killed everyone on it's path not saving even a single person. Then the moment when her father came to help protect the village and take the ten tailed beast down. She saw how he transformed in his Doranoshufu form. And the moment when demon dragon shot the tailed bomb in same time when her father cast sealing jutsu at the beast, sealing it away and her body going numb in the same moment, midair. Yet she managed to see how there is no escape for her own clan members, once the bomb hit the center of Karugakure, devouring it completely within seconds in it's blast. That was when everything turned black
She started to shake her head violently, she clutched her hairs, so many questions invaded her mind to which she lacked answers. She didn't understand how things could take such twist within short amount of time. From a simple stroll to her father's office, to welcome her older brother, just to end up turning into monster and being forced to watch how you destroy your own clan.
And basically kill your own father...
She felt disgusted with herself all of sudden, having this odd urge to puke. She sobbed while not being able to process the fact that her world came crashing down in that very moment. She just found out that she's Jinchuurki of juubi no doragon, because there was no other way for this legendary demon to appear out of nowhere by itself. It also explained why she was treated as an outcast by villagers. She let him wipe out her whole village, blinded by own her anger and hatred. She was always smarter than the rest of the kids around her age, understanding things rather easily sadly it only caused her pain. Now she recalled the words of the man which confronted her before it and let his words sink into her. And he was right, that this cruel world is only filled with violence, pain and sorrow.
At some point she stopped to cry and she hung her head low, her hands falling limply on her lap which was still covered with blanket, she started blankly at her own hands, with unreadable expression on her face. She felt empty, depraved from any of the positive feelings. She knew well that nothing is going to be the same anymore. Everything had no sense for her, that's when she balled her hands into fists and squeezed her eyes shut.
She decided that she won't cry at that moment, because she got fed out with crying like a small defenseless crybaby.
Not like it will revese time anyway.
She went back with her memories to the time before Toshiro left for his last mission. Just the day before that when she hang out with him, relaxing after some of the taijutsu and ninjutsu training, enjoying her favorite dish - sushi, that they occasionally took to enjoy on their break under shady tree.
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- You did great today, Katsa. - he said, while putting piece of a rice with salmon in his mouth using the chopsticks. - I believe that you can surpass me somewhere in the future. Even I developed skills of fast learning as you do now, when i was just seven. - he added after swallowing the food.
- It's not true nii-san, no one can be better than you! - she said, pointing her chopsticks in his direction, while chewing makizushi.
- Naa, you will see. - he chuckled after putting away empty box on the grass. - That's why I want you to promise me something. - in that very moment he inched closer to her while still sitting on the ground.
- Hmm? What is it? - she gave him questioning look while still munching on her own sushi.
- That I'll wait the day to see you becoming the most powerful kunoichi this world ever had. And one you will succeed, promise me that you will change the whole world of shinobi. Doesn't matter whatever it will take. Doesn't matter how many struggles you will have to encounter and how many times you will get up after falling down. Don't let anything and anyone to hold you down, because you are capable of more than you can imagine. And that's why I want you to show people the world can be better. Despite the path you will chose to achieve it, promise me that - he was looking her deeply in the eyes while saying every word.
She stared at him but she managed to catch the seriousness in his blue orbs. She nodded due to her mouth being food.
- I want to hear it Katessa. I want to hear that you promise you will achieve every single thing that I just told you. - he extended his right arm towards her, while only showing his pinkie finger after curling his hand into ball.
- I promise you Toshiro, that I will do everything what I can to do to fulfill your words. - she said giving him gentle smile and linking her little finger with his.
- Good. I will keep on your words. There is no turning back now since we made the pinkie promise to each other. - chuckling, he looked at their locked fingers together.
- I won't go back on my words anyway since you know, I'll never do anything to disappoint you Nii-san!
- I know - he said with warm smile and ruffled her fair. - But whatever you will do, I will always love you sis and I'll be always proud of you. - in that very moment he embraced her in hug, which she quickly returned.
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- I won't let you down Nii-san. - she whispered softly to herself, while clutching the necklace she got from Toshiro, making it his last death wish.
She wasted no time when humping out of bed, still being dizzy from the deep slumber she was in for the past few days. She had many questions and she needed answers, and the person who took her in surely had them, because she wouldn't find herself here by random, especially tucked in someone's bed therefore she made her way towards closed door.
She pulled on the doorknob and exited the bedroom she was sleeping in. Her eyes saw small corridor with old wooden planks on the floor, which went all the way straight with visible two more doors on the left. She made few steps when she passed wall and saw railing connecting to the stairs leading down. And that's where she headed, going down the stairs that's when she found herself in the small hall with rather big open space. Looking around she noticed entrance to the kitchen, living room and closed doors where she assumed must be bathroom. Her gaze stayed on the larger glass doors where balcony was suited.
She quickly returned it to the kitchen upon feeling someone's presence by sensing their chakra and just before she could make her way there, a head of yellow-haired girl popped out welcoming young girl with closed eye smile.
- Oh, I see you are awake. - she said, while walking out to examine Katsa.
- Yeah - she mumbled. - Where I am?
- In my house and to say more precisely, you're in Konohagakure, which is located in the Land of the Fire. - she answered clearly for the small girl to understand.
- ...I'm in Konoha? - she asked rather surprised by this fact, not really understanding how she got here in the first place.
- Hai and before you will ask anything else, follow me, please. I'm sure that you must be starving, going on two weeks without a food. - the young female made her way back to the kitchen, Katsa following her behind.
- Really i passed out for two weeks? I doesn't even feel like it. - she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.
- Yes, two weeks , seems like you had to be really exhausted. - she confirmed and pointed towards the dining table with four chairs at the walls. - Please take a sit, while I will get you something to eat. And I don't take no as an answer.
- ...Fine. - she sighed and made her way to the table upon taking a sit and as Minako predicted, her stomach made rumbling sounds demanding anything edible to fill it up.
- I already made some bento before you woke up. Is it okey with you, Katessa? - she asked, while glancing over her shoulder at the Ryuunosuke child.
- Um, yeah... By the way how you know my name? Who are you? And how I managed to get here? - she was taken aback, by the fact that this stranger woman knew her name without her even revealing it to her.
- My name is Minako Namikaze, I'm jounin here in Konha and I knew your father for a long time now, he was one of my most trusted friends. You got here with the help of Miketsukami's jikan no shōhisha jutsu(2). A time ago he gave me scroll with the seal in case situation like this would happen, if he was forced to entrust you under my care. Since he didn't know anyone else who would be reliable enough to watch over you when he... - she trailed off not really knowing how she should touch this subject anymore. - ...wouldn't be capable of doing it himself anymore. Or Toshiro...
- I see... - she said quietly under her nose. - Why they never told me I'm jinchuuriki of ten tails? - she asked with annoyed expression written all over her face.
- Because your father never planned for the things to turn out this way, Katessa. - she, said while turning around with ready bento in her hands, putting it in front of the young girl on the table. - Believe me, he wanted you to have as normal life as possible and mostly, he didn't want you to hate yourself for being host of juubi. With him inside of you or not, your father really loved you and I can tell Toshiro as well. And I guess back in Karugakure, after all it wasn't that good with people pointing accusing fingers at you, without you knowing why exactly they are doing it. - she sighed and looked at Katessa. - Miketsukami always repeated to me, that he felt sorrowful the day he was forced to seal ten tails into you, having no other choise, while your mother was giving birth to you. - little Ryuunosuke was about to question something, when Minako, cut her off, continuing as if she predicted what she wanted to ask, sitting on the chair beside her. - ...He told me to tell you the truth once you will find out about ten tails. Katessa, your mother died while giving birth to you not only because of illness, but because she was previously jinchuuriki of ten tails too. She sealed him in you, even though she that choise alone was already killing her, because the seal was in it's most vulnerable state in that moment and if the ten tailed demon would get out that night, then there wouldn't be saving for no one. Out of all the tailed beasts, he is the most powerful not to mention he's carrying the Rinnengan. He would wipe out all of your clan at once at that day and I doubt anyone would stop him from causing more damage to the shinobi world. Especially if someone with horrible intentions got hold of him, then everyone would be in real danger. You wouldn't be able to spend the time that you had with your father and Toshiro... I was there when it happened. Believe me that I saw how your mother was doing it with tears in her eyes. She knew she will die eventually so she sacrificed herself when she transferred her chakra into you along ten tails as soon as you came to this world. She felt terrible after that but she was happy that you would have your own chance to enjoy the life as much as she did, I saw it in her eyes full of tears and sorrow, but also love when she was holding you for the last time with the warmest smile she could master. She really put all of her remaining hopes in you... She know that you have a future ahead of yourself and she want you to be strong. And to always remember that she loved you more than her own life. I saw it in her eyes... I still can remember it clear as day. Look, I won't tell you that carp about moving on and that things will get better, because I know how it feels to lose someone. I also lost my older brother five years ago, once nine tails went beresk, he and his wife sacrificed themselves , giving their life in front of their own son when they defended him from juubi's attack which went straight his way. I watched how his claw went trough both Minato and Kushina. Just a few inches from Naruto's face, who was a newborn baby, just like you. My brother used Eight Trigrams Sealing Jutsu to seal kyuubi in Naruto, while they both died after in the spot. I was there and saw it all, the outcome of attack of nine tails on the village, and how Minato and his wife die there, giving their own life for their only son. So he could enjoy the life, a life better than they had. To this day I can't really bear with the fact he is no longer here, but I am trying to stay fine, even if at times it's painful because he is alive in my memories... - she whispered.
Young Ryuunosuke looked in surprise at Minako, mouth slightly agape while she was listening closely to every word she spoke. She didn't know what to answer and despite barely knowing the yellow-haired women, she felt a small sympathy for her. She realized that she can understand her pain and how it is to lose someone close to you. Not to mention the part where nine tails attacked Konoha five years ago, destroying village, taking lives of many people, including parents of a boy who seemingly had to face same situation now like her. Without a family, people treating him like some kind of a monster. That last thought made her to furrow her eyebrows.
- Just promise me, once you will encounter Naruto, Katessa, that you won't tell him anything About Minato, the nine tails sealed in him, and what happened, he can't know because it was what decided by Third Hokage. It would hurt him not to mention complicate everything. He will find out eventually, sooner or later. I shouldn't be telling it to you in the first place, but I wanted you to have visual view, that you are not alone when it comes to losing someone... especially in similar case like yours. - she closed her eyes. - He's alone, more than you was, having no one to support him, because everyone see only the nine tailed beast in him, he tries so hard to get acknowledged only for others to turn him down. He really doesn't have any friends, myself I visit him from time to time, offering to go either for ramen, or enjoy some talk with him. So he won't feel neglected fully, he's my nephew after all. And I will make sure to look after him as much as I can, as I am going to look after you. - she sent Katsa warm smile.
- I understand and I promise that I won't tell him anything... but on the other hand it's not fair he lives in not knowledge, yet i do realize it wouldn't bring anything good from it. - she said while taking piece piece of salmon, with some rice and cooked vegetables with chopsticks while putting it into her mouth.
- Thank you. - she gave her closed eye smile. - By the way after you will eat, we will have go to the the Hokage. He wants to see you and tell you something since you woke up.
She only nodded and decided to finish her bento. Even though so many things happened lately, Katsa felt a bit at ease, despite being still a little shaky, having all the answers she needed. Still the emptiness she felt, started to slowly claw it's way inside of her heart. She was forced to go trough her life, without Toshiro and her father in the picture, alone. She knew she can't go back on her promise that she made to her older brother. Doesn't matter how painful everything will be from now on, she will have to carry on somehow. To show her brother that his death won't be in vain. And she will try to at least change the world whatever it will take.
With that very thought in mind, she finished her food and Minako smiled, satisfied when she saw the small girl murmuring 'arigatou' to her after getting up from the chair. She was also rather surprised, realizing how strong Miketsukami's daughter have to be, being able to handle her emotions and take everything what happened, rather peacefully. Or at least she tried to.
- Okey let's get going now. - Minako said when she made her way towards front doors.
Katsa only nodded and followed shortly behind. Upon leaving the house, Namikaze closed the doors and made her way across the streets. The little Ryuunosuke was looking around her surroundings, taking in all the houses and villagers who passed them by. She saw in the distance high wall of rock with faces, who she assumed, had to be all the previous Hokages. Of course she knew about them before, on one of her training days with Toshiro, who told her about the main villages of the Five Lands, but she didn't realize that Konoha would be this mesmerizing. And this huge in person.
Minako saw her surprised expression with the corner of her eye and she only chuckled.
- You will be given your own apartment, luckily rather close to mine. About money you shouldn't really worry, your father made sure you won't run out of it at least for the rest of your life. I don't want to hurt you, Katessa, but being the last of Ryuunosuke clan makes you right heir of whole decline which he left a time ago in Konoha's Bank. But its still secured elsewhere, he made double sure that no one will find about it especially since your clan was wealthiest most of the time. But no worries, each time you will go to the bank and state your full name, they will give always give you the amount you need. - she said rather quietly, only for her to hear with a slight smile.
- I am not really into rich stuff. Makes people greedy and selfish. - she said matter-of-factly.
- Of course but it's only for the basic things you will need, it's up to you, how you will use that money. - she said.
The rest of the walk both females spent in silence and it didn't take long for them to reach the hokage's residence. It looked rather round painted in orange and red colors. They entered the building and made their way towards hokage's office. Upon reaching certain door's , Minako gently knocked instantly hearing raspy 'come in' from the other side. So both wasted no time coming inside.
Katsa instantly looked at the older man behind desk who had his hands folded under his chin and started straight at her. He curiously studied her blue orbs.
- That's Katessa Ryuunosuke. I already explained her what I was supposed to. - Namikaze decided to speak as first.
- Very well then. - he said and closed his eyes. - I will get straight to the point. As you know I'm this Hokage of Konoha and my name's Hiruzen Sarutobi. Katessa, from now you will be ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village and therefore here you will attend to the Ninja Academy. And I will already say that's it's not forced upon you but it was wish of your own father before anything occurred, going few years back in the past. The Shinobi World knows that your clan is one of the oldest and the most powerful, that's why you will be under our protection. You, as the jinchuuriki of ten tails, have to remain extra cautious in the future since people may try take advantage of you and also your Metakugan. As I know you activated it already, even if it's just first stage it's only matter of time when you will master it making people with not really good intention, target you even more. Minako Namikaze will be your supervisor. I also wish you for you to get comfortable in Konoha since I give you my word that you are safe here with us. It may take time to trust anyone of us since all the surroundings are new for you but I'm with positive hopes. - at his final words, he glances at her with the same serious expression that he wore all the time. - Other than this, I'm glad to welcome you in Konohagakure.
She gave him short acknowledging nod while wearing unreadable expression. Every sing thing that happened recently made her feel rather empty, therefore taking in stoic posture of her person, which looked rather scary for people since small kunoichi was only five years old. It exactly as the look of an adult shinobi himself who survived countless number of years experiencing nothing more in their life than constant death, violence and pain that this world was filled with without any boundaries.
- Also my condolences for what happened... Person of your age should have childhood opposite of that and not witness all of this slaughter and sorrow. Neither to be forced to take the biggest burdens that life can throw on you...
- Arigatou, but it's not need, that's what this corrupted world is all about anyway. Death, vengeance and suffer. - she snapped rather emotionless, even though she didn't really intended to sound like that.
Both Minako and Third where taken aback from her cold statement. She was only five years old and yet she was showing sings of being depraved from any kind of positive emotions. She forced herself to mature three times faster than any ordinary kid and more than sure she was smarter than most of the ninjas which are already on their thirty's or forty's.
- For now it will be enough, I just wanted pass you the basic information. - he sighed. - You are dismissed. Shall as well Minako show your apartment that you will be staying from now on. The one that belonged to your mother before she moved to Kuragakue.
- Wait, what? My mother was from Konoha? - she asked slightly surprised.
- Indeed, she was born and raised here by her parents. Her clan originally settled here, even if they were from Kumogakure. - Hiruzen answered. - But once she met your father and got married with him, she decided to leave with him back to the Village Hidden in the Lightness.
- I see. I may as well take my leave now, I don't want to disturb your duties, Hokage-sama. - she stated respectfully.
- Yes, let's go see your new place to live. - said Minako, who was silent all this time.
- Okey, take care you both and until next time. - Third nodded and both females left the office.
They left Hokage's residence and made their way towards Katessa's new apartment. Since young Ryuunosuke didn't feel like talking, the road was spent in silence. They reached zone in Konoha where located were only old japanesse styled houses suited to live for a single family. House was surrounded by walls with closed gate. It was rather simple in it's structure pale walls decorated with light brown wood. Minako told her it was residence of Mizuno's(3) clan, her mother's former origins.
They entered the residence with the keys that Minako kept stored in her house. Yellow-haired woman gave Katsa a tour around all the rooms. Showing the main hall, living room with the kitchen, two bedrooms and the bathroom. Whole house(4) looked rather fancy while still keeping the traditional japanesse look.
- That will be everything. You should know the way to my house since we had occasion to pass it by. - young Namikaze said giving the little girl her famous closed eye, gentle smile. - I will leave you now to get comfortable and to get rest if needed. I will come tomorrow to check up on you. Take care Katessa and please eat something. - she handed her keys to the house.
- Fine. And... thank you for everything. - she mumbled, grateful for all the help that Minako gave her.
- Anytime. - she answered. - I'm here for you, from now on, if you need anything. Have a nice afternoon.
And with that she left leaving last survivor of Ryuunosuke clan all on her own. It was the moment that the feeling of loneliness washed over her causing to feel 'oh-so-familiar' now for her pain in her heart. She just stood there and wondered....
"What's going to happen from now on? I'm going to overcome whatever life will throw in my way? Alone...?"
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(1) Minako Namikaze (her name means "holy child") - she's gonna play one of the main roles in this story, I plan on making her to be supportive of Katsa Ryuunosuke, being a closest friend to her, nearly like an older sister or even a mother she never really had. Besides I want make some plots in the future including Naruto as well as having one more surprise to come *wink wink*. But that's a bonus , shes basically additional character which often will appear in chapters.
(2) Jikan no shōhisha jutsu - (literally meaning "time consuming jutsu")is a teleportation jutsu that allows user teleport anything from one place to another as long as he is using a special seal which comes with this jutsu, doesn't matter the distance. But the user must be earlier in the said place to plant the seal first to be able to transform anything later on.
(3) Mizuno - (Mizu meaning "water", no meaning "field, wilderness", literally meaning "wild water") was clan which was originally formed in Kumogakure. Known member of that clan is so far Nakano Mizuno, mother of Katessa and Toshiro and the wife of Miketsukami Ryuunosuke. Mizuno clan traveled to Konoha some time after it was founded.
(4) Mizuno's Residence:
- outside:
- main hall:
- living room with the kitchen:
- first bedroom:
- second bedroom:
- bathroom:
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Author's note - here I am at the end of the second chapter! I'm really impatiently waiting for making this story at least a bit popular and wanting. It took me 2 days to write this chapter or even three and honestly I don't like the way I keep feeling that my grammar sucks and that I may mix times ;-; But I'm trying my best at this point to make this story as enjoyable for all of you as possible! Please, leave comments and any kind of feedback. I will be really grateful for this!
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