Ch. 10

It was midday and the suns rays beat down on the back of narukos neck as she slowly made her way through the bustling streets of the leaf village. Her blue eyes stared straight ahead, never wavering as the crowds of people split around her as she walked, each person making sure to not get to close as she passed, some parents even pulling their children closer to them as she walked by. The small smile on her face never faltered, even as the wind carried the hushed whispers passed her ears.

Their words didn't bother her, not today anyways. She had taken the last two days to think on Jiraiyas offer to whisk her away for the next few years. At first she was hesitant, her thoughts seemingly split.

A part of her, the innocent and naive part of her wanted nothing more then to stay within the village. To go back to the ninja academy in order to become a gennin and to foster her growing friendship between herself, Sakura and ino.

The other part of her was different. It's toxic voice whispered in her ear every night since Jiraiya made his offer. That part of her wanted to refuse the mans offer and run. Slip away in the middle of the night and try her best to get away from the village. That way she wouldn't have to rely on anyone but herself, she wouldn't have to risk trusting someone only for them to turn on her.

The rational part of her brain understood that, while she didn't really even know Jiraiya that well, she had to trust him. He was her only rational way out of the village. Sure she could run but like Jiraiya had said, she'd be hunted till the end of her days.

She did find it odd that he offered to train her, even knowing that she was just as likely to not become a ninja at the end of their trip.

"You'll be too strong for them to mess with."

He was a loyal leaf ninja, a sannin even and yet he was more then willing to help her get as strong as possible just for her to refuse to use those skills to protect his home.

How odd.

But Naruko ultimately decided that it'd be best for her to accept his proposal and go with him. There was really no downside to this deal. She'd get away from the village, training in the ninja arts, and she'd be exploring the world outside of the village walls.

And should he prove to be untrustful or should he show any signs of betraying her, she'd do her absolute best to leave his ass behind and disappear into the night. Hopefully never to be seen by him or any other leaf ninja again.

A win-win situation for her.

Now here she was, making her way through the village with a dark green backpack hanging from her left shoulder. She was on her way to the village gates in order to meet up with Jiraiya so they could leave.

As promised, he had shown up at her house earlier this morning and asked her for her answer. She had agreed and he had told her to start packing and to meet him at the village gates once she had said goodbye to everyone she wanted to.

She had then spent the better part of the morning packing. She had packed a few outfits along with her toothbrush, and not really sure what else to bring, she stuffed a few other items such as a burnt orange colored scarf, gloves and her night cap, into the bag before closing it.

After that she had immediately began her journey to the village gates. She debated on stopping at the academy to say goodbye to Sakura and ino but ultimately decided against it.

She had only known the two girls for a short time so it wasnt like they made any important memories. Not to mention that she would be gone for a long time. She wouldn't be stepping a foot within these village walls again until she was thirteen at the very least.

Her heart ached a little at the thought of leaving without saying anything to anyone but she was certain that the two girls would most likely forget she even existed in a month or two at most.

"There you are brat." Naruko zoned back in as the man's voice reached her. She came to a stop and stared at Jiraiya. He was leaning back against one of the large open gates with his arms crossed over his chest." I was beginning to think you got lost with how long you were taking." He said with a teasing grin on his face.

"Sorry it took so long." She replied." I wasn't really sure what to pack so it took me a bit to pick what to take with me." She adjusted the bag strap on her shoulder.

Jiraiya gave her an acknowledging nod." So did you say goodbye to your friends?" He asked curiously as he stood straight, idly rolling his shoulders.

"Yes." She answered with an awkward nod, lying through her teeth as she did. If Jiraiya knew she was lying, he didn't call her out on it, which she was grateful for.

"Okay well then we're good to go." He reached into the pouch on his lower back and pulled out a small scroll. He held it out to her." The old man wanted to say goodbye but he didn't really think you'd want him to be here so he sent this-"

"Keep it." She cut him off as she walked past him." Let's just go....please." She passed the village gates and didn't look back, the only way she knew that Jiraiya was following her was the sound of his wooden sandals clacking against the dirt road beneath their feet.

She closed her eyes as she walked and took a deep breath of the fresh air that surrounded her. She felt her adrenaline spike as reality seemed to hit her.

She was finally out of the village, away from the harsh glares and whispers. Away from the responsibilities of being a jinchuriki. Away from the stigma she seemed to carry.

She was finally free.

She stopped walking as she felt something warm bubble up within her chest. Her shoulders seemed to sag a little as she relaxed and the plastered smile on her face seemed to become more real.

She was brought out of her musings as jiraiyas left hand landed on her right shoulder. She looked back at him curiously.

"You okay kid?" He asked with a small tilt to his head. Naruko nodded her head.

"Yeah... yeah I'm fine." She replied softly as she looked forward and began to walk once more.

The feeling that welled up within her chest. The warmth it seemed to give her....

Was this feeling... hope?

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Author Note: it's been a long time since I've posted on here so it feels weird to be back, anyways, got news for everyone.

First, I lost access to my old discord so I had to make a new one. If you're interested in joining it to keep up on any current news I have about my books or if you wanna just talk about my stories then here's the link: https://discord.gg/vMyzMuEbQp

Secondly, I've created a patreon so if you'd like to gain early access to any chapters I write for any of my three current books two days before I post them here or on wattpad then you can join up for just $3.00 USD. If you're interested then here's the link to my patreon: patreon.com/Whiteeyedghoul

My patreon update schedule goes like this-

Every 10th will be a new chapter of Assassins Creed: Elemental ( the story will be posted here on Webnovel quite soon, like right after I publish this chapter soon.)

Every 20th will be an update for She's My Blossom

Every 30th will be an update for Foxs Gift 2

That's all for now, see ya!