Shadows and Lights

Just a small A/N: I fixed some of the things about the Chapter. 

(Akari's POV)

The air was thick with the lingering scent of damp earth and the distant aroma of ramen from a nearby street vendor. The afternoon sun filtered through the gaps in the trees, casting shifting patterns across the training ground. I stood at the edge of the clearing, arms crossed, watching as Shiina took her stance.

She was the centre of attention now. This was her moment to prove herself.

Shiina's feet were planted firmly on the dirt, her body loose yet perfectly balanced. Her deep purple eyes held no uncertainty—only anticipation. Across from her, Naruto and Hinata stood side by side, each adopting their own stances.

Naruto bounced lightly on the balls of his feet, his movements unpredictable, his foundation built upon the Jeet Kune style I had introduced him to—one emphasizing adaptability, reaction speed, and momentum. Jeet Kune was an instinctive art, one meant for someone like him, who fought best when given the freedom to move without restriction.

Hinata, by contrast, was composed, standing with her feet shoulder-width apart, her arms raised in the precise guard of the Hyūga clan's Jūken. A stark contrast to Naruto's fluid unpredictability, Hinata was a fighter who relied on accuracy, striking where it counted. A single touch from her could disrupt chakra flow.

Shiina would fight them both.

I had trained her in Seikuken—a martial art of my own design, a synthesis of countless styles from my past life, woven into something greater. Its foundation was control. The ability to read an opponent's every movement, to counter before an attack could even fully form. Precision, fluidity, power—all in harmony.

This spar was not to test her. I already knew she would win.

It was to show them the gap between them and her, and close it as much as they could by working together. For Shiina this would show her that she could lose when fighting more than 1 person. For Naruto and Hinata, it would instil the key idea that teamwork is necessary sometimes.

"Alright," I said, my voice even. "Begin."

Naruto moved first. He always did.

He lunged in with a feint, throwing his weight into a right jab but shifting mid-motion to launch a side kick aimed at Shiina's ribs. Fast, but predictable. Shiina didn't dodge. She stepped into it.

Pivoting in her heel, she parried the kick with her left forearm, angling her body to absorb the force without taking damage. Before Naruto could react, she was already moving, twisting into a spinning hook kick, her heel slicing through the air like a blade. Naruto barely managed to raise his arms in time. The impact sent him skidding backward.

Hinata didn't hesitate. The moment Shiina's foot touched the ground, she closed in, her movements precise, controlled. Her fingers flickered forward, aimed at Shiina's shoulder. A chakra-laced strike meant to cripple.

Shiina shifted, turning her body just enough that Hinata's fingers brushed against the fabric of her clothing. In that same instant, Shiina's right knee came up, striking toward Hinata's exposed midsection.

Hinata twisted, absorbing the hit with her forearm, but Shiina's true attack came immediately after. A seamless transition from the knee strike into a spinning back elbow, slamming into Hinata's guard with force that sent her staggering backward.

Naruto took the opening. He surged forward, throwing a low sweep kick aimed at Shiina's legs. She reacted instantly, jumping just high enough to avoid the trip, landing lightly on the balls of her feet.

Naruto was already following up. He shifted into a rapid combination—a left jab, right cross, spinning backfist. His movements flowed together, erratic but aggressive. Jeet Kune emphasized countering mid-motion, but Shiina was already inside his guard.

She didn't retreat. She didn't block. She slipped between his attacks. She moved with the kind of awareness only a fighter who's been trained by a true master could achieve, twisting her torso just enough to let Naruto's fist graze past her cheek, stepping forward into his space.

Then she struck. A sharp palm thrust to the sternum. The hit landed cleanly, sending Naruto stumbling backward, coughing from the force of it.

Hinata came from the side, silent and disciplined, aiming for Shiina's ribs with a Jūken palm strike. Shiina saw it and shifted into a perfect counter-step, deflecting Hinata's strike with an open palm, trapping her wrist in an instant.

A twist of the hips. A slight redirection of force. Hinata's balance shattered, her stance breaking completely as Shiina leveraged her momentum against her. A moment later, Hinata was airborne. Shiina had thrown her.

Hinata hit the ground with a sharp exhale, rolling smoothly to regain her footing, but Shiina was already upon her. Shiina's right foot shot out in a roundhouse kick, aimed for Hinata's head. Hinata barely dodged, bending backward at an impossible angle, but the moment her feet touched the ground again, Shiina's attack had already changed. A front kick to the stomach. Hinata was knocked back several meters, landing hard. She gritted her teeth, pushing herself up—but Naruto was already moving again.

He came in low, trying to catch Shiina off-guard with a sweeping leg tackle. Shiina jumped. And in mid-air—she flipped over Naruto completely.

She landed behind him and struck her heel came down, stopping just inches from the back of Naruto's neck.

Naruto froze.

Silence.

Shiina pulled back, stepping away from him, her breath steady. Naruto exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck, while Hinata wiped a stray bead of sweat from her forehead.

I uncrossed my arms, walking forward. "That's enough."

Naruto scowled but grinned despite himself. "Man, Shiina, you're a monster."

Shiina shrugged. "I had a good teacher."

Her eyes flickered to me for a brief moment.

I met her gaze, "You all had a good teacher. You just trained with me for longer."

Naruto groaned whilst Hinata merely nodded, already resetting her stance. And of course Shiina grinned.

I let Naruto and Hinata talk alone whilst I took the moment to pull Shiina aside, walking toward the shade of a large oak tree. 

I wanted to spend a bit of time with her.

"How do you feel?" I asked.

Shiina stretched, rolling her shoulders. "Not bad. I think I held back too much in the beginning."

"I noticed." 

"You would." She teasingly said.

"You're improving at a rapid rate, Shiina," I leaned back against the tree, watching her as I spoke.

"You always say that, but… I feel like I've already reached where you want me to be."

"You haven't." She raised an eyebrow at my words thus I articulated what I meant, "You're strong, Shiina. But you still have a long way to go."

She was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. I get that."

I moved my hand to the top of her head, running my hand through her golden blonde hair. "Be patient, you'll get there someday." I smiled warmly, looking into her eyes sincerely. 

Shiina's expression softened at my words, her emerald eyes holding a warmth that I had come to recognize over the years. She always looked at me like that—like I was something more than just a mentor, something irreplaceable. It was a strange feeling, one that made my chest feel lighter, but I didn't quite understand why.

She sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment, letting my touch linger. "I know," she said softly. "But I want to catch up to you, Akari."

I tilted my head slightly, withdrawing my hand, studying her expression. "You will," I said simply. "But don't rush it. Growth takes time. Even the strongest fighters sharpen their skills over years, not months."

She exhaled through her nose, a small pout forming on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Still, it's frustrating, y'know?"

I hummed in acknowledgment. I did know. Better than anyone. The hunger to grow stronger, the impatience of knowing what you were capable of but not yet being able to reach—it was something I had lived with my entire life, both in this world and the last. But Shiina… she wasn't like me. At all.

Her drive wasn't fuelled by survival. It wasn't about proving something. It was just… pure determination. It was something I had found admirable for the girl. 

"You're frustrated because you want to stand at my side as an equal," I stated.

She blinked, caught off guard for a moment before nodding, her lips pressing together. "Of course. You're my best friend, Akari. The strongest person I know. And… I want to be someone you can rely on, too."

Her words were sincere, and I felt the usual warmth that came from her kind words.

"You already are," I admitted looking away feeling heat rush to my cheeks.

She was still beside me.

Shiina didn't say anything at first, and for a moment, the only sound between us was the faint rustling of leaves above. The sun peeked through the branches, casting speckled light across her face. I turned my head slightly, catching the way her emerald-green eyes widened just a fraction before her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Then, she smiled. A small, genuine smile.

"That's the first time you've said that so openly," she murmured.

I frowned slightly, trying to recall. Had I never told her she was someone I relied on? Perhaps not in those exact words, but surely, she knew?

Shiina shifted, crossing her arms as she tilted her head at me, studying me the same way I often studied others. "I mean, I knew you trusted me, but hearing you say it like that… it's nice."

I looked away, staring at the leaves overhead. "It's just the truth."

"Still," she said, nudging my arm with her elbow, "you should say stuff like that more often."

I exhaled softly. "I'll consider it."

She laughed, light and airy. "That's Akari-speak for 'I probably won't, but I'll think about it once in a while.'"

I didn't refute it. For her I might consider saying more to her.

Shiina turned to lean against the tree beside me, her expression thoughtful. "You're different now, y'know?"

I glanced at her. "Different how?"

She hummed, tapping her chin with one finger. "You show a lot more emotion. You're even blushing right now with that smile of yours. And you let yourself enjoy things more too. Don't think I didn't notice you drawing me the other day," I felt my cheeks go hotter.

I was hiding the fact that I had done that.

I had recently developed a hobby of doodling places and people, though I kept it hidden because I loved drawing cute, beautiful things. I even had the Journal hidden in the Inventory.

Cooking was another thing I've learned. That book was massive. And strangely filled with recipes of all kinds, even how to get ingredients to make Pizza. Then there's the unique seasonings that are of this world that weren't from my old one. The Sekiri Mushrooms were actually fine to eat once harvested and cooked. 

Similar to the Fugu, but there's no specific method one has to do in order to cook it.

I kept my expression neutral despite the warmth creeping up my neck. Shiina's sharp eyes didn't miss anything, and I knew denying it outright would only encourage her teasing. Instead, I diverted the conversation.

"I draw because it's a good skill to have," I spoke, looking at her, "A shinobi with a steady hand has better control over weapons, Fuinjutsu, and surgery, should it come to that."

"Oh? And what does that have to do with the sketches of me in your book?" Shiina spoke as her head tilted, hints of mirth flickering in her emerald eyes. 

I exhaled through my nose, turning my gaze elsewhere. "You were a good subject to practice on."

Her grin widened. "Because I'm cute?"

Yes.

But I wasn't going to tell her that... maybe I will actually.

Shiina leaned in slightly, watching me expectantly. I could feel her stare, her energy practically radiating amusement and curiosity. I knew she wanted a reaction, and I refused to give her one.

I settled for a deadpan response. "If I say yes, will you drop it?"

Shiina gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Oh my god, Akari, that's basically a confession!"

"It's really not." I vocalised, looking at her. 

'Like hell I'd confess my feelings this soon into discovering them.' I thought to myself.

She burst out laughing.

I let her enjoy herself for a moment, waiting as she slowly regained composure. Eventually, she wiped a tear from her eye, exhaling deeply. "Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing. But seriously, I think it's great that you've been picking up hobbies. First cooking, now drawing… What's next? Knitting?"

"…I don't see the value in knitting."

"I do! Imagine how cool it'd be if you made your own scarf or something. You could make one for me, too."

I raised an eyebrow. "You want me to knit you a scarf?"

She grinned. "Obviously."

Guess I'm going to learn to knit now. Hmm, Christmas present, so I have 2 months to learn. I'd just pick a day in these next 2 months and master it.

"We'll see." I answered not giving anything away from what I had planned.

Shiina seemed satisfied with that, her gaze shifting to the branches above us. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and for a moment, silence settled between us.

It was comfortable.

A small blue textbox appeared:

[The Star has reached ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆]

I dismissed it, glancing at Shiina. Shiina reached out suddenly, taking my hand in hers. Her fingers were warm, her grip firm yet gentle.

"No matter what happens," she said, her voice unwavering, "I'll always be by your side, okay?"

"And so will I." I gave her hand a small squeeze as I responded.

Shiina squeezed my hand gently, her warmth seeping into my skin, grounding me in this moment. I looked at her, taking in the confident way she met my gaze—completely unafraid, completely certain. The golden sunlight filtering through the leaves caught in her hair, making her glow. She had always shined like this. A star, radiantly beautiful and untouchable. And yet, she had chosen to stay close to me.

I didn't know what I had done to deserve her.

Even now, as my hand lingered in hers, there was a strange ache in my chest. It wasn't like the dull emptiness I had known for so long, the cold void that had shaped me into what I was. No, this was something different. Something unfamiliar, something I didn't fully understand.

A part of me wanted to believe that this—this—could last forever.

But deep down, a quiet voice whispered: Nothing lasts forever.

The shinobi world wasn't kind to things like this. It wasn't kind to those who wanted peace, to those who held onto warmth and light. It was a world of blood and sacrifice, of calculated losses and inevitable tragedies. I knew that. I had always known that.

And yet, as Shiina smiled at me, I wanted to be selfish.

I wanted to believe that I could stay by her side, even if we wouldn't get together. Even if it was just as her friend, her mentor, the person she relied on. That would be enough.

Wouldn't it?

I forced myself to push those thoughts away. They were useless. Hypotheticals. A distraction.

I squeezed her hand once more before letting go.

"Come on," I said, my voice steady, betraying nothing. "Naruto and Hinata are probably waiting for us."

Shiina tilted her head, her smile turning knowing. As if she had seen something in my expression.

She didn't press.

Instead, she laughed softly and nodded. "Yeah, we should get back before Naruto tries to pick another fight with me."

I let out a small chuckle. "You'd just embarrass him again."

Shiina grinned. "That's the fun part."

I shook my head, turning toward the clearing where Naruto and Hinata stood. But even as we walked back together, my mind lingered on a single, inescapable thought.

I hope I can stay by your side, Shiina. Even if the world tries to take that away from me.

Even if I knew you could never accept me fully.

(Time skip no Jutsu)

The cool night air wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, the faint scent of autumn leaves drifting on the breeze. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over Konoha, which had been transformed for Halloween. Lanterns lit up the streets, their orange light flickering in the darkness, and the buildings were adorned with festive decorations—ghosts, pumpkins, and black cats dotted every corner.

I stood beside Shiina, who was grinning like a child on Christmas morning. She had practically dragged me out of the orphanage, claiming that it was "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" for the kids. Her enthusiasm was infectious, though I would never admit it aloud. She had gone all out with her costume—a whimsical witch's outfit complete with a pointy hat, a long flowing skirt, and a broomstick that she clutched like it was her most prized possession. Despite her relatively simple attire, the sparkle in her eyes made her stand out more than anyone else here.

I, on the other hand, had agreed to her plan because I got to spend some time with her. Although I wasn't a fan of making myself stand out or being noticed in any way, so I had kept my costume simple—an all-black cloak with a hood, my face partially obscured by a mask shaped like a fox. I had chosen it for its simplicity, but I did have an almost unnoticeable smile on my lips whenever I looked at Shiina. Not that I intended anyone to notice.

As we walked down the cobbled streets of Konoha, the other children from the orphanage were scattered around us, laughing and calling out as they went door to door for candy. Some were dressed as skeletons, while a few had costumes that seemed to echo old legends, be they enemies of Konoha from the past, legendary Shinobi of the current, and of course the Kyubi. Yeah some dressed up as the thing that attacked Konoha 6 years ago.

Shiina was quick to help, as always. A little girl dressed as a pumpkin had tripped and fallen while running to the next house. Before I could even react, Shiina was already crouched down beside her, offering a hand to help her up. "Careful there, little one," she said, her voice soft and reassuring as she adjusted the pumpkin-shaped hat that had fallen over the girl's eyes.

"Thanks!" The girl chirped, her eyes lighting up as she was pulled back onto her feet.

Shiina smiled, ruffling the girl's hair affectionately before standing back up. "You're welcome. Go have fun, alright?" She called out as the girl ran off to join the others.

I couldn't help but watch her. The way she interacted with others, the kindness that radiated from her without even trying, it was something… I didn't know how to categorize it. Something about it stirred emotions I thought I had locked away a long time ago, emotions I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with. Shiina had a way of making me forget that cold, emotionless part of myself, even if just for a moment. She brought me warmth, and I wasn't sure how to deal with that, especially now.

A part of me wanted to say something—to express how much I cared for her—but the words got caught in my throat every time. No, I was content being by her side as a friend, even if I couldn't fully admit what my heart felt. As long as she kept smiling, I could keep pretending I wasn't affected.

We continued on, passing through the crowds of kids, but my attention kept returning to Shiina. She was like a beacon in the dark—her kindness pulling everyone around her closer, drawing them in with the warmth of her presence. She didn't mind when the other children asked for her help, always offering assistance with no hesitation. When a boy dressed as a werewolf couldn't reach the doorbell, Shiina immediately stepped in to help him, lifting him by the shoulders to ensure he could reach it. She didn't mind being the one to do these little things for everyone else.

I admired that because it was something that was innate to her. She didn't have to fake her kindness as I did.

Eventually, the small group of orphans had gathered in front of the next house, waiting in line for their turn to receive candy. Shiina stood near the front, chatting with the others, laughing at their antics. She caught my gaze for a moment, and I glanced at another house.

"Akari!" Shiina's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone light and playful. She was holding a small basket full of candy she had collected from a few houses. 

"Yes?" I asked, looking at her, as I looked at my own basket, also filled with candy from various houses. All of which will be given to the other children in the Orphanage

"Let's go somewhere where we can be alone for a bit." She said with the same, bright smile plastered on her face. The same smile that made me lose my ability to think of her as a pawn or knight on a chessboard.

"Okay," My lips twitched upwards, smiling back at her.

I couldn't say no to spending more time with her.

Shiina practically grabbed my wrist and pulled me along before I could even process where we were going. I didn't resist. I never really did when it came to her.

We weaved through the streets of Konoha, passing lantern-lit alleyways and shadowed rooftops where shinobi patrolled silently above. The festive air buzzed around us, laughter and chatter filling the cool night. The crisp scent of roasted chestnuts and caramel apples lingered in the breeze, mixing with the faint smoke of candles burning inside pumpkin lanterns.

Eventually, we found ourselves at a quiet, secluded spot—a small park just outside the busier festival streets. The trees here were tall, their branches bare as autumn fully took hold, and a wooden bench sat beneath the glow of a lone streetlamp. The yellow light flickered slightly, casting soft shadows over the ground.

Shiina let go of my wrist, twirling once before plopping herself onto the bench. Her skirt fanned out slightly, her witch's hat tilted to one side. She grinned up at me, patting the empty space beside her.

I sat down wordlessly, resting my elbows on my knees, hands loosely clasped together.

For a while, we just sat in silence, listening to the distant sounds of the festival. The rhythmic chime of a bell from a shrine echoed faintly in the distance, and the occasional pop of a firework painted streaks of colour in the night sky.

Shiina hummed to herself, swinging her legs slightly. She seemed content just existing here, and for some reason, so was I.

"You know," she said suddenly, tilting her head towards me. "This is nice."

"Sitting?" I jokingly said knowing all too well she meant.

"Spending time with you."

I glanced at her, but she wasn't looking at me. Instead, she was gazing at the stars, her green eyes reflecting the light like polished peridots.

"You spend time with me every day," I pointed out.

Shiina smiled, shaking her head. "Not like this."

"That one day where I got you our... matching pins," I smiled reaching out to touch where she normally put it, "The day I got you Friendship chocolate for valentines," I added, "The Natsu Matsuri on Sandaime's head, and finally my... sixth birthday?" Explaining the times we have in fact talked like this made me look back at them.

"Okay, okay, you got me there. But even then, I cherish every chance I have to be alone with you like this." She laughed softly, moving to touch the spot our pins would be if we decided to bring them with us.

I looked at her, feeling heat rush to my cheeks. The way the streetlamp cast soft golden hues over her features, the way her hair caught the light like strands of gold—she looked angelic.

Shiina exhaled softly, letting her gaze drift back to the night sky. "It's funny," she mused, "I never imagined I'd meet someone like you."

I tilted my head slightly, intrigued. "Like me?"

She hummed in affirmation. "You're… different. Not just because you're strong or smart, but because you make me want to be better." She turned to face me fully, her green eyes searching mine. "When I first met you, I thought you were just someone serious and untouchable. But you're more than that, aren't you?"

I kept my expression neutral, but her words resonated somewhere deep inside me. I wasn't sure how to respond.

Shiina didn't wait for an answer. Instead, she leaned back against the bench, stretching her arms above her head. "I don't think you even realize it yourself," she said, her tone softer now, almost wistful. "You act like you're always in control, like you always know what you're doing. But when you're with me, with Naruto and Hinata, I see glimpses of something else."

I glanced at her, waiting.

She smiled. "You care more than you let on."

I looked away, letting my eyes scan the distant festival lights. I had always known this to be true, in a way. But hearing Shiina say it so plainly made it feel more… real.

Caring had never been a strength of mine. In fact, it was a liability. A risk. But with Shiina, I couldn't seem to help myself.

"You're overanalysing things," I finally spoke, trying to lie to her, but she saw right through me.

Shiina chuckled. "Am I?"

She shifted on the bench, drawing one leg up to rest against the seat. Her skirt bunched slightly at her knee, but she paid it no mind. The wind tousled her golden hair, and for a fleeting moment, I wanted to reach out and fix the strands that had fallen over her face.

I chose to let myself do so. I moved to fix her hair, delicately. "No, you aren't." I admitted quietly.

She blinked at me, startled by my admission. Her lips parted slightly, her breath hitching just a little as I tucked the stray strands behind her ear. My fingers grazed her skin, soft and warm against the cool night air.

Shiina didn't move, didn't tease like she usually would. Instead, she just looked at me—really looked at me. I felt my stomach twist at the intensity of her gaze.

Then, she smiled. Not the usual playful grin, not the smirk she wore when she was teasing me, but something softer. Something… real.

"See?" she murmured. "You do care."

I let my hand drop away, looking back towards the festival lights. My heart was beating faster than I liked.

She let out a quiet breath, her fingers brushing against the edge of her broomstick as she rested it across her lap. "You don't have to say it, Akari. I already know."

"Shiina." I spoke her name before I even knew what I wanted to say.

She tilted her head, waiting.

For a moment, words failed me. What was I supposed to say? That I was grateful for her? That she was the only person who could make me feel like something more than a carefully constructed machine? That she meant more to me than anyone ever had?

Okay that was too much... it was too soon for anything there.

"…Thanks."

Her expression softened further. "For what?"

I exhaled, forcing myself to meet her gaze again. "For putting up with me."

She blinked before letting out a laugh, bright and full of warmth. "That's the dumbest thing you've ever said."

I raised an eyebrow.

Shiina grinned, shaking her head. "You're my best friend, Akari. There's nothing to 'put up with.' I like being with you."

The words sent a strange, almost painful warmth through my chest. I looked away, staring at the distant rooftops where shadows flickered under the moonlight.

Why was loving someone so hard? I wasn't good at this. Emotions, bonds, connections. All of it went over my head, yet right now... with her by my side things didn't seem so bad.

A translucent box appeared in my eyes.

[The Star has reached ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

New Ability unlocked: Radiant Ally

Shiina's steadfast resolve evolves into an unshakable bond of trust. While she fights alongside an ally, her presence reduces the cost of Jutsu and her words alongside actions inspire confidence, along with this she increases effectiveness in teamwork-based strategies.]

Dismissing the box I turn to Shiina, "We should go to the Orphanage now. We need to give this to the others." I say showing the bucket of candy.

Shiina stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small sigh as we stood from the bench. "Alright, alright. But don't think you're off the hook yet, Akari."

I gave her a side glance, adjusting the bucket of candy in my hand. "Off the hook for what?"

She grinned, falling into step beside me as we started back toward the orphanage. "For actually admitting you have feelings."

"I never said that." I exhaled through my nose.

"You didn't have to," she said smugly. "I can read you like a book now. And besides…" She nudged my arm lightly. "You're way too obvious."

I hummed, choosing not to respond. She wasn't wrong, but I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of admitting it outright.

The streets were quieter now, most of the children having finished their trick-or-treating. A few lanterns still flickered along the pathways, their carved faces grinning eerily in the dim light. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet caramel.

Shiina glanced at me. "You've been spacing out a lot lately."

I frowned slightly. "I don't space out."

"You do. At least when it comes to certain things." Her tone was lighter now, more thoughtful. "Like today, when we were at the festival. You kept looking at me, but it wasn't in the way you usually do."

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. "I was just watching over you."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, Akari, it wasn't that. It was different. More… I don't know. Personal?"

My lips parted slightly, but no words came out. I wasn't sure how to respond to that.

Shiina didn't press. Instead, she reached out, tugging gently on my sleeve. "It's okay, y'know. You don't have to figure everything out right away."

I looked at her, meeting her gaze under the lantern's glow.

She was right.

And yet, that answer didn't sit well with me. I always figured things out. I always had a plan, always knew my next move. But with Shiina…

With her, I was lost.

I shifted my grip on the candy bucket. "I'll figure it out."

Shiina smiled at that. "I know you will."

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, the orphanage coming into view in the distance. The warm glow of the windows stood in contrast to the night sky, and the muffled sounds of laughter from the other children echoed softly in the air.

Shiina suddenly reached out, slipping her hand into mine.

I didn't pull away. She didn't say anything, she just held my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. And maybe, just maybe… it was. I let my fingers tighten around hers slightly, just for a second, before we reached the orphanage doors.

"Ready?" she asked, looking up at me with a small smile.

I nodded.

We stepped inside together.

(Time skip no Jutsu)

The soft click of knitting needles filled the otherwise silent room. A single candle flickered on my desk, casting long shadows against the walls. The orphanage was quiet at this hour, the other children long since gone to sleep. Even Shiina had gone to bed earlier, content after our small Halloween adventure.

And yet, here I was.

I sat cross-legged on my bed, a ball of deep blue yarn resting in my lap. The needles in my hands moved methodically, my fingers working through the motions I had only just learned moments ago.

Knitting wasn't something I had ever considered before. It had no direct combat applications, no strategic advantage, no purpose beyond simple creation. It didn't make me stronger, faster, or more efficient. If anything, it was a waste of time.

And yet…

Shiina had mentioned wanting a scarf made by me.

So, I would make one.

It was that simple.

Even I didn't even fully understand why I had decided to do this for her. It wasn't logical. It wasn't something I would have ever done in my past life. And yet…

It felt right.

To bend my own rules for the girl I loved.

I suppose this was what love was about, right?

I pulled the thread taut, looping it carefully, but my first few stitches were uneven. Sloppy. Imperfect.

I frowned slightly. My dexterity was far beyond a normal person's, and yet… this was unexpectedly tedious.

I was rarely bad at something. This shouldn't be frustrating. And yet, I could feel the slight tension in my shoulders, the way my fingers trembled slightly when the stitch wasn't quite right.

A small blue textbox popped into existence.

[New Skill Unlocked:]

[Knitting LVL 1/20: A simple yet delicate craft that requires precision, patience, and rhythm. The user can create various knitted items with time and practice. Higher levels allow for more intricate patterns and designs.]

I exhaled softly, dismissing the notification.

I adjusted my grip, my fingers moving with more care. I worked through the steps again, correcting my mistakes as I went. The repetition of it was… soothing in a way I hadn't expected. My breathing slowed, my mind settling into a rhythm.

Click. Click. Click.

Another notification appeared as I stopped to take a break.

[Knitting has reached LVL 3]

Already improving. Of course, I was.

I continued. The needles clicked faster, my hands becoming steadier with each loop. My focus sharpened, my mind breaking down the process—understanding the mechanics of each stitch, the way tension affected the fabric, how the thread intertwined to form something more than just individual strands.

[Knitting has reached LVL 7]

I barely noticed the time passing.

The scarf was starting to take form, the knitted rows forming a soft, even pattern. The deep blue of the yarn reminded me of the night sky, of the way Shiina's verdelite eyes glowed under the lantern light.

I pushed the thought aside, focusing on making the scarf after a short break.

[Knitting has reached LVL 15]

I barely needed to think about the movements anymore. It was automatic.

And yet, my mind wasn't.

It wandered—to her.

To Shiina.

The way her laugh felt like sunlight after a long night. The way her eyes softened when she looked at me, like she already knew what I was thinking before I said a word. The way she reached for my hand so easily, so naturally, like she never even considered the possibility that I might pull away.

…Because I never did.

Not with her.

A quiet sigh left my lips as I set the needles down for a moment, my fingers lingering over the soft fabric.

What am I doing?

This warmth in my chest—the quiet, slow-burning thing that only grew stronger whenever she smiled at me—wasn't something I could ignore anymore.

I had loved her for a long time. That wasn't even a question anymore.

No, the real question was why did it feel so terrifying?

This wasn't like a battle, where I could analyze my opponent, predict their movements, and controlled every outcome. Shiina wasn't something to be controlled.

She was… unpredictable. Chaotic. And somehow, that made her feel even more important.

I picked up the knitting needles again, pushing forward.

Click. Click. Click.

The scarf was nearly complete. Without thinking, my hands had added a subtle pattern near the edges—a delicate flower, reminiscent of the pins we wore. A subconscious choice. A decision that made me swallow hard, running my fingers over the design. Why did I do that?

Did I want to tie myself to her, even in something as insignificant as this?

[Knitting has reached max LVL]

I let out a breath, lowering the finished scarf into my lap. The fabric was smooth, warm, and flawlessly woven.

My fingers ghosted over the yarn, feeling the softness of it against my skin. It was perfect for Shiina. The exact kind of gift I wanted to give her on Christmas.

Why did I prepare this one month in advance? Because it gave me time to look at other options to get her.

A small, genuine smile tugged at my lips.

She would never expect me to actually get into knitting because of her.

I reached into my inventory, pulling out a small box I had prepared earlier. I folded the scarf carefully, placing it inside, securing the lid.

Shiina would love it.

I already knew that.

She'd probably tease me about it. She'd call me soft. And I was, for her. 

I exhaled quietly, pressing my fingers against the cool surface of the box.

Love wasn't just about logic. It wasn't just about strategy.

It was about… this.

Small, quiet moments in the dead of night.

A scarf woven with intention.

A heart that beat faster than I wanted it to.

I placed the box beside my pillow, reaching up to extinguish the candle. The room fell into darkness, but for once, I felt at peace.

Shiina would get her scarf on Christmas.

And as for Hinata and Naruto…

I'd make something for them, too. Not that they needed to know yet.

For now, though—I closed my eyes, allowing the warmth in my chest to settle—this was enough.

I fell into a dreamless slumber.

(Time Skip: Warning: the next part is gonna be graphic.)

I reopened my eyes later that night, at the time I set my biological clock to awaken me at.

Every day for the last few months, I've been keeping on top of this, and tonight would not be any different.

I summoned a Kage Bunshin, letting it take my spot in the bed.

Climbing out of bed, I equipped the Fully Enhanced Basic Protective Fibre Shinobi outfit. Pulling the hood over my head, hiding my face, then my Asauchi appeared at my hip being equipped inside its sheathe. My hand moved to grab a few shuriken, putting them in the pouch at my side.

Then I stealthily moved out of my room through the window, leaving the Kage Bunshin behind sleeping in my bed as I travelled through the night.

It wasn't my secret training but rather me making sure a Kumo Shinobi hadn't kidnapped the Hyuga girl yet.

The village was silent. A cold wind drifted through the rooftops of Konoha, carrying the distant scent of rain. Most shinobi were asleep, unaware that tonight, the course of history was about to shift.

My body moved like a shadow, darting across rooftops without a sound. The moon hung high in the sky, casting long, jagged shapes across the ground below. My hood was pulled low over my face, my black attire blending seamlessly into the darkness.

The wind carried the faint scent of rain, mixing with the autumn chill. The rooftops of Konoha stretched before me, bathed in silver moonlight. The village was still, deceptively peaceful. But I knew better.

Someone was here. Someone who didn't belong.

My eyes flickered to the north, toward the Hyūga Compound. That's where he'd be.

I moved, my steps soundless. Each leap between rooftops was calculated, precise. I kept to the shadows, my breath steady, my heartbeat slow.

Then—I saw him.

A lone figure darting through an alley, moving like a phantom. Cloaked in dark grey, his face obscured by a mask. His movements were fast but controlled. Not reckless. A trained shinobi.

A bag was slung over his shoulder, shifting slightly as he ran.

I knew what was inside. Who was inside.

Hinata Hyūga.

The realization didn't slow me down. It didn't make me hesitate.

It only made me move faster.

[Quest: Kill the Invader has been issued

Objective: Kill the Kumo Shinobi.

Rewards:

11,500 EXP

75,000 Ryo

C-Rank Jutsu Scroll (Random)

B-Rank Jutsu Scroll (Random)

Consequences for Failure:

Kumo potentially gets away with the crime.

Neji's past stays the same.]

I dismissed the notification without a thought. As if I needed a reason.

I didn't care for the consequences. I knew what needed to be done.

The moment he turned the corner into a deserted street, I struck.

A single kunai, silent as death, flew from my fingers. It cut through the air, aimed for the space between his ribs—where the Armor would be weakest.

At the last second, his body twisted unnaturally. A spark of chakra flared around him, and the kunai embedded itself into the wooden wall beside him.

He knew he was being hunted now.

He spun, his head snapping toward my position. The gleam of a forehead protector, etched with the Kumo insignia, flashed under the moonlight.

His eyes locked onto mine.

Too late.

"Futon: Kaze Shuriken." Wind chakra was channelled into three shuriken which were shot forwards, moving faster than normal, their edges sharper, nearly invisible in the dim light.

He dodged left. Two missed. The third which I had delayed, curved mid-air aiming at him. It slashed across his shoulder, drawing a sharp hiss of pain.

I was already moving. I dropped from the rooftop, landing soundlessly behind him. My blade whispered free of its sheath, in a slash for his spine. He ducked, rolling backward, putting distance between us. His hands flew through hand seals. Lightning crackled between his fingers. Raiton was expected.

"Raiton: Jibashi." He whispered, arcs of blue lightning shot towards me.

"Futon: Kaze Kunai." I cut through the lightning with my Kunai coated with wind Chakra then I looked up at him.

He probably realised I was a kid, but immediately went on the defence after such an attack. Good he would underestimate me still since I don't have proper battle experience. At least in his mind, I'll stick to basic D and E Rank Jutsu for now. Shouldn't give away that I have much more Chakra than a Jōnin.

With that in mind, I threw my wind enhanced Kunai forwards at him, to which the Kumo shinobi dodged, barely tilting his body to let my Kunai fly past him, the wind-enhanced edge slicing cleanly through a wooden post behind him.

The Kumo Jōnin moved like a veteran warrior, his stance lowering as he analysed me. He was tall, muscular, easily on the taller side of males. His grey cloak billowed in the wind, concealing his movements, but I could see his muscles tensing beneath it. He was fast. Experienced and his vest told me he was at least a Jōnin. It was in fact why I referred to him as such.

The moment my wind-enhanced kunai whistled past his shoulder, I was already in motion. My feet barely touched the ground as I surged forward, my Asauchi gripped in both hands. The steel gleamed under the moonlight—a ghostly silver streak cutting through the darkness.

He twisted sharply, stepping back just enough to avoid the initial slash. His reaction speed was impressive. But I knew what he was going for. Pivoting mid-step, I reversed my grip and slashed diagonally, aiming for his ribcage. He raised his arm to block. My blade met resistance, sliding against his reinforced skin with a faint screech.

I felt it—the weight of his strength, the sheer physicality of a trained Jōnin. My arms tingled from the impact. He had reinforced his arm with chakra at the last moment, truly a genius move. Probably gained from all that experience he had.

He retaliated instantly. A knee shot forward, aiming for my stomach. I shifted, using the force of my own swing to twist around him, avoiding the strike by a hair's breadth. My blade came down again—a precise, controlled arc toward his exposed thigh.

Clang!

He intercepted with a kunai, sparks flying as metal met metal.

Our gazes locked. His eyes weren't panicked. They were calculating. We both knew what this was—a battle of skill, not brute strength.

His kunai twisted, forcing my blade aside, and in that instant—he was inside my guard. His left hand lashed out like a whip, electricity sparking around his hand suddenly. I barely managed to dodge, ducking under his swipe, but I felt the static dance across my cheek. Close. He pressed forward, his superior reach forcing me onto the defensive.

A high kick which I dodged with a sidestep. A downward slash with his to which I deftly blocked with my Asauchi but had no time to counter or bind as he threw a feint kick toward my ribs—no, that was a real attack!

I twisted away at the last second, but his foot had caught my shoulder, sending me skidding backward. Pain flared where the blow landed, but I had prepared for the pain. I leapt backwards gaining distance. My breathing was steady, controlled.

[-250 HP]

His lips curled beneath his mask. "You're good, kid," he muttered. "But not good enough."

"Why thank you, mister Kidnapper." I was speaking, making him underestimate me by using a child-like voice. But he didn't buy it. Then again it gave me time to think over my strategy.

Nobody would arrive yet, which means....

I felt a smirk play on my lips as my blood rushed, excitement flowing through my veins as I, for the first time ever, activated my Sharingan in a fight. The man wouldn't live long enough to tell anyone when he inevitably saw it, and Hinata was knocked out right now which meant there was no fear that she would too.

The world shifted, slowing down to a standstill, becoming far clearer, a sense of visual clarity I was not used to filled my nerves. I could see the way his muscles twitched, weight shifted towards his leg, the yellowish brown colour of his Chakra as it left his forearm. It was strange yet I adapted to it quickly.

His hands moved through 3 Hand Seals. I watched as his chakra shifted with each one, discerning the nature, the cost, the techniques abilities before he even used it. It was like the technique was entering my mind.

"Doton: Yami Shuriken."

I readied my Asauchi, as from his feet the Earth condensed, forming jagged, Shuriken that were flung forwards at me somehow I just knew I had copied it which meant it was an E or D ranked technique. Still, I knew how to counter it. My Asauchi swung more than once in a fraction of a second, cutting through each one with perfected ease. Seeing his technique not working he cancelled the flow of Earth Chakra into the earth and rushed at me himself.

Jonin often had a second Nature Transformation. I knew that and even expected him to use his second in this fight.

I leapt backwards, the hood of my hoodie throwing 2 quick Shuriken at him to keep him away, the hood of my hoodie falling down as I landed, letting my purple hair flow in the wind and be unconcealed as my Sharingan became fully visible. And the fact that I had no headband, confirmed something.

But instead of the surprise of seeing someone with a Sharingan attack him, he questioned something. "A Dojutsu with 2 different colours?"

What did he mean my Sharingan had 2 different colours? I wanted to ask but decided against it... instead, my eyes locked onto his testing out something. I casted Yume no Kage without the need for Hand Seals. With his vision disturbed by the Genjutsu seeing phantoms around him and more, I looked at my Asauchi's blade checking my eyes.

A lilac violet eye sat in my left, with a singular black tomoe, my right held the classic Sharingan red. Did my heterochromia trigger this difference? Why did it make a difference? 

I had no time for this right now, so instead I prepared for when he had broken out of my Genjutsu with a surge of his Chakra.

The Kumo shinobi snarled, his eyes darting between my heterochromatic gaze. His confusion was evident, and I saw the flicker of doubt in his stance.

"What the hell are you?" he spat, muscles coiled, ready to spring. "No Sharingan glows violet."

I tilted my head slightly, letting my lips curl into a smirk. "Oh? Is that what's bothering you? That you don't recognize what you're up against?" I chuckled softly, my voice deliberately condescending. "Typical. You see something outside your narrow expectations, and suddenly, you're at a loss. You must be a real genius back in Kumo."

His nostrils flared. I could practically feel his frustration mounting, his grip tightening around his kunai. A predictable reaction.

"Doesn't matter what your eyes are, brat," he growled. "You're dead."

"Am I?" I took a step forward, my movements measured, deliberate. "Because from where I'm standing, you're the one bleeding." My gaze flickered to the shallow cut across his shoulder from my earlier attack. The wound wasn't deep, but the humiliation of getting hit by a 'child' clearly irritated him.

"You think you're clever," he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "You're just another arrogant little shit with a Kekkei Genkai. You don't know a damn thing about real combat."

"Mm," I hummed thoughtfully. "And yet here we are, with you struggling against said 'arrogant little shit.'"

That did it. His face twisted into a snarl, and he launched forward, closing the gap between us with a burst of speed. Exactly what I wanted.

The moment his foot touched the ground for the final push, I saw it—the shift in weight, the way his shoulder tensed. My Sharingan caught the movement before it even fully formed.

His kunai came in first—a straightforward stab aimed at my chest. Sloppy. Rushed. He was fighting on instinct now, driven by emotion. I leaned just enough to the side, the blade slicing past my ribs, missing by mere millimetres. He overcommitted, and I capitalized instantly—my Asauchi flashed, aiming for the exposed tendons in his wrist.

Clang!

He twisted, catching my blade with his kunai at the last second. Sparks flew, steel grinding against steel as he pushed back, using his greater strength to force me away.

"Tch," I exhaled, pivoting on my heel. I let him press forward, redirecting his weight past me. I dropped low, sweeping my leg out. He reacted fast—too fast for a civilian, too slow for me. He leapt just in time to avoid the sweep, but that put him right where I wanted him. In the air.

I tapped my foot on the ground whispering, "Doton: Chikyu Shuriken." It was the E ranked version of the technique he used earlier. From my feet I launched 20 Shuriken made of Earth at him. The Shuriken flew forwards, although it was merely a distraction for my real attack.

Now, whilst he was distracted I threw my Asauchi up, and performed 3 quick Hand Seals before catching it mid air, "Fūton: Kazzekiri." I slashed it diagonally, a wind blade flew outwards, rushing to where he dodged too. He had little time to dodge. 

The Kumo shinobi barely twisted in time getting over his shock that a 6 year old knew and had enough Chakra to use C Ranked Jutsu but it was not enough. The wind blade sliced clean through his cloak and into his side cutting through a part of his armour like a hot knife through butter. His flesh was cut, drawing a sharp hiss of pain. He landed, his breath ragged, one hand clutching his now-bleeding waist.

He landed with a grunt, his breath ragged, one hand clutching his now-bleeding waist. His eyes widened in something I hadn't seen from him before.

Fear.

"Tch… That's… not possible." His voice was hoarse, like he was trying to convince himself. He stared at me—at my stance, my expression, my blade. Then, the air was still swirling from the aftershock of my Jutsu. "A C-rank technique… from a brat who hasn't even hit puberty?! What the hell are you?!" He rasped, stumbling slightly.

Watching as his blood dripped onto the stone beneath us I answered, my tone as monotone as always. "The one who's going to kill you." I straightened, tapping my Asauchi's blade, "You were saying something about real combat? How does it feel knowing a "brat" is about to kill you."

His gaze darkened.

Lightning surged in his palm as he readied himself. "Enough playing around, you cocky brat," he snarled. "Raiton: Kaminari Kiba!"

A lance of blue-white electricity erupted from his hand, jagged and crackling as it shot toward me. I saw the shift in his chakra, the way it condensed in his arm before release. Left feint. Real attack right. I moved—pivoting just as the true attack arced toward me, applying wind Chakra to my Kunai and cutting through it. A second bolt was seen coming after me, but I also cut it.

His movements were faster now, fuelled by adrenaline.

But he was also draining himself.

"Is that it?" I taunted, exhaling slowly. My Sharingan pulsed, tracking every twitch of his muscles, every flicker of chakra shifting beneath his skin. "I thought Kumo shinobi were supposed to be impressive. Guess I was wrong."

His lips curled back into a sneer, fury clouding his judgment further. Good.

His hands blurred through seals—this time faster, sloppier. He was desperate to prove himself.

"Doton: Dorō Dangan!" Chunks of hardened earth shot toward me like cannon fire.

The first projectile whizzed past my head. I twisted, ducking under another, using my Asauchi to slice a third mid-air. But the fourth—that one clipped my shoulder, sending a shock through my arm.

[-300 HP]

He followed up instantly, closing the gap, a fist crackling with lightning already swinging toward my jaw.

For a split second, I considered blocking. Taking the hit, letting him believe he had the upper hand. But no, I dropped into a crouch at the last possible moment, his punch sailing over my head, electricity crackling harmlessly against the empty air.

My Asauchi lashed out in a precise diagonal arc, slicing deep into his thigh. He staggered, his leg buckling slightly from the sudden injury. It was a perfect counter. His breath hitched. Pain was setting in.

"Not fast enough," I murmured.

His fingers clenched, blood dripping down his arm. He was panting now, realization dawning in his eyes. I could see it. He knew.

He wasn't going to win.

He knew that today was his last.

"You…" He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around his kunai. "You're no normal kid."

I tilted my head. "Took you long enough."

His gaze flickered to my eyes—to my Sharingan.

Realization.

"You… Uchiha…" His expression twisted, half rage, half disbelief. "But that… that isn't the Sharingan…"

I smirked. "Isn't it?"

His stance wavered. Doubt crept in.

He stepped back once, twice—hesitation, for the first time since the fight began.

I could have ended it then.

But I didn't.

Instead, I exhaled slowly, adjusting my grip on my sword. "This is the part where you start thinking about running," I said softly. "Go ahead. Try it."

His teeth clenched. Lightning crackled again—his last desperate attempt.

"Raiton: Raijin no Tsume!" His hand became wreathed in blue-white lightning, forming elongated, claw-like projections. He surged forward—his final gamble.

This time, I didn't dodge. I stepped in, meeting him head-on.

He swung—I twisted. My Asauchi slid past the electric claws with manoeuvred ease and then... his arm fell off. Blood sprayed from the wound like a river in an open dam, bone was stained red as the arm he had just lost, fell to the ground.

(Changing to third person)

His scream tore through the silent streets, raw and guttural. Blood gushed from the stump where his arm had been, his body swaying as he stumbled backward. His knees buckled, but he caught himself, his remaining hand pressing against his thigh to stop himself from collapsing outright.

His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as his fear overtook his pain. His kunai had long since fallen from his grip, forgotten in the dirt. His pride was gone. His composure shattered.

"I—I surrender," he choked out, staggering. His eyes, once filled with battle-hardened confidence, were wide now. Wild. Desperate. "You don't have to do this, kid! Let me go—I swear, I'll disappear! I—I was just following orders!"

He took a shaky step back. Then another. He was trembling now.

Akari's Sharingan spun lazily as she gazed at him, the glow of her velvety violet and blood-red eyes casting an eerie contrast against the moonlit street. Her grip on her Asauchi remained steady, her breathing slow.

The Kumo shinobi swallowed hard, sweat mixing with the blood dripping from his body. "I—I have a family! A son—he's just a baby! If you—if you let me go, I'll never come back here again, I'll—I'll—"

Akari took a step forward.

His entire body froze.

She tilted her head slightly, her voice calm. Too calm.

"Did Hinata get that choice? What you all were planning... it sickens me." She said, dangerously. Her bloodlust clear in her eyes.

His breath hitched at her words. At the bloodlust he felt from the girl. His own mind reeling from the weight that the young girl knew what Kumo was planning for the young Hyuga. His lips parted—but no words came.

The realization had sunk in. There would be no mercy. No deal. No escape.

Akari exhaled slowly, her blade gleaming as she raised it. The Kumo shinobi opened his mouth—to beg once more—but the blade was already falling and with a clean effortless cut his body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. his now severed head rolled a few inches away, eyes still frozen in terror. A terror that would last eternity. Akari didn't move for a moment, her gaze locked onto the corpse. The scent of blood was thick in the air. The wind carried it away, but the weight of the moment lingered.

Slowly, she flicked her blade to the side, sending a fine spray of blood onto the dirt. Then, with practiced ease, she sheathed her sword.

The night was silent once more as Akari deactivated her Sharingan; her violet and crimson eyes changed back to her normal onyx black and cerulean blue hues. She received the rewards for the Quest but did not focus on that however as she moved to unzip the bag Hinata was in, lifting the unconscious girl into her arms. She smiled slightly, seeing Hinata, her friend safe.

"Let's get you home, Hinata."

And she was going to fulfil that until a voice rang out... one familiar to Akari.

(20 minutes Earlier: Hokage's Office)

The scent of tobacco smoke lingered in the dimly lit office, curling lazily through the air as Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a long, tired breath. The weight of Konoha's future sat heavy on his shoulders, just as it always had.

Across from him, seated with a measured, diplomatic smile, was the Kumogakure ambassador. A shrewd man with sharp features and eyes that never quite seemed at ease, even when discussing peace.

"So, that means we have a peace deal?" the ambassador asked, his voice smooth, calculated.

Hiruzen didn't answer right away. He studied the man carefully, fingers steepled beneath his chin. This treaty—this so-called peace agreement—was fragile. One wrong step and it could crumble into war.

"Yes," Hiruzen finally said, his tone calm but firm. "We do."

The ambassador's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.

"Good," he said, reaching for the parchment between them, his fingers poised to finalize the signature. "Then, perhaps, our nations can—"

BAM!

The office doors slammed open suddenly, the force behind them rattling the windows.

A figure stood in the doorway, his Byakugan activated, veins bulging along his temples, rage and urgency pouring off of him in waves.

"Hokage-sama!"

Hiashi Hyūga's voice was a thunderclap in the quiet room.

Hiruzen immediately stood, his heart sinking at the sight of the Hyūga clan head's usually composed face now twisted in panic and fury.

"What is the meaning of this?!" the Kumo ambassador snapped, his hand instinctively twitching toward a kunai at his side.

Hiashi ignored him entirely, his white eyes locked onto the Hokage.

"My daughter—Hinata—has been kidnapped!"

The words froze the room.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence, thick and suffocating. Then, Hiruzen moved.

"Explain," the Hokage ordered, his voice sharp and deadly serious.

Hiashi clenched his fists. "One of my guards caught sight of an unfamiliar shinobi escaping the compound through the northern wall. By the time we realized what was happening, he was already gone—taking Hinata with him."

The Kumo ambassador's eyes widened—just for a fraction of a second—before he schooled his expression into something more neutral.

"This is… troubling news," he said smoothly, but there was a subtle twitch in his jaw. "To think that a criminal from Kumo would—"

"You mean to think that one of your shinobi would dare steal a Hyūga child?!" Hiashi spat, his voice venomous.

The ambassador raised his hands, feigning innocence. "Now, now, Lord Hiashi—let us not jump to conclusions. We have no evidence that—"

"Then why do I smell Kumo ink on the paper seal left behind in my compound?" Hiashi cut in, his voice low and furious. "Why did my guard find a torn piece of Kumogakure fabric caught in the gate? Don't insult me, ambassador."

The room's tension spiked, thick enough to choke on. Hiruzen turned his gaze to the ambassador, his expression unreadable, but the warning in his eyes was clear.

The Kumo diplomat held his composure, though a bead of sweat dripped down his temple.

"I assure you, Lord Hokage," he said carefully, "if one of our shinobi has acted outside our agreement, Kumogakure will not claim responsibility for his actions."

Hiruzen's fingers twitched against the surface of his desk.

A calculated political answer. If this kidnapper succeeded—Kumo would have claimed the Byakugan for themselves. If he failed—Kumo could simply disavow his actions and continue pressing for peace.

Cowards.

Hiruzen knew this game all too well.

Hiashi took a step forward. "I'll mobilize my clan—"

"No," Hiruzen interrupted, already moving to take his outfit off, revealing the battle ready suit he always wore just beneath it. He was always combat ready. "You'll stay here."

The Hyūga clan head stiffened, his fury barely contained. "And why—"

"Because this is now a village matter," Hiruzen said, his voice final. "If the Hyūga clan openly retaliates, we give Kumo the excuse they need to start a war."

Hiashi scowled, but didn't argue. The Sandaime turned, already barking orders.

"Alert the ANBU. I want every patrol unit sweeping the northern district immediately."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" A masked shinobi vanished into the shadows.

Hiruzen turned to Hiashi. "Did any of your guards get a good look at the kidnapper?"

Hiashi exhaled sharply. "Jōnin. Tall. Fast. Raiton user." His Byakugan flashed as he recalled the details. "Headed northwest, toward the village perimeter."

Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. Jōnin-level Kumo shinobi. That meant one of two things:Either this was a personal mission by a rogue agent who was hoping to sell the Byakugan's secrets… Or this was an operation approved by Kumo's upper command.

Neither was acceptable. The Hokage adjusted his headpiece, his face hardening.

"I'll go myself."

The ambassador tensed, but Hiruzen didn't acknowledge him. This was no longer about peace talks. And if the Hokage was honest, he would not give 2 shits if they killed him.

This was about ensuring that Hinata Hyūga wasn't taken to Kumo. And making sure that Konoha didn't get played like fools.

(Present)

The stench of blood clung to the air.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped onto the quiet street, his waraji sandals pressing lightly against the damp ground. The moon bathed Konoha in pale light, casting jagged shadows across the rooftops. His sharp eyes swept the scene before him—the lifeless body of a Kumogakure Jōnin, a severed head lying mere feet from its former owner, and standing in the center of it all, a small girl holding Hinata Hyūga in her arms.

A six-year-old girl.

He had seen the moment she unleashed her C ranked technique. He hadn't seen her Sharingan but knew that there was no way a child could have fought and killed a Jōnin without something unnatural aiding them.

His breath left him in a slow exhale, smoke curling from his pipe as he studied her.

Akari Inori.

He had only taken note of this child twice before.

Two years—almost 3 years now—in the orphanage. She had shown an abnormal curiosity about chakra at an age when most children barely understood its existence. He had been impressed. Skeptical, but impressed. He rewarded her curiosity with an explanation on Chakra and the Hand Seals.

Looking back on it now with the scene in front of him, he realised he made a wrong move.

And again, he noticed her one year ago, the ANBU reported her intelligence. It was merely a week after the Chakra surge was reported and was so thought to be suspicious as she read books far beyond her years. She might have been the cause of it, but nothing else indicated her as such. Still, it was enough for him to remember her name. Granted the Anbu and other Shinobi of Konoha were focused on the internal issues. 

The issue of the attack that has yet to be solved.

And now, here she was. A child standing over the corpse of a trained killer.

He had moved swiftly once he learned of the Hyūga kidnapping. The ANBU were still sweeping the northern districts, following false leads. They would arrive soon—but he had gotten here first.

And for the first time in a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi found himself speechless.

This girl… what was she?

Akari met his gaze evenly, the moonlight casting sharp shadows over her delicate features. She did not tremble. She did not stammer. Her expression was unreadable.

"Akari Inori," he finally said, his voice measured.

She didn't respond right away. Her grip on Hinata tightened slightly. Not out of fear. Out of protectiveness.

Hiruzen exhaled. "She is alive?"

"Yes," Akari said simply. "They drugged her. I checked her vitals. She should wake up soon."

There was no wavering in her voice. No hesitation. She spoke as if this was routine.

He took a slow step forward, eyes briefly flickering toward the corpse. The Kumo shinobi's face was still frozen in terror, as if he had realized too late what he was dealing with.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "You killed a Jōnin, Akari."

She didn't react.

"You are six years old."

Still, nothing.

"Tell me how."

She exhaled softly, shifting her stance. "I got lucky."

"Lucky?"

"He underestimated me. I was smaller. Faster. I could see his movements before he made them."

Hiruzen hummed, studying her. She was carefully choosing her words.

She wasn't lying. Not entirely. But she wasn't telling the whole truth either.

"And the techniques you used?" he pressed. "That was not Academy training. You are not a Genin. Who taught you?"

There it was. The real test.

He watched her body language. The slight tension in her shoulders. The way she adjusted her grip on Hinata. She was calculating.

Then, Akari looked him in the eye and said, "No one."

Hiruzen raised a brow.

"I found scrolls," she elaborated, "scattered around the village. In alleys, abandoned training grounds. Some of them had basic jutsu, others had explanations of chakra control. I read them. Practiced them. Memorized them."

Half-truths.

A child her age wouldn't be able to fully grasp complex Jutsu just from reading. Plus there was the cost those Jutsu took to use. He had watched her use a C ranked Jutsu and she wasn't even panting.

Unless… Hiruzen's mind raced through ideas. Photographic memory? Natural chakra manipulation? Or… something else entirely? It was clear that the girl had a bit–scratch that–vastly more Chakra than the average person.

He had been Hokage for decades. He knew when he was being deceived. And yet, this deception was careful. Thought out.

"That's… quite the coincidence," he mused, his tone neutral. "You just happened to find a collection of shinobi scrolls lying around Konoha?"

Akari nodded. "People are careless."

Simple. Dismissive.

Hiruzen tapped his pipe against his palm, letting embers fall onto the dirt. His mind was already working through possibilities.

Scenario One: She was trained in secret.

Impossible. No mentor had ever been spotted near her.

Scenario Two: She is a clan heir, hiding her lineage.

Unlikely. No known clan matched her description. And she was an Orphan. Why would an Orphan not want family in some form?

Scenario Three: She is… something else.

And that was the one that unsettled him the most.

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Hiruzen sighed. "You understand that what you've done tonight will change things, yes?"

Akari nodded once. "I expected as much."

Hiruzen studied her again. He had seen prodigies before. Orochimaru. Itachi. Minato.

This girl… she was different.

Itachi had his father's expectations and a duty to the village. Orochimaru had an insatiable hunger for knowledge. Minato had the girl he loved with all his heart.

But Akari had nothing.

No clan. No teacher. No visible ambition. Just raw, terrifying competence.

And that worried him more than anything but he had to come to a decision.

Hiruzen took a slow step forward.

"What do you want, Akari?"

The question caught her off guard. Just for a second. A flicker of something in her eyes. Uncertainty. Then, it was gone.

"I want to protect those I care about," she said evenly, "it doesn't matter what must be done to protect them..."

His gaze flickered toward Hinata in her arms.

"You mean your friends."

"Yes."

Hiruzen exhaled through his nose. She's dangerous. But not reckless. Not bloodthirsty.

Still if Danzo found out about her, he would take her. And that was not an option.

"Come," Hiruzen said at last, turning. "We will take Hinata home."

Akari hesitated for the first time that night. Not out of fear, but consideration. Weighing her options.

Then, she nodded and followed.

The streets were still eerily quiet as they walked. Hinata stirred slightly in Akari's arms but did not wake.

"You care for her," Hiruzen observed.

"She's my friend," Akari replied simply.

"And Naruto?"

She hesitated. "Yes. Him too."

Hiruzen allowed himself a small smile.

Naruto had spoken of Akari before. Nothing too detailed—just an excited mention of a girl who "trained with him." At the time, Hiruzen assumed it was childish games. But now, he understood. Akari wasn't just strong. She cared... truly cared for her friends.

Perhaps that was her reason. To protect her friends.

Hiruzen was not certain of it yet but right now, but it was the best and only guess he had, right now that is.

They reached the Hyūga compound. ANBU had arrived, sweeping the area. Hiashi stood waiting, his face unreadable. The moment he saw Hinata, relief flickered in his pale eyes.

Akari gently handed the girl over. Hiashi studied her, then nodded. A silent acknowledgement.

Hiruzen turned to Akari. "Walk with me."

"Not yet, I wish to speak with Hiashi for a moment." Akari spoke to the Hokage directly, challenging him slightly. But Hiruzen understood that she was probably concerned for her friend's safety.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen many things in his long life. He had fought in wars, trained prodigies, and watched as some of the greatest shinobi to ever live rose—and fell—under his leadership. He had seen ambition, greed, kindness, and self-sacrifice in equal measure.

But this girl… this six-year-old child standing before him in the bloodstained moonlight… she was something else entirely.

It was then he realised... she—Akari—had orchestrated this. She had orchestrated everything.

Not just the fight—not just the decision to engage the Kumo Jōnin alone—but the entire chain of events leading up to this very moment. She had planned for him to find her.

Hiruzen wasn't arrogant enough to believe otherwise. Akari Inori wanted him to be here tonight.

And that terrified him.

Because if a child had the foresight, patience, and sheer intelligence to manipulate events on this scale… what would she be capable of when she was grown? The realization settled over him like a heavy fog. This wasn't a prodigy like Itachi, whose brilliance was natural and effortless. No, this was something darker. Something colder.

And yet, she wasn't heartless. She wasn't power-hungry. She didn't revel in bloodshed.

She had chosen to reveal herself to him.

Not Danzo. Not the Hyūga. Not the ANBU.

Him.

Hiruzen had spent decades manoeuvring within the treacherous world of shinobi politics, and now… now he realized he was being navigated himself.

But why?

The answer came to him almost immediately.

Danzo.

Konoha's darkness, the one who saw weapons, not people. If Danzo had found her first, Akari would have been swallowed whole by ROOT. And she knew it.

But how could she have known it? How did she know? What was she keeping hidden exactly?

She had done the impossible—she had known about and had outplayed Danzo before he even knew she existed. She knew about ROOT without them knowing they had been exposed, compromised themselves. She had planned this since the moment he first met her, two years ago.

She had been waiting. Preparing. Manipulating circumstances so that when she was inevitably discovered, it would be by him, and only him. And now, she had forced his hand.

If he abandoned her, Danzo would inevitably discover her. If he protected her, he would be making a move against Danzo.

Either way, he was now a piece on her board.

For the first time in years, Hiruzen Sarutobi—the Professor, the God of Shinobi—felt like he had walked into a game that had already been set against him.

And worse yet?

He was starting to respect her for it.

With a quiet sigh, he finally spoke.

"…Go ahead, Akari."

Her onyx and sapphire eyes flickered up to meet his.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

(Akari's POV)

From the moment I was reborn into this world, I knew Danzo would find me. It was inevitable. ROOT took children from Orphanages, and moulded them into a weapon. A promising child with high potential would be taken. The stronger I became, the more inevitable ROOT's attention would be. But inevitability could be redirected. Ando, I made my first move long before he even knew I existed. I planted the seeds in Hiruzen's mind—subtle, quiet, deliberate.

A question about chakra, spoken with the curiosity of a child, was enough to make the Hokage take notice. At the time it might have been for Shiina's benefit as well but the end goal was similar.

Then, I let the ANBU watch me read an advanced book, after the Chakra surge. I knew one interaction wasn't enough, so I deliberately made that choice. It was just enough to make them report my intelligence, and have him decide to continue watching me. When the explosion happened, I was diverting him from discovering me too early on.

Initially I was meant to turn Naruto from the Hokage, but realised that keeping the 2's friendship for now was better. It made me someone worth remembering to Hiruzen—not just as a bright orphan and the Chakra Surge prodigy should he believe it to be me. But also as a potential influence on his "precious Jinchūriki."

Every step was calculated, every action; a means to one end: when the time came for me to be discovered, it would not be by Danzo. It would be by the Hokage himself.

Of course, all of this would not be possible if he didn't come to me. And that was simple. His village has had a major attack on it in the last year and the culprit—me—hasn't been found. And that made him more willing to step up when it came time to reveal myself.

All so when I began making my move to take Danzo down, I'd be safe.

Phase One was completed, and I didn't need to use my back up plans.

Hiashi Hyūga was not an easy man to shake. He had fought wars, carried the weight of his clan on his shoulders, and had been forged into steel by the traditions of the Hyūga. His every movement was controlled, disciplined—a man whose emotions rarely surfaced beyond the cold gaze of his Byakugan.

And yet, as he held his unconscious daughter in his arms, something flickered in his expression.

Relief. It was brief—so brief that most wouldn't have noticed. But I did.

Good. That meant I could use it.

I stood before him, my hands loose at my sides, my posture relaxed but intentional. I needed to appear exactly as I wanted him to see me. Not as a mere child, but as someone worthy of acknowledgment.

As someone who had saved his daughter.

Hiashi's pale eyes met mine, unreadable. Behind me, the Hokage watched in silence. He was analysing me just as much as I was analysing Hiashi.

Perfect.

I tilted my head slightly, my voice even. "She's safe now."

Hiashi studied me carefully. His gaze flickered toward the blood staining my hoodie, the remains of the battle still clinging to me like an unseen aura. The metallic scent of the dead still lingered in the air. He did not look surprised.

"You killed the Kumo shinobi."

It wasn't a question.

I nodded. "Yes."

A pause. Then: "You are six years old."

Ah. There it is. The disbelief. The hesitation. The careful assessment of a puzzle he didn't have all the pieces to. I met his gaze, my expression calm. "Was I supposed to let him take her?"

Hiashi's jaw tensed. "No."

Another silence.

I took a slow step forward, just enough to close the distance slightly. Just enough to make my next words feel pointed."Then I did what was necessary."Hiashi inhaled quietly through his nose. A subtle tell, but I caught it. Behind me, Hiruzen watched, silent. I could feel his curiosity, his scrutiny. He wasn't just observing—he was studying me.

Good. Let him.

Hiashi looked down at his daughter for a brief moment. His fingers curled slightly around the fabric of her small yukata. Then, his gaze returned to me.

"You protected her."

Again, not a question.

"Because she is precious to me.

"There. That was the first strike. The first crack in the wall. I saw the shift in his posture—barely noticeable, but there.

Hiashi Hyūga was not a man who gave trust freely. But he was a father. And I had just given him a reason to trust me.

A long pause stretched between us, before Hiashi spoke again. "You care for Hinata."

"I do." My voice didn't waver. "She is my friend. I will not allow harm to come to her."

Hiashi studied me again. "You speak with certainty." I let my gaze sharpen. Just a little. Just enough.

"I do not make empty promises, Hiashi-Sama."

The weight of those words settled in the air between us. The fact I used an honorific was something that was unique. Hiashi was no fool. He knew what I was implying. That if anyone—anyone—threatened Hinata, I would handle it. That I already had.

Hiashi exhaled slowly, his grip on his daughter shifting. Then, to my mild surprise, he inclined his head. Just slightly. A subtle nod. Acknowledgment. Respect. He would not say it outright. He was not that kind of man. But I had won something here tonight. A sliver of his trust. A shift in perception.

I had moved him.

Behind me, Hiruzen finally spoke, his voice low and thoughtful. "You would go to great lengths for the people you care about."

I turned my head slightly, meeting his gaze. "Yes," I simply voiced. "I would."

Hiruzen watched me for a long moment. The weight of his years pressed into that gaze, sharp and unreadable. Then, he sighed.

"That much is clear." He understood. I had shown him exactly what I wanted him to see.

That I was not just a child. That I was not just another orphan. That I was something else. That I was willing to do anything for those I loved.

And that was dangerous yet was also valuable.

Honestly, I was impressed with how true those falsehoods sounded as I spoke them. It was like it felt right to say such things. And based on the way I felt, the tingly sensations, I was happy, ecstatic even that I could say such things and mean it.

Hiashi adjusted his grip on Hinata, looking down at her once more. Then, without another word, he turned, walking toward the compound gates.

I watched as he disappeared into the Hyūga estate with that, I turned to face the Hokage,

"Well Sandaime, let's go have this chat." I casually said.

(Third Person POV)

Hiruzen took a slow breath, allowing the tension of the night to settle in his bones. The weight of his years pressed against him, but his mind remained sharp, honed by decades of leadership, war, and political maneuvering.

Beside him, Akari walked with measured steps, her pace neither hesitant nor hurried. The blood on her hoodie had dried now, staining the fabric in dark, crusted streaks. She didn't fidget, nor did she shift uneasily under his gaze. Instead, she carried herself with a calm, deliberate presence that no six-year-old should possess.

That was what unsettled him most.

Not the fact that she had killed a trained jōnin. Not the deception woven into her explanations. Not even the realization that she had orchestrated events so that he would find her first.

No. What truly disturbed him was that she had understood the game.

Not just the rules. Not just the players.

But the game itself.

She had maneuvered through a battlefield of politics, power, and manipulation with the foresight of someone far older than her body suggested. And now, she had forced him to make a choice.

"Why?" He exhaled through his nose rubbing his temple as he asked the simplist question to the girl.

Akari glanced up at him, her expression neutral. "Why what, Hokage-sama?"

He stopped walking. She did as well. She knew why, she knew the question he was about to ask. She had always known, after all.

They stood in the quiet street, the village around them still blanketed in the aftermath of the night's events. ANBU were still sweeping the district. Hiashi had taken his daughter home. But here, in this moment, there was only the two of them.

Hiruzen studied her. "Why did you make me find you?"

A flicker of something passed through her eyes. Not surprise. Not fear. But calculation. She was expecting this question.

Good. That meant she was ready to answer.

Akari turned to face him fully, standing in the pale moonlight. When she spoke, her voice was quiet but steady.

"Because you were the only one who could protect me."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly. "From Danzo."

There. The barest hesitation. A fraction of a second. Most wouldn't have noticed it. But he did.

"Yes," she admitted.

Hiruzen let the silence stretch between them. He could hear the distant sounds of patrols moving, the faint rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. But here, between them, the weight of the conversation drowned out all else.

"You understand what you've done," he said at last.

Akari nodded once.

"You've forced my hand."

Another nod.

"You've put yourself directly under my watch."

"I have," she confirmed.

He exhaled again, slower this time. He had to admire her audacity. Her intelligence. It was dangerous—she was dangerous—but not in the way Danzo would have used her.

Danzo saw weapons. Tools. Means to an end.

But this girl… she was something else entirely. She wasn't a pawn to be moved across the board. She was a player.

And she had just secured her position at the table.

Hiruzen studied her for a long moment. Then, finally, he spoke.

"You will train under my watch."

She didn't react visibly, but he saw the slight shift in her breathing. Expectation met. Planned for.

"You will be placed under guidance. You will not act recklessly. You will not overstep." His voice sharpened just slightly, the weight of his authority pressing down. "Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"And if I find that you have been manipulating events beyond what is acceptable—"

"I won't."

Another pause. He studied her. She held his gaze evenly, unflinching.

He believed her.

For now.

Hiruzen sighed, rolling his shoulders slightly before turning and continuing down the street. "Come. It's late."

Akari followed, silent once more.

Hiruzen didn't miss the way her gaze flickered upward, toward the Hokage Monument in the distance. Toward the village she had just irrevocably tied herself to. For better or worse, she was no longer a ghost in the system. She was a piece on the board.

Of course, this was just 1 phase of a larger plan to her.