Chapter 13
Chapter 10: Class Rep Trip Part 4
“Hm… Morgan, do you understand this?” Minato asked quietly, leaning in slightly closer as they stood before a large, haunting painting. The air around them felt thick as if it were holding its breath, echoing the tension of the moment.
“Maybe,” Morgan replied, her voice soft and contemplative. “It’s a macabre abstract painting. It seems to be inspired by the Third War… depicting a dead shinobi inside a house. It’s so bizarre…” Her words trailed off, leaving a palpable atmosphere thick with contemplation.
Minato nodded at her explanation, but Morgan’s thoughts drifted back to Yunoo’s lessons on art. He always had such a unique way of breaking things down, categorizing elements, and provoking thought. I wish he were here to share his insights. The museum buzzed quietly with other visitors, yet she felt oddly isolated. Gaara and Menma had split off into a separate group, while TenTen had opted to follow a guide, leaving her and Minato together—an unexpected pairing that felt both foreign and awkward.
´´Great, I still haven’t gotten used to the fact that we don’t know each other anymore, ´´she thought, a pang of unease blooming in her chest as she avoided the glances the Hokage cast her way. I bet he has no idea I left… maybe they’ve forgotten about me. The weight of that thought pressed down on her, making her feel small and insignificant.
As she moved closer to another painting, she was drawn to a mesmerizing piece featuring sand glued onto a canvas, creating a portrait that seemed to come alive in the sunlight filtering through the museum's windows.
The atmosphere between her and Minato was thick with tension. He’s popular with everyone; he was voted the most charismatic Kage in the elemental nations- Minato’s disappointment was palpable, and it bothered him deeply. ´´Now I understand why my family tried to befriend her; Morgan is quite cold to me for some reason...why?....´´ His blue eyes met her purple ones, reflecting a mixture of disdain and curiosity. He’s used to animosity from enemies, but not from his ninja.
Officially, Morgan had never met Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, as Morgan LeFay Uzumaki. Her identity had shifted like sand in a storm. ´´Right, I am no longer Naruto´´. She grappled with the weight of this transformation, feeling both liberated and burdened.
She stole a glance at him, attempting to decipher his expression. He’s probably still surprised that a new Uzumaki has appeared in his village. Hopefully, he never figures it out. Just then, her eyes landed on a peculiar clay statue, its form abstract yet strangely captivating. She tilted her head, absorbing the details. Yunoo would have loved this exhibit. I can just imagine him standing here, bursting with enthusiasm, analyzing every little detail, every nuance of the artist's intention.
The statue stood proudly, its surface intricately carved with symbols that seemed to tell a story of their own. It resembled a caterpillar, complete with various protruding hair-like features and hands. Morgan shuddered slightly; this wasn’t quite her taste.
Suddenly, Minato broke the silence. “You like stuff like this? Art, I mean?” His tone was curious and appreciative, a hint of warmth breaking through his initial stoicism.
Morgan let out a light laugh, a sound that felt somewhat out of place. “Nope, Hokage-sama. I know a friend who likes stuff like this…” The mention of her friend brought a hint of a smile to her face, but it quickly faded as she realized how alone she still felt.
Just then, another voice chimed in from nearby. “So, do you think art should be beautiful? I mean, this piece is disturbingly ugly.” A young man with red hair and eyes similar to Gaara’s stared intently at the clay statue, a look of disdain etched on his face. He wore a peculiar mantle adorned with red clouds. Where Gaara and him related? What’s up with these strange clouds?
“Oi, Sasori, you ass— I mean, obviously, kid, you think art is an explosion right, un?” a guy with blood-red hair grumbled, catching himself just in time when he noticed Morgan, who looked no older than nine.
“Art is subjective. It can be beautiful, ugly, explosive—whatever you want. There’s no right or wrong, to be honest…” Morgan found herself surprised that they had joined her discussion. She glanced over at another strange statue, intrigued by its odd shape and colors, feeling a flicker of excitement at the unexpected debate.
“I see...” Sasori replied, nodding in agreement, his red eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “Art should evoke a reaction, regardless of how it looks. The meaning behind it is what counts.” There was an intensity in his gaze, a passion for understanding that resonated with her.
Minato raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the spirited exchange. “I never thought I’d hear such profound insights from you. First your sword skills, now this; you surprise me…” He chuckled softly, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
Morgan rolled her eyes, at the praise. Yunoo would appreciate this conversation. " I am genuinely dull as a person,” she replied, trying to sound casual, but the warmth in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.
The newcomers introduced themselves as members of the Akatsuki, a merchant group responsible for protecting Jinchuuriki in secret. They were comprised of nukenin—missing-nin who had defected from their villages for this noble cause. They also took on dangerous missions for a high fee and were based in Amegakure, the village hidden in the rain, known for its seemingly endless downpours. Deidara and Sasori wanted to talk to Minato and the Kazekage in private about some matters, so the two men stepped away, leaving Morgan relieved at the quietness that enveloped her.
After the museum exhibit, she reunited with TenTen, feeling suffocated by her time with the Hokage. The weight of their shared past felt like a chain around her neck—one she desperately wanted to break free from.
The coming days unfolded similarly; each day brought new sights to Sunagakure. Heck, she even got a nice souvenir for Ellen: a bracelet made from the sand of Sunagakure. When heated with chakra, the sand could transform into beautiful glass pearls. I can’t wait to give it to Ellen! Each time she thought of her teacher and friend, her heart swelled with excitement.
Every morning, while she read her book, Gaara would join her, quietly immersed in his studies. He’s so calm, almost meditative. Morgan often wondered what thoughts occupied his mind beyond the rigors of shinobi training. Menma, eager to know her better, lingered nearby, occasionally joining their silent companionship in the early hours.
Books may be boring, but it made sense that he was smarter than her so sitting and doing nothing must be normal for him. In the evenings, Cat-senpai trained with her, pushing her to improve. It felt different without Hayate-sensei, but they still had fun clashing their swords under the warm nights of Suna, sometimes joined by Mei, who added an extra layer of camaraderie.
Before she knew it, the mock mission day was approaching, the highlight of the trip.
During the class representative exchange, the guest villages prepared a mock mission for the young ninjas, simulating a real battle without bloodshed. It resembled the Chunin Exams but was designed for academy kids, ensuring nothing deadly occurred. After a hearty breakfast and a motivational speech from the Kazekage, Morgan approached the box containing the team assignments, her heart pounding. Please let me be paired up with good kids.
“Morgan! We’re in a team!” Menma cheered, trying to pick her up in a hug, which she skillfully dodged while bowing to Gaara, who now had his sand gourd on his back.
“Let’s work hard, Gaara-senpai.” She beamed, her excitement bubbling over. He nodded softly, determination flickering in his eyes, though she sensed a hint of reluctance at having to work with Menma. His face is a carbon copy of Minato’s, minus those green eyes, which come from Kushina.
TenTen ended up teaming up with Choujiro and another kid from Kirigakure, while Haku paired with Temari and Mari.
Morgan felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as the mission approached. They were dropped off at one of Sunagakure’s training grounds, the terrain rocky and sandy, with various hills and stone slabs arranged like trees. The environment buzzed with the promise of challenge.
Jumping onto the stone slabs like ninjas, Morgan expanded her senses. “Gaara-senpai, I sense a strange trap ahead and a few dummy enemies!” she exclaimed, her heart racing with adrenaline.
Gaara nodded, stretching out his hand and sand wrapping it around a suspicious stone slab, effectively trapping it down—it was a lever for a net trap.
“Okay, let me help out! Rasengan!” Menma boasted, jumping in front of them blue sphere in his hand and unleashing his father’s signature jutsu, sending the dummies flying in all directions.
A pang of pain shot through Morgan’s heart; she’d never be as flashy or cool as him. Her eyes watched as the dummies were smashed to pieces by the spiraling chakra ball. Why can’t I be that powerful?
“Nice job, Menma-sama!” she called out, forcing a smile despite the turmoil brewing inside her. I just have to focus so I won’t be a burden to the two. Jumping down, she activated her Water Slide Jutsu, allowing her to glide on any surface with her water chakra; it didn’t require any hand seals. Deep in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Menma’s mouth drop open at her skill.
“Close your mouth, Menma, before a scorpion goes inside…” Gaara chuckled, amazed that a first-year could be this skilled. Morgan glided beneath them, expanding her senses and calling out traps as they navigated through obstacles. They soon arrived at the location, retrieving the scroll they needed.
Suddenly, they were attacked by a flurry of ice and kunai. “This is the end station, my dear friends,” came a teasing voice from above.
It was TenTen and her team. Haku smiled apologetically. “Guess we have to take it by force?”
Timeskip
In the end, Morgan’s team won after an intense fight with the other team. Her hand glowed green as she healed a grumbling Temari. “Geeh, TenTen can pack a punch,” Temari muttered, rubbing the band-aid Morgan had placed on her arm.
“You too! You’re crazy with that huge fan!” Morgan retorted, her voice laced with admiration.
Morgan rubbed her forehead, exhausted. “Uff, I am so glad Gaara is a sand user; without him, I think we would have lost.”
Menma stretched himself, his expression a mix of relief and pride. “Man, I’m glad Morgan is a healer. I feel embarrassed as a second year, but you seem more skilled than me.”
“You’re joking, Namikaze-sama! No way I could outdo you!” Her heart pounded, quickly dismissing his praise.
Menma is kind; he’s pretending to be weak to make me feel better.
As the trip slowly came to an end, they bought souvenirs—sand, cacti, and more—and the class representative trip came to a close. They embarked in the evening, teleporting to the border and traveling through the night. At the Gate of Konohagakure, Morgan felt exhausted as she returned home, the weight of the trip heavy on her shoulders, remembering that she had to be back in the hospital tomorrow for work.
She senses the 4 ANbU leaving them. After all, they were back in the village which was the most safes for them. From the distance, Kushina and Nastuki arrived to greet Menma and Minato warmly. TenTen was hugged by her mother. Everyone had someone to return to. Quietly she walked to the abandoned district in deep thought wondering what she could eat for dinner. With so many chores and duties, she felt a heavy burden on her shoulders but relaxed when she recalled. Only 2 weeks of school.
But in two weeks, it would be summer holiday—her time to meet Ellen and travel to her planet.