Chapter 1
Rei's earliest memory of that day was the gentle laughter of her mother, a soothing backdrop to the squabble between her older siblings. The topic of their dispute was lost to her, something about ninja training. Her brother, Ryuuichi, was already a formidable fighter for his age, his knowledge of the ninja arts extensive. In contrast, her sister, Hanako, favored a more tranquil existence. She had never shown interest in the martial path, preferring the serenity of civilian life. This was her choice, her life, but it seemed their brother took issue with it.
"Hana, we're being given the chance to train as real ninjas in a genuine village, and you'd rather be a mere citizen?" Ryuuichi argued as they continued their journey. Hanako returned his comment with a flat stare. "Not everyone in the village is a ninja, you know. There are other paths to follow, other ways to be just as impressive as a ninja, you fool," she retorted. Rei's giggles echoed her sister's words, earning her a small smile from Hanako, who was walking ahead with Ryuuichi.
The reason for their journey, and the topic of their conversation, was their mother's heritage. She was born in a village known as Konohagakure, where she trained as a shinobi and was one of the few remaining members of the Senju clan, her grandfather being the second Hokage. She had left the village when she began her relationship with their father, but his recent death had prompted her to return home. She had sent a message to the third Hokage, requesting escorts to ensure their safe passage to the village.
The third Hokage was more than willing to accommodate her request. He dispatched a four-man team, comprising a Jonin and three genin who appeared slightly older than Ryuuichi and Hanako.
The team of shinobi met them at their home, and once all was in order, they embarked on their journey. Rei, at the tender age of three, attempted to keep pace with her older siblings. However, her little legs tired quickly, and truth be told, she didn't particularly want to walk if she could avoid it. This was why she found herself nestled comfortably in her mother's arms, casting smug glances at her siblings as they trudged along.
Her moment of triumph was interrupted by her mother's teasing words. "You're fortunate you're still small, Rei. I'm quite certain you could have continued walking before tiring," Saya said, her red eyes twinkling with amusement. Rei, realizing her ruse had been discovered, decided to feign innocence. "But Mama, you're so strong, and I'm still tired from training with Ryuu-nii. My legs hurt," she protested, which wasn't entirely untrue. She was a bit sore.
Following their father's death, Ryuuichi had taken it upon himself to fill the void left by their father, becoming her mentor. He had begun teaching her basic combat skills, just as their father had taught him at her age. Hanako had initially objected, but after seeing how much it meant to both of them, she relented, especially after Rei expressed her desire to learn.
The argument between her siblings had started when Ryuuichi met the shinobi escorts. He was brimming with questions about the life of a ninja, and the genin were more than happy to indulge his curiosity. When he learned about the ninja academy, his excitement was palpable. The genin suggested that he might not even need to attend, given his prior training with their father, which could potentially place him at genin level already.
This was the spark that ignited the argument. Ryuuichi mentioned that Hanako had also received some training, albeit not as extensive as his, but she could still make a good ninja. Hanako retorted that she had only trained because their father wanted her to be able to defend herself. It didn't mean she aspired to be a ninja, nor did she wish to risk dying young. This disagreement set the stage for their ongoing debate.
Saya's voice sliced through the tension, capturing the attention of her two eldest children. Her tone was stern, her patience evidently worn thin. "Enough," she commanded, her gaze stern. "You two have been at each other's throats for hours. This bickering ends now. Once we reach the village, we will have ample time to discuss our future. But for now, our focus should be on the journey. Is that understood?"
Her words hung heavy in the air, a silent command that demanded obedience. Saya was a vision of strength and beauty, her wild white hair pulled back into a high ponytail, her fierce red eyes softened by the red markings adorning her face. She was a force to be reckoned with, a powerful matriarch who commanded respect.
Rei often heard people say that their mother was the most beautiful woman in the world, but in her heart, she knew it to be true of her own mother. Her father had once likened Saya to a goddess, and Rei couldn't help but agree.
The stern look Saya cast towards her bickering children was enough to silence them. They nodded in understanding, their argument momentarily forgotten. For now, at least, peace was restored.
The rest of the journey was relatively peaceful, with Ryuuichi and Hanako keeping their thoughts to themselves. Rei, on the other hand, was content to watch the scenery pass by, her head resting against her mother's shoulder. She was too young to understand the gravity of their situation, but she could sense the tension in the air.
Abruptly, the Jonin leading their group halted, his body rigid with tension. Saya, too, stopped in her tracks, her eyes scanning their surroundings with a sharpness that made Rei shiver. The three genin swiftly moved to form a protective barrier around Ryuuichi and Hanako, their faces set in grim determination. "We're not alone," the Jonin murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ryuuichi's hand instinctively reached for his kunai, his eyes darting around in search of the unseen threat. The air was thick with anticipation, the silence deafening.
Then, chaos erupted.
Rei couldn't pinpoint where the first attack originated from, but she knew who fell first. The Jonin escorting them crumpled to the ground, a dark stain spreading across his neck. Hanako's scream pierced the air, a chilling sound that echoed in Rei's ears. Ryuuichi stood frozen, his face a mask of shock.
Saya, however, wasted no time. She swiftly handed Rei to Hanako before reaching into her pouch and unsealing a scroll. A large axe materialized in her hands, its blade gleaming ominously. She assumed a defensive stance, her body coiled like a spring, ready to strike.
Before the attackers could launch another assault, Saya sprang into action. She moved with a speed and grace that belied her size, catching the assailants off guard. With a swift, powerful swing of her axe, she sent one of them flying. His body collided with a large rock, leaving a deep indent before crumpling to the ground. The lifeless way he fell left no doubt about his fate.
But there were still two more.
Saya charged at them, her weapon clashing against theirs with a resounding clang. "Why are you attacking us?" she demanded, her voice echoing through the clearing. "We're not merchants or nobles. You have nothing to gain from this!" Her words were laced with anger, her eyes burning with a fierce determination. swinging her axe at the attacker with fury Meanwhile, the remaining attackers were engaged in a fierce battle with the three genin. The young shinobi were struggling, their inexperience evident in the face of such ruthless adversaries. This was supposed to be a simple escort mission, not a life-or-death battle against unknown assailants.
Tragically, two of the genin fell under the relentless onslaught, their lives snuffed out in an instant. The last genin stood frozen in fear, his body refusing to obey his commands. Just as the attacker was about to deliver the final blow, he was sent flying backward with a force that shook the ground.
Ryuuichi stood protectively in front of the terrified genin, his eyes ablaze with fury. "You think you're strong, attacking children? Let's see if you can keep up with me," he challenged, his voice echoing through the clearing. In a blink of an eye, he vanished, only to reappear a moment later, his kunai slashing through the air.
The attacker cried out in pain as Ryuuichi's kunai left a deep gash on his body. Ryuuichi continued his relentless assault, using his speed to his advantage. He darted around the attacker, leaving a trail of wounds in his wake. His plan was to weaken the attacker, either by causing him to bleed out or by exhausting him.
However, his speed could only carry him so far. The attacker, despite his injuries, was able to predict Ryuuichi's movements. He blocked Ryuuichi's next attack and retaliated with a powerful blow that sent the young boy crashing into a tree.
As Ryuuichi struggled to rise, he saw the attacker advancing towards him. He knew he was out of time. He braced himself for the impending blow, his eyes squeezed shut. But the expected pain never came. Instead, he heard the sickening sound of a blade piercing flesh.
Opening his eyes, he was met with a sight that would forever be etched in his memory. The last genin, previously paralyzed with fear, had intercepted the attack meant for him. The young shinobi had managed to drive his kunai into the attacker's stomach, causing him to bleed profusely. With a final, brave smile, the genin collapsed, his life extinguished.
A surge of fury ignited within Ryuuichi. Swiftly, he formed a series of hand signs, bringing both hands to his mouth. "Fire Style: Fire Dragon's Roar!" he roared, releasing a torrent of flames from his mouth. The flames engulfed the attacker, who fell to his knees, defeated.
Exhausted, Ryuuichi collapsed, his energy spent. Hanako rushed to his side, Rei clutched in her arms. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where..." she began, but was cut off as Ryuuichi pulled her and Rei into a tight embrace. "I'm just glad you're both safe," he choked out, tears streaming down his face.
Rei stared at her brother, her heart aching at the sight of his tears. The last time she had seen him cry was when their father had passed away. Their moment of relief was shattered by a sudden, chilling sound. Hanako's body stiffened, blood trickling from her mouth. She slumped forward, revealing the final attacker standing behind her, a bloody weapon in his hand.
Their mother was nowhere in sight.
Hanako's lifeless body fell to the ground, causing Rei to scream in horror. Ryuuichi let out a guttural roar of rage, launching himself at the man who had taken everything from them. He fought with a ferocity Rei had never seen before, but his anger and grief clouded his judgment. The attacker seized the opportunity, landing a lethal blow that sent Ryuuichi sprawling to the ground, motionless. Rei's gaze was locked onto her brother's lifeless form, her body frozen in shock. She yearned for this to be a cruel nightmare, to wake up and find her family whole and unharmed. But the harsh reality was that this was no dream, and death was looming over her.
As the attacker raised his sword to deliver the final blow, Rei squeezed her eyes shut, praying for a swift end. A searing pain tore through her, but it was accompanied by a familiar warmth. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring into her mother's red eyes. Saya had shielded her, taking the brunt of the attack and leaving Rei with a survivable wound.
The attacker yanked his blade from Saya's body, causing her to cough up blood. Despite her injuries, she held Rei close, her protective instincts overriding her pain. As he prepared to strike again, a hand suddenly burst through his chest. His shocked gaze met Hanako's, her eyes now a vibrant pink and slit like a cat's. Her face was adorned with red markings, and her hands were transformed into deadly claws.
With a swift, brutal motion, she withdrew her hand, letting the attacker's lifeless body crumple to the ground. But her victory was short-lived. Overcome by her injuries, Hanako collapsed, her life force ebbing away. Saya was acutely aware of her impending demise. She knew that the Hokage wouldn't dispatch another team until it was too late, and she was certain that Rei wouldn't survive that long either. Time was of the essence if she wanted to ensure the survival of her youngest child.
Reaching into her pouch, she unsealed another scroll. A large cloud of smoke billowed out, and when it cleared, a majestic tiger stood before her. Saya offered the creature a sad smile. This was Toru, her husband Katsuki's lifelong summon. The tiger had been a loyal companion and a trusted ally throughout their lives.
"Lady Saya! What has transpired?" Toru asked, her voice laced with concern. She moved to assist Saya, but the dying woman held up a hand to stop her. "It's too late for me, Toru. This wound... I won't make it to the village," Saya confessed, her voice steady despite the grim news. "But Rei... Rei is hurt and needs help. I need you to take her to Konohagakure."
"But, my lady..." Toru began to protest, but Saya cut her off. "We don't have time to argue, Toru. I don't know if there are more attackers on the way. Can I trust you to get her there safely?" Saya's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Toru glanced at the unconscious girl, then back at Saya. After a moment, she nodded, allowing Saya to place Rei on her back. With one last look at Saya, Toru let out a mournful roar before sprinting towards the village.
Saya watched them disappear into the distance, a sad smile on her face. She had managed to save one of her children. "I'll see you soon," she whispered, before closing her eyes and drawing her final breath.
With a sense of urgency, Toru dashed through the dense forest, the world around her blurring into a whirl of green and brown. A single thought echoed in her mind, "I must save this child. I cannot fail again." She pushed herself to run faster, her powerful muscles propelling her forward. After what seemed like an eternity, the towering gate of Konohagakure came into view.
She raced towards the guard station, her heart pounding in her chest. The guards, taken aback by the sight of a massive tiger charging towards them, prepared to attack. But before they could react, Toru spoke, her voice filled with desperation. "Please, help this child. She's injured," she pleaded. The guards quickly noticed the small, wounded girl on Toru's back and swiftly carried her to the village's hospital. Toru followed closely, her heart heavy with worry.
She watched with bated breath as the medical ninjas worked tirelessly on Rei. Her attention was drawn away when a Konoha shinobi approached her. "Lord Hokage wishes to speak with you," the woman informed her. Toru growled in response, her eyes never leaving Rei. "I'm not leaving this spot until I know she'll survive. If he wants to see me, he'll have to come here," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. The woman nodded, taken aback by Toru's fierce protectiveness, and quickly retreated.
After what felt like an eternity, the Third Hokage himself approached Toru. She dipped her head in respect before returning her gaze to Rei. The medical ninjas had finished their work, and Rei was now resting. "I've been informed that Rei will make a full recovery," the Hokage said, his voice heavy with sorrow. He had failed his teacher, Tobirama, and was unable to protect his family. Now, Rei would grow up an orphan, just like him. He needed to know what had transpired.
Toru relayed everything she knew, including the location of the bodies so they could be returned to the village for a proper burial. She admitted that she hadn't been present during the attack and had only witnessed the aftermath. The Hokage promised her that he would find those responsible and bring them to justice. Toru gave a small, grateful smile before nuzzling Rei one last time and disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Rei stirred from her slumber a few days later, her body heavy with fatigue and aching from her injuries. As her eyes fluttered open, she found herself in an unfamiliar environment. Her heart pounded in her chest as she searched for her mother and siblings, but they were nowhere to be found. A wave of anxiety washed over her, leaving her feeling lost and disoriented.
She remembered a piece of advice her brother had given her during one of their training sessions. He had told her that their family had a keen sense of smell, akin to a cat's, which helped him find his way home whenever he strayed too far. He had suggested that she memorize their scents in case she ever needed to find them. Desperate, she inhaled deeply, hoping to catch a whiff of a familiar scent. But all she could smell was the sterile scent of the hospital.
Her attention was drawn to the door as it creaked open. An elderly man she didn't recognize stepped into the room. Rei watched him warily, her body tensing up. Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. To him, Rei resembled a feral kitten trying to puff itself up to appear larger.
He took a seat, placing his hands on his lap in an attempt to appear less threatening. "Hello, young lady. I'm Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konohagakure. You were brought here severely injured, and you're currently in the hospital," he explained gently.
As the reality of her situation began to sink in, Rei's confusion turned into despair. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the magnitude of her loss. Her family was gone. She was alone. The pain was unbearable, a raw, gaping wound in her heart. She let out a heart-wrenching wail, collapsing onto the floor. The realization that she would never see, hear, or touch her family again was too much to bear. All she had left were her memories, which now seemed painfully inadequate.
Hiruzen enveloped her in a comforting hug, holding her as she sobbed. After a while, her cries subsided, replaced by soft sniffles. She pulled away, her face flushed from crying. "What happens now? Where will I go?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He patted her head reassuringly. "We'll take care of you and help you find your place here," he promised, offering her a warm smile.
The doctor arrived shortly after to check on Rei's wounds. He informed the Hokage that she would need to stay in the hospital for another week or two before she could be discharged. Rei groaned in protest, eager to leave the sterile, white environment of the hospital. Hiruzen chuckled, assuring her that the time would pass quickly.
However, the days dragged on, and Rei grew restless. She was bored and lonely, as Hiruzen couldn't visit her every day due to his duties as Hokage. The doctors and nurses were no fun either, insisting that she stay in bed even though her wounds had healed days ago.
Finally, the day came when she was discharged from the hospital. The nurses were relieved, as Rei had been quite a handful. She had a knack for escaping her room to explore the hospital, causing the nurses to chase after her. They were glad they wouldn't have to deal with that anymore.
As Rei stepped out of the hospital, she knew that this was the beginning of her new life. It had been two years since that fateful day.