{ Five Years Later ~ 12 y/o ~ Within Konoha}

Kimi's pov:

The sounds of the cicadas ringing within the trees with a soft buzz, while it was a new morning. Slipping on my navy blue sandals for the day at the front of my brother and I's apartment, I comb my fingers through my white locks feeling nervous and tired. My stomach was churning, realising what today is.

Suddenly a hand ruffles my hand, tousling it the moment I got it untangled.

"Hey Mochi! You ready for school?!"

Turning my head I puff my cheeks, "Come on, leave my hair alone," I pout, while fixing my hair.

He then bends down, "You're finally getting the hang of doing your own red markings yourself," He adds, making me smile embarrassingly.

Rubbing my tired eyes, I let a tiny yawn leave my lips.

"Well I felt bad that you had to do them everyday," I reply, while adjusting my left foot in my sandal before feeling him pinch my cheeks.

He hums softly, worried he accidentally smeared them.

"Well thankfully the new paint is more waterproof now," He breathes out, before standing up. He slips on his sandals too, before adjusting his armband around his left arm.

Tilting my eyes to see him placing his green vest on, he glances my way.

"What?"

Shaking my head, "Nothing, just wondering what missions you have today," I reply honestly, curious on what super secret mission he has. He was once part of the anbu, but not for long not liking how they did things. Especially serving a man by the name Danzo, so he managed to quit before he could control Shiro.

He then stretches his arms out, "Hmm......well I'm assigned with Kotetsu and Izumo," he begins. "Haven't been given any direct order yet, so I've decided to walk you to the Academy."

I laugh nervously.

"U-Um.....you don't have too,"

He walks down the stairs, "You have no choice!" he laughs evilly, in a joking matter.

Sighing deeply I grab my small bag and began heading down the steps, before walking up to his side.

*******************

"So you have your final exam today?" he assumes, with his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Nice.......trust me, it will be easy."

Scoffing lightly, I shook my head.

"Well I don't know what they will assign us today, but if I do pass.....I receive my headband," I reply, concerned what type of test they will give us.

"It will be a breeze for you though, with Jiraiya training you.....and having the Senju bloodline," he begins. "I can assure you, no matter what you set your mind too......you will make it."

Those few words gave me hope, even though I sometimes doubted my skill.

"Okay, if you say I can do it......I can do it," more determinedly, earning my hair to be ruffled again. "Would you quit it?!"

He smirks looking down, with a teasing smile.

"What? You look so adorable, I can't help myself," he chuckles, which made me feel glad that I had him beside me.

Soon silence fell between us, looking up to see his eyes were a little troubled.

That's right, a close friend of his became a rogue ninja a few years ago. The Uchiha clan was massacred, wiped off the chart....except for Sasuke Uchiha whom is in my class. It happened subsequently after my own clan, two years exactly apart. It's like it was coincidence. Yet since Sasuke has been so distant from the rest of the class, which I couldn't blame him. His own brother betrayed Konoha, and his own family...of course he would prefer to be alone.

Shaking my head we found ourselves before the Academy, noticing Hinata standing outside waiting for me patiently outside. Her gentle eyes look side to side, before locking onto me.

Turning to Shiro I give him a side hug, "Seeya big bro,"

He rubs my shoulders, "Good luck little Mochi, can't wait to see your results," he smiles widely, folding his arms.

Turning on my heel I ran up to the shy, timid girl stretching a warm smile.

"Sorry I was a little late," I apologise softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

She shook her head, with a smile.

"No need to apologise," She assures me, before we usher ourselves inside to find our class. "So your brother, why was he here?"

She tilts her head, while walking into the building.

"Oh he just wanted to walk me to school, he wasn't assigned to a mission yet," I inform her, answering her question.

"Oh fair enough,"

************************

"Alright! We will now start the final exam," Iruka-Sensei announces, looking at the sheet in hand. "When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. The final tests will be on, the clone jutsu."

My elbow is propped up on the desk in front, resting my cheek against my palm. My eyes lower down trailing along the headbands we will be receiving, if we pass the final exam.

Ever since I came back to the academy I've been putting more training into my freetime, learning new jutsu's that my big brother has taught me.

"Alright everyone, proceed outside the class and wait til your name is called!" Sensei instructs us, gladly obeying we all walk outside the classroom leaning against the wall.

Kiba and Hinata stood either side of me in line, when Kiba gives me a grin.

"How many do you think they're expecting of us?" Kiba questions both me and Hinata, hearing her hum softly.

Tapping my chin in deep thought, I shrug my shoulders.

"I don't know, but just be prepared I guess," I reply honestly. "Mainly I think we should at least make three clones...."

Akamaru barks cutely, as I hum gently reaching up patting him.

"You're so cute," I coo softly, feeling him nuzzle his snout against my palm.

i could feel Kiba eyeing me suspiciously, "Are you getting any sleep?" he questions, making me turn to him. "You look drowsy....that's all."

Nodding with a hum, he scoffs.

"What? I did.......just......couldn't sleep til two," I reply, sheepishly. "I got at least six hours of sleep.....that's good enough..."

He shook his head with a sigh, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Two.....still too late for crying out loud, what were you even doing at that time?" he questions, when a hand was placed against my shoulder tenderly.

"You need to take better care of yourself," Hinata tells me in concern.

I smile warmly.

"It's fine, I was only waiting for big brother Shiro to return from his mission," I assure the two concerned duo, when the door slides open revealing Iruka-Sensei.

"Kimi Senju, you're up!" He calls for me, walking into the classroom I stood before Iruka-Sensei and Mizuki-Sensei. I fiddled with my fingers for a moment, suddenly nervous.

My eyes lift up locking with Sensei's, as he gave me a warm smile.

"I know you can do this Kimi, believe," He encourages me, making the corner of my lips curve into a small nervous smile.

Nodding I take my stance kneading my chakra within myself, feeling the air circulate around me with my one hand sign with both my middle and index fingers together. Closing my eyes, I inhale slowly and calmly before exhaling.

"Clone jutsu!"

The clones pound all around me, making me flutter my eyes open to reveal ten clones around me. My eyes slowly widen not remembering at all that this was my limit, surprising myself. Turning to Iruka-Sensei, his eyes were wide open and stunned along with Mizuki's eyes.

Releasing my jutsu, they all disappear into thin air feeling very light-headed from the amount of chakra I converted to my clones.

"Sensei? Is everything alright?" I question him.

Stammering for a moment, he clears his throat.

"T-that's impossible!" He exclaims in shock. "I mean S-Sasuke did about seven.........but ten?!"

Mizuki-sensei leans back pinching his chin, "I see.........so the power of the second Hokage's blood still runs through you," He assumes, a glint of something flickers behind his piercing eyes. "Despite seeing you practice fighting, I thought you wouldn't be this strong......"

Iruka hums in response, "No wonder........you could've at least graduated two years ago at the very least," He assumes, but I shook my head.

"I chose to stay behind, because of my friends...."

His eyes widen slightly taken back from my answer, before a warm smile curls upon his lips.

"Well I believe you passed, great job Kimi," he smiles, ushering me over he passes me my headband carefully. "Take pride in becoming a kunoichi, I have faith in you."

"Iruka-Sensei, don't you think you're putting too much pressure on a child?" Mizuki-sensei questions. "She just passed a clone test, there's a lot more danger than that you know."

Iruka nods in agreement, "I know, but I've seen her brother become quite strong very quickly.....so I have a lot of faith," He assures him, before he sends me away for the next person to arrive.

My eyes gaze upon the headband, realising I passed and surprised myself.

"I guess.....my training has paid off," I whisper beneath my breath, feeling accomplished.

********************

Soon as we all finished our clone jutsu's, parents were waiting to congratulate their kids leaving me with no one to come gratulate me. I stood on the side looking for Hinata, while I have my headband tied on my forehead. It felt funny, but it shows it's the beginning.

Soon my ears perk up hearing a couple of girls and boys, start to talk badly about Naruto who was the class clown and failure as some would call him. I didn't like how they treated him, after finding out what his true story is. Yet seeing him alone, with no one to help him or comfort him....I knew I had to make my own choice.

Walking over getting furious with the girls continuing to speak horrible about him, I find Naruto swinging slowly with his body slumped forward. Biting back my anxiousness, I lower my eyes.

"Hey.....Naruto....?" I ask him, seeing his eyes slowly lift up before his blue bell eyes lock with mine. Deep sadness and disappointment, was swimming within those orbs of his.

"What is it? Come just to boast about how you became a genin, and not me?!" He questions bitterly, feeling my heart ache with those words.

I was never the type to belittle anyone, no matter how strong they were. It wasn't in my nature for the fact, you can simply ask my own brother and Jiraiya.

Shaking my head.

"No.........I came to let you know, that I believe in you......that you will get it next time," I assure the boy, but his jaw clenched tightly.

He scoffs.

"Tch......you're the strongest in our class, you were born naturally gifted!" He spat angrily, making my eyes slightly widen. "What gives you any right to say that to me, you're just feeling sorry because you have too! You don't understand how it feels to be weak!!!!"

I place a hand on his shoulder, as his eyes widen with the saddening look in my eyes.

"Naruto........we all begin weak, and chose how to become strong," I begin sternly, but more gently. "I'm not here pitying you, I came to comfort you. Even for myself i don't consider being strong, I've got a long way to go til my goal becomes true."

"........."

He was shocked, "So you keep striving higher, just like you want to become Hokage," I smile, before pulling my hand away, I turn on my heel back to find Hinata waiting for me a few metres away.

Once I reach her she taps my headband, "Congratulations Kimi," She softly spoke, showing a small smile.

"Thank you Hinata," my eyes trail down to see the band around her neck. "Congratulations to you too!"

Suddenly my headband slowly begins to fall, realising I must've not tied it properly. Before it could fall, someone came up from behind me feeling them tie my headband back up properly.

"Thank you Kiba,"

He walks around to see a headband on his forehead too, "Congratulations," he grins, baring his canines.

"Congrats to you, we're officially genin now....." I smile brightly, feeling excited for the next step. "Anyway.......the afternoon is leaving so soon, better get goin--"

Turning around about to head in the direction to home, I slam into a chest.

"Hey little mochi, miss me?"

I pull away a bit taken back, "Big brother, I-i wasn't expecting you for at least a few days!" I exclaim in surprise, before he ruffles my snow hair.

He places his hands firmly against his hips.

"Ahh well our mission was just one for the day," he replies, before he gazes upon us all. He smiles, "Wow, you three passed......I'm so proud!"

"Thanks big brother Shiro!" Hinata replies, bashfully.

"Yeah thanks big bro!" Kiba grins, as the two boys fist pump.

Shiro rubs Akamaru's tiny head softly, hearing a cute bark.

"Anyway.......you three....and Akamaru..." Shiro begins, his soften gaze trails to us planting his hand on his hip. ".....let's get going, huh?"

The other two nod, as we always walk each other home.

*******************

After dropping off Kiba and Hinata off at their estates, Shiro wanted to take me somewhere. He had to blindfold my eyes, with my headband while guiding me there.

"Also don't even try using sensory or sense of direction," He warns me. "Your sensory skills are quite strong for your age, so switch it off or something."

Chuckling in response.

"Okay, okay....I will," I sigh, relaxing with him guiding me carefully.

After a few minutes stepping to wherever we were going, our steps finally come to a halt. Tilting my head slightly up, "Um......big brother?"

He laughs in response.

"Alright, we are here," untying my headband away from my eyes, my eyes blink a few times adjusting to the bright light around. Squinting my eyes for a few seconds, they fall upon an estate.

"Why.....why does it feel....familiar?" I question, looking up to seeing a big grin on his face.

He looks down noticing my questioning gaze.

"It's because.....this is our home," he clarifies, answering my confused questions chattering in my mind.

Looking back I notice the estate has changed slightly, only because the wood and screens have gotten better upgrades over the years. Stepping slowly to the entrance I open the door slowly, revealing the front porch.

"The engawa....." I whisper, remembering I would always place my shoes at the steps. Gazing around admiring the beautiful plants, I slowly make my way over to the garden only to realise it was more planned into a training area.

Soft sakura petals drift gracefully in the wind, skimming past my skin.

"The sakura trees,"

He walks up from behind me, "Yeah, they're finally in bloom," He hums in response.

Furrowing my eyebrows, a few more questions flooded my mind.

My eyes dart up to his own eyes, "How did you.......when did you?"

No words could comprehend how I felt, or what I should question with......

He licks his teeth for a moment.

"A few years ago.....Lord Third asked me if we should leave how home non-existent or not," he began, before sitting down on the engawa, with me following behind sitting beside him.

His eyes grew sad, before hardening.

"Yet I had not enough to pay for the estate to be built again," He continues. "But Lord Third reminded me that our family held a will to pass down any yen that should be claimed, by the oldest. Luckily the money was enough to cover the damage, and rebuilding our home.....and enough to continue for a few more years."

Nodding in response, I understood.

"I see.......so that's why you also go on many missions," I assume, making him grunt in response with confusion for a moment.

"Oh.....yeah, sorry little Mochi........I know how much you hate the place we are staying at the moment," he apologises, patting my hair gently. His eyes were sincere, "But now.....this place is finally ours again, I've finally received full home ownership."

A smile spreads across my face, creating dimples in my cheeks.

Throwing my arms around him I hold him close, "Thank you so much brother.......thank you," which was all that would come past my lips.

He chuckles deeply, before returning the warm hug holding me close.

"I will take full responsibility with our new home," he says sternly, resting his chin on top of my head. "So no need to worry anymore......okay?"

Pulling away I nod.

"So.....when are we moving in?" I tilt my head, when he smirks.

"Everything is already here, you go set up your room," He ruffles my hair again making me pout before racing to the doors. I slip off my sandals, while opening the shoji doors.

Almost tripping over I ran inside looking around in amazement, before finding a few of my things in the main room already finding the kitchen. The shoji walls and doors, the tatami flooring too! There were different colours and shades, but still felt like the old home I use to live in. Walking down a passageway which felt so familiar, I noticed the rooms were slightly larger. Opening my shoji door I took a deep breath in,

Kneeling down I slide down the tatami bed mat down first, before placing down my futon. My blanket was a soft cyan colour, resting up against the wall. Once I was done with everything I stood up, before heading back to find Shiro busy.

Yet suddenly flashes blind me, hearing the screams......blood before my eyes. Flames flickering all around me, the fire consuming everything and everyone. Yet I hear the piercing cries of mother and our clan.

"Mochi........Moc--......Kimi!.....Kimi!"

Blinking a few times I felt two calloused thumbs wipe away something against my cheeks, before seeing Shiro kneeling before me. His eyes held deep concern, realising my breathing was unsteady.

"H-Huh? D-Did you say something, big brother?" I question, pretending to be clueless.

He sighs deeply, hesitating to question.

"I was wondering.....um....if you wanna help me cook tonight?" He quickly asks me, like he was avoiding whatever happened to me.

Nodding without another word, we go and made some dinner.

{Later That Night}

************************

The moon shone down so brightly down upon us, the cool breeze gently kisses my skin while basking in the moonlight.

"Hey Big brother?"

He turns his head, humming in response.

My eyes remain upon the stars, "I want to become strong," I clarify firmly, his eyes slightly widen. "I wasn't born straight away with a gift like you, nor was I ever the top student til last year. It was only because I trained day in and day out, and because of that.......I'm a genin."

He remains quiet for a few seconds, before parting his lips.

"When being born to one of the legendary clans, a lot of expectation is placed upon you," He states, making me look up to notice he held a distant look in his eyes.

Usually he would hold warmth in his eyes.

"Father was like that for a long time, being the only heir to the clan.....and born with talent so early," He continues. "But......it never satisfied him enough, but......ever since he passed.....I'm wandering aimlessly. Never given thought on my own future.......right now, I'm thinking about your future.....and how to protect you."

I blink a few times, noticing a stray tear rolls down his cheek.

Guilt settles in my stomach, as I drank my green tea slowly. Pulling away from my hot drink, I trail my fingertip around the rim of the cup.

"Besides......we are all different, with IQ.......strength....speed.....mind......" he lists out. "It's what makes us unique, accessible on missions.........why? Why do you feel this way, Mochi?"

My eyes drift down, seeing the