Sometimes, when we least expect it, life gives us wonderful gifts.
Guillaume Musso©
July 23, 1056
11:59
"All done! Here," Toshi-san said cheerfully, handing me the new tekko-kagi. I took it breathlessly and examined it carefully. This time, the handle, blade, and sheath were all black, with the Uchiha Clan crest only on one side. And coolest of all, elegant engraving ran along both sides of the gleaming metal: "From Ariza Saito. Never give up. Never lose heart. 23.07.1056."
"Thank you so much, Toshi-san! This is awesome! Really! No words! It'll be the best gift!" I exclaimed delightedly, imagining Sasuke's joy. We bought our first weapons here years ago. Back then, we needed a sensei note from the Academy; now, just Leaf shinobi ID suffices.
"Then run to him quick and give it," Toshi-san smiled warmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "He's waiting."
"Why do you think so?" I asked, smiling a bit.
"Intuition," he replied cheerfully, tugging his beard.
"Well, okay then. Do I owe more?"
"No, engraving was included. Don't dawdle," he winked and stepped to the counter.
"Goodbye, Toshi-san!" I called finally and left the shop in high spirits. By the way, since our first tekko-kagi, the store had improved a lot. Glass display cases now, bigger cold weapon selection. Even sealing scrolls. Buy away.
The tekko-kagi cost a lot: three-quarters of my savings gone. Enough for two months modest living. If Sasuke hadn't lost his sword in the Forest of Death, I'd have gotten something cheaper. Doesn't matter, I don't mind—plus, mid-August, Minato-sama wants to give me a mission. Hope it's high rank, high pay. If not, no biggie; after third stage, Kakashi will take a job.
Too bad I dropped out of Chunin Exam; next is October-December, second yearly exam. Gotta pass that one—higher rank, better pay. Need to save for an apartment by adulthood.
"Sigh, gotta make a plan for the month... training, expenses, etc.," I thought, yawning. Sun glared rudely, making me squint; wind kicked up dust into my sandals. I stopped occasionally to shake out pebbles. Hot day, so fewer people out: probably home or working. I headed to the hot springs to relax. Tradition after hospital.
I slung my backpack with essentials over my shoulder and quickened my pace, fanning myself with a book in the muggy day.
12:44
"Awesome day," I drawled lazily, leaning on a hot rock, gazing at the sky. What beats fluffy, cotton-candy clouds drifting by? Their absence, like now. Crystal-clear sky means stargazing tonight—my favorite. "Finally..." I sighed sweetly. I'd missed it a month. Withdrawal hit.
Besides the sky, I loved being alone. Surprisingly, no girls in my hot springs section. So thrilled, I didn't scan Konoha or the springs. Gotta take a break sometime, not be on alert 24/7.
Someone in the onsen always tensed me up—we go naked, no swimsuits. Though now I take it easier than past life. Habit...
"Can you imagine!" a familiar voice came from the opposite door. "He shows up drunk, demanding flowers!"
"What did you do?" her friend replied, voice painfully familiar too.
"I called Mom, duh! Not giving expensive amaryllis to some drunk for free!" the girl behind the door ranted indignantly. I noted to buy my favorite flowers and visit Mom and Dad's grave.
"Such nerve! Only Naruto and Ariza match that..." the other agreed, and I choked on air. Where am I rude? I just take what I want from life, nothing more!
"Yeah, agree! Naruto's an idiot, and Ariza's such a stu—...pid," Ino cut off as she slid open the shoji and saw me. "—pid"
"Ahem," I cleared my throat skeptically, eyeing Sakura and Ino in white towels, gaping at me. "What'd you say about Naruto?"
"We said Naruto's an idiot," Sakura replied, eyes narrowed. No idea what pissed her off, but she was in a bad mood.
"If I weren't relaxing, I'd punch you for Naruto, Sakura, girl or not," I said calmly, though fists itched—despite not hitting girls.
"You wouldn't touch us," Ino defended, and they dropped towels, sitting opposite me in the water. I noticed their long hair, unlike anime.
"Why's your arm bandaged again? Always hidden—do you even unwrap at night?" Sakura nitpicked my submerged arm. Noted her "brilliant" logic: surprised by one bandage, not me here post-hospital instead of fully bandaged there. Exam was four days ago; with my wounds, I should be hospitalized. Hot springs post-hospital forbidden—Academy rule. Hate it, though valid.
"It's bandaged, what's it to you, Sakura?"
"Scars all over—what does Sasuke-kun see in you?" Ino sneered, inspecting me. Unpleasant. I hate my scars too, but can't escape. They don't fade; more with each fight.
"Something..." I mused, wanting to leave. No desire for interrogation; onsen time over.
"Village rumors true? You dating Sasuke-kun?"
"None of your business," I snapped bluntly, standing and tying my towel to cover up, heading for the door.
"Where you going, Ariza?!" Ino huffed.
"To the toilet," I said honestly—heading there, omitting no return. Nearby, so quick visit sans robe. But surprise waited outside.
"Think we'd let you off easy?" Ino and Sakura blocked me, forcing me against the wall for distance.
"What do you want?" I asked Sakura slowly.
"Won't let go till you say nothing's with Sasuke-kun!" Ino crossed arms.
"And if there is? Gonna hit me?!" I snorted.
"Maybe! Answer first!" Ino pressed.
"Yeah! Spill!" Sakura backed. Months post-graduation, they won't quit.
"We love each other. Happy?" I snapped; they gaped, faces elongated.
"You're lying!" Sakura yelled. "Sasuke-kun would never love you!"
"Your opinion. Valid," I said coolly. "Back off and let me go." I moved to leave, but grabbed my injured arm.
"Wait! We're not done!" Sakura barked, squeezing my bandaged wrist harder.
"Ow! Get off, psycho. Sasuke's mine—if I want, I'll marry him," I spat spitefully, yanking my burned hand free and clutching it. Damn, hurts—recently healed, now setback.
"You piss me off, tomato! You're such a du—...mb," Sakura swung. I dodged back, tripped, started falling—"raaa!"
Eyes shut for impact, but someone caught me.
"Sasuke-kun?!" a shriek; I opened eyes. Clear why: Sasuke stopped the fist aimed at me, held me from falling.
"Sasuke?" I gasped, regretting no chakra scan. Stood fully, eyed him. "What're you doing here?" I blushed slightly. Never thought I'd blush at a thirteen-year-old. But reason: not every boy that age has such ripped abs. "Ari! Snap out! He's thirteen, you're mentally twenty-nine. Drool over Kakashi—he's closer to your age."
"Happy birthday, Sasuke-kun!" they shrieked behind; before reacting, I flew face-first into the wall. Some strength—shoved unnoticed.
"Happy birthday, Sasuke-kun!"
"Invite me to your birthday, Sasuke-kun?!"
"That tomato lied about you, Sasuke-kun!" As I rose, clutching towel, "Sasuke-kun" echoed.
"Leave us alone," I heard his gruff voice before he helped me up. "I heard you. Ari told the truth."
"Unnecessary, Sasuke—they won't drop it," I thought.
"But Sasuke-kun, she's crazy..." Ino objected cautiously.
"So persistent," he spat disdainfully.
"Hey! Kids, what's the racket?!" a familiar voice boomed. I turned to Jiraiya in a robe. "Oh, fancy meeting you," he marveled.
"Remember me, pervert old man?" I smirked from behind Sasuke.
"I'm the pervert?!" he huffed shamelessly. Liar. Sasuke glanced but stayed out; girls too. "Pot calling kettle! Little extortionist!"
"Hah, here tomorrow same time?" I set the meet.
"Yeah, why?" he eyed suspiciously.
"Meet then. Got something important, Jiraiya-sannin," I drawled slyly.
"Pf!" he snorted. "Fine."
"Deal." I offered my good hand; he shook gently. Then Sasuke and I shunshin vanished before Sakura and Ino pounced.
"Who was that? Seen him before..." Sasuke said uncertainly. We landed in a dim locker room—not women's. Small, lit only by open door to bubbling water noise. One hook with clothes: sole occupant.
"Old acquaintance. Met thrice, clicked," I teased. "Where are we?"
"Men's locker. Empty here and this section," he smiled faintly, facing me. "Clone brought your stuff," he pointed to my neat pile, tekko-kagi gift atop.
"Thanks, Sasuke. You brought it, so saw the birthday gift," I took it two-handed, stood, offered: "Happy birthday, Sasuke. I wish you a long, happy life, staying kind, handsome, strong!"
"Thanks," he touched my waist tenderly, kissed my cheek, nuzzled my hair. Hugged a minute; he drew the sword: "From Ariza Saito. Never give up. Never lose heart. 23.07.1056."
"Sasuke, gotta go soon."
"Party at six—coming?" He pulled back slightly, noses nearly touching.
"Think so," I smiled into his warm eyes.
"Stay longer. Not late?"
"No, hour free. What'll we do?" My imagination ran wild. Boy and girl in towels, alone at hot springs?
"Uh... play shogi? Brought it."
"Fine, but heal my hand first," I smiled, Sakura's ache lingering.
15:45
"Hey, buddy!" Jiro and I fist-bumped near Hokage's Residence.
"Hi, Ariza—got the scroll," he smiled warmly, eyeing the bundle behind.
"Of course. Let's go?" I grinned, nodding at the red building.
"Yep." En route, he said no casual Hokage visits, but he'd warned secretary about important scroll. Soon facing Minato. "Discharged early?" he asked ascending stairs.
"No, checked out yesterday early for this."
"What? Ariza, shouldn't have—we could've rescheduled for full recovery! You okay? Nothing hurts?" He gripped my shoulder worriedly. Shouldn't have said—now guilt.
"Jiro, all good—I'd have anyway. Hate hospitals; long stays kill form, don't want that!" I soothed, smiling: "Call me Ari, short."
"Okay, Ari," he sighed relieved. "Scroll unchanged?"
"No, sat home fine," I shrugged.
"Good," Jiro agreed; we reached door. He reached to open; I stopped him.
"Jiro, shouldn't we knock?" I asked surprised.
"Rude to knock when expected, Ari—shows uncertainty," he replied, eyeing me intently.
"Yeah," I didn't argue, realizing I was nervous. I quickly scanned the office for chakra and understood my anxiety wasn't unfounded: the person in the office wasn't Minato at all! But I didn't have time to stop Jiro. He opened the door and entered, so I had no choice but to follow him.
I entered and closed the door behind me.
I stood next to Jiro and sighed heavily, bracing for the worst.
"Well, welcome, Ariza and Jiro Uchiha," said the man sitting in the Hokage's chair before us, one hand propped under his chin—no one other than Danzou Shimura.
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan