The Third Hokage's office was quiet, save for the soft rustling of papers as Hiruzen glanced over a few documents. I stood in front of his desk, crossing my arms as I pushed down the frustration brewing inside.
"Look," I began, keeping my voice steady but firm, "you need to up your defenses, old man. This isn't some hunch, Orochimaru's planning something big."
The Third gave a slight frown, meeting my eyes with that unreadable expression he always wore. "Lightning, I understand your concern, but I can't just act on a... projection. Raising our defenses so publicly would stir suspicion with the other nations."
I bit back a sharp response, forcing myself to keep calm. "Orochimaru might be 'one guy with a small village,' but if someone as small as the Sound can catch you off guard, what makes you think the bigger nations wouldn't try you too?"
The Third sighed, his voice even and measured. "Perhaps you're overestimating him. Orochimaru is clever, I'll give him that, but even he can't pull off a large-scale invasion unnoticed. He's ambitious, yes, but not invincible and definitely shouldn't have the man power to be capable of such actions."
A spark of irritation flared, and I found myself snapping, "Fine. But when you drop dead, don't act shocked."
Without warning, the old man pulled me into a quick hug, his tone softening as he said, "I know you care more about this village than you let on."
I squirmed, rolling my eyes. "It's not about the Leaf. Honestly, I couldn't care any less about half the people here. But... there are still some that I care about, and if they die because you're too soft hearted and scared to look weak, then yeah, I'm gonna be pissed."
Hiruzen pulled back, giving me a nod. "If such a threat truly does present itself, I'll be prepared. I'll let the Jonin and ANBU know to be vigilant. But I can't make a full announcement, especially with foreign eyes watching." He paused, the faintest smile pulling at his lips. "And I look forward to meeting the girl you've been hiding."
I scoffed, crossing my arms. "Yeah, well... whatever."
After leaving the Hokage's office, I headed home, the weight of the conversation lingering with me. Inside, Keyshia was waiting, her gaze lighting up as soon as she saw me.
"Any luck with the president?" she asked, her tone hopeful.
"They call them Kages in this world." I chuckled then I let out a sigh, sinking onto the couch beside her. "I warned him, but he's cautious about acting too openly." I shrugged, "Not that I blame him, he doesn't want to draw attention from other nations, but he doesn't realize Orochimaru's planning something no one's ready for."
She nodded, taking it in, though her expression stayed thoughtful. "So what are your plans?"
"Nothing, I have a vague idea of what's going to happen but not sure how or when it's going to be executed, I did my part in warning the old man. So my mission during whatever Orochimaru plans is to protect those I cherish." I replied.
"Always like you, that's what you were like back in our clan." She replied.
I blinked, realizing I'd forgotten. "I was with Orochimaru earlier and forgot to ask him, too." I hesitated before adding, "I was tryna figure out how to go home, found out Orochimaru might know. Though it wouldn't hurt to know, I guess. Just in case."
Her face lit up, excitement dancing in her eyes. "So... you've decided to go back?"
I scratched the back of my neck. "No. Not really, I just thought you should have the choice, at least." I looked away, adding. "I know how much going home means to you. I don't want you to feel forced to stay here."
She reached over, touching my hand. "Lightning... you're my home. Whether it's this world or another, that won't change."
I rolled my eyes, but my voice softened. "If you keep thinking that way, you're gonna get yourself killed one day."
She just smiled, her tone light but sincere. "Well, if that happens, it's probably because you were killed protecting me, right? So I wouldn't have a reason to fight death, I'll join you in the after life."
I opened my mouth, ready to argue, but no words came out. She had me there, and somehow, it left me speechless. "Whatever," I muttered, though a small smile played at my lips. Sometimes, I really didn't get her.
We spent the night talking about old memories of our clan, and when sleep finally came, it was with that strange, comforting weight of home. I guess in a sense she was my home too.
The next morning, I met Hanabi outside her compound, and we headed toward the arena together. The finals were today, and while the air was full of excitement, tension crackled beneath the surface. Hanabi and I exchanged light banter as we walked, though our senses were on high alert.
On the way, Hinata and Kiba joined us. Kiba shot us a mischievous grin. "So, Hanabi... you and Lightning, huh? A couple now?"
I started to shoot back a response, but I caught sight of Hanabi fidgeting, a blush creeping over her cheeks. I couldn't bring myself to joke about it.
Hinata jumped in, her tone playful. "No um, they're training partners. They go at it for hours almost every night though. Sometimes they're too loud that we can even hear them from the inside."
My face warmed, and I cleared my throat. "Thought we were being discreet about that..."
Hanabi, now tomato-red, glared at her sister. "Can we not, please? That's past my age range."
I gave her a pointed look. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Hanabi. Who was thinking that way?"
Kiba laughed, unbothered. "I was."
I rolled my eyes. "You're annoying." Even Hinata was chuckling now, her eyes bright as she met mine.
I softened, asking, "Hinata, you feeling alright? That last fight was brutal on you."
She nodded, her expression steady. "I'm alright. Healed up for the most part, just got this lingering cough. Thanks for protecting me then."
I nodded and we continued on, the lighthearted banter easing some of the tension in the air. But as we neared the coliseum, I spotted a group of Sound shinobi loitering in secret behind the trees near the entrance, their eyes scanning the crowd with a purpose that didn't sit right with me.
I slowed, glancing back at the group. "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up."
Hanabi gave me a curious look, but she nodded, sensing something was up. They headed inside, leaving me to slip toward the Sound shinobi.
As I approached, they noticed me, and their expressions shifted to something like deference, some of them even bowing slightly. "Lord Orochimaru's son," one of them murmured.
I rolled my eyes, keeping my tone flat. "Do me a favor and get lost."
One of them looked up, shaking his head. "We can't. Lord Orochimaru's orders. We're integral to the plan."
I sighed, annoyed. "Good grief," I muttered, making my move.
The first one barely had time to react before my kunai was at his throat, a clean slice sending him crumpling to the ground. The others snapped to attention, but I moved fast, each strike quick, efficient, clean, making sure no blood fell on me. One by one, they fell, and in a matter of seconds, five Sound shinobi lay motionless on the ground, their bodies slumped in the shadows.
