Naruto- More than a Number-Part 1.

Chapter 8 Cats.

(Mio POV)

"Can anyone tell me what jutsu these hand seals create?" I listen in randomly to the teacher's voice that I blurred out into minor background noise.

I didn't realize how simple the academy would be, perhaps the time in the wild helped me mature or something.

Although, my Father always said I had potential, he believed I was going to be something great. A prodigy. At least that's what he said, but then contradicted himself turning around and saying I wasn't allowed to follow the path of a ninja. He was a very decisive man and always knew what he wanted, making me question his thoughts on me being a shinobi. At first he was all for it, saying I was a prodigy with how quick I learnt. He would praise me often and seemed eager to start training me as soon as possible.

Then one day he came to pick me up from mother's and on the way home he told me I wasn't cut out to be a ninja. I asked him why and he simply said I shouldn't throw my life away. I was confused and stayed silent about it after, except asking a few times here and there but he seemed pretty adamant with his choice. I already knew my mother didn't want me to be a shinobi and believed I didn't have what it took to become a shinobi and live. I believed my mother talked him out of the dream, saying I was too innocent and kind, that I would die.

Now that I've been out and seen how cruel the world can be, I understand why father believed it wasn't for me. He always wanted me to be strong but also happy. He wanted me to live in a safe environment, where I could make friends and not concern myself with bigger problems. He wanted me to have everything I dreamed of, he wanted me to be surrounded by love and feel free to take any path I wanted. The world of shinobi doesn't always hold those luxuries, which is why he changed his mind on my ninja life.

I've had a taste of the real world now and after all my suffering, all my pain, I still want to go back. I don't know why? I hate the thought of people being hurt, I hate hurting people and I hate being hurt. The world is full of pain and now I'm safe, yet the thought of returning to the dangerous forests excites me. I miss the nature, the cute baby animals, the damp grass in my toes, the trees tall enough to touch the clouds, the shiny blue lakes, the large variety of mushrooms and the rare plant species you come across. I miss the abundant shades of green that dance over the shrubs, ferns, bushes, vines, leaves and grass. I miss the small sunlight that sneaked through the trees blanket of leaves enough to enhance the natural beauty of the forest, yet not burn your skin. I miss the adventurous branches that led you high to the sky and the tranquil silence that fell around me when the animals rested. I miss the early morning breeze that woke me to chirping birds and lively creatures.

I miss so much and maybe I was afraid of ninja chasing me but I felt free. I was never alone with all the animals around me and I felt free to do as I pleased without being judged. I could train without disapproval, I could dance like no one was watching and I could enjoy the quiet without disruptions.

I was free and I felt safe. I felt safe in the constantly changing environment, I knew I could hide, I knew the animals had my back and I knew I could find weapons if I needed to fight. I may have struggled to find food, water and warmth but the animals would always help me if I was desperate. I had the freedom to control my life, I wasn't forced to fight someone else's war, as well as not being locked away for safety. I was free and it was nice, but I didn't have everything. I didn't have the opportunity to learn and I missed having somewhere to sleep or the affectionate love of a parent that I longed for. I felt safe but still lived in fear knowing the Rogue's were coming for me. I had friendships with the animals but it couldn't compare to having a human friend because they still had to live their lives and leave me. A human friend could stay with me and we could grow together but animals need to do that with their own species.