Because I Met You

Chapter 56: Koji and Mari

I undo my transformation jutsu after we enter the Kazekage's mansion. Koji raises his eyebrows.

"You shaved your hair?"

I nod. He sighs in relief.

"I thought it was going to be something way more dramatic."

"What else could it be?"

I say as I giggle at his reaction.

"I guess that's how you got your memories back..."

So he does know more than he lets on.

"That's right. Would you mind telling me how you know that?"

Koji takes a deep breath.

"Alright. I'll tell you everything I know."

I give him a grateful smile. I kind of feel sorry for what I'm planning on doing later, but I know that it's the only way.

"Back then, I noticed that you and Mari were getting close. I was curious about you because I'd never seen you around before. Everyone was telling me to stay away, but I didn't understand why. I decided to get closer to Mari to learn more about who you were. We became friends and she started revealing more about what all the adults were telling her. They were telling her that your clan is evil and that the only way to save you is to get you away from them. She said that she wanted to do everything in her powers to save her friend... When I got home I mentioned it to my parents and they both made me swear not to tell anyone. My father told me that yes it was indeed in their plans to get you away from your tribe and that it was the only way to make sure you did not become like them. He said that it had to be done or you'd become a heartless killer like your family. I'm sure it was all for the best, even if the method was extreme. They just wanted to save you!"

I frown as Koji retells me what he's been lead to believe. He's been deceived... Blinded and lied to by his own father. Should I clarify things for him? Will he even listen to me?

"You look really troubled, Kiu..."

"I am. I'm actually baffled at the story that they made up."

"Made up? What are you saying? They were doing what was best for you and the village!"

"If you truly believe that then there's no point in me telling you what really happened."

Koji grabs my wrist firmly.

"I... I still want to know. Maybe there's more to it. Maybe they weren't fully honest with me. I want to hear your part and come to my own conclusions."

I take a deep breath and start telling him everything that I remember. I omit my coming of age ceremony, since he might just latch unto that to justify what has happened. I tell him that the only reason why my clan was massacred was because the Kazekage feared our strength. After I finish what I had to say, I see Koji with a complicated expression on his face. I see some disbelief, confusion and even betrayal.

"I... I don't understand. You mean to tell me that I've been completely lied to?"

I sigh, not knowing what else to tell him. After a while, he turns away.

"That's all you had to tell, right?"

I slowly nod.

"Then I have no more reason to stay here."

Koji then leaves and I'm left there in my room, all alone.

Well, that's one down. Now I need to go and attempt to talk to Mari. Even if it's by force, I'll learn everything that she has to tell me. If what Koji said is true, then they both have the shared secret about my origins. It wouldn't be too crazy for me to transform into Koji to lure her out.