The Crystal Serpent [Naruto X Oc] |Book 1

Chapter 87: The Dawn of a New Path

Kei awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window, their melodic song mining with the early morning breeze. The soft light of dawn filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow across her room. She blinked sleepily, taking in the peaceful atmosphere before getting herself up from bed. The soreness in her muscles was temporarily replaced by stiffness from her sleeping position.

She carefully stretched her muscles, mindful not to agitate them too much since she was still healing. The tension slowly eased from her body, and she sighed in relief. However, her mind remained restless, thoughts drifting to her upcoming meeting with Tsunade. The Hokage had requested her presence today to discuss an important matter. Kei couldn't shake the feeling something significant was about to happen.

'What could it be about.' Kei wondered as countless possibilities raced through her mind. Could it be related to the elders wanting to lock her up, like Jiriaya mentioned before they left on the mission to find Tsunade? Or perhaps it was about the fight with Orochimaru? Was there something else entirely she didn't know about?

Kei shook those thoughts out of her mind as she got dressed into one of her other favorite kimonos she wore on casual occasions. It was a green kimono shirt with a brown snake wrapped around the belly of the shirt and black pants with white snakes. She then fastened her headband on her forehead.

As she made her way downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Anko was already dressed and energized and was seated at the table with a cup of coffee and some dango. Her usual mischievous grin was tempered by a hint of concern as she looked up from the mug.

"Morning, brat," Anko greeted, her tone lighter than Kei expected. "You're up early. Guess you're ready for your meeting with Lady Tsunade?"

Kei nods, moves to the counter, pours herself a cup of juice, and takes a seat across from Anko. The juice was a cold and refreshing a stark contrast to the warmth of her nerves. "Yeah, just a bit nervous. I'm not sure what to expect."

Anko took a sip of her coffee and a bite of her dango. "I don't know what she wants to discuss. She only really shared one part of it yesterday, but whatever it is, you will be fine; you handle worse, right?"

Kei managed a small smile, appreciating Anko's conference in her. "I guess you're right. I just can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen. What if it is about the elders or something worse?"

Anko leaned back in her chair, her expression turning more serious. "The elders are fools. Don't let them scare you."

Kei sipped of her juice, letting Anko's words sink in. She knew Anko was right she shouldn't be scared of the elders, but the uncertainty still gnawed at her. She glanced at Anko, noticing the small, barely noticeable frown on her guardian's face, making her anxious, not used to seeing that expression on Anko's face.

"Hey, Anko... do you think they'll try to lock me up?" Kei asked quietly, voicing the fear that had been lingering in her mind since searching for Tsunade, wondering if when they got back, she would allow that to happen. "Do they see me that much as a threat just because of my connection of being Orochimaru's daughter?"

Anko's eyes softened, and she set down her coffee, leaning forward slightly. "Listen, Kei. The elders can be quite paranoid and might not trust you, but Lady Tsunade won't let them do anything rash without reason. She knows your potential and believes in you. After all, you are more than just your father's child."

Kei nodded slowly, feeling the unease in her heart slowly fading away and was grateful for Anko's reassurance, but part of her was still unease that everyone just saw her as Orochimaru's child though she didn't hate him and wanted to be shinobi as strong as him one day she wanted to be seen as her person.