Forged Beyond

Replaced

I know u hate Sakura's parents... HEHE WELCOME (u will realize what I mean once u finish reading it)

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Three years later—

"Good morning, Ino!" called out a cheerful voice. A girl, around 13 years old, entered the Yamanaka Flower Shop. She had long brown hair tied in a braid adorned with small sunflowers, and her hazel eyes gleamed with the golden warmth of morning sunlight. She wore a sunny yellow dress paired with white sandals and carried a small bag tucked under her left arm.

Ino glanced up from arranging bouquets, her response far from enthusiastic. "Hn?" she mumbled, lacking her usual vivacity. Ever since Sakura left, a part of her spark had dimmed. Ino had changed in those years—she had grown taller, her hair now cascading to her waist with many strands falling over her right eye. She wore a purple cropped top paired with a black and purple skirt, netted elbow and knee protectors, and her ninja sandals. While she still held an air of beauty, a shadow of anger and sadness lingered in her gaze.

The young girl approached the counter, pouting dramatically. "Why are all the older people so cold to me? You, Tenten, Temari—she's so grumpy, don't you think? Only Hinata talks to me properly, and even she barely says much!"

Ino sighed, rolling her eyes. "Temari's just picky about who she talks to. She's actually really nice to us."

The girl picked out a bundle of cherry blossoms and placed them on the counter. "Here! I'll be buying these," she chirped, handing over the money with a cheerful smile.

Ino processed the purchase and waved her off. The moment the girl left, however, her expression darkened. Her hands clenched into fists as she muttered under her breath, "How could they... Pathetic people."

The girl, Midori, skipped happily through the bustling village streets, waving at passing shinobi. She was not a ninja herself, just a bright and spirited civilian. She hummed to herself as she wandered, only to bump into a taller woman.

"Oh! Sis Hinata!" Midori exclaimed, throwing her arms around the woman in a side hug.

Hinata Hyuga smiled faintly, her lavender eyes meeting Midori's gleeful gaze. She wore a simple purple and white hoodie with deep blue pants and her usual ninja sandals. Despite her understated attire, she radiated grace and beauty.

"Hey there," Hinata greeted softly.

"It's summer, and you're still wearing that?" Midori teased, hands on her hips. "You should wear something that flatters you more! Ask Sis Ino for some tips!"

Hinata's expression grew a shade colder, though her tone remained calm. "I don't like wearing anything revealing. Where are you headed?"

"Home!" Midori beamed. "My parents decided that tomorrow's my birthday! They set the date because, y'know... I'm adopted and stuff."

Tomorrow huh...

Hinata's gaze softened. "I see... That's wonderful. Happy early birthday, Midori."

"Thanks, sis!" Midori chirped before waving goodbye and heading to her apartment.

Midori climbed the stairs, her sandals clacking softly against the wooden steps, and opened the door to her cozy home.

"I'm home, Mom!" she called out as she slipped off her shoes.

"Welcome home, Midori!" Mebuki greeted her warmly, pulling her into a hug.

"Look, I bought some flowers for decoration!" Midori said, holding up the delicate cherry blossoms she had chosen earlier.

Mebuki's smile vanished, replaced by a sharp scowl. "Ugh. You know how much I hate cherry blossoms."

Midori's cheerful expression faltered. "But... they're so beautiful..."

"I find them ugly," Mebuki snapped, her tone ice-cold. "Either throw them out or give them away."

Midori hesitated, then forced a smile. "O-okay, Mother. They weren't that great anyway." She walked to the window and dropped the flowers, watching them flutter down onto the empty street below.

Her father, Kizashi, entered the room moments later. "Hey there, my little sweetheart!" he greeted, lifting her into a spin before setting her down and kissing her forehead.

"Hi, Dad!" Midori giggled, the warmth of her father's affection lifting her spirits.

"When you grow up, I'm going to marry you off to a handsome man!" Kizashi declared with a teasing grin as he ruffled her hair.

Midori chuckled and gave a playful salute. "Yes, sir!" Then she darted off to her room, the only sanctuary she had.

Inside her room, the air felt heavy. The wooden floor creaked softly as she stepped inside, its weight-bearing secrets she couldn't quite place. The walls seemed to hum with the echoes of muffled cries, and the bed carried the memory of countless nights soaked with unseen tears.

Midori plopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. "Something's always off about this room..." she murmured, a shiver running down her spine. The faint scent of cherry blossoms lingered, despite her efforts to discard them.

She sat up abruptly. Her hazel eyes darkened slightly as her cheerful facade slipped. "Maybe... one day, I'll understand."

Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village—a village that held secrets too heavy for her young heart to bear.







yeah, I think u see why now :)


well, ik short chapter, the next chapter is gonna be... BIG :D well uh yeah, 
CYAAA STAY TUNED!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLIES TO MY QUESTIONSS <3 AND THE VOTES AND FOLLOWS!! LOVE YALL!