Teardrop of the Wolf

Chapter 5

These Genin have a long way to go if they are shocked to see and hear a talking wolf. Kakashi cleared his throat, claiming his teams attention.

"Mori will help in training and will be with us for some of our missions" Kakashi said, placing a hand on Mori's head, much to the she-wolfs displeasure.

Mori curled her top lip up as Kakashi kept his hand on her head.

"I would raise your hand if I were you" Mori grumbled, causing the Jonin to reclaim his hand with a light chuckle.

Kakashi continued to talk to his young team of Genin about the importance of teamwork, and Mori's mind began to wander. How many years has it been since she had seen her mother or any of her pack mates?

Too long.

It had been too long since she had laid eyes on her mother's beautiful grey and white coat, or her father's coal-black fur with a blue tint when in the sunlight. Her ears swivelled as birds continued to chirp in the afternoon sunlight. She then turned her red gaze on each Genin, evaluating them each. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses, and each would excel in their own ways; that she could feel with her entire being.

Soon, Kakashi released his new team with a promise of a mission starting the next day. Each member walked off except Naruto who remained tied to the wooden post. Mori gave a throaty chuckle and bit through the ropes that restrained the loud child, and padded into the shadows of the trees. Mori grumbled as she shook her fur, sending twigs and leaves flying in different directions. She needed a proper bath in a proper bathhouse, and not unconscious in the bottom of a chilling waterfall.

Although, a bath house wouldn't approve of Mori bathing in her wolf form and would likely kick her out.

She hadn't been in her human form in quite some time, and allowing her human legs to get out and exercise would be nice. Making sure no one was following her, Mori closed her eyes and probed deep into her soul until she found a different chakra. This one was human in nature, and she let it flow through the restraints Mori had put on it in order to stay in her wolf form.

Blue chakra began to appear, and wrapped around Mori's body until it was impossible to see Mori. The process felt as effortlessly as sneezing, and soon a woman stepped out of the bushes. Her short white hair bobbed with each step she took, and she reached up to pluck out a stay twig from her white locks. Some stray locks of hair hung over her left eye, and she brushed them away impatiently.

She straightened her grey tank-top and tucked the bottom into her black knee-length leggings. Her feet were strapped to leather sandals, even though she preferred to walk barefoot but society frowned upon that. Black armbands ran the entire length of her forearms as she walked towards the village's bath house. Her red eyes gazed around the village, taking in the sights as she went. It felt good to walk on two legs, and soon she found her intended target. She paid the attendant there, and quickly stripped and wrapped a towel around her body, stepping out into the bathing area with a smile.

A sigh rose from her lips as her foot gently touched the hot water, and she lowered herself in after removing the towel. The warmth soothed her tired and sore muscles, and at last she allowed herself to relax. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the rocky ledge as the bath water worked its magic.

No one was chasing her to bring her back to that place. She wouldn't go back there.

But...

Her mother was still there. Her mother had helped Mori to escape that dreaded hell, but now Mori didn't know how her mother was. They had come, and when her pack tried to fight back they slaughtered them without mercy. Men, women and children...they were all slaughtered.

They had kept herself, her mother, father and brother alive and found numerous ways to torture them...all for that snake.

That man, Orochimaru, had numerous torture methods for her little family.

Her father, who was the strongest person and wolf in her eyes, had perished when he had tried to go up against Orochimaru. She had no idea where her brother was, or if he was even alive. Her mother had created a small opening in their cage, big enough for Mori to squeeze through.

That was the last she saw of her mother and brother.