Into the Shadows (Naruto fanfiction)

Chapter 9 ✅

It's about the middle of the school year, and my school has temporarily closed for who knows how long. It's all because some older kid decided that, as a prank, he'd stink bomb all the classrooms in the school.

I guess it couldn't have come at a better time because Dad has a day off today. That in itself is rare because he has such a big job, being a Jonin Commander.

But even on his days off he seems to be working.

It's about time for us to leave and drop off Shika to the academy and normally it's Mom who goes and drops him off, but since Dad was here he decided that Mom should sleep in. I only went because this is the normal time I get up and I have a internal clock waking me up early.

After giving Shika a hug goodbye, Dad kneels down to be level with my hight and says, "I've got some business to take care of at the Yamanaka Flower shop, so I'll take you home first, okay?" He's smiling slightly, patiently waiting for my confirmation.

Frowning I say, "But you would just be going out of your way. Wouldn't it be better if I went with you Daddy? I won't get in your way, I'll just look at the flowers while you're talking."

I think he was expecting me to agree and just go with what he said because I was never one to out right contradict an adult, even if it's something as little as this.

After thinking it over Dad sighed. "I guess it'll be alright. It's not even for something extremely important. Alright Tomo-chan, let's go."

Standing up Dad starts to walk away, but not before I climb on his back, grinning ear to ear.

As we're walking, hitching a ride, past the academy, I couldn't help but wince in pain. The spike of chakra was so sudden, I wasn't even prepared. Someone used a jutsu around here recently, most likely a Body Flicker jutsu. I can still feel route this person went, with their chakra still in the air.

Dad hears me wince and asks in a worried tone, "What's wrong?" Really I don't get why he asks. I get he's worried, just like Mom and Shika are, but if he knows then why ask? I guess it's a natural reflex when someone's 'hurt' to ask what happened and what not.

"Body Flicker jutsu. One was used here recently. It's alright, we're out of its path." I answer Dad almost immediately as not to worry him.

Dad stops in his track and asks slowly, "How'd you know it's was a Body Flicker jutsu. You aren't studying jutsus now, right?" I barry my face into his shoulder and it was all the answer he needed. Sighing Dad says, "Tomo-chan, I know you want to be a ninja, but you can't it's imposs-"

"No," I quickly cut Dad off before he could finish saying that forbidden word. "Daddy, I can, I'll show you. I'll be one of the best ninja out there. Even if I can't use ninjutsu without hurting myself, I can still do taijutsu." As I'm talking I tighten my hold on Dad and harden my facial features.

Dad doesn't say anything for a while, and I don't expect him to until, "Tomoko, why do you want to be a ninja so bad?" He asked with the most serious voice I've ever heard him speak to me in.

"Why?" I asked perplexed. I mean, isn't it obvious. "Well, I've always wanted to help people, and really I want to show everyone that I'm not some disgrace. That I'm not just some mistake, and that even with a disability I'm able to do everything they are too." In the end of my little speech I clench my fists tightly, almost braking the skin.

Dad sets me down on the ground and crouches to my level. I look and see his eyes soften. "Tomo-chan, you aren't a disgrace, or some mistake. You're my daughter who'll out smart every kid, who'll out smart most adults. You have so much going for you, but I don't think being a ninja is one of them."

As Dad said those last few words, my heart broke. I had always thought for sure that Dad would support whatever I put my mind to, but I guess I was-

Dad continues after a slight pause, "But don't get me wrong Tomo-chan, if you had some way of being a ninja I'd support you 100%."

I looked into Dads eyes. I don't know what, but it looks like he knows something I don't and it's kind of unnerving. I was also confused, but nonetheless, shrugged it off and my eyes start to sparkle happily because he is supporting me with what ever I choose to do.

Picking me up once again, we continued our journey to the Yamanaka Flower shop.

About 10 minutes later we arrived.

Setting me down Dad reached down to hold my hand, tugging me forward. Opening the door Dad yells out, "Inoichi?"

There was rustling heard in the back of the store and then a voice called out, "I'll be right there Shikaku."

I took me a second to realize that this 'Inoichi' can use chakra. Also that he's been around Dad long enough to know what his chakra signature is.

His name too rings a bell, but I can't place it. He's probably a character who isn't shown a lot, and now that my memories of the Naruto-Universe are fading, I don't remember everything except some characters and the Fourth Shinobi World War.

I was lost in my own thoughts when I felt Dads hand slip from mine and move to the top of head, messing up my hair. Surprised, I quickly swatted his hand, so he doesn't further the damage, and look up.

He smiles and says, "Go look at the flowers, I'll get you when we're about to leave." It's kid talk for, 'I'm doing something important, leave so you don't get involved.'

Smiling anyways, I nod and walk off to look at the flowers. In all honesty, flowers weren't the least bit interesting to me, I just said I'd come and look at them so I could spend more time with Dad.

After a few minutes I hear foot steps and see a tall man, he had long ash blond hair that was tied up in a high ponytail. He wore the standard Shinobi green flask jacket with a red *haori.

When the man appeared, he smiled at Dad then at me saying, "Good to see you again Shikaku, and this must be your daughter, Tomoko."

I waved shyly at Inoichi, realizing who he is. This man is Ino Yamanaka's father, someone who isn't shown a lot in the anime, but his appearance alone is a dead giveaway that Ino is his daughter.

Several times after that day I would visit the flower shop with the excuse that I just love the flowers. I ran into Ino a few times and we became fast friends, and with her talkativeness there isn't a dull moment.

But sadly the time came all too soon, I was going to graduate.

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*Haori: it's a traditional Japanese jacket kind of thing (I think)
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A/N

Omg I'm so terribly sorry.

It's been over a month since I've updated and I feel like such a horrible person. But it is not without reason, simply put, I've had writers block.

So to make it up to everyone, slightly, I've made this chapter longer than most of my other chapters.

I hope everyone can forgive me for posting this chapter so late.

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Edit✅

I just fixed some grammatical mistakes like every chapter and added a few words.