THE WILL OF FIRE: 1. The Serpent (A Naruto Fanfic)

The Serpent, Chapter 5

Chapter Five

When I woke up, I stared at the ceiling. I was in my new house. In my own bed. It felt good. But then I caught up with the world and couldn’t resist a sigh. And my instincts kicked in a second later. There was somebody in the room. Watching, no, studying me. Carefully. The presence was familiar so I didn’t bother getting up.

“You can always knock,” I said.

“I did. You were asleep,” said Anko, leaning against the desk.

“And your first thought is to break in?”

“I don’t get it. You haven’t burned down the Village yet and you haven’t killed any of us.”

I sat up, feet dangling over the edge of the bed. I looked at her and gave her an honest answer, “Like I said, I came in peace. Besides, I have similar goals as you.”

“I want Orochimaru dead.”

“I don’t want him holding so much power. He’s as good as dead without it.”

“Why not just kill him then?”

“Because he’s still my Uncle and he never did anything to hurt of offend me. Quite the opposite-he always protected me.”

“You said he threw you in Forever Lake. That’s not protection. He was trying to kill you.”

“It wasn’t like that. He just thought my body could bare it. If he knew I’d fall apart he’d never have done it.”

“You have a very high opinion of him. I don’t know if that’s foolish or suicide.”

I slid off the bed and put on my ring. It gleamed in the morning light-it was very pretty. “I thought suicide was getting this ring. But I ended up getting it. I thought foolishness was coming to this Village, hoping people would accept me. I was wrong, too.”

“Accept you? People fear you. They don’t know where you’ve been. They don’t know about Orochimaru or anything like that. They just know you’re the Cursed Twin.”

“I was accepted by the only person that matters-my brother. Everybody else can go to hell.”

That seemed to shut her right up. I went to the closet and pulled out fresh clothes. I never took of my bandages-not unless I had to. I knew what she was staring at-the Curse Mark on my neck. I caught her covering hers.

“Now, if you excuse me I’d like to get dressed. I still have some shopping to do.”

Skipping breakfast wasn’t my style but you’re kind of out of options when you’re fridge is empty. As I was walking down the streets, I could confirm what Anko was saying. They really didn’t like me. They turned their children away from me, explaining to them why I was such a bad person. I didn’t mind, though. I am a monster. I was just about to walk into the store when these two guys blocked my way. They were taller and looked stronger than me. They were both smirking at me.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the Cursed Twin,” said one of them. I saw that a whole mob of them was forming around me. People were starting to gather. I guessed no one was willing to help.

“What of it?” I asked, keeping my cool. They weren’t much and it really was an unfair match. It was only 14 of them against me.

“You expect we’d just let ya walk around the Village like that?”

“You’re idiots. Now move before you hurt yourselves.”

“This kid thinks she’s so tough,” he said, clenching his fists, “We’ll show her.”