Child of the Moon

Past and Future

Tsukiko woke up bright and early the next morning, barely pausing to do more than to grab some water, and went for her morning jog. She might be a ninja, but a routine kept her from falling into moments of melancholy. Focusing on the steady beat of her feet on the pavement, her heartbeat and breathing, kept her from falling into thoughts of all she had gone through to get where she was.

Mechanically, without noticing, she found herself pausing to breathe near a headstone with a name inscribed on it.

Shisui Uchiha.

She sat down cross-legged, drinking some water, then smiled warmly to the headstone.

"Hey, I got back yesterday!" she said cheerfully. She came here every morning, despite her desire to move on, to let the past go.

He was part of her first family, the life she'd built here in the Hidden Leaf. Despite their hesitance, the Uchiha clan had warmed to her near instantly. They had welcomed her as part of their extended family. Now they were gone.

She wiped a tear from her eyes, before smiling again. She spoke to the headstone - no, to Shisui. She told him about how she'd been since she'd last come. She told him about how Naruto had graduated.

"Sasuke obviously graduated, top of his class," she laughed. "As expected from the great Uchihas, right?"

Her smile faltered for a moment. "Well, today Naruto will be assigned his team. The Third asked that I attend with the other jonin. I think that means I'll be leading a genin team too."

She stood up and dusted off her shorts, smiling down at the headstone. "I'll be back tomorrow, to let you know the teams, ok?"

She brushed her fingers over the stone surface, then left quietly.

She always came here, even though she wished she could just move on with her life.

~ "Don't worry, everything will be fine!"

"Shisui, I have a really bad feeling about this!"

"It's the only way. The only way the Village can continue in peace."

"But taking away someone's choices..."

"I know."

"But it has to be done... doesn't it?"

"Yeah..." ~

Tsukiko returned in time to see Naruto locking up.

"Oh, looks like you're all ready to go, huh?" she smiled as he turned to greet her.

"Yeah, and check it out!" he jabbed his thumb towards the shiny new headband on his head.

"Oooh, it's pristine!" she said, rubbing his head affectionately. "Looks like you've got everything you need for the day!"

"Yeah, yeah! Today I'm gonna officially become a ninja, believe it!"

"Well, I have time," she said, standing tall. "How about I walk with you to the Academy. For old time's sake?"

He grinned and cheerfully agreed.

Along the way, Naruto eagerly explained the merits of both miso ramen and red bean soup, while explaining why he shouldn't need vegetables for dinner. Tsukiko wasn't buying it.

Along the way, they bumped into Konohamaru, who attempted a rather poor sneak attack on Naruto, before tripping. Before he could fall on his face, though, Tsukiko caught him, righting him with a smile.

"You should be a little more careful, you know," Tsukiko said gently. "A ninja must always be aware of his surroundings. If you're not, you'll trip and hurt yourself."

"You're right," he said, before pointing at Naruto. "That was a slick move boss! That's why I respect you as a rival."

There was a brief moment of silence, as Tsukiko turned her head away, to try and hide her laughter before Naruto responded.

"But I didn't do anything..." he deadpanned.

"Alright! Fight me fair and square!" Konohamaru demanded his hands in a transformation sign.

"Can't," Naruto said.

Konohamaru glanced between Naruto and Tsukiko several times, before folding his arms and nodding sagely.

"Right, then..." He turned to Tsukiko and clapped his hands in front of him, in a pleading way. "Please train me as well!"

Tsukiko blinked, then smiled and ruffled his hair. "I'm just walking Naruto to the Academy. But maybe, if you impress me, I'll teach you something."

His eyes lit up, as Naruto jumped in. "Hey! What about me!?"

Tsukiko grinned and poked Naruto's headband. "You're about to get a jonin trainer. But, if you do well, I could teach you a trick or two."

"YES!" the two boys cheered, high-fiving each other.

"But," Tsukiko said, standing up. "Aren't you running a little late, Naruto?"

"Late? Late for what?" Konohamaru questioned.

"Oh yeah! My orientation!"

"Orientation?"

Naruto grinned at Konohamaru, then pointed at his headband. "As of today, I'm a ninja, believe it!"

After parting ways with Konohamaru, they reached the Academy. She waved goodbye to him, before leaving to go to the meeting she was supposed to be having with other jonin and the Hokage.