Saizo (SLBP PART 1)

Chapter Nineteen

Saizo's P.O.V.:

"I... grew up in a ninja village called Kirigakure... That's where I got my last name... Every ninja who grew up there and graduated from the ninja college got the same surname... The village I grew up in was a brutal one... Most of us were orphans and Yuki diligently took care of me and Hotaru... Sasuke may be my disciple but he was lucky enough to be under me when I'm serving the Sanada clan. That little lord is too pure and carefree in life to put Sasuke or me under any harsh commands or trainings. My village... Was a whole different story.. Yuki, my elder sister, enrolled and went through the ninja college first... She didn't tell me what she had to go through for the final exam before graduation..." I stopped as I sucked in a breath through my teeth.

Lina just studied me and urged me to continue with a slight nod.

"She didn't say anything... She graduated and continued on with her duties of being a mother and an elder sister to me and Hotaru.. We both didn't suspect anything. But something changed in her. I used to have a best friend. We studied, practised ninjutsu, played and cut classes together. Everyday I come home late and Yuki will cane and scold me, reminding me not to play too much with him till I forget about my studies... Hotaru wasn't in ninja college yet so she went easy on him all the time... One day, as usual after getting caned by Yuki, she demanded that I cut off all ties with my best friend. I remembered how furious I was with her back then. She can cane me, make me do handstand and remain motionless for the whole night as part of my punishment but not... Not force me to desert my best friend... I ignored her and began rebelling even more. Yuki tried her best but I eventually became too much for her to handle what with her needing to focus on Hotaru and all.. Then came the final exam. I thought it's just going to be a normal exam, like what I had done for the previous ones.. But..."

"It was different..." Lina breathed and I sighed.

"It was... Very... There was a major lockdown in the school..." I clenched my jaw but Lina rubbed circles onto my knuckles since she has my hands clasped in hers.

"I'm here Saizo..."

I took a deep breath.

"Then the Mizukage, our village leader's voice came on the speakers. He said the final exam was for us to get out of the building alive by killing each other. There can only be one survivor. And that survivor will have the Kirigakure name bestowed upon him or her.."

Lina's brown eyes were filled with horror.

"My god... How can your Mizukage do such a thing?!?"

"I told you... Kirigakure is a brutal village..."

"So... I'm guessing... You did?"

I gave her a weak smile.

"Will I still be here if I didn't pass the final exam?"

Lina bit her lower lip before looking at me carefully.

"Was he... the last one?"

I stared straight into her brown eyes.

"Yes..." I voiced out loud and clear. "He was the last one. He was my last opponent and he was between the exit gate and I.. He told me to kill him. I was reluctant at first but he... He started attacking me with his sword... Things began to get worse as it started raining and being an inexperienced ninja, my defensive reflexes were not so precise and my best friend, he... He purposely let his moves become sloppy so... the next thing I know... I had rammed my sword through his body... I was stunned and just stood there as he looked at me and told me farewell... Next thing I know, the Mizukage himself unlocked the gate to retrieve me... Everything then went in a blur, the ceremony; bestowing me with the Kirigakure name. Then me remembering to meet you in the evening..."

Lina thought hard before she gasped.

"There was a time... When we were both eighteen.. You were late in meeting me and appeared listless... All these happened on that day?!"

"..."

"My god Saizo!" Lina exclaimed in terror.

I know she wouldn't be able to take this very well... After all, she is just too pure and innocent for me...

I hung my head low so that my silver fringe shadowed my eyes.

I won't let her see me cry...

"Sorry little lady. I just remembered I need to go. Mission calls." I croaked as I started reaching for my own sword but Lina grabbed my face and stared at me.

"Saizo... I'm not terrified of you or your past..." she began softly as I felt my eyes widened. "I... I was just upset and horrified you kept all of this darkness to yourself. You are a beautiful and kind person Saizo, inside and out. You don't deserve to shoulder these burdens all on your own..."

"!"

"It hurts me. It hurts me not of what your history is but of the fact that these things happened when you know me and... I didn't earn your trust enough for you to tell me back then... I wish I could turn back time so I could have been your listening ear and a shoulder for you to lean on..."

I sucked in a sharp breath as I hugged my little lady closer to me.