Tangled Roots

-Prologue-

The night was cool, the small river beside the little home glistened and shined like silver. The full moon shawn on a small owl perched on an overhanging tree. The soft yellow glow from a candle gave the garden a warm undertone, the golden light just barely penetrating through the small window.

Inside, was the softly sleeping face of a child, watched over by a mothers loving smile. The hardships of the day took a toll on the retired shinobi, ‘But if it's all for this little one,’ she thought as she leaned back into the worn couch, smiling down at the child she so adored, sleeping peacefully in her lap. ‘everything is worth it.’ She poured all her love into that thought, she loved her daughter with every ounce of her being. More so than her village. More so than her own life, more than the world itself.

That is why when the assassin stole her small, two year old baby girl that night, she gave her life trying to save her. One might say she succeeded, because in her last moments, she gave her beloved daughter a gift.

-Naio-

I giggle as a butterfly lands on my nose. It’s blue. And green and yellow and red. So manny colors... I fall down on the grass getting slightly dizzy by the big colorful butterfly fluttering on my nose.

The nice man with a confusing name chuckles. I call him Mada. Madada... Mara- marada... Is just too confusing.

The butterfly flutters off my nose and I try to catch it. I chase it around the small meadow. Mada laughs again, only slightly, and picks me up from behind. I reach toward the butterfly and whine. I want it, it’s pretty.

He stretches out his hand. At first Im confused, and curious. Then amazed. The butterfly lands on his hand. He lets me hold it. It’s so pretty. Im happy. Then I remember the time Mama showed me a caterpillar, she said it transformed into a butterfly. I wonder if this one was a caterpillar once. I ask Mada. He says yes. He asks who told me that. I say Mama. I ask when we can see her.

Then Mada is upset. Am I in trouble? He says I cant see Mama anymore. But I want to! She’s Mama! Then he pet my hair. I start to cry. He tells me that one day my mother will show me how much she loves me. What dose that mean? He says not to cry and not to worry about her because she is watching over me. Im confused again but I nod and sniff.

I hope Mama will be okay. I yawn and rub me eyes. Mada says it’s nap time. I smile. I love sleeping in the sun. In the grass. With butterflies... flowers... I fall asleep in Mada’s arms as he walks us home.

-8 Years Later- 

It’s pouring rain as me and Kouken make our way through the trees and into the village hidden in the rain. It makes me shiver, and Kouken snuggles closer on my shoulder to help warm me up. Heat flares up against my neck and spreads through my body, soothing my aching muscles and protecting me from the freezing rain. After a soft sigh I nod in thanks. Kouken’s small furry body rumbles with a brief purr-like sound. I refrain from chuckling, but a soft tremble runs through my body anyway. He growls slightly, and I know if he were in human form he’d be blushing.

My eyes grow wide when we emerge at the edge of a lake, the city of rain and metal standing right in front of me. It’s massive. All the solid structures looking like a city made of spare parts but at the same time looking organized, in a way, and somehow classy.

Kouken crouches down on my shoulder. 

“Are we just supposed to walk right in?” He asks, wary.

I shrug. “He's expecting us.”

He looks up at me, unconvinced, but follows through.

We reach the statue and enter the building. Pein, Konan, and Madara are here. I stay in the shadows and watch.

Once they leave Madara turns to the corridor Im hiding in.

“They did not notice you.” He states emotionless.

I smirk. “Of course. It was you that trained me.” 

He doesn't reply, just walks past me. I follow him out of the building, once we are back in the rain he stops and turns.

“I want you to monitor Orochimaru. I have reasons to believe he will try to obtain Itachi’s eyes.”

My eyes widen for a moment, but I calm myself down. This was going to happen eventually. Orochimaru was never completely loyal to Akatsuki anyway.

I nod in understanding.

“I have no doubt Orochimaru will fail,” Madara continues. “but I am sending you to make sure that will be the case.”

“I will not fail you.” I state with pure confidence. 

He waves me off and Kouken and I head out to find Orochimaru.

-Author’s Notes: This is my first attempt at a fanfiction!! I would LOOOOOVE advice and feedback!! <3 Thank-you for reading!!-