The Water Maiden

11

Ibiki watched the blue haired Kotone run off. He looked at Keisuke for more information about her. It's rare to even hear of the Kotone clan anymore ever since sanctions were placed on them. Multiple countries knew the dangers of the Kotone and forced them to follow strict rules or else they'd all be exterminated.

"Spill." Ibiki said.

"Her mother is the wife of Fudo Kasai. Ellie just happens to inherit her mother's kekkei genkai." Keisuke explained.

"She doesn't look like a Kasai."

"I know, but I don't ask questions. Myself, I don't care about that. She can still produce a flame."

"How?"

"Her grandfather is a Kasai. Apparently, their blood runs deep. It doesn't matter if your ancestor was a Kasai, you'll have the kekkei genkai if trained properly. That's what I was told." Keisuke explained, leaning against the bookshelf. Ibiki hummed with thought.

"That's interesting. So, why did she want to know about torture?"

"She's being punished and there's nothing we can do about it. She has to go on a mission alone with no team or jonin. So, she's learning on anything and everything she can get a hold of."

"The hokage can't do anything?"

"Nope. It's part of Kasai affairs."

"How are her skills?" Keisuke couldn't help but smile.

"She's as smart as Shikaku without the experience and has been training under Gai for strength and stamina. Her water manipulation skill is amazing. The way she looks for openings and trackers her opponent is like watching an Uchiha fight. I heard Kushina trained her with beginner seals. Plus, she has access to both of her kekkei genkai to an extent." He explained with a proud smile on his face. Ibiki whistled.

"That's a lengthy resume. She's basically as strong as a jonin."

"Exactly."

A week passed and I was half-way through the torture section of the library. It wasn't as big as I thought it'd be. There was only a very small section on a single shelf. Kazuki would be by my side most of the time, reading to pass the time.

"Fuyuki?" We looked and saw a guy walk over. He held a senbon in his mouth.

"That isn't my name anymore, Genma." Kazuki said quietly.

"Huh?"

"My name is Kazuki now."

"Why the sudden name change?" Genma asked with confusion. Kazuki looked down at me with a smile.

"She saved my life and renamed me."

"I'm still confused. Can't you give me any juicy details?"

"It's clan affairs." I said with a harsh tone. I didn't need anyone outside of the clan knowing about what happened.

"Who are you?" Genma asked with interest.

"This is Ellie Kasai. Please treat her with respect." Genma hummed and looked at me.

"How old are you, cutie?"

"Ten." I saw his face contort. "Do you feel like a pedophile now?" I mocked him.

"In a couple of years, you better be ready to be taken on a date."

"I'm going to reject you now so I don't have to deal with you in the future."

"Ah, I could feel the coldness seep out of your words. They hurt me so, princess."