Ataraxia--A Naruto Fanfic

Chapter 1

Asami pulled her brown hair up into a ponytail and tied her shiny, new leaf headband around her forehead, her short bangs falling over top. She bounded down stairs grabbing breakfast.

“Good morning, Asami,” a voice said.

She froze in place. Eyes widening, she slowly turned her head to find the old Hokage sat at the end of their table, smoking his pipe quietly. He had a kind smile on his face.

“Grandfather!” she gasped, her hand snapping over her heart, “I, uh, didn’t know you were here.”

He chuckled. “I had to see my granddaughter off on her first day. Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she said with a nervous smile.

“Remember, being a ninja is more than just following the rules.”

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, not knowing how to respond. The Hokage let out a hearty laugh.

“Maybe we’ll start with baby steps. Why don’t you wear your headband somewhere else?”

Asami immediately shook her head. “Grandfather! It’s a forehead protector! It’s supposed to go there! My forehead needs protection!”

He stood up, walking over to her. She was almost as tall as he was, something she took pride in.

“Just do it, Asami. You might end up liking it better.”

She sighed. It would probably be worse to disobey her own grandfather—the Hokage—than to just move the stupid headband. Cautiously, she untied the leaf band and put it down around her waist.

“See, that looks just as good. And you’re still a ninja,” he said with his stupid closed-eyed smile.

Asami rolled her steel gray eyes, pouting. “Yes, Grandfather.”

But she did like it better. Not that she would admit that to him. That would mean admitting defeat, and ninjas never admitted defeat. Just then, Konohamaru bolted past them.

“What the—“ Asami started.

“Sorry, can’t talk! I have to go defeat my rival!” he shouted back to them, already out the door.

The Hokage and Asami shared a glance and she shrugged. “I think his helmet is on too tight.”

He stroked his beard. “I see. Well, you’d better go. You don’t want to be late!”

She smiled at him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks grandfather!”

Asami took a deep breath before leaving her house. Today was the day. She graduated from the Academy. She was going to start her life as a real ninja.

                                                            >^. .^<

“Hey, Hinata!” Asami called out, spotting her friend walking toward the Academy.

Hinata turned around, giving her a smile.

“Hello, Asami,” she said in her small voice.

Asami caught up to her, catching her breath. They continued toward the Academy together, talking aimlessly. Asami was glad to walk into class with a friend. It was a big day and she wanted to sit next to someone whom she could share her excitement with.

“So, I ended up punching him right in the stomach,“ Asami said as they entered class.

Hinata giggled. They stopped, glancing around the room in search of seats. There were two empty ones toward the front. Lucky them.