Because I Met You

Chapter 54: Memories

So I decided to focus on one story at a time or else I'll never get to finish any of them... So that's why this update is coming so fast after last one! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter :)

"Happy Birthday Kiu!"

My mom and dad clap joyfully after I blow out the candles on the cake. Even my little sister who's still a baby giggles in my mom's arms. This is the best day ever! I always love my birthdays. My parents always get me a bunch of gifts and make me feel special.

"Since this year you're seven years old, we have a very special gift for you, sweetheart."

Mom says to me with a smile.

"Special gift?"

I ask, trying to hide my apparent enthusiasm.

"This is the first step in making you a full-fledged member of the Kyushi clan."

My dad pats my head while explaining the purpose of my gift. My dad then picks me up and puts me on his shoulder. I giggle at how fun it is.

"Take care you two."

Mom says to us as we leave the house.

"Where are we going, Papa?"

I'm so curious about what he meant earlier.

"Remember what I told you before about our clan's Kekkei Genkai?"

"I remember! The members of the Kyushi clan can only learn jutsu by absorbing it from a fresh dead body!"

My dad lets out a proud laugh.

"That's my girl! So today, we will get you your first techniques!"

"My first jutsu! I'm so excited! What is it going to be?"

"Haha! We captured one of the bandits who attacked us last week and kept him alive just for you, Kiu. He seems to only know the basic jutsu, but it's a great start already."

That's going to be so fun! I practised my physical ability super hard with my clan to be able to take on absorbing new jutsu.

Papa takes me to the tent where they are holding up the prisoner. He looks weak.

"Are you sure he's got enough jutsu for me, Papa?"

"Why don't you find out?"

My dad puts me on the ground and gives me a kunai. I look at him with puzzled eyes.

"To acquire your first jutsu, you have to earn it by yourself. He's tied up so it should be easy for this time."

I look at the prisoner, then I look at the kunai in my hands. I then turn my gaze towards Papa.

"I have to... kill him?"

My hand is shaking a little bit. I'm a bit scared.

"This is going to be the first of many. If you want to survive in this world, you need to kill without remorse to make yourself stronger."

I gulp and hold the kunai tightly. As I approach the prisoner, I see fear in his eyes.

"Please! Don't kill me! I don't want to die!"

His cries startle me and I freeze up.

"Kiu!"

Papa calls my name in a strict tone. It makes me flinch.

"You are a member of Kyushi clan! It is your duty to get stronger and take my place! Do not disgrace your tribe!"

Disgrace?! I don't want to be a disgrace! I have to do this! If I don't then I am not a true Kyushi!