Konohagakure
The sun had barely risen over Konoha, casting its pale light across the village. The cool morning air was crisp and clean, invigorating as Rei stretched her arms and let out a firm "Ah!" as she began her training session. She stood beside Anko and Genma in the open training grounds, each armed with their preferred weapons—Rei with her wakizashi, Anko with kunai and shuriken, and Genma with kunai and senbon needles.
Their session had become a regular occurrence over the past few weeks. Both Anko and Genma admired Rei's skills, which far surpassed those of their peers. The rigorous training was a testament to her determination and raw talent.
"Alright, let's get into it," Rei announced, adjusting her stance. "I want to improve my chakra control. Who's up first?"
Anko stepped forward, grinning mischievously. "I'll start. Genma, get ready to deflect."
Genma snorted, eyes sparkling with challenge. "You think you can take me down, Anko?"
Anko let out a few kunai, aiming directly at Genma, who quickly parried them with his senbon needles. Rei watched intently, critiquing their technique and timing. After a few rounds, she stepped in to demonstrate her own moves with the wakizashi.
The morning air grew warmer as they trained, the practice session becoming more intense and lively. Their laughter and playful jabs filled the air, momentarily eclipsing the underlying tension Rei felt.
As they wrapped up their session, Rei won a playful bet they had made earlier—she didn't have to carry Genma's bag to class today, a small victory that made her smile. Just as they were about to leave, Anko shot her a teasing glance.
"Hey, don't forget. You lost last week's bet. You have to carry my bag this week!"
Rei rolled her eyes, laughing. "Oh, come on! That was just one time."
But as they headed toward class, it became clear Rei wasn't going to get off that easily. The lighthearted banter continued, providing a welcome distraction from the thoughts she hadn't voiced aloud. Her brother, Takeshi, was due back today, and she wasn't sure what mood he'd be in.
During their walk, Anko nudged her playfully. "Hey, you know, you used to be more carefree. Not that I mind your tough new persona."
Rei smirked, her expression masking a flutter of uncertainty. "Just growing up, that's all."
At the Academy, the day unfolded with the usual mix of lessons and the subtle undercurrents of relationships and rivalries. Rei's competitive streak was always on display, though she was careful to keep her guard up, especially around Kakashi, whose reserved nature seemed to intrigue her just as much as it annoyed her.
But before long, the bell rang, signaling the end of their first session. As they left the classroom, Rei noticed a commotion near the courtyard. It seemed the students were gathered around something—perhaps a prank or a challenge—drawing her attention and curiosity.
"Hey, what's going on?" Rei asked, nudging Anko.
Anko shrugged. "Looks like Obito's at it again. Maybe he's found another way to get himself into trouble."
Rei chuckled, heading toward the crowd with a dry comment, "That's just his specialty."
As she pushed her way through the students, her amber eyes landed on Obito in the center. He was grinning, his onyx eyes sparkling with determination.
"Hey! Better watch out, Kakashi! I'll show you who's got the real chakra control!" Obito exclaimed, his voice ringing through the courtyard.
Rei raised an eyebrow, entertained despite herself. This was shaping up to be an interesting break.
Kakashi stood opposite Obito, his arms crossed and his expression hidden behind his mask. But even without seeing his face, Rei could sense his annoyance. "Do we really have to do this?" Kakashi asked, his tone exasperated.
Obito's grin only widened. "Unless you're scared I might actually beat you this time!"
A collective "Ooh" rippled through the crowd. Rei found herself leaning in, curious to see how this would play out. She knew Kakashi's skills were exceptional, but there was something about Obito's unwavering enthusiasm that made her want to root for the underdog.
Kakashi sighed, uncrossing his arms. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
Without another word, he turned to face the large tree at the edge of the courtyard. In one fluid motion, he formed a hand seal and began walking up the trunk, each step steady and controlled. The crowd watched in awe as Kakashi climbed higher and higher, his chakra control flawless.
Rei's eyes narrowed, studying his technique. She had to admit, even if only to herself, that Kakashi's skill was impressive. But her thoughts were interrupted by Obito's determined shout.
"Alright, my turn!"
Obito ran towards the tree, his face a mask of concentration. For a moment, it seemed like he might actually succeed. His first few steps up the trunk were steady, but then—
"Watch out!" someone yelled, but it was too late.
Obito's control faltered, and he came tumbling down, scraping his leg against the rough bark as he fell. The crowd's reaction was immediate—a mixture of gasps, laughter, and disappointed sighs.
As Obito hit the ground with a thud, Rei felt a twinge of... something. Sympathy? Frustration? She wasn't sure. But before she could process it, she found herself moving forward, pushing through the dispersing crowd.
Rin was already at Obito's side, her first-aid kit in hand. "Obito! Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Obito winced, trying to brush it off with a weak laugh. "I'm fine, Rin. It's just a scratch."
Rei stood there, watching as Rin tended to Obito's injury. She felt the weight of her bento box in her hand, remembering she hadn't eaten yet. With a moment's hesitation, she made a decision.
"Here," Rei said, extending her bento towards Obito. Her voice was gruff, almost dismissive, as if to counteract the kindness of the gesture. "Looks like you need this more than I do."
Obito looked up, surprise clear on his face. "Rei? Are you sure?"
Rei shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Just take it before I change my mind. And don't make this a habit, got it?"
As Obito accepted the bento with a grateful smile, Rei caught sight of Kakashi watching from a distance. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she thought she saw a flicker of... approval? But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, leaving Rei to wonder if she had imagined it.
The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of their break. As students began to file back towards the classrooms, Rei lingered for a moment, her thoughts a jumble of conflicting emotions. She wasn't sure why she had helped Obito, or why Kakashi's fleeting glance had affected her.
With a shake of her head, she turned to follow her classmates. Whatever these feelings were, she didn't have time for them. She had training to focus on, skills to improve. After all, she was an Arakawa. And Arakawas didn't have the luxury of weakness.
As the day wore on, Rei found herself increasingly distracted. The afternoon classes dragged by, her mind drifting between the morning's events and the nagging anticipation of Takeshi's return. When the final bell rang, she was among the first to leave, her steps quick and purposeful as she headed home.
The familiar streets of Konoha seemed different somehow, as if the weight of her thoughts had altered the very landscape. As she approached her house, she noticed something off—a flicker of movement in the window, a presence she hadn't expected so soon.
Takeshi was home.
Rei hesitated at the gate, her hand hovering over the latch. Part of her wanted to rush in, to see her brother and make sure he was okay. Another part, the part that remembered his confession about the mark, made her want to turn and run.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the gate open and stepped inside. The house was quiet, almost too quiet. She made her way through the rooms, her senses on high alert.
That's when she saw it—the door to the family shrine was slightly ajar.
Rei approached cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest. As she peered through the crack, she saw Takeshi standing before the Hisatsume, his back to her. His posture was rigid, his hands clenched at his sides. He seemed frozen, caught between reaching for the sword and recoiling from it.
She must have made a sound, because Takeshi suddenly turned, his eyes wide with surprise and something else—was it shame?
"Rei," he said, his voice hoarse. "You're home early."
Rei stepped into the shrine, her gaze shifting between her brother and the ancestral sword. "I could say the same to you," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "How... how was the mission?"
Takeshi's eyes darted back to the Hisatsume for a moment before he forced a smile. "It was fine. Successful. But Rei, there's something we need to discuss."
Rei's eyes narrowed, her body tensing instinctively. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Takeshi took a deep breath, his gaze flickering once more to the Hisatsume before settling back on Rei. "I've been selected for another mission," he began, his words careful and measured. "It's... important. And it starts tomorrow."
Rei felt her heart sink. She had just gotten her brother back, and now he was leaving again? But there was something in Takeshi's tone, a hesitation that told her there was more to this story.
"How long?" she managed to ask, fighting to keep her voice steady.
"Two weeks, maybe more," Takeshi replied. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of nervousness Rei rarely saw from him. "But that's not all. Rei, while I'm gone, you'll be staying with the Hatake family."
The words hit Rei like a physical blow. She took a step back, her mind reeling. "What? Why can't I stay here? I can take care of myself, I'm not a child anymore!"
Takeshi's expression softened, guilt evident in his eyes. "I know you're capable, Rei. But this isn't about your abilities. It's about..." he trailed off, seeming to struggle with his words.
"About what?" Rei pressed, her frustration building.
"About not trusting me? About thinking I'm still just a burden?"
"No, Rei, it's not that at all," Takeshi said quickly, reaching out to her but stopping short of actually touching her. "It's complicated. Sakumo-san has been... he's been a mentor to me. He's leading this mission, and he's chosen me as part of his team. While we're gone, you'll be staying with Kakashi at the Hatake household."
Rei felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her - anger, hurt, confusion. But above all, a sense of betrayal that threatened to overwhelm her. She clenched her fists, fighting back the tears that threatened to form.
"So you're just going to leave me with them?" she bit out, her voice cold. "Like I'm some sort of package to be dropped off?"
Takeshi's face fell, the guilt evident in his eyes. "Rei, please understand. This mission is important, and I... I trust Kakashi to look after you. He may be your age, but he's capable."
"I'm capable too!" Rei snapped, her frustration boiling over. "Or have you forgotten that?"
Without waiting for a response, she turned and stormed out of the shrine, leaving Takeshi standing alone with the weight of his decision and the silent judgment of the Hisatsume.
As she retreated to her room, Rei's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She had to pack, had to prepare herself for yet another change. But more than that, she had to steel herself against the growing feeling that no matter what she did, she would always be seen as something to be protected, never as the protector she longed to be.
With a heavy sigh, she began to gather her things, dreading the idea of staying with Kakashi, her rival, and feeling more alone than ever.
Rei's movements were mechanical as she packed, her mind elsewhere. She folded each piece of clothing with unnecessary precision, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The silence of the house pressed in on her, broken only by the occasional creak of floorboards or the soft rustle of fabric.
As she reached for another shirt, her hand brushed against something cool and metallic. Pulling it out, she realized it was a small photo frame, one she'd tucked away months ago. In it, a younger version of herself smiled back, flanked by her parents and Takeshi. They looked happy, united. A family.
Rei stared at the photo, her throat tightening.
How had everything changed so much? When had she become this person – guarded, always on edge, constantly trying to prove herself? She traced her finger over her father's face, remembering his strength, his unwavering belief in the Arakawa legacy.
"What would you think of me now, Dad?" she whispered to the empty room. "Am I living up to your expectations? Or am I just... a disappointment?"
The question hung in the air, unanswered. With a shake of her head, Rei slipped the photo into her bag. Maybe having it with her would provide some comfort in the days to come.
As she zipped up her bag, a soft knock on the door startled her. Takeshi stood in the doorway, his expression a mix of concern and resignation.
"Are you ready?" he asked softly. "Sakumo-san is waiting outside."
Rei nodded curtly, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She brushed past Takeshi without a word, her jaw set in determination. She wouldn't let him see how much this was affecting her. Arakawas didn't show weakness, after all.
Outside, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. Sakumo Hatake stood by the gate, his white hair gleaming in the fading light. Beside him, looking as disinterested as ever, was Kakashi.
"Ah, Rei," Sakumo greeted warmly. "Thank you for agreeing to stay with Kakashi. I know it's not an ideal situation, but I'm sure you two will manage well together."
Rei managed a small nod, not trusting herself to speak. She could feel Kakashi's eyes on her, assessing, probably judging. It made her skin prickle with irritation.
"Kakashi," Sakumo continued, "why don't you help Rei with her bag?"
"I can carry it myself," Rei said quickly, tightening her grip on the strap. The last thing she needed was to appear weak in front of Kakashi.
Kakashi shrugged, clearly uninterested. "Fine by me."
An awkward silence fell over the group. Rei could feel Takeshi's eyes on her, pleading silently for understanding, for forgiveness. But she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Not yet.
"Well," Sakumo said, breaking the tension, "we should get going. Takeshi, we'll meet at the village gates at dawn. Kakashi, you know what to do while we're gone."
Takeshi nodded, then turned to Rei. "Be safe, little sister," he said softly. "I'll be back before you know it."
Rei bit her lip, fighting back the urge to hug him, to beg him not to go. Instead, she simply nodded, her eyes fixed on a point in the distance.
As Sakumo and Takeshi walked away, Rei couldn't help but glance back. Takeshi stood at the gate, watching them leave. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes – regret? Fear? But then he smiled, raised a hand in farewell, and disappeared from view.
The walk to the Hatake house was quiet. Kakashi, for his part, remained silent, walking a few paces ahead.
As they approached the house, Rei felt a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension. She'd never been inside Kakashi's home before. What would it be like? Would there be reminders of his mother, or had all traces of her been erased?
"Here we are," Kakashi announced flatly, sliding open the front door. "I'll show you to the guest room."
As they walked down the hallway, Rei couldn't help but notice how bare the walls were. No family photos, no decorations. It felt... impersonal.
"This is your room," Kakashi said, stopping in front of a door. His voice was neutral, giving away nothing of what he thought about this arrangement.
"Bathroom's down the hall. We eat dinner at seven."
Rei nodded, stepping into the room. It was simple but comfortable, with a bed, a desk, and a small closet. She set her bag down, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the reality of her situation.
"Thanks," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kakashi lingered in the doorway for a moment, as if wanting to say something more. But then he simply shrugged and walked away, leaving Rei alone with her thoughts.
The soft click of the door closing echoed in the quiet room. Rei stood still for a moment, listening to Kakashi's retreating footsteps. When she could no longer hear them, she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
Slowly, she began to unpack her belongings, each item a reminder of the home she'd left behind. As she placed her clothes in the unfamiliar dresser, her hand brushed against something hard at the bottom of her bag. Curious, she pulled it out.
It was the photo frame she'd hastily packed earlier – the one with her family, smiling and whole. Rei stared at it, a lump forming in her throat. She traced her finger over her father's face, remembering his strength, his unwavering belief in the Arakawa legacy. What would he think of her now, staying in another family's home, feeling lost and alone?
A sudden urge to be anywhere but in this room overwhelmed her. She needed air, space to think. Quietly, she slipped out of the guest room and made her way down the hallway. The house was eerily quiet, save for the faint sounds of movement coming from what she assumed was Kakashi's room.
As she passed by, she noticed his door was slightly ajar. Against her better judgment, Rei paused, peering inside. Kakashi sat at his desk, poring over a scroll, his back to the door. Even in his own home, he was focused, driven. For a moment, Rei felt a pang of... something. Admiration? Envy? She wasn't sure.
Shaking off the feeling, she continued down the hall, eventually finding her way to the back door. She stepped out into the cool evening air, taking a deep breath. The Hatake compound had a small garden, she realized. It was well-maintained but simple, much like the rest of the house.
Rei walked to the center of the garden, where a small stone bench sat beneath an old tree. She sank onto it, her eyes drawn to the sky above. The stars were just beginning to appear, twinkling faintly in the darkening blue.
As she sat there, surrounded by the unfamiliar sights and scents of the Hatake home, Rei felt the weight of her situation settle fully upon her shoulders. She was here, alone, cut off from everything familiar. Her brother was gone, about to embark on a dangerous mission. And she was left behind, once again, to wait and wonder.
But as the stars grew brighter overhead, a small spark of determination ignited within her. She was Rei Arakawa, after all. She'd faced challenges before, and she'd face this one too. Whatever this stay with Kakashi brought, whatever trials lay ahead, she would meet them head-on.
With renewed resolve, Rei stood up, ready to head back inside. As she turned, however, she caught a glimpse of movement from the house. Kakashi stood at the window, watching her. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he quickly stepped away, disappearing from view.