Konohagakure
The academy classroom buzzed with its usual pre-lesson chatter, but there was an unmistakable tension hanging in the air that even the most oblivious students couldn't miss. Rei sat rigidly in her seat, her eyes fixed firmly on the front of the room, pointedly avoiding looking in the direction of her silver-haired classmate. Her heart pounded despite her calm exterior, the dull ache in her chest reminding her of the unresolved hurt lingering between them.
Across the room, Kakashi mirrored her detachment, acting as though Rei didn't exist. His expression was a carefully constructed mask, his eyes never once drifting toward her. The shift in dynamics hadn't gone unnoticed. Whispers floated through the classroom, students casting curious glances between the two.
Rei's mind wandered, replaying Kakashi's cold words for what felt like the thousandth time. "The only thing I regret is ever thinking you or your brother were worth anything!" The memory cut as deeply as it had the day he'd said it, an open wound that refused to heal.
Anko, seated beside Rei, couldn't keep her curiosity at bay any longer. She leaned in, her voice low but brimming with concern, "Rei, seriously, what happened? It's been a week since you stopped talking to Kakashi. You don't even walk home with him anymore."
Rei's jaw clenched, and she squeezed her hands into fists under the desk. The sharp sting of Kakashi's rejection mixed with the frustration of her friend's prodding. "I'm not talking to him until he apologizes," she muttered, her voice thick with unspoken pain and anger.
Anko's eyes widened, the gravity of the situation dawning on her. "Apologizes? For what? What did he—"
"Rei! Anko!" The sharp voice of their sensei cut through the air, "Save the gossip for lunchtime. Pay attention!"
Rei jolted upright in her seat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as several students turned to stare. "Sorry, sensei," she mumbled, casting an apologetic glance at Anko, who shrugged, unfazed by the interruption.
The lesson resumed, but for Rei, her mind was anywhere but the classroom. Her eyes flickered to the sensei, but her focus drifted to the memory of that day at the Hatake house. Kakashi's harsh words had left a deep wound, one that hadn't healed in the days that followed. She gripped her pencil tighter, feeling the familiar surge of anger and hurt well up inside her.
She risked a glance in Kakashi's direction, only to find him staring intently at the chalkboard, his face expressionless, as though nothing had changed. But everything had changed. The boy who had trained with her, shared meals with her, and walked beside her as a friend now seemed like a stranger.
As the lesson dragged on, Rei found herself lost in a haze of memories. Late-night training sessions where Kakashi had patiently corrected her form. Quiet walks home, punctuated by comfortable silences and occasional banter. The way he'd look out for her
during group exercises, always aware of her inability to feel pain. Each recollection only deepened the ache in her chest, a stark reminder of what she'd lost.
The sensei's voice faded into the background as Rei's thoughts tumbled in a chaotic loop. How had it come to this? Just a few weeks ago, they were standing side by side; now, a chasm yawned between them. Each passing moment of silence only seemed to widen the gap.
Rei's hand trembled slightly as she attempted to take notes, her usually neat handwriting becoming jagged and uneven. She could feel the worried glances from Anko, the curious stares from other classmates, but she refused to acknowledge them. Instead, she channeled all her focus into the simple act of writing, as if by concentrating hard enough on this mundane task, she could somehow make the rest of the world disappear.
As the lesson wore on, Rei found her resolve hardening. She didn't need Kakashi. She didn't need anyone. She would prove to everyone – to Kakashi, to the village, to herself – that she was strong enough on her own. The thought sent a surge of determination through her, momentarily drowning out the hurt.
But even as she clung to this newfound resolve, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder: was Kakashi feeling the same way? Did he regret his words, or was he truly indifferent to the friendship they'd lost? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a persistent ache that no amount of determination could fully silence.
The shrill ring of the bell cut through the classroom, signaling the start of lunchtime. "Alright, class dismissed," the sensei called out over the sudden bustle of movement, "Head out for lunch, and be back on time."
Rei barely registered the words, still caught in the whirl of her thoughts, until Anko's gentle nudge brought her back to the present. "Come on, let's go eat," she said, a hint of concern in her eyes.
Blinking away her lingering frustration, Rei stood up, joining the stream of students filing out of the classroom. As they entered the hallway, she steeled herself for another lunch period of forced smiles and deflected questions, all while trying to ignore the conspicuous absence of a certain silver-haired boy at her side.
As they made their way through the crowded corridor, familiar faces gravitated towards them. Genma and Hayate fell into step beside Anko, with Genma casually slinging an arm over her shoulders. Anko's cheeks flushed, but she made no move to shrug him off.
"Ready for some grub?" Genma asked, his ever-present senbon bobbing as he spoke.
Hayate's observant gaze flickered to Rei, "Don't forget to eat today, Arakawa," he said softly, a trace of concern in his usually stoic voice.
"Yeah, yeah," Rei rolled her eyes, managing a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
As they neared the courtyard, two more familiar voices called out behind them, "Hey, guys! Wait up!"
Turning, Rei felt her smile widen genuinely for the first time that day. Obito and Rin were jogging to catch up, Obito's usual exuberance tempered by a hint of concern as he fell into step beside her.
"Mind if we join you guys?" Rin asked, her warm smile tinged with a touch of hesitation, "If not, it's okay, we don't want to intrude."
"Intrude?" Rei echoed, raising an eyebrow. She glanced around at the group, seeing nothing but welcoming faces, "Of course you can join us. We're all friends here, right?"
Anko nodded emphatically, "Absolutely. Don't ever feel like you're intruding, Rin."
"See?" Obito grinned, nudging Rin playfully, "I told you."
Rin's eyes sparkled as she fell into step on Rei's other side, "Alright then, let's go!"
As they walked toward their usual spot in the courtyard, the easy chatter of her friends filled the air, but Rei remained quiet, her thoughts heavy. She had been avoiding training sessions lately, and her absence hadn't gone unnoticed.
Obito jogged a little ahead and turned to face her as they walked. His trademark grin was in place, but a flicker of concern danced in his dark eyes, "Hey, Rei! We've missed you at training. Rin and I have been practicing, but it's not the same without you," he said, his tone light but tinged with worry, "You'll be coming back, right?"
Rei's shoulders tensed, her jaw clenching imperceptibly. Before she could deflect, Obito's expression softened, and the question hanging on his lips spilled out before he could stop himself, "Does it have something to do with... you and Kakashi not being friends anymore?"
At the mention of Kakashi, Rei's heart lurched painfully in her chest. She could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her now—Anko, Genma, Hayate, Rin—all waiting with bated breath for her answer. The air around her seemed to thicken, making it hard to breathe.
The peaceful scene of the courtyard contrasted sharply with the storm brewing inside Rei. She felt cornered, exposed, and the pressure of their concerned gazes only fueled the frustration that had been simmering all day. Something inside her snapped, and before she could stop herself, words were spilling out, sharp and bitter.
"Why does everyone care so much about him?" she snapped, her voice carrying further than intended. Her pent-up frustration becoming visible on her features, "Kakashi's not that special. Why is everyone so obsessed with him?"
The sharpness of her words hung in the air like shattered glass. For a moment, no one dared to speak. Obito opened his mouth, likely to offer some reassurance, but before he could utter a word, someone roughly bumped into Rei's shoulder, nearly knocking her off balance.
Rei whirled around, her anger igniting instantly, ready to confront whoever had pushed her.
Ebisu stood there, adjusting his glasses with a smug grin that made her blood boil. His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement behind the lenses, "Oops," he said, his voice dripping with mock innocence, "Didn't see you there, Arakawa." His smirk deepened as he leaned in, his words soft but cutting, "How does it feel now that you're not worthy enough for the class prodigy anymore?"
Rei's heart thundered in her chest, her blood rushing in her ears. She could feel her nails digging into her palms as her hands clenched into tight fists. The raw sting of Kakashi's rejection and the weight of her friends' unspoken questions fanned the flames of her anger.
"You don't know anything," she hissed, her voice low and dangerous.
Ebisu chuckled, undeterred by the venom in her tone, "Oh, I know enough. Must hurt, huh? Being tossed aside like that. Maybe you weren't as special as you thought."
Something inside Rei snapped, a dam of emotions bursting forth.
"Shut up!" she growled, stepping forward, her fists raised in a clear challenge. Her friends stood frozen, shock etched on their faces as they watched the scene unfold.
Ebisu's smirk faltered slightly, but he held his ground, clearly relishing the reaction he was provoking, "Touchy, aren't we? Guess Kakashi—"
Before he could finish, Rei's fist connected with his jaw in a sickening crunch. Ebisu staggered back, more stunned than hurt, but the impact was enough to send him sprawling to the ground. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by Rei's ragged breathing.
Her body trembled with barely contained rage, vision blurring at the edges. All rational thought was drowned out by the echo of Ebisu's cruel words and the torrent of emotions she had tried so hard to contain.
"Rei!" Obito's shocked voice cut through the haze, snapping her back to reality. But she wasn't done yet. She moved to strike again, her bruised knuckles rising for another blow.
Ebisu cowered, arms raised in defense, but before she could land another punch, strong hands pulled her back. Genma and Hayate grabbed her shoulders, their voices urgent.
"Rei, stop!" Genma pleaded, his normally carefree tone laced with alarm, "That's enough!"
"Let it go," Hayate added, his grip steady but gentle.
Rei's chest heaved with each breath, her pulse pounding in her ears. She looked down at Ebisu, his face a mask of shock and fear, and suddenly, the weight of what she had done began to sink in. Before she could fully process the consequences of her actions, a stern voice cut through the tension like a knife, "What in the world is going on here?"
Rei's stomach dropped. Their sensei stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a mixture of disbelief and barely contained anger. Around them, the courtyard had fallen into a hushed silence as other students watched the scene unfold with wide eyes.
The sensei's gaze landed on Rei, his voice as cold as ice, "Arakawa, detention."
Ebisu groaned as he pulled himself up, a thin trickle of blood running from his nose, "Both of you," the sensei added, his tone brooking no argument, "Infirmary. Immediately."
Ebisu shot Rei a look of pure hatred as he stumbled to his feet, but she barely registered it, still caught in the swirling storm of her emotions. As the sensei marched them both away, the whispers of the other students followed in their wake like a swarm of angry bees. Her friends stood rooted to the spot, expressions a mixture of concern and confusion.
Anko exchanged a worried glance with Obito, who looked down at the ground, his earlier cheerfulness now replaced with a furrowed brow and downturned lips. The group remained silent, the weight of what had just transpired hanging heavily in the air, leaving them all to wonder how things had spiraled so quickly out of control.
The rest of the day passed in a blur for Rei. She sat through her classes in a daze, barely registering the lessons or the concerned glances from her friends. The weight of her actions hung heavy on her shoulders, a constant reminder of how far she had let her emotions push her.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes for most students, Rei remained seated. The classroom slowly emptied, leaving behind an eerie silence that seemed to amplify the tumult in her mind. She watched as her classmates filed out, their excited chatter about after-school plans only serving to deepen her sense of isolation.
The classroom was eerily quiet, the last echoes of the final bell having long since faded. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays through the windows, illuminating the dust particles suspended in the air. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside Rei's chest. She sat alone at her desk, her bandaged hand resting atop the wood—a stark reminder of the day's chaos. She flexed her fingers absentmindedly, feeling the tight pull of the wrappings, though no pain registered. Her lack of sensation, a disconnection from everything, even her own body.
Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall, watching as the minutes ticked by. Each second felt like a hammer against her heart, reminding her she'd be late visiting her brother at the hospital. The thought of rushing through her time with Takeshi, squeezing in moments between obligations and guilt, only deepened the irritation gnawing at her.
The scraping of a chair broke the heavy silence as her sensei moved from his desk to stand in front of her. He studied her for a moment, the concern etched into his face more pronounced in the dim light of the late afternoon.
"Rei," he began, his tone softer than it had been earlier but still carrying the weight of authority, "What's going on with you lately?"
Rei kept her gaze fixed on her desk, her jaw tightening as she clenched her fists beneath it. She refused to meet his eyes, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface, threatening to spill over.
The sensei sighed quietly, leaning back against his desk, "You've always been one of our brightest students. Focused. Driven. You excel in everything you put your mind to," he continued, his voice a careful balance of concern and authority, "But these last few weeks....you've been losing focus. And now this outburst today..."
He trailed off, leaving room for Rei to respond, but the silence stretched between them. She could feel the pressure mounting, his expectation hanging in the air like a weight she wasn't ready to lift.
"This isn't like you, Rei," the sensei added, his tone shifting to something more personal, more worried.
Outside, the faint sound of birds chirping in the trees was the only noise that broke the quiet. The peaceful scene contrasted with the storm of thoughts swirling in Rei's mind, making her feel even more out of place, more distant from the world around her.
The sensei crossed his arms, leaning forward slightly, "I've been hearing things, Rei. About your brother. About Sakumo Hatake."
At the mention of those names, Rei's head snapped up, her amber eyes blazing with sudden, fierce intensity. Her pulse quickened, and the anger she had been holding back all day rose dangerously close to the surface.
The sensei held up his hand, as if trying to calm her before she could unleash her fury, "I know it's not my place to pry, but the village talks. There's a lot of chatter about Sakumo's mission...and the consequences of his actions. And now your brother—"
"Don't," Rei cut him off sharply, her voice low but charged with venom. Her whole body tensed as though preparing for a fight, "You don't know anything about them."
The sensei frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. He didn't flinch at her tone, but there was a softness in his expression that almost made her angrier, "Rei, I'm not here to judge. I'm here to help. If something's going on at home—if you need support—"
"I don't need help," Rei snapped, her voice rising as her hands clenched into fists again, tighter this time. She could feel her nails digging into her palms, but the familiar absence of pain only deepened her frustration, "And neither does my big brother. Or Sakumo-san."
Her heart pounded against her ribcage, every beat fueled by the injustice she felt building inside her. She could see it in her sensei's face—the same doubt, the same quiet judgement she had seen in the eyes of the villagers. They all thought they understood. But they were all wrong.
The sensei stepped closer, his voice still calm but laced with insistence, "Rei, I know you feel loyal to them. I respect that. But sometimes...sometimes we have to face difficult truths. Sakumo's actions have had far-reaching consequences, and your brother—"
"Big brother is a hero!" Rei shouted, standing so abruptly that her chair scraped hardly against the floor. Her breath came in short, angry bursts, and her chest heaved with the weight of emotions she could no longer contain, "And so is Sakumo-san! They did what was right, what was human, and this village—"
Her voice cracked, the words catching in her throat as the overwhelming pain finally broke through her anger, "This village is too blind to see it."
The sensei's expression softened, his eyes filled with sympathy and understanding. He took a step back, giving her the space she needed, but his voice was still firm, "Rei, I know this is hard for you. But lashing out, pushing away your friends, neglecting your training—it's not going to change anything. It's not going to help Takeshi, and it certainly isn't going to help you."
The sensei's words hung in the air, their weight settling on Rei's shoulders. She slumped back into her chair, the fight draining out of her, leaving behind a hollow exhaustion. For a moment, neither spoke, the ticking of the classroom clock punctuating the heavy silence.
Finally, the sensei sighed, his voice gentler now. "Rei, you're dismissed. But remember, my door is always open if you need to talk."
Rei nodded mutely, gathering her things. As she reached the door, the sensei called out one last time, "And Rei? Don't let the weight of the world crush that fire inside you. It's what makes you special."
She paused for a moment, hand on the doorknob, before slipping out without a word.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as Rei made her way through the village streets. Her feet carried her automatically to the hospital, her mind still swirling with the day's events. The usual bustle of the village seemed muted, as if the world was holding its breath.
As she entered the hospital, the familiar antiseptic smell hit her nostrils. The nurses at the reception desk gave her a sympathetic nod – she had become a regular sight in these halls. Rei made her way to Takeshi's room, her steps slowing as she approached the door.
Inside, the steady beep of machines greeted her. Takeshi lay still, unchanged, his chest rising and falling in a rhythm that had become painfully familiar. Rei sank into the chair beside his bed, her hand finding his.
"Hey, big brother," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "I messed up today. I wish... I wish you were here to tell me what to do."
The silence that followed was broken only by the steady beep of the machines. Rei took a deep breath, finding a strange comfort in the quiet room. Here, with Takeshi, she could let her guard down.
"I punched Ebisu today," she continued, a hint of her usual mischief creeping into her voice. "He deserved it, but... I know you wouldn't approve. You always said I should use my words, not my fists." She paused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Though you also said some people need sense knocked into them."
Rei's voice grew softer, more vulnerable.
"Everything's so messed up, big brother. Kakashi... he said such horrible things. About you, about me. I thought we were friends, but..." She trailed off, blinking back tears. "And the village, they're all talking about Sakumo-san like he's a traitor. It's not fair. They don't understand."
As Rei continued to pour out her heart, the door to the room creaked open. She turned, startled, to see Shikaku Nara standing in the doorway, a small bouquet of flowers in his hand.
"Oh," Shikaku said, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I didn't realize you were here, Rei. I can come back later if you want some privacy."
Rei shook her head, quickly wiping at her eyes. "No, it's okay. I was just... talking to him."
Shikaku nodded, understanding in his eyes as he stepped into the room. He placed the flowers in a vase by Takeshi's bed, then turned to Rei. "How are you holding up?"
Rei shrugged, not trusting her voice. Shikaku studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes taking in her bandaged hand and the shadows under her eyes.
"You know," he said slowly, "the Nara compound is pretty quiet. Good place to think, or... not think, if that's what you need. You're welcome there anytime."
Rei looked up at him, surprised by the offer. "Really?"
Shikaku nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yeah. Takeshi used to come by sometimes when things got too noisy in the village. Said it helped clear his head. Figured you might need that too."
For the first time that day, Rei felt a genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Shikaku. I... I might take you up on that."
As Shikaku settled into the chair on the other side of Takeshi's bed, Rei felt a small spark of warmth in her chest. The two sat in companionable silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts, united by their concern for Takeshi.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Rei reluctantly stood up. "I should probably head home," she said softly, giving Takeshi's hand one last squeeze.
Shikaku nodded, his eyes understanding. "Take care, Rei. And remember, the offer stands anytime."
With a final glance at her brother, Rei left the hospital room, her steps a little lighter than when she had arrived.
The streets of Konoha were quieter now, the bustle of the day giving way to the peaceful calm of evening. Rei walked slowly, in no hurry to reach her empty home. The events of the day played over in her mind, a chaotic mix of anger, frustration, and the unexpected kindness from Shikaku.
As she approached her house, Rei paused, taking a deep breath before pushing open the door. The silence that greeted her was almost oppressive, a stark reminder of Takeshi's absence.
She made her way to the kitchen, flicking on the light. Her eyes immediately fell on an object on the counter - the Hisatsume, the Arakawa clan's treasured sword. It lay there, untouched since the day Sakumo had brought Takeshi to the hospital.
Rei approached slowly, her gaze fixed on the sheathed blade. There was something different about it tonight, an energy she couldn't quite explain. The air around the Hisatsume seemed to shimmer, almost imperceptibly, and Rei felt an inexplicable pull towards it.
As she drew closer, a faint whisper tickled the edges of her consciousness. It wasn't quite a voice, more like a feeling, an urge that seemed to emanate from the sword itself. Touch it, the sensation seemed to say. Take it.
Rei's hand hovered over the hilt, her fingers trembling slightly. The rational part of her mind screamed caution, reminding her of all the warnings Takeshi had given about the clan's sacred weapon. But the pull was irresistible, growing stronger with each passing second.
Before she could second-guess herself, Rei's fingers closed around the hilt of the Hisatsume. A jolt of energy surged through her body, starting from her hand and racing up her arm. Her vision blurred, the kitchen spinning around her as a rush of sensations overwhelmed her senses.
Rei felt her knees buckle, her body falling, but the impact never came. Instead, she found herself floating in an endless void, surrounded by swirling mists of blue and silver. The Hisatsume was gone from her grasp, yet she could still feel its power pulsing through her.
"Welcome, young one," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the void. "I've been waiting for you."
As the mists parted, a figure emerged. Tall and imposing, with long black hair and piercing amber eyes that crackled with fire. He wore ancient armor adorned with symbols Rei recognized from the Hisatsume's sheath.
The figure's lips curved into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and arrogance. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice rich and commanding, "Look what we have here. The latest little Arakawa to stumble into my domain."
Rei felt a shiver run down her spine, a mix of awe and trepidation coursing through her. "Who... who are you?" she managed to ask, her voice sounding small in the vast, misty space.
The man threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing around them. "Who am I? Oh, child, I'm only the greatest Arakawa to ever live. Raiden Arakawa, the first clan leader, the one who started it all." He gestured grandly to himself, his armor glinting in the ethereal light. "And you, little one, are the latest in a long line of disappointments... or perhaps not. We'll see."
Rei's mind reeled, trying to process what was happening. This had to be a dream, a hallucination. And yet, something deep within her knew this was real. "But... why can I see you? Why now?"
Raiden's smirk grew wider, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Because, my dear, you're special. A child of prophecy, they say. Destined to follow in my footsteps." He leaned in closer, his presence overwhelming. "Though between you and me, I doubt anyone could truly match my greatness."
He began to circle Rei, eyeing her with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "You're meant to wield power like mine, to shape the world as I once did. But looking at you now..." He paused, raising an eyebrow. "Well, let's just say I'm not holding my breath."
Rei felt a surge of indignation, her earlier fear giving way to anger. "I'm stronger than I look," she protested, her fists clenching at her sides.
Raiden's laughter boomed again. "Oh, feisty! I like that. Maybe there's hope for you yet, little spark." He stopped in front of her, his expression growing serious for a moment. "But make no mistake, child. The path ahead of you is not for the weak. You'll need more than just spirit to live up to your destiny."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But if you do... oh, the things we could accomplish together. The world at our feet, the very elements bending to our will." His eyes gleamed with an almost maniacal light. "What do you say, little Rei? Are you ready to become a legend?"
Rei stood there, caught between awe and defiance, as Raiden's words hung in the air. She felt the weight of his expectations pressing down on her, but a spark of her usual stubbornness flared to life.
"How do I know I can trust you?" she challenged, her amber eyes meeting his fiery gaze. "You say all these grand things, but how do I know you're not just some... some trick of my imagination?"
Raiden's laughter boomed once more, but this time there was a hint of approval in his eyes. "Ah, there's that Arakawa spirit! Good, good. You'll need that skepticism, little spark." His expression softened slightly, becoming almost wistful. "But trust or not, it doesn't matter now. My time is almost up."
He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.
"Listen closely, Rei. Now that we've met, my power will become yours. It was the last thing I had to do before leaving this plane for good." A smirk played on his lips. "Consider it my parting gift to the clan."
Rei's eyes widened, trying to process his words. "Your power? But how—"
Raiden held up a hand, cutting her off. "No time for questions now, little one. But I'll give you this..." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "In three days' time, when the sun hangs low in the sky, go to Sakumo's house. Be there at the sixth hour of the evening."
"But why? What's going to happen?" Rei asked, frustration coloring her voice.
Raiden's smirk widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Now where's the fun in telling you everything? Some things you have to figure out for yourself, little spark."
Before Rei could protest further, the misty world around them began to fade. Raiden's form started to dissipate, but his voice echoed one last time:
"Remember, Rei. Three days. Sixth hour. Sakumo's house. Don't be late."
With a final wink, Raiden vanished completely. The void spun around Rei, colors and sensations blurring together. She felt herself falling, falling...
Rei's eyes snapped open. She was lying on the kitchen floor, the cold tiles pressing against her cheek. The Hisatsume lay beside her, its blade partially unsheathed. As she pushed herself up, groaning at the stiffness in her limbs, Raiden's final words echoed in her mind.
Three days. Sixth hour. Sakumo's house.