"Strive not to achieve success,
But so that your life
Has meaning!"
Albert Einstein. ©
April 3, 1056
"Here, come again," taking my photo from the old man and thanking him, I headed to the Hokage's Residence. The path wasn't far, but I felt all spring's charms.
First sun rays glided over my face; fresh grass scents filled my nose. Streets quiet, like the world held breath for something grand—only birds' chirps broke the peace. Early morning, most still slept; I met few people, mostly shinobi.
Over years, I'd grown used to this world—even loved it, one might say. Most importantly—I stopped comparing. Lacking emotions, I wasn't surprised by much, but some things caused soul-deep dissonance. Sometimes it felt like a fairy tale. Other times, I dreamed of the old world, faded and forgotten. I'd wake thinking: time to dress, miss the bus, can't find the classroom—grandma'll get called to school for skipping. But seconds later, dream faded; I'd scan my dorm room. Unexpectedly, deep in frozen feelings' backwoods, it'd hurt a tiny bit.
Dunno why, but I'd sink into it a second, then surface to neutral reality. No grandma or godmother here, no old friends or family. All stayed in prior world—probably why it stung. People I'd spent most life with, forever in unreachable past. Past I'd never return to. Someday I'd forget even their voices.
*'Enough, Ariza—morning just started, no gloom,'* I inhaled fresh morning air, switching thoughts.
Yesterday our class took the genin exam. We could barely call ourselves shinobi now, with huge stretch. Post-exam, Sasuke and I even celebrated. Nice. No clue if Naruto passed—I left before him. But sure he did. I remembered he'd fail on illusion clones, so month or two prior, invited him to train. Got him to passing minimum, but skimped theory: to join our team, he needed lowest score.
If Naruto skips Shadow Clone Technique—not tragic. Main thing: pass and join us; I'll teach him then.
Lost in thought, I arrived unnoticed. About to enter, shoji slid open; Uzumaki burst out, nearly knocking me over.
"Oh, hi Ariza-chan. Bye!" He flashed dazzling smile and ran. Little golden whirlwind. No forehead protector, but too happy—passed. As I raised hand to knock, shoji opened again; dark-haired eight- or nine-year-old boy rushed out, slamming into me. He fell, rubbing his back.
"Hey! What're you standing there for! Blind?!" He cutely rubbed his face; my lips curved into a smile. Scanning the intriguing kid, I realized first time seeing him. Beige Leaf-symbol shirt, long blue scarf.
"Get up," I offered hand, but he stood alone. "What's your name?"
"I'm Konohamaru!" the boy declared proudly, and I recalled who stood before me.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ari..."
"Where'd the blond in orange go?" loud Sarutobi interrupted. I silently pointed around corner; brunette bolted after.
*'Looks like Naruto got a student.'*
Shrugging, I crossed threshold into big room. Nearly empty, just two at table: Third and unknown shinobi. Why they collect grad docs, not Minato—unknown. Maybe aiding busy Fourth; or pension boredom. Maybe dad's day off? Can't work twelve years nonstop.
In these years, I never slipped. No rash moves, no politics. Me here, them there. Not that isekai type charging Root week one. If someone wants Danzou dead—go ahead; I'm no kamikaze. Messing with him suicidal. Shinobi instinct sometimes said watched; I'd sensor-check, scan Training Ground—no guests ever.
"Hello," I addressed Hiruzen. He sat in Hokage robes, puffing pipe slowly, savoring. Without open windows, office'd reek of smoke.
"Hello, Ariza-chan," he smiled cutely, and I handed him the documents. "Well then, congratulations, now you're officially a shinobi of Konoha."
"Thank you, but I think a real shinobi is someone who's gone through thousands of battles, not someone who wears a headband."
"Oh, really," he raised his eyebrows slightly. "Interesting thoughts. Well, you're free to go, come back tomorrow for the assignment."
"I will!" After saying goodbye, I left the office and stepped out onto the street.
*Even though it's a day off from classes today. No one canceled training. So let's get to it: fifteen laps around all of Konoha,* flashed through my thoughts, and I dashed off along my route. Yes, I'd already explored the entire village. And I have my favorite streets and spots. After the run, I always buy something to drink at my usual stall, plus okonomiyaki [Okonomiyaki — a popular Japanese "fast food" dish, a fried pancake made from a mix of various ingredients, brushed with special sauce and sprinkled with very thinly sliced dried bonito.] or grilled squid as a reward for the hard training. I believe you should always reward yourself for achieved goals — it reinforces the good habit of working. And that habit will help move mountains.
Yes, and I love to eat, even if it's not healthy. I'm quite the sweet tooth; you can always find candy, cookies, chocolate bars, or some pastries at home. Most often, I buy all this as a reward for completing the goal of the week or month.
Improved a combo? Treat time. Learned a new move? Here's your reward. Created a new technique? Have a little present.
And right now, I need to run to my reward. Might as well use the time to sum things up.
About three years have passed. Sasuke and I have greatly improved our ninjutsu, kendo, and taijutsu. Our bukijutsu has long been practically perfect. We handle shuriken and kunai excellently, as well as wire, which we can use masterfully.
And Uchiha even worked on genjutsu, so I had to fight his illusions. For that, I stopped the flow of chakra. Genjutsu is tough, though now I know how they're cast with Sharingan and how to detect in a second that you're already under an illusion.
Over these years, I've noticeably increased my reserves, but I hide the volume whenever possible. Sasuke and I have become a bit more than friends: we do homework together, visit each other's homes, train, and sometimes just hang out.
The only thing we don't do together anymore is fight at full strength against each other. Because a year and a half ago, there was one unpleasant incident after which I ended up in the hospital for a long time. So we don't know who's stronger between the two of us (and we don't really want to know anymore, anyway).
Things with the Fireball have improved. But at first, it burned my hand badly. Good thing I'm a C-rank medical ninja and could handle minor injuries. I just thought the Fireball was safe now when it exploded in my hand again. The burns were so bad I had to go to the hospital. I got in big trouble there. After all, all layers of the epidermis and dermis were damaged, along with the chakra channels. The pain was monstrous.
Over these years, I managed to cut a leaf and a waterfall with air. Itachi kept his promise to me, and one summer during break, we went with him and Sasuke beyond Konoha, and that's where I cut the waterfall with a wind technique.
Then, separately from them, I decided to add wind to the technique, and the result exceeded all expectations. I invented two types of Fireball. The first is like Naruto's Rasenshuriken — same shape, but different effect. I called it "Fire-shuriken." On contact, it causes a surface explosion, and inside, like Naruto's, cellular-level destruction. Due to the damage and chakra cost, I'll only use it in extreme cases. And no desire to reveal an S-rank technique.
*Can an Academy student not just learn it, but invent it? Of course not, that's only for geniuses, but I'm a cheater, not a genius.*
The second type took me a very, very long time. It's the most complex and dangerous technique in my arsenal, a real kinjutsu [techniques that damage the user]. I create a Fireball from my fist and use a clone to spin wind into a meter-long drill shape. The wind tip is razor-sharp. The effect is stunning. Damage is colossal... Minus one — it tears off the arm at the shoulder. All clones that used it were left without an arm. So I definitely won't use this technique for now. I kind of want to keep my arm a bit longer. Clones only, and even then in extreme cases — this technique eats half the reserve.
I also studied quite a few fire techniques. The Uchiha clan helped with those, especially Itachi, as well as with simple futon techniques. [Wind techniques]
Now I can shunshin over long distances easily, and I taught Sasuke too. Shunshin is the Body Flicker Technique. To others, it looks like the user teleports. This is achieved by using chakra to temporarily lighten the body and move at enormous speed. Instead of smoke, I decided to use fire and air, creating a hurricane-like effect around me. It looks dignified from the outside. As for reinforced clones, I'm still learning. It's much harder than I thought.
I had tons of other technique ideas. From a fire bomb, finger fire bullets, to an air bubble for the head for diving. But only the Fireball and back wings worked. I haven't used the wings in practice yet; I need to test them by jumping off the cliff northeast of Konoha. Hope it works. If not, I'll improvise like Itachi.
Recently, I ordered ten sets, so if one gets dirty or torn, I can replace it. Made from very durable fabric, they won't tear on the first fall. It's a black form-fitting kimono with orange shorts. [Art will be in the chapter notes, check how Ariza looks.]
Since I'm right-handed — Fireball in the right hand. Formation takes five seconds and lots of chakra. But I'm learning to reduce time and cost. On the left hand, a glove with open fingers and a metal plate on the back. On the left wrist, a bracer with a seal storing shuriken. Idea from anime Sasuke. Dug up a scroll on seals in the archives. There were sealing or explosive ones, but that's enough for me. Since I'm Uzumaki on my mom's side, they came easily; now my clothes have various seals: chakra concealment, reinforcement, or storage. Classmates dressed just like in the anime. It amuses me a bit, but I get it — they're still kids, dressing as they want. Naruto in orange, Hinata in beige, Ino in purple, Sakura in pink of all things. Are they graduating as shinobi or clowns? Fine in anime, authors needed to mark them for viewers, but here they should realize pink is visible from a kilometer in the foliage?
Whatever, screw it, main thing is I'm in black. On to techniques.
Thanks to long training, I can channel elemental chakra fire through the sword, but it still melts every sword I try it on. So I don't even attempt on mine.
Recently got the hang of strikes by concentrating chakra in fists, like Sakura from season two of the anime, though weaker. Just focus all chakra in the fist on impact and release instantly from tenketsu. Not always perfect yet — sometimes release too early or late. Room to grow, but progress is there, so all good. Eventually, I'll get chakra release from other body parts: legs, knees, elbows, etc.
Everything's on plan. Naruto's the worst student, in his flashy orange suit with goggles, Sasuke the top of the class. And I'm average, bombing practicals while sweating buckets training on the polygon from dawn to dusk.
I trained eight hours a day, ten on Saturdays. Using clones — three years ago with five, now ten. So I progressed dozens of times faster than peers. If kids log ten thousand training hours over years, mine's over seventy thousand. In years, that's eight nonstop without food, water, sleep, or toilet. Not counting Academy classes. Every time I recall Rikudo, I thank him for listening and putting my soul in Uzumaki. Best decision of my life; no other body could've handled that load.
If Sasuke and my future team learn my real abilities, they'll think I'm a genius, but nope. Just a stubborn ram headbutting the impossible.
I'm not the smartest or most talented in the room, but you can't outwork me.
Thanks to that, I never stopped trying to return to that white space from after Sasuke's hit. Turns out it's really my Inner World where a laptop somehow appeared. But not ordinary. Had weird numbers meaning something. Alas, couldn't decode them.
***
April 4, 1056
Waking early on assignment day, I drank coffee as usual and headed for my morning run and warm-up. Essential. After training, my legs barely dragged me home. Wanted to sleep badly; trained till ten last night.
Anyway, eat, dress, briefing. Changed, proudly tied headband on forehead. Sometimes on arm, but now on head. Like announcing I'm not just a girl anymore, but a shinobi of Konoha. Proud? A little. I'm a patriot of my village, after all.
About to leave, realized forgot weights. Bought three years ago to boost speed. Thirty kilos each, feathers compared to Lee's. Walk with chakra. Eight compartments for iron and sand. Started at five kilos, added five every four months. Used to wear twenty-kilo ones on arms too, but quit a week ago. No benefit, don't want new ones. Never regretted medical ninja courses. Mystic Palm heals tendons, ligaments, muscle fibers faster. Docs say insane regen and stamina. Without Uzumaki blood, wouldn't cope!
Enough thinking, late — bad. Left clone to clean creative mess, headed to Academy.
Half year ago, suggested Sakura train together; she refused, "won't go anywhere with rival." Decided to point out errors after spars. Haruno just snorted, haughty, but fixed, improving taijutsu a lot. No rival for Team 7 now.
*Years passed, hope Minato remembers my request.*
Entering classroom, saw commotion at one desk, recalled protagonists' first kiss. First tell Hyuga I'll sit with Uchiha, then to them. Last year sat with Hinata; if switch, she'll think I took offense or she's guilty.
"Hinata-chan, if anything, today I'm sitting with Sasuke-kun," I smiled at my friend. She nodded shyly, whispered good luck.
"What's so special about him?" teased Kiba, sitting with Hyuga. Brunet grinned, put puppy on head.
"Nothing special. All girls want to sit with him," said Shino, adjusting glasses.
"Just felt like it," without waiting comments, turned and went to girl group. Pushed through, saw what they stared at: Naruto on desk, squinting at Sasuke, who stared back.
Noticed two days ago Naruto redrew the Hokage Rock faces again. Especially Fourth's... Made us retake some exams; many unhappy. Remember, after, Naruto apologized, invited to Ichiraku ramen for forcing retake. Couldn't refuse awesome offer, so despite Sasuke's displeasure, went with friend for world's best noodles.
"Hey, Naruto, what do you want from Sasuke-kun?" some girl yelled from crowd, snapping me from memories.
Someone shoves Naruto, and... they kiss. Shame no full emotions; I'd laugh heartily. Pretend furious, but laughter emotions mess it up.
*Run, Naruto. Run!*
Girls rush to beat Naruto; I seize chance, sit by Sasuke, clutching neck, writhing like swallowed fly. Pretty funny. Can't fight canon. Kiss happened despite interference. At least memorable!
"So, like kissing Naruto?" I smirked a bit. Sasuke glanced, eyes surprised and glad. Normal, I rarely sat with him. Logically uncomfortable — he distracts with talk/questions — but felt inner warmth nearby. Like touching something close and familiar.
"Kgh-kgh. Gross! What crap," Uchiha wiped lips. "That Uzumaki idiot."
"Hey, look! Tomato sat with Sasuke-kun!" Girls ditched Naruto-beating, ran at us. No offense, but looked like sheep herd. Seems me and Hinata only sane girls in class.
"Hey, get off now! I'm supposed to sit with Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shrieked, teeth grinding. Her screech by my ear made me want to hide.
"Shut it, forehead, I'm sitting with him!" Ino shoved Sakura. Friend indifferent, me too till one yanked arm, nearly tossing me off. Grabbed desk. Uchiha noticed, eyes flashed anger.
"Don't. Touch. Her..." Sasuke didn't finish; Iruka entered. All stared surprised, sat quick. First time he stuck up for me 'cause I asked not to interfere, pretend annoyed. He got mad at me, sometimes intervened when they crossed lines mobbing. Now emotions returning, realize he cares as friend. Otherwise no anger. Indifferent to other clan heir fights. Academy brawls everyday. No discipline. Overall, Sasuke indifferent to all. Boys envied strength/pride, girls... no comment.
Sometimes felt his feelings more than friend, but ignored. Probably imagining; he doesn't think that. Training, power, career first. No comparison anyway. No guys past life, don't know lovers' behavior. Bit scared full feelings return, I'll fall for him, ruining years friendship. Don't want that...
While sensei talked assignment, beaten Hokage son sat with us. Beat good, bruises visible. Not cartoon where vanish next frame. Though his regen... Staring at downcast Naruto, missed lists start.
"Team 6: Jiro Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Makoto Hamada. Instructor — Itachi Uchiha." Hm, unexpected, too much. Jiro classmate, only Sasuke-age from clan. Often sparred against him.
Don't know what happened, but after incident, more withdrawn. Joined after massacre, was talented B-class before. Rumor his brother did clan tragedy. Don't talk with Sasuke. Know it's hard, don't pry. Wonder why not with brother? Guess: no trust in Uchiha, Naruto "village weapon," so no captain.
"Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki..." Boy perked, eyed Umino. "...Sasuke Uchiha..." Naruto's forehead met desk loud. I felt nerves. If not pass, Plan B — hate it. "...and... Ariza Saito. Instructor — Kakashi Hatake." First part done. Small joy inside, but acted ecstatic. Weird if change overnight. Send to Yamanaka torture (kidding). Gradually become myself, no suspicion. Naruto unhappy, like many girls wanting team with hotshot Sasuke.
"Team 8..." We tuned out, chatted with Sasuke, our thoughts. Main: teams near anime. "...That's the results."
"Sensei Iruka! Why team with this Sasuke?!" Naruto stood, griped; black-eyes snorted.
"Cause Sasuke top scores, you bottom! Balance, one team! Sit and shut up, Naruto! Meet instructors later. Dismissed. Back in two hours!"
Jumped out window for walk; Sasuke followed.
Damn... Drew attention... Fan girls scolding later.
"Happy teamed with Naruto?" I asked, roof-hopping. Personally glad. Good kid, future Hokage. Talked less than Uchiha, but value him. Eased loneliness, childhood friend.
"No, but glad with you; I'd tolerate Uzumaki for that," eyed me, small smile. "Look good."
"Uh... thanks," eyed dango stall, continued: "Wanna snack?"
"Sure," dropped to street by shop. "My treat. Wait here." Not five minutes, six class girls approached.
"Hey! Tomato! How dare team with Sasuke-kun?!" Facepalm. Damn... Saw us leave together, followed. Think I'll steal/flirt. Duh. "You'll get it now! We..."
"Try it, and I won't answer for myself," Sasuke cut icy. Girls scared at heir with two dango sticks.
"Sasuke-kun!" beaming Sakura shrieked.
"Sasuke-kuuuun?!" Ino smarter? Gave me dango balls on stick; wordless, vanished in shunshin, leaving shocked girls.
**POV Kakashi**
Yesterday sensei called jonin, including me. Become instructors. Hated instantly. Low-rank missions plus babysit kids blind to shinobi world dangers. Girls chase boys, boys no responsibility. Game to them. Gave reports on newbies; confirmed.
Naruto Uzumaki.
October 10, 1043.
Nine-Tails jinchuriki. Hokage's son. Fun kid, irresponsible, skips, top delinquent. Fights often. Rivals Sasuke.
Kami, why me? Won't listen! Thought like dad, genius. Worst student. Cocky punk. Next.
Ariza Saito.
January 17, 1043.
Orphan. Parents died eight years ago. Attends Academy. No classmate conflicts. Like other girls, chases Sasuke Uchiha. Theory ace, practice sucks.
Name familiar, but skipped rest. Obvious. Hope no issues. Low chakra probably. Ordinary girl. Learn medical, rear heal boys. Nothing special.
Sasuke Uchiha.
July 23, 1043.
Ex-Konoha MP captain's youngest. Uchiha genius. Class top. Unsocial, no friends. Arrogant egoist, lone wolf.
Others gone while reading. Put away, leaving. Serious Namikaze voice stopped:
"Kakashi, wait."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," turned to sensei. Put reports on desk edge, scratched head.
"You know why clan heir and jinchuriki together?" Minato leaned on chair, eyed me. Understood: watch close. Sensei bets if Fox loose, Uchiha reins. Ex-ANBU me watches. Whatever. Fail test like past teams. Girl chases Uchiha, Uzumaki argues. Sasuke sees others obstacle, solo.
"Yes," sighed doomed. Why these three? Loser punk, weak clanless orphan, arrogant egoist. Worse each...
"Then dismissed," sighed relieved, hoping better.
**END POV Kakashi**
"Naruto, calm down and wait," yawned sleepily at restless teammate, couldn't sit minute, then back to desk. Sleepy, fifth evening hour, clones dispersed sending fatigue.
"Unfair! Late! Others train! Wanna learn! Iruka-sensei went home!" Naruto yapped; eyelids near closed, saw him place eraser on shoji.
"Yawn... recall seeing this," yawned again.
"Naruto stop noise, Ariza wants sleep. Sensei won't fall for it," confident Sasuke; sound said sat by me.
Sleep pulling, head cottony. Minute more Morpheus, but no. Shoji opened, Naruto's loud laugh — sensei trapped.
Pried heavy lids, lifted head. Older three years since last meet, didn't recognize; time passed.
"Uh... how say: act like kids, not shinobi," eyebrow raised, indifferent. "Meet next roof." Poof white cloud. Not shunshin, clone.
***
"Well, tell about yourselves," Hatake yawned on fence.
"What exactly?" cheery Naruto on left steps. Hundred percent glad passed. Iruka said lowest score.
"What like/dislike. Dreams, hobbies. That stuff," teacher eyed tired, like unloaded trains. Glory Kami he's instructor. One strongest village shinobi.
"You first, show what want," Naruto anticipated.
"Me? Kakashi Hatake, likes/dislikes — no, dream no, hobbies... mmm... many," fist-propped head, drawled slow. Acted like didn't care, wanna bolt. Thinks fail like others.
"Only said name," deadpanned. No mood emote.
"Now you, left," Kakashi pointed Sasuke.
"Uchiha Sasuke. Love only family and... never mind. Dislikes... no. Hobby — training. Dream — surpass brother," irritated.
Hates sensei?
"Clear, next," squinted at Naruto.
"Me?!" Blond grinned thirty-two-not-limit, fixed protector. "Naruto Uzumaki! Love instant ramen. Hate waiting three minutes! Favorite — speed-eating ramen! Dream — strongest Hokage, prove dad worth, dattebayo!" yelled joyful.
"Naruto, you'll be Hokage, believe you," smiled at jinchuriki. Blinked, eyed me, about reply but sensei:
"Now you," Kakashi pointed; all eyes me.
"A-am," yawned, sleepy blink. "Ariza Saito." Long thought act. Stone face. "Love friends most, train and inve... —" caught self. "Hate killing people, cleaning house," mumbled, yawned. "Dream... world trip with friends," small smile. "But far future; now goals." Mental: *protect dear ones, stop Fourth Shinobi World War, save world.* Star-sized goals. "Hobbies — cook treats, evening walks, read, invent, stargaze, train."
"Each unique, interesting. Tomorrow first mission," thoughtful quick Hatake, seemed skipped all.
"What mission, sensei?!" Hokage son grinned yelled.
"Survival exercise," hinted sly, eye-smiled.
"What exercise?" Naruto brows furrowed; teacher chuckled quiet.
"Answer question," serious.
"Thirty-six grads this year, twelve pass after. One third; rest Academy. Fail chance sixty-six percent." Don't remember this. Plan time.
Sasuke tensed, Naruto shook. Act shocked/scared.
"What?!" Uzumaki jumped. "We passed exam!"
"That's it. Ninja gear. Tomorrow five sharp, polygon six. Don't breakfast, or puke," ignored, left. Know "five sharp" — three-four hours late, black cat excuse...
Gone, grabbed home gear, to ravine east Konoha. Plans tanked midway: Sasuke tailing. Slipped instant, but knew won't let cliff.
Why tail? Now what?
Jump before him? Think suicide outta nowhere? Even explain hundred times ok, planned, test technique — no cliff.
At spot, dropped pack, drew two kunai, neared cliff, stopped meter. No jump; decided not here/today. But check Sasuke reaction. Extreme situation, glimpse feelings.
Long noticed uneven breathing toward me. Talks different. Chance learn feelings — take.
Two steps, edge; grabbed forearm. Turned: Uchiha stared odd — sad? Angry? Disappointed?
What thinks? Feels?
He pulled me toward him and silently wrapped me in an embrace. Without a single sound. He just put his arms around my waist and buried his face in my loose hair. Without thinking, I hugged him back, throwing my arms over his shoulders and gently wrapping my hands around his neck. We stood closer to each other than ever before, our bodies touching. And from that, my heart felt unbelievably warm, as if someone had lit a fire inside, melting the ice of my years of indifference.
I pressed my head against him and inhaled his pleasant scent.
We stood like that, without saying a word, for about five seconds, then pulled back slightly from each other, but still staying close. Was this the Sasuke I knew from anime? I'd long since realized it wasn't. And he probably never would be.
"Sil ly girl..." Sasuke broke the silence first.
"You got it all wrong, but let's not go back to this," I asked my friend, so he wouldn't ask me weird questions about this moment later.
"Promise me nothing like this will ever cross your mind again," he pulled back from me but kept holding my hand, as if afraid to let go.
"Alright, Sasuke," I nodded, and to change the subject, continued: "My clones are at home right now preparing all sorts of treats. Want to come over?" I suggested, hinting that after all this, I planned to head home safe and sound to eat. I didn't think someone who'd attempted suicide would prepare a tasty dinner for themselves. I hoped he'd understand my intentions from my words.
Sasuke smiled slightly and, without letting go of my hand, headed toward the forest, picking up my backpack along the way.
Everything clicked into place in my head. Sasuke clearly wasn't indifferent to me—no one hugs friends like that...
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: patreon.com/Granulan