***This is an original story written by Rafaela Medrano Roark. Chapter 4 is co-written by Vincenzo Pinari. The Original Charater, Ryusai, was created by VP***
I knew leaving the Shobuto behind was the right course of action, however I had no earthly idea where I was going to go from here. Even though I was homeless with no direction, I didn’t care- I was free. For several weeks, I would sneak into the Academy at night. There wasn’t much food or space, but it was a roof over my head. I continued to go on missions and continue life “business as usual”. I kept my leaving/banishment to myself, as to not stir up concern amongst my team. My jutsu training also continued. I was even able to develop a few original jutsu of my own thanks to the skills my mother taught me.
One evening, due to a massive storm, the Academy got locked down before I had returned from my mission, leaving me on the streets that night. I had not yet been paid for my latest mission, leaving me penniless; unable to afford food or a room to stay for the night. As I sat against the academy gates, cold bitter rain pouring down on me, my sorrow began to sink in. I was hungry, alone, and had lost my bestfriend.
*****
As I sat there alone, I noticed a tall pale man with snowy white hair walking in my direction. He had his hands in his pockets and his headband covered his left eye. As he grew closer, I noticed that the exposed eye was locked on to me. I quickly rose to my feet as it was apparent this man intended to talk to me.
“So you’re the trouble maker who has been sneaking into the academy each night.” He said with a sarcastic tone.
“so… What if I am? I’ve got no where else to go and I am not doing anyone any harm.” I said with a bit of frustration. He wore a jonin vest which caused me to wonder if he was an instructor at the academy. “Who the hell even are you?”
“Oh no one important, but if you’re looking for a name, it’s Hatake. Kakashi Hatake.” He said giving a slight smile followed by a shrug.
“K-KAKASHI?” I shuttered, “As in the Copy Ninja?”
He nodded, “In the flesh! I’m guess you’ve heard of me?”
“y-yes sir! It is an honor to meet you!” I said with a bow, “Please forgive my rude tone before, I did not mean any disrespect.”
He chuckled, “Well at least you have some manners.” He looked me up and down briefly and must have noticed my malnourished appearance. “I am getting ready to grab some roman, would you like to join me? My treat!”
I was prepared to decline, but my stomach spoke for me and let out a loud growl, “I guess that would be a yes,” I said, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck.
Kakashi laughed. He patted me on the back, “Learn to accept kindness when it’s offered to you. We are all shinobi of the leaf, we have to look out for one another.” He began walking towards teh village and gestured for me to follow.
*****
As we sat waiting for our roman to arrive, I caught myself staring at him in disbelief. I was having dinner with Kakashi of the Sharingan, the copy ninja. I had heard to many rumors and stories of how this man was a ruthless teacher and deadly opponent.
“So tell me about yourself Ryu. Like why were you staying at the academy?” He asked, breaking the silence, “You are a Shobuto correct? I thought they had a homestead outside the village.”
I nodded, a bit taken back by how much he knew about me and my clan. “Well, I was born a Shobuto, but I do not claim them as my clan, and honestly I don’t think they have ever claimed me as one of their own.” I proceeded to explain the events of the last few months to Kakashi, who listened very intently and without saying a word.
When I had finished my story, Kakashi looked like he was processing all the information I had just shared. He waved down our server and paid for the roman. “I am sorry for your loss Ryusai. I won’t pretend to understand how you fully feel, but I do empathize with the pain of losing a loved one.” He scratched his head, as if he was debating something over. “If you’d like, I have a friend in the Sarotobi clan who can probably give you a room and some food till you are back up on your feet. Would you be interested?”
I was shocked, “Wait really? I don’t know what to say… Thank you sir. But if I may ask, why are you helping me?”
He sighed, “To tell you the truth, I knew your mother very well. She was a great woman, and a better friend to me than I ever deserved. Hearing of her passing, and how you have been abandoned- I feel like helping you is the best thing I can do to thank her for everything she did for me.”
I couldn’t believe it. Even in death, my mother was looking out for me. Tears began to flow as I thought of all the memories of my mother. The pain of losing her hit me once again and I could not control my emotions.
Kakashi placed his hand on my shoulder, “I can help turn you into a ninja your mother would be proud of. If that is what you want.”
I nodded, a fire in my eyes, “Thank you, Kakashi Sensei.”
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