Third person POV_____

Ichika sat outside of the tea house.

She was holding out a piece of bread to the young street urchin.

"You were really hungry weren't you Keiji-chan?" She says as she watched him stuff the bread into his mouth.

The boy nods nonchalantly as he was more preoccupied with eating than talking.

"So tell me, has anything interesting happened?" Ichika asked as she rested her chin on the palm of her hands.

"Mmhmm, they say the war might be comin more this way. Been gettin real bad up there in the front lines. Lots of people getting squeamish over the influx of ninja nearby." The boy shrugged as he licked the crumbs off his fingers.

"What else? Anything actually interesting?" She sighed childishly and the boy glanced over at her. "Nah. Most people are spooked about the whole war. Otherwise, we'd see a lot more drama. Like when the baker's wife found out about an affair her husband had and chased him down the market square." The boy stated and she nodded.

It wasn't like she didn't want to hear about the war but she had to seem uninterested.

Ichika had taken to giving some of the homeless kid's scraps of food. Seeing them walk around the streets in hunger made her feel bad about them.

Maybe she couldn't make a direct difference in the village but she could help some orphans.

Sometimes she'd sit and read on the steps of the alley behind the tea house.

She would then teach some of the orphans how to read some Kanji and how to spell their names.

It helped her a lot especially after the assassination mission she'd taken.

Ayuri let her take on hobbies and she didn't mind that she spent some of her afternoons in an alleyway trying to teach a few orphan kids how to read.

That was a better option than sitting inside loathing her actions.

In that aspect, the young girl had surprised Ayuri. Ichika always seemed to find a healthier way to cope with things. She also seemed to talk herself into and out of doing things.

One thing was for sure she had a lot more common sense then people twice her age.

But that didn't mean she wasn't doing her job. Ever since their first target was taken out Ichika seemed to take her training a bit more seriously.

Before the mission, she never used her shinobi skills in her daily life. She didn't try to look underneath the underneath in anything. But since then she had become more aware.

She stayed sharp and was always applying the lessons she learned from Ayuri.

It was the least she could do.

"So what have you been up to?" Ichika asks the orphaned boy and he hums.

"Runnin 'round the city. The orphanages are bigger now too. Some younger kids asked me if I could help them run away. Since there isn't much room there for them anyways." The boy shrugs as he looks up to the sky.

Ichika nods as she silently looks up noticing that the sun was setting.

"I best get inside. Ayuri-sama is going to need help dressing." The girl sighs as she stands up and dusts her kimono.

"Stay safe Keiji-chan." She smiles at the boy and hurried back into the tea house.

The boy hums and nods as he watched her leave.
_____

Ichika moved through the halls almost quietly. She made sure to make sound as she moved just in case she was being watched.

"Ah, there you are. The mother of the house told me to find you. You and another girl were booked for a tea ceremony." One of the other maikos stated as she spotted her.

Ichika schooled her features as she noticed the older Maiko.

"Thank you for letting me know Botan nee-sama." She bowed respectfully.

Botan grinned as she puffed out her chest. Her already narrow eyes crinkled up and she pursed her lips in delight.

"Of course Imoto. Besides, I'll be the one accompanying you. Of course, you'll only be there to observe how it's done." The girl smiled proud as a peacock.

"Now come, we need to coordinate our clothes and the routine. I'll even show you how to pick your performance schedule." The girl stated as she gestured for Ichika to follow.

___________

Life once again seemed to settle. She would wake up, study her Maiko lessons, and work in the afternoons.

At nighttime, she would train her shinobi skills and she was back to gathering information.

The kids from the streets turned out to be a mine of information. She would use the excuse of being nosey about any drama or gossip so that the kids wouldn't get suspicious.

Not that they would have noticed since they were to busy eating the scraps of food she'd feed them.

Before she knew it the years started to go by. Although she made sure not to forget her name, Riku of Konoha, it was hard to keep her identity as Ichika a simple disguise. In some ways, her character as Ichika had seeped into her actual personality.

There was not much she could do about it, her sensei Ayuri had mentioned that it was normal. That some ninja had to be vetted for a year minimum when they returned from deep infiltration because of that same issue.

Not only that, but her memory of her past life was starting to fade away. Did she have siblings? Friends? Parents? She wasn't quite sure anymore.

Sometimes she wondered if she had made it all up in her head. But that would have been too much of a coincidence.

Besides everyone around her felt quite real. Nothing like the two-dimensional characters from back then. Not just some side character.

She had learned that everyone around her was very much real on her first assassination mission.

Had she gotten over the way she killed those children? No. She still saw them in her dreams and sometimes she saw the faces of her other victims.

The difference was that it no longer filled her with endless guilt. Time had dulled the memory and calmed her guilt.

Killing was part of her shinobi life and it was a fact that she sadly had to learn to deal with.

Carefully she painted her bottom lip and looked over her appearance.

Beneath her kimono, she wore a haneri which was a bright red and only slightly visible by the collar of her Kimono.

The kimono itself was a soft pastel pink and the bottom was decorated in soft yellow designs with red embroidery.

For her obiage which was carefully wrapped around her waist, it was a bright red with white designs, although it was barely visible underneath her obi.

The obi she wore was a mixture of soft pastel yellow, stitched on her obi were small baby blue flowers with pale green stems and leaves. There was a bit of golden embroidery in the designs.

Her face was carefully painted white, her cheeks were rosy and her bottom lip was painted.

At 12 years old she had finally been allowed to paint her bottom lip.

She was no longer running as many errands for her older maiko. The younger maiko did that, at times they even ran errands for her.

She had been out of the village for almost six years. It had been nearly six years since she had last heard her real name or at least what she perceived as her real name.

That didn't mean she slacked off. She was well aware that she was not a civilian. She always had to carefully think of what she said and did.

Being in the entertainment industry she had learned to also be witty and how to hold conversations.

Women, especially civilian women were not as educated as men. Ayuri had mentioned that some civilians still made arranged marriages and had sexist views on women.

But that was only in the civilian communities. Shinobi were well aware that a skilled kunoichi could slit your throat without a second of remorse or squeamishness.

Kunoichi weren't the only ones that stood out. Geisha and Maiko were artisans and considered highly educated. They were expected to be able to hold conversations about history, poetry, literature, and more.

She nodded to herself as she picked up her small cloth purse that matched her kimono and hurried out her room.

Being that she was still a maiko she'd go out with two of her older sisters to attend a party.

"Botan nee-sama, Fusako nee-sama." She bowed politely as she met up with the two older girls. They were no longer maiko since they were now over 16 years old. Both of them were Geisha in their own right although they would be working alongside each other for the night.

"Pinks? I guess it fits in with the spring season. And that obi is quite beautiful." Botan smiled softly. Although the girl used to cause her a lot of headaches a few years ago. But she wasn't that bad anymore.

"Your kimono is very beautiful as well." Ichika smiled as she looked at Botans pale blue kimono.

The older teen hadn't changed many appearances wise. Her face kept its slight round shape but she no longer had the same childish features.

"Ah thank you." Botan smiled softly.

"Well then, we should head out. I dislike tardiness." Fusako stated as she made sure she was carrying her fan.

"Make sure to bring your Koto. You'll be performing with it." Fusako added and Ichika nodded as she picked up her instrument which was wrapped in silk cloth and hung it on her shoulder.

"Of course Nee-sama." She nodded.

With that, the three young women headed out of their home and to one of the more popular tea houses.

By now Ichika was used to the lifestyle of a performer. And it wasn't like she was the main attraction, the two older girls were going to be the ones doing most of the work. She was to observe, play her instrument, serve tea, and play games with the guest.

Fusako led them out of the building.

They walked out of the building and through the Garden of the tea house to where they had been assigned for the day.

Once they arrived at the room where their guests were waiting for them the three of them sat outside.

Fusako being the oldest knocked on the door and announced that they had arrived.

With practiced decorum, they let themselves in and greeted their guests.

There were a few older men that had been served by the Hostess.

"Thank you for having us, dear patrons. We are in your care." They all bowed.

Ichika took her place as the designated musician.

Fusako and Botan had been partners for a few years. They both sang a few traditional songs and performed a few dances.

While the two young women danced Ichika sang and played the Koto. As the night progressed it became a bit less formal. Ichika recited poetry and entertained a few of the men with her witty comments and a few drinking games. But unlike the older girls, she was not allowed to drink.

"Let's play Konpira fune fune. Ichika-San if you would please play the music." One of the men laughed as the other geisha brought out the game.

Ichika smiled and nodded politely as she played her Koto. She sang the song as they played the game.

She even found herself smiling as she played the instrument. The night had been quite fun and they still had about another hour before their contract had been fulfilled and they could go home.

Fusako giggled as she won another round. "Let's play another round-" she was cut off by a loud scream and the sound of people running down the hall.

They all quieted down and looked a bit confused. " What was that?" One of the guests asked confused when there was another scream. The man stood up and walked toward the door opening it and looking out into the hall to see what was going on.

He was pushed back by a Geisha, who ran past him while screaming at the top of her lungs.

The man managed to steady himself."What-" he was cut off when three kunai hit his chest and he fell back into the room.

There was loud pitch screaming from the other geisha in the room as the man's body slumped backward on the door and slid down.

He only managed to gurgle and cough a bit of blood before his eyes rolled back.

The other three men stood up alert at what had happened.

Ichika watched in horror as the man was struck down.

The remaining three men stood up and hurried towards the man to see if he was alive before grabbing their swords.

"Stay here. We are high ranking Samurai. We will go and see what is going on." One of the men stated as they hurried out.

Ichika gulped nervously as she stood up to check on the man. She wasn't stupid enough to look out in the hall when there could be an enemy.

She could hear the sound of metal hitting metal and she knew that the men were probably engaging in combat.

"He's dead," Ichika stated as she checked the man's vitals.

She was shocked, just a few moments ago they were playing a game and eating at the same table.

She glanced back at the two Geisha.

There were a few more screams. "Fire country scum!" She heard yelling down the hall.

Why where there shinobi in Kyoto?! Sure, they were close to the Iwa border but how did Iwa nin make it this far past the frontlines?

It was a split-second decision, if there were enemies here then they could be compromised.

Her heart was thumping in her chest as she was filled with resolve. She would find her Sensei and from there she would either go into hiding or return to Konoha to warn them of the Enemy nin who had made it this far into fire country.

She barely had time to react when she was kicked from behind.

She fell forward on the dead man's body, her kimono soaked in the blood that had pooled on the floor.

Botan and Fusako screamed in horror as an Iwa shinobi stood at the door.

"Well hello, ladies." The man grinned manically. "Sorry but, no witnesses. You understand." He shrugged as he palmed a kunai.

Ichika laid on the floor slowly picking herself up. They were going to die if she didn't do anything.

As she lifted herself off the dead body , her hands gripped one of the kunai. She gritted her teeth as she glanced back at the ninja who was standing with his back towards her.

Like hell, she'd die like this.

Her breath was shakey but she steadied herself. Sensei taught her how to deal with situations like this.

'Breath in, breath out, don't let emotions cloud your judgment.' She coached herself to calm down.

She licked her lips and steeled herself.

It was a split moment decision but she pushed chakra through her body and lashed out.

Since she was so low to the ground she went for the Achilles tendon and severed it.

The ninja hadn't been paying attention and it cost him.

She didn't even wait until he hit the ground before she lashed out again and used the same blood coated kunai to stab it through the back of his skull.
_____

Riku POV

I watched the body crumble on the ground.

"We have to get out of here," I say as I look up at both Botan and Fusako.

They were staring at me in horror. They were both crying, Botan vomited as she looked away.

I looked down at my blood-covered hands and then down to the blood-stained silk kimono. I can't fight like this. I need more range in motion.

I closed the door and hurried to the window. I grimaced as I noticed that there were bodies littered outside and other shinobi.

"We might be under attack. We have to leave." I say again. I felt as if my heart beating out of my chest.

I have to find sensei. She would know what to do.

I reached down and with the kunai, I began to cut my kimono.

Fusako was crying loudly and trembling as she looked at the dead corpses.

I grimaced as I looked around the room. Was this a sneak attack? Had our position as spies been compromised?

I bit my lower lip as I ripped the Kimono to at least above the knee.

How had did a nice day out turn out like this?

Whatever it was that was going on, they wouldn't catch me unarmed. I grabbed the Iwa nins supplies and strapped them on.

"Come," I say but both of the older girls coward away from me.

I couldn't help but feel irritation at their reaction

Fusako looked to be having a panic attack and Botan was recovering from puking her guts out.

"Fusako nee it's going to be alright. Calm down. Breath." I tried to coach her through the slight panic attack but their girl cried even louder.

She was trembling and sobbing loudly.

"Shh shh." I covered her mouth. "There could be more. Please gather your bearings." I whimpered out as I tried to think about how I'd calm her down.

"Deep breaths, look at me, look at me." I grabbed her chin and forced her to look me in the eye. "Relax. I'll get you out of here alive. Breath in. Breath out." I say as ai coax her to calm down.

"But but, you, that man." She barely stammered out as she stared at the dead body by the doorway.

"Hey, hey... focus on me. We are going to be okay." I reassured her as I placed my hands on her cheeks and forced her to look at me.

She tried to take deep breaths in order to stifle her cries.

It took a moment to calm the girl down.

Botan was panicking as well, although she was quieter than Fusako.

"We need to go. I'll lead you out okay." I say as I stand up.

I pursed my lips in disgust as I walked around Botan's vomit.

After I get us out of here I have to find Ayuri sensei. Most importantly my bag, the one that they had given me all those years ago when I became a genin.

Slowly I pressed my hands on the door and slowly opened it. I made sure to move slowly and watch out for anybody.

I took in a deep breath as I looked out the door and down the hall.

"Come, and be quiet," I whisper out to the older girls.

Both were sobbing quietly and sniffling in fear.

My thoughts were preoccupied with questions like how these shinobi made it all the way down here.

I took us through the back entrances of the tea house.

"When we get out you two will run away from here, okay?" I say in a low whisper and they nodded.

"What do you-" Botan was never able to finish her sentence as she fell forward.

Fusako screamed in horror as she was doused in her friend's blood.

I stared in shock at the shinobi who had thrown the Kunai at Botans back and killed her.

"Move!" I yelled as I pushed Fusako out of the way.

I was barely able to dodge the attack.

There was a ninja making hand signs at the end of the hall.

I gritted my teeth and threw a few Kunai.

"Run!" I yell as I push Fusako.

"Get out of here I'll hold him back." I say and she nodded and ran off as fast as she could.

I gritted my teeth as I ran forward to engage in combat.

He was barely able to dodge my blows as he tried to finish his Jutsu but I was able to slice his arm.

"Damn bitch!" He snapped as he tried to counter-attack.

I took a deep breath as I tried to get past his guard but he was much stronger than me.

I could feel my blood pumping through my body. My vision was clear as day and I could hear myself breathing as I fought. For a moment it felt as if we were the only ones here.

The adrenaline pumping through my veins caused me to hyper-focus.

As he fought he seemed to get slower and his breathing was heavier.

I didn't think much of it and went for the kill. It was almost as if it was in slow motion. Deep breath in and attack.

It's odd how after a while the shock of killing someone seems to wear off.

I didn't even flinch as my attack struck and the feeling of my blade slitting his throat filled me with triumph.

I felt warm blood splatter my face as I cut the arteries of his neck. I could see the horror in his face as my attack hit. The pure terror on his face when my blade made contact.

I let out a shaky breath as I watched the color drain from his face, his eyes lose the life in them and his mouth fill with blood as he fell to his knees and collapsed.

I could hear his stifled breathing as he choked on his blood. He gurgled for only a second more before he became still.

'I need to get out of here, I need to get out, get out.' My mind was in overdrive as I went through his packs and stole his kunai, medicinal bag, and his scrolls.

I didn't even bother to look for Fusako, she was either out of here or dead.

Kneading my chakra I pushed my body forward as I ran over the rooftops and back to where I lived.

I didn't even bother with the front door as I climbed in through my window.

I rummaged through my closet for the bag. I threw the silk kimonos to the side without a care as I looked for it.

As I looked through one of the top shelves I found it.

"Food, clothing, water, medical supplies.." I repeatedly muttered to myself as I stuffed all of my Ryo in the bag, I even threw in one cotton yukata and a simple kimono and a few pairs of underwear in before zipping it up.

I slipped on a pair of shoes and looked around a bit more.

"Sensei," I muttered to myself as I heard screaming down the hall.

I tried to pay no mind to it but now I didn't know where to go.

Before I could do anything a body hit my door and knocked it off its hinges.

"We've been comprised," Ayuri stated as she jumped on the man and killed him.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked up at her.

"I came here for your bag. But seems like you did as well." Ayuri smirked as she looked around.

"W-whats going on?" I ask her, I could feel myself instinctively calm down as I saw her.

"Iwa nin snuck around the frontlines. They had been hiding out but I think someone or something tipped them off and they came to get rid of us. We have to return home, now." She stated as she grabbed the dead ninjas supplies.

"Here, this is sensitive information that we need to get to Konoha. Protect it with your life." Sensei stated as she placed a scroll in my hand.

I nodded rapidly and stuffed it in my bag.

Sensei led me out of the window.

"They'll catch up. We have to go now." She hisses out as we move through the rooftops.

I panted slightly as I followed close behind. We were being followed. They probably wanted the information sensei had.

"Wind style: air vortex!" I heard a yell from behind me.

I tried to jump out of the way but I was sent flying forward.

I tried to keep my balance but I swept off my feet.

It was dark.

I slowly opened my eyes, all I could hear was the sound of weapons clashing against each other. My body ached and there was a ringing in my ears.

I blinked as I slowly began to sit up. I could see the blurry image of Sensei fighting against a few ninjas.

Her face jaw was set, her eyes wide and focused. I trembled as I could feel her stone-cold killer intent. The air around me felt cold against my skin, I couldn't stop staring at her as she attacked. So this was the power of a jonin.

I blinked and looked around, she was holding off three ninjas but I could see that they were starting to overpower her.

I looked down and rummaged through the ninja pouches I had stolen. I couldn't help the grin on my face as I pulled out a few explosive tags and smoke Bombs.

I slowly pick myself up, my body hurt and I could feel some cuts against my skin. I must've not been able to dodge the entire attack.

I made sure that I had the scroll and bag strapped securely before observing my sensei's movements.

I waited until I saw an opening before tossing the smoke bombs. " Sensei!" I yelled and she was able to jump back.

She glanced at me before speeding past me.

"Move it. You should have left while you had the chance. That scroll I gave you was important." She says her facial expression stern as I tried to keep up.

My mouth went dry, I hadn't wanted to leave her. She's my Sensei. The only constant presence I've had since waking up here was Ayuri Sama... no Murasaki, my sensei's name is Murasaki. The woman who had been at my side for nearly six years, she almost felt like a mother to me. I don't think I could have left her behind. Even if I tried.

I noticed that she had also cut off some of her kimono. I could see dark red splashes of blood. Her footing seemed a bit off. Her face was stern but her eyes seemed unfocused, her pupils too dilated.

I pursed my lips as I moved through the trees. I glanced back, we were still being pursued.

I heard a yell of surprise and a loud thump.

Sensei has stumbled and lost her footing. "Sensei!" I cried out in shock as I went to follow her.

She tried to get up but seemed to be struggling, blood pooled from the corner of her mouth.

"Konoha is a few days towards the Northeast. You have to deliver the scroll. I don't think I'll make it." She grumbles as she holds a hand to her side.

I freeze for a second, she had a deep gash on her side.

I could see cold sweat on her forehead, her pupils were wide and dilated, her lips had semi-dried blood on them and her teeth were tinged reddish-brown from the blood she'd spit out.

She was dying, from either blood loss, poison, an infection, or probably chakra exhaustion. Probably a combination of those things.

"I'll hold back the enemy.... " she grumbled out as she looked up at me.

My facial muscles ached as I tried to stop myself from frowning, tears swelled in my eyes as I looked at her.

"Don't look at me like that, maybe, maybe I'll survive." She looked at me sadly as she reached out and grabbed my hand.

I let out a small cry as she pulled me close into her arms.

"It's been a nice few years kid." She grumbles as she hugged me for a second. It hurt. It hurt to know that she was going to die.

A backup team wouldn't move fast enough and I couldn't risk the scroll falling into enemy hands.

"Do you have any explosive tags?" Murasaki asked and I nodded as I reached into the pouch and reached for them.

She grabbed them and nodded before pushing me back. "Go. That's an order."

I bit back my tears but nodded as I stumbled back.

I let out a soft cry as I looked back at her one last time, before running.

The night was dark and I could barely see the branches beneath me. The only light source I had was the moonlight.

I stumbled as I heard a few loud explosions. I frowned as I stopped and looked back. I clenched my fists. 'Sensei, she's probably... dead'
_____

Soon it was dawn. I had found some of the main roads and I was able to find the main path to Konoha.

By mid-morning I was nearly falling over in exhaustion.

I had been able to stop at a river. I was able to rinse off and I changed to the simple kimono I had packed. I had been able to reuse my obi and obiage. They had some specks of blood but nothing too visible. And they held my Kimono together

My hair was in slight disarray and had some dried blood but it was still styled in a traditional Maiko fashion.

I had only managed to bring a bit of money with me so I snuck into one of the small villages and purchased some food, and flask to keep water in.

I was dead on my feet, I hadn't slept in over 24 hours and had been on the run nearly all night.
I was able to rent a small room in an inn. I had used their bathrooms to get all of the Maiko makeup off and washed the blood off my hair.

I ate and fell to sleep as fast as possible. It didn't take long for me to fall into a deep slumber.

I had been running on adrenaline and high strung emotions, I had been so mentally, emotionally, and physically tired that I managed to sleep well into the night. I woke up around dawn.

I had managed to sleep for nearly 14 hours. But I got up and ate quickly before heading out.

I couldn't help but get annoyed at myself for sleeping in like that, I could've lost my advantage in distance. But so many things had happened I still couldn't get my head around it.

I ran for what seemed to be like hours on end.

I ran a solid 10 hours and after a few hours of running I took 15 minute breaks. I still had about a day of travel left.

I wasn't very fast, because of the lack of training I probably can't run as fast as an average genin. Which is about 40 mph.

Finding a large tree I managed to make myself comfortable in order to sleep. I was nibbling on the food I had brought from the village.

My entire body was exhausted even if I cycled chakra through my body.

I didn't even bother opening the bottom part of my backpack i'd do so as soon as I arrived in Konoha.

I was able to sleep for a good 5 hours before getting ready to leave again.

The sun was setting but I kept moving onward. I wondered if there were still ninja after me. I wonder if Sensei had passed away or if she was alive. The likelihood of her surviving was unlikely. But I couldn't afford to think about it too much, no matter how my mind drifted to those kinds of thought.

It wasn't until I had traveled about 46 hours that it seemed like I was making it to Konoha.

Soon the massive walls came to view, my heart seemed to skip, I could barely remember the last time I had seen the doors.

I ran up to the massive doors and the Guards.

"Halt! State your business." A guard yelled.

I looked up at the gates and then at the Guard.

"My name is ich- Riki, Riku of Konoha and rank Genin. I was stationed in Kyoto, my post was invaded by Iwa shinobi and my Sensei gave me a scroll with vital information." I say and the guard cocked a brow.

"You will need to be vetted by I&T." The man says as they started to let me in.

I nodded as I walked forward, my heart was thumping in my chest.

I was home, but at what cost?
_______
Hello, I hope you guys liked this chapter. I feel like the story is finally going to start catching up and we will see more cannon characters.