Recap

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"I see... So it was true. Reina, would you like to stay here in the Village Hidden in the Leaves?"

I gasped. I was shocked. He would actually let me stay in his village?

"May I know your answer?"

"Yes, I'll stay. Thank you!"

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Reina's View

I was jumping in joy. The Hokage was actually letting me stay in the Village! But now he wanted to talk about getting a guardian for me. I was still to young after all. It was either Iruka or Kakashi. He had picked them since I was already comfortable with the both of them. Now all I needed to do was choose. I bit my lip. I don't know who to pick. Hmm... Well, Kakashi-san is nice, kind of scary, but is strong too! That's good. Iruka-san is nice, helpful, and a really caring person. That's good too! I like both of the. This is too hard.

I bit my lip and looked at both of them, then the Hokage. "I don't know who to pick, sir. I...I might need some more time, if you don't mind..." I mumbled.

They all stared at me, then the Hokage cleared his throat. I jumped.

"That's not a problem, Reina. If you want, I'll allow them a few days off which they can use to spend some time with you, if you wish." He explained.

I grinned. "You would really let them have a few days off? I mean- I don't want to be a..."

Nuisance...failure...mistake...worthless...

"Reina?" I shook my head, "I don't want to be any trouble, that's all." I smiled it off.

They all chuckled, especially Iruka. "You won't be of any trouble to us."

I frowned slightly. That's what mama and daddy said before...but they lied. I replaced the frown with a smile right away, I can't let them know more than they already know.

The Hokage cleared his throat once more, "Seems like we have chosen what to do. Kakashi, Iruka, you both shall have three days off which you can use to spend time with Reina. Is that alright, for you two?" The Hokage replied, with a gruff voice.

"Hai, Lord Hokage!" Kakashi and Iruka exclaimed in unison.

I giggled. I just might be able to have some fun for the next three days. I... I wonder how it feels...to have fun. All my feelings from before filled me, to the brim. All the pain, sadness and loneliness that I felt took over. Tears pricked the corner of my eyes. I rubbed them away furiously. 'No, they can't see me like this! Not now, not ever!' Once I thought I looked 'normal', as in no tears in my eyes. I went over to the Hokage, and tugged on his white, long robe.

"Yes, child?"

"Eto, where am I going to stay for the next few days?" I mumbled, squirming in place.

He chuckled, "I'll get you an apartment--"

I faced Iruka, surprised he even interrupted the Hokage. Though I barely know whom the lord Hokage is, I could tell he was an important person to the village. Like ours, was a man or woman we called Master or Aruji. Aruji, meaning Lord.

"She can stay with me, lord Hokage!" Iruka interrupted, nervously,

"Heh, alright Iruka." He chuckled out, "Take care now you two, as well as you Kakashi. You are all dismissed."

"Hai, lord Hokage." They said, with a low bow.

I watched them carefully, so that's what you do to a superior here.

I bowed, "Hai, Hokage-sama!" I exclaimed in the cutest way I could. After my bow, I stood straight up and saw the Hokage smiling, also Iruka and Kakashi. I blushed from the attention. I was never too fond of attention from others. At least positive attention in comparison to the demeaning glares I would get back at home.

"No need to be so formal." He said.

"Hai," I nodded and went to bow again, quickly correcting myself I stood still.

A hand went on my shoulder. I turned around.

"You ready to go, Reina?" Iruka asked.

"Oh, u-uh, yes." I said, "M-Matte!" (Wait)

Quickly I ran to the Hokage and hugged his legs, while mumbling a quick thank you. I received a 'No problem, child' in return. Then I ran to Kakashi, smiling up at him. He's so tall. I shook my head, and then went to hug his legs. Instead I was lifted up in the air, I squeaked.

Kakashi stared at me. I did the same. Wondering why he lifted me up in the air. "I'll see you in two days, Reina." Kakashi smiled, "Behave, alright. I'll see you soon." Kakashi hugged me tightly. I did the same to him.

"Bye, Kakashi-san, I'll miss you." I whispered.

He placed me down and ruffled my hair. Before shoving me to Iruka. I smiled and ran to Iruka. He grabbed my hand, I squeezed his and we walked out the room. I waved over my shoulder. I can't wait for tomorrow, for what awaits me.

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[ Day one - Iruka ]

"Rei...Rei...wak...up..."

I groaned, pulling the covers over my head.

"Rei...wak...up...wer...goin...out..."

I groaned again, but louder. "I... I don't wanna. Too tired."

I heard chuckling. "You sure?" I heard more clearly this time.

I was wide-awake now. Yanking the covers off me, I butted heads with who I'm guessing to be Iruka. Whining from pain I rubbed my head, with a pout.

"I'm up, I'm up..." I muttered out wide-awake.

Iruka chuckled, still rubbing his forehead. His eyes lit up, "I know exactly where we're going today. So, get up, get up! The bathroom is to the right, and there are some clothes there for you. They should fit, my neighbor had a daughter around your age so they should be around your size. I'll be in the kitchen when you're ready." Iruka explained.

I nodded, as Iruka walked out the room. Crawling out the bed I headed to the bathroom. It was a decent sized bathroom, I really couldn't complain. I'd really never been in one till now. Reaching out, I grabbed a knob that had the color blue on it. Turning it made water come out, I stared in awe. I put my hand under the water. It was freezing! I hugged my hand with a shiver. 'So blue means, cold. Then the red one is, hot?' I wondered. I furrowed my eyebrows together. I turned the red one and hot water poured out. With both of them still on, the water became warm. It got to the point where I was warm enough for me to get in now.

Peeling my clothes off, I climbed into the tub. I grabbed the shampoo, pouring a small amount onto my hand. Lathering the shampoo in my hair felt good. I felt clean. After I washed the shampoo out, I grabbed a bottle with the label conditioner. Scrubbing that in my hair somehow made my hair softer, so much softer. I grinned, finishing up with my shower. I turned the water off and got out, changing into my clothes. It was a small black dress with blue butterflies over it. A smile formed on my lips. It was pretty. I liked it. 'I wonder what Iruka will say.' I thought.

I sniffed the air, something smelled really good. I ran to the kitchen. Iruka was cooking. There was plates in the table. I almost drooled at the wonderful smell. I jumped in glee and sat at the table. Iruka walked over to me and placed food on my plate. I stared own at it. It was squishy and a circle.. But what was it?

"Ne, Iruka. What is...this?" I said while poking at it.

"Huh? Oh, it's a pancake. Try it, I think you'll like it." He explained, a chuckle escaping his lips.

I nodded warily, "Alright."

Grabbing the fork next to the plate, I cut a piece and ate it. My eyes widened and I scoffed it all down. It tasted like heaven!!! It's so delicious! I'm in love!

Iruka burst out laughing, "Seems like someone was hungry, and I'm taking that you liked it?" I nodded, a blush spreading on my face from embarrassment. "Well, once I'm done we'll get going."

I hummed in response. 'Maybe I should walk around his apartment for a little..' I thought. 'Yeah, I should. I have nothing else to do.'

So far I've seen the two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a medium sized living room, along with the kitchen. I really don't think there's anything else to see here, guess I'll go to the living room then. As soon as I walked in, I saw Iruka waiting for me.

"There you are, let's go." Iruka said.

I jumped and ran to his side, I grabbed his hand and held on. We walked aimlessly around the village, people were smiling, laughing, just having the time of their life. Jealousy filled me. I never experienced those feelings. I might not even get the chance to ever. I growled when I saw two kids running and laughing, with no care in the world. 'Stupid kids! They probably don't even know what it feels like to be sad, alone, or to be hated.' I thought with a snarl. My grip on Iruka's hand tightened, he gave a light squeeze in return. My gaze went to his face, worry was written all over his face. I gave him a fake smile.

'Where could we be going? The park? Store? Where?'

"We're here."

I snapped out my thoughts and looked around. There was a little pond with all types of fish in it, there was also a big lake right next to the pond. Trees were everywhere and you could hear birds chirping. Overall, it was really pretty. Just beautiful.

"It's so pretty, Iruka!" I gasped. "How did you find this place!?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I honestly don't know, just came upon it. I'm glad you like it though."

I giggled and walked over to the pond. I tried catching some of the fishes but they kept squirming out my tiny hands. I pouted while Iruka laughed at my failing efforts.

I growled, "Why don't you try? You think it's so easy?"

And he did, he tried and failed miserably. The fish would be in his grasp for a few mere seconds then they'd slither away. I burst into a fit of laughter. Iruka was getting aggravated with the fish for Jashin's sake! How could that not be funny? I wiped a tear away, and giggled. Iruka threw his hand up, and shrieked in annoyance. His face was red with his eyes twitching like crazy.

Going over to the lake, I noticed that it was crystal clear. I smiled and stuck my hand in the water. Ripples appeared, I splashed the water with my hand, it to ripple more. Droplets of water landed on my face, I grimaced and shook my head. The droplets of water flew around. I smiled. I took no notice of Iruka sitting right next to me, watching my every move.

I continued playing with the water, making waves appear or even make the water move with my clan's special ability. We were able to control others with their blood, but we were also good at controlling water. Being originated in a land where there was a plentiful amount of water, we seemed to discover this ability. And it is handy at times, for fun or when in need. I lifted my hands bringing higher in the air, the water from the lake floated to where my hands where. I spun around, the water following my moves, moving my hands in circles the water formed into sphere. I grinned at my work. I placed the floating sphere of water onto my left hand. With my right hand I made the hand sign, muttering just one word.

"Katsu."

The water splattered everywhere, a good amount landing on my face. I watched the little explosion carefully. Examining the drops of water fly in the air and land on the ground or onto another piece of nature. 'I can't believe I actually remembered how to do that! Seems like I didn't lose my power after all.'

That's when I felt his eyes burning holes on the back of my head, gasping I spun around and faced Iruka in fear. I saw the shock and disbelief in his eyes, I gulped, awaiting any yelling, or pain.. I received neither. Peeking my eyes open, Iruka smiled widely.

"What was that?!" He shouted in surprise.

I flinched back, "It's one of my clans kekkei-genkais power...controlling water..." I whimpered out of fear.

Iruka looked at me confused to why I flinched. His eyes softened and he embraced me tightly, yet softly at the same time.

"I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea. I'm surprised, since, well, I've never seen something that amazing before. That's some talent you have." Iruka whispered in my ear, "You should also know that I won't hurt you, ever. All right? Don't be afraid of me, I admire your power actually." Iruka said his hands on my shoulders, looking straight into my eyes.

I didn't dare speak, I was frozen in shock either way. No one has admired me or my power before. And hearing it now makes me really happy, yet so emotional. Mama and daddy never said anything like that before. They made excuses and such. I couldn't help myself at the moment. I jumped at Iruka, hugging him tightly. Tears poured down my face like a waterfall with no end.

"A-Arigatō I-Iruka!" I sobbed, "no ones said that before! That m-means you're s-special in a g-good way."

Iruka rubbed my back. I could feel his smile. I sniffed then pulled away from Iruka. And ideas popped in my head. We're by the lake, right? And by we're, I mean Iruka is on the edge to falling in. Why don't I give him a little push? I smirked evilly and faced Iruka.

"Ne, Iruka. Do you like water?" I asked innocently.

Iruka raised his eyebrow in suspicion, "Yes, I do. Why?" He asked.

"Nothing, nothing... It's just that if you like it why don't...--" I murmured. "--you bathe in it!!" I shouted, shoving Iruka into the lake with all my strength.

It worked! He fell in the water! Woohoo! I giggled evilly and ran away from the scene, or tried my best to. I couldn't even take one step before a hand reached out and dragged me into the water.

"Agh!"

I opened my eyes to see blurriness due to the water. I glared at Iruka who was under water with me. I'm guessing he tried to laugh, but failed miserably, water flowed into his mouth and ended up choking him. He went up for air. I couldn't help it and burst into laughter. I stopped when water entered my mouth. I coughed and sputtered. Covering my mouth, I swam up to the surface for air.

I gasped, and sucked in air greedily. I coughed up a tiny amount of water. I had to admit, the water didn't taste so good. Kinda tasted like algae. I spit in the water to at least try and get rid of that stupid flavor. I glanced up at Iruka, noticing he was doing the same thing. I smirked. My job here is done. I swam quietly to land, I could maybe escape without him noticing, hehe. I crawled onto the grass, standing up I tiptoed to the direction of Iruka's apartment/home. Next thing I know I'm thrown over someone's shoulder, that certain someone being Iruka. I let out a squeal of surprise.

Iruka laughed, "Haha, you think I'll let you off that easily? Well guess again." He mocked.

I pounded on his back childishly, "Baka, baka, baka! That's cheating! I'm supposed to win, not you!!" I whined.

"How is that cheating? And I don't remember seeing of talking about any rules." He pointed out.

I grunted with a pout. Curse Iruka for catching me, curse him for being so smart!

"Oi, Reina we're here." Iruka said, "Oh, and take a bath, you're dirty."

"Okay, you need to take one to Iruka, you stink like fishes." I said.

Iruka got an anger mark, "Like you don't either?!"

I giggled, "Psh, you're just jealous I smell like water while you smell like fish."

"What--? No--! Uh, never mind..." He muttered in defeat, while placing me down.

I laughed and ran to the bathroom. I grabbed a towel and took a shower. Jumping out I dried myself off. I bit my lip, I forgot. I have no clothes other than this dress! Wait--! I can borrow one of his shirts. Tiptoeing to the door, I opened it and grabbed one of his shirts. Quickly throwing it on, I ran back to the bathroom. I frowned. My undies are wet.. I took them off placing them on the ground. Hovering my hands over it, I closed my eyes and focused on pulling the water out of it. Once I was done absorbing the water out, I was panting in exhaustion. Taking water out of anything is really tiring. I put them on and walked out the bathroom. Iruka was on his bed reading. Crawling next to the bed, Iruka took notice of me.

"Oh, you're done. Are you going to bed?" He asked them eyed the shirt. "Hey, isn't that my shirt?"

I nodded answering both of his questions, "I borrowed it, I have no other clothes beside the wet ones. And, um..." I fiddled with my fingers. "Is it alright if I stay with you tonight?" I whispered.

"Oh, I understand." Iruka murmured, "And it doesn't bother me, hop in." Iruka pat the bed.

I hopped on the bed, cuddling into Iruka. I took a whiff of his scent; lemons and water.

"Night Reina, sweet dreams."

"Night Iruka..." I murmured and fell into a deep sleep.

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Sorry if the story is a bit slow. After a few more chapters the story should be in place with the original story line. Again, I'm sorry. Either way I hope you liked the chapter despite the rate it's going at.

Edit: Don't ask me what water smells like...it just has a smell. I know it does. I know so 😭