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a new home.

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Fortunately, Konoha wasn't nearly as far as the Morika village was, much to Haru's delight. "What are we going to do when we get to Konoha? Is the Hokage even going to accept us? Weren't the people we encountered before from there? What's going to—"

"Relax. Konoha's a vert friendly villages. I know for a fact that Orochimaru's mentor is the Hokage." Kiyomi said.

His eyes widened, "no wonder he's so strong."

"If we give them everything we know about Orochimaru, we should be fine," the brunette murmured.

"Too bad about the scrolls though, they were really useful. I know that Orochimaru-Sama was planning something.. But we didn't stick around enough to know what it was." Haru groaned regretfully.

She smirked, "I mean, it would've been helpful to know what his next plan of action is. But as for the scrolls, I have the duplicates of them.. One for me and one for the Hokage of course."

"You really have thought of everything.." Haru couldn't help but stare at her in awe.

Kiyomi looked at the long road ahead of them, "I've been planning to escape for a long time. A long time."

"How far is Konoha anyways?" He asked.

She punched his shoulder, "Haru, the travel time is so much shorter than before. It's not too far, maybe another hour so.. You're lucky that this base is near Konoha. We can get there in less than thirty minutes if we run," she smirked over at him.

Haru groaned, "more running?"

Kiyomi shrugged. "I'm gonna run, I'll get there in less than ten minutes."

Sighing, he agreed. "Ugh, fine. Ready.. Set.." A small smirk appeared on his lips before he ran off.

"That's cheating, you ass!" She shouted and ran after him, easily catching up to him. "What were you thinking? Silly boy," the brunette ran beside him with a smirk. "I'm known for my speed." She flicked his forehead before going ahead.

"I'm gonna beat you!" Haru shouted, doing his best to keep up with her. But, he knew she was right though, she was well known for her speed. Within twelve minutes, they saw the gates of Konoha. He was never gonna be ever be able to outrun her, but he wanted to win against her just this once, even if it was unfair. He grabbed her bag and pulled her back, causing her to stumble, just enough so that he bet her. "GOAL!" He grinned, sticking his tongue out at her.

She reached the gates, literally, a millisecond later. "You ass. That's cheating." She growled out, proceeding to punch him in the shoulder. "I'm still better than you."

"At least I beat you." Haru pouted and crossed his arms.

"Ahem, may we help you two?" Kotetsu asked, staring at the two.

They turned to the side where two guards were placed.

She walked over to them, whilst the male trailed behind her. "Sorry, my friend and I were having a competition. We're tired after a long journey and we wish to permanently reside in Konoha," she fake smiled.

Izumo and Kotetsu blinked and returned her fake smile with a real one. "I see. Where are your parents?"

"They're— they're deceased, both of ours," she stated truthfully, almost numbly.

The guards' demeanour changed. "Our condolences to both of you. Feel free to stay in the village, but, for permanent residence you should go to Hokage-Sama first." They pointed to the big building, in front of the mountain faces.

"Thanks." He nodded and gently pushed the brunette in that direction. Once they were far enough from them, he stopped pushing her. "You alright, Ki-Chan?" He asked, worried.

"Peachy," she said, a distant look in her eyes.

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"Enter." Hiruzen spoke, filling in paperwork.

Kiyomi pushed the door open, revealing the third Hokage. "Hello.."

He looked up from his paperwork and gave them a warm smile. His presence made them feel warm on the inside, like they were welcome to stay. "May I help you two?"

"We want to reside in the village, we're from Otogakure, where Orochimaru is.. We've served under him for a while and we've been planning to escape for quite some time now," she spoke clearly and honestly, maintaining eye contact with him. "If you don't believe me, you can pick through my brain," the brunette offered, knowing they had techniques like that. She had nothing to hide, except her for past which she didn't even remember.

There was a tense silence in the air before the Hokage broke it with a chuckle. "You're quite bold aren't you? Why don't you just tell me everything you know instead? Picking through your break can be a last resort." He suggested, motioning for them to take a seat.

Haru's eyes sparkled as he eagerly took a seat. A soft chuckle escaped her lips at his actions as she sat down besides him. This seems too good to be true.

"If you don't already know, I'm Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage of this beautiful village." He stated proudly. "You can call me gramps."

"I'm Haru Mizushi," the boy beside her smiled, which she found quite unusual because he wasn't usual so smiley with people they'd just met. Though she didn't blame him, something about the old man was comforting.

"Kiyomi Ōzoku," she trailed off, giving him a nod.

"Mizushi and Ōzoku, that's very interesting, both of your clans are no more.. Am I right? Not to mention, Mizushi is a small clan whilst Ōzoku is big clan," he gave them a smile. "You're both very unique. Now, what's going on with Orochimaru?"

"He's conducting more and more experiments, capturing people and destroying small clans. I'm sorry to say, but I took part in it.. I am the result of one of his experiments. We don't know his next plan of action but it's bigger than small clans and kidnapping, it might have something to do with Konoha.." Kiyomi told him, pursuing her lips.

He nodded and tapped his fingers on his desk, "you look like a honest child, very blunt too. I believe you. We'll be on guard.. But what I'm thinking about right now is what I'm going to do with you two.. Which team? How do I know you're qualified?"

"You can find out and battle us." Haru suggested, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

Kiyomi shot him an incredulous look of disbelief and nudged him, "you do know he's the Hokage, right? Meaning, he's way stronger than me."

Hiruzen rose an eyebrow, obviously amused, "that's an idea, although I don't think it would be right to battle me.. Why don't you spar together and I'll see if you are both qualified?"

"SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!" Haru shouted, with a grin.

She instinctively hit him in the shoulder. "Can you lower your voice?! You're so loud, jesus."

"You two should know, you cannot be in the same team as it would mean a six person team including the sensei and that simple wouldn't be fair." He shook his head.

"Understood, Hokage-Sama," she stood up and bowed.

Haru followed her suit, a little astonished. He'd never seen her bow. "It's the first time I've seen you bow.."

"I'll be glad to have some break from this one for a while," the brunette smirked and stuck his tongue out at him. "And don't worry about the money. We've have enough for now."

"I'll provide you both with an apartment though. I insist," he smiled.

Haru grinned. "If you insist."

"I'll make sure your apartments are near each other though." Hiruzen nodded. "Follow me to the training grounds." As the third Hokage walked the pair to the training grounds, a smile was evident on his face.

They were both unique. Haru reminded him of Naruto, but with more control and he sensed that the male had a dark side to him. And Kiyomi seemed to be a mixture of Sasuke and Sakura combined, he found parts of the other gennins personality within her too.

He looked back at the energetic Haru who was practically clinging onto the brunette and hummed. "Another Naruto wouldn't be good for Kakashi.."

"What was that, gramps?" He asked.

"Nothing, we're here." Hiruzen announced, watching as the pair made their way to the centre. "The requirements are to produce at least three clones, being able to use weapons and everything else you want to show. Now, don't get too wild. Go!" He grinned, standing at the entrance of the training grounds.

Using her speed, she flashed in front of Haru and kicked him into a tree. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." She uttered, six clones of herself appearing.

"Your punches are the best." Haru grinned and stood up.

Kiyomi shook her head. "You're weird and masochistic."

"And, you're beautiful and sadistic. We're a perfect match," the male grinned and began forming hand signs. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." And four clones of himself appeared.

Smirking, she threw her shirukens at his clones, two had managed to avoid the shiruken by using their kunai to deflect it, whilst the other two disappeared. "Are you taking this seriously?"

He shrugged, his clones surrounding her and her clones, "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fireball)."

"Suiton: Aranami (Raging Wave)!" They shouted in unison, watching the water and the fire collided, making steam which created cover for a sneak attack.

She brought out more shirukens and threw them in every direction. "Shiruken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." She said, watching as the weapons multiplied, but nothing disappeared meaning it hadn't hit its intended target.

In another part of the field their clones were fighting each other, whilst the originals fought. When she saw the male disappear, she froze. There were two possible options, he'd placed her under a genjutsu, or he'd ran away. She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply, focusing on her surroundings. "Kaihō (Release)."

Haru appeared before her. "You're getting better."

Kiyomi rolled her eyes. "I don't need your opinion."

"Meh." He grinned and charged at her, throwing multiple punches and kicks, all of which she blocked.

"You're getting better," she mocked. "But I'll always be thirty steps ahead." A smirk appeared on her flawless face as she moved from defence to offence. She threw multiple punches and kicks, he only blocked three out of the many she threw.

"Kiyomi.. That's enough." Hiruzen called out, helping the male up. "You're both tremendously strong, all the more reason why I can't put you on the same team.."

Haru pouted, little sad that the brunette wouldn't be in the same team as him, "as you wish."

"I'll introduce you to your assigned teams tomorrow, for now.. Take in the sights, get some rest," he smiled warmly at them, handing the pair a Konoha headband each. "Meet me back here tomorrow morning so I can introduce you to your teams."

"Thank you." Kiyomi trailed off as she watched him walk away. Looking down at the Konoha headband and she tied it around her neck. Haru tied it around his forehead.

"We're part of Konoha now!" He squealed and began jumping up around. This felt like a new beginning.

"Let's walk for a little bit before settling into our apartments. Then we'll head out for something to eat," the brunette suggested.

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After walking through the village, she noticed that everyone seemed to greet them. She found it unusual because at the hideout they just gave each other a nod or just walked past each other. It was refreshing.

"Everyone here is so cheerful." Haru smiled, greeting everyone who greeted them. This is what he was like before Orochimaru and what he would have been like if he wasn't there, but here and now, in a safe environment, he could let himself be free.

Kiyomi glanced over to the smiling Haru and somehow, she couldn't help but mimic him and his smile. She found that his smile so contagious, the brunette was happy that he was happy, she knew he needed this. If they'd stayed any longer, Haru would've turned out different. Being with Orochimaru made him much darker and the same went for her.

They eventually made their way to their apartments. And much to Haru's delight, the Hokage had given them apartments next to each other.

Haru quickly unlocked the door to his apartment. "It's so beautiful! Big and spacious!"

Rolling her eyes at his excitement, she walked a little further down and opened the apartment next to his but he was right. It was beautiful, better than the hideout. It was very spacious, just as the male had said. Back at the hideout there were only beds, maybe a closet or a drawer if you were lucky. Which she was, Orochimaru's favourite experiment.

She decided to fix up the room, all the equipment and furniture that she wouldn't need would be hidden away into scrolls. She grabbed everything but the little sofa and one of the tables and sealed them in a scroll, placing it in her bedside table. She put all her weapons where the large sofa used to be, just scattered on the floor. She would need a weapons rack for all her weapons. All her clothes fit perfectly into the wardrobe and closest, considering she didn't have much.

"I'll go see what that knucklehead is up to.." Kiyomi headed out of her apartment. She couldn't help but look back knowing she finally had a home. She shook off the feeling of sentiment and walked into Haru's apartment, which he carelessly kept unlocked.

"Ki-Chan! It's so big and we finally have a home and stuff.." Haru sighed happily plopped down on the couch. "You were right about the Hokage being nice."

She closed the door behind her. "I'm always right."

"Who's gonna be in my team? What about your team? We're gonna be separated," he whined.

"He gave his reasoning Haru, we're too strong. He needs to even out the teams, power wise," she told him and ruffled his hair. "You're less focused when you're with me anyways."

Haru crossed his arms, "I still don't like it."

"We'll always see each other at the end and start of the day Haru," the brunette shook her head and stood in front of him. "Get your ass up, let's go get dinner. I'm gonna go shop for some stuff," she grabbed his hand and gently dragged him to the door. Well, as gently as she could.

They had decided to go to a ramen stand for a light dinner, ramen tasted delicious and they didn't have it too often. And in addition, Haru insisted. They both took a seat. "One bowl of miso ramen please," the male chirped.

"One tonkatsu ramen, please." Kiyomi spoke softly, leaning on the counter.

It'd been a while since he'd seen such a relaxed face on the brunette, being in Konoha definitely improved her attitude and demeanour. Everyone was so friendly, it made him wanna be even more friendly.

"I've never seen you two before, that means, you're new," the woman pointed out, a small smile appearing on her face. "I'm Ayame. This is my father Teuchi."

Haru smiled, "I'm Haru, this is my best friend, Kiyomi."

"Enjoy your meal." Teuchi gave them their bowls and they began to eat.

It'd only been five minutes and the brunette had already finished her bowl. "How are you finished so quickly?" Haru murmured, shoving the ramen into his mouth.

"Because that's the way I am baka," she shot him a disgusted look. "That's disgusting, take it easy and eat slow, I wouldn't want you to choke." She waited patiently for him to finish, which took another ten minutes. "You're actually the slowest person I've met. Thanks for the food, keep the change," she told them and placed the money on the table, stepping out of the stand.

"Ki-Chan.. I'm so bloated, I'm gonna rest in my soft bed.. I'll see you tomorrow." Haru rubbed his stomach and grinned at her.

"Rest up." She ruffled his haired and walked off.

He watched her disappear into the crowds of Konoha before making his way back to his newly acquired apartment.

"I haven't been here in a while, Konoha."

"Why'd you come here kid? You can protect yourself, and even if you can't, we're here."

She looked down and spoke in a low voice, "Honestly though, Haru can't. It's good being around people sometimes Kuro."

"Whatever kid. Too joyful for me."

Kiyomi shook her head at the demon wolf and walked around the village, twice, to get familiarity of the village. After familiarising herself with the area, she stayed in the market place. There was so many weapons she found beautiful, but she needed to find a weapon stand for now, which was relatively easy to find and as a bonus they weren't that expensive. She bought seven weapon stands, as she had more weapons than she needed.

As she made her way back to her apartment, the brunette recalled the team they'd encountered on the boat. She remembered their headbands and cursed under her breath and sighed. They'd told them fake names, now they were gonna be all inquisitive if they ever saw each other again. It would be highly likely seeing as they were in the same village and she guessed that the trio were around her age. She groaned and opened the door to her apartment, placing the weapons stands on the side. She changed into her pyjamas and slipped into bed. Within moments she was out cold.

Unbeknownst to her, Zetsu was in the room, watching over her. "She's so peaceful."

"Shut up, don't make too much noise. She'll wake." His black side hissed, as they disappeared.

Kiyomi groaned and opened an eye. "Wha..?"

From afar, two figures dressed in cloaks covered with clouds were watching the village of Konoha, more specifically, the area the brunette was residing in.

"We haven't seen her in years," Konan murmured sadly.

"Zetsu, you've kept an eye on her, right?" Pein turned to him.

He nodded. "Of course I have."

"And?" He glanced over at him.

"She's gotten strong, but her genjutsu still needs work," the black side of Zetsu commented snidely.

"She's still growing." Konan defended.

The smallest of smiles appeared on his face. "I have a feeling we'll see her, soon enough."

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▬▬▬▬▬ 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

konan <3 she's so pretty oml pls.