Chapter 5- Safe

Alexa's POV

I heard birds chirping when my body finally regained its consciousness. The last thing I remembered was passing out in a forest somewhere.

'Now, where am I?'

I slowly opened my eyes only to immediately shut them due to the blinding light of the sun. I opened them once again as I get used to them. The first thing I clearly saw after squinting my eyes was a window. I blinked and observed my surroundings and found myself on a wooden bed with a soft mattress.

'Turns out, someone found me'

Beside my bed was a tray with a bowl of porridge and some sort of traditional medicine with two spoons neatly arranged between them. I felt the soft breeze of the wind and the warm touch of the sun. I covered my eyes with my right hand to block the sunlight only to see my arm completely unscathed and pale.

'That night, almost my whole body was burned, was it a medical ninja who somehow found me?'

I touched my face to feel the soft texture of my skin, unlike those days when it was black and so rough. I slowly sat with my hands supporting me. I stoop down the bed to realize I was wearing a droop-down white dress. I lingered my eyes around and saw a full-body mirror standing beside the wall. Walking towards it as I held onto the wall because my legs felt like its the first time I could finally walk.

Taking several more steps immediately made me tired to the point my knees were close to losing their strength. As I face the mirror, my eyes immediately went wide. The child looking back at me was beyond mesmerizingly beautiful. I touched my face tracing down to my chin. I look even a lot prettier than Asumi-nee.

This was not the face this body owned before. Back then, Asuna had golden eyes and straight brown hair, her skin tone was peach. She also had a more round face and chubby cheeks. But, instead of a chubby look, I now had sharp features most probably because of starvation. Longer black hair, a cone shape jaw, small pointed nose, dry lips, thick black eyelashes, pearl white skin, and finally a suffocating lovely purple eyes with black pupils.

As I stare at the eyes of the person in front of me, I felt as if I'm being swallowed by a portal where I can forget everything. The more I look at my eyes, the more I fall into a deep slumber. It was taking me to a paradise, to a sea. That was then I realized my mistake that I'm casting myself in a Genjutsu and woke up to see myself standing in front of a mirror.

I heard the door creaked open and turned my head towards it. It revealed an elegant lady wearing a green shirt and brown skirt, her brown-black hair tied in a bun. She also had a gem-like tear necklace decorating her lightly tanned collarbone. She looked at me wide-eyed and mouth agape. She stared at me for seconds before she finally broke in her tracks and immediately talked to me with a genuine smile.

"You're finally awake, sleeping beauty", She tilted her head and gave me her warmest smile. "How's your sleep?"

I opened my mouth to respond.

"...i"

I am once again having a hard time talking, I took a gulp and raise my voice.

"...ah"

She was still smiling at me patiently waiting for me to answer.

"...It was great..."

I returned her smile with a smile of my own which I believed I saw stars in her eyes as if she saw a fairy.

"Do you want to eat something?"

"...I was about to..."

I looked back towards the porridge positioned on a small table near my bed, as I take a step forward with my hand on the wall for support, the pretty woman held my hand which seemed easier and we walked slowly. It was like a toddler learning how to walk with the guidance of her mother. I gave her another smile which she also returned.

I sat on the mattress and laid my hips parallel to the bed and she reached for a small table, place it with my legs in between below it. She place the porridge on it and gave me the spoon.

"...Ah...Thank you..."

"You should eat first"

I scoop a portion and bring it to my mouth. It was salty but delicious, at least I can eat something decent now. I was eating scraps of meat those days.

"...It's delicious..."

I remarked truthfully which she gladly appreciated. I took another scoop then another until the bowl was empty. She took the table away and fixed my bed.

"You can drink your medicine, later. It's a little bitter though, but bear with it, okay? It's for your health after all. "

"...hai...", She stood up from sitting on the end of the bed carrying the tray.

"I'll just wash these and be back later.", I nodded.

She closed the door slowly so that it won't make much noise without her smile faltering. As soon as the door creaked close, I rested my back and head on the headboard of the bed.

I closed my eyes, thinking about my dire life situation and mission here in the naruto universe.

'Will I end up affecting the plot?'

It had me thinking that the Ryuugaime clan actually never existed in the film, so even before I was reborn here the story already had some twist on it.

'Can I even do it, though, Avenging the Ryuugamine clan?'

With my potential and abilities, I have a chance of pulling it off. It may not be that high but, I can increase it when I start training. But, in what way should I take revenge.

'Kill them?'

'Kill their loved ones?'

'Destroy Konoha?'

'Destroy the world?'

'Am I a Psychopath?'

'How could I even think about killing someone when I never actually did it before?'

'How will I even start?'

'Why did I even promise I will do it?'

'I don't understand, why am I being like this?'

'If I was in my normal mental state that night, I would have just let myself die to stop anymore suffering. But, here I am, alive and well striving to survive.'

'Can I just live in peace and write stories?'

'That's right, it's better that way.'

Then, images of Kaguya, black Zetsu, Madara, Obito, Pain, Akatsuki appeared in my mind. I opened my eyes in realization and close them again.

'Naruto and the others will take care of them. But before that, I'll help Pain completely destroy Konoha. Or if that fails I'll join with Madara and Obito.'

What happens here does not concern me that much. But, if Madara succeeded in placing everyone under infinite Tsukuyomi, I would be also under a Genjutsu. Which means I might not be able to go back.

'What should I do?'

Only the elders of Konoha initiated the mission to massacre my clan to those eight shinobis. I leaned forward realizing something.

'This means I only have to kill the Hokage including those three old geezers.'

I smiled before leaning my back.

'Can I really do it though?"

That was when my surroundings change to a familiar place. A small village is found in the middle of a vast forest. It was filled with happy people, where everyone always celebrates. I was walking down the small road and the villagers just greet me or wave at me which I gladly returned.

I stood in front of a large manor house, it was like a palace of a warlord, I usually visit whenever I go to Japan. But instead of people wearing modern clothes scattered everywhere taking pictures, there were large men in a gunbai stationed in a particular place and women wearing white kimonos cleaning something or someplace.

I was not scared by the guards towering over me, instead, I was smiling at them. They did not say anything only bowed a little and let me enter the manor.

I stepped inside and everyone immediately lined up to both my sides to greet me. I smiled and greeted them back. One thing that I found similar to all the people I've met is that they had a particular shade of brown hair, some were light some were dark. Their eyes were of the color gold, with a dark golden iris. Some don't have the gold eyes and they seem to be treated and seen differently than others.

I also had those features. Features, where you can only found in a Ryuugamine. I stood inside a hall and went past it to see my older brother and sister in a duel. They were carrying samurai swords, adorned with gems on their handle. I looked at my hands to see what I was carrying and found a basket of beautiful flowers. How ironic.

My brother saw me and smiled happily while waving at me. I waved back when I saw Kanna-nee catch him off guard and she suddenly hit him on his stomach with the back of her sword. Dachi-nii was pushed backward by the impact, his feet engraved on the soil as he finally stop without realizing he already crossed the line. Unsurprisingly he did not fall, if a normal person received that attack they would be sent flying.

"Ouch! Hey! What was that for!", shouted Daichi-nii.

"Heh, I won!"

"WHAT?", he panicky looked for the borderline and instantly realized he went out of bounds. "Hey! No Fair!"

"Hmph, it's totally fair, it was indicated in the rule that once you cross the line you lose.", my beautiful sister explained in a smug tone.

"Wait! But, I was only saying hi to Asuna...", he retorted.

"Heh, it's your fault for lowering your guard.", my sister retorted back as she swiveled her attention to me, waving her hand in the air. "Thanks for the help, Asuna!"

"No problem sis!", I shouted back.

"No fair.", and there he goes again throwing his tantrum, as he sat on the ground poking the soil with a stick and drawing some turtles...? Anyway, he only shows that side to us, his younger siblings. He can be a cold and prevailing warrior over all others, but he could also be a cute bubbly little boy to us.

The same goes for my sister. She does not show this joyful side to others. Everyone except us her family looks at her as an arrogant but talented princess. Needless to say, everyone also undeniably feared her strong powers.

The two of them then started another rematch and bickered a lot as they clash their weapons against each one's own. It was then some

I giggled at their antics when a group of 6 people around 12 years of age and higher dragged someone from a rope tied on his hands and neck. I watched them curiously. All of a sudden they pushed the tied person, the same hair color as us down the ground near where my older siblings were sparring and started beating him up.

They kicked him on the stomach and punch him on his face as they laugh pathetically at him. Some of them looked in the direction of my siblings seeming to try and get their attention which they happened to. Kanna-nee and Daichi-nii stared at them blankly with cold faces. It was interesting to know how they could change their attitudes in an instant.

I observed what they would do next, paying a little heed to the person lying on the ground, his body now filled with bruises. Those bunch of snotty kids immediately greeted the royal siblings when they approached them.

"Greetings, Daichi-sama, Asumi-hime", they all simultaneously said like they did this numerous times before. My sister and brother did not respond and look down before shifting their eyes to the other kids.

"What is the meaning of this?", Daichi-nii questioned.

"Daichi-sama he is the half-blood Ryuugamine found residing in the Hidden Leaf Village, my father brought back.", the tallest boy among them spoke in a well-mannered tone.

"...", my brother nor my sister did not say anything just observing them with gloomy eyes. One of them then kicks the poor boy on his side resulting in him lying to his stomach. His flawless long tawny hair smoothly slid down from his back to the ground covering a portion of his face.

He seemed to feel my sustained stare on him when he raise his head a little bit so he could find who was looking at him. He looks up only to see me.

Time seemed to stop for a moment when our eyes met.

A slightly strong wind joined with a couple of leaves suddenly drifted carrying away the pink petals from the flowers I picked moments ago. My waist-line hair and white red kimono adorned with flowers swayed a bit making me tuck the strands of my hair behind my ear. I close my eyes to prevent them from getting any dust particles.

I half opened my eyes and smiled bitterly, because my favorite flowers were now taken away by the wind. I looked back at him, only to find him staring dazedly at me.

I looked back at him, only to find him staring dazedly at me.

That's right.

This was the first time I met him, the first time I met Kyuuji.

It was the start of my cursed faith.

I opened my eyes and took the bowl of medicine before gulping it down my throat.

Bitter.

Too bitter.

Well, it's better than the taste of blood.

I moved my hand to my heart, it felt heavy.

The door once again opened and I look towards the two people walking in front of me.

I tried to stand when I felt a slight force on my head. "Brat."

"Don't go around moving recklessly when you just woke up.", I look up and met an old man's stern eyes.

I shifted in my seat. "Hai, I'm sorry."

I rubbed the spot he hit me as I felt his stare.

"It's good that you can move even after sleeping for over 5 months.", my eyes widened and I clenched my fists before opening them again.

"...five...months...?"

'I wasted time.'

I could have used it to train.

"You were under comatose.", it was the woman this time as I breathe in and out to calm myself.

"...I...see...", I forced myself to smile. "Thank you...for saving me..."

He crossed his arms. "Rest for now, start regaining your strength tomorrow."

"Hai...I will...Uhm...mister...", he turned around and started walking away.

"Eichiru-jiichan, that's what they call me."

"And my name's Alexa not brat, Eichiru-jiichan.", he continued walking and I missed the small smile that curved on his lips as he went out of the room.

"Sorry about that.", I looked towards the pretty and kind woman.

"It's fine... I should be the one apologizing...I bothered you after all...", it was an awkward silence.

I scratch my head as I think of the next words I have to say.

"Beautiful weather, isn't it?", I look outside the window and saw brown and yellow leaves swirling in the wind.

"Y-yes..."

'Damn it. Looks like my introverted side came with me.'

I bit my lips.

'Someone help me. I hate small talks.'

"Uhm...", she looks towards me with a small smile as she raises her eyebrows. "What date is it today?"

"It's the 23rd of September."

I made an 'oh' face and I felt her hand ruffling my hair.

"And right now you're in Takigakure. Don't worry you're fine now."

"Don't worry you're fine now...", a voice said in my head as I saw a girl with long blonde hair, her face blurred her hand outstretched for me to take.

I clenched my head.

'Who was that?'

"You okay?"

"Oh. I'm fine. My head just hurts a little.", I immediately answered. "Uhm..."

I played with my fingers as I look down for I don't wanna ask her name. Like

'Hey woman what's your name?'

"Oh. Sorry for the late introductions. My name's Takeda Matilda. Eichiru-jiichan is my uncle by the way."

I see...

So they're uncle and niece.

Hm.

Good good.

Wait a minute, where is Takigakure anyways?

It's a hidden ninja village by the waterfalls I presume.

But, where is it located?

I'll just find a map later.

First of all, I have to find a decent place to live in.

"Matilda-san...?"

She sat across me and looked at me as if assessing me or something.

"Yes?"

"Can...can I Uhm stay here?", she blinked her eyes and I waved my hands. "A-ah. I'm very sorry. I-I mean. It's just that-...Uhm...I don't have anywhere to go...and...--"

"Sure. You can stay here.", this time I was the one who blinked my eyes multiple times.

'No way. There's no way you just let a stranger live in your house.'

"Thank...you...Matilda-san..."

"No worries...eh?"

I hugged her.

Yes, I did.

Child reactions.

I gripped her clothes tightly as I stuff my head on her chest.

My hands were trembling.

'Thank goodness...I don't have to sleep on the ground anymore.'

She smells like flowers. I love flowers.

I felt her hand rubbing my hair as she return my hug.

I raised my head and slightly tilt it as I smile brightly.

"Thank you, Matilda-san!"

'Ahhh...this is so embarrassing...'

"You're always welcome."

I guess I'm safe now.