2[edited: 06/04/2020]
DISCLAIMER: Naruto and its universe are owned by Masashi Kishimoto. I only owned my OCs
Chapter 1: Home
She realizes how the world can be so perplexing and disturbing sometimes. And therefore, the world seems to be so dangerous. And so, the question is, where is home?
Part 1
It had been over an hour now and she was still looking at the same thing all over again. Though she never got bored of it, the feeling she felt never changed. She knew she shouldn't be here this late night. She shouldn't have been here on the first place. At this crucial time, it was not safe for her to travel miles away from her home, all alone in the middle of the night. It was very dangerous, even more dangerous after knowing what had happened, what could happen.
Sighing heavily, she glanced again to two carved stones, the last of the night. Her finger quietly traced the carving on the surface, tracing back to that one night, a very sad night when all of things happened very quickly. The war, the destruction, the blood, dead bodies. All of those horrible things happened in just one night by some stupid power-seekers. But it was more painful when she realized that her parents' bones were laying few meters under the soil she stood on. If she'd had a weak heart, she would've dug in and laid her body between them. But no, she hadn't. And she would never have. She'd made a promise to her mother not to lose faith in any situation. Perhaps this was one of it.
She crouched down in front of those memorial stones and placed purple freesias on their ground, in the middle. On this way, she could imagine them holding the flowers together. Freesia was her mother's favorite, or so her father thought. Ever since, he always brought her freesias until she grew bored of them.
The girl slowly closed her eyes and hummed some prayers. A tear slid down, leaving a wet trail on her pale cheek. More water drops followed as she deeply let things out.
After hours of jumping tress to trees and managed to liquidize along the channel, she arrived at a small, lonely island she had been hiding in with the remaining of the Kuroichi Clan.
Kuroichi Clan.
It used to be so powerful, well-respected, living in the harmony of prosperity. Kuroichi itself had been a gift, the greatest gift that needed to be maintained over generations, a gift that needed to be proud of.
But in just one night, all of those glorious days were just history. Now living behind the walls of trees in the unknown island, the clan was barely able to survive. It was now living in danger.
Because of that one night, the Kuroichi Clan was seen as a curse to be hidden.
"Thao-chan? Where have'a been? I'm worried sick!"
"Hn. None of your business," she said as she calmly pushed him out of her way, entering the make-shift house. The guy was still looking at her, not very satisfied by the answer. She shrugged. "I went to Yamigakure, just so you know."
"Yami?! Alone?"
"Usatchi, calm yourself! I got home just fine."
Usatchi grunted and shook his head. "Thank God Kabushiro is not here. He would've killed you."
"Nah, I am immortal," the corner of Thao's lips curled slightly into a small prideful smirk. "By the way, where is him? And Uncle Tamashi? Patrolling? The house looks empty somehow."
"Not patrolling. Kabushiro would find ya' easier if he did," Thao turned to her teammate and shook her head when he goofily put on a wide smile. "But honestly I don't know. They left just hours before you came. All packed up. A long journey, I think."
"Hm, having a vacation I supposed."
"Err, there is one more thing I want to talk to you." Suddenly Usatchi hurried his pace inside the building, pulling Thao's hand on the process.
"Oh please, I've had enough of you alright. Now it's not the time to stay and hear all your useless cra—,"
"It's about Otsuro."
As if it was a sacred word, the whole room felt silent. The only sound could be heard was a faint ticking from the clock on the wooden wall, ticking constantly in harmony.
"What happened?!"
Unsure, Usatchi stayed still and roughly scratched his hair.
"What is going on, Usatchi? Don't play this game with me!" Thao asked, now a little bit out-tempered and out of patient.
He sighed and glanced at the moonlight over the window. And then when he turned to look at her, she saw the same eyes she'd seen on that night. Frightened.
"The Akatsuki is near, somewhere."
Her whole body went rigid and the back of her neck started to shiver, but not because of the cold breeze of the night. She thought about something else; something worse. Without any more to say, she left Usatchi and went straight to Otsuro's room. Just as she sstep into the room, she was abruptly shushed by a figure by the bed.
"Be quiet, Thaomi-chan! He's asleep."
Thao raised an eyebrow at the young woman. But after seeing a small figure laid on the bed next to her, she relaxed. "I'm sorry," Thao sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I was just worried."
"I guess you've heard about the vision?"
"A vision – no, but Usatchi told me that Akatsuki is here," Thao said, louder than she intended to be. The nerves started to act out. "What's going on, Sukii?"
"We weren't quite sure if they really have found us. But Tamashi-ojisan had a short vision of them, of where they could be located," Sukii said, slowly getting up from the bed now sitting next to Thao. "And now Kabushiro and some of his men went to investigate."
"When was this? The vision, I mean?"
"I think Ojisan had it earlier this afternoon. Afterwards, he and Kabushiro started talking about it."
"I haven't left – I mean, I was here this afternoon," Thao exclaimed in a low voice, not wanting to wake Otsuro up. "Why I just knew this now?"
"Well, they kept it as a secret the whole time, maybe to make sure of it. But they told us just before they left, which I believe was few hours ago."
"Do you know where exactly they went? This Akatsuki camp?"
"Don't really know, but I think somewhere far. I saw them packed up. I think it's a whole ten days journey." Sukii shrugged. When she noticed a shift from the bed, she lightly patted Otsuro's body to soothe his sleep.
"Oh, should I—,"
"Already done. Me and the twins sealed the land after they left."
Thao nodded and glanced at the sleeping boy on her arms. Looking at Otsuro now, he was still so small, adorable, and fragile. She still couldn't believe the elderlies dared to seal down the dark creature into this child. They lost their minds on the warzone until they had to do that. And their lives as well.
Mum! Dad! Where are you?
"Ten freaking days! Why Kabushiro left in this situation? Stupid idiot."
Sukii smiled and held her hand with her free hand. "He's maybe stupid, but Kabu knows what he's doing."
"But—,"
"No buts, Thao-chan. Now why don't you go get some rest? I'm sure you need one. Yamigakure is quite a far walk, I see," Sukii chuckled when Thao stared at her wide-eyes. "How is it?"
"I haven't told you that," Thao gulped and frowned deeper. "How do you even know things?"
Sukii reached out Thao's hair as if seeking for something. When she pulled back, a small hairpin with embroider of small tulips attached was on her grasp. The clip instantly turned to a black liquid, flowing quietly into the pores of her body. Thao raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"I sometimes forgot how smarter you are compares to Kabushiro."
…
Once Kabushiro arrived back at the island, he wasted no time to order an urgent meeting inside the main house. And so two hours later, all of the ninjas were gathering inside the room.
"As we already know, Tamashi-sama had a vision. And I'm afraid the vision is getting stronger and perhaps, is going to be true," Kabushiro explained. "Of those who needs enlighten, Tamashi sensed an Akatsuki chakra which some way has figured out where we are right now."
Murmurs spread inside the room, talking about the frightening vision he was talking about. Even though they already talked about it times before.
"Silence!" Midatsu yelled out, simply getting their attention back. "Thank you."
"He also found out about something else," Kabushiro paused. "He found out that the Akatsuki had captured Shukaku, the one tailed Jinchuuriki."
Few of the adults nodded in sense. But the young just looked at each other in questioning eyes.
"Thao-chan, what does it has to do with us?" Usatchi whispered.
"I don't know. I don't even know about it," she reluctantly whispered back. "I guess we've trapped in this deserted island a bit too long."
"I couldn't have agreed more with Thao's opinion," Kabushiro said, smiling to the two teens that literally shot their eyes on him. "But we'll come to that later on… anyway, we are not quite sure what the purpose of the tailed monsters still but dealing a Jinchuuriki is not an easy task. Although they might have recruited new members of the organization, I heard that they had lost a member and chakra-sources, and now they seek for more. They are the Akatsuki after all," Kabushiro paused. "And somewhat they thought one of the chakra-sources belongs to someone here in this room at present time. A chakra they never succeed to obtain."
The people inside didn't dare to glance at the boy in Sukii's lap, but nobody could hold it. A short glance to his small figure was enough to remorse everything in the past. Every single thing.
"That doesn't mean they stop trying. If this vision Tamashi-sama had is probable, then we, as all vowed, will protect Otsuro from any harm's way," Kabushiro sighed. "But with the tailed-beasts power, the Akatsuki might be getting stronger now, and more dangerous. I gotta` admit we are not prepared to fight them. Even if y'all think we were."
It wasn't a complete lie. In fact it wasn't a lie at all. Physically they were strong, they had to. Kuroichi Clan was one of the most powerful clans in the world, there was no argue in that. But mentally they weren't prepared, even for the head-clan. Silly, but Kabushiro couldn't lie to himself that well.
"Let's just say that the Akatsuki knows we are here. That means we need to leave and hide from them. This led to a sudden mission of moving out from this island and set for a new site. About two weeks long if travelling by liquid form. There is a spot that my teams had secured for us," Kabushiro told them. "In Fire Country."
The silence had broken. Murmurs and questions soon fired up, of the new detail of their future home. Fire Country? That was new. Never in Thao's life ever had she thought they would leave for good, like far away good. But why Fire Country?
"Fire Country? Why there?" finally someone from the circle asked, as if reading Thao's mind.
"We still don't know where this Akatsuki hideout could be. But Tamashi believed Fire Country was far from them," Thao notice the nod of Tamashi's face declaring the statement. "Also we will be more surrounded with civilization, but still keeping distance. Thaomi's right, we've trapped in this deserted island a bit too long."
"Hold up!" Gionn, who Thao noticed, was far from pleased with the idea since the beginning. "The last time Akatsuki was spotted was when they overcame Shukaku's power, which I believe there was a fight happened near the border of Rain Country. How can you be so sure that Akatsuki wouldn't make their way into Fire Country by now?"
"I told you, Akatsuki is now not in a state of action, at least not yet, according to Tamashi's vision. So it is our best chance to move to a new location," Kabu deliberated over the plan. "Also I am not talking about a simple move in and move out, Gionn-sama. Of course when we get to the new place we will be sealed. The purpose of this move is to blur out our location."
"I see," Gionn nodded slowly, stared to take in into consideration. But then he stopped and began. "If your plan is to get a new location, why don't we just simply move out this island and find another? Water Country has many vacant islands. Also Kirigakure would gladly to help us—"
"Kirigakure did help us back in the day. But it would be just the same as opening a healing wound. Kirigakure is poor enough to support themself let alone us. So no, we are not staying in Water Country," Seeing Gionn slowly nodding back to his own place, Kabushiro sighed deeply. "Anyone else have questions? Best to ask now! We won't be having this conversation in anytime soon."
Unsurprisingly there were some people. Kabushiro knew that this idea was far the best one he got. But what option he got left?
Thao watched as one person shared his opinion to the forum and then Kabushiro would answer that. It became a continuous loop to watch. Frankly, she didn't understand the plan, nor ever she cared. She knew staying hidden was never a problem to this small group. They could easily make a seal or other powerful barrier jutsu enough to block everything from them. It worked out for five years now, until the vision happened. What annoyed her was that these people seemed to underestimate Kabushiro's judgement, Kabushiro's power. Her family's power.
Maybe it was because people thought Kuroichi Clan was long gone, dead by the war. When they heard of potential survivors, they just either shrugged it off, or laughed it off. Even after one of Kuroichi found the gut to show them the special Bloodline, they still shook their heads. Some sort of Black Magic, they told them. When people actually believed, it was based on needs and desperation. Some people finally believed and decided to join them, mostly for protection and job and not for true loyalty, like the obvious one, Gionn and his doofuses.
But really she didn't care. She didn't care about Gionn. She didn't listen about Fire Country. She didn't give a shit about the plan. All she focused on was only for Otsuro, her brother. Her only family left.
But then again, listening to these arguments was starting to annoy her. She had to do something.
"—even if there's a—oh, Thaomi?" Kabushiro paused himself to see as hand rose amongst the youngster. "Is something wrong?"
"I...uh, I know I shouldn't butt in. But I already raised my hand. So... umm," Thao glanced at the rest of the people, particularly to the elders. As they waiting, she continued. "I didn't really catch all this arguments and opinions. But I do believe that Kabushiro-san has figured this out. And if you really believe in him, if you really believe in us, then I'd say no more questions."
She paused. "I understand that some of you took the vow on unwillingly, not for the sake of Otsuro. I mean for your own purposes," she could see some people shifted their seat uncomfortably, which brought slight amused to her. She then continued. "I don't blame you though, then at least you have a purpose to live or a purpose to hide. A purpose that can keep us together. Like it or not, you will find a way to fight in our side, for your own sake. So why don't we keep it that way, as we always do for the past years?"
Silence took over the room as Thao nodded to Kabushiro, signaling that she was done with her business, and quietly and awkwardly sat back down, as eyes were locked on her. "Thank you Thaomi for the encouragement. So, any more questions?"
The forum ended up with all following the plan. Yay.
She was startled with hyped applauses from Usatchi, in which she shut down uncomfortably. "Stop it!" she spat vigorously to him.
"Why, you deserve that. You are brave for saying that," he whispered back, as Kabu began to mention other stuff for the contingency of the plan.
"Did anything I say make sense? What do you think?"
"I hardly listened."
"Jerk."
"Hey I am only kidding," he smiled widely and leaned in. "What you said was an eye-opening motivation. I am sure people will understand your point."
"And what if people don't? People as stubborn as Gionn?"
"Then it is their loss." Usatchi smiled and patted her shoulder for comfort, before he continued to listen to Kabushiro.
Soon, after all deliberation and agreement, the plan was all set. Kabushiro finally called off the meeting. Finally. Thao watched as people exited the main house and moved into their own respective shacks around the area. For a moment she thought of the place she was currently living in. What once was an empty lot of soil and trees had now turned into a small patch of houses. All houses were made of soil and wood, the easiest material to find and control, thanks to some rogue-people who have ability of chakra and earth release. It roughly took about a week for all facilitation and furniture. And soon they had to do it all over again, just at different ground.
"Thaomi, why are you here all by yourself?"
Thao turned around to see Kabushiro was walking towards her. She smiled slyly and waved. "Hey idiot."
"Really now Thao? One minute you were very mature and now you disappoint me."
"Ish, how mature? Nevermind what I said during the meeting anyway. It's pathetic."
"You can judge yourself. Whatever you feel, I just want to say that I am proud of you that you are willing to take action. What you said back there, I would never thought you have the guts to say that," Kabu smiled and leaned in to the wall frame nearby. "I know you have heard this many times now but you just like your father in many ways. Mature and immature at the same time. Brave and polite in between. Clever and cunning all along."
"Hmm, cunning? I like that."
"But you, more like stupid—"
"Hey!" Thao couldn't help but elbowed his torso firmly causing him to flinch slightly. He only laughed at her petty effort.
"Relax, I am only playing. You are an amazing daughter. I am sure your father would be so proud!" Hearing that made Thao felt a bit of comfort in her heart, that long gone. She turned to him and gave a gentle caring hug, which he gladly returned the favor. "Speaking of which, how do you actually feel about this plan?"
"Hm, I hardly listened."
"Tch, you are hanging out with Usatchi way too much."
"Ha! That'd be true," she told him, didn't skip a beat. After a short humorous laugh, she answered. "The plan, huh? Eh. I think wherever we are, it is going to be the same as hiding. So no difference for me."
"But moving into Fire Country means you can never visit Yamigakure ever again."
"How do you... Sukii told you?"
"No, I saw it in my sleep."
"Shut it. She told you about it, please," she couldn't help but to roll her eyes at his petty effort. "I can still sneak a way to Yamigakure. I'll found a way to go."
"Huh, whatever you say."
His respond caught her off guard. He usually was so strict and serious about it, now it felt like he just didn't care anymore, which was weird because Kabushiro was known to care for anything. "You are not mad of it?"
"Of what?"
"Of me going to Yamigakure? You used to be so mental about that."
"No point when I know you won't listen."
"True," she nodded. "But you are right. In fact I am already making plans for that."
"Hnn," he sighed out loudly and glanced up at the cloudy sky above. "You are almost come of age. You know what you are doing. I can't really hold you up," he paused. "But promise me you will be safe."
"That, I agree. And I promise," she nodded in relief. "Thank you Kabu-kun, for everything."
"Sure thing—oh! And promise me you will take me with you sometimes, in mischievous plan of yours."
"Alright fine, I like that part of a plan."
So the plan was all set; each member of the alliance knew what they had to do. All members were divided into six groups, as one Kuroichi for each group would be responsible for the liquid transformation. It was a rare ability of their special ability to transform bodies into black fluid form and became part of the stream, in a very long time. That was how Kuroichi Clan moved in and out places very quickly, quietly, and endured. Even more so, they can also liquefy other people as well, making this plan even more effective.
Hence, Thao was standing with her own group of people. Funny, she found out that Gionn was matched to her. She just nodded and bowed down slightly as he came around and merged into the circle of other people.
At the background, Thao could feel rumble around the area. She looked over to see that the houses, shacks, and every other thing were all taken down. In just few moments, the ground was solid flat, as if no one ever stepped a foot there.
"Alright, can I have y'all attention please!" Blaring deep voice of Birama, Kabushiro's second-commander—that was what he always said of himself, took all attention. "Everyone has been paired up to each group. Pay attention to every single person in your group. We are doing this together! Now… Kabushiro had explained the detail of the plan last night. And I believe we all are aware of each role? Good," he approved the respond. "So then. Group four and five, you will be going first. Kuroichi, you may begin."
Thao watched as Sukii and one of the twins, Tsaiko, nodded to each other before they put a hibernation jutsu on their own members of their group. The liquid transformation was harmless for them, but for people without Black Blood, it could be very dangerous. So hibernation for their bodies was necessary. Once the hibernation was completed, Sukii and Tsaiko began extracting the bodies and liquefy them. Thao watched as Usatchi's body melted down into a pool of black water, as did the rest. Soon, the pool began to merge and made its way into Sukii's and Tsaiko's body. The two nodded again. They were ready.
"Sukii, Tsaiko, be careful, and remember your route," Kabushiro made a last smile and made a signal to them. "Good luck." Just so the said groups were immediately heading deep into the forest.
"Let's continue, shall we? Group two and three!" Birama continued.
Thao glanced to another group across her. Uncle Tamashi caught her eyes and smiled warmly to her. She returned the smile slightly, before he walked up and began to do the process. The other twin, Reiko also followed up. Thao smiled to him reassuringly, as she knew he was nervous. It was a last minute decision that Otsuro would be carried by Reiko, because out of all, he was far the best speed and stamina for protection. He wasn't prepared, but he nodded. She watched as Otsuro was put down to a deep sleep and the transformation soon began.
When he was done, he walked up to her.
"Thao-chan, me and Otsuro will be waiting. You better move your ass later, ehe," Reiko joked as he gave her a quick and comforting hug. "You better catch up."
"Oh don't worry, boy. I will catch up soon!"
She smiled to both men as they took off.
"Thaomi, Captain," Birama called her and Kabushiro as well. "Are you ready?"
This is it, then.
One at a time, Thao hibernated her fellow group. She also watched as Kabushiro did the same. When he caught her, he couldn't help but smile widely, making her smile too. She nodded and kept going. She reached down to Birama who was smiling and nodded as in he was ready. She paused slightly when she got up to Gionn.
"May I, Gionn-sama?"
"I really wish that this plan works. So don't mess up, girl." She couldn't figure out whether he was encouraging or threatening; Gionn nodded as she began.
When done, Thao stood up and faced Kabushiro. A shy sad smile was covering his face. Looking around, the island seemed so big when there were only two of them left. She looked up to the sky and sighed loudly. Don't mess up, girl.
"Are you ready, Thaomi?"
She nodded. She was ready.
With one last hug to spare, they split up. Thao ran straight, following her own track to find her ocean stream. It only took her about five minutes until she reached the riverbed. She closed her eyes and let her own body merged as one with the water. This is really it.
…
It was known that Kuroichi Clan had the most powerful ability and rare ability, contaminated by spiritual energy. One of them was the liquid transformation, where a Kuroichi could transform into water and swam around, for a long period of time, without ever stopping to think of drowning or hyperthermia. A master of this jutsu can keep on for a month straight without resting. It was by far the most effective way of transport.
The journey from the island they used to live to the new place there were going to took roughly about a month at tops, for a regular ninja. Not to forget that there was Kanashii Ocean that they had to cross. So when Kabushiro promised two week long, it was unbelievable. But the truth was, it was only two weeks long for the Black Blood folks.
The first four days into the trip, Thao encountered few harmless threats like pirates and bandits. Kabushiro had warned her and everyone about that but pirates and bandits were nothing compared to what her family capable of. With ease, she took them down and went on. Ten days later, Thao had reached the land across the continent. She could sense different temperature and climate. It was hotter and greener, and far more tropical, just as a Fire Country could be.
I have arrived in to the forest. Give status please. A familiar voice rang inside her head, followed by more voices. That was one of many other trait of born with sacred blood. The family had the ability to make a telepathic communication with each other, wherever they were. Thao, status!
Kabushiro, you're loud stupid idiot—were only her response, only to get a good laugh from the rest who heard—I'm fine!
On the other side of the forest, Kabushiro groaned at the predictable attitude towards him. But inwardly he smiled. She was comfortable enough to start playing games; she was okay. How's Otsuro doing?— he heard she asked.
Soon enough, Reiko came in—he is fast asleep, nothing to worry about. By the way guys, is it me or it's really hot in this forest.
Well it is Fire Country, you dumb—his brother Tsaiko came for a whack—O hey! Check this out. I found a public bath. O hey girls!
Where?! I wanna` join.
Sure, Rei. I'll give you the spot.
Tsaiko you stupid idiot!—Thao roared in disbelief—Uncle, your sons are a mess.
Hey I am not a mess. I am simply growing up, right dad?
Guys, can we please focus—Kabushiro sighed and mentally slapped his head—we are on a big mission now. Focus!
There was a moment where nobody said a thing. Before Tsaiko started again—Guess what Thaomi! There's a pretty young lady naked right in front of me. She reminds me of the woman I read on a magazine—
You stupid idiot!
Tsaiko, that's enough!—came in a very strong and independent voice of Uncle Tamashi. Thao couldn't help but to feel amused—I am dealing with that later. For now, you and Reiko will cut it out and run along with the plan. Am I clear?
Yes Dad, sorry—and with that the twins fell into deep silence. That entertained the day for Thao for sure. She could help but feeling very proud of herself, knowing she just won the game against the twins.
You too, Thaomi.
Yes, Uncle—she frowned. And when she heard a slight bickering from the twins, she groaned. But overall it was fun. It brightened the day for her, to cheer for her bored mood after many days swimming.
She found a nice calm stream up ahead. And so she swam there, following where the river took her. The water was nice, better than the Water Country perhaps. It was calm and clear and warm too. With the green healthy trees surrounding her, and the good amount of sunshine, Fire Country wasn't as bad as she thought. Maybe to move in and build a new home here wasn't so bad after all.
Home...
She remembered seeing her old house was when it was burned down. She remembered crying hard, calling her teddy bear Jai – a present for her ten year birthday earlier that month, begging him to run out from the house with her. But he didn't and she'd never seen him after that.
After the criminals attacked and destroyed their village, the remaining of her family began to wander around. They became nomads, scrounging for places to stay. But no one seemed to listen, nor cared. The family didn't have any option left, but to beg for a place to stay. Explaining the family background was interestingly awful, people didn't believe us. Eventually Kuroichi Clan found a place, a small town led by Gionn, and offered a protection for him. It took few days for Gionn to believe the living zombies. And so he let them work for him. There Kabushiro met with a couple of rogue ninja, who had the same fate as his family. Birama, Midatsu, Usatchi were amongst them. Somehow they clicked on and starting to make a great bond.
For once the family felt like home all over again, living, socializing, and not running. But of course, shit happened.
Akatsuki seemed to know where they were hiding. And history repeated itself. The heartless jerks destroyed the Gionn's town, even to the point of destroying the whole island. All of that was to find Otsuro. To all surprise, Gionn and those rogue ninja offered some helping hand. Not much, but enough.
Thao remembered when Sukii carried her and Otsuro away from the village to a hidden place deep into the forest, and hid. Seemed to her hiding was one of the best thing her family could offer. And after so, Kabushiro decided to shut down completely. They moved in and moved out, until they found an isolated island far away from civilization. Kuroichi, now with a helping hand of Gionn's surviving men and surviving rouge ninjas, began to create their own civilization and hid forever.
Well, that was her experience of home.