Chapter Text
For the second time in my life, I woke to dimmed senses. I could not hear, my eyes could not see. My head hurt, and it felt like I was wrapped in cotton wool.
Every few hours I could feel people touching me, mainly my arms and chest. Once, bandages were removed from my eyes and light shon in. I squeeze my eyes shut and batted the light source away.
I became lucid very quick after that. It was evident I was lying in a hospital bed, in a large room with many other patients. Medics checked us regularly, but never spoke-not that I could have easily heard with all the bandaged on my head covering my ears. Eventually, all of my bandages were removed. A nurse explained I had suffered head trauma, but that I was otherwise fine. I would likely recover fully in the next few days, after which I would be placed with relatives. She hurried away before I could ask about my parents.
The next day I found out they were dead. The Kyuubi had attacked Konoha, and my house was directly in its path. They were both killed as our house collapsed. I had been found by a member of the Uchiha Police Force in the aftermath. When clearing the debris, I was found alive under my father-he had pushed me aside of the falling roof and shielded me. My only piece of lasting damage would be a thin scar extending from my temple to below my eye.
I also found out that Minato had died in defeating the Kyuubi. He was hailed as a hero.
A chuunin visited me to take my details, and a list of any close relatives I had. I knew both sets of grandparents were gone and my father was an only child. I explained my mother was a member of the Nara clan pre-marriage, and kept a close relationship with Uncle Shikaku, but the chuunin did not seem confident. He would write a letter to the clan head, but could not promise I would be taken on-the Nara clan were already stretched thin, and as I was not officially a member of the Nara clan, they had no responsibility toward me. Once discharged, I would be placed in the orphanage unless someone came forward.
I felt hallow. My parents were gone. I could not even comprehend life without them. They were part of me, and made me who I am. I couldn’t cry. It felt like my mind was frozen, and for once my brain wouldn’t work. I would never feel their loving embraces again. I would never receive the exasperated but fond glare from my mother, or put up with my fathers antics. They were love and joy. And now they were gone.
Before I knew it, I was dismissed and escorted to the orphanage. It was busy. It was clearly over subscribed, and changes had been made quickly. Rooms were packed, and tatami matts placed close together. Rooms that should have been fit for six, had over twenty children. They were separated into age groups, which meant I was placed with those aged six to nine. They constantly snivelled and cried. While part of me empathised with them, longed to act like them, the main part of me hated everything about it. This was a place to wallow, not to grow. And I would have no part of it.
“Excuse me?” I approached one of the busy orphanage workers. “May I go for a walk?” I would spend as little time here as I could. I had no doubt Uncle Shikaku would respond to the message from the Chuunin and, even if he wouldn’t take me himself, would find me a suitable placement. In the mean time, I needed to check on Itachi and Shisui.
“You cannot leave the grounds without an escort,” she snapped and hurried along.
Not willing to take no for an answer, I approached another worker, but sadly had the same response. It was incredibly frustrating. I had nearly full independence before and now I was being treated like a silly little child. After the fifth worker, my frustration turned to anger, and annoyingly, anger turned to tears. I had not cried when I found out about my parents but I cried because I couldn’t go for a walk? What kind of person was I?
Self loathing hit me like lightning. But then I realised the sadness I felt was not just for my lack of freedom, but for mother and father. After ten minutes of relentless crying, I took deep breaths and shook myself.
It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, anyway.
I walked out the door with purpose, and no one stopped me or even cared. The orphanage was in a different part of the village than the Uchiha district, but it was no more than an hours walk. Walking through the streets was eerie...it was silent. The only noises were that of repairs. No chitter chatter of gossiping locals, noises from trade shops or children running about. Several houses sported large amounts of damage, and some with none. The Uchiha district appeared largely intact, I noticed as I approached, but had the same eerie disquiet. There were no guards at the gate.
I picked up my pace, and practically ran to the main house. The door was closed and no one answer. I climbed up to a window to peer in.
“Oi, brat!” a disgruntled police officer shouted at me.
“Sorry, Uchiha-san!” I quickly jumped down from the ledge, and bowed. “I just came to make sure my friend is okay, but no one seems to be home!”
“Friend? Do you mean Fugaku-samas boy?” He asked, less annoyed than before.
“Yes, sir! Do you know if Itachi is okay? And Shisui? And Sasuke? Where is everyone?”
He scoffed. “The Uchiha have been moved to the outskirts, by order of the Hokage. The children suffered no losses.” He gave me a dismissive hand gesture. “Now move along, no one is to be in the area.”
“Where are they? Can I visit them? I need to let them know I’m okay, too!” I didn’t budge, and out on my best innocent face. He narrowed his eyes at me.
“No one but the Uchiha can enter, for the time being. Now go home, I will pass along your well wishes.” He shoed me away with a glare, and I scrambled back to the orphanage.
It wasn’t until the evening I realised he never even took my name.
———
Over the next few weeks I left the orphanage every day, returning at night. I found where the Uchiha were staying, but could not get access. I was not stupid enough to try any break past the guards. They promised me Itachi and Shisui were aware of my visits (they took my name and everything), but they were too busy. They assured me they were sure they would find me at the orphanage when they could.
And there was no word from Uncle Shikaku either. The matron confirmed no family had stepped forward to claim me. It was difficult seeing children collected by relatives, but remaining left behind. I became disheartened. Soon my expeditions out of the orphanage slowed, and stopped as I accepted my situation. I felt numb.
I was told to start preparing for school again, and was given civilian workbooks. I corrected the worker, explaining my status as a second year at the ninja academy, which seemed to surprise them. Most eyed me wearily after that, whereas one eyed me with interest.
“You know, I always wanted to be a shinobi.”
I blinked at her. She was plain, with the standard carer uniform, and looked every bit a civilian. She sat down beside me as I perched on a wall, reading a book. It was a story book from the library, simple enough, but it passed the time.
“Yes, but I never had the talent. I failed the entrance exam. But you? So young and already in second year! Do you enjoy it.”
“It’s okay,” I hummed, trying not to pay attention. The workers showed little interest in the children, as they were so over worked, so her attention made me nervous.
“I’m sure you do! It looks so fun! And imagine your life as a shinobi, you’ll have so many adventures! And to think, you’ll get to leave this miserable place in two years! Once you graduate, that is!”
“What?” My head jerked in her direction.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” She didn’t sound it, “I thought you knew? Once you graduate form the Academy, you are considered an adult. The orphanage will no longer have a place for you.” She looked at me with faux pity.
My mind reeled. Was it that simple? All I had to do was graduate, then I could have my freedom back? I already knew I was capable enough to care for myself, but I was bound by the rules of society. The orphanage was crippling me, and I needed an out.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even reply to her, but she seemed satisfied our conversation had come to a close, and left without even a goodbye.
It was just over two months since the incident that the Academy started back again. My class was a chatter of excitement, everyone happy to see their friends again. Thankfully, there were no casualties in my year, however others had lost parents or siblings. I was the only one truly alone, though.
The main change in dynamic, however, had to do with the Uchiha. While there were only three in my year, our sensei seemed a little different with them, being very short and singling them out during questions. It was subtle, though, and I doubt the other children in the class had noticed yet. For some reason it made me angry, as there seemed to be no reason, but I had to suppress it for now. I had things to do.
“Sensei? Might I have a moment of your time?” I asked, after the last class at the end of the first week.
“Ah, Erena-chan. I have been meaning to speak to you. I heard about your parents. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” He looked at me with a kind smile.
“Um, thank you Sensei. That is kind of you...I have been doing some thinking, and...did you know I was placed in the orphanage?” He nodded. “I am not well suited to it, and I have learned I will no longer be a ward of the state once I graduate as a genin. As such, I would like to formally quest that I did the graduation examination at the soonest possible availability.” I kept my posture rigid. I could not show my nerves. If this failed I could not consider the alternative. Part of me kept thinking this was a bad idea, against every agreement I ever had with my parents in regards to the Academy... they were so careful with me and my progress. But they were gone now.
Sensei sighed. “Erena-chan. I understand it is hard. You have been through a massive loss...but you are not ready. Many of the skills required have not even been taught yet. For example, the clone technique-“ I rapidly went through the hand seals, and produced the perfect clone “uh, and the transformation technique-“ I transformed my clone into a perfect copy of Sensei. “And replacement-“ I replaced myself with a pencil, which had been left on a desk, and sat sitting on the surface with perfect posture. I cocked my head at Sensei, who stared at me with wide eyes.
“Please, Sensei. I promise you I have all the necessary skills. I will take any written and practical test, and I can promise you I will receive full marks...I need to graduate.”
He seemed dumbfounded. I think I broke him.
After a few minutes to get over his shock, he agreed. On Monday, I was taken away to sit the final year written examination (which I received full marks in twenty minutes, a new record) and a practical assault course assessment (haphazardly put together, however simple compared with the efforts my dad out me through). I had a hitai-ate grasped in my hands by midday. I was informed that, due to my graduating outside of normal timing, I would receive a temporary assignment (likely genin corp) until teams were assigned.
I walked home with a sense of purpose, and small sense of achievement. While I did not feel I ‘achieved’ anything in particular with the examinations, I had achieved some kind of semblance of my life back. Soon, I would be by myself, and run my own life.
I entered the orphanage, and made my way to the Matrons office. I would not be leaving until I had an apartment, however I needed to inform her of my change in circumstance. Her assistant put hold me to wait, as she had a guest, so I sat in silence. Soon, the door slid open and the Matron appeared.
“Ah, Nakahara-chan. How fortuitous. We were just talking about you. Please come in.” I sat up and entered the room. In front of the Matrons desk was an elderly man, in plain but well made robes, he was heavily bandaged, especially one side of the face. His chakra felt a little...tainted? But other than that he had a calm, but stern, demeanour.
“Danzo-sama, this is Nakahara Erena. Nakahara-chan, please meet Danzo Shimura. He is an esteemed member of the council, and good friend to the orphanage. Please excuse me, I believe you have a lot to talk about.” She bowed to Danzo before leaving, sliding the door closed behind her. He turned to assess me, with his one uncovered eye. I felt suddenly nervous.
“So, Erena. I have heard you graduated today?”