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365daysofsasuhina · 5 years

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[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Fifty-Seven: Ribbons ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Reika, Hyūga Hinode ] [ SasuHina, NejiTen ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

This is why his wife should never leave him alone with the kids...let alone their nieces and nephews to boot.

He’s currently outnumbered four to one. Their own two children, Neij’s son, and Itachi’s youngest daughter. The two Hyūga are attending a clan meeting, Tenten at work, and both his brother and sister-in-law absent for a diplomacy mission. Which means he’s been left with the task of babysitting.

Because gods know no one trusts Shisui to do it.

It starts innocently enough. He’s sat them all in front of the television with a movie - one of many Hinata left for him to bolster his arsenal of options. That lasts for all of twenty minutes before Itachi’s daughter - Reika, always a ridiculously-energetic little thing - declares herself bored. Which means her tag-along, Hinode (thankfully far more like his mother Tenten than his father Neji) follows.

His own pair remain seated, so Sasuke takes the risk of dividing his attention with a shadow clone to watch them, as his real body keeps an eye on the troublemakers.

“Can we give you a makeover?”

“...a what now?”

“Tōchan lets me do it!” Eyeing her uncle critically, she adds, “...but his hair is prettier than yours. It’s so looong!”

Sasuke just blinks blankly. They want to mess with his hair…?

“Got any ribbons, jichan?”

“...you want to put ribbons in my hair…?”

“Mhm! You’ll be super pretty!”

He wants to object to the notion of being pretty in the first place, but...well, maybe it’ll be worth the peace and quiet if they keep themselves busy enough. Sitting cross-legged, he lets them rummage through Hinata’s bag of goodies.

“Ooh, what about this one Hino-kun?”

“I dunno, it’s kinda...boring.”

“Whaaat? It’s got lace! It’s so cute!”

Sasuke’s uncovered dark eye twitches. That clan meeting can’t get over soon enough…

After their fair share of bickering, the pair get to work. Reika takes to humming loudly, dragging a brush rather crudely through her uncle’s hair. Hinode, on the other hand, busies himself (quite carefully, to Sasuke’s surprise) with various types of makeup...starting with a plum lipstick.

When the movie finally loses his own offsprings’ attention, they move into the same room with the clone...and all three give startled pauses. His son blinks wide eyes, daughter looking concerned, and the clone blanching.

...is it really that bad?

As if to answer, the bunshin dissipates, filling him in on all it saw. And...it isn’t pretty. Bright red rouge looks like a clown’s along his cheeks, lips are a deep purple, lone eye ringed in blue like some color-crazy tanuki.

“...are you two done yet?”

“Almost! Your hair needs to get longer, jichan - my braids are too short.”

Sasuke just sighs. He had no idea the gods would be so testing his patience today.

Ten minutes later the pair announce themselves finished. Grimacing as he’s handed a mirror, Sasuke takes in his visage. It hasn’t changed much in the front, but a few turns of his head reveals twin braids, each capped with fancy ribbons at their tails.

“See? See? You look so beautiful!”

“...I sure do,” he deadpans.

Much to his dismay, it’s then he hears the door open.

The four little ones rush to the entryway to greet Neji and Hinata, the latter of which asks where Sasuke is.

“Here.”

They all look over, and Reika immediately pouts. “Heeey! Where’d your makeover go?”

A plain-faced bunshin doesn’t reply. While his pride might survive his wife’s scrutiny...he’ll never live it down if Neji sees him.

“But you looked so good…” Hinode offers sadly as his father scoops him to his hip. Neji perks a brow, but...thankfully doesn’t ask. Instead, he thanks Sasuke for his time watching the boy before retreating.

“Reika, your parents and siblings won’t be back until later,” Hinata reminds the girl.

“That’s okay! We can do Sasu-jichan’s makeup again!”

The Hyūga mother blinks, jolting a bit as the bunshin pops. Through the vapor, from the other room, the real Sasuke walks back in.

Hinata openly gapes for a long moment, eyes flickering all over her husband’s face, disbelief clear on your own. “...what…?”

“Hinode and Reika wanted to give me a do-over.”

“Makeover!” his niece corrects him.

“...right.”

Lips drawing between her teeth as not to laugh, Hinata urges the three remaining children along. “...why don’t you all go wash up, and then we’ll make dinner, hm?”

They scamper off to do as they’re told, and Hinata closes the distance to Sasuke to get a better view. “...well, that’s certainly...a look,” is her offer, eyes glittering mischievously.

“Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Oh, I won’t...but I can’t promise anything about your niece and nephew. Come on - I’ll help you get it off.”

Makeup, Sasuke soon learns, isn’t as easy to rid oneself of as something like dirt or blood. No, this takes a special soap, and plenty of scrubbing.

“I should have taken a picture first.”

“You would have forced me to break the camera.”

“You’re no fun.”

“Neither is bring drawn on, or having your hair yanked, by a couple of five-year-olds.”

“Well, no one died...unless you count your pride as a casualty. So, a pretty successful day, in my eyes.”

“Next time, you stay here, and I’ll go to the Hyūga clan meeting.”

“Not sure that would work.” Admiring his braids, Hinata can’t help but note,” Reika's getting very good at this. And what pretty ribbons!”

“Hn…”

Late, and honestly not that great...I'm so super sick I can barely type, BUT. Darn it, I'm not missing a day if I can help it OTL A wee bit o' fluff with dad / uncle Sasuke, courtesy of his own kids, and a few nieces and nephews. Sorry Sasuke, I just like messing with you too much. And I couldn't think of anything else for the prompt, ahaha! Anyway...I haven't slept in four nights, I'm exhausted, so...I'm gonna go give sleeping another try. I'll see y'all tomorrow - thanks for reading~

#uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #uchiha reika #hyūga hinode #sasuhina #nejiten #a light amongst shadows [ canon verse ]#365daysofsasuhina

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kusunogatari-a · 7 years

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[ Festival of Flames ] [ @himahimesun ] [ Uchiha Fugaku II, Uchiha Mikoto II, Uchiha Reika, Suigin Ryū, Uchiha Itachi, Uzumaki Himawari, Uzumaki Boruto, Uchiha Sarada ] [ Verse: Divine Light ]

“Remember, be back to the inn by nightfall. I don't want you three out after dark.”

An ink-haired girl rolls her eyes, arms crossed. “We'll be fine, Ma. Can we go now?”

Brow slightly wilted with worry, Ryū nods. “...all right. Stick together, won't you? Festivals are fun, but you can't be too careful.”

“We will!” Reika pipes up before taking after her sister.

Watching them go, it takes the mother a moment to realize her son remained. “...aren't you going with them?”

The teen rests his hands in his pockets. With a shrug of his shoulders, he replies, “I'm not sure Mikoto wants me around.”

A knowing look crosses the light mage's face. “And you think she's eager to take her little sister with her? I wouldn't worry about it, dear – besides, we all know you're the level-headed one. Who's going to keep them out of trouble?”

Fugaku sighs. “...I guess so.”

“Do try to have fun, won't you? After all, this is the celebration of your element! Perhaps you can woo a young lady with some fancy fire work, hm?”

Balking, the boy goes pink in the face. “What?!”

“How do you think your father did it?” Ryū teases as her husband joins them.

“Were you literally hot and bothered?” he teases.

Fugaku's face wrinkles in distaste. “...I'm going to go find the girls.”

“Be careful!”

Making his way through the crowds, he tries to keep an eye out for Reika's flash of white hair. All around him, fire mages create displays of their magic, drawing bunches of people in their wake. The multitudes of people make him nervous, but he's sure his sisters are buried in there somewhere – playing games or finding food. His senses have yet to find them, however, and eventually he just sits on a bench to rest with a sigh. Nearby, fire mages continue their spectacles.

“Excuse me...is this seat taken?”

Glancing over, Fugaku pauses to see a girl around his younger sister's age, gesturing to the bench. “...uh...”

“My feet are killing me...!” Without waiting for his answer, she drops down beside him, making his shy to one side. “All this walking to try to find my brother, and still no sign of him...he's such a thorn in my side...!”

Blinking silently at the girl's tirade, he pauses as her hair shifts, revealing long ears like his own. “Ah...you're el'ven.”

“Hm?” Looking up, she questions him with ice-blue eyes. “...oh! Yeah, I am. My father's an air mage – Mother is water!” She gives him a small grin. “And I have ice magic!” She pokes his arm, making him yelp at the intense cold. “...I have a big brother who has air like my dad...” Her mouth settles into a small pout. “...he was supposed to lead me around, but he disappeared! Probably off to find that igni girl, Sarada...”

At the name, Fugaku perks up again, still rubbing his arm where she'd frosted him. “...Sarada?”

“Do you know her?”

“She's my cousin. I'm out here looking for my sisters...” He manages a small smile. “...I guess everyone's out here looking for everyone else, huh?”

“Sure seems that way.” Looking around, the girl then jolts. “...oh! I'm Himawari, by the way. My brother's Boruto.”

“I'm Fugaku. My sisters are Mikoto, and Reika. They, uh...took off without me.”

“Siblings, right? So hard to keep track of!”

They both manage a small laugh.

“So...may I ask what element you use?”

“Oh, uh...fire. Like my dad.”

Himawari's eyes light up. “Ooh, fire? Why aren't you practicing like the others?”

A nervous hand scratches at the back of the teen's neck. “Oh, well...I don't really like being the center of attention. That's more Reika's thing. But she and Mikoto are both light mages, like our mother.”

“Light mages...? Wow, those are rare! I'm glad to hear there are more of them.” Stretching her legs out, the girl hums to herself for a moment. “...well, I'm not about to find my brother just sitting here. But I'm still annoyed he wandered off...”

“Well, we could look together. If he's looking for Sarada, she might be with my sisters.”

“That's a good point!” Taking to her feet, she watches Fugaku do the same. “Of course...it's so crowded, we might get separated...”

Blinking, Fugaku does the simple thing and takes the girl's hand. When she looks to him questioningly, he goes pink. “...it's what I do with my sisters. When...they aren't leaving me behind.”

Himawari's cheeks warm to match his own. “...w-well, okay.”

Moving through the crowds, they check the food stalls and game booths, but to no avail. With all of the voices, there's no use calling out. And even when Fugaku climbs a tree, he still can't spot them.

“This is ridiculous,” he mutters, scowling. “Mother told us not to separate...”

“Yeah, mine too. But would Boruto listen?” Himawari sighs. “...should we just try to find our parents, instead?”

“I'm not sure that would be any easier...” Giving their surroundings one last look, the Uchiha squints at a group of children nearby. “...wait a minute...” Pulling Himawari with him, he gets them close enough to see Sarada giving her own little show for enthralled youths gathered around in a circle. Off to one side, leaning against a building, is Mikoto, Reika sitting beside her as they watch.

“There you are!”

Jolting as Himawari takes back her hand, he watches her stomp over to a blond boy clapping eagerly when Sarada takes a bow. He yelps as she grabs his ear. “A-ah, hey!”

“I've been looking for you everywhere! Didn't you hear what Mother said?”

Watching her berate him, Fugaku jumps slightly as Reika tugs his sleeve. “Oh...there you are.”

“Where ya been, Fu?”

“Trying to find you guys.”

“Not putting on your own little show, huh?” Mikoto teases. “Of course, that's not really your style.” She jerks her head. “Who's the girl?”

“Himawari – she lost her brother. We tried looking together. Apparently, he knows Sarada.”

“Huh...small world. Well, now that we're all together, we should find something to eat.”

“Yeah, I'm starving!” Reika cuts in.

“Should we bring the others?”

“Might as well,” the elder twin replies with a shrug.

Together the six of them spend their coins on festival food, the younger four talking easily as the twins simply walk behind them.

“So if they know Sarada...how come we don't know them?”

“No idea,” Fugaku replies. “I guess we've just never had the chance to cross paths. We hardly even see Sarada and her parents.”

“Hm, true.”

As though on cue, the adults call out from one side. Recognizing his aunt and uncle, Fugaku also can't help but see Himawari and Boruto in the pair beside them.

“We thought we'd find you here,” Ryū teases. “When in doubt, go where the food lies.”

Her son grins

“Done any fire casting?”

“No, not really – Sarada already did some, anyway.”

“I see you've met Naruto and Hinata's children – good!”

As he nods, Fugaku sees Himawari approach. “It's starting to get dark – won't you do some fire magic? We'll be able to see it better, now!”

“U-uh...”

“We could do some together,” Itachi offers with a small smile.

After a tick of hesitation, Fugaku agrees. The group give them room, and the pair begin to channel their magic. Flares of fire light up against the night sky, slowly building as Fugaku finds himself having fun. Eventually, he doesn't even notice his father stopping, still performing his own.

“I want to try!” Stepping forward, Himawari raises her hands, cooling water with her air and letting plumes of ice bloom.

“Hey, it's not the ice festival!” Boruto insists, quieting as Sarada elbows him.

Watching Himawari curiously, Fugaku doesn't stop his own, soon grinning as he teases her. A few licks of flame reach out and mix with her ice, hissing and making bursts of steam.

“Hey!” Pursing her lips, she retorts, hands weaving as they have a short duel, their elements twisting and turning around each other. But her stern look soon turns to laughter before the two of them come to a stop.

“A rather unusual combination, but interesting nonetheless,” Ryū notes.

The pair grin at each other, both a bit pink in the cheeks as they glance away.

“Well...there's more yet to see tomorrow,” Itachi offers. “For now, I think we'd all best retire.”

“Aw, but it's just getting good!” Mikoto complains.

“You have all week – we just arrived this morning,” her mother chides. “Trust me – best to rest up tonight, and then be up into the night later on. You'll regret it, otherwise – you'll be tired all week!”

“Your mother knows all about being up late during the fire festival,” Itachi adds, ignoring her incredulous, blushing look to him.

The rest all laugh, saying their goodnights.

“Maybe we'll see each other again tomorrow!” Himawari offers, hands folded behind her back.”

“I hope so,” is the little fire mage's genuine reply. “Goodnight, Himawari.”

“Goodnight, Fugaku.”

Oh gosh this is late =‘D I’m so sorry Ari - I hope you like it nonetheless ;w; I put them in my fantasy AU since we haven’t done much of that - I thought it would be a nice change of pace! I’ve always written Hinata as a water mage, since I think it fits her pretty well - so water plus air gives Himawari ice! At least, for this drabble, lol If anything needs changing, just let me know!

#himahimesun #uchiha fugaku ii #uchiha mikoto ii #uchiha reika #suigin ryū #uchiha itachi #uzumaki himawari #uzumaki boruto #uchiha sarada #divine light [ au ]

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kusunokihimea · 4 years

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♒ - cooking/food headcanon (Everyone >:} )

[ Headcanon meme ][ @historias-multorum ][ Accepting ]

*rolls up sleeves* okay here we go

Ryū is a pretty big foodie, honestly. She does her best to be frugal (even though I hc she makes pretty good money given her role and rank in the hospital), so the things she splurges on tend to be things that are technically a ‘necessity’. Clothes? Well, you can’t be naked in public. Food? You gotta eat! So if she has an urge to spoil herself, it’s typically with a tasty treat, either bought or made. That way she only feels half guilty about it.

Reika can cook…and she’s pretty good at it…but she also lacks a lot of patience for it. If something doesn’t turn out, or a foul mood means things just keep going wrong, she’ll throw a mini tantrum and just toss the whole thing (and find food elsewhere for the day). She’s a bit of a perfectionist and HORRIBLY stubborn, so stuff like that drives her up a wall.

Katsumi honestly can’t cook. She can kinda do the basics, but otherwise she’s a disaster gay that can’t feed herself. She mooches off of Ryū for as long as she can, and then pesters her siblings whenever their mother isn’t around. Queen of takeout.

Tadashi, on the other hand, is very good at cooking. Mostly because he’s just so darn patient and has such attention to detail. He’ll just quietly be in the kitchen for a while and come out with a masterpiece he spent way too long on making. Lowkey he gets annoyed when his twin just kinda gobbles it.

Little Reika II is a rather picky eater. Anything too salty, she’ll refuse to eat. And even beyond that, she’s very particular. She’s also the sort who doesn’t like her food to touch on her plate, if she can help it.

Reiji is pretty…unremarkable when it comes to a lot of food things? He can cook okay, but nothing super out there. No real pickiness, no real ‘gotta have its’. He just kinda treats food as a necessity. Not that he doesn’t enjoy it! But it’s just not something he thinks about too much, honestly.

Usagi has a sweet tooth to end all sweet teeth. Both her mother and father are major sweets fans. Add in that they tend to spoil her just a little bit, and she rarely has to go without a treat for too long.

#i hope that answers your question [ mun replies ]#not so secret anymore [ headcanons ]#historiasmultorum #the shadowed light [ suigin ryū ]#the mother lost [ suigin reika ]#the mother's gem [ uchiha katsumi ]#the father's pride [ uchiha tadashi ]#the broken cycle [ suigin reika ii ]#the unforeseen son [ suigin reiji ]#the darling rabbit [ uchiha usagi ]#(usagi's still a major WIP so uh #take anything with her with a grain of salt xD)

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beansnake · 5 years

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commission for @lindedervan of Reika Uchiha!

#birov art #birov commissions #reika uchiha

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naruto-ocxcanon-ship-week · 5 years

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Mod Ghostie back again with Day 3: Witchcraft

Ship: Uchiha Izuna x Suigin Reika

#day three: witchcraft #mod ghostie #narutoocxcanonshipweek #canon: uchiha izuna #oc: suigin reika #moodboard

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lunaticchii · 6 years

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I wanted to redo an old pic of mine again (its not on deviant art, but i can upload it if any of you want to see it) this turned out so much better Anyway in the pic you can see my main ocs of two different naruto stories of mine In the foreground are Yasu and Lia and in the background are Yumi and Reika

Naruto OCs on the beach by Yasu96 (me)

#myart #beach #naruto ocs #yasu takaya #lia uchiha #yumi hanami #reika omura

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missfangirlapocalypse · 2 years

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my favorite characters, i guess

So one from every fandom I’ve been in! Ever. Uhh there’s a lot, and I’m not even in most of these anymore. In no particular order:

Technoblade (DSMP. I’m not proud of this one)

Lizzie Hearts (Ever After High)

Draculaura (Monster High) Raquelle (Life in the Dreamhouse. Don’t ask)

Apollo (Riordanverse)

Sayaka (PMMM)

Keqing (Genshin Impact)

Sunset Shimmer (EQ/MLP FIM)

Raspberry Cookie (CR:K)

Azula (A:TLA)

Seele (HI3)

Celestia Ludenberg (Danganronpa)

Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)

Stephen Strange (MCU. Cinematic, specifically. Haven’t read comics)

Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)

Charlie/Marionette (FNAF)

Aoki Reika/Chloe (Glitter Force)

Mel (Arcane, not in the LOL fandom)

Nikki (Love Nikki Dress Up Queen. Yeah.)

Ling Wen (TGCF/Heaven’s Official Blessing I think)

Heather Duke (Heathers: The Musical)

Sophie Foster (KOTLC)

Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter)

Brooke (I’m the Grim Reaper)

Medea Solon (Your Throne/I want to be you, just for a day)

G...gacha... this doesn’t have any characters but I’ll tell you I was into it.

Monika (DDLC)

Alice (BATIM)

Scythe Curie (Scythe)

Allura (Voltron Legendary Defender)

Wonder Woman (DCU)

Kaname (V-v-v-v-vampire knight god i hate it)

That should be it, I’m reaching down the back of my mind and into my throat to try and think of another fandom. Drawing a blank.

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meduontheshore · 5 months

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shisui and reika (my OC) <3

#naruto #shisui #shisui uchiha #naruto art #naruto fanart #uchiha shisui #shisui x reika #anime #art #my art #digital art #fanart

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kusunokihime · 4 years

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Muses I’ve written in the past, or that are currently in hiatus:

Oh man get ready for a list. FULLY retired canon muses would be Itachi, Hiashi, Hizashi, Naruto, Sakura, Tenten, Fugaku, maybe Neij...considering bringing him to Discord. Maybe some others but it largely depends on activity overall.

Retired OCs include Junichi (Shisui’s dad), Hotaru (Neji’s mom), and Ayame (an antagonist from a retired fic). Guess you could also count Eiko and Kazue, ancestors in the Suigin bloodline. Also a slim possibility of bringing them back but again, only if people are interested.

Partially retired and written only on Discord now are Sasuke, Shisui, Mikoto, Madara, Obito, Hinata, Hanabi for canons.

OCs on Discord include ShiRyū kids Katsumi and Tadashi, N.aruS.aku kids Akane and Kei, S.asuH.ina kids Tenkai and Chikyū, Neji kids Higure and Hinode, Shisui’s mom / Mikoto’s sister Manami, and Hinata and Hanabi’s mom Hanako. Most of them were retired due to lack of interest / me cleaning up the blog!

Active muses:

Suigin Ryū (main muse), Suigin Reika (Ryū’s mom), Suigin Reiji (ship kiddo of Ryū and @abyssaldespair), and Suigin Reiwa (Ryū’s default kid for next gen interactions)!

Characters I’ve considered or considering picking up or bringing back:

I mean...I’m not really in many other fandoms, and those I am are rather...dead, so I don’t see much point in it. From now on I really only plan on having these four muse on Tumblr, and I MIGHT add others to Discord, depends on how the server does and if people are interested!

tagged by: @historias-multorum <3

tagging: @quiet-kunoichi @whispersofdeceit @uchiha-madara @i-minato-chan @oc-lootcrate @shikkotsunin @duckbuttsurvivor @grumpypizzagirlmuses @hyugainterior @kahenn @xpposition @chidoricry @bunbuns-many-muses @ncgeru aaand you!

#as we scroll [ dash game ]#who? me? [ about mun ]#*shrugs loudly*#something i've realized is #most of my muses i prefer ficcing with #as opposed to rp #hence trying them and then retiring them cuz it just #doesn't work kdfjghfg

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kusunogatari · 4 years

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[ ObiRyū October | Day Sixteen | Incantation ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū, Hatake Kakashi ] [ Verse: Ghost Among the Ghosts ]

[ Previous ] [ Next ]

“Hi, Mom...it’s me again. I brought you some fresh flowers! Sorry I left the other ones here so long...I’ve been busy the last few weeks. School is going well, but...it’s a lot of work. I’m keeping my grades up, at least. But that means less time for...everything else. And no, I still don’t have a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend, for that matter. But maybe that’s a good thing. I’d be really inattentive lately, and that wouldn’t be fair. I dunno, maybe I’ll meet someone after, y’know? But if work is busy too, then...guess I’ll just be a crazy old cat lady. Though I don’t have a cat yet…”

She’s rambling. But then again, that usually happens when she takes a day to catch up with her mother. Sitting cross-legged in the grass, Ryū lets an elbow rest on a knee, chin held in a palm. It’s nice to just...sit and chat.

And given Reika can’t really reply, it means she can go on for as long as she wants.

“Dad came to visit yesterday. That was nice. He said he was going to stop by and see you while he was here. I hope he did. Guess he didn’t leave anything, but...well, I told him I was going to stop by today. Maybe he just figured things would get cluttered, otherwise.”

Beyond the freshly-replaced flowers, Reika’s headstone is clear. There’s a small growth of lichen, but she’ll take care of that while she’s here. Otherwise, the polished black marble is flawless.

“Anyway...I guess there’s really not much else to report. Kinda stuck in a bit of a slog, I suppose. Same routine over and over. Classes change, but the routine doesn’t.” Shifting positions, she leans back on her palms, sighing. “There’s a few people I’ve seen in a couple of classes with me, but...haven’t really made any friends. Dad says I’d scare them away anyway cuz I spend so much time here.” Ryū can’t help a snicker. “I might’ve had my baby goth phase in high school, but it didn’t stick. I just...like dark clothes and hanging out with my dead mom! Nothing weird about that, right?”

The only answer is wind rustling through the cemetery trees.

Another sigh escapes her, seeming to get lost in thought. “...guess I kinda just fell into it all. The image, I mean. People were always calling me Ghost, so...it was easier to roll with it than fight it. Is that weird? Maybe not. Guess I just kinda adopted it. Maybe part of it’s still sticking, huh?”

Another thoughtful silence before she straightens, hauling herself to her feet and brushing leaves and grass from her clothes. “Well...I won’t bug you any more today. Though I’m not really looking forward to heading back to my dorm. It’s so cramped, and my roommate snores. Not to mention I have an essay to do when I get there. So maybe I’ll just...wander around a bit. Y’know...procrastinate.”

After clearing the lichen, Ryū says her goodbyes before heading further into the cemetery rather than back toward the gate.

It’s strange. She’s here so often, yet she’s never really taken the time to look at any other parts of the graveyard. Even back when she was embracing her spooky image in high school.

Better late than never, she supposes.

The further you go, the older the plots get...and eventually, entire family crypts start popping up. Ryū eyes them curiously, feeling an old itch start bubbling up to the surface. Maybe she’ll just...take some pictures. For old time’s sake. Surely nobody will mind, right?

Out comes her phone, subtly snapping photos of some of the more unique headstones. One bears an entire full-size weeping angel, arms outstretched to the sky in mourning.

“Wicked…!”

Okay maybe her goth phase isn’t as over as she likes to pretend it is.

Soon enough she’s losing herself in it, taking artsy pics of as much spooky splendor as she can manage. The cloudy Autumn day only adds to the atmosphere, she can’t help it!

And then she hits the motherlode.

Looming up out of the gloom is one of the crypts: its own stone building to inter members of a family. And this one is massive...let alone clearly old as old gets. A wrought iron gate blocks access to the interior, and no matter how she cranes her neck, Ryū can only see so far.

Backing up a few paces, she realizes there isn’t a family name carved anywhere in the stone. That’s a bit odd. Instead, a phrase is etched along the top of the threshold. Usually it’s something in Latin, but...this doesn’t look quite right.

Brow furrowing, Ryū reads it over a few times in her head. Maybe it is Latin and she’s just...really rusty. But her curiosity persists, and so she googles it.

...nothing really comes up.

Well, drat.

A sigh escapes her, tucking away her phone for the moment. Under her breath, she tries sounding it out, doing so slowly with the Latin pronunciation that she knows.

As soon as she finishes, a flash of cold washes over her, seemingly coming up from the crypt.

Every hair on her body stands on end, tensing as eyes fly wide.

...what the…?

Fog then begins to plume up the steps, curling around the gate. And as she stares, Ryū sees hands slowly reach to grip the bars. Then with an ear-splitting creak, it starts to swing open.

Oh this is not good...what did she do?! What, was that some kind of...incantation? That stuff isn’t real…! And why would it be carved into a crypt?!

A deep, raspy chuckle then sounds, and a shiver runs its way up her spine. Every part of her brain is screaming at her to run...but she can’t get her legs to move, locked into place as she trembles.

“Well well...been a while since anyone’s given those words a read. Was starting to wonder if anyone would ever bother…”

With a lurch, she manages to stumble back half a step, body feeling rigid and stubborn. “Who...who’s there…?”

“You mean to tell me you read the invocation, and you don’t even know who you’re talking to? I should be offended. And here I was so relieved at finally getting a chance to stretch my legs! Hell gets so boring after a while…”

A figure then starts to emerge from the fog. And Ryū’s heart feels about ready to jump right out of her chest. Hell...this person’s from Hell? Then...doesn’t that mean -?

“I guess I can still manage an introduction. But...you first, hm? Only polite, since you rang.”

...is it wise to tell them that? “It...it’s Ryū. M-my name is...is Ryū.”

“Ryū…?” They seem to roll the word around in their mouth, as if tasting it. “Hm...I suppose that’ll do. And my name...is Obito.”

They take one last step, and Ryū beholds the demon in all their glory.

...it’s not an image she expects.

It’s not a gargoyle-like creature. No cloven hooves, no horns. It’s just a...a man? Wearing black slacks, shining black shoes, a violet button-down shirt, and a black vest. A hand wrapped in a fingerless glove adjusts a matching purple tie. Short dark hair, glowing red eyes, and...and…

Scars. All over the right side of his face. Some even peek up from under the loose collar of his shirt.

“Why is it everybody always stares, hm? Something on my face?”

Ryū forces herself to blink. “...I-I -?”

Ignoring her, the demon glances around. “...huh. Not where I expected to pop up. No one’s used this place in a long time. Being nosy, are we?”

“Wh-? N-no! I...I was just looking, and…?”

“And decided to recite the obviously-demonic carving on the wall?”

She sputters. Obviously demonic? How was she supposed to know?! “I-I didn’t know that’s what it was! I-I swear!”

Obito just rolls his eyes. “Uh huh. That’s what they all say.”

“Can’t you just, um...g-go back where you came from?”

“I’m afraid not, you see…” He starts sauntering toward her, her own legs attempting to retreat. “Demons, once called out of Hell, can only return once they have their contracted’s soul in their possession. It’s a system. And given that you called me...that means you.”

“I-I didn’t call you! It was an accident!”

“Yes, yes...you humans and your accidents.” He steps closer, Ryū finding herself with nowhere to run as her back finds a tree. Leaning in, Obito gives her a very unabashed once-over. “...hm…”

“W...what?”

“I think you’re lying.”

“Wh-? Why would I lie?!”

“Because I can smell it on you.”

“Smell what? I-I just took a shower this morning before I came to see Mom!”

Obito gives a roll of his eyes. “Oh, brother...so you don’t know…?”

“Know what?!”

“That you’re a witch.”

She freezes. “...I’m a...a what?”

“Oh come, now. Your appearance is telling enough. Tell me...did your mother look like you? All ghost-like…?”

Ryū feels the blood draining from her face. “...I…”

“Thought so.”

“I am not a witch! I just had a goth phase in high school! And the only reason I did was because everyone forced it on me!”

“And why do you think they did that?”

“Because I look like this!”

“And? You really think they couldn’t tell? It’s a subconscious thing, especially in this day and age. Very few people legitimately cry ‘witch’ nowadays. Most who do just get laughed at, but they’re out there. Or rather, you’re out there.”

Head shaking, Ryū rebuke, “Well...still! Witch or not, I did not call you here on purpose! So just...go back where you came from, and leave me alone!”

“I told you, I can’t do that. Not until I harvest that soul of yours. Or...mine, really. Semantics.”

She stares at him. “...so, I...I really am stuck with you…?”

“Until you utilize your contract, that’s exactly right. So hurry up and make your request so we can get this over with.”

“...and if I don’t?”

“Don’t what?”

“What if I don’t make a request? What if I just...ignore this so-called contract I didn’t agree to? Then what?”

Obito’s face goes slack. “...you can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“For one thing, contracts have consequences the longer they go on. Consequences that are rather dire for mortals. Eventually you’d just be begging for me to end it, so there’s no real point in drawing things out.”

“I could...I could hire an exorcist!”

That earns an outright laugh. “Oh, you could. But it wouldn’t go well. We’re contracted. My suffering is your suffering. And vice versa.”

...well shit. She’s running out of ideas. Surely by now demons are rather used to all the ways humans try and wriggle their ways out of contracts. Ryū’s eyes flicker back and forth, trying to think of a solution.

All the while, looking amused, Obito watches her. He’s never actually met someone from a witch bloodline before. While they don’t all look like she does, that just makes her all the more unique. Part of him wonders what her skills would be. Are witch souls worth more than a regular human soul…? He’s not actually sure. But he’ll admit, it feels rather tantalizing compared to other humans he’s contracted with. Almost seems a shame to waste it.

“...you know, there is one way to circumvent this whole ordeal.”

He speaks without meaning to, her head shooting up.

“...and what would that be?”

“You could always become a demon yourself. It’s not easy, and technically you’d still be damned, but...you wouldn’t die.”

A stubborn scowl overtakes her face. “Not sure that’s much better.”

Shoulders shrug. “Just letting you know. Hell’s really not all that bad when you’re on Lucifer’s good side, you know.”

“...I’ll bear that in mind,” is her dry reply.

“You really should make up your mind. Time is ticking. And I’ve got other things I could be -”

“Hey!”

The pair of them turn, seeing another figure making its way toward them. Silvery, messy locks fall over a fair face, the bottom half obscured by a mask. There’s really not much remarkable about him...except for a glint of silver that jostles around his neck as he runs.

A cross.

Behind Ryū, Obito’s eyes narrow.

Reaching them, the newcomer holds an arm out between them, barring Ryū back. “I’ve been waiting for you to show your face again. Let her go!”

“This is none of your business, Kakashi. She summoned me.”

“I told you, it wasn’t on purpose!” Ryū insists from behind Kakashi’s arm.

“It’s too late! Intentional or not, what’s done is done. She has to forfeit her soul one way or another. I’m just doing what I’m meant to do.”

“Don’t you remember what it’s like to be human?” Kakashi barks in protest. “Why hurt them when you used to be one, Obito?”

Ryū’s eyes widen. He was human…?

Obito’s lip lifts in a sneer. “I was human. And that life was nothing but suffering. Poverty, loneliness, despair...and then a violent, painful end before I was even a man. Can you really blame me for letting that bitterness overcome me? Life wasn’t, isn’t fair, Kakashi. Humans suffer, and they cause suffering. They must reap what they sow.”

“And what has she done wrong, beyond being at the wrong place at the wrong time? Do you really want to damn an innocent just because you suffered in life? That won’t reverse what you went through. It will just make someone else suffer, too. Let her go.”

All the while, Ryū watches them both. It’s clear they knew each other before Obito became a demon. And if Obito is telling the truth, then...it seems to her that he had every reason to be persuaded into a role like this, given what he went through.

Suffering begets suffering, after all.

...then maybe…

“You can’t break this contract, Kakashi. You’re hardly strong enough to have any influence here. It doesn’t matter if she’s willing or not. It was a done deal as soon as she spoke the incantation. One way or another, I’ll -!”

“I know what I want.”

Both men turn to her, expressions equally surprised.

“Miss, no - you can’t go through with this! If you do, your soul will -!”

“You heard the lady, Kakashi.” Behind them, Obito gives a bone-chilling smirk. “She’s made up her mind. And about time. What’ll it be, then?”

Gently urging Kakashi’s arm aside, Ryū steps forward, studying the demon. “...so, in order for the contract to be fulfilled...you have to complete whatever task I give you...right?”

“That’s right.”

“No matter how long it takes?”

“Yes. But we demons are very efficient.”

“...and the task can be anything?”

“Well...there are a few exceptions. I can’t raise the dead, for example. Can’t make you immortal. But most things are on the table. Tell me your wish, and I’ll let you know.”

She can’t help a dry snort at the word ‘wish’. As if she sought this out. “...all right, then. What I want from you is...to protect me from all possible harm, within your ability, until I die naturally. Only once I’ve lived whatever life you can allow me to live can you have my soul. If you purposefully allow me to be killed to try to complete the contract early, then you’ll have failed, and the contract is null and void.”

As she speaks, Obito’s grin slowly falls to a neutral, and then surprised expression.

Behind her, Kakashi gives a humorless laugh. “...so, rather than a guardian angel...you’ve snagged yourself a guardian demon. Well that’s a first.”

Ryū doesn’t reply, still looking at Obito. “...so? Is that on the table…?”

Sighing curtly, Obito looks aside as if trying to think of some kind of loophole. But after a minute of silence, it’s clear he can’t recall any. “...I suppose it is.”

“And because you’ll be performing your contract, there won’t be any of those consequences you talked about?”

“...in all honesty, I can’t be sure. I’ve never had a contract quite like that. The longest I’ve had to wait was a week.” He looks her over. “...you really want a demon to be hovering over your shoulder for the rest of your life?”

“I figure that’s the best outcome I could ask for, all things considered” is her quiet reply. “...besides, something you said struck me a bit funny.”

“...and what was that?”

“That you were lonely.”

His face goes slack. “...you...can’t be serious.”

Even Kakashi has no rebuke for that.

“You’re extending your contract to the fullest possible extent because a demon implied that they were lonely…? You must be a special kind of naive, lady.”

She gives a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “You’re the one who implied it, not me. Not everyone is a jerk, you know.”

He scowls, but doesn’t have a retort. “...all right, then. We shake on it...and your request will be set. No changing your mind. Got it?”

“Obito, I can’t let you do this!”

“There’s no can’t, Kakashi,” Obito retorts. “You couldn’t stop me if you tried. Buzz around her like an annoying little fly if you want. There’s no saving her.”

Turning to the other human, Ryū gives a somber smile. “I’ll be okay.”

“But -?”

Before he can try to argue, Ryū reaches out, and takes Obito’s hand.

The same rush of cold eddies around them, and Ryū can’t help but flinch as her hair whips around her face. Leaves kick up, the trees creaking as they get caught in the ethereal wind.

Hands still locked, Obito sneaks his other arm around her back, pulling them chest to chest with their hands pressed between them. A smirk curls his lips, hovering several inches over her own. “...it’s done.”

“This isn’t over, Obito!” Kakashi insists.

The demon turns to him, expression bored. “Well, I suppose you might have time to build up some power before she kicks the bucket. But I won’t be letting a soul go that easily, Kakashi.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” the demonologist replies lowly.

“Run along, then. Go bury your nose into your books and find some holy relics. You’ll be racing against the clock for this one.”

Glowering, Kakashi turns on a heel and leaves them.

“Finally, a little privacy,” Obito then sighs, giving a stretch. “You think he’d give that demonologist bit a rest…”

“So...you two know each other?”

“In a manner of speaking. But let’s not get into that, now. You’ve got a life to get to.”

It’s then that Ryū hesitates. “So...other people can see you…?”

“Only if I want them to. And even then a very small handful could otherwise. You’d be one of them, actually. If you had a bit more training, you might even be able to see what I really look like.”

“...you mean this is a ruse?”

He smirks. “...yes and no. This is my human appearance. I died at thirteen, but as a demon I’ve kept aging. This is how I’d look if I’d lived. But it’s not what I truly am, now. Not fully.”

“So I won’t have to explain why someone is constantly following me, then.”

“Not unless I decide to show myself. Which, for my own convenience, I doubt I’ll do often, if at all. I’d like this whole experience to be as painless as possible, since you seem to have it in your mind we’re going to be buddies in the meantime. Just think of me as a voice in your head that only you can see.”

...well, this is going to take some getting used to. But at least for now she has time. And it seems that this Kakashi guy wants to try and break this contract. Maybe he’ll succeed. For now, however...she’ll just have to adapt.

“...all right then. Come on. We’re leaving.”

“And going…?”

“Back to my dorm. I have homework.”

“You’re a student?”

“Studying to be a nurse.” She starts walking, and Obito follows.

“Riveting.”

“You’re the one who asked.”

Yes, this is going to take a lot of getting used to.

This is...super random but I guess it works for the prompt xD I dunno anything about demonology or whatever, so this is...purely me winging it. Also any religious mentions are just for the sake of context. That’s another subject I know little to nothing about lol A human (well, kinda) and a demon stuck in each other’s company. Surely nothing is going to wrong in this situation, right? Riiiight. I’d...say more but it’s late and this weekend is gonna suuuck so I’m gonna go sleep. Thanks for reading!

#obiryū october #abyssaldespair #uchiha obito #suigin ryū #hatake kakashi #ghost among the ghosts [ au ]

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kusunogatari-a · 7 years

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[ Recovered ] [ @abyssaldespair ] [ Suigin Reika, Uchiha Obito, Suigin Ryū, Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, Nohara Rin, Hatake Kakashi ] [ Gore mention, death mention, blood mention, vulgarity mention ] [ Verse: What Could Have Been ]

Battlefields are always host to an eerie silence once war leaves them in its wake.

As she has since the conflict’s beginning - as her line has done since its own - Reika traces along the wreckage, looking for any still left alive. Senses reaching, serpentine eyes take in the bloodstained, body-filled fields and tattered landscape, eventually finding a mound of crumbled stone.

And beneath it, barely flickering, is a trace of life.

Silvers widen, decorum forgotten as she runs to the rubble. She can’t begin to guess the tons of rock over the body, but a Suigin is nothing if not stubborn. Reaching the edge, she takes in the devastation as a whole, trying to find the shortest route to the body. Straight down seems best. Leaping to the crest, palms plant against a crack in the debris, white chakra bleeding down through as she concentrates. Once it reaches the trapped combatant, Reika ups the intensity to its second level.

“Senpō: Shōkyaku no Kabe!”

Slowly, with great grating sounds, the rock begins to fall inward, collapsing into dust as the chakra eats its way through the stone. Sweat beads along her forehead, breath rushing as she maintains the precious balance of energies, great measures of it pouring from her hands. For uncounted minutes the rubble continues to fall into itself, disintegrating into far smaller space until finally, she can see the body.

Waiting until the stone stops its shifting, Reika drops into the gap, coughing as dust swirls. There’s still a boulder atop the…boy? She’s yet to properly tell. But enough of the surrounding fragments have fallen so that it’s all that remains in her way. Panting, the healer takes a moment to catch her breath before kneeling and planting hands on the last obstacle. “…if you can hear me, young one…I need you to hold your breath as best you can. The dust may begin to suffocate you.”

There’s no reply, but without the means yet to move them, Reika has no choice. Summoning her chakra one last time, she begins to burn away the stone over the child’s - yes, they’re a child - body. Hopefully it will be enough to move them without collapsing it upon them, and without her running out of energy. Eyes trained on the rest of the boulder in case it shifts, perspiration isn’t solely out of exertion, now. As soon as she can sense the body’s edges are freed, she reaches a hand to their chest and begins assessing the damage.

…it’s not pretty.

Expression grave, Reika makes a judgement call. If she doesn’t move them now, they die regardless. It might result in more damage to repair later, but she’ll have nothing left to fix if she doesn’t act now. As gently as she can, she fishes the youth out from beneath the stone, her usually-stern expression heavy with sympathy before hardening with anger that boils just beneath the surface, chakra welling as it reacts to the emotion.

…calm. I have to be calm. We’ll sort the rest later. Still…the hitai-ate is telling enough: a Konoha shinobi. Barely out of puberty, and now…clinging for life by the thinnest of strings. The woman’s jaw clenches enough to make her teeth creak. She’ll have words for them later…but now is not the time.

Cradling the boy to her chest, she manages to leap back out of the wreckage, carefully laying him down in the grass before taking a few minutes to meditate. The summoning she wants to do will take a bit more than she has the strength for. All options weighed, it’s her best bet.

Once the chakra fills her system, she bloodies her fingertips. Walking a stone’s throw from her patient, she presses her hand to the ground.

Vapor billows, rushing outward and clearing to reveal a slew of silver scales. An orb of mercury opens to reveal a slivered pupil, which focuses on the woman. “…your first summoning of me. I will not waste words…what do you need?”

“I found a boy - he’s on the brink. I need you to carry us back. I have not the energy to treat him here, nor take him home.”

The dragon sage takes in their surroundings. “…very well. Allow me to breathe a bit of life into him for now. Else I fear he will not survive.” A taloned paw reaches to the boy’s body, bleeding white chakra through his skin.

Kneeling at his severed side, Reika sees an eye of red slide toward her. “…stay still, little one. We’re going to get you through this. For now…rest.” A palm lies upon his brow, and with an urging of chakra, he slips into unconsciousness.

Near the stones, an eye of amber watches before sinking into the earth.

The journey home is nerve-wracking. Cradling the boy in her lap, Reika tries to find the patience as they weave their way back to the valley. Only once they land beside the manor does she find any dredges of peace. Hauling him inside, she carefully lays him in one of the many spare rooms. Through the window, the sage watches with a solitary eye.

First thing is first…his organs need tending. One hand spares to assess the damage in his torso as the other guides her eyes along his damaged limbs. It’s been quite some time since she’s seen this level of damage in one still living…if only just.

Head bowing, she tries to make a judgement call. …between blood loss and closed circulation…most of this flesh is too far gone to be saved. His organs are already borderline shut down. At this rate… She looks to the boy’s face, slack in his coma. One eyelid sinks into his skull. She knows a bit of the Uchiha, recognizing the crimson eye. …so…someone helped themselves to his left. I wonder who…

Now, however, is not the time for such wonderings.

“Kāchan!”

Glancing over, Reika manages a strained smile. “Ryū…hello. I’m back.”

Running to the bed’s hem, a little girl looks in awe at its occupant. “…is he alive?”

“Yes, but only just…it’s going to take me quite some time to fix him, but…I think I can do it.”

“Can I help?”

The woman chuckles. “You’re a bit young yet, but…we’ll see. For now, why don’t you go to the neighbors? I’m going to be very busy, and I need someone to keep an eye on you.”

“But shishō is outside!”

“Yes, she is - but I may need her help. Please listen, dearest.”

There’s a slight pout to the girl’s lips, but she gives a nod. “Okay…” Looking to her mother’s patient, Ryū gives his good hand a gentle hold. “Get better soon, ne?”

Watching her daughter take her leave, Reika sighs. “…we’d best get started.”

“Indeed.”

With her teacher’s guidance, the healer begins her work. Organs are delved into, cells either healed, or stripped and replaced if too far gone. The task is slow and steady, sweat wiped into her sleeves as she goes. Hours pass unnoticed, and by the witching hour of the night, she’s finally salvaged what he absolutely needs to stay alive.

“…I’ll have to replace all of this,” Reika mutters, gesturing to his right side. “…it will probably take me weeks, if not months.”

“I can provide you with extra chakra. But yes, the work will be long…” The sage blinks. “…I can sense your temper, student of mine. Are you truly so moved?”

The woman sighs curtly. “…I’ve watched this war for years, now. I saw how it began, before Ryū was born. I’ve slipped into the killing fields as often as I’ve been able, and just like all the rest before me…I can only drain droplets from this ocean. I know the tide is too much. But this…this…!” Her teeth grit, lip lifting and twitching in a snarl as a hand gestures angrily. “This boy is a child…left to die! Buried alive and forgotten! Not even yet a man, and already his life was forfeit. Damn those Konoha bastards…they’ve no right to the lives of the young for their wars. Jiraiya has obviously failed his attempts at teaching peace if this continues…I should march up to that Hokage’s office and roast the meat from his bones with my anger…!”

“Your temper is hardly hot enough to divert the world from war,” Suigin firmly counters. “Konoha may have been the founders’ attempts at peace...but it is clear they have failed...and have done so more than once in that time.” Her eye moves in question. “...you speak of the student of the toads...the one with whom you traveled...he sought this same peace?”

“...he did. When not preoccupied with his research,” Reika spits. “...I don’t know how I ever…” She sighs. “...at least something good came from our meeting.”

The dragon laughs. “Yes...Ryū is your blessing. But...the point remains, there will be no peace upon this road. You know this.”

“Then why do I bother?”

“Because any life saved is better than none. You cannot stop this tide, Reika...but you can soften it, no matter how slightly. Attend to the boy.” A pause. “...will you alert the village?”

“No...at least, not yet. I can’t yet know if he will live. No sense in getting their hopes up.” Silvers still flash angrily. “...though I’ve half a mind not to tell them at all...but surely he’ll wish to go home, eventually.”

“True...though we shall see what remains of his mind upon his waking.”

“...you’re right.”

From there, every spare moment the woman has is devoted to her patient. Within a few hours it seems, he’s known throughout the tiny mountain village, people climbing to the shrine to pray for his recovery. Overnight, though still nameless, he becomes quickly beloved. And with Reika’s chakra keeping him sleeping, he’s completely unaware as weeks slip by.

Until one day, it wears off.

With the healer gone into the woods for an herb sample, the youth’s eyelids twitch, dragging open to reveal one filled socket, and one yet empty. Mind in a fog of dull pain and exhaustion, he stares at the vaulted ceiling without a thought save one:

...where...am I…?

Body feeling like lead, he barely manages to turn his head to one side, taking note of the room. It almost reminds him of an inn - furnished, but otherwise empty...save for a diminuitive body in a chair beside him.

Little arms crossed atop the bed, their head rests atop it, cheek turned as they doze. Someone...fell asleep here? But where is here…? Who is that?

“...h...hello?” His voice is weak, raspy from lack of use. Swallowing, he finds his throat dry as Suna’s deserts.

With a start, the younger child jolts awake, looking up with shocking eyes of silver. Even their eyelashes are white...is he dead? Are they a ghost? “...oh! Onīchan, you’re awake!”

His brow furrows. “...where...where am I…?”

“This is my house, ne? Kāchan’s outside, but she’ll be right back, okay?” A tiny hand rests upon his own, and the...girl? - he thinks they’re a girl - gives him a smile. “You’re gonna be okay, ne? Kāchan will make you better!”

Better...wait, something’s wrong? Everything is so...distant. The room feels like he’s lying on air, and trying to think is like trudging through mud - slow and tiresome.

Before he can consider it much further, the door opens, and another woman walks in with the same features, though her aura is far more austere. Surprise pulls at her face. “...you’re awake…? I didn’t expect…”

He isn’t listening, trying to place where he’s seen her before…

“You should be resting...your recovery is far from over.” Standing next to what is undoubtedly her daughter, she rests a hand on the girl’s shoulder as they both look to him - one calculating, and one still smiling. “...I’d best put you back under.”

“Wait, w-wait...what happened? Where am I…?”

“Questions best left for another time. You’re still in critical condition, little one. And it will be easier for me to work with you unconscious.”

“No...where...where are the others?” He wasn’t alone...he was...with his team? What were they doing…? “Rin, and...and Kakashi...sensei…”

“I don’t know...when I found you, you were alone. But there were no Konoha bodies - only Iwa.”

...Iwa...they were in Kusa...something about a...a bridge? “You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. As soon as you’re back on your feet, we can contact them. But for now...it’s best we focus on your recovery.”

He’s not stupid - he knows what that means. He might not make it. Trying to see to his right, the boy struggles to lift his head.

What he sees isn’t pretty.

His leg is gone. Half an arm remains. And all in a rush it comes back to him. Rin. Kakashi. Iwa nin. Rocks, collapsing...Kakashi wasn’t going to make it...and then…

Reika can see the horror in his eye. “...I know this looks abysmal, little one. But you’re going to make it through. My work is slow, but I’ve yet to encounter any problems. But if you want me to finish...I need to put you back under.”

“Wait!” Looking to her mother, the girl cuts in. “Ne, onīchan...what’s your name?”

“...my name?” He blinks. “...it’s Obito. Uchiha...Obito. And who...who are you? Where -?”

The woman stops him with a raised hand. “...you may call me Reika. This is my daughter, Ryū. And you are in our village...Kusunokizan. Within Hi no Kuni. Now...will you let me work?”

Obito, riled with panic, tries to slow his breathing. He’s alive...he’s crippled, but he’s alive. “...y-yeah, okay...fine.”

“Hopefully next you wake...you’ll find yourself in much better shape.” Reika manages a small smile. “...be patient, Obito. I won’t let you down.”

“Be brave, ne?” Ryū offers, patting his hand encouragingly. “You’ll be okay! Promise!”

Trying to put on a gallant face, he gives the girl a shaky grin. “Yeah...I will.”

A palm presses to his forehead, and in a matter of moments, Obito finds himself in dreamless sleep once more.

“Could you try to look less uninviting…?”

Reika stares straight ahead with narrowed, venomous silvers. “...I’m keeping my temper as well as I’m able. This is all I can manage for now. Consider that your only warning.”

The sage blows vapor with a sigh. “...very well.”

Down the path walk two men, both wary in their air. All around them, villagers stare and whisper, giving the pair suspicious looks. The word on everyone’s tongues is simply shinobi.

Standing upon the front steps of her manor home, Reika looks down her nose at them as they finally approach. “...so, you are the two mentioned in Sarutobi-san’s letter?”

“Yes...Namikaze Minato,” the blond offers, a hand at his chest. “Obito’s sensei. And his guardian, Uchiha Fugaku.”

“Guardian. Not father?”

“The boy’s parents were lost in the war previous,” Fugaku replies, tone low and flat. “As clan head, he’s my responsibility.”

“And mine, as his teacher,” Minato adds. “Is...is he really alive?”

“...he is. And I will be more than forthright with the pair of you...I called you here only out of respect for Obito’s ties to your village. Were it up to me, and me alone...he would never again see hide nor hair of Konoha again.” Her tone is biting, and her riled emotions narrow her pupils. “I cannot begin to express in words my fury for the fate this boy has suffered. You should both feel insurmountable shame for putting a child of thirteen years upon a battlefield...even moreso for letting him fall in combat when his life was in your hands!”

To her honest surprise, Minato flinches, but Fugaku’s eyes glint red. “...believe me, no one feels more regret than I, Suigin-san,” the blond cuts in. “You’re right - I was responsible.”

“Regret is not enough - it is a feeling thrown aimlessly into the past - it changes nothing,” she bites back. “Regret is not telling of a moved heart, only an afflicted one. I can scarcely believe the words you say when your actions have already spoken far louder. Neither of you, in my professional opinion, are of sound judgment to have a youth within your grasps.”

“You speak awfully boldly for a civilian in front of two shinobi,” Fugaku growls.

“And you make threats worryingly easily for being a guest in another’s home,” Reika spits in reply. “I would not underestimate me, if I were you.”

From the side of the manor, a deep rumble sounds, a serpentine head peering around the corner as the sage makes her presence known. “The boy lives because of my student’s interference. Her expertise. You have little room to make demands when the only reason you have gathered here is her will.” Steam billows from the dragon’s nostrils. “And I would advise you to hold your tongue if it will bear words of intended harm. Speak them again, and I will rip the muscle from your throat, human. This vale is under my protection...threaten the wellbeing of any within it, and I will bring you to ruin.”

“Everyone, please,” Minato implores, raising hands with a wilting, sheepish brow. “It’s true, we’re only here because you did what I had assumed was impossible. And you have my - our - unending gratitude for that. A life was spared when thought lost. That alone is reason enough for all of us to agree, isn’t it?”

Reika’s expression shifts, but only slightly. “...it is. It also stands as testament to all Konoha does that is wrong. Throwing children onto the battlefield as canon fodder in a last-ditch attempt to bolster your numbers. It is shameful.”

“...I can’t pretend to have any sway over the politics of our village, Suigin-san. I was given my team...and I did my best to protect them. And, quite obviously...I failed, at least in part. It’s not so easy to change what’s happened, or how shinobi organize themselves.” Minato sobers. “...but Obito is a shinobi...he knew what he was signing up for.”

“A child can scarcely be expected to fully understand war.”

“...perhaps you’re right. But for now, there’s nothing I nor you can do to change that. The war is drawing to a close...perhaps, at least for a time, it will be the last. May we hope this is the last disaster of this scale.”

“Hope is not enough,” Reika retorts. “What is needed is action.”

Suigin moves her gaze to her student. “...for now, we have reached an impasse. Let them see the boy. They have not traveled here to be left empty-handed.”

Staring the men down, Reika eventually acquiesces. “...come.” Leading them through the manor, she approaches Obito’s door, knocking. “Obito…? May I enter?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Giving her companions one last glance of warning, the healer opens the door. “I have visitors for you. Surely you recognize them.”

Sat up in bed with pillows at his back, Obito looks up only to brighten in shock. “...Minato-sensei…? F-Fugaku-sama…?”

“Obito…!” Minato stares in disbelief. “...you…?”

The young Uchiha gives a bright smile. “Hey!” He waves his left hand, the other lying along his side, immobile. “Are...are Kakashi and Rin not with you…?”

“No, they...they didn’t come.” The blond runs a hand through his hair. “...Suigin-san said it might be best to wait until we let them see you.”

“Oh...yeah, I still can’t move too much yet.”

“His right side has been regrown, but must rebuild its ability,” Reika explains. “Think of it as a newborn’s. He must relearn control, and strengthen the muscles - they are yet untested. He has been conscious now for only a week...and as I’m sure you know, it’s been three months since he was found.”

“You say regrown...what does that mean?” Fugaku asks.

“Both limbs and the rightmost side of his torso were completely crushed. Bones left in fragments, blood vessels blocked, and the flesh had decayed too much to be salvaged. I barely managed to keep his organs intact long enough to save him. I removed what could not be saved, and urged them to reform.”

“That’s beyond anything seen in Konoha,” Minato muses, tone airy with awe.

“...this is not Konoha. My line is raised and taught only the healing arts. Combined with our sage teachings, we often exceed limitations others know. It is costly...but possible.”

Peering in through the doorway behind the adults, Ryū catches Obito’s eye, brightening and skirting along to his bedside. “Obito-nīchan!”

“Hey there!”

“Ryū, I told you to remain with our neighbors!” Reika scolds. “Now is not the time for a visit!”

“...but -?”

“Is this your daughter?” Minato cuts in, giving the girl a smile.

“Mhm!” Ryū beams. “I’ve been helping Obito-nīchan! He’s almost all better now, see?”

Reika pinches at the bridge of her nose. “...apologies, I was trying to keep her out of the way.”

“Nonsense, she’s just fine. We’re glad you’ve been helping him, Ryū-chan” Minato replies.

“As you can see, he’s not yet ready to return to Konoha.” Reika quickly gets back to the matter at hand. “I estimate it will be several weeks of therapy until he has basic functionality again. And beyond that, I cannot project when he will reach his previous levels.”

“Well, there’s no time limit as far as I’m concerned,” the blond replies. “He’s been through enough already...we’re not about to rush his recovery.”

“And he’s just supposed to remain here?” Fugaku asks, tone gruff.

“It would be preferable,” is Reika’s terse reply. “...though before you go, I have a favor to ask of you.”

The clan head perks a brow.

“...I realize that Uchiha are proud wielders of a dōjutsu - the Sharingan. I wondered if you knew what had happened to Obito’s missing eye?”

The man blinks. “...as a matter of fact, I do. It was given to his teammate, Kakashi, after he lost his own eye, and Obito was deemed unsalvageable.” Something in his voice makes it clear it’s a tender subject.

“...I see. I merely wondered if you had the means to replace it, or if I should finish my work and simply recreate a new one.”

“...you can create a new Sharingan?”

It’s the medic’s turn to perk a brow. “...I’ve already told you I rebuilt his entire right side...and you question my ability to recreate an eyeball…?”

“The Sharingan is a closely-guarded aspect of our clan. Consider me concerned that a stranger can simply reproduce one.”

“Hence why I asked you first,” Reika retorts. “I realized it is a tender matter. I’m hardly about to abuse that knowledge. Or would you prefer I rip the gifted eyeball from another boy’s skull? It sounds to me they’ve both encountered enough trauma as it is, Uchiha-san.”

Obito and Ryū share a glance, feeling the tension.

“...that won’t be necessary,” Fugaku growls in reply. “...I appreciate your consideration of the matter.”

“Good. In that case...I feel we have little else to discuss. You both can attest to his condition. I will return Obito to Konoha as soon as I feel he is physically stable. Until then...he will remain, and he will continue to heal.”

The men exchange a look before both giving their agreements. Reika sees them out of the house, watching them go with a haughty expression.

Back in Obito’s room, Ryū peeks out the window. “...who were they, Obito-nīchan?”

“My teacher, and my...well, I guess you could call him my uncle…? I guess they came to see how I was doing.”

Something in her expression wilts. “...so...are you gonna go away…?”

“Someday, after I feel better.”

“But...can’t you stay?” She approaches his bedside, giving him her best puppy dog eyes. “I want you to stay…”

“I gotta go home, Ryū. Back to my friends!”

“I’m your friend, ne?”

He laughs. “Yeah, you’re my friend. I promise I’ll come back and visit, okay?”

“Promise promise?”

“Yup! But first I gotta get my strength back!” Biting at his lip, Obito grunts as he tries to lift his right hand. The limb raises a few inches, swaying before he relaxes with a sigh. “...gonna take a while, seems like.”

“I’ll help you!” Reaching little hands to Obito’s arm, Ryū summons a little bit of chakra. “You’ll be all better soon! It’s a promise promise!”

The next weeks are filled to the brim with struggle. Determined to get home, Obito pushes his limits every day, slowly regaining his strength and control. Though Reika praises his growth, part of her is loathe to get closer to his return to Konoha.

“Don’t worry ma’am - I’ll be fine! And I’ll have to come back every once in a while, see how everyone’s doing! And prove I’m okay, too.”

“...very well.”

A month and a half go by before she’s satisfied. Though he may yet be unable to function as a shinobi, Obito can walk, run, jump, and make use of his hand to satisfactory levels. “You’ll still need to work hard,” she warns, a hint of a smile breaking through her stern facade.

Obito salutes. “Yes ma’am!”

As he says his goodbyes, Ryū tearfully clings to him. “...you gotta come back, ne?”

“I will. I made you a promise, right? And I keep my promises!”

Reika makes the journey with him back to Konoha, meeting a particular trio at the gate. And though Minato only gives a tired smile, the other two look much like they’ve seen a ghost.

“...OBITO!” Rin wastes no time in crossing the distance, already crying as she envelopes the boy in a hug. “What...h-how…? I don’t…!”

Embracing her back, he laughs. “I’ll have to explain it all later...for now, I think maybe I’ll just take it easy, huh?”

“O-oh, yes, of course! I’m sorry!”

Kakashi approaches more slowly, looking his teammate over in disbelief. “...you’re alive…? And...your eye…?”

“Like I said...long story. Let a guy breathe first, will ya?”

Watching Obito fondly, Reika then looks to Minato. “Returned in one piece, as promised. See to it he stays that way, hm…?”

“We’ll do our best. Thank you again, Suigin-san. As you can see...his return means more than words can say.”

The medic bows her head in agreement. “...I’m sure his future visits to us will be just as eagerly-met.” Turning to the boy, Reika gives him a sly smile. “...take care of yourself, Obito. I’ll not have gone to all that hard work for nothing, hear me?”

“Y-yes ma’am!”

Before she can take her leave, however, Rin pulls herself off of Obito and gives her a determined look. “...thank you. For bringing Obito back to us. I…”

Reika gives her a thoughtful glance. “...there’s no need, my dear. I did as was necessary. Take care of him, hm…?”

“Of course!”

Taking a few steps, Reika looks over her shoulder before giving a bow, receiving four in return before heading on her way.

Following a scant-remembered trail, shinobi sandals trudge their way up the mountainside, pausing for a few minutes at the crest to take in the view. ...it’s been a long time. Too long. Sighing, the figure begins their way back down.

It all looks exactly as he remembers it.

Surprise alights faces aged by sixteen years, a few missing, and a few yet to be seen as he walks through the village. A bit self-conscious at the staring, he doesn’t stop until he nears the last house.

Outside, talking to an older couple, a woman has her back turned to him, hands gesturing as she speaks. Only once the conversations ceases, the elder pair looking past her curiously, does she turn to follow their gazes.

In spite of himself, the visitor balks slightly, not quite expecting the sight he sees. ...is that really…? She’s…!

Bright spheres of silver look to the stranger with open wonder in her eyes as she tilts her head. A brow then furrows, thinking. And when it hits her, Ryū’s face lights up in recognition, a wide smile blooming as she runs to close the distance.

“Obito!”

OKAY. I have stayed up far too late working on this, but I knew the idea wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it, so...meh xD I needed a break in request drabbles anyway, haha. Sleep is for the weak! So, uh...this is the random AU idea I was talking about: where Reika once again ruins the entire canon timeline by saving Obito. But unlike the one where she teaches��Rin to save the day (and its sequel), it’s just her this time. Basically swooping in before Zetsu has the chance, and stealing him away to do a BETTER JOB of actually HEALING him. And, y’know, not letting Madara get his hands on poor wee Obito. It’s probably not anything that EXCITING - I’m willing to bet you liked the other one more, huehue - but I do this a lot, just...writing random drabbles of “what-ifs” because I think it’s fun =P ...also just a hint of shippiness at the end because I CAN’T NOT DO THAT. I love that ship too much, no matter the verse, haha. ...so...yeah. Now it’s late, and I better get to bed. Sorry if this one isn’t as “interesting” as the ObiRyū one, but I like writing branching paths too much. Hopefully it was at least somewhat neat to read, idk. *skips off to bed*

#abyssaldespair #suigin reika #uchiha obito #suigin ryū #namikaze minato #uchiha fugaku #nohara rin #hatake kakashi #gore mention #death mention #blood mention #vulgarity mention #what could have been [ canon verse ]

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