My Immortal

He got lost in thought as he listened to his mother and Sephora talking. Suddenly, as he was sitting there just listening in, a figure stepped out onto the balcony, and unfortunately, Zatoichi had no way to stand up!

“You could just leave me here, pretend you never saw me! It's not about being safe; that psycho chic in there can't hurt me anymore- you don't have to Put me down right now!” He said as Talon picked him up! The feeling of gravity pulling down on his body intensified the pain. He already had in his legs, and he wanted to scream, but instead, tears came out of his eyes! The next thing he knew, he was face to face with none other than the woman he knew as…Mother! Tori Uzumaki Uchiha. He used to see her off and on in the orphanage and even spent a year with her before having to return…shortly after that, he landed in Hoshi with Ayato Hyuuga, where he's lived ever since.

He couldn't believe his mother had given him the same speech as she had given Sephora! Seriously? He couldn't do much at this point and wasn't in a position to either. Usually, he would roll his eyes and play along, but at this point, he had to listen to her. She was bandaging him up, after all! A sentimental moment between him and his mother was something he had needed, he wasn't mad she left him, believe it or not he understood and he was taken care of! The minute she kissed his head, he wrapped his arms around her to show appreciation…and affection!

“I worked on that hole for a week, told everyone I was working on a project for the garden, and kept it covered under a tarp during the day. I'll behave if she does; she says something to me, and I will fire back- uh- what…why? Why is he coming in here? Shit!” Zatoichi sank further into the chair, unable to move his left leg due to the fact he had pellets stuck in his bone, and it was too painful to move! He covered up with a blanket and just laid there. Maybe Ayato wouldn't notice him! Perhaps he wouldn't be in trouble! He knew why Dante went to get him concerning Sephora, but why would it happen when Ayato found out he was involved? Damn! He messed up big time!  He had no idea it would get this serious.

Sephora apologized? He pinched his arm to make sure he wasn't dreaming! Wait, what's this nonsense she's speaking?
“Oh please, the only reason you got to where you are is your dad was a high-ranking missing ninja, and people were scared to mess with you because of him! So what, you kidnapped your friends and killed your mom…I'm so scared!” He said, using the last line sarcastically. “You're not some badass! My dad turned you into a ragdoll at the gates of Tenga, or did you forget about that? I only found out from people in our clan who knew about it. And look at you right now…I am an academy student and dug a hole that did all that damage! And yet you think you're something? Please…whatever helps you sleep at night, cousin.” Zatoichi said, rolling his eyes. Maybe he went a little too far. Perhaps he should apologize.

“Fine…I am sorry my hole took you out…happy now?” He covered back up. The sarcastic remarks he refused to take back. Sephora fired words at him. First, he fired back. Fair play!

607

Ayato's steps echoed through the compound as he returned to the Hyuga clan's residence, his expression marked by a deep frown. The damage to the garden was a stark reminder of the recent tumult between his relatives, Zatoichi and Sephora. As he ascended the stairs towards his office, Ayato reflected on the chaos that had ensued—an exchange of jutsu, a shinobi ambush, and, miraculously, no injuries.

Entering his office, Ayato found the room already occupied by familiar faces: Dante Hyuuga, one of his closest confidants and Sephora's brother; Talon, a trusted ally; and, to his surprise, Tori Uzumaki, Zatoichi's mother. His gaze shifted to the two culprits, Zatoichi and Sephora, whose presence added tension to the room.

Sighing heavily, Ayato settled into his seat, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. As the leader of Hoshigakure and elder of the Hyuga clan, he knew it was his responsibility to resolve this family dispute and ensure the peace and integrity of the village. But with emotions running high and loyalties torn between blood and duty, Ayato knew that finding a resolution would be no easy task.

Each member of the gathering carried their burden of responsibility and expectation. Dorn between his loyalty to his sister and his duty to the clan, Dante wore a troubled expression. Always the voice of reason, Talon maintained a calm demeanor, ready to offer support in whatever capacity necessary. And Tori's unexpected presence yet welcome added another layer of complexity to the situation, her maternal instincts clashing with her son's involvement in the dispute.

As Ayato prepared to address the room, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his position pressing down upon him. The fate of his family and the harmony of his village rested in his hands, and the decisions he made in the coming moments would shape the future of Hoshigakure. With a deep breath, he began to speak, his voice steady despite the turmoil. It was time to confront the conflict head-on and seek a path toward reconciliation, no matter the challenges ahead.

"If they were to write a book about today," he mused, his words lending a weighty title to the unfolding drama, "it would aptly be titled 'The Clash of Family Loyalties'." With a decisive nod, he turned his focus to Talon and Dante, signaling the need for some space. "Talon, Dante," he addressed them, his tone blending expectation with reassurance, "As esteemed members of this household, your loyalty is paramount." Motioning towards the door, he entrusted them with guarding their domain. "Step outside and stand guard," he instructed, his voice firm yet gentle. "Rest assured, you'll be briefed on all developments. Here, secrets seldom linger." With a wave, he released them to their duty.

Once they were gone and the door had closed behind them, Ayato turned his attention to the trio that remained. He had no intention of soliciting explanations; he knew enough already. The petty bickering seemed foolish to him, especially considering the weightier matters that demanded their attention. There were more pressing issues than indulging in the dramas of yesteryear. They had a choice to adapt to the realities of the present world or remain trapped in the tales of the past.

"Sephora," he began, his tone tinged with dry humor, "you've managed to turn our serene garden into a scene straight out of a battlefield. Quite the talent you have there, though I must admit, it's not one I particularly appreciate."

Turning to Zatoichi, Ayato's expression softened slightly, though the seriousness of his tone remained. "Zatoichi," he said, his voice carrying a hint of playful reproach, "your youthful vitality is admirable, but it seems to have led you astray this time. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. As cliche as this expression can be, you'll do good to remember that."

Finally, he faced Tori, Zatoichi's mother, with a look of understanding. "Tori," he said, his gaze conveying empathy and expectation, "raising a shinobi is no easy task; I know. But we must guide our young ones onto the right path, lest they stray too far into darkness."

With his witty remarks tempered by a sense of seriousness, Ayato sought to convey the gravity of the situation and his belief in their ability to learn from their mistakes.

As he spoke to Tori, Ayato couldn't help but recall the rumors surrounding her recent encounter with Gabimaru Freya. "I understand you've had a troubled time arriving here," he continued, his tone gentle yet probing. "Surviving an encounter with Gabimaru Freya is no small feat. I'm curious to know how you managed it." Although he suspected the answer, Ayato wanted to hear it from her directly. "Was it Zaled?"

[WC: 782]

You know it's meaningful and personal when two people are sent to guard the door! Tori immediately recognized Ayato from the past! Only now was he all grown up and a Kage! She had always known he would achieve something great and proved her right. She met him when Mitzukai asked Tori to escort a 5-year-old Sephora to her clan's gathering in Konoha; she watched the two play together as kids always do. Ayato had been so protective of Sephora, especially when a couple of the other kids were picking on her for having white hair. He stood up for her before Tori even had the chance to! That was the day Tori listened to some of the adults' conversations. 

The Uzumaki girl had good hearing! Technically, Sephora and Ayato aren't cousins. Sephora's dad, Sayomi, was taken in by his clan members when his parents disappeared on a mission! Those clan members were Ayato's parents, so they were not blood-related. Tori never said a word to Sephora because she had finally felt like she belonged somewhere, and Tori wasn't going to disrupt that feeling! But she did ask to be the one to take Sephora to the clan get-togethers after that because she knew Mitzukai probably didn't know that either. Tori knew Sayomi wouldn't say anything to her.

Now, before she stood a grown-up Ayato! And to think he was the one who took in her son as a young child, she owed this man. Tori was snapped out of her memory lane thoughts as Ayato began to speak to them! He was right; raising a young Shinobi wasn't easy.

“You're right, sir, it's not easy; I will do what I can to try to raise him to walk the right path; you have done an amazing job; he's quite talented! Haru and I are both quite strong-willed Shinobi; that's probably why he is like this. Thank you, Ayato, for bringing him here!” She said as she looked from her son to Ayato.

He mentioned that name—the one of the wardens at the gate! Gabimaru…that was something she wanted to forget; she almost died!

“Yes, sir, I did not know anyone was there, and I was exiting the gates of Sunagakure. I waited a minute or two, but no one was still there! Suddenly, I heard Zaled yelling at me! He told me not to move….I still don't know how he got there so fast…Zaled put his hand on my shoulder as he told Gabimaru…who appeared out of nowhere that i was his wife and I was with him! Gabimaru let us go, but sadly, Zaleds now branded a missing ninja for defending me and leaving Suna with me! I remember seeing Zaleds Sharingan activated. That's how I assumed he saw Gabimaru and the attack that almost killed me.” Tori sighed, looking down after telling the story. It was a vivid memory!

“If you don't mind, Ayato sir, I would like to stay in Hoshigakure with my son and be close to my team again. I am one of the team medics!” Tori said, trying to lighten the very heavy mood in the room.

551

Talon saw Ayato walk into the room moving rather swiftly, then took a seat in his chair. Yes, this was a major issue to be addressed no doubt, the house was in utter chaos due to Sephora and Zatoichi! He smiled at Ayato's idea for a book title! Hey, he wasn't wrong! That would fit for a title.

"As esteemed members of this household, your loyalty is paramount. Step outside and stand guard, Rest assured, you'll be briefed on all developments. Here, secrets seldom linger."

A sense of pride filled Talon's soul and the one heart he had! To be considered such a ‘paramount’ member of the household was an honor for him. “Yes sir.” He nodded towards Ayato showing he accepted the assignment, then he looked towards Seph and Zatoichi, “Aw, I was looking forward to sewing your mouths shut, maybe next time!” He jokes as he nodded towards Dante signaling he was heading towards the door. Two of his threads hung loosely out similar to snakes, from underneath his black shirt. They made a motion similar to that of snakes striking towards Seph and Zatoichi.

No! Retreat Now! He said mentally to his threads, the things had minds of their own at times, but at least Talon had control of them for the most part! The threads retreated back underneath his shirt waving as though to say goodbye as they did, while Talon walked out the door.

“Let us know if you need us, we will close the door to ensure privacy.” Talon assured them as he waited on Dante to exit the room before closing the door.

(274)

Dante watched as Ayato swiftly walked into the room. Man on a mission was all that could be said to explain the look on Ayato's face! Dante was frustrated and unsure what to do in this situation.

“That's for sure…” Dante replied to what Ayato said about a book title for the current event! Zatoichi and Sephora definitely clashed despite their connection, but hopefully, the two can eventually get along!

Dante nodded as Ayato asked them to guard the door. He looked at Talon and smiled at his joke about sewing their mouths shut! At least he still had jokes and tried to lighten the situation.

“Yes, sir, we will.” Dante agreed as he looked back at Ayato to tell him he was following orders. An esteemed member of the household? Dante was flattered! He was a part of something important. Of course, Dante has always taken pride in himself and his lineage.

He left the room first, and as Talon followed, he heard the door shut. He stood beside the right side of the door as he watched Talon stand on the left side of the door.

“This has been an eventful night,” Dante said, propping up one foot against the wall as he crossed his arms and leaned back.

224

Sephy looked up at Ayato as he walked in rather quickly. She had a sick feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach! No doubt, he wasn't happy. However, the story title of their played-out drama was kind of funny—appropriate yet funny! She smiled slightly for a split second, and then it quickly faded. She sighed, feeling as though this was mostly her fault! Sephora had pulled a stupid stunt, and thankfully, she didn't go through with it!
She looked towards Talon and Dante as he instructed them to guard the door. This was a sign that serious business was about to go down.

Now, Sephora did not build the hole in the backyard—that was Zatoichi! He also attacked her! She defended herself, and in the process of attempting to escape, she may have caused some damage to the light pole by the yard. She kind of didn't have much of a choice. Of course, all this could have been avoided had Sephora not gone out! After Ayato talked to Tori, Sephora spoke up.

“Does this mean we aren't in trouble, Ayato?” Sephora asked him. She felt bad for making such a mess of the yard and for possibly worrying him over the letter she had left. He had obviously gotten it; she didn't see it on the floor.

“I made a mistake; I should have used better judgment and let you know she was coming instead of leaving a note and attempting to go…alone to get her!” She sighed as she looked up into Ayato's eyes…he was sitting behind his desk, but she could still look into his eyes…which she found incredibly beautiful. Sephora looked away quickly, slightly blushing! She had always known they weren't blood-related, and they had always been very protective and defensive of each other! Now, Sephora has developed a massive crush on Ayato. She looked at Ichi and apologized to him as she had earlier to make a good impression on most minors and bring peace.

“Again, Zatoichi, I'm sorry! If it makes a difference, we can clean the backyard after the rain stops.” Sephora suggested hoping that would be the extent of any trouble they may be in. She looked into Ayato's eyes again, with a deep sincerity in hers. She meant what she said, and she was very apologetic.

WC:402

Zatoichi's heart began to race as soon as Ayato entered the door! His chest tightened as he became nervous. He listened as his adopted father figure began to speak. Words weren't needed as the look on his face said everything without a word needing to be uttered. Of course, the words that Ayato said made sense!

They had caused quite a disaster in the garden and throughout the house!

“I'm sorry,” Zatoichi said as he looked at Ayato. He sighed, knowing this was mainly his fault; he had taken the tarp off the hole and used the hole to trap Sephora! Suddenly, Ayato dismissed Dante and Talon to guard the door! This was a terrible sign! What was about to happen to him? To Sephora? He stuck his tongue out at Talon as he commented about Sewing their mouths shut. He then turned back to Ayato as he spoke to his mother! Wait, Ayato knew Zaled? And what's this shit about raising him? Yet…he hasn't said a thing about being punished! Sephora just offered for them to clean the yard….yeah that's fine…but.

“Yeah, that's cool. We can do that but hold that thought, Seph. So we aren't in trouble? I'm worried about nothing. I'm not grounded or anything like that?” Zatoichi asked as he looked from his mom to Sephy and then Ayato.

WC: 227

Ayato sat composed in his office, his gaze thoughtful yet sharp as he addressed the aftermath of Sephora and Zatoichi's altercation. Both stood before him, visibly apologetic, as they awaited his decision. Sephora shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It was a rare sight; Ayato couldn't recall seeing Sephora so flustered, not since they were children when he had promised her he would become a hero.

Meanwhile, Zatoichi met Ayato's gaze with guilt and anticipation. Sensing their unease, Ayato continued in a more serious tone, though his eyes twinkled faintly with amusement.

"Punishment, now that's a word," Ayato mused aloud, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I've decided on a task to cleanse both your spirits and our facilities."

Zatoichi raised an eyebrow, waiting for Ayato's verdict.

"You, my friend," Ayato declared with a slight smirk, "Shall have the esteemed privilege of ensuring the Hyuuga compound baths shine brighter than the sun over Hoshi. And once you're done, visit the stables as well."

His attention shifted to Tori Mae Uzumaki, Zatoichi's mother, who stood quietly in his office. Her presence reminded him of the complex web of alliances and conflicts spanned the ninja world. Ayato listened intently as Tori recounted her harrowing escape from Suna under Gabimaru Freya's authoritarian rule.

"Tori Mae Uzumaki," Ayato began, his voice measured yet sympathetic. "Your journey to Hoshigakure has not been easy. We welcome you under our protection, but you must understand our village's expectations."

"You will be accepted into our ranks as a Genin," Ayato continued firmly. "However, like any member of our village, you must adhere to our standards of conduct and loyalty. This includes ensuring your safety and that of your son, Zatoichi."

Ayato leaned forward slightly, his gaze shifting from Tori Mae Uzumaki to Sephora, who stood nearby, still visibly affected by the earlier incident. "Sephora," he said calmly, "I trust you to assist Tori in settling into our village. Show her the ropes, introduce her to our customs, and ensure she feels welcomed. It's important that she feels at home here in Hoshigakure." He couldn't think of a more fitting punishment than having Sephora enforce the standards she had just broken.

"And remember," Ayato added, his voice now a blend of seriousness and gentle admonishment, "a bit of friction among family can be expected. It's how we handle it that defines our strength."

After politely dismissing everyone from his office and assigning them their respective duties, Ayato filed a request with the Unseen University to register Tori into the village officially. Satisfied with the task, he stood up and went to the door, nodding in acknowledgment to Kurai and Talon outside, confident that they had dutifully maintained their posts as instructed.

Ayato found himself in the compound's garden, surrounded by lush flora that stirred memories. He recalled how his mother had once tenderly cared for the garden, nurturing each plant with love, and the carefree days spent playing with his siblings Natsuki and Toneri. A bittersweet smile played on Ayato's lips as he cherished these memories, yet remorse lingered for the recent turmoil caused by Sephora and Zatoichi's clash.

Anger flared briefly, but he quickly quieted it, reminding himself they were young, prone to lapses in judgment and temper. The weight of guiding Hoshigakure rested heavily on his shoulders, and in moments like these, he longed for the simplicity of childhood, where conflicts were resolved with tears and hugs rather than scoldings and sanctions. Ayato sighed softly, silently resolving to cultivate a village where forgiveness and growth were nurtured, much like the gardens that bore witness to his upbringing.

"Nurture," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the rustling leaves. It was a reminder of his mother's teachings — the need to cultivate plants and relationships within their village.

[WC: 632]

Tori listened to every word Ayato said. Now that she is here, she can parent Zatoichi. She must admit that Ayato has done an excellent job raising her son. The Hyuuga in her son was very dominant, and she could tell that was his dominant genetics! Her genetics were Uzumaki, meaning Zatoichi took after his father, Haru.

He even resembled Haru over hair, not counting the red streaks barely visible in his whitish silver hair.
Ayato was right, parenting wasn't easy, but she loved her son and would do her best!

“I'll do my best for Zatoichi now that I'm here!” She assured Ayato. Then Ayato announced that she was welcome to stay in Hoshigakure as a Genin. Yes! Now, she could finally call this village home instead of being a missing ninja! She can continue her practice for medical Jutsus at a legitimate local hospital!

“Thank you, sir. It will be an honor to serve in the ranks of Hoshigakure!” she smiled as she turned to walk away. “Come on, Zatoichi. We need to have a chat before you get started, young man!” Tori said sternly, parting his back before leading him out the door.

Exit
Official Hoshi Nin!!

TWC: 2,261
+22 stats
Vigor -6
Chakra -6
Speed -5
Strength -5

(Will claim jutsus at another time)