Ties that Bind(Sweet and Psycho)

[SweetSerenade]

Though the day was sunny, not all was well in the village of Konoha. Near the Academy, a young girl was weeping. Her body covered in cuts and scrapes, from a recent tussle with a few of the older Shinobi class. The young girl, who was known as 'The Cursed Kururugi'. Reviled by her own clan, tormented by others, she was not even eight years old. Her own clan didn't want her, being the only female born since before the creation of Konoha, it came with a stigma -being a female Kururugi - that branded the girl as a 'monster' to her clan. This young girl, not even eight years old, had been tormented from the moment she could speak. She was a happy girl, most of the time, and tried to bring that happiness to others.

But this session of bullying had been particularly brutal. She had been dragged by her hair, and beaten down by a few of the other students. Kids often do this, it's what children do. It's just in their nature, bullying happens on a daily basis - and adults just turn a blind eye to it  - no one really does anything about it. But someone should, someone should change that. The actions taken against youth, were ridiculous. Especially in a world already torn by war, in a world that needed people to have unity. In a world that needed a strong Will of Fire.

Chika Kururugi, an academy student, was curled up beneath the tree outside of the academy. Tears coursed down her pale face, as she used her hands to scrub at the the tears away. She sniffled as she did this, and tried her best to hide her pain. Her red hair, had fallen from it's braid, and was falling around her like a cascade of blood. Dark crimson at the roots, and a pale pinkish-white at the tips. The hair was straight, and a color that people rarely saw outside of the Kururugis and the Uzumakis. It was rumored the Kururugis were far off cousins of the Uzumakis. Her eyes were green, pale, like ice. Her eyes were closed, as she cried and curled up into a tighter ball.

"I hate this stupid village, the stupid people! I don't want to live anymore, I don't want to be in this stupid place. I don't want to be a monster..." The small child whimpered out as she buried her face in her knees. She shook like a leaf in a breeze, as she started to rock back and forth. She wanted to be a boy, because at least then no one would think her talents were freakish. She was rather skilled at her Kekkei Genkai, even as a small child. Many knew of the Kururugi's, even though their numbers had been declining over the years. Their Kekkei Genkai afforded them a control over blood, a control that was marvelous and terrifying, a control that made them amazing assassins and medical shinobi.

This little girl was the prodigy of her family, but due to her gender she had been reviled and pushed down since the moment of her birth.

This was Chika Kururugi, and she is 'The Cursed Kururugi'.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina had been taking a walk that morning, rather enjoying the sunshine and fresh air that the village had to offer. She had a few people looking at her, especially considering who she was. The wife of the Hokage, not someone people see all the time since she was usually with him, helping him with big issues or simply being there to support him. On occasion however, she did like to wander and be with the people. Besides, this was her home, what good would come with being cooped up in the same building all the time?

It was during this walk that she heard a small voice, seemingly speaking through tears of anger or pain. Kushina paused, blinking curiously. The words were similar to the way she'd thought when she'd first arrived to the village as well. Instantly she felt sympathy, she could understand whatever mood this child was in. She turned and began to follow the voice, eventually finding a young girl crouched on the ground, the shade from the tree outside the academy making her hair appear darker than it really was. When Kushina noticed the colour though, it brought a smile to her face. Another similarity. It almost appeared like she was looking at a younger version of herself.

Kneeling down in front of the girl, Kushina reached forward and placed a gentle hand on the girls' shoulder. "Hey now, we're not all bad are we?" She asked, leaning down to try to look at the girl. She knew that the girls' thoughts were likely narrowed, by the looks of it, she had recently been in a fight of somesort, and Kushina could bet that it was with the students. Kids tended to be narrow minded, they would look at something different and try and drive it away, usually due to fear, and at times that would spread through to adults too. However, Kushina also knew many people that would look passed all that. This girl said she hated everything in the village, but she hadn't met them all, just a small handful.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika stiffened at the sound of a voice speaking to her, she had been approached by adults before - who had pretended to be nice. But it was all a ruse, they had been just as cruel as the children. Her icy green eyes locked on to the woman crouched above her, and instant recognition flared. Chika stared up at the wife of the Hokage, Kushina Uzumaki. "The adults are just as bad as the kids. The Hokage is the worst... He doesn't stop people from treating others like this." She said, venom in her voice. Was this a new game? A new person trying to destroy her? You could only kick a dog so much before it bit back.

Chika shifted a little, her right hand making a few signs as chakra flared in her palm. She slowly ran it over her arm, healing up a few of the injuries. Children were not supposed to be able to perform jutsus, but Chika should have already graduated from the academy. Her mother and father, had been training her since the moment she was born. She was a prodigy, but her stigma was what withheld her from rising in the ranks of shinobi. Seven years old, almost eight, and she could use her kekkei genkai to heal her own injuries.

"You're all stupid... you look passed these things... I don't know why you are talking to me. You're probably just going to hurt me too..." She whispered. Her head tucking down, as she shook. The tears coming again. "Why not... I'm nothing but a freak."

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina blinked in surprise when the young child said that about her husband. "He does his best, but he's sometimes busy trying to keep the village safe." she said softly, tilting her head to the side a bit and watching the girl heal herself. Kushina knew she shouldn't have been using jutsu, but the redhead brushed it off for now. "Why would I hurt you?" she asked softly, brushing some of the girls hair back from her face. 

"You know, there was a time when I was in the exact place you are now" She said softly, leaning back so she was sitting cross legged on the ground before the girls. "I was seen as some weird kid, an outsider. Wherever you are though, you can always find something good, even if someone has to point it out to you" She said, putting a finger to her lips slightly. "I got picked on a lot too in the academy. But, over time I got a few friends who looked passed the faults I had, and now I'm living a life I'd only ever dreamed of. You are only a freak if you let people call you such and you believe it as well. You can't let them force you to believe their lies"

Kushina pulled her hand back and put them in her lap. "I think your power is amazing. People might see it as a bad thing, but you'll only prove them right if you choose to go down that path. You have the potential to do horrible things, but also the potential to do amazing things as well. You have a choice, you can decide which path you take, and during that choice you can prove yourself to everyone"

[SweetSerenade]

"They think I'm going to end up like her." Chika whispered, flinching away from the woman's touch. She was confused, scared of herself and the world around her. She hated her hair being touched, as that was the thing that was picked on the most. The bright red hair, she was the only girl in the village with it, other than the hokage's wife. The kids called her a freak, tormented her by pulling it... some tried to cut it... it changed day to day. "They think I'll end up like the last female Kururugi..." She whispered as she buried her face in her knees.

"Hotaru, loved Madara... when he was killed by the First... she went insane... she turned into a monster of blood and death..." Chika said as she wrapped her arms around her knees a bit tighter. She was rocking now, as she squeezed her eyes shut. "I can do things... people shouldn't do... hear things... the songs of people... in my head. I hear the whispers of the voices of their blood..." She whispered. It was a strange thing for a small child to say, to be so truly afraid of herself...

"I don't want my hair, I don't want my powers... I want to be a boy, because then I wouldn't be a freak..."

[Psycho Serenity]

"Well, then all the more reason to prove them wrong. You aren't her, you're the person you want to me" She said softly, knowing that the girl was having a hard time with trusting herself. "Maybe you're different, and you can do and hear things others don't, but that doesn't make you something to be scared of" she said, tilting her head slightly and smiling to her.

"You should be proud of who you are, no matter what. And for the record, I love you hair" She said, smiling softly. "I hated mine for a long time too, kids used to call me a tomato" she said, wrinkling her nose slightly. "But, I found someone special who loved me for me." She said simply, shrugging her shoulders.

After a moment of silence, Kushina got to her feet and offered a hand. "Hey, it's getting a bit dark and I have a feeling you haven't eaten lately. Want to come get some food with me? I'll pay." She said, hoping to lighten the girls mood a bit. "Promise, there's no string attached"

[SweetSerenade]

Chika just stared up at the woman, she was shocked and confused. But she stood up, and took the woman's hand. There was something different about her, it didn't help that chika could hear two blood songs. "Mam, why do you have two songs of blood... inside you?" Chika asked as she walked with the woman. "It's not the same as if someone was carrying a baby... the other song is full of fire and hatred..." She said softly. There was some things her parents kept from her, even though she was an intelligent child. Many her age didn't understand the concept of demons, or what they were like.

Chika had accepted the woman's hand of friendship, and she was hungry. It was too late to get home yet, mom and dad would have gone out for their nightly errands. Chika wasn't big enough yet to unlock the house. It was obvious that her size was something that would remain tiny, even at such a young age. She was seven and there was four year olds bigger than her. But she wouldn't let that effect who she was, or who she would become.

"If I wasn't a freak... why won't they let me graduate?" She asked lightly. "I've been in the academy since I was four...."

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina blinked curiously as she looked at the girl and walked through the village, holding her hand gently. She smiled slightly and let out a small smile. "Well..." She began, wondering how to explain it to her while still having it make sense. "I share this body, I suppose. There's a creature, a demon that's sealed inside of me. It's part of the reason I was looked down upon by a few people in the village. Like you, it has the potential to make me someone very dangerous, but I choose not to use that power" She said, continuing to walk as she glanced to the sky. "That's probably what you're sensing, the creature even has it's own chakra line that I can tap into if I want"

Hearing her other question, Kushina rose an eyebrow curiously. The girl seemed upset about graduating, which meant she had the belief she should be good enough to graduate at her young age. "Well, there's a few different things I can think of. Either, they feel you're too young to leave the academy life and start on missions, or information has been hidden from the hokage or sensei in charge" She explained, wondering if she was really strong enough to have graduated at such a young age.

[SweetSerenade]

"It burns, the other blood. I sense the way chakra is in blood. It changes people, I can feel when they change." Chika said as she walked with the woman. Her eyes focused on the road, for a child she was extremely alert. Her head turned just barely, as she looked up at Kushina. "But you have the Hokage, the Namikaze... he... loves you." Chika said as her head turned, and she stared ahead again. There seemed to be something there, sad and lonely. Inside of the little girl was something that was lost. She wanted to feel like she belonged.

"I always pass the tests, I've passed them every single year. They won't let me graduate, because they are afraid." Chika said firmly, looking ahead. She looked up at Kushina now, even as they walked. "They are afraid of me, and what I can do. They don't want me to become a Genin. The Elders of my family are trying to fight me being in the Academy..." She said softly.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina listened intently before slowly nodding her head. "Well, I can always bring it up to Minato. I'm sure if he finds out, he'll look into it and you might be able to graduate this time around." She said, smiling to the young girl before she stopped right outside of the ramen shop. Kneeling down to be level with the girl, she placed her hands on her arms, smiling up at the ice like eyes. She could see the pain and loneliness in her eyes.

"Before we eat, mind telling me what's wrong? I can tell you're sad, you look just like I did when I first came here" she said softly, tilting her head to the side slightly. "You can't be so lonely can you? You have your family to take care of you" She said, wondering what her home life was like.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika watched the woman crouch down, Chika took a moment to look up at the ramen shop owner. There was a sad smile on the little girls face, but she turned back to Kushina. The woman treated her like an equal, not as a silly child. "I'm... I have  family. But my clan doesn't want me. Mom and dad had to fight to keep them from killing me when I was born. " She said in a shaking voice. That was the brutal truth behind it, she was a child that her clan didn't want.

"Dad's busy working, and mom is busy working... they don't have a lot of time for me. When they do... it's just to train me..." She whispered as she looked away. A small sad smile on her face. She turned to look at the woman again, the sadness on her face. "I never really felt like anyone wanted me..."

[Psycho Serenity]

"Hmm" Kushina said softly, glancing to the ground and tapping a finger to her lips. "I was taken from my home because of the force you sense inside of me, I know how it feels not to have much of a family." She explained before she looked to her and grinned "How about this. Whenever you want, you can come to see me and the Hokage, whether it's for a favor, if you're in trouble, or even if you're just feeling lonely. We'd be happy to have visitors" She said, standing back to her feet.

"For now though, let's get something to eat, I'm starving" She said, leading her inside and slipping up onto one of the stools and ordering herself some ramen before looking to her. "I hope you like this, I guess I kind of didn't ask" She said, scratching the back of her head and chuckling slightly. "I guess it's just kind of my default place for food"

[SweetSerenade]

Chika pulled herself up into the chair, even though it was a bit difficult for someone of her height. She stopped, listening to the woman speak. It was a large thing, for someone like her, to hear a woman like that - offer a promise like that. Her eyes lit up, true joy shining in the depths of her eyes. "Oh! I'd absolutely love that." Chika found herself responding, before she blushed darkly. Then turned towards the Ramen shop owner. Her stomach growled, and the small red haired girl blushed darkly.

"Beef Ramen please, with naruto fish cakes?" She asked weakly, looking over towards Kushina to make sure it was ok. She was a little nervous, as this was the first time she had eaten at the ramen shop - without her mother and father. They were going to be so angry, but ... they couldn't be angry at her! Because she had been with the Hokage's wife. Which made everything instantly ok, any family should be honored that Kushina-sama was giving special attention to their child.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled when she saw the girl give her a happy face. Sighing softly, she heard the questioning tone as the girl ordered her food. Smiling at her, Kushina looked to the ramen shop owner and nodded her head. "I think that's it" She said, giving him permission to give the girl what she'd wanted. As he started off to make their food, she looked over to her and rose an eyebrow.

"So, I'm curious Chika" She said softly, tilting her head to the side a bit "What's your dream? What do you... Really want to do with your life?" She asked, propping her head up on her hands, putting her elbows on the counter.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika gave the woman her undivided attention. She was asked what she wanted to do with her life, and Chika had that answer. Even at such a young age, she looked ahead of herself - a serious and rather adult look overcame her features. "I want to become the highest medical shinobi this village will ever know. I want to use my Kekkei Genkai, to save lives. I want to help people. I want to... I want to be seen... not as a monster or a freak - but as an extremely talented Kunoichi." The tiny female said as she picked up her chopsticks, rubbing the wooden sides against each other as she thought.

"I want to bring peace, I want there to be true peace. No more fighting, no more need for sacrifice - just to keep villages balanced. I want people to be truly happy."

[Psycho Serenity]

"Well, that's a very wonderful wish" She said, smiling up at her and nodding her head. "I promise I'll do my best to help you realize it" She added, wanting the same thing to be honest. This child deserved more than this, deserved to have people see her as a hero more than a demon or something. "For now we'll eat. Little steps at a time and we'll get there"

Shortly after, their ramen arrived and she grinned happily, handing Chika her chopsticks before getting her own. Breaking them and rubbing them together, she let out a happy sigh and started to dig in happily.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika smiled weakly at the woman, the woman who was treating her so well. She had never had someone treat her like this, not even her own parents. Oh, she knew they loved her, but they also loved this village and their jobs - much more than her. Chika watched the food arrive, she whispered a soft thank you and began eating. Her hands were shaking a little as she did, but she was feeling a little dizzy from her use of chakra. It was just a cost of her bloodline. Between waking up at 4am every morning, and not sleeping till 11pm, she had a grueling training regimen.

This training schedule, is what made her so talented. It was also what gave her such a control over her bloodline. She was pushed harder than any other Kururugi child, in an attempt to keep her from giving into the whispers of power in her bloodline. She was more at risk, than any of the others. She had to remember this, she had to live this fact, every single day.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina glanced over to the young child and smiled softly, glad to see her enjoying the ramen. "I hope you like it" She said softly as she continued to eat, smiling happily as she slurped and shoveled ramen into her mouth. As she finished the last of it, she let out a happy sigh and put her chopsticks across the bowl.

"Mmm" She said, rubbing her stomach happily as she leaned back. Her eyes wandered over to the girl, smiling softly. The poor child, with such a hard childhood, reminded her of herself so much. She wanted to help her so badly at this point.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika enjoyed eating ramen, when she had the chances to do so. She didn't go out eating often, unless her parents were there, and often ate at home. She ate in silence, using manners usually not seen in a child of her age. She was quiet, polite, and not messy. She finished eating, and put her chopsticks down, picking up the bowl with both hands and slowly sipping the broth. Her eyes closed as she cherished this amazing meal. It was just ramen, but a meal is about more then just what you are eating, it's about the company you have with you.

When she was finished she set the bowl down, and smiled up at the woman who had been so kind. "Thank you... Kushina-sama." Chika said as she bowed her head. "I should go get to training... Mother and Father expect me to train... until they get him. Then I can go to bed." She said lightly as she moved to drop off of the stool.

[Psycho Serenity]

"Alright" Kushina said, calling out to the store owner that she was finished and he could collect the bowls. She put down her money to pay for both and got to her feet. "Here, I'll walk you home" she said, smiling to her as she walked out of the store and waited patiently for the child. She thought back to what Minato had said earlier about her having her own team.

The child, she was so like she had been. She had a lot of potential, and needed someone to be there as a friend and mentor. Maybe she'd bring it up to Mianto, the child deserved to graduate, regardless of what others thought. It wasn't fair to her.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika stopped, her body going tense. She didn't know if Kushina walking her home was a good idea. Her clan might react to it badly, and no one would let her in anyways. She didn't want to have Kushina see how long she was training for. It might bother the woman. Chika knew that her training wasn't common for many children in the shinobi culture. She smiled weakly and drew in a breath. "ok... " She said finally. She started to walk, her hands folded in the sleeves of her training kimono.

"I don't get to go home, until mother and father are back. So I tend to train till about midnight." She admitted as her head tucked down. The sadness spreading across her face. She had nothing going on in her life, she wasn't like other children. There was no parties, no birthdays, no sleepovers with others.

[Psycho Serenity]

"Midnight?" Kushina asked in surprise, raising an eyebrow slightly. "That's quite a long time to train, if you work yourself too hard you're going to get yourself sick" She said softly, knowing that the strain from all the training could end up damaging her. "If you want then I could come along and keep you company, or I could bring you to meet Minato, maybe you could talk to him about you graduating, I'm sure he'd love to meet you" She said, wanting her to have some kind of break from all the training.

[SweetSerenade]

"My parents do not return till then. If I had not been attacked at school, I would have been in early enough to be let into my home." Chika said quietly as she walked, her hands folded against each other, a pensive look on that young face. She was much older inside than she was outside. It was sad, sometimes, for adults that watched - and actually cared. Not many were that way though, which was the true sadness of it all. People didn't really care that often anymore. She chewed on her lip, as things were spoken.

"I have to train for at least four hours, I usually train till midnight - because that's when they return. It makes me strong, makes me able to last through elements. But If... you wish to introduce me to your husband, I'm... willing to meet him." She said as politely as she could. It was as close as she could get to please... take me home with me. Show me what a real family is like.

[Psycho Serenity]

"Well, while training is good, and essential. Sometimes you need to take a break. Too much will do more harm than good" She said, smiling to the girl and beginning to lead her home. "I'm sure he'd be happy to meet you, he's always interested in meeting the people of his village" She said softly, ruffling the girls hair playfully.

As she walked, she glanced down to the girl. She was so mature, forced to grow up far too fast in order to keep those around her happy and protect herself. It was sad, something Kushina wouldn't wish on any child. Kids were supposed to have fun, to have big dreams to aspire to and a huge circle of friends. This girl was deprived of so much of it though, and the thought made her frown slightly.

Shaking her head slightly, she looked ahead again, seeing them arrive at her place. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside and smiled back at her "Come on in." She said, holding the door open for her.

[SweetSerenade]

"If I do not train, for at least four hours a day... I have to make up for it later. The manipulation of blood, is not an easy kekkei genkai. I have to practice more than anyone else in the clan... because I have more to live up to." Chika said calmly as she walked with the Hokage's wife. She was nervous, when she realized they had stopped walking towards the place her house was. She realized where they were walking, and suddenly she seemed to fold into her own mind. She went from the rather outspoken and mature girl child - to a shy and inward young girl.

She wasn't used to being around the Hokage, much less in his home. She bit her lip, looking up towards Kushina now. Worried about what would happen. The door opened, and Chika pulled off her shoes as she entered their home. "Is he home?" She asked in a nervous voice.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina blinked curiously and glanced down a nearby hallway. "I believe so, he's usually home" She said softly, shrugging her shoulders passively. "Normally he's working, trying to figure things out and make sure everyone's safe." She said, glancing over to her and smiling as she shut the door behind them.

"Would you like to meet him?" She asked, smiling down to her and tilting her head to the side a bit. "We could go and say hi, get him to look into your school stuff, we could let him know about the bullying going on, he'd want to hear about that stuff for sure"

[SweetSerenade]

Chika blushed darkly as she followed after Kushina. She seemed to visibly change as she shuddered and looked down to the side. She was hiding now, with her body language. She was nervous, afraid of saying something that might offend - or cause problems. "Oh no! It's alright... it's my problem... I should handle it." Chika said as she stepped towards the living room. She stopped dead as a pair of legs came into her vision.

"Hello love." Minato said as he kissed Kushina's cheek gently. "Who is this?" He asked as he crouched down, recognizing her picture suddenly, from the stack of academy students he was looking through. "Oh! You must be Kururugi Chika." he said cheerfully as he smiled at her. "Are you alright? Your face is all red." He teased lightly as he reached out towards the child.

Chika squeaked, literally squeaked, then hid behind Kushina's leg. Clutching the woman's clothing and burying her face against Kushina's leg. She was hiding, and shaking just a little, absolutely nervous from meeting the Hokage. Especially since he knew her name.

[Psycho Serenity]

"I just met her" Kushina said before jumping a bit in surprise as she heard the squeal. When the girl hid behind her leg and clutched at her clothing, Kushina glanced back at him and tilted her head curiously. "Hey, no reason to be nervous or anything" She said, frowning a bit and leaning back to gently stroke the girls hair.

Glancing to Minato, she sighed softly and tilted her head a little. "We were actually hoping to have you look in to some things about her schooling" She said before turning and crouching down in front of Chika. "It's okay Chika, why not explain to him what you told me?" She asked, knowing that just the fact that her tests were all top notch and that she'd been held back for so many years would be odd to Minato.

[SweetSerenade]

Minato smiled at his wife, and the young girl hiding behind her. Chika looked as if she could be Kushina's daughter. He had never noticed that about the Kururugi's, because they were usually not out and about in public. They probably really were a cousin clan to the Uzumaki's. But the little girl, looked like Kushina, and it made him soften as he sat down on the ground, putting himself at the child's level. "Please, Chika-chan, tell me... what is bothering you. I am the Hokage, and I listen to everything about my people's needs."


Chika buried her face against Kushina, shaking like a leaf in the presence of such a man. She slowly pushed herself away from the woman who had been so kind, and closed her eyes. It seemed like another shift of personality overcame her as she drew in a deep breath. Slowly she turned to face the man and her eyes opened. She stared at him, like an equal would. She was truly a young girl of strength and perseverance. "I have been trying to become a Genin since I entered the Academy. My parents put me in, as soon as I could walk and form seals." She said in a shaking voice. "I have been denied three times, but it is not because of my age."

Minato watched her for a moment, a serious look overcoming his face. He knew she had taken the test three times, and been denied three times. The notations was that her clan had specifically requested that it wait - because of her age. But he knew something was suspicious about that, because the Kururugi's had prodigy's before, and they had never restricted them from graduation. "Why do you think they are restricting you?" He asked lightly.

"I am the cursed Kururugi, they think I'll follow the same path as Hotaru." She said in a shaking voice.

Hotaru, that name was familiar to Minato. "Was that the woman who was in love with Madara?" He asked the young girl calmly. There was stories, about the bloody aftermath of Madara's death. He watched the young girl who only looked to the side and nodded. The girl was hiding against his wife. He looked up at his wife, a sad look in his eyes. "So you think they are keeping you from advancing, why?"

"They hate me. They call me a freak... and a monster." She said firmly.

[Psycho Serenity]

"She's an amazing girl"Kushina said once they finished talking. "I see a lot of myself in her" She added, glancing down to Chika and resting a hand on top of her head. "I was hoping, you could pull strings and let her graduate" She said before taking a deep breath. "And I'd like her to be on my team" She finished as she looked back up to him.

Although it would technically be her first time doing something like this, she knew that a lot of the older people in the village would treat her the same way her family did. She didn't want that, and since Kushina had experience dealing with difficult things that were inside of you that weren't your choice, she felt  like she would be able to provide the best help for the child. She needed to be able to control every aspect of it, yes, but she also needed how to deal with everything mentally, how to cope and hang on to the light.

[SweetSerenade]

Minato watched the little girl, and his wife. Chewing on his lower lip for a few moments. Then he stood up and started to pace. Asking something like this, meant he had to be the hokage at home, for that moment. He turned towards the girl and his wife - and then got a stern look. "I need her to prove to me that she is ready." he said calmly. He knew his wife might be upset that the sweet and warm man was gone, but if he was going to do his job as a hokage - he needed to do this. He might not even be able to put Chika on Kushina's team, unfortunately. This girl needed a mentor, yes, but she also needed a teacher that could control her. He was afraid that Kushina might be too gentle with the girl.

Chika stepped forward at that, her eyes closing. She undid the wraps on her arms, showing the mark of a Kururugi blood user. Calmly she let the bandages fall, feeling like she was proving herself to her Family Elders. She let her mind wrap around that, as she began forming signs, using the family Kekkei genkai to form a variety of weapons, before she looked for a good target. She threw the Kunai, at a support beam. The kunai formed of her bloodline, kept their form. The first one landed with a thunk, and then the second slammed through the first. The first one faded away, as it returned to her body - and each of the five after that followed the same pattern. Till she recalled all five.

"Good chakra control, good use of manipulation... Let me see your handsigns and your seals." Minato said as he paced, watching the young woman. "Form a clone." He stated as he pushed out his hand. There was a snapping sound in the air, as an exact copy of the girl was there. "I don't see why they have failed her. Even at her young age, she can be a Genin... She could wait till she was a young adult, before becoming Chuunin - unless the village needed to advance her quicker." he said calmly as he slowly smiled, crouching down again. "You did good, Chika-chan."

Chika looked shocked for a moment, and released all of the chakra she had been using. Slowly she began to rewrap her arms. That's when she looked up at Kushina, a blush on the young girls cheeks.

"Kushina, we can talk about teams more later. For now... I think this little one needs some support." He said with a soft chuckle.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina was a bit surprised as he mentioned her needing to prove herself, but she figured it was something that had to be done. He needed to be sure of what he was doing. She gazed down at the young girl as she unwrapped her bandages and began to show her skills. Kushina couldn't help but admit it was amazing and surprising how well the girl was doing. As she finished up and began to put her bandages back on, she couldn't help but smile and feel rather proud.

Kushina glanced up at him and smiled softly, nodding her head. "Sounds good. Well... We ate already, sorry about not bringing any home for you. It sort of slipped my mind with all the talking" She said softly, scratching the back of her head as she glanced down to Chika. "If you're not in a rush to get home, you could always keep my company while I make this guy dinner" She said, pointing to Minato and smirking over to him. "If he cooked something himself, it would probably burn."

[SweetSerenade]

Chika bowed politely to the man and the woman, the two had brought her into their home. She could be nothing but polite. She cleared her throat, and then slowly straightened her back. "If you like, as a thank you... and an apology for invading your home... I could cook?" She said as she looked up at Kushina, a small smile on her face. "I'm rather good at a few dishes... if you have ingredients, I'm sure I could find something to make. Unless you wish to cook for your husband, and then I'll help in whatever way you ask." She said as politely as possible. But she just wanted to do something good - for this woman who had done so much for so little compensation.

"Oh! Two beautiful ladies cooking for me? What more could I ask for." Minato said as he gently kissed his wife on the cheek. Then he turned, doing something unexpected. He picked the small child up under her arms, spun her around and pulled her against his chest. "Sometimes... we all need a little love. I see how lonely you are, and as your hokage I can't let that happen." he said softly in her ear, stroking his fingers across her bright red hair. Then a flash of conversation he had with Kushina, and one of his own dreams flashed through his mind. He had imagined them with a red haired little girl, and a blond haired little boy. A child of both of their worlds. This little girl, though not blood related... could very well become very important to him and his wife.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina glanced down curiously as Chika mentioned helping with the cooking. "I wouldn't mind a hand if you want, but you shouldn't feel obliged to. I invited you over, so you're a guest" She  said softly before watching Minato pick the girl up and spin her around. Chuckling softly, she hugged her arms around herself and watched the two, unable to help but smile.. He would be such a good father, she could see it from how much he cared for everyone.

Making her way over, she chuckled and took Chika from him. "Hey, I found her first" She teased, sticking her tongue out at him before setting the child down and taking her hand. "Come on, let's go make some dinner then" She said softly as she showed her the way to the kitchen, pointing out different rooms as they went until the stepped into the room they had set out for. "So, what do you want to make? You said you were good at a few dishes, so let's go with one of those"

[SweetSerenade]

Chika was confused as she was yanked away from the hokage, by his wife. She had never had an adult hold her like this, not in her memories... She looked dazed and confused as Kushina set her down and started to walk her towards the kitchen. Chika followed in a slightly dazed stupor, as the Hokage returned to working on some paperwork at the dinner table. "Kushina-sama..." Chika said lightly as she looked behind her, confusion on her face. "Why did he do that?" She asked as she looked up at the older and wiser woman.

She was a little preoccupied, but quickly regained her mind. "Ummm yes! Well I'm good at dumplings! really good... and I'm good at making soup stock... and good soups... I'm also good at making noodles from scratch?" She said as she tried to remember all she could do.

[Psycho Serenity]

Hearing the small girls voice, Kushina glanced down at her, smiling softly at her question. "Why?" She asked, tilting her head "Well, he answered that for you. He can see that you struggle to be happy, that you're lonely and he just wanted to show you that you're loved. Your Hokage cares deeply about everyone in this village, he just wants to help you feel better" She explained before hearing her go through what she was good with in terms of cooking.

She thought it over a moment, tapping a finger to her lips "Okay, well let's go with dumplings and soup then, and I'll cut up some vegetables to go on the side too. You have free range of the kitchen, grab anything you need, and if we need to run out to get something, we can" She said, smiling to the girl before starting to prepare everything they'd need.

[SweetSerenade]

The young girl seemed to transform the moment responsibility was on her shoulders. Though she had her mind running a mile a minute, there was multiple things happening in that young mind. She was confused, not really used to that sort of attention. But she was majorly focused on the task at hand. Her eyes narrowed as she started to gather ingredients. She unabashedly used her chakra to grab a few items, since she hadn't been able to get to her training. She moved into a flurry of action, making dough and getting stuffing ready. She got a pot of soup stock going on the stove. She seemed to become a completely different creature, when she had responsibility.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina watched her set off to work and she smiled. She seemed rather focused on her work, really serious and mature. Through the process, Kushina would help where she could, but focused on making little side dishes like the vegetables and fruits, setting them in a few bowls. After a while, dinner was ready and Kushina helped Chika get everything on plates before they brought the food out to the dinning table. "Okay, work away" She said as she walked up behind Minato and kissed the top of his head. "Dinner" She added as she went to sit down and motioned for Chika to join them.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika finally finished what she was working on, she put dishes in the sink to be washed later. She smiled ever so softly as she washed her hands and looked towards Kushina. The woman was gathering the dishes and carrying them out to the Hokage. Chika was nervous at first, but realized that she had made everything perfect. At least as perfect as she could with the ingredients she had present. Which that being said... the ingredients weren't all that bad at all. Chika followed Kushina and waited to hear what the Hokage had to say.

Minato smiled up at his wife, looking up from his newspaper. "Oh? Dinner cooked by two beautiful ladies?" he said as he reached back to kiss his wife on the cheek lightly, his hand reached back as well to ruffle Chika's hair. He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, smiling brightly. "These dumplings are good. Kushina here!" he said cheerfully as he picked one up and held it out for his wife.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled softly and sat down, motioning for Chika to do the same if she wanted. Glancing over to him, she opened her mouth and took the offered dumpling. "Mmm, Chika, this is fantastic" She said, glancing over to him and tilting her head to the side a bit. "You're quite the little cook aren't you?" she complimented happily.

Kushina divided the food as evenly as possible among the three of them. "Eat up, and later tonight I'll help to bring you home and make sure you get back safely" She said, smiling as she began to slowly eat her food.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika just stared at them for a few moments, nervousness overcoming her. "I don't... need to... I was just going to do the dishes." She said in a weak voice, that was until Minato reached over and scooped her up, sitting her on the end of the table and patting her leg. "What was that for?" She said, confusion on her face as she squirmed nervously.

"So whats this about taking you home later? When it's safer?" Minato asked as he paused between bites of food. He watched the child on his table, wondering what sort of life she had. He had read the legends about the way the Kururugi acted. He knew some of their rituals and training regimens. "Which level of training are you on? Three?" He asked lighlty.

"Seven..." The young woman said softly, watching the shock on the hokage's face. So he knew about their family training? Based on years of life, and skill - a shinobi in her clan was trained a certain way. "I have a strict regimen usually. Three meals a day, usually I cook them... I get five hours of sleep, unless I am on a deprivation training schedule - to prepare me for the eventuality of being in the field..." She admitted as she moved the food around in it's bowl.

"Yet their scared of you, they make you into a weapon and are scared of the weapon they make. I wish I could interfere in what the clans do... but that's part or our laws... the Hokage has no say in Clan decisions..."

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina wasn't as aware of the training levels they were talking about, but she could get the general idea by their conversations. "She's not just a weapon Minato, she's a young girl. I offered to take her home tonight so that her parents knew that she wasn't just lazing around and ignoring her training" She said as she took a few more bites of her food.

She couldn't help but think about what he said though. He couldn't get in the way of clan decisions, but if he could, Chika's life could be so much better. Kushina found herself wishing that she could do something, that she could get her out of that household for good.

[SweetSerenade]

"She's a child, not a weapon. I can't do anything about how they treat her... but we can lessen it. If you need extra help around the house, ask for her. They can't deny your request." Minato said as he started to eat again. He was lost in his thoughts, and he didn't know exactly how to tell his wife that he had already considered a team for her - if he decided to push for her acceptance. Could the village handle having another Prodigy? His own Student Kakashi was already a Prodigy...

"I'll be fine... weapon or not... They can't control me my whole life. My parents love me the best they can, that much I understand. It's the rest of my clan that doesn't understand me. But karma has strange ways... most of the deaths of teams in the field... are Kururugi's... we have a high fatality rate... and being at war... it is even more likely that by the time I am an adult... all of the Kururugi's will be gone." Chika said as she began to eat slowly.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina glanced over as Chika spoke and frowned slightly, unable to believe such a child would have thoughts like that. Children were meant to have the best lives that they could, not worrying about the war and whether or not their family would live to see them through life. "Now now, no need to think about that Chika. You just focus on doing everything to the best of your ability, live your life the way you want, do what will make you happy in the long run"

Glancing from the girl to the food in her bowl, she bit her lip slightly and slowly began to eat again. Soon enough, she finished her meal and pushed her bowl back before resting her hands in her lap.

[SweetSerenade]

Minato knew that the little girl had training eerily similar to what he had heard the First Hokage had. There was a way to train children, that prepared them for the dangers in the world. He had heard of children raised in such a way, a way that would prepare them to be adults much sooner than they should. He ate his food, listening to his wife for a moment. They would have to talk about this on their own, later. He was a bit worried about what could happen with this child. Without the right guidance, she could become nothing but a tool for the village. No one belonged being a tool. "You're going to graduate this time, that much I can tell you." He said with a small smile.

Chika's whole mood seemed to change when she heard that. Graduation meant she was a Genin, meant that she was an 'adult' in a small sense of the word. It meant she could really start training and having missions and freedoms. She could earn money, and she could start working on a life for herself. "Really? Thank you Hokage-sama!" She said with a small blush on her cheeks.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled softly, glad that Minato seemed to have the resolve to make things fair for the young child. Normally, her being so young would have been a big factor in holding her back, but she'd proven quite well that she could handle herself just as much as any Genin could. Delighted by the girls response, she looked over to Minato and smiled a bit, giving him an expression that would say 'thank you'.

[SweetSerenade]

"Don't let anyone hold you back for anything you can't change. You can't change who you were born to, how you were born, what you were at birth... but you can change the kind of Shinobi you become. Don't becomee just the monster they are all calling you. You are not a monster, you are an extremely talented little girl. I should introduce you to Hatake Kakashi sometime, he's a few years older... and my student... but he is just as skillful as you." Minato said as he looked over at his wife, he winked at her playfully, letting her knew he understood her thanks completely.

Chika seemed to be morphing into a normal little girl around them. There was still that haunting other personality, that look deep in her eyes. There was that odd look, that knowledge that she could only be like this with these people. "If my parents realize that I spent time here, I won't get in trouble for not training..." She said as she wiggled a little. "They'd want me to gain connections, and the Elders have said that WHEN they let me go onwards... they wanted to push me towards ANBU as quickly as possible... " She said in a low voice.

"I think you should avoid ANBU till you are closer to your twenties..." Minato said softly. "ANBU changes people, and you need a chance to see if life will show you more kindness."

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina nodded her head slowly and smiled over to the girl. "No need to rush. If you don't want to be ANBU, don't work yourself hard for what they want. If you do, take your time. ANBU is rough, it's hard and dangerous. Just take one step at a time, I'll help you wherever I can" She said, smiling softly and putting her elbows up to her table, her head resting in her hands.

"We're going to be here for you, so if you ever have any questions or you just need a break, an escape, you can come here" Kushina added before getting to her feet and starting to gather the plates to bring to the kitchen.

[SweetSerenade]

"My family will approve of this, because it's definitely a status boost..." Chika said with a ghosting of a weak smile on her face. "I don't care about that, I ... like being around nice people like you." She admitted finally as she looked down. She gathered the dishes on the table and hopped down, since everyone seemed to be done eating. She walked back to the kitchen and worked on washing the dishes.

Minato looked at his wife, with the child gone as of the moment. "She's got a lot of promise, I'd like to get in touch with Lady Tsunade... Kururgi's have great propensities towards the medical field... and with her level of talent... she'd be amazing as an apprentice of Tsunade." Minato pointed out gently. He didnt' know the chances of getting the gambler back in town, but it might work.

[Psycho Serenity]

"That's true, it sounds like a good idea. We should ask to see if she's interested in it though" Kushina added as she got to her feet and stretched her arms into the air. "I don't want to turn out to be like her family, forcing ideas on her. I'll speak with her and see what she thinks" She added as she moved to the kitchen. She instantly went to help with the dishes.

"Minato believes you have the potential to become a great medical ninja" She said, glancing over to the child and smiling softly. "We were wondering what you thought about that? If you were interested, we have someone who could help you, mentor you"

[SweetSerenade]

"It was only a thought. At least with Tsunade - Chika wouldn't have to face these sorts of problems." Minato pointed out as he leaned back in his chair. He watched his wife leave, going to help the younger girl with the dishes. That was a bit heartwarming, for him at least. They looked like quite the pair, you could say. Both with their red hair, hanging down their backs, as they worked on the dishes.

"Many Kururugi's become medical shinobi." Chika said as she washed the dishes, her eyes focused on the plates and all of the dishes as she cleaned. "Medical training is part of a Kururugi's training, we are required to enter it. Though I do enjoy the thought of helping others." Chika said lightly.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled softly and began to dry the dishes that Chika cleaned. "What would you think of making that your focus?" She asked, wondering if the young girl would like that sort of thing. If she'd want to put her powers to use for the chance to save and heal others in need, or if she would want to use her powers in the offensive way instead.

[SweetSerenade]

"I had contemplated such things. With as much control of the Chi Fukkaku as I have... I could easily control blood flow in a patient, once I was older and understood more of Anatomy..." Chika said quietly as she set a dish in the drain, humming under her breath as she set the sponge down. She looked up at Kushina. "You really are doing this to be nice... aren't you?" She asked lightly.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina blinked curiously and glanced down to her curiously, putting away the last of the dishes. "Well, why else would I be doing it?" She asked, leaning up to put away the plates in a cupboard before shutting the doors.

[SweetSerenade]

"I don't know. I'm not used to adults being nice to me." Chika said as she hopped down from where she had been sitting. She rubbed her hands on her shorts and then stopped to look at the clock. "I need to practice my throwing tonight, or else the Elders will notice that I'm not the way I was before." Chika said with a soft sigh.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina rose an eyebrow slightly and brought a finger to her lips. "Well, I could take you outside of the village, just to practice with some tree's or something if you want" She suggested, smiling at her as she tilted her head and put a hand on her hip. "We could even set up some markers for you to aim at"

[SweetSerenade]

"I have to work at certain increments of distance. The family training grounds have different yard settings. I'm required to get within a certain ring set, a certain amount of times. For each increment." Chika said as she rubbed her hands on her shorts. She looked over at Kushina, smiling weakly. She could hear the movement of Minato in the other room. "I don't mind going on my own, mam... I'm not really supposed to train with others around... after my throwing... I have to practice the Kekkei Genkai." She said her cheeks flaring with a blush.

[Psycho Serenity]

"Well, I can still help you out with the distances. Besides, if you get too used to working at specific distances, what's going to happen when you're fighting someone in between the distances? You could misjudge, it's better to work at random in my opinion" She said, sighing and shrugging her shoulders. "But, if you'd rather do everything on your own, I won't pester. Just know that I'm always here if you need anything at all, okay?"

[SweetSerenade]

"You have a point, but that part of training isn't for a few months." Chika said softly. "We have a system for advancement. If I can't hit targets at certain distances, on certain ring points... I can't move up to working against clan members who are wearing targets." Chika said softly. A small smile on her face. "It shouldn't be hard to practice, I just have to get to the training grounds. Usually we don't let non clan members there, but I think they'd shut up about the Hokage's wife."

[Psycho Serenity]

"Well, it's up to you Chika" She said, smiling and gently hugging her to her side. "If you don't feel I should stick around, I can just escort you home and then leave, but I'm still rather interested in seeing you train." She said, smiling down to the child. She held so much potential, so much strength, and a very strong heart. It was hard to imagine people thinking she was better off not living, her clan would surely have it coming when she became someone great.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika didnt' know what the woman was thinking, but neither would understand the irony of what would really happen to Chika's family. Their very gifts would be their curse, as they slowly died off one by one. Some in larger numbers, during wars. Chika chewed the inside of her lip as Kushina spoke. "Alright, you can watch the throwing, but afterwards... I have to practice my kekkai genkai on my own." Chika said softly.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled and nodded her head. "Alright, let's get going then" She said, taking the girls hand and stepping out of the kitchen. "We're going out! I'll be home soon" She called to Minato before heading towards the door. Once outside, she looked to Chika and grinned "alright, lead the way!"

[SweetSerenade]

Minatao was nose deep in paperwork again, some kind of possible peace treaty. He waved to his wife and Chika as the two bounced out the door. Chika slipped her shoes and supplies back on, and started to walk. Kushina asked her to show her where she was supposed to train, so she gladly walked the path that would lead her towards the special training grounds. She stepped through the opening, and they came into the Kururugi training grounds. Chika took a stance, pulling several projectiles from her pouch, in the flick of a wrist she began her training. Aiming for the targets placed in strange locations around the training grounds.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina followed Chika to the training ground and stood back, crossing her arms to watch as she fired at all the targets. A lot of them Kushina hadn't even seen until she watched the objects fly towards them. A smile came to her lips as she watched, finding herself more and more impressed with the young girl. There was no way that she was going to let them keep her back another year.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika seemed completely focused on the task at hand, not even remembering that Kushina was there. But despite that it seemed she was acting that way, she always remembered her surroundings. She was training hard, but she was also remembering those that were around. She paid attention to the sounds of the blood around her, searching and paying attention to those that approached and headed in opposite directions. Still, it seemed amazing for a child, but there had been more amazing prodigies in the village, she was minuscule compared to them.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina smiled as she stood back and watched her continue to train. It was amazing seeing her train, and even now, she wanted to have her on her team more than before. She understood being outcasted, having a power that you didn't want that plagued your existence. Crossing her arms, she leaned back against a tree and smiled softly as she continued to watch.

[SweetSerenade]

Chika stopped, her body stiffening as she crouched low. She sensed the approach of the blood song. As one of the Elders of her tribe appeared on the outer edge of the training grounds. She could see his shadowed form, and the ANBU mask that all the elders hid behind. Their real faces hadn't been seen in a public setting in nearly 30 years. She stopped training, and bowed politely to the elder. The elderly man simply nodded, and looked towards Kushina. Like all of the Kururugi's his hair was the dark red that faded to frothy red-white. His hair was in a long thing braid, and streaked with the white of age.

[Psycho Serenity]

Kushina's eyes flickered over to the Elder before she moved her way towards Chika and patted her head. "Well, I'll take that as my cue. You're doing amazing, keep it up. I'll see you soon? Don't forget that you can come to me and the Hokage whenever you want" She said, kissing the top of her head before she bowed to the elder as well and made her way back home.

[SweetSerenade]

"Thank you Kushina-sama. I look forward to seeing you again. I appreciate the dinner." Chika said as she bowed at the waist. Her head turning just a little as she looked back towards the Elder. Glad to see he wasn't reacting too negatively. It meant that she was safe - for now. With a heavy sigh, she stood by and waited to see Kushina leave.

[Psycho Serenity]

She smiled and nodded "Of course darling, you come by any time, the Hokage and I would love to have you over" She said, hoping it would help her case with the elders before she took her leave and got back home, smiling softly as she thought about the young child.

[SweetSerenade]

They parted ways, and Chika was a bit saddened by it. But at least she knew she had a future coming. There would be the Academy events later, that would lead her towards being put on a team. Finally, she wouldn't be held back simply because her elders were constantly in debate on what they wanted for their cursed Kururugi. She hoped she got on Kushina's team, it would be wonderful.

((Please Pm me? I wanna discuss where we will take it from here.))

[Psycho Serenity]

She stepped through the doors of her home and sighed softly, bringing a hand to her lips. it seemed like Chika had a rather strict upbringing, and she only hoped that her family wouldn't be too upset that Kushina wanted to push her passed the academy.

[SweetSerenade]

Minato was back to working, a stack of papers on the table. His head bent down to get a better look at the papers. He ran his hands through his hair, he seemed rather lost in thought at that point. He was trying to figure everything out, making sure that the elders would have no reason to reject anything. He wanted to make sure that the teams were perfect.

[Psycho Serenity]

As she stepped inside and saw him working away, she smiled softly and walked over to him. Resting her hands on his shoulders, she leaned over and placed her chin on the top of his head. "Busy bee." She said, smiling as she leaned over and gently kissed his shoulder. "You want to take a break?" She asked playfully, gently massaging his shoulders.

[SweetSerenade]

Minato packed everything up, a soft smile crossing his face. "Yes, I do think that would be a good idea." he said as he stood up and wrapped his arms around his wifes shoulders. He dangled his hands down her back, a goofy smile on his face. "Well then, how about sleep?"

[Psycho Serenity]

"Sleep? Sleep!? That's not what I meant at all. Sleeping is so boring."  She said, smirking slightly. Then again, she did love sleep once she was actually partaking in it, she could sleep in that's for sure. "I was thinking more like... I could give you a massage?" She asked playfully as she hugged her arms around his waist and held herself against him.

[SweetSerenade]

"Well... I suppose that would work. How aobut we go to the room..." He said as he started to walk towards their room, pulling her behind him. He was quite excited to see what his wife had up her sleeve. But he also had many other things on his mind, so many things - so many things that needed to be done.

((I think skip to next morning would work out :D

[Psycho Serenity]

When morning came, the sun woke her up before anything else. With a soft yawn, she stretched herself out a bit under the silky covers and smiled over to him. With a soft yawn, she rolled onto her side and nuzzled into his shoulder, resting her hand on top of his chest.