Family time
It had been a few days since the chakra explosion that had startled everyone in the castle, especially me. In the wake of that chaotic event, I had decided to exercise caution and put my attempts to control chakra on hold. The fear of what could go wrong if I pushed too far, had weighed heavily on my tiny shoulders.
As a result, my days fell into a monotonous routine of sleep and play. I'd nap in my crib, or occasionally Yumiko, my mother would carry me around the castle, showing me the beautiful architecture and the serene gardens that lay within the walls. I'd gurgle and babble in response, taking in the world with wide, curious eyes.
as I lay in my mother's arms, the world around us seemed to fade away. Her smile was a soothing balm to my infant soul, and her gentle laughter was music to my ears, even though I couldn't yet understand all her words.
Yumiko was a vision of grace and beauty. Her long, ebony hair framed her face like a curtain of silk, and her pale green eyes held the depth of a love that knew no bounds. In her presence, I felt safe, cherished, and unconditionally loved. Every gentle touch and soft coo spoke of the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
As the room filled with a sense of familial warmth, two more figures entered our little world. Mifune, Yumiko's father, carried an air of quiet authority with him. His presence was a reassuring anchor, a reminder of the unwavering protection that surrounded our family.
Shigeo, my uncle, was a stark contrast to the tranquility of the moment. His energy was infectious, and he couldn't contain his excitement as he knelt down beside me. In his playful manner, he engaged me in a one-sided conversation, and I couldn't help but look at him weirdly.
Amid the laughter and joy, Shigeo turned to Yumiko, his sister, with a warm smile. "How are you doing, sis?" he asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
Yumiko replied, "I'm doing well, Shigeo."
As she spoke, I felt her grip on me tighten slightly, and I wondered if there was something bothering her that she wasn't voicing. Shigeo seemed to sense the same thing, as he leaned in closer and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Is there something you want to talk about?" he asked gently, his eyes searching hers. Yumiko hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice. "I...I'm just a little worried about the future. With all that's been happening lately, I'm not sure what's coming next." Mifune, who had been standing silently in the background, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Yumiko's free shoulder.
"We'll face whatever comes together. You and Saiji are our family, and we'll protect you no matter what." Shigeo nodded in agreement. "And don't forget, you have us as well. We'll always be here for you."
The conversation then shifted to me, as they spoke of my striking resemblance to my late father. Despite his cursed body, he had risen through the ranks to become a samurai of the highest order, a general
Even though I struggled to understand some of the words they were saying due to my lack of fluency in Japanese, it was clear that he was a powerful man. It sounded like they were saying that he had single-handedly defended the village from invading forces and earned the title 'Guardian of the Gates', yet I'd never heard of him before. then again it's not like a lot is known about the samurais in the Naruto world.
As they continued to reminisce about my father, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and curiosity. What had happened to him? Why did I never get to meet him? These questions burned within me, and I couldn't wait until the day when I was old enough to ask them.
It was then that I realized how much my father's disappearance had affected her. She had been left alone to raise me, and the weight of that responsibility had clearly been heavy on her shoulders.
I looked up at her with a sense of determination. Even though I was just a baby, I knew that I had a duty to fulfill, a legacy to carry forward. I would make my father proud, no matter what it took.As if sensing my thoughts, Yumiko leaned in closer to me and whispered, "You're going to be a great samurai one day, Saiji. I just know it." oh she's not wrong as long as I don't die young again I believe could be the better version of myself.
As I lay in her comforting embrace, memories of my previous life resurfaced. A life marked by isolation and a desperate yearning for companionship, a life where my only family had been my grandmother.
Now, I had been granted a second chance, an opportunity to mold a new identity, to embrace life to the fullest. With a loving family by my side and the potential to become someone I could be proud of, I was determined not to squander this precious gift.
Shigeo raised an eyebrow in response to her statement, "Of course he will become a great samurai under my tutelage there's no doubt about it" Yumiko shot him a look of disbelief. "If you can't even beat me in my sleep, why on earth do you think I would let you teach my son?" Mifune smiled as he watched the two bicker.
"i believe I am the best teacher," Mifune said with a hint of amusement in his voice, "I taught you both, after all." The room filled with laughter, and I couldn't help but join in with my own little giggles. For a moment, the worries of the future faded away, and all that mattered was the warmth and love of my family even tho I could feel the pain of the training that I would have to go through.
As the laughter died down, the door to the room creaked open, and a servant entered with a letter in hand. "Forgive me for interrupting, Mifune-sama but this letter just arrived for you." Mifune took the letter and quickly scanned it over. His face paled as he read the contents. "What is it?" Shigeo asked with concern.
Mifune broke the silence, "It's from the neighboring village. Their samurai have been...attacked by some missing ninjas. We've been called upon to help." A deep sigh followed this news and the thought of all the paperwork he would need to do afterward. "And here I thought I could catch a break," Mifune mumbled under his breath, preparing himself for the mountain of work that lay ahead.
"i will head out as well to dispatch the force," Shigeo said with determination. Yumiko's grip on me loosened as she turned to face her brother, her eyes filled with worry. "Be careful, Shigeo. I don't want to lose anyone else." Shigeo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I'll be fine, sis. You know me, I can handle anything."
Mifune nodded in agreement, "We'll all be fine. We've trained for situations like this." Mifune placed a hand on Yumiko's shoulder, "Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it. you'll be in good hands I have arranged for a trusted nanny to care for you while we're away."
I felt a pang of sadness at the thought of being separated from my family for a while, but I knew that it was necessary. As Mifune and Shigeo prepared to leave, they each gave me a kiss on the forehead and a promise to return soon.
I peered up at my mother as the door clicked shut, and she smiled back down at me. "Shall we go take a shower Seiji?" she asked. Even though I was only a baby, it still felt embarrassing to be washed but nonetheless, Yumiko and I made our way towards the bathroom.
*****
yep, that's the end of the MC's baby days marking a significant turning point in the story. As we move into the next chapter, we'll be diving into a time skip, exploring new challenges and adventures that await. Additionally, I'm thrilled to share that the upcoming chapter will feature my first attempt at writing a fighting scene. It's a challenge I've been looking forward to, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds on the page.
If you are still here thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you're as eager as I am to see what the future holds for our protagonist. Stay tuned for the next chapter! oh and pls do throw stones at me.