[Congratulations: You've Unlocked Shiori's Interlude!]

Target is secure.

Obstacles are aligned efficiently.

Lock-on.

Shoot.

.

.

.

Target eliminated.

Mission complete.

All I remember was death. Who's death, I never bothered to figure out. I never needed to: my job was only to kill. That was what I had to do. That was my purpose— for the greater good.

"Nice one out there, Mithril Carbine!" A peer of mine wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his body. "Always making the swift kill!"

I felt nothing towards him, swatting him off as I packed up my weapon. "Now, now, don't bother her too much." Another voice was heard, one more familiar than the former. Nikolai, I believe his name was. "It takes a lot of preparation so she must be tired, especially someone her age."

Tired. That was one emotion I didn't associate with: not when the training I received years ago shut that feeling out. But it didn't matter to me at the time— nothing mattered besides getting the job done.

"Hey, you wanna get some snacks with us!" Yet again, the louder one spoke. "We got lots of time before we need 'ta head back! Come on, Carbine!"

"I decline," I muttered out bluntly. I didn't mind the flinch he made by my voice. I spared no time walking out, not even saying goodbye.

I never saw how one frowned in with concern or how the other gritted his teeth.

Target is se— it was the first time that I paused in my tracks. Looking through the scope, I couldn't help but feel complex at what I saw.

I saw a child. A child that fit my target description. No, that can't be right. Moving my gun to spectate more, I wondered if I got the wrong person. I had to be. There's no reason for a child to be targeted.

No one else fits the description.

No. My mind raced at that moment. There must be a mistake. There be. However, for once, I felt something akin to my heart dropping as it dawned on me. I have to eliminate them. It was the first time that I had that thought. No, it was not— but the first time I felt dread.

Why am I hesitating? I began to question myself. This is your job, for the greater good, it must be completed! That strengthened my resolve, my arms tenderly raising my rifle to lock on to my target. Target is secure. Obstacles are aligned efficiently. Lock-on. Shoo—

How do I know this is

My finger stopped at the trigger, the beating in my chest suddenly so loud. How... how I know?

Of course, they said it was for the greater good. I tried to reason to myself. But what if they were

It was then a splash of white— a memory— flashed into my mind.

There were screams. Smoke— so much smoke. It was so bright, but also so dark. I could feel the pain (the pain?) in my then-tiny body as I wailed on.

And then, a hand on my cheek. It was warm, comforting— how did I forget this? It almost numbed away the pain (pain pain pain painpainpainpaINPAIN—) as a feminine, soft voice whispered to me.

"Please live— I love you."

...that day, I did not kill.

"Hey, can we talk?" Nikolai asked a few days later, standing in the same room as I was with a foreign look on his face. I glanced at him, only to look away. My mind was still in a flurry, why did I hesitate? Is this right? To kill without knowing their stance?

Despite my thoughts, he took it upon himself to continue. Grabbing the chair next to him, he pushed it with a skid, sitting down to get more comfortable. "There's something... different about you. Different from what you were like a few days ago."

I felt nothing towards his comment. I thought I felt nothing. But then I had the urge to open my mouth. "Get to the point."

In the corners of my sight, his eyes widened a bit, before reverting to normal. "That's the thing." With a slicked back, he leaned forward. "Something happened, right? Wanna tell me?"

For once, I was stumped for my next options. Why do I... hesitate. My job does not need communication with others. Yet, why? Why do I hesitate? I kept on repeating like a mantra. And so, emotions unknown to me, I gave in to the urge.

"Is this job... justified?" It was strange... strange to hear the curve in my tone. The act of questioning was so... foreign. "Is what we do right?"

For some reason, dread filled my body as only silence answered. I turned my head to get a better glimpse of the adult, only to stop in my tracks.

His facial features were stretched, eyes big, and lips parted in what I can assume was a shock. "Holy shit..." My ears barely picked that up. I couldn't understand— how could I? All of this was alien to me: these doubts, questions, memories I don't recall having— "You, Carbine— no, wait," With a hand cradling his forehead, the older one let out a sigh. "That's not your actual name, is it? It's just what people call you."

His pupils raised to meet mine. "What is your name, exactly?"

My name? What a simple question, my name is...

...My name is...?

I couldn't answer.

I couldn't answer.

I couldn't I couldn't I couldn't

Who I?

I believe he held the same thought process as mine, as in that short time (it felt like an eternity), I felt his hands grab my arms. The urge to break his arms and stab him on reflex was strong, but I couldn't do anything as my mind was going haywire. What— what is this?! What have I been doing all this time?! Like a doll, the shaking he made caused me to look up, a lump in my throat as everything seemed to still with his next words.

"I'm getting you out of this damn organization."

And after a few years, his words held: I was free.

Yet the guilt was extricating.

So much that I only felt numb when I died.

Well, it might have also been because of the poison.

🎶🎶

When it happened, it was sudden. One moment I was sitting on my sofa and in the next, I was on the ground, dropping and spilling everything. I couldn't move— anything.

"How pitiful. That was easy— too easy." A voice, a familiar voice rang out, a figure covered in black appearing in my view. Due to my position, I couldn't get a clear picture yet I knew who they were. "Ya really have fallen?"

I heard him laugh as if this was funny. As if he lost his mind. "Ya know, I really, really, admired you! The kills! The sheer power you had over those fucking idiots!" If I could, I would have vomited. But with the poison stuck in my veins, I could only stare. "Aaaaahhhh," He drawled out, the tone of his voice suddenly shifting. "But 'cha had to go, did ya?"

It was getting hard to breathe. So was my concentration. I should... I should have never let my guard down, after all these years. I think he looked around, but I never knew for sure. "Look at you now: empty with only stupid games taking your time! Ya left 'ta organization— for this!" No, that's not why: it was to escape and redeem myself! All of the sudden, I was at eye level— no, he was picking me up. "And ya know what we do 'ta little shits like you? them."

My body crashed back on the ground. I felt no pain— nothing at all. And yet, I felt like thrashing around like a rabid animal— I never knew why. "Don't worry," That was not assurance, but a taunt. I still tried to fight back, only to no avail. "I still like ya very much— so that dose will be painless. Ain't that nice? Ya finally have something good happen in your meaningless life!"

Ah.. yes, my life... I did nothing, did I? I remember thinking that at the time, my vision blurring as I couldn't feel my heartbeat anymore. Perhaps... perhaps this was a blessing.

With the last breath, all I felt was

Transitioning to this new life was strange. Never had I thought that utilizing the male genitals would be so... messy.

Nonetheless, it took little time for me to gather my bearings. Within the short time of being an infant, I had learned that this new life was in a world that had different properties and laws. After handling a grasp on this, I headed straight into honing my skills.

My parents were nonexistent in my life (just like my last one), being on missions all the time and all), which meant they never knew of my progress.

What was existent was their garden, one that was being taken care of by the other clan members. At first, I paid no mind to it. It wasn't until later that I found out that it was used to cultivate poisonous plants.

And well, it would be a shame if I forgot my killer? Especially with how— how merciful they were.

The clan was dumbstruck when they saw a toddler take a part in making poison.

They all called me a prodigy, but I did not care about that. All I cared about was serving a purpose. And although it was revoltingly similar to my past occupation, I had thought that it was the right choice.

Because, how could it not be with so many innocent smiles in the village?

"Ah— Shi-chan!" My head looked up just as a body roughly collided with mine. I resisted the urge to sigh, is going to be apart of my team? "What are you doing here?!" Wrapping his larger arms around me, his big hazel eyes met mine, pressing his permanently blushed cheeks onto mine. "Not that I really mind of course!"

"Why would I not be," I spoke back. I wanted to move him away, but as part of the branch family, it would be wiser not to. His face titled in what seemed to be confusion as a young kunoichi, most likely to be my other teammate, appeared in my peripheral vision.

"Now, now, he's your other teammate," By the sound of the new voice, my head craned away from my holder as I glanced to the side. I had to look up to see a pale adult staring down at us with his slitted golden eyes.

The boy holding me made a sound. "Really? But isn't Shi-chan too young?"

A chuckle emitted out of the older male, a long, bony hand raising to cover his smile. "Yes, but exceptions are made from time to time." He motioned a finger. "Come along now, we have much to discuss."

Sitting us down, I had finally pulled the excited shinobi away from me, sitting back with little distance. This is... new to me. I don't like it. "Now then: let's start with introductions." Our new sensei stated, slurring some of his words with a hiss. "I am Orochimaru, I look forward to you... growth." My eyes narrowed, those eyes... don't look welcoming.

"Oo! Oo! Can I go next!" With a loud shout, the person beside me shot out his hand in the hair, bouncing his seat. Orochimaru-sensei laughed, the all-too-wide smile permanent on his face, gesturing him to go. It seemed like he already knew if his antics, which made me question if they had met already. It made sense— he was part of the main family of a prestigious clan.

The light-brune jabbed a finger at himself. "My name's Nawaki Senju! I like pork ramen, my sister, and—" There goes my body, crushed against his. I never knew why he held an attachment towards me, ever since I met him he was like this. "And Shi-chan too!" Crossing his arms, Nawaki moved away but continued with his rant. "I don't like pickles, that's gross. Oh, and my dream," My cousin pumped up a fist, "is to be Hokage— like my grandfather!"

"Very nice." The taller male commented, I assume he was amused but considering I did not have enough information on him, I could not tell for sure. I'll have to put research about him. I noted absentmindedly.

It was then that Nawaki pointed at me, despite my musings. "Your turn!"

I scrunched my brows slightly. Who are you to decide my actions? I mulled internally, yet I knew not to say that to his face. Eyes glancing around, everyone was staring at me— expectations arose. The foreign feeling of irritation brewed in me, but I pushed it down before it could act, sighing in resignation. "My name is Shiori Senju-Uzumaki."

All that was met was silence.

Shortly after, Nawaki whined. I had to look away: out of all teams, why this one? Well, it didn't matter— as long as I could do my job.

"Ne, Shi-chan," I had to crane my head towards my relative, who laid down against the grass. It was one particular day: where Orochimaru made us train until sunset. I was just about to leave, everything was just done until Nawaki called out to me. Orochimaru had already left as our other teammate paid no mind as she packed her belongings. "How come ya never relax?"

"I do not need to relax," Was all I replied, looking down on him. "I am busy."

"I beg to differ."

"Then beg."

From where I stood, the brune groaned, though I did not know why. "Come over here." He ordered instead, albeit with a tone akin to a child. I held doubt, what does he need with me. Even then, despite my wishes, I obeyed.

It was a mistake: the instant I drew close to him, the child grabbed my wrist and yanked me close to him. My breath hitched, instincts going haywire as the urge to stab him right then and there went off. But I didn't— I couldn't with his arms wrapped tightly around mine. That was one thing I detested in this new life: how weak I was compared to my past one. However, that would subside in a few years with enough effort.

"You're, like, two years younger than me," The boy acknowledged, humming shortly after as I felt his forehead press onto my head. "Yet you're so cool! I kinda envy that."

I sighed. "Our circumstances were different," I said simply, thoughts saying otherwise. I doubt you hold your past memories. I heard crickets playing with the rays of pink, orange, and yellow illuminating the earth as we laid there, albeit I was unwilling.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." I felt his face bury into my back more, making my eyes narrow. When will he let go, is what I would have thought years ago but I've known him for years— he'll never change. "But you really work hard a lot!" I heard him exclaim.

My nose scrunched, impatient. "What is your point." If I was with the other clan members, they would have scolded me for being so 'impolite'.

It was not like he minded. "I worry, ya see? Cuz I love you." Ah, that again. I don't remember particularly when he started saying that phrase but he did often. I did not care I was more confused if anything. What is the point of saying that?

My cheek rested against the dirt. I'll have to make sure none of it gets in my poisons, I don't wish for any undesired side effects. "I don't need your concern." I thought I didn't at the time but, in hindsight, I should have been grateful for it.

"I don't care! You're always like this: only thinking of training! Live a little!" Releasing me, Nawaki sat right up, planting his hands on the grass. "Have you ever eaten at a restaurant? Or— or play ninja?"

Sitting up myself, my thoughts halted at the mention of that game. "'Ninja'?" I uttered out, brows furrowing. "Is that not our job?" I didn't know of this... game, if that is what it was supposed to be.

My body was taken back when the Senju burst out laughing. I felt tense as, for some reason, heat rushed to my already blushed cheeks. What is this feeling? I asked myself at the sudden overwhelming emotions, my mind seeming to malfunction.

It was later that I found out it was called embarrassment.

"You— you, pfft! You never played ninja! Bwahaha!" Nawaki laughs out, slapping the ground harshly. My eyes narrowed. What's wrong with that? Wiping a tear that didn't exist, he heaved a sigh. "I'll show you it later— it's a classic!"

My shoulder reeled back. "Yes, sure." I gave in to the urge to be curt, my chest beating erratically. Yet, unlike the other times (fear, pain, so much pain—), it was... nice. Yet I didn't know why. Of course, I wouldn't: that was the first time I felt the way.

Glancing at the boy, time seemed to stop. With the giant grin present on him, the sunlight defined his features. My mind paused, if only for a moment— a moment for me to think. Before I knew it, I realized why I ever put up with him: not being he was in the main family, but because... I was content with his presence. But why? I asked myself then, but couldn't come up with any answers.

So I shoved them aside. Troubling thoughts held no meaning to me and at that moment, all I wanted to do was to stay with him.

...We never ended up playing Ninja.

It all happened too fast— that explosion.

Everything was going to plan— it was supposed to go as plan. As the war raged on, we were supposed to ambush one of the hidden enemy bases, taking them by surprise. It was supposed to be a simple task.

We were too arrogant to think that it wasn't a trap.

Everything flashed white as my eyes widened. This was a bomb...! A loud sound echoed across, my ears ringing with white noise. I felt my body fall as the ground rumbled, a sharp pain stabbing my head. But before I hit the ground, my body felt getting wrapped into a warm embrace.

Then, everything turned black; void of the light that illuminated mere seconds ago.

I didn't know how long but, eventually, I gained consciousness. It was bleary and my mind— it wasn't processing well— I didn't know what was going on. But then I saw it.

Nawaki's body hovering over mine.

The smell of ashes and iron stuck my nose, my chest bouncing as it dawned on me of our position: what is he... why... His fall shook me out of my thoughts, eyes widened as I yelled. "Nawaki!" He crashed onto my body, sounds of nothing but wet clothes and fire resonated but I continued shouting. "Nawaki! Get up!" Sitting up, I paid no mind to how he toppled to the ground and shook him was all the strength I had— why do I feel so — only to feel something wet.

"Wha..." Slowly, yet so fast, I cranked my head away to stare at my hand.

Blood.

Blood. Blood. Blood blood blood b

The pounding in my chest accelerated as I heard a wet cough. My neck snapped (my head hurts ) at the sound, watching as my teammate— my friend— titled his head feebly. "Yo... you're... you're safe..." As if he wasn't injured, his lips formed a smile. "I... I'm so... I'm... glad."