Naruto Another

Mikan made her way through Amegakure with one destination in mind. She had a lot on her plate that she needed to juggle.

'One thing at a time Mikan.'

Everything was precarious; one wrong move and it would all go to hell. Refugees outside, the Kusakyu assassinations, Sejin's wild antics, The Inuzuka Civil War, and the Orange men outside the city, and that's all just within Amegakure.

Working under the Mizukage Mikan had spent a lot of time in the other villages within the Land of Water, and while Amegakure was one of the worst one the other Hidden Villages weren't doing so well either.

'Why couldn't Maya just keep us on one island in one village like the other great nations?'

Of course, Mikan knew the answer to that, but she couldn't help but vent her frustrations.

As Mikan walked through Ame's streets she noticed that it had gotten darker. It wouldn't be long before Ame's underworld started to creep into the streets.

As she walked further and further into Ame Mikan began to feel like someone was watching her. After allowing this to take place for a few minutes Mikan found herself in a small park that was almost empty. There were two benches situated on either side of each other back to back. Mikan took a seat at one, and crossed her arms.

"Give it up Rin, I caught onto you a few minutes ago."

"Ohhh only a few minutes ago?" A slender brown-haired girl Noboru's age revealed herself behind a nearby pole.

She was wearing a black turtleneck with the sleeves rolled up, and black fishnets on her arms. She was also wearing long gray sweatpants, and casual shinobi sandals, an odd choice considering the weather. She took a seat on the bench opposite to Mikan and leaned back looking at the cold rainy sky.

"Well, now that you're here - what do you think of my home?" Mikan asked.

Rin turned and looked at Mikan with a surprised look on her face.

"Huh? I thought you'd be waaay more mad than that. I disobeyed you after all."

"That isn't anything new."

"Hmm, I suppose so but you could get in big trouble if the big man finds out."

"Then it's a good thing he won't."

"Ohh big sis you know me so well."

"Don't call me that." Mikan retorted.

"Speaking of siblings, when do I get to meet Miss Mikan's little brother? Oh, and her dad too, and mom!? You've always kept me at arm's length, is my personality that toxic?"

"It's not you that I'm worried about Rin."

"Yeah, you have told me that before, haven't you. Hmm, well while I'm here I might sneak a peak or two."

Rin was Mikan's student, and apprentice. Everything Mikan knew aside from her doujutsu, and the Kiidogan she'd taught her during her stay in Kirigakure. Despite the Inuzuka Civil War she'd managed to make it all the way to Amegakure unharmed. The roads were dangerous, full of bandits, looters, and rogue shinobi - she took a big risk getting here. Considering all of that Mikan smiled.

"Rin, when do you plan on heading to Point Break?"

Rin raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm, you have a mission for me Miss Mikan?"

"He's more important to me than a mission, Rin."

After their conversation Mikan, and Rin went their separate ways.

'That's one precaution taken care of.'

At first Mikan wasn't sure what to make of Rin's sudden appearance, but she needed to turn it into an opportunity. With that in mind, Mikan made her way to the lead Jonin HQ building within Kage territory.

'Hope you've been well, Rubin.'

Four of the five villages in the Land of Water were led by a Lead Jonin, and the lead Jonin then reported to the Mizukage who led the capital village Kirigakure. Mikan had been so busy lately she hadn't been able to stop by and check on him.

'And I've been thinking I've had it rough.'

Not only did Rubin have to balance all the clans in the village, he also had to maintain its security, report to the Mizukage, and supply troops for the Inuzuka Civil War among other things. To top it all off Rubin was a father.

The Lead Jonin HQ was a large building centered in the village. It included a barracks, communication lines, and other important infrastructure. The closer one got to HQ the more soldiers there'd be. The soldiers outside recognized Mikan, and let her in. She made her way to the top floor and peaked into the office.

Inside she saw Rubin at his desk, and on the other side of it was:

'Cayan What's he doing here?'

And beside him was a young girl with white hair, and heels. She couldn't have been any older than Noboru or Rin. She wore a dress and had make-up on. But the most remarkable thing was the ugly tattoo on her face. It was at that moment Mikan noticed that the girl was a slave.

Refusing to stay hidden Mikan opened the door, and let herself in. The three before her seemed shocked, and surprised at her arrival.

"M-Mikan! You're back."

"Rubin, what's going on?"

Cayan stood up, and stretched his arms outward.

"Ah, Mikan Kosutta, am I happy to see you; it's been such a long time."

Mikan took another brief look at the girl with white hair before scowling, "You haven't changed at all, Cayan."

"I haven't changed because business hasn't changed my dear."

Mikan ignored that.

"I won't ask again, Rubin," Mikan added.

Rubin took a deep breath and looked at the girl in front of him.

"Your name is Ayano. Is it okay if I call you that?" The girl stared at him without saying anything

"I'm going to be upfront with you about everything Ayano, and what my plan is. I understand that you have no reason to believe anything that I'm about to say, but I am going to say it regardless."

"I hardly see why you bother explaining anything to the child. She has no worth as-"

"I'll decide who's worth what Cayan."

The man shook his head and leaned back.

"Very well." He said, waving his hand. "You may proceed."

Rubin looked at Mikan who was leaning against the door with her arms crossed. She was eying him impatiently.

"Ayano." Rubin began again. "You've probably been wondering why I'm buying you. I wish I could say that it's for some altruistic purpose, but it is not. The truth is your blood is unique - you have what is called a kekegenkai."

Mikan watched as Rubin explained it all to her - in some ways she could see herself in Ayano's eyes.

"Having one makes you special, and gives you the ability to potentially grow stronger than your peers. You may have wondered why Cayan has been giving you special treatment compared to his other slaves - your kekegenkai is the answer to that question. It makes you more valuable than everyone else."

Mikan caught a twinge of despair in the young girl's eyes. She clenched her fists as if she was holding back a deep rage.

"As you know my name is Rubin, Rubin Ikeda. I don't have a kekegenkai, but despite that I'm one of the strongest shinobi in the Land of Water, and I'm the lead Jonin of Amegakure. Just because someone has a kekegenkai does not necessarily mean that they will always be stronger than those that do not possess one."

Rubin took a deep breath.

"As leader of Amegakure, part of my role is to curate shinobi. The more shinobi in the Land of Water the more powerful our nation becomes. And one of the ways we curate shinobi is through the annual Mock Exams. Every village submits a number of applicants to the exam in an attempt to foster the next generation of Genin. And each village has to submit a certain number of applicants-"

"Why are you telling me all this?" Ayano said in a low but frustrated voice. "At the end of the day you're going to tell me to do something, and I'm going to do it without giving a second thought. That's how this relationship works isn't it Cayan?"

"Hmph, more or less," Cayan said.

"If you boil it down to just that then yes - but that is not a path I wish to take."

"He can't afford to." Cayan snorted.

Mikan thought the situation over. It was true, freeing a slave has traditionally been very expensive. In fact many slaves are bound to their masters life force meaning if the master dies so do all their slaves in the same manner. It's quite the nasty jutsu, and rumor is Cayan has cast this jutsu on each, and every one of his subjects.

"Ayano, become my slave. Fight in the Mock Exams for me, and with the revenue generated I will free you of your bond."

Ayano shook her head, and looked around. It was obvious to Mikan that she thought about running away, but then their eyes met, and afterwards Ayano tensed up a bit, perhaps realizing that escape would be futile.

"Again, it's not like I have a choice."

"Two levels down huh?" Cayan chuckled. "That would make her a Forever Slave."

Ayano looked up at Cayan not quite understanding what he meant.

"You never explained this to her Cayan?" Mikan asked angrily.

"If I had done that she would've sulked more on the way here than she already did. Why would I want to deal with that?"

Rubin sighed, and looked Ayano in the eyes. The girl was tired, and alone, and afraid. She wasn't ready to hear what he was about to say.

"That's enough for today Cayan. Please leave us. We will hold the ceremony later tonight."

"Hmm very well, but the longer you wait the more the price goes up." He said standing up, "come Ayano-"

"I don't think so," Mikan said, blocking the door, "you can leave, but she stays with us. Rubin will send for you when he's ready for the ritual."

Cayan looked back at Rubin who kept his mouth shut.

Cayan sighed in disappointment, "ah well what choice do I have? Besides, I've been assured that Rubin is a man of his word. It would be a shame if the Orange Men caused any problems outside, and inside the village if you did not hold up your end of the deal."

"There's no need for threats Cayan. It's as Mikan said, "we'll send for you when we're ready."

The man bowed before taking his leave.

"Ayano, I'm sure you've had a long day. I'm going to have my son take you out for a while while Mikan and I go over some things. Please be patient with us."

'Hilt huh? Now that's a boy I haven't seen in awhile. He'll be participating in the Mock Exams as well I'm sure. He's always had a bit of a temper; I can't help but wonder if he'll get along with Noboru, and Rin. With Ayano participating that only makes 3 - no 4 potential genin from Ame if we include the Inuzuka clan. Whether the Kusakyu or Akinoyo clan will be participating in the exam is up in the air.'

'Good luck tomorrow Noboru. I won't be there to see it, but I know you'll awaken your doujutsu. I know you have the resolve.'