Six months old, and I was finally sitting up on my own. It's the little victories, you know? Sure, I still couldn't walk or talk, but hey, I could see what was going on without someone holding me up. Progress.
From my new vantage point, propped up in a corner of the main room, I watched the clan bustle about their day. It was fascinating, really. The way they moved, the casual display of abilities that would be considered superhuman in my old world. A teenager leaping to the roof to retrieve a wayward kunai. A pair of twins practicing hand signs, small flames dancing between their palms.
And the ninken. Always the ninken, integrated into every aspect of clan life.
That's when I saw him. Kuromaru, Tsume's partner. I'd caught glimpses before, but this was my first real look at the massive wolf-dog. He padded into the room, one eye surveying everything with an intelligence that sent a shiver down my spine.
Then he spoke.
"The pup's watchful today," he rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly.
I couldn't help it. I gaped.
Look, I knew the ninken could talk. I'd seen the anime, read the manga. But knowing it and experiencing it were two very different things.
Kuromaru noticed my reaction. His one good eye narrowed, studying me with an intensity that made me want to squirm.
"Observant little thing, isn't he?" he mused.
Tsume, sharpening a kunai nearby, glanced over. "Too observant, sometimes. I swear he understands more than he should."
I quickly schooled my expression into something more baby-like. Drooled a little for good measure.
Kuromaru wasn't fooled. He padded closer, lowering his massive head to my eye level. "You're going to be trouble, aren't you, pup?"
I gurgled in response, trying to look innocent. Inside, my mind was racing. I needed to be more careful. Even the ninken were picking up on my oddness.
Before I could dwell on it further, a scent hit me. New. Familiar, yet not. Puppy, but... more.
My head swiveled towards the door before anyone else reacted. Moments later, Hana burst in, cradling a small bundle of white fur.
"He's here!" she exclaimed. "The runt of Akemi's litter. He's perfect for Kiba!"
Akamaru. It had to be.
As Hana brought him closer, I felt it. A warmth, different from regular chakra. It pulsed, calling to something deep inside me.
Without thinking, I reached out.
"Careful," Tsume warned. "He's still very young-"
But Hana was already placing Akamaru in my lap. The tiny puppy looked up at me with bright eyes, and...
Connection. Immediate, intense. Like a puzzle piece clicking into place.
I could feel him. Not just physically, but... deeper. His curiosity, his instant trust. It was overwhelming.
"Well, would you look at that," Kuromaru rumbled. "Seems the pup's found his partner."
Partner. The word echoed in my mind, bringing with it a flood of memories. Akamaru, growing alongside Kiba in the series. Fighting together, living together. Man and beast in perfect sync.
But also... a tool. In this world, ninken were weapons as much as companions. The thought made something twist uncomfortably in my gut.
Akamaru yipped, pulling me from my thoughts. He was pawing at my chest, trying to climb up. Without thinking, I helped him, cradling him close.
He nuzzled into my neck, his fur soft against my skin. I felt something wet on my cheek and realized I was crying.
"Oh, sweetie," Tsume murmured, moving to pick me up. "It's okay. I know it's a big change-"
I shook my head, clinging tighter to Akamaru. These weren't tears of distress. They were... I don't know. Relief? Joy? The sudden, overwhelming realization that I wasn't alone in this insane new life?
Tsume seemed to understand. She backed off, a soft smile on her face. "Alright then. Why don't we let these two get acquainted?"
As the others left the room, I looked down at the puppy in my arms. Akamaru gazed back, trust and affection radiating from him in waves.
"Hey there, partner," I whispered, my voice still clumsy with disuse. It was the first time I'd spoken aloud in this new life.
Akamaru's tail wagged furiously. He stretched up, licking my nose.
I laughed. Actually laughed, for the first time since being reborn.
Yeah, Akamaru was technically a 'tool' in this world of child soldiers and living weapons. But looking into those bright, trusting eyes, I knew he'd be so much more than that.
Friend. Companion. Family.
As we drifted off to sleep together, Akamaru's warm weight on my chest, I made a silent promise. I'd protect him, train him, yes. But I'd also love him. Fiercely and without reservation.
In this strange new world, I had an ally. A partner.
I wasn't alone anymore.