Naruto - Azure Awakening

Kaoru scanned the room, searching for something to wear. The Takime Clan wasn't wealthy, but they still took pride in their identity, evident in their emblem and traditional attire. The children's clothes were simple yet practical: a dark blue top and black pants, designed for both comfort and mobility.

As Kaoru slipped on the top, he noticed the clan's symbol on the back—a beautifully crafted wave forming a cyan eye, with the kanji "滝目" ( Takime ) at its center. The emblem spoke volumes of the Takime Clan's legacy, a proud reminder of their Kekkei Genkai and their bond with water.

In just a few minutes, Kaoru was dressed and ready to step outside. [ This feels really nice… now let's see outside.] As he opened the door, the scenery took his breath away. The Takime Clan's settlement was nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by towering, forested mountains. Mist clung to the air, carried by the gentle breeze from the nearby river and the majestic waterfall that thundered in the distance. The sound of rushing water was constant but soothing, a rhythm that seemed to echo the heartbeat of the clan.

Despite the mist, none of the Takime Clan members disliked it; it felt like an extension of who they were. The moisture in the air was a reminder of their connection to water, and it invigorated them in a way Kaoru could now appreciate on a deeper level.

The settlement itself was small but meticulously designed. The entire outpost was circular, with the clan head's building—a sturdy, two-storied wooden structure—standing at the center. Four distinct paths radiated outward from the leader's house, dividing the settlement into quadrants.

Three of these sections housed the clan's families, with modest yet well-kept homes that reflected the clan's resilience. Each house was elevated slightly off the ground on wooden stilts to protect against floods and had simple, sloped roofs to let the rain slide off. Flowering plants and small vegetable gardens lined the pathways, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise utilitarian village.

The fourth section served as the heart of the community's shared efforts. Here stood the training grounds, a modest dojo surrounded by a patch of open land marked with training dummies and wooden targets. Nearby, a storage building held supplies, tools, and harvested crops. There was also a small school where the clan's children learned basic skills and traditions, as well as a communal area for gatherings.

Even though the Takime Clan had been forced to abandon their ancestral lands in Kirigakure, they had created a sanctuary here. Kaoru felt a sense of admiration for the effort it must have taken to build this small haven in the wilderness. The settlement wasn't grand or imposing, but it carried an unshakable strength—a quiet defiance against the challenges they had endured.

Kaoru took a deep breath, the cool, moist air filling his lungs. His lips curled into a faint smile. For the first time, he felt a small but genuine connection to this place. [For some reason I'm really loving this place…]

Kaoru turned right and headed toward the nearby building. His house was right next to the clan head's, as they were family. Pushing the door open, he put on the brightest, most innocent smile he could manage and called out in a cheerful voice:

"Grannyyy! Where's Maki? I want to play with her!"

Suiren Takime, the current head of the clan and Kaoru's grandmother, was sitting inside. Despite being in her sixties, she carried herself with a quiet strength that belied her years. Suiren was the first member of the clan in generations to awaken the Takime Clan's Kekkei Genkai, but her inability to fully harness its power due to her low chakra reserves had always weighed heavily on her. She often blamed herself for the tragedies that befell her son and daughter-in-law—Kaoru's parents. That guilt shaped her, making her deeply protective of her grandchildren, and she took every opportunity to dote on them.

"Come here, you little rascal," Suiren chuckled, her voice warm and full of affection. She scooped Kaoru up with ease, pulling him into a tight hug. No matter what challenges surrounded their family, seeing Kaoru's bright, innocent smile always filled her with a sense of peace. Unlike his older sister, who was acutely aware of their clan's struggles and the constant threats from Mizukage's faction, Kaoru still radiated a childlike innocence, untouched by the heavy burdens of their world.

For Suiren, those fleeting moments of innocence were a treasure, a reminder of what they were fighting to protect.

Suiren pinched Kaoru's cheeks and smothered him with kisses to her heart's content, her laughter filling the room. Finally, she set him down and said, "Maki should be at the training grounds, as usual. She always starts her morning by punching and kicking those poor wooden dummies. Go on, fetch her for breakfast."

Kaoru pouted dramatically, acting as though he was upset about all the pinching and kissing. But the moment he heard he was supposed to go get Maki, his face lit up with a big grin. Without hesitation, he dashed out of the room, his excitement palpable.

As he ran, Kaoru couldn't help but reflect on the interaction. He felt a mix of surprise and relief. Suiren hadn't found anything odd about his behavior, which reassured him. But what truly caught him off guard was the unexpected warmth he felt when she held him. This woman, whom he was technically meeting for the first time, made him feel safe and cared for in a way he hadn't anticipated.

[It seems like the original Kaoru's memories are influencing me more than I thought,] he realized. The emotions tied to those memories were stronger than he expected, and for once, he didn't mind it.

The settlement was small, so it didn't take long for Kaoru to reach the dojo. The building wasn't large, but it was well-constructed, with a neat, sturdy design. Its two big wooden doors opened horizontally, giving it an interesting vibe. Inside the dojo was an open yard, complete with a handful of wooden training dummies lined up for practice.

Even before stepping inside, Kaoru could hear the sharp, rhythmic sounds of the dummies being pounded relentlessly. A smile crept onto his face as memories surfaced, recalling Maki's fiery personality. His sister, who had endured the unimaginable loss of both their parents, had only one family member left to pour her love and protectiveness into—him. She was utterly obsessed with her little brother, and it showed in everything she did.

Maki was impulsive by nature, her temper easy to ignite. But when it came to Kaoru, her protective instincts were unmatched. If anyone dared to harm him, she would flip out in an instant, regardless of the consequences. Yet, despite her temper, she was deeply kind and fiercely loyal to her clan. Maki cared for every single member of the Takime Clan like family, embodying the hope and strength they all clung to.

Her dedication went beyond emotions. Maki had awakened the clan's Kekkei Genkai, a sign of her potential, but her water affinity was strangely average—barely better than the other clansmen. This limitation frustrated her, but she more than made up for it in other ways. Where Maki truly shone was in Taijutsu. She was a natural-born fighter, a prodigy in close combat, whose raw strength and skill surpassed most expectations.

That was exactly why Kaoru wanted to see her. He had a plan—to convince Maki to help him train his body. If there was anyone who could guide him in building a strong foundation, it was her.

Kaoru knew there was absolutely no way Maki would suspect anything unless he did something outrageous. With that confidence, he stepped into the dojo and called out, "Makiii, come play with me!"

As he ran toward his sister, she suddenly disappeared from his sight. Before he could even process what happened, Kaoru found himself lifted off the ground, cradled in Maki's arms like a prized trophy. She beamed with happiness, holding her little brother as if he were the most precious thing in the world.

"Ru, you're up early today!" she said, using the nickname only she called him. Years ago, when Kaoru was too young to pronounce his full name, he'd introduce himself to everyone as "Ru." The name had stuck with Maki ever since. "I thought you'd go play with your friends first."

She still hadn't set him down, holding him as though he might vanish if she let go.

Kaoru smiled sheepishly, his mind already working to set the stage. "Maki, I was gonna play with them, but their parents didn't let them out. They said it was too cold today. Would Mom also not let me play if she were here with us?"

The words made his heart ache with guilt, but he pressed on. He needed this moment to work.

Maki's cheerful expression faltered for just a second before she forced it back. "Ru, Mom would definitely still let you play. You're so strong and healthy—nothing could make you sick."

Even as she spoke, Kaoru saw a flicker of sadness in her eyes. The mention of their mother was like a fresh wound, but she masked it well, unwilling to show her vulnerability in front of him.

Kaoru tilted his head and pouted slightly, feigning disappointment. "But if I'm so strong, how come every other kid always beats me in every exercise?"

Maki froze, momentarily caught off guard. Kaoru had never cared about such things before. She struggled for an answer.

"If you want, I can train you, Ru," she said finally. "But it won't be easy. So you—"

"Yes!" Kaoru interrupted, his eyes lighting up. "I want that! I'd like to train with you, Maki. Let's start right now!"

Maki blinked, taken aback by his eagerness. She studied his face for a moment, seeing nothing but pure determination and joy. That alone was enough to melt her heart and convince her completely.

"Alright, Ru," she said with a soft smile, hugging him a little tighter. "We'll start tomorrow. Let's talk about it after breakfast, okay?"

Kaoru nodded happily, wrapping his small arms around her in return. He felt a swell of relief at having convinced her, but more than that, he felt an undeniable warmth in his chest. The bond he shared with Maki was genuine, and for the first time, he realized just how much he truly cared for his new family.

Kaoru didn't yet understand everything that was happening or why these emotions felt so strong, but one thing was clear: he genuinely loved his sister and grandmother. This wasn't just a part of the original Kaoru's memories—it was his own truth.

Maki and Kaoru left the dojo together, their steps unhurried as they made their way to the clan head's house. Although they didn't live there, it was a common practice to have breakfast with their grandmother, Suiren.

"Granny, I brought Maki as I promised!" Kaoru announced with a playful chuckle as they stepped inside. He ran straight toward Suiren, his small feet pattering across the wooden floor. "Maki promised to train me every day and said I'll soon be the strongest in the clan!" he added, exaggerating with the kind of childish enthusiasm that even he felt a bit silly performing.

Suiren laughed softly, clearly delighted by her grandson's energy. "Did she now? Well, if Maki's training you, I'm sure it won't be long before you're stronger than all of us!" she replied, playing along.

The meal that followed was simple and uneventful. As usual, the adults avoided discussing anything serious in front of Kaoru. They worked hard to shield him from the harsh realities of their world, preserving the innocence they believed was his birthright. In many ways, Kaoru realized, they wanted him to remain the most untroubled child in the world.

The rest of the day passed quickly. Kaoru spent some time playing with the other children in the settlement. When he wasn't with them, he walked through the settlement, carefully taking in every detail of his new home. The settlement wasn't large, and Kaoru wasn't allowed to leave its boundaries, so it didn't take long for him to cover every corner of the outpost.

By late afternoon, Kaoru decided to sneak into Suiren's house in hopes of overhearing the adults' conversations. He needed answers—information that could help him piece together where he was in the Naruto timeline. How close was the Fourth Great Ninja War? Where exactly was this settlement located? Which hidden villages were nearby?

Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, Kaoru came away empty-handed. The adults were careful, their voices hushed whenever sensitive topics came up, and Kaoru couldn't gather anything of value.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaoru entered his room and sat down to meditate. He wanted to sense his chakra and get a feel for its reserves before starting his training.

[As I thought, sensing chakra is really difficult. Maybe it's because my chakra reserves are terribly low?! Well, I'm still just seven years old, so I guess it's fine. Not everyone's blessed with Senju-level chakra reserves,] Kaoru sighed to himself, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

Closing his eyes, he activated his Kekkei Genkai, his cyan eyes beginning to glow faintly in the dim room. A small droplet of water formed in the air before him, shimmering in the fading light. Focusing intently, Kaoru worked on levitating the droplet, holding it steady for as long as he could. His goal was simple: exhaust his chakra reserves using water manipulation so he could drift off to sleep completely spent. Tomorrow would mark his first training session with Maki, and he wanted to be well-rested.

As he concentrated, Kaoru noticed something interesting. His chakra seemed to deplete more slowly than when he used the visual abilities of his Kekkei Genkai. [So the droplet control uses less chakra than the visual powers. That's good to know,] he thought, analyzing the difference. Even so, his reserves were pitifully small, and it only took five minutes of continuous effort to completely drain them.

[For my first day in this world, I'd say it went pretty well. It's still too early to feel hopeful, but... I have a feeling I can become pretty strong. At least reaching Kakashi's level without the Sharingan seems doable,] Kaoru mused as a faint smile lingered on his face.

Satisfied with his progress, he lay down, letting his mind wander as sleep overtook him. Tomorrow was another day, another step toward his goal.

**

A/N - I'll gradually amp up the pacing until Kaoru becomes strong enough to leave the outpost. I'm also considering adding more exercises to his routine as he gets stronger and as people in the settlement grow accustomed to his interest in ninja training.

I haven't fully decided which path Kaoru will take or what type of ninja he'll become, but one thing is certain: his main element will be water, and his fighting style will heavily revolve around it.

Kaoru - MC - Cringes internally every time he has to act like a child.

Maki - MC's Sister - [Since when was Ru interested in training?!]

Siuren - MC's grandma - [I need to maintain peace!]

**