The Sins of the Father
I don't own Naruto
Chapter Four: Kanon's Feelings
Kanon's P.O.V.
By: Lady Moonlight Owl

I'm not a hard person to find if anyone with eyes can see as I sat on the Hokage Monument on this rainy, summer June evening. I'm feeling restless, so I went for a stroll and ended up here with my random thoughts. My mind turns to the night Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki died and my vow to Minato. Minato's dying order to me:

"Kanon, I know I am placing a heavy burden on your little shoulders, but please, my sweet little cousin, protect Naruto. I leave it to you, my sweet girl. Be strong!"

I remember my vow to The Fourth Hokage before he passed on to the next world. I was six-years-old at the time, but I knew how bad, dying orders and promises are. I became more motivated and determined than ever with a purpose in my mind. My passionate resolve to get stronger and protect my older cousin's legacy.

I sought out Nara Shikaku, Shiranui Genma, Namashi Raido, and Gekkō Hayate. At first, the four men refused to train me, but my stubborn, persistent nature finally won out. The four men taught me, and all four men nicknamed me fondly, "Pest," well except Hayate, he dubbed me lovingly, "Owlet." I am a Chunin, after all, even though I was six.

I felt tears running down my cheeks, mingling with the rain. I miss my cousin Minato and Kushina significantly, and I miss my younger sister Kasumi. My father had better kept his promise taking care of Kasumi, or he is dead meat, although I know for a fact she's under the supervision of Sasori and The Akatsuki. Minato and Kushina raised me from the time I was three-years-old because my father Orochimaru hates me so much. Minato never placed any blame on me for my mother's death; instead, he and Kushina always showed me love, kindness, and sometimes a few lumps here and there(Kushina). My father viewed me as nothing more than worthless. It still hurts because I do love my father as fucked up as that is.

I smiled through the tears remembering The Third Hokage placing me in ANBU and under The Hounds company for reasons unknown to me. I guess that the old goat wanted to toughen me up some more on my journey to become stronger. I'm bullied mercilessly because of my father and his random experiments. The bullying stopped when Uchiha Itachi befriended me. Itachi and I are the same age (but it is a five-month difference between us) and Tenzo; both were drawn to me because of my passion for bettering myself.

I drove The Hound crazy with my random scattered-mindedness and my bad habit of bending the rules while on a mission. I knew The Hound didn't like me, but he did love pushing me to my limits as much I love to force him to the limits of his patience. Our dance, I think, drove The Third Hokage batty at times. I respected The Hound enough because I knew he was Hatake Kakashi, my cousin's student. I put up with his bullying even though I knew he didn't like me.

I finally got The Hound's respect when I threw myself at his exposed back when a cloud shinobi threw a kunai. I almost died that day.

I awoke in the hospital a few days later with my team scattered about the room. I got scolded by my teammates for being foolish. I got it worse from Itachi and Tenzo, who threatened to kick my ass if I ever pull a stunt like that again. The Hound was the last one to address me as the others filed out of the hospital room. The Hound finally told me that the reason why he pushed me hard and bullied me. He had promised Minato he would look after me if anything should happen to himself or Kushina. He wanted me to get stronger, and he was sorry for any pain he had caused me. I accepted The Hound's clumsy apologies. The Hound, aka Hatake Kakashi, became one of my closest and trusted friends. Kakashi can be exasperating at times, but he is a cool guy.

I watched Naruto whenever I could or whenever duty allows. I would sometimes leave useful, random things for Naruto at his door. I would give anyone a sideways glance who looked at Naruto crossed-eyed or a random bonk on the head or a midnight visit, which earned me the nickname, "Ghost Owl." If I were away on missions, Tenzo would watch over Naruto. The old goat transferred me to Morino Ibiki's team at the sadist's request.

I am proud of Naruto because he tries and never gives up. He sure does look like his father, but his personality is all Kushina. Umino Iruka would give me daily reports on Naruto at the academy. I would laugh because it brought back memories of my academy days. I would leave Naruto some instant ramen to encourage him more.

Sometimes Morino or The Third would catch me doing these random things for him and would ask me, "Why do I do these types of things for Naruto?" My only answer is, "My promise to Minato and Kushina." I didn't know it at the time, but the old goat and the sadist would smile at my answer. And they both knew what drives me to do my best each day and why I would go to such lengths to protect Naruto and Konoha.

I learned of the Uchiha Massacre, and it saddened me. Itachi himself came in search of me and asked me to look after his younger brother. I agreed and let Itachi go. I was questioned, of course, if I knew Itachi's whereabouts. I played stupid like I didn't know anything. But those closest to me knew better. So now, I had two charges to look after. I kept my promises.

I got careless when Naruto turned eleven.

I returned from an assassination mission after debriefing the old goat and the sadist I was dismissed and given a week off. I went home and showered. I dressed in my regular clothes. I read for an hour; a thought came to me, and it brought a smile to my face. I could always go to the front gate hassle Kotetsu and Izumo for a while, and in my head, I started laughing at Kotetsu's reaction when I would call him "Neko" and Izumo would sigh and scold me.

On my way, there, I came across a group of boys beating on Naruto because he dared to protect a classmate, I think her name is Hyuga Hinata. I gave a shout, which actively scared off the kids, and I gave the adults standing around my infamous sideways glance as Iruka came running over to help me to get Naruto to the hospital. I forgot I was in my regular clothes, not in my ANBU uniform. The sadist is going to kill me. I just prayed hard that Naruto didn't see my face. I helped Iruka file a formal complaint to Lord Hokage even though the Ghost Owl will be paying these boys a night visit as well those bystanders.

A few days later, Naruto's release from the hospital. I didn't know how Naruto found out, but he found his way to my apartment. He had come and thanked me for helping him out. I only nodded. Naruto then asked me shyly if he could call me, "Big Sister." I just smiled, and I nodded in approval. I knew I wasn't supposed to get this close to Naruto, but I never felt this happy for so long. I can observe him carefully and not far away. I look to Naruto like my younger sibling.

Let me say this; not everyone is thrilled about this,

I'm called on the carpet by the Village Council. In their minds, I had committed an act of high treason. The council felt it wasn't a good idea for me to have this kind of relationship with the boy, considering Naruto does not know that we're second cousins. I would've killed every single council member if they had forbidden me from seeing Naruto.

Lord Hokage had seen my expression, and he knew what exactly was going on in my head. Lord Hokage finally spoke on my behalf, as did my friends.

The matter's resolved as long as I don't let it slip we are related. I gave my word I wouldn't.

A year later, Lord Hokage had alerted those of us (off duty shinobi) that Naruto had stolen The Forbidden Scroll. I knew for a fact that Naruto didn't see the scroll existed, and someone had put him up to this mischief.

By the time I found Umino Iruka and Naruto. I was amazed. Iruka explained everything, and I smiled fondly at Naruto. I was bursting with pride for Naruto. He was growing up. I made a shadow clone to help Iruka to the hospital despite his protesting with Naruto trailing behind giggling.

I took Mizuki into custody, and I handed Mizuki over to the sadist with a few more added lumps that I said to Naruto's.

Lord Hokage kept me in the loop on Naruto's doing while on missions with his sensei Hatake Kakashi which I was forbidden to go, but I learned that Tenzo was allowed to follow. I did enjoy my time with Naruto while he was in the village and sometimes I invited the entire squad out for barbecue or ramen, of course, Kakashi always declines.

The kids would tell me about their latest adventures while I listen carefully. All three children said to me that Kakashi has to be the laziest man alive, but he was a brilliant shinobi. I would laugh fondly. I grew fond of all three, and I understood why the Lord Hokage put the two boys with Kakashi.

I laughed through the tears remembering this fondly.

The messages from Master Jiraiya via messenger toad set my teeth on edge. Orochimaru, my father, was on the move again. Seriously, why now with the Chunin Exams coming up soon.

Sighs.

What's your game, father, this time? Are you coming here to murder Lord Hokage and destroy the village ? or are you planning on kidnapping Naruto and releasing the Kyuubi on the world ? or are you coming here to entice the younger Uchiha to you with power? Damnit!

Sighs.

My father's lost his damn mind if he thinks I'll allow this to happen, and He lost his mind if he thinks that I'll let him have his wicked way. I rather die before I make any of these three scenarios happen. Why did you decide to pull this crap now, father?

I have enough bullshit to deal as it is. Most of Konoha's civilians and shinobi alike still bully me ruthlessly or make snide remarks behind my back like I can't hear them. I ignore it all for my peace of mind. I get shunned because I am your child. Luckily, I have good friends who don't care about my past or whose child I am?

Sighs.

Although some went as far as blaming me for my father's sins, I blame myself for my mother's death. I blame myself for being born a female with no natural talents. Hahahaha, if Master Shikaku or Master Jiraiya could hear my thoughts right now. Master Shikaku would kick my ass, and Master Jiraiya would scold me. I know what he'd say too.

"Kanon, none of this is your fault because life is a mystery. Moreover, it's his fault because he missed out on watching you grow into a beautiful young woman and a strong shinobi with grace and intelligence. So what if you've got no natural talents like an Uchiha. You've got a beautiful heart and guts to match."

Sighs.

I couldn't help feeling worthless and guilty. I know it isn't my fault, but what my father did to Tenzo is unforgivable. Tenzo never once place any blame on me, and Tenzo told me so himself.

Sighs.

I could feel fresh tears running down my cheeks, knowing just how much my father and half the village despises me. Perhaps, I should leave Konoha and become a missing-nin. I could find someone to settle down with and have a family.

Yeah, right, the damn sadist would drag me back to the village kicking, and I'd be screaming bloody murder after he kicks my ass. I would get my ass kicked from Tenzo, Genma, Iruka, Raido, and Kotetsu. I would get scolded by Hayate, Kakashi, Izumo, Aoba, and Lord Hokage; I shuddered to think what Naruto or Sasuke or Sakura would say or do.

Sighs.

I jumped when I felt strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against a muscular chest. I heard Genma's voice scolding me gruffly,

"Kanon, stop wasting your tears on fools who don't deserve it. I've told you before focus on those who love you and the hell with the rest."

Genma sighs as I turned in his arms and sob in his chest.

"Kanon, I only scold you because I hate seeing you bear all this pain alone. I want you to open up more about things that pain you, and I want you to know I am always here if you ever need someone to talk."

Genma sighs.

I jumped when I felt gentle fingers wipe the tears from my cheeks, and I heard Gekkō Hayate's voice,

"Owlet, I wish you would see what the rest of us sees whenever we look at you, Hayate said," and please stop crying because sadness on you isn't my fierce little owlet."

I giggled at this, and I took a few shuddering breaths to compose myself. I smiled up at Genma and smirked at Hayate.

As I pulled away from Genma but suddenly, Genma held me fast to him.

"What do you want, Kakashi?" Genma growls protectively. Genma does this every time Kakashi comes around. I wonder why since we're all friends here.

Hayate steps between Genma and Kakashi as I pull away from Genma trying to figure out what was his deal with Kakashi?

"Easy, easy Genma, I saw Kanon up here sitting in the rain, Kakashi said, "I came up to see what Master Jiraiya's message was about."

I gave Kakashi my infamous sideways glare. Kakashi grins at me behind his mask.

I mumble under my breath about the idiocy of some older men.

I handed the message to Hayate.

Hayate read it to the other two men. Genma swore under breath while Kakashi and Hayate gave me a stern look.

"Owlet, go home, shower, and meet us at The Hokage's office in an hour," Hayate ordered.

I turned to leave when Hayate added,

"Owlet, don't make me come to look for you, understand?"

I gulped fearfully because I knew better than to tempt fate.

In an hour, I stood with the three Jonin before the Hokage's desk. The silence in the room was stifling, and it frightened me.

I hid slightly behind Genma when Lord Hokage turned his keen gaze to me suddenly.

"Kanon, I've known for years, Jiraiya has been informing you of your father's movements. It's just like him to leave it up to you to tell me which you don't. I know you hand over the information to Morino, though." The Hokage whispered,

Lord Hokage stood from his desk and came over to me. His face serene and calm. Lord Hokage gently patted me on my head.

"We'll keep a keen look-out for your father for now." Lord Hokage murmured.

Then Lord Hokage's expression went from serene to severe as he looks at me sternly.

"Where does your heart belong ?" Lord Hokage asked me gravely.

My head snapped up as I returned The Hokage gaze, trying to figure out what his words meant.

A challenging look came into my eyes as I replied fiercely,

"I vowed to protect my cousin's legacy and Konoha with my life when I was six-years-old, and I have."

I laugh harshly.

"So if there's still any doubt in anyone's mind that I'd stand idly by and allow that bastard to have his wicked way or betray Konoha to join forces with the son of a bitch, you're all dead wrong."

I laugh again, surprising Lord Hokage and getting concerned looks from my three friends. I could sense the ANBU guards tensing outside the office.

I smile wickedly at Lord Hokage.

"Lord Hokage, after all these years, you still question my loyalty ?" I inquired.

I laugh harshly.

"Then, sile old goat, you've finally lost your damn mind if you think I'd let my father have his wicked way. I'd kill him even at the cost of my life to protect everyone and the village I love no matter how cruelly some people treated me."

"Why?" asked Lord Hokage very quietly.

I laughed harshly again.

"Do you even have to ask such an absurd question old goat," I said, "I'd give up my life for everyone because Konoha and Naruto are all I have." I snarled fiercely.

My statement surprises my three friends because they've never heard me speak this way before or how I honestly felt, but Lord Hokage smiles at me proudly.

"Kanon, I never once questioned your loyalty because you've have proven without a shadow of a doubt where your loyalty lies, but I questioned your heart. It seems this is the first time you allowed anyone to hear it." Lord Hokage said, looking at my three friends. I could sense utter surprise from the ANBU guards outside the office.

I blinked at the old geezer who smiles while I mumbled under my breath,

"Cunning old goat."

Lord Hokage smiles and dismisses us.

We come out, and my three friends hug me hard, and the looks of pride and fierce love evident on their faces had me choking with emotions.

"Come on, Owlet, I'll treat you to some miso pork ramen for dinner tonight," Hayate said.

I let Hayate led the way with a small smile on my face with Genma and Kakashi following.

We had dinner, and our party of four soon became a party of eight. I had to laugh as Genma gave an account of our visit to Lord Hokage to Aboa, Raidou, Kotetsu, and Izumo, which had them cheering me on.

I blushed and tried to shush Genma, who was smiling at me with fierce pride.

We took our little party to Genma's place as Iruka, Asuma, and Kurenai joins us.

"Me and my big mouth." I thought to myself.

To Be Continued!