A Festive Introduction

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Year 59 (after Konohoa was established)

Yoshino was carefully adorning her Kimono and styling her hair, while Rai was growing increasingly restless. He kept adjusting his outfit and glancing at the clock, his impatience mounting.

"Mom hurry up. We don't wanna be late, especially today," whined Rai

Yoshino chuckled at her son's eagerness. "Don't worry, Rai. We still have plenty of time. Besides, we don't want to show up too early and interrupt the family's time with their new baby."

Rai let out a deep sigh, trying to calm down his nerves. Today was a big day for him, as he was going to attend his first party in this world. He wanted to make a good impression on everyone, especially his mother. He didn't want to disappoint her by acting inappropriately, so he made a conscious effort to control his behavior and manners.

Rai watched as his mother put on her delicate, silver earrings, gently adjusting them until they sat just right. As the wife of the Nara clan head, Yoshino knew she had to dress in a certain way during formal occasions. She wore a beautiful kimono with intricate patterns of cherry blossoms and pine trees. The fabric was soft and smooth to the touch, and the colors were rich and vibrant.

Even though it was one of her close friends that had given birth, and the party wasn't going to be a large one, Yoshino knew she couldn't dress casually. She took great care to ensure that every detail of her appearance was perfect, from her hair to her makeup to her shoes. She wanted to represent her family well and show her respect for the Inuzuka clan.

Rai, on the other hand, was dressed in a traditional mini hakama in a soft blue hue, with a matching pair of tabi socks. His hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, a signature look of the Nara clan. He knew the importance of presenting himself well, especially at events where his family's status was on display.

Once they were both ready, Rai and Yoshino made their way out of their home and headed towards the Inuzuka clan's compound.

*

As they got closer to the gates, Rai's ears caught the sound of dogs barking and energetic music playing in the background. Rai had learned about the various clans residing in Konoha during his studies the previous year, which included the Inuzuka clan famous for their bond with their ninken companions.

Although he wasn't fond of dogs, Rai was curious to see how the Inuzuka's ninken behaved compared to the typical canines he had encountered before. He wondered if their training was unique or if their bond was just that strong.

Rai noticed two people standing near the gate of the Inuzuka property, meticulously examining invitations before allowing entry. They were both clearly members of the Inuzuka clan, dressed in traditional garb that highlighted their loyalty to their heritage. Rai couldn't help but notice their ninken, standing tall and alert by their sides, seeming almost as proud as their masters.

As Yoshino and Rai approached, one of the Inuzuka women with piercing green eyes and a long braid stepped forward to greet them with a respectful bow.

"Good afternoon, Lady Yoshino," she said in a polite tone. "Lady Tsume has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please follow me."

Yoshino returned the bow with a smile and followed the Inuzuka woman, with Rai trailing closely behind. As they walked towards the party, Rai couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the ninken walking alongside them, but he was determined to put on a brave face and make a good impression.

*

As Rai stepped inside the Inuzuka compound, he was instantly mesmerized by the lively atmosphere. The joyful sounds of barking dogs, happy conversations, and the rhythm of the music filled the air, creating a festive ambiance.

He gazed in awe at the sight of the Inuzuka clan members and their trained dogs, all joyfully dancing and reveling in the merriment of the occasion. The energy was infectious, and Rai couldn't help but feel his own spirits lifting as he took in the surroundings.

The party was taking place in a spacious courtyard located at the heart of the Inuzuka compound. The area was festively adorned with bright lanterns and streamers, which swayed gently in the light breeze. The courtyard was buzzing with energy, as guests chatted excitedly and mingled with each other.

The tables were laden with a mouth-watering spread of delicacies, featuring everything from succulent grilled meats to delectable dumplings and scrumptious sweets. Rai's mouth watered as he surveyed the feast laid out before him.

Rai was struck by the impressive display of the Inuzuka clan's bond with their ninken. The dogs were more than just pets or companions; they were partners in every sense of the word. He watched as they demonstrated their agility and discipline in various performances, leaving him in awe of their skills.

The playful interactions between the dogs and their owners showed a deep sense of mutual respect and understanding. Rai, while not actively participating, enjoyed observing the unique and intricate relationship between humans and their canine companions.

As the evening progressed, the festivities only grew more exuberant. Rai was drawn in by the infectious energy of the celebration, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the people around him.

As he looked around, he saw his mother engaging in conversation with her friends, a rare moment of lightheartedness for her as the wife of the Nara clan head. Rai felt a twinge of happiness seeing his mother let her guard down and enjoy herself.

*

Rai sighed, feeling a weight of sadness and frustration in his chest. "It's been almost a year and a half since I last saw Dad. It's a difficult situation to accept. Just when I finally had a father, we were separated because of this wretched war."

Rai couldn't help but notice the toll the war had taken on his mother. Though she tried to hide it, he could see the worry etched onto her face. Her once-smooth skin was now lined with wrinkles, and she seemed to have lost weight. She did her best to take care of Rai, but he could tell that she wasn't taking care of herself properly.

She skipped meals, rarely exercised, and hardly slept. Her anxiety over her husband's safety seemed to consume her every thought, and Rai could see how much it pained her to be separated from him for so long. It was heartbreaking to see his mother like this, and he wished there was something he could do to help ease her pain.

Despite his efforts to support his mother, Rai felt helpless seeing the toll of his father's absence on her. He wished he could do more, but as a child, he knew his capabilities were limited. He tried to keep his mother's spirits up by spending time with her, telling jokes, and making her laugh, but he knew deep down that it was not enough.

He could see the sadness in her eyes, and it pained him to know that he couldn't take it away. As much as he wanted to ease her burden, he knew that the only thing that would truly make her happy was to have his father back home, safe and sound.

Despite the absence of his father and the toll it had taken on his mother, Rai was grateful for the presence of his mother's friends, especially Noriko, who had been spending a lot of time at their place. Her husband, Inoichi Yamanaka, was also fighting in the war with Rai's father, so they could understand each other's pain and concerns. It was a relief for Rai to see his mother having someone to confide in and share her thoughts and feelings with, even if it couldn't completely ease her worries.

Despite receiving letters from her husband every three months, Yoshino was still struggling with the constant worry and fear about his safety. The uncertainty of whether the next letter would arrive or not only added to the stress and anxiety she was already experiencing. Though the letters provided some comfort, they couldn't fully replace the comfort of having her husband by her side.

On a brighter note, I'm now two years old. I can now go to the bathroom on my own, eat proper meals, and, most importantly, NO MORE BREAST MILK. That is probably what i am most thankful for. Soiling my clothes and having to be changed by mum took some getting used to, but that was it. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, was a misery. For fucks sake, I was 24 years old when I died. Whoever or whatever brought me into this world probably gets off on my misery."