Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Birthday 2

The sun dipped low over Takigakure, casting warm hues across the village nestled by the glimmering waterfall. Riku, now twelve, trudged toward his modest home after another long day of missions. His body ached from the sheer number of tasks he had taken on, but he was determined to prove his worth as a shinobi of Takigakure. Shiro rested lazily on his shoulder, the magpie's beady eyes scanning the street as they approached the door.

The first thing Riku noticed when he stepped inside was the delicious aroma of something sweet. His sharp senses perked up, but the sight waiting for him was more surprising. The room was decked out with streamers, paper lanterns, and a crudely painted banner that read: "Happy Birthday, Riku and Fū!"

"Surprise!"

The shout rang out, nearly startling Riku into nearly unsheathing his odachi. His icy gaze immediately softened when Fū emerged from behind the couch, her bright mint hair bouncing as she bounded over, practically glowing with excitement. Her usual smile was wider than ever, and she wore the peridot necklace Riku had given her years ago on full display, the gemstone glinting in the evening light.

"You're late!" she teased, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you know how hard it is to keep a cake from melting in this weather?"

Riku blinked, momentarily overwhelmed. "What… is this?"

Fū pouted. "Your birthday, duh. And mine, too! Don't tell me you forgot!"

"I didn't forget." Riku glanced away, his tone quieter. "I just… didn't expect this."

"Well, you've been running yourself ragged lately, so we figured you deserved a break," Fū said, her expression softening as she looked up at him. "And besides, birthdays are a big deal, even if you act like they're not."

Riku sighed, a small, rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thanks, Fū."

"Don't thank me yet," she quipped, grabbing his wrist. "Come on, we've got cake to cut, presents to open, and Shibuki's coming by later. It's going to be great!"

---

The small room was soon filled with laughter and chatter as the party went into full swing. Fū's squadmates had joined the celebration, along with a few other villagers who had taken a liking to Riku over the past few months. Shiro hopped off Riku's shoulder and settled in a corner, content to watch the festivities.

Despite his usual aloofness, Riku couldn't help but be drawn into the lively atmosphere. Fū made it impossible not to. She was everywhere—cutting the cake, cracking jokes, and playfully bossing people around. Her laughter was contagious, and for once, Riku found himself relaxing.

As the night went on, the attention turned to gifts. Fū handed Riku a small, neatly wrapped package, grinning expectantly as he opened it. Inside was a leather-bound notebook and a finely crafted pen.

"You're always scribbling on scraps of paper," she explained, sitting cross-legged on the floor across from him. "Figured you could use something a bit more… professional."

Riku ran his fingers over the notebook's smooth cover, his expression unreadable. "Thanks, Fū. It's perfect."

Her grin widened. "Of course it is. I know you better than anyone."

Riku hesitated for a moment before reaching into his pocket. His fingers brushed against the necklace he had worn for years—the twin to the one Fū wore.

"I, uh…" he began, his voice uncharacteristically unsure. "I was going to give you this."

Fū's orange eyes widened as he pulled out the necklace. She gasped softly, her hand flying to the identical one around her neck.

"You kept it?" she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yeah." Riku avoided her gaze, scratching the back of his neck. "I figured it's yours. You should have both."

Fū shook her head, her smile soft and sincere. "No way. This one's yours, Riku. I've been wearing mine all these years, waiting for you to come back. I'm not taking yours, too."

Riku looked at her, his expression caught somewhere between exasperation and gratitude. He nodded silently and slipped the necklace back around his neck.

---

As the party wound down, the door creaked open, and Shibuki stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. The leader of Takigakure was young, but he carried himself with a quiet confidence that demanded respect.

"Enjoying yourselves?" he asked, his eyes twinkling as he took in the festive decorations.

Fū jumped to her feet. "Shibuki! You're late!"

"Sorry about that," he said with a sheepish smile. "But I have good news, so maybe you'll forgive me."

Riku raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall. "Good news?"

Shibuki nodded, his expression growing serious. "The Chūnin Exams are being hosted in Konoha this year, and I'd like both of you to participate."

Fū's eyes lit up. "Really? We get to represent Takigakure?"

"You've both proven yourselves more than capable," Shibuki said. "Riku, your record of completed missions is unmatched for someone your age. And Fū, your growth as a shinobi has been remarkable. The exams are a chance to test your skills against some of the best genin in the world."

Riku's gaze sharpened. "When do we leave?"

Shibuki chuckled. "Eager as always, I see. The exams are in three weeks. Use that time to prepare."

Fū turned to Riku, her excitement palpable. "Can you believe it? The Chūnin Exams! This is going to be amazing!"

Riku nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of training and strategy. But as he looked at Fū, her enthusiasm infectious, he couldn't help but feel a small flicker of something else—something warm and unfamiliar.

---

Later that night, as the guests departed and the house grew quiet, Riku sat on the porch with Shiro perched beside him. The magpie tilted its head, watching as Riku fiddled with the peridot necklace in his hands.

"You think I should have given it to her?" he murmured.

Shiro let out a soft caw, as if to say, You already did in your own way.

Riku sighed, slipping the necklace back into his pocket. His gaze shifted to the stars above, his thoughts a mix of anticipation for the exams and the lingering warmth of the day's celebration.

From inside, Fū's voice carried through the open window. "Hey, Riku! Don't stay out there too long, or you'll catch a cold!"

He smirked to himself, shaking his head. "I'll be fine."

But as he sat there under the night sky, he couldn't help but worry.

"The chūnin exams? That's fine… but in Konoha? Do they still hate me? Probably." Riku muttered under his breath, ruffling Shiro's feathers.

…

Riku sat cross-legged on the floor of his sparsely furnished home, staring down at the peridot necklace in his hands. The faint glow of the village lanterns outside cast long shadows across the room, but his mind was far from the present. Shiro perched on the windowsill, occasionally tilting his head as if to question Riku's deep silence.

The words from Shibuki earlier that evening weighed heavily on him: the Chūnin Exams in Konoha. The mere mention of the Leaf Village had sent his stomach twisting into knots.

He clenched the necklace tighter, his eyes narrowing. Konoha. He hadn't stepped foot there in four years, not since the heist that changed everything. Back then, he was young, impulsive, and desperate for power—desperate to survive. But in doing so, he'd also painted a target on his back.

"And I'm certain Fū wasn't there in the show… Could it be me?" He thought aloud.

The Hokage's bounty on him still lingered in the Bingo Book. He could almost hear Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice in his head, stern and resolute, demanding his capture. And now, he was willingly walking back into their territory?

Riku exhaled sharply, running a hand through his shoulder length hair. "What am I even doing?" he muttered to himself.

Shiro cawed softly, hopping closer.

"I know," Riku said, his tone softer. "It's stupid. But I don't really have a choice, do I?"

The Chūnin Exams weren't just about proving himself to Takigakure; they were an opportunity. A chance to move up the ranks, to gain resources, and to secure a better position within the village. If he didn't participate, it might raise questions about his loyalty—and the last thing he needed was suspicion.

But the exams themselves posed another problem.

Riku leaned back, staring at the ceiling. Memories of his first life flooded his mind—the vivid images of the Chūnin Exams he'd watched on a screen, the battles, the betrayals, and the destruction. He knew exactly what this year's exams would entail. Orochimaru's invasion. The death and chaos that would follow. And somewhere in the mix, Sasuke Uchiha's curse mark and Naruto Uzumaki's growing strength.

"Do I interfere?" he wondered aloud. "Can I even afford to?"

He knew the timeline like the back of his hand, but meddling with it was dangerous. Changing one event could have unforeseen consequences, and for all he knew, his very presence in the exams might already be altering the course of history.

And then there was the other issue: Konoha's hatred for him.

Riku stood abruptly, pacing the room. His past actions hadn't just burned bridges—they'd obliterated them. If any of the Leaf shinobi recognized him, it could jeopardize everything. He wasn't naïve enough to think he could waltz into the exams without facing scrutiny.

"I need to be careful," he murmured, his voice resolute.

Shiro hopped onto the table, watching him intently.

Riku stopped pacing, his gaze softening as he looked at the magpie. "I'll figure it out," he said, more to himself than to Shiro. "I always do."

---

The next morning, Riku sat on the porch, his thoughts still tangled. The early light bathed the village in a golden glow, and the distant sound of the waterfall provided a soothing backdrop.

Fū's voice broke through the quiet. "You're up early."

Riku turned to see her leaning against the doorway, her usual bright grin tempered with curiosity.

"Couldn't sleep," he admitted.

She plopped down beside him, her green hair catching the sunlight. "Nervous about the exams?"

"Something like that," he said, keeping his tone even.

Fū studied him for a moment, her smile fading slightly. "You know, you don't have to do this alone. We're a team now, remember?"

Riku glanced at her, the weight of her words sinking in. Fū had always been straightforward, her unwavering loyalty both a strength and a weakness. She didn't know the full extent of his past, the secrets he carried, or the danger he might bring to her doorstep by simply being near her.

"I know," he said quietly.

Fū's grin returned, though it was softer this time. "Good. Because no matter what happens, I've got your back."

Riku nodded, but his mind remained heavy. The exams would be a test—not just of his skills, but of his ability to navigate the intricate web of his past, his present, and the uncertain future ahead.

As Fū rambled on about their training schedule for the next few weeks, Riku found himself silently vowing to protect her, no matter the cost. She deserved a future free of the chaos he knew was coming.

And as for Konoha? He'd face it when the time came. For now, he could only prepare.