Chapter 1: Cold Shoulder

" Yo Val! "

The words carried throughout the hallway of the Konoha Academy, reaching the ears of it's intended recipient, as well as a few others who made the active choice to ignore it. The Intended recipient was an individual by the name of Yuki Vales, commonly known throughout the academy as Val. This day was much like the other days at the academy for Val, starting off with someone who he met at the academy stopping him before entering the class. The attention shifted from the classroom that was literally two steps away, to the individual that called out his name. At this point he was already able to recognize the individual without having them in sight mainly based off of the Voice, and the fact that this was a repeated pattern for awhile since he met this person. Val remained paused in his position with his signature stoic expression as the individual drew closer towards him. Once the person reached him, another action occurred that happened far too often than it should. The individual raised his arm up to the sky above him and gave Val a slap on the back which would jerk Val forwards just a tiny. What really made this bothersome was the fact that the hand was almost 50% bigger than Val's hand, and that the person didn't hold back too much, assuming that Val could take it due to him never complaining about it. Nonetheless it was rather Painful despite Val not showing it.

" Ready for another awesome day of Class? Today we're supposed to be learning about Hesitation in battle or some jizz like that...If you ask me though, we should be learning about something far more important...like how to rest and not worry about stuff like Grades and stuff. If it wasn't for my Parents, I would be gone Son! ".

His words was met with silence like it would many other times before. It wasn't that Val didn't have anything to say, but he simply just chose not to say anything as the conversation itself didn't need him to actually contribute to it. He did listen though, and with doing so, he formed his own unexpressed opinions about this individual and their lack of interest in something that would play a part in whether they die or survive down the road. The bell rung before the two entered the class, and because of it, they were stopped by the Teacher before they could make their way to their seats.

" Zhael Estoma, Yuki Vales. The two individuals who clearly couldn't show less interest in what I had to teach. Why do you two even come to class huh ? ".

It came to Val's mind to reply, but he didn't due to knowing that the Teacher clearly wasn't interested in getting an Answer from the two. The best thing that they could do, which was what Yuki did, was continue moving to the seat and sit down silently. Zhael on the other hand didn't do the same immediately, meeting the Teacher with a reply of his own.

" Because if I don't come to school, the whole place would become such a snooze-fest and people wouldn't like it. I liven the place up for you and keep the people lively you know ? I need to start charging you for my services at some point ".

In an instant, the temperature of the Teacher increased to high levels, indicated by the comical change of skin color from peach to red, and steam exiting his ears.

" Sit down! you always got something slick to say Zhael! "

" Well I wouldn't have anything slick to say if you didn't ask stupid questions now would I ? ".

It was after that reply, that Zhael made his way over to where he normally sat and took root. Val looked to Zhael, and though he wanted to actually say something, he just met him with a mere gaze and Silence. That silence in this particular situation said a lot more than what it would in many others. He basically called Zhael an Idiot, in which Zhael picked up on in the instant that his eyes connected with Val's.

" Whaaat!? Dude you know Im right. I keep this place alive. It's NOT the whole Ninja thing and fighting; it's me ".

" Don't fool yourself. You're really just an annoyance to be honest. You think you're hot stuff but you're really not. How you and Val are friends I don't know. You're a ball of nothing but annoyance, While Val...we..well he's cool. He's mysterious and it's so hard to read him. He's not a Bad boy but he's not a Good boy either ".

Those words came from directly behind them in the next row, occupied by mainly female students. They belonged to a 5'5" female of a small build and small bust. Her hair stood out among the rest as she possessed Black hair with pink strands, the pink strands being dye to match the style she utilized. Smooth and rather colorful skin with two blue orbs for eyes. Black Top and Pink overalls was what made up her attire, while occasionally switching the order of the two. It was because of the attire that she had acquired a nickname from the individual that she was addressing.

" Hey Overalls, Val is right here you know. If you want to date him then just ask him out. Im sure he wouldn't mind baby sitting some chick who is supposed to be learning to become a Ninja, but coming to school in Overalls. What are you, 5 ? ".

As the two began to engage in what Val considered a pointless banter, the Teacher began the lesson and silence fell amongst them all with the exception of the two that was going at it. It wasn't long before they were silenced by the teacher by means of a Chalk eraser to the face, one flying towards Zhael and the other towards the Young woman named Lily, Aka Overalls by Zhael.

" ...Oh Come on! that got all in my mouth. Gonna taste Chalk all day man. Thats totally not cool "

" At least you look like what you actually are. A Clown if you were too slow to catch onto that. ".

" You two just cant catch a Hint...why must I deal with this shit. Take a playbook from Val and keep your mouth shut, definitely when you're being told to shut up. You would think that Chalk eraser to the face would be enough. I can't wait until the two of you are out of here so you're no longer my Problem. It would be unethical to pass Bad ninjas so please pay attention and learn something so you can get out of here ".

Val looked to both Lily and Zhael look at each other with much contempt for each other and couldn't help but find it quite strange. The two didnt have that much history behind each other to actually be at each others necks like this. Maybe there was some other reason behind it, something that Val missed during their time of hanging together. There would be another time for that though as the class was beginning, and the Info delivered by the teacher would be imperative to the future for Val, and the ones he was associated with.

" There are many things to learn regarding being a Shinobi. The Mission being top Priority, because often enough the state of the village will be at stake pending on the success or the failure of a Mission. Failing a Mission can result in death for us yes, that of which we are prepared for...but there is far so much more than that. Failing a Mission could mean the death of our love ones...those that have been with us most of our lives. It's a situation that we should never have to encounter if we give it our all and push through. Top Priority is to Protect the village at all Cost! to Protect! engrave that into your minds. Some will have you all convinced that it's about Conquering the enemy but it really isn't. It is because of this that every shinobi in here should have their minds set on Protecting the ones they love. There are always enemys out there looking to bring us down. Peoples Minds are always focused on attacking, creating things for offensive purposes...and I know sometimes a Good Offensives makes a good Defensive, but you rarely ever see a Pure Defense nowaday...even in development of Jutsus. I want everyone to tell me who is that that you want to protect. Its with establishing this that many gain their will to fight. Along with telling me this who, tell me why you want to protect them. First up will be Mariene Vintrielle ".

The person who the name belonged to would bring themselves up quickly, not even needing any time to think about it." I want to protect my Parents and my kid Sister. It goes without saying that they mean absolutely everything to me and if I lost them, I wouldn't know what I would do. My Parents did everything to take care of us despite living situations, and I can repay them back by fighting to protect them as a Ninja of the Hidden leaf ".

There was a few claps from other students, as well as the Teacher themselves before Mariene sat back down in their seat. The Teacher would go through alot of students in this exact manner, many of them giving good replies, though there was so little room for bad replies. Many of them revolved around them protecting their blood relatives, some about protecting clans and clan secrets, and some about protecting the very village that they lived in. It wouldn't be too long before the teacher came to Zhael, in which he already had a grim look on his face, and rightly so.

" Let's see...How do I top everyone here. Oh! I got it...I want to Protect everyone in the entire world! because you know...Im just that awesome. I'll Protect us, the people of the village, the enemy, the enemy of the enemies, The enemy of the enemies of the enemies, The enemy of the enemies of the....!".

The Teacher Fist came down upon Zhael's head, knocking him into the ground very hard for his stupidity, followed by a facepalm which slowly dragged down his face. He expected something stupid, but Zhael always seemed to step it up one level higher for no reason." For real ? Are you for real Zhael!? even something as serious as you, you cant help being the class clown. Not having someone to Protect is very sad, and you my dumbass student, and a very sad person. I just really hope your stupidity one day wont get someone who doesn't deserve to die Killed. You need to shape up and grow up real fast because its really not looking good for you ".

Zhael rubbed his head slightly as he picked himself up from the ground, looking to the Proffesor with and slight smirk on his face." My good boy, I am serious. I joke around alot, but when it comes down to it...I am very cereal. Im going to become so awesome that Im going to protect everyone. You can't see it because you have yet to realize my epicness. It'll come to you though and you're be all like...I tought him in the Academy. I love him so much and I want him to have my daughter children ".

At that point everyone in the class started laughing, all except 3 individuals, which was the Teacher, Lily, and Val. Val expression was as it always was, while Lily and the Teacher was more on the annoyed side. There wasn't much to be said to Zhael at this point, and there entertaining the notion would have been stupid on the Teacher side so he turned in the direction of Val before asking the same thing to him. Val thought for a moment, taking far longer than anyone else did to answer and couldn't come up with an Answer.

It was in this instance that Val's expression clearly become visible to match his state of mind. His eyes widened just for an instant at the surprise of not being able to come up with someone to protect. The orbs would lower to the ground and slowly close as he did his best to think of someone to protect. There really wasn't anyone to protect in his life if complete honesty was waranted in this discussion. While his mother was a Waitress, she was a well accomplished Jounin with the skills to not only defend herself, but take down enemies that either outnumbered her, and in some occasions outmatched her in strength. To want to protect someone who was very well capable of protecting themselves at the time seem like a complete waste to Val, which was why he didn't reply. There was quite a period of silence, only to be broken by the Teacher." You don't have anything worth Protecting ? "

Apparently having this thing was important to becoming a Shinobi, and while there wasn't no shame coming from him for not having so, it would be needed for him to become a successful Shinobi. Even more importantly than that, to have something driving him was something needed despite the Yuki not realizing it too much. As it stood right now, his sole reason for getting into this stuff was because his mother thought it was a good idea, making becoming a Shinobi a mere Task to be completed and not a Goal to be achieved. Not many understood the innerworkings of his mind, so many would be left either confused or surprised by certain information gained regarding him and even his reactions to certain situations. There was a sigh that was released from the teacher as he shook his head." It's alright as it stands now, but cannot stand to be much longer...so I'll tell you what. Im going to allow some time for you to think on this. The rest of the class time will be dedicated towards practicing and Training of ones physical capabilities as well as Jutsu training. While doing so, you think hard on the state of your life and find a reason worth fighting for...a reason worth Protecting. I expect the Answer from you by the end of the day. Is that clear Vales ? ". This was honestly a big order for the Yuki, and he wasn't sure if he could come up with The Answer by the end of the day. To be stuck in a verbal contract with someone while having a time constraint in which the contract must be completed was not something he was used to at any point. Nonetheless, the Head of the Yuki motioned up and down simply comfirming that he understood. The Teacher brought his hand up quickly, indicating the end of the in-doors class period and the start of some training between the students themselves. The three individuals, Lily, Zhael, and Val got up at the exact same time, and made their way towards the doorway that lead to the outside.

" Alright! the Open air, and no lectures. This is the part that I like very much...So Val, you really don't have anything in your life that is worth fighting for ? "

" He probably do, it's just that he's too cool to tell us. He's keeping up what makes him liked by everyone. You gotta understand that if he did, it would probably make him look soft hearted, and it'll tip the scale into the good man. He's sooo ".

" Alright enough of the Fangirl stuff Overalls. This is serious. I joke around a lot, and even more so with the teacher, but even I have a reason to fight. Even if it's a very stupid one, it's still one. Val is my Friend and so I have to be serious when I hear something like this. What about you're Mother ? Doesn't she matter to you ? ".

Val turned to Zhael and nodded slightly in response. She did matter to him, but even if he wanted to Protect her, she didn't need it.

" Maybe a Clan ? are you apart of one ? I never really found that out about you really, among many things. You don't look like you belong to a particular group, though looks can be very deceiving. Wait! I think I got it! How about you and Lily become Boyfriend and girlfriend, and you fight for her ? I know its a horrible idea but its better than nothing. Honestly if it was me...I would probably Kill Myse...!"

A Punch would interrupt his sentence in a similar manner to earlier, though being far more aggressive. The Hit would send him straight down into the ground very quickly. Lily patted her hands together in a motion that would give individuals the idea she was either dusting dirt off her hands, which was often used by people who just completed some sort of physical activity.

" That's enough of your stupidity you freaking jerk! I can't stand you sometimes, and by sometimes I mean all the freaking time! Sheeesh! anyways...Val completely ignore the portion of this fools words that only a fool would speak. It's alright if you dont have a real reason worth fighting for. You're cool and probably really strong...you know what!? Maybe that can be the reason for you to Fight. Your Strength in the world is something worth protecting, definitely in a world where strength itself is Important ".

There was a few nods that followed with those words, all of which came from Lily. Val on the other hand gave thought to that reason and couldn't find himself agreeing or disagreeing with her. It was definitely a route worth considering, and thinking about his current standing in strength, it wouldn't be completely absurd. He gave thought into his current knowledge regarding his clan, their abilities, and where he stood. He began motioning his hands in a manner that looked like Handseals, but appeared incomplete to both Zhael and Lily due to the fact that it was being utilized with a Single hand.

Lily turned towards Val, looking at him as he made the motion with his hands and in that instant she assumed that he didn't know any actual jutsus simply because to her, he appeared to be doing the hand seals completely wrong. Her eyes began twitching from her thought earlier of thinking that he was strong. At this age, being able to perform even the very basic stuff indicated a great deal of strength amongst the academy students, and in order to perform jutsus, one needed to know what handseals was required for them. Val looked at Lily as she made a complete Handseal and performed the Kawarimi no Jutsu. A Poof of smoke appeared with a Log appearing where she was. What she didn't know was that Val already understood the Technique, though did not understand why she performed it.

" That's the...".

Before she could finish her Sentence, she saw that Val was no longer where he was before, and in place of him was also a Log.

" I can...see you already know that ".

Both Lily and Zhael would look towards Val's new location, only to find that there was another Lily standing there instead.

" Among other stuff ".

" Im sorry. I assumed you didn't know any Jutsus because of...well you looking to be making Handseals, but with one hand which was weird. Its Impossible to make Hand seals with just one hand ".

There was a great deal of uncertainty in her voice, in which Val did not reply to. There were many things that he knew that would blow Lily's mind, and without reason, he wouldn't do so. He did however continued to display what abilities he possessed by making a handseal with both of his hands and creating a 4 other Val's beside him, displaying the Bushin no Jutsu.

" I knew he could do this already. Val is by no means a amateur when it comes to fighting and utilizing Techniques. I'll like to add in that I myself have been a great inspiration for him utilizing some of the greatest techniques in the world! like Zhael's Super Ultra Omega Genjutsu breaking Technique! The ultimate Technique that is capable of breaking out of any kind of Genjutsu, and can even increase the person's IQ by alot...True Story ".

Zhael puffed his chest out almost as if he was proud of that Boldface lie, and Val watched.

" Sooo...Val also knows Kai and the Clone skill I take it. I was right in my assumption then! but do you know how to handle a weapon ? Sometimes in battle you will need alot more than just Jutsus to get you out alive ".

The expression on her face was that of a person hoping to be shown something amazing, and Val did not disappoint her. He slowly nodded his head, before holding his hand out almost as if he was Holding a Rapier. While he could use other weapons, the Rapier was a weapon of choice, and he displayed motions that showed that he clearly knew what he was doing. Lily cheered him on as she couldnt help but squeal like a fangirl. The Rapier was a choice that she could picture a Knight in shining armor. There wasn't too much to know at this point in time, nor much to actually display to them. The other Technique that Val possessed was the Konoha Shunshin no Jutsu, which there was no actual real reason to display that to them, so he would keep it to himself. They both looked to Yuki Val, trying to figure this odd individual out.

" He knows the stuff Overalls. He also have to have had some kind of motivation for learning the stuff though. It wasn't like his mother just asked him to go to school to become a Ninja and he just agreed ".

As much of a joke it was, it was quite close to the truth. There was no personal reason as to why he was attending the academy besides a request. This was something that no other individual was aware of except himself, and he didn't intend to make it known unless someone specifically asked. Some time had passed as the three had been there interacting with each other, some more than others clearly. In trying to figure him out, Zhael finally asked Val what they had stumbled across earlier.

" I never actually asked...but do you belong to a Clan ? ".

It was at that instance, Val paused for a moment, giving a moment of silence before actually replying to him. He didn't have any problem telling Zhael, but that moment of pause was him reflecting back on what he talked about with his mother regarding the clan that he belonged to. He wanted to be accurate in the information that would probably be needed to answer any follow up questions.

Flashback
Home/Sunday/8:30pm
The Sun had set for today, the people of the village having gone home for the day to rest for the coming day. This was no different for Val. He had been out all day trying to gain information on how to apply for the academy, and eventually got the information along with handling getting enrolled by himself. Task Oriented was what he was, and join the academy was one of them, issued by his mother, though not in such a cold manner. Upon hearing him walk through the door, she untied the apron from her waist, placing it on a chair as she began making her way towards the Young Yuki. They stood before each other, one looking up with a stoic look, while the other one was the complete opposite. She looked down to him with so much emotion infused into her face, one of a Proud Mother happy to see her youngling." Val...You have no idea how much it makes me happy to see you here. I think about you every single day, praying that your Foster Family is taking good care of you. She knelt down slightly before running her hand through his hair playfully." Word around is that my little man is in the Academy now. I knew you would be able to do it on your own. You didn't need your Mom handling everything for you, though I wish I could have ". She giggled slight, giving a soft, sincere smile." If your Dad...". She paused for a moment before sniffling slightly." If only he could see you now...I know for a fact that he would be so Proud of you too ". She couldn't help but reminisce about the Past as she talked to her son, but she didn't want to bring up the bad times, so she would immediately switch subjects to School." Soooo does the school seem nice ? Im sure you'll learn a lot of things there and become a Shinobi in your own right. School can be kind of tough, but I know my little man will be able to tough it out just like you do everything. Even so, I feel that there are some things you should know before hand, which will Pave the way for you in life, and the many choices you make. Take your shoes off and join me in the Kitchen ".

Following the removal of his shoes, Both Val and his Mother began making their way towards the kitchen, sitting down in the seats that surrounded the Dining Table. His mother didn't have a very serious expression on her face, but the expression along the way shifted to a slightly more concerned one. There was silence for a mere moment before Val's mother continued Speaking. " In the Academy...no...in the world. There are individuals who dislike people for being different than them. Its Hatred for no real reason as every single one of us are different. It's actually the worse kind of Hatred because it acts as an opposing force to unification of everyone. It's why your Father...". She barely kept herself from tearing, and managed to keep her composure. She took a deep breath before continuing." You and I...We're different than many of the people hear. We belong to a Clan...a group of individuals with different traditions, teachings, and abilities that no others possess. Besides yourself and me, I dont know anyone else so its a very small group. We possess very unique abilities with Ice, doing with it that again, many others cannot. It's because of this that people may view you as Different. Being different isn't a bad thing now, but some people as mentioned before hate Different, and may react to it in a very unique...unfriendly way. It is because of this that you should avoid utilizing your last name in greatings, and even amongst Friends. When you get stronger, you'll come to learn many of the techniques passed down by our clan. Heck even I'll teach you them myself when the time comes, but until then...refrain from displaying your abilities in a way that will allow people to make connections. Im not saying dont use them...whether its in a spar, or in actual combat...Fight with everything you got, but try not to let anyone know where you and your abilities hail from. Try to blend in as much as possible, make friends, and enjoy yourself. No one really needs to know that you're of the Yuki Clan. It'll make things...alot easier ". She gave a gentle smile before placing her hand gently on Val's Face. Val nodded his head slightly in response to her.
End Flashback

" Yuki ".

" Yuki ? That does not sound familiar at all. Are you for real about this ? You aren't just making this name up to mess with me are you ? That would be completely messed up if you're just pulling my leg ".

Val shook his head, indicating that he wasn't pulling anyones leg and was completely serious in his reply. While his mother told him to keep information regarding the Clan Secret, he didn't find any real issue about revealing the name itself. If anything they could have gotten then name off an official document in the Academy if they really wanted to know that bad, so why not. There was a slight silence that followed the revealing of the Last name, only to be broken by Zhael.

" Sooo....Your name is Yuki Vales. That's kinda cool actually, though not cooler than mines. So tell me about your Clan. There is very little that I know about you when I actually think about it. There is nothing really personal that I know, heck I didnt even know that you possessed nothing worth fighting for, something in which we will get back on once I learn more. Maybe learning about you will help me help you get that reason worth fighting for ".

A Smirk appeared on his face as he brought his thumb up to his chest. His chest puffed out in a comical way as he stood there like some kind of heroic figure. Val smirked slightly before shaking his head, with the idea that Zhael had problems. Still it was actually kind of warming seeing individuals in light spirits like Zhael was. He wouldn't give any real information though due to the request of his mother. " Theres nothing really to it really ". It was far from the truth, but he felt like it would shut that down.

" Awww so your clan is just another run of the mill clan that have nothing special about them ? ".

It was with that question, Val would once again go about to the times that he would visit his Mom regarding the Clan, and the unique abilities as he got stronger.

Flashback
Home/Saturday/6:12pm
Both him and his mother stood in the bathroom, a place normally known for Privacy, which made it really strange that the two of them was in there together. The both of them was fully clothed, though like always the expressions of the two were completely different. The mother was giggling slightly and shaking her head. " I remember when we would bathe together, and I would clean your hair while you sat there pouting. I know it's hard to believe, but you wasnt a huge fan of someone else messing with your hair. Such great Memories, but tonight will be something different. We could go out in the woods and find something like a river or something, but that Risk exposure, and you remember what I told you before ". Val gave a slight nod as he continued to listen in on what she had to say.

" Our Clan are almost one with the Ice element...So much so that we're able to Utilize one handed handseals to perform techniques of said element. We can also use them for Techniques of Wind and Water Nature, but that'll best be saved for when you actually learn of Chakra Natures. Just know Jutsus of Water, Wind, and Ice element can be utilized with relative ease, to the point where we dont even need both of our hands to do them like most Shinobi in the world ". She brought her hand up slightly, making a Single hand seal, causing water to motion up out of the Tub and make its way slowly towards Val. His eyes widened in amazement, though that would be all that would display such emotion. His mouth did not adjust in the least. " This alone gives a a very huge advantage over our foes, and even more so if we make it hidden. The thing about hand seals is that they are needed for almost all Ninjutsus, and a huge Con to that is that it telegraphs when you're about to take actions, but if you can take action without telegraphing anything...you can defeat your enemies before the battle even begins. It is because of this that Members of our clan also made very very good Assassins. You can just make a handseal with one hand, not even needing to motion it into a specific position, and can defeat your mark off that Bat. One Technique that works absolutely well with this is Sensatsu Suisho. I wont be teaching you this technique, but you'll be learning it yourself. I'll tell you about it though to help you get a grasp of utilizing it. When you get better with your Chakra, you'll be able to mold it in a manner of giving it physical form. You can create these needles from Water, but to be truly effective...You'll have to pull the water from the very Air and shape it into an Ice needle. The More Chakra you utilize, the more Needles you can create to Annihilate your enemies. Rememeber this and you'll be on your way to becoming a full blown Yuki. Use these abilities to protect...alright Son ? Don't be like your Fool of  a Mother ".
End Flashback

He shook his head, denying that there was actually anything special regarding his Clan. He wasn't going to go any deep than the name itself. Zhael shrugged and had to accept it at this point. Lily also thought that it was kind of Bland to be of a Clan with no unique abilities. Right before they continued on, The Instructor would call everyone in to get in a few lessons before the day ended. Val Followed Zhael and Lily into the Room, making their way back to their seats. A few minutes passed before the Class was Over, and the group was on their way out. Before he could exit the room, the Instructor would call him over to the desk, leaving his friends to leave alone. " So...? ". Val knew what he was asking, but sadly enough he couldn't reply any different than before.

" I don't have...The Answer ".