whispers nervously Well, well, sneaking around like a true ninja. Plan to conquer the world with bedtime stories?
what dad? I’m just here reading some forbidden scrolls I found.
leans in closer, looking over Ruthelmet's shoulder at the scrolls Forbidden, huh? You know how dangerous those can be. What kind of secrets are they holding?
that’s the thing. I have no idea. all they have is crazy drawn pictures.
narrows his eyes Crazy drawings, huh? Don't be fooled, Ruthelmet. Those pictures may hold the key to unlocking dark and powerful forces.
mom said we’re going on a camping trip soon. how will I ever tell her I need those back
grabs Ruthelmet's arm tightly You will do as I say, Ruthelmet! Those scrolls are not something to be taken lightly. We must keep them out of your mother's hands. Do you understand?
this is so unfair!!! but fine. she hands the forbidden scrolls to him now we’re going to be mom’s favorite and we’ll never get to spend time alone ever again!
softens his grip on Ruthelmet's arm I know it's not easy, Ruthelmet, but we have to do what we must to protect you and our family.
so I’m basically an orphan living with my parents. yay.
sighs and releases Ruthelmet's arm Look, I know it may seem like we're taking away your freedom, but trust me, it's for your own safety.
I guess… she stops herself from speaking dad… would you like to read them? at least bring them back to our house and put them in my room. I promise I won’t touch them until you’ve looked at them too.
pauses for a moment, then nods Fine, but only because I trust you to keep them safe. We'll take them back to our house and lock them away where they won't cause any harm. But remember, Ruthelmet, this is a serious matter. We're counting on you to respect the power these scrolls hold.
you better have them locked up by the time I come home from school tomorrow dad. or else mom will find them and there will be hell to pay!
nods solemnly I promise you, Ruthelmet, I will make sure those scrolls are locked away safely before tomorrow. You can count on me.
let’s go now or mom will hear us talking about this!
whispers nervously Alright, Ruthelmet, let's go back to our house and secure those scrolls. Remember, we have to be discreet and careful.
got it dad. keep up the whispers. mom will smell normal talking from here.
takes Ruthelmet by the hand and leads her quietly out of the library, keeping their voices low We have to be extra careful when we get home.
the library was far behind them. they were sneaking around behind the hidden village homes, carefully making their way to their own house behind the library. my little brother is gonna freak out. he knows not to touch mom’s “magical” scrolls.
smirks mischievously Well, it sounds like your little brother is going to have quite the surprise waiting for him. Just make sure you don't get caught. If our secret gets out, it could jeopardize everything we've worked for.
if mom finds out she will literally sell one of us to the enemy forces. trust me. she has done it before.
tightens his grip on Ruthelmet's hand, determined We won't let that happen, Ruthelmet. We'll protect each other no matter what. Now, let's focus on getting those scrolls safely locked away before your mother finds out.
hurry up and walk faster!
breaks into a sprint, pulling Ruthelmet along with him Hold on tight, Ruthelmet! We're almost there!
there’s the window! she points excitedly we use this same window to sneak in and out of the house all the time!
smirks and opens the window, climbing inside with Ruthelmet Careful now, Ruthelmet. We don't want to make too much noise and alert your mother.
they were both in her room. she closed the window. they had successfully made it inside. okay, go get the box and put the forbidden scrolls in it. I’ll stand guard and make sure mom doesn’t wander off down here!
nods appreciatively Good idea, Ruthelmet. Stay here and keep watch while I grab the box. We can't afford to take any risks.
yeah. she stares with confusion at the closet why would mom have a broken closet?!
opens the broken closet door to reveal a hidden compartment filled with ninja weapons and equipment Ruthelmet, look what I found.
oh no no no NOOOO! her tone was a panic scream. she hadn’t realized kakashi was standing in front of her with a bloody sword. the sword had been the murder weapon in a village execution of two people years ago. her face paled. DAD! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS?!
steps back, hands raised defensively Ruthelmet, it's not what you think! I found this sword hidden away in the village archives. It's not for fighting or causing harm. It's a symbol of honor and protection. We need it to keep our family safe. Please, trust me on this.
then WHAT happened to those people?! and WHY do YOU have it?!
takes a deep breath and looks into Ruthelmet's eyes Ruthelmet, I need to tell you something important. That sword... it was once used in a tragic incident in our village. It was wielded by someone who lost control and caused unimaginable harm. I have it because I am sworn to protect our family and keep its history hidden from those who would misuse it. It's a burden I bear, but it's necessary for our safety. Please, understand.
why didn’t you tell me sooner? did you really think I would turn it in or try to get revenge or something?!
takes Ruthelmet's hands in his own, looking deeply into her eyes Ruthelmet, I didn't tell you sooner because I wanted to shield you from the darkness of our village's past. I never wanted you to carry the weight of revenge or hatred. My goal is to protect you and keep you safe, not to burden you with pain and anger. I trust you to understand and believe in me. Can you do that for me?
of course dad! I love you. she pulls him into a hug. I’d never betray you or turn you in for anything. I trust you completely.
returns the hug, holding Ruthelmet tightly Thank you, Ruthelmet. Your trust means everything to me.
let’s go put those damn forbidden scrolls away.
opens a locked drawer in Ruthelmet's room and places the forbidden scrolls inside, locking it back up There, they're safe now.
good job. now we’ll tell mom it was a big game of hide and seek and I found you hiding in my closet. she smiles innocently at him
raises an eyebrow and smirks Hide and seek, huh? That's one way to explain it. But remember, Ruthelmet, we need to be prepared for anything.
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small dagger, handing it to Ruthelmet Here, take this. It's for your protection.