For now, she had to act the part and gave a nod with a blank face. As blank as a toddler could be at this point. Mikoto was not even shocked anymore, that Ryoko understood her question. After that visit to the doctor, her parents started to regard her more like an actual person and not just a stupid baby.
"Ryoko, honey, you have to always remember where you come from. You are an Uchiha. Today I will read you a book about one of our greatest leaders. Lord Madara Uchiha," Mikoto spoke as the two settled on the sofa. Ryoko was held carefully in her arms, while Itachi, the already walking bastard, got to his mother's side by himself.
The kids, even being as small as they were, were completely consumed by the story of a powerful man, by some called as the savior of this world.
"He was the eldest brother, just like you, Itachi," Mikoto smiled at him as she showed a drawing of the Uchiha family. It was old. There were five children and two parents.
"He was considered as a genius for his tactics during the war," she continued to talk about the various fights that were documented. Ryoko stopped listening at that point.
This was just too weird for her.
Her ancestor, Madara Uchiha, led an army? Was good at tactics? That is great and all, but this is exactly what her former father said about their ancestors! He said that her great great great great great great grandfather led armies against Rome and was even referred to as the 'Father of Strategy'. Coincidence? Maybe.
Or maybe it was destiny.
Somehow, Ryoko felt closer to this new family of hers. The similarities were uncanny, but not unwelcome. They were proof of her being in the right place.
This Madara also sounded like a great guy, she thought, looking at his drawing in the book. He looked tall and strong. She would never forget the confident stance he had. It looked like not even a storm could budge him from the place he stood.
With great concentration, the girl tried to cross her baby arms in the same manner as Madara did on his chest. No luck.
"Oh, baby, are you tired already?" Mikoto smiled kindly at her wriggling form. She yawned in response. Before her mother stood up, Ryoko already closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take over. All the time cursing her weak body to filth.
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The days go by quickly when you're asleep most of the time. Ryoko couldn't tell how much time passed since her death and birth, but she felt herself growing. Slowly, but steady. Her waking hours were filled with Mikoto showering her with attention. Food that tasted weird, but acceptable. Her stone face father, that would melt if she secretly sent a smile his way instead of her usual frown.
Then there was Itachi. Her big brother and the most adorable being she ever met. When they played together, he was mindful of her. Very gentle and calm. Patient, when she couldn't reach something or grasp it.
Ryoko loved her brother. The feeling felt natural like breathing. And she could see that he cared in his own way. They weren't speaking yet, but they communicated with their eyes and actions.
Once, he gave her his favorite plush toy - a black raven. She cuddled the bird for dear life.
They would spend hours playing with rubber toys. Later, she heard parents calling them 'kunai' and 'shuriken'. Weapons, huh? Honestly, it was refreshing to see a family so… armed. She wondered when she could get her first knife.
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"Hello there, Ryoko-chan. My name is doctor Fuji," a man with a white coat introduced one day. She was just opening her eyes from a nice nap when she found her surroundings had changed from the familiar home.
She obviously said nothing as her vocal cords refused to produce words that would make sense. Until then, she refused the indignity of childish blabbering. So the girl stared at him suspiciously instead.
"I have these cool blocks. Can you show me where they would go?"
They were sitting on a plush carpet. Her father and mother stood nearby watching every move as proper helicopter parents would.
Ryoko glanced at the geometric figures placed in front of her. There was also a little box with matching shape cavities. She looked up at the doctor. Back at the block. Back at the doctor.
This was stupid and beyond her capabilities. For a moment, Ryoko seriously considered playing dumb, but her instincts told her that it would be more suspicious than showing off her intellect. Okay, I'll bite… she decided to show at least a little bit.
Carefully, but decisively Ryoko grabbed one block after the other and shoved them in the rightful place. There was only one block left. It was a round red ball. There was no shape for it on the box.
Ryoko narrowed her eyes while spinning the box. Nop. No round cavity. She didn't want to leave the ball out. For crying out loud, she had the mind of a grown-ass woman! She could figure it out…
Eventually, Ryoko settled in placing the round ball into a square shape that at least matched the color. It went in easily.
"Oh! Very well done," the doctor nodded. She couldn't yet tell if he was faking it or not.
Then she got a couple more tests. One to pair words with pictures. Another with numbers and pictures. And then she fell asleep.
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"Uchiha-sama, have you been reading to her?"
"Yes? Is there something wrong?" the woman asked as they were having a follow-up conversation with the doctor the next day. Both kids were left at home.
"Oh no! Not at all. I could tell, you see, reading helped young Ryoko-chan to connect words and sounds with their meaning. It is very impressive."
"Well, of course. She is an Uchiha," Fugaku scoffed, but he was proud. Somewhere deep deep inside.
"My initial suspicions were confirmed. She is a very quick learner. Truly clever girl. Gifted, if I may say so myself. She has good problem-solving skills and well, my recommendations still stand."
"And they are?"
"Let her rest as much as she needs, but supply her with opportunities to learn to keep her mind engaged. Books, reading. Maybe try teaching her already. Has she spoken yet?"
The two parents glanced at each other.
"No, she hasn't. I sometimes hear her trying to make sounds, but when she notices me, she stops," Mikoto complained.
"Ah, shy maybe?"
"Nonsense," Fugaku crossed his arms defensively. No child of his was shy.
"Well, encourage it. Maybe try singing?" the doctor suggested looking at Mikoto, who to be fair, looked far less intimidating than her husband. Dealing with clan heads was a dangerous line to walk. Insult their child, and you could very well end up dead.
"Alright," the woman agreed.
"What about Itachi? Has he spoken yet?"
"Yes, he is using almost full sentences now," Fugaku added.
"Good, we should probably expect no less from Ryoko. Don't push her too hard," the doctor added delicately earning another defensive stare.
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Today Ryoko awoke feeling far more energetic than usual. She found herself in a crib at least. Waking not at home was not the best thing for her instincts. At least her parents let her sleep now after the visit to the hospital.
The girl yawned and looked around flexing her tiny hands. She grew. Still chubby, but at least her grasp got better. Time to explore! she smirked to herself and looked around.
She could hear Mikoto in another room humming. She couldn't feel her father's presence anywhere near. It was an odd feeling actually. Similar to when you can feel a predator next to you, but it didn't put her uneasy. His presence was like a humming sound she felt within.
Even Mikoto had that same buzzing presence about her. And her brother. So Ryoko guessed that it probably was nothing to be concerned about. Actually, it allowed her to orientate and predict if any people were around. Very handy.
Carefully Ryoko lifted herself up. A week ago she made her first couple of shaky steps. Mikoto cried. Itachi clapped his hands. And Fugaku nodded with approval.
Now the cribs rail was a bit more challenging. It took a couple of tries to heave herself over it. Mother would always get so worried when she did that. Ryoko on the other hand felt rather mischievous when she got a chance to get out of her mother's sight.
Mikoto sometimes would call her 'a little ninja'. Ryoko liked that. Being a ninja sounded exciting. But ninja's need to have weapons and that was her goal for today.
Carefully and quietly the little girl wobbled out of her room and looked around. In the living room, she noticed one katana on display. It was perched on a small shelf. Accessible.
The weapon was heavy. She couldn't really hold on to it and it dropped to the floor when she tried to reach for it. Well, now she could reach it, so the goal was achieved.
Happily, Ryoko grasped onto the handle and pulled. The blade glimmered in the light. Her eyes looked with awe over the shiny metal. A tiny hand reached for it.
"RYOKO!" a yelp startled her and her hand slipped. She turned around to see her father standing in the doorway, face red with anger and concern. Huh, she didn't even feel him like usual. Interesting.
The next second he was crouched by her side scooping her from the ground. His eyes shined red again as he looked down at her hand. Ryoko looked down too. Oh. Her hand was bleeding. She didn't even register it.
Even now, the pain was nothing. She had worse. Sincerely puzzled the girl looked up at him wondering if he would get upset with her.
"Hn. Don't ever do that again, okay, Ryoko?" he said calmly, but his lips were pursed in emotion she could not read. It wasn't anger though, so she smiled back at him.
"NINJA!" she giggled pushing for her voice not to crack or stumble on the syllables. By the shocked expression on his face, Ryoko gathered that she said it right.
"Hn," was all that Fugaku said after a long sigh.