The Unknown Goddess: A Naruto Fan-fic

Chapter 11

Hiruzen found himself staring at the young blonde in front of him. Her eyes were devoid of any emotion as per usual. Her mouth was a tin line and her brows were furrowed. He wondered what was transpiring in that head of hers. She was an odd one, Athena. She went missing for hours on end and just appeared in his office as if she didn't become a ghost. She didn't speak of her whereabouts or why she explored on her own. She made it very clear that she wasn't interested in sharing her private expeditions in the village.

The old man sighed as the silence stretched to uncomfortable length. It's a first knowing a child that makes almost no noise. She's always quiet and reserved. She doesn't seem to care about anyone or anything at all. Including herself. He has been informed of her reckless behavior during her training. She didn't care about hurting herself and seemed indifferent to the dangers around her. Such a child was an inigma and Hiruzen did not know how to confront her. She wasn't like Naruto, who was cheerful despite his situation. Most often than not she gave off a somber aura.

How does one go about such a child?

"Athena "

Emotionless eyes stared up at him. She didn't seem interested in whatever he wanted to say. He didn't know if that was what she was feeling at the moment or not. It's unnerving feeling those eyes on him. To see such lack of emotion on a child's face.

"Care to tell me why you ventured off on your own? "

Silence.

Athena only stared at him. Not once did any form of emotion cross her face or enter her eyes. Hiruzen was almost convinced she was incapable of experiencing any. But he knew she could. He saw it himself. It was a beautiful and rare sight.

"No"

The old man took a puff of his pipe. He continued to stare at the five year old and she met his gaze unwavering.

"Athena" he sighed. "It isn't very wise to disappear like that"

"I'm aware of that old man" her voice was flat and devoid of any hint of emotion. Hiruzen was slightly impressed with the child's skill in containing her emotions. She'd make a great ANBU. "I can't find it in myself to care or worry about that factor"

"You are a very odd child " another puff of hid pipe. "I suppose we can move on for now. Guy has informed me of your progress. He's quite impressed with your growing skill. He plans on teaching you a very powerful taijutsu skill"

"The eight gates"

Hiruzen blinked and sighed again. Of course. He was a fool for thinking Athena was unaware.

"Yes. He finds you worthy and strong enough to learn and fully master the technique"

Athena raised an eyebrow.

"But? "

It seems she already sensed the afterthought before it even left the Hokage's lips.

"Your indifference to your own wellbeing concerns me and I fear that learning such a technique with your mindset could be dangerous for you"

Athena didn't seem impressed.

"I'm going to assume you don't care about the danger"

Athena nodded.

"What could have possibly developed this indifference in you? "

Athena frowned and crossed her arms. Finally an emotion crossed her eyes. Sadly Hiruzen failed to identify it for it was non existent the second it was introduce. Athena uncrossed her arms and started to play with her necklace with a far off look in her eyes. Hiruzen didn't know if she was aware of it or not, but she was slowly rocking back and forth as she stared past him.