"Motoko! Kyo!"
Sodaima sighed. They were so impossible to wake up in the morning, all because they probably stayed out late training or maybe even were out pranking people for all he knew. He kept calling them nonetheless, he couldn't let them sleep in today not now that he had such important news for them.
Kyo groaned as he turned in his bed trying to catch a few more seconds of sleep but when he heard Sodaima call urgently for the umpteenth time he reluctantly got up. "Yeah coming!"
"Damn," Motoko cursed as she reluctantly sat up in her bed. "It is still dark outside!"
She contemplated whether she would get away with it if she went back to sleep and lied that she didn't hear him but she doubted it. Sure Sodaima was nice and let her often off but he didn't appreciate lying although that never stopped her from doing it...
Her train of thought was caught short by her sensei's urgent call. "Yeah yeah I'm on my way."
She stumbled groggily across the room and opened her door and released a high pitched scream when she fell over a big bump right in front of her door.
Kyo had apparently decided too sleepy to walk to fall asleep on Motoko's doormat and the poor guy was awoken by her scream not noticing that she was on top of him but jumped up with a startled shriek which caused Motoko to land square on her butt.
"What? What? Are we under attack?" He suddenly yelled with a partly confused and partly determined look on his face. He looked so ridiculously hilarious that Motoko would have laughed at him if she wasn't so pissed.
Then he realized it was just her massaging her sore butt still on the floor. "What?! Is it just you?! What are screaming your head off in MY room? Huh?"
"K-Y-O." She hissed voicing his name carefully and raised her fist, there were even visible veins popping out on her head, and then all hell broke loose.
Sodaima heard what sounded unmistakably like an agitated cat fight between two very short-tempered cats and sure enough when they both came in Kyo was bruised all over and Motoko seemed out of breath.
"You called sensei," Motoko said rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Yes I did, now why were you two fighting just a few seconds ago?"
"He/she started it!" They both exclaimed at the same time.
"Weren't you the one screaming for no apparent reason? Huh?" Kyo turned on Motoko.
"That was because you tripped me on purpose, you moron!" Motoko defended.
"No I did not!"
"Oh yes you did!"
"Did not!"
"Did so!"
"Enough!" Sodaima sensei finally exploded. "Stop your bickering I've something important to tell you."
Motoko and Kyo who had been neck and neck staring daggers into each other's eyes suddenly lost interest in what they were doing and directed their full attention to their sensei. It was rare for Sodaima to have anything to tell other than scold them about their behavior which happened quite often but today he looked more serious than usual so they hurriedly took a seat in front of their sensei still in their pajamas.
"Something wrong, sensei?" Motoko asked serious all of a sudden.
He silently shook his head.
"Then why don't you just tell us?" Kyo demanded rather impatiently.
"We've to wait for Akira to arrive before I can tell you anything," sensei replied.
"Why don't you guys go and clean up while we wait."
"Yeah sure," they both reluctantly agreed as they really wanted to hear what their sensei had to say but they had to what they were told or else they were in for a whole lecture about how patient a shinobi should be. They couldn't have that so they got up.
- 1 hour later-
'What the heck is he doing?' Motoko thought irritated mentally balling her fist. She had changed out of her pajamas and was now wearing a black sleeveless shirt and matching black pants and black fingerless gloves. They went well with her waist long red that cascaded down her back and ocean blue eyes. She was wearing her headband on her forehead.
'He's so gonna get it for making me wait so long,' Kyo scowled and had developed an extra big vein on his forehead. He gripped his sword a little tighter.
Sodaima sits up a little and faces the door.
'He must've arrived,' Kyo thinks after he sees his sensei's actions.
A brunette with grey eyes bursted through the doors. "Sorry I'm late sensei, my alarm clock wasn't working properly," he apologizes with a nervous grin.
"It's ok Akira, you arrived just in time," sensei replied coolly.
'He so did not!' Both Kyo and Motoko mentally shouted at the same time sending Akira venomous glares.
"Did something happen?" Akira asked surprised when he saw Kyo and Motoko sitting silently in front of their sensei. It was quite a rare sight to see them sitting peacefully together in one room.
"No, there was just something I wanted to inform you about,"
Akira nodded and found himself immediately a seat in front of Sodaima giving him his full attention. All three of his students now sat attentively in front of him and he couldn't help but reminisce in the past.
'They have all grown up so much, it's about time I told them,'
"C'mon sensei tell us already," Motoko whined.
"Yeah we've been waiting all morning," Kyo chimes in.
Akira's eyes widen in shock. 'Those two never agree about anything, this must really be important,'
"Motoko! Kyo! Akira! Listen carefully! I'm only going to say this once and I'm not gonna repeat myself!" Sodaima sensei said with much authority and dignity. If they weren't paying attention before they sure did now! They all looked up with blazing curiosity, at least there was something that was driving them.
"I'm going to tell you about a story that happened only twelve years ago," Sodaima mysteriously began and his pupils nodded their heads enthusiastically-well except for Kyo-. "An evil demon fox attacked a village killing most of its citizens but fortunately enough for the village they were saved by their Hokage, the fourth to be more exact, the Hokage decided to seal the fox inside a newborn baby and thus the newborn became a jinchuriken."
Both Akira and Kyo sent Motoko a look upon hearing the last part whereas she dug her nails into her left shoulder.
"And?" Kyo inquired.
"That's the end of the story,"
"But what happened to the newborn?" Motoko demanded.
"Oh he's still alive and kicking,"
"He? So he's a guy?" Motoko said smiling wide.
"Well naturally,"
"Seems like you know a lot about this so called village," Akira crossed his arms resting his chin thoughtfully in one.
"Well of course it's my home village," Sodaima explained. "And Motoko's too."
"It is?!" Motoko exclaimed excitedly. "Where's it? What's it called?"
"The village hidden in the leaves,"
Motoko tapped her head thoughtfully and then snapped her fingers with excitement. "Isn't that Konoha?"
"Konoha?" Kyo repeated puzzled.
"Yeah it's one of the hidden villages," Akira exclaimed.
"Well we gathered that much from what sensei said, smartypants,"
"Do you even know what a hidden village is, Kyo?"
Kyo stared back with a blank expression giving nothing away but after knowing him so long Akira could easily tell that he didn't know by the lack of his reply.
"Sometimes I wonder how you guys even managed to graduate from the academy,"
"Because I'm just that awesome!"
"You are so full of yourself,"
"Why don't you explain what the hidden villages are Akira?" Sodaima quickly interrupted before Kyo could get riled up by Motoko's little comment.
"Yeah sure, sensei," understanding lit his onyx eyes. And then he lunches into a long explanation about The Five Great Ninja Nations boring Kyo enough that he forgets about Motoko's little insult.
"I get that you and Motoko are from there and all but why're you telling us that now?" Kyo questioned.
"Because I want to send you there for the chunin exams,"
"Chu-nin exams," both Motoko and Kyo pronounced slowly before glaring at each other. "What's that?"
"Akira will you do the honors again,"
"I certainly will do it again, sir," Akira gave Kyo a pointed look when he emphasized again.
Motoko snickered at Kyo who growled and she decided to just add a little bit more salt to the wound by snickering. "Again."
His scowl and growl deepened.
"Chunin exams are the exams you take in order to rise a rank from genin to chunin," Akira explained.
"Really so you mean that I'm getting a rank closer to Sodaima sensei?"
Akira nodded.
"I'm so in!"
"So am I,"
"And I'm too,"
"So when are we leaving sensei?" Motoko eagerly asked.
"Today actually," Sodaima informed them as he stood up. "You're all setting out in just a few minutes but first I have to talk to you individually," he said. "come into my room one at a time."
And with that sensei left to enter his room.
They all followed and were standing in front of his room when Akira decided to ask the obvious. "So who's going in first?"
"Me of course," Motoko scoffed taking a step closer to the room.
"In your dreams," Kyo smirked shoving her out of the way.
"No, I'm!" Akira shoved him out of the way.
And thus the battle for the right to enter the door first began.
Sodaima released a long sigh. He was starting to have second thoughts about sending them. They had no sense of teamwork whatsoever.
"Kyo you first,"
Kyo smirked triumphantly. "Out of the way, losers,"
O_O
Kyo stepped into the room.
"Please take a seat," Sodaima offered him.
And he complied.
"Now Kyo I don't have much to tell before you go but there's one crucial thing you've to remember,"
Kyo nodded.
"You must not under no circumstances use your sword,"
He almost nodded again but then the full meaning hit him.
"WHAT?!" He exclaimed instead. "Why?!"
"Kyo the sword hasn't accepted you as its owner yet," Sodaima calmly explained. "Besides its power is too much for you to handle."
"Are you telling me that I can't surpass him?"
"No but it's going to take you some time," Sodaima replied. "You're nowhere near his level of power yet."
"I understand," Kyo mumbled before he got up and headed for the door. "But remember this sensei," he stopped in front of the door his hands on the handle. "I'm going to surpass him no matter what and then ..." he paused thoughtfully. "Well he should know more than anyone what's going to happen next."
He exited without another word.
'Kyo ...' Sodaima had a resigned sad look in his eyes.
"Call Akira next," Sodaima called softly after him.
Motoko who had been sitting on the railing the whole time impatiently awaiting her turn jumped down as soon Kyo exited. "Is it my turn now?"
Kyo gave her a long thoughtful look as though he was actually considering it raising Motoko's hopes-
"Uhm ... no," -but only to crush them. "He told me to call Akira next."
"Yay!" An excited Akira exclaimed bump fisting the air before entering the room.
Motoko's face momentarily fell before she remembered how Kyo had tricked her, she clenched her hands in fury. "Why you little ..."
-0_0-
"Yes, sensei you called," Akira politely said taking a seat.
"Yes I did, I know you might not like to hear this but as the most responsible of you three I have decided to appoint you the leader of your squad," Sodaima calmly informed him.
"But sensei-"
"You know very well as much as I do that Kyo and Motoko don't agree on anything so I'm very certain that they are going to listen to you,"
'Can't argue with that,' Akira sweat dropped.
"As the team captain you should already know that you have to ensure the safety of your team especially Motoko," Sodaima continued, Akira nodding at the appropriate times. "We never know what might happen if she was to face an opponent stronger than her, so keep your eyes on her," he warned. "As for Kyo make sure that he doesn't use his sword unless it's absolutely necessary."
"I understand sensei,"
"That's all,"
Akira bowed before he took his leave.
'I hope I didn't make a mistake naming you captain, Akira,'
"Finally my turn!" Motoko shoved Akira before she went in. Akira stared after her trail of red hair before she disappeared.
"So what did he tell you,"
Akira looked up and saw Kyo leaned up against the wall hands crossed over his chest. "Nothing much except he named me captain," He smirked.
"What?!"
D_D
"Sensei," Motoko breathed as she sat.
"Motoko," Sodaima smiled warmly at her. "I don't have much to say except that you shouldn't use mizusaigen."
"That's all?!" Motoko said with unbelieving big eyes. "What about my family? My parents? Aren't you going to tell me about them?"
Sadness suddenly washed over his eyes and his smile fell. "Sorry Motoko but you don't have any parents,"
All her excitement deflated just like a balloon and she hung her head.
"But you have a brother,"
She whipped her head up so fast Sodaima was afraid it would fall off. "I do? Is he in Konoha?"
"Yes yes," her eager excitement bringing a smile to his face. "In fact he should be eligible enough to enter the chunin exams as well."
"That's it!" Motoko declared jumping up. "I'm going to participate in the chunin exams and find my brother!"
"Good luck," Sodaima encouraged her standing up too. "Now let's join the others."
Kyo was giving Akira disbelieving looks and Akira just smiled smugly at him when they both exited the room together.
"What's up with you guys?" Motoko suspiciously asked.
"Oh nothing it's just that Kyo can't believe I was announced the captain." Akira explained eagerly watching for her reaction.
"Oh that's great," she said non-excited. Then she suddenly turned excited as she looked up at Sodaima. "So when are we gonna leave sensei?"
Akira's face immediately fell disappointment taking over.
"Oh I'm not coming with you," Sodaima chuckled. "You guys are on your own."
"But sensei none of us have ever been to Konoha before," Akira protested. "How are we supposed to find it? Besides I doubt they would let in a group of genins uninvited."
"That's why I'm going to give you a map that can help you find the village and an important scroll you have to deliver to the Hokage directly and show the guards guarding the gates," Sodaima replied. "Now go pack your bags you two," Sodaima gestured to Motoko and Kyo. "And you Akira it's maybe best if you consult your mother first before you go."
"I don't know if my mom would let me leave the village though," Akira reluctantly replied.
Sodaima placed a hand on Akira's shoulder. "Don't talk nonsense, Akira, I'm sure your mother would understand."
Akira forced a smile onto his face. "
Ok sensei," he waved his hand. "See you gu-" suddenly he realized that Motoko isn't even here anymore.
"If you looking for Motoko she already went to her room," Kyo spoke up.
"Of course I wasn't!" He stubbornly retorted. "Just bye."
G_G
Akira walked into his home which basically consisted of three bedrooms, a toilet, a kitchen and a living room. Just enough for three people to live in. The walls was painted a light blue giving it a cool feel. Akira has always felt at peace when he was home.
He smelt the distinct smell of his mother's cooking indicating that she was home. He trudged into his room trying to avoid the inevitable talk he had to have with her. He grabbed his traveling backpack stuffing random clothing into it before he hears footsteps nearing his room.
"You're early home today, sweetheart," Akira heard his mother say before she reached his room.
When she did, she looked smiling her sweet smile. "Oh you're packing for a new mission? I thought you had one not so long ago."
"I'm not going on a mission, mom,"
"You're going to sleep over with Kyo and Motoko? Just don't go sneaking around in the neighborhood,"
"I'm not going there either,"
"I don't understand what you're trying to imply," his mom confessed looking utterly confused.
Akira stood up throwing his backpack over his shoulder. "I'm going to leave the village for a little while,"
His mom eyes suddenly clouded over. "How long is a while?"
"I don't know maybe a few weeks,"
Sniff. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you leaving?"
"The chunin exams,"
Mom turned and covered her mouth. "Sorry Akira but I can't let you go,"
"Mom!" Akira protested exasperated.
"Sorry sweetie but it's too dangerous," his mom stubbornly insisted.
"Mom it's a risk I'm willing to take!"
"You might be but I'm not," she retorted.
"Mom the moment I stepped into the academy was the moment I no longer could lead a normal and safe life," Akira said. "The life of a shinobi is never safe it's constantly filled with danger. Besides mom you can't keep protecting me forever. I'm a proud ninja now and perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"I guess you're all grown up now," his mom sniffed.
"Yeah I guess I'm," Akira smiled weakly. "So is that a yes?"
"Yes," Akira moved in to hug her but she moves away. "Just go."
Hurt flashed through his eyes.
"You shouldn't feel offended," his mom chuckled. "You should be thankful I'm afraid that I might never let go if I embraced you."
The smile immediately returned broader even. "You don't have to embrace me if I can just embrace you," Akira declared hugging his mom from behind before she could protest and whispered. "I'm gonna miss you mom." Before he dashed out.
'Akira please return safe and sound,'
F_F
"Sensei told us to wait in front of the gate,"
"Where's he then?"
"How am I supposed to know moron,"
"Like you one to talk,"
"Hey you guys," They both whipped their heads toward Akira who was running towards them waving.
"Hmph, late as usual,"
"Sorry," Akira scratched the back of his neck with an apologetic look on his face. "Where's Sensei by the way I thought he was supposed to meet us at the gates?"
They all momentarily looked up at the village's gate which were a gigantic cave lined with thousands of flowers of all colors.
"No clue," Motoko replied crossing her hands over her chest. "He's supposed to be here by now."
"Sorry for keeping you waiting so long,"
"Sensei!"
Motoko's face lit up at sight of Sodaima. But he wasn't alone. With him was three others.
"Lutaya, that freaky landlord!" Motoko exclaimed jabbing her fingers at him.
"WHO YA CALLING A FREAK?!"
A giant vein popped out on the middle aged man. He had black hair and neatly trimmed beard. His bottom lip stuck out in distaste arms crossed and a mean look on his face. "And I do not appreciate you calling me that."
"Yo, Tafux," Kyo greeted cooly. "Got any apples for me?"
"Yohoho, yoho," the little chubby man suddenly sang. "I sure do."
"Hi Miss Kana," Akira bowed politely. "How're doing?"
"Great," the lady giggled her braided hair fluttering. "Polite as always I see."
"What're you guys all doing here?" Motoko asked puzzled.
"How rude, we're seeing you off of course," the landlord replied.
"It's the first time you kids are away on a mission alone for so long," Kana explained.
"And I brought you all my own specially harvested apples," Tafux grinned giving Kyo a sack and he of course immediately snatched one without anyone's consent.
"Oh and I brought you my homemade cake and sweets," Kana squealed.
All three of them backed up quickly. "That's very sweet of you," Akira says through a forced smile.
"It's nothing," Kana replied holding the cake and sweets all wrapped up.
'I really don't wanna take that,' Motoko subconsciously inched away.
'Definitely not taking that,' Kyo solemnly turned away.
Motoko smiled forcibly at Akira. "Now why don't you accept her gift Akira you're the captain after all."
Akira looked at her in alarm.
"Yeah you do love Kana's homemade food after all Captain," Kyo added.
"You do?!" Kana's eyes lit up. That's so sweet of you Akira."
"I can't believe you guys," Akira whispered. "I don't want to do this anymore than you, how could you?"
"You're our leader," Motoko bluntly stated.
"It comes with the job," they told him in unison before they both shoved him towards Kana who immediately placed her goods in his hands.
"Thanks," Akira muttered.
"My pleasure," Kana smiled.
"Sure is,"
"Did you say something Akira?"
"No! Not at all!" He quickly said flailing his hands around.
Motoko and Kyo snickered at his predicament and he sent them a glare over his shoulder as he stuffed Kana's farewell gift in his bag. "Traitors," he mouthed at them and they just ignored him.
"Akira," Sodaima stepped forward holding two scrolls in his hands. One blue and the other green. "Show this to the Hokage and the guards," he handed the green one over. "And this is a map." the blue one.
"Alright sensei,"
"I guess we have to take off now," Motoko shrugged.
"Yeah," Sodaima agreed.
They all turned to leave but was stopped by a frantic shout:
"Please wait!"
A woman was running towards them her black hair flailing in the wind holding a little boy by the hand.
"Mom!" Akira exclaimed bewildered.
"Ms Saki," Motoko brightened.
"Big brother!" The little boy exclaimed wrapping himself around Akira's legs. "How could you leave without telling me?" The little boy sniffed.
"Sorry Reiji, I thought you were still in the academy," Akira said softly patting his little brother's head.
"Akira please wait," she panted. "I have something important I have to give you."
Ms Saki produced a small red wooden case from underneath her robes.
She held it out to him.
"Take it," Ms Saki softly said.
Akira silently accepted it.
Ms. Saki gestured towards the case silently urging him to open the case. And he did.
He gasped when he saw what was inside and gave his mother an incredulous and disbelieving look before he went back to staring at whatever she gave him as tears began forming in his eyes.
Reiji gave him a questioning look.
Motoko curiously peered passed his shoulder only to see a red bandanna neatly folded inside the case. "It's just a bandanna,"
"It's not just any bandanna," Akira corrected her. "It's my father's."
Motoko's eyes widen but before she had a chance to reply Akira spoke to his mother: "You had it this whole time."
Ms Saki smiled weakly but gently. "Your father wanted you to have it. You have finally become a fine shinobi Akira."
"And a ninja sure don't weep!" Lutaya said slapping Akira's back.
"You're right," Akira wiped his tears away removing the headband he was originally wearing and putting the bandanna on instead.
He tied his headband to his left shoulder.
"Now go brats go and make us proud!" Lutaya commanded jabbing his finger towards the gates.
"We're no brats," Motoko hotly retorted before she broke into a grin. "But we'll make you proud!"
"Bye Reiji," Akira shuffled his brother's hair. "Train hard while I'm away and take good care of mom for me."
"But ..." Reiji lower lip whimpered as he teared up.
"No buts kiddo," Kyo scolded. "Don't turn into a wimp like your brother here."
"Hey!"
"Don't call him a wimp!"
Akira and Kyo do a double take at his outburst.
"My brother is no wimp!"
"Oh, is that so?" Kyo challenged lowering himself to Reiji's height. Reiji glared stubbornly back. "Then you shouldn't be worried, should you?"
Reiji blinked.
"Huh?" Kyo pressed.
Reiji vigorously shook his head no.
"Well there you go kiddo," Kyo rose and walked away.
"I'm impressed Kyo," Akira said as he trudged to catch up. "I didn't expect that from you. No offense."
"None taken," Kyo replied. "It just proved how much of a wimp you really are."
"Hey! I thought you just agreed with Reiji that I'm not a wimp!"
"Well I just helped him realize something and I never really agreed to anything."
"You manipulating cheater!"
"Is that even a word?"
"Actually two,"
"What're you two bickering about like two little girls for?" Motoko snorted. "What took you so long?"
"None of your business?"
"Now now," Sodaima said. "I think you should take off now."
"Sure," Akira and Motoko smiled brightly at him.
"Suckers," Kyo snorted. "Ouch! Who did that?"
'I'm beginning to doubt my decision,' Sodaima thought with a sigh.
They stood in the entrance.
"Bye everyone, we will be back soon," Motoko waved. "And Reiji? Become a better ninja than your brother will ever be."
'Is just me or do everyone seriously have something against me being a ninja,' Akira silently hung his head.
"Raise your head brat!" Lutaya bellowed making Akira jump. "Show all those other ninjas what we Flora shinobi's are capable of!"
They nodded. "We sure will!"
"Take care," Kana called after them as they turned their backs and started to walk away.
"You better be safe!" Tafux sang with a chuckle.
"Bye bye!" Reiji wildly flailed his hands.
"They have grown," Kana softly spoke as they disappeared from sight.
"They sure have, it was not so long ago that they were this tall and I chased them around the city for stealing my favorite food," Lutaya said with a proud smile on his face.
"And Kyo was always fond of my apples," Tafux added.
As the others began chatting among themselves heading back to the village Ms Saki was the only left standing or so she thought.
"Ms Saki, aren't you coming?" Sodaima gently asked.
She nodded.
"Don't worry as much as troublesome as those kids might be they will be fine," Sodaima firmly assured her.
Saki smiled. "You're probably right."
She gave the gates one last thoughtful look before she turned to leave. 'They better be,'
My first story on here. Don´t be alarmed if it seems familiar because this story is already on wattpad under the same username. I posted this story because I honestly want to see the kind of feedback I would get from a website that is solely devoted to fanfictions. If you like this story you can find the other chapters on wattpad under this exact username (UJustGottaLove) and the same title (Motoko).