((A/N: Hello everyone! So I have started a new story... Due to many complications, I haven't had the opportunity to continue my original story, Envy of the Uchiha. I couldn't stand not writing, so I started a new story. I hope you guys enjoy it! Thank you for reading, and please review!))
Dim moonlight pours in from the open window next to my bed. My eyes are set on the view beyond the frame of the window as that gentle moonlight creates a gentle glow over all the buildings of Konoha. It's so serene and beautiful, and there's nothing I love more than that peaceful silence, only the rustling of leaves in the wind disturbing the silence. The entire village has gone to sleep in these late hours of darkness, and I've long since stopped counting the hours from when the last light went off, leaving only the silver moon and a blanket of stars to guide anyone lost. If only those stars could guide my lost mind…
I ought to be asleep right now. It seems I'm the only one in the entire village that is awake. I know tomorrow is going to be a long day, but the events from today continue to occupy my mind, making it impossible for me to rest. It was the meeting with Lady Tsunade that stuck with me.
"Asami," she'd said in that commanding voice of hers. I stood at attention in front of her desk in the "oval office". "Now that you are no longer under treatment, you have clearance to be released. However, you will still be kept under close watch until further notice. Be on your best behavior."
"Yes, Lady Hokage," I replied, head bowed.
"Now," Tsunade continued, "I leave you in the hands of your new teacher, Hatake Kakashi."
"Yo," a male voice said from a corner of the room. Surprised, I jerked my head to where the voice came from to find a tall, masked man with unkempt silver hair standing casually at a distance, reading a tiny book.
"He will watch over you and teach you for the time being," Tsunade said, catching my attention. I turned my head back to her as she continued. "You are now branded as an official member of Konohagakure, serving your village as a trained kunoichi, able to be promoted in rank beginning at genin. You will serve in Team Seven under Kakashi's rule. Congratulations." With that, I bowed once again.
"Lady Hokage!" I said, as a formality.
"Kakashi, do what you must," Tsunade said, and I looked back once again at my new sensei to see him lazily salute Tsunade. "Dismissed."
"Asami, come with me," Kakashi said, for the first time putting his book down. He said few words to me as we walked. "We have business to take of today, and after that, you're free to do as you like for the rest of today. You won't begin training until tomorrow." I nod in response.
"What 'business' are we attending to today?" I asked.
"We have to seal up that curse mark of yours," Kakashi replied. Although I didn't say much, Kakashi could feel how uneasy I was. After sealing my mark, he said to me, "Forget anything Orochimaru taught you. Don't even think about him. You're being renewed now, and his teachings will do you no good." Remembering those words, I examine the triple teardrop formation of my curse mark on my left wrist, now having the seal Kakashi placed around the original mark. I trace the black markings with my right index finger, deep in thought.
I finally lie down, even though I am not so tired. I have to get some sleep. I abandon my thoughts as I close my eyes, memories of the past and fears of the future haunting me.
I am awaken by none other Hatake Kakashi in the morning.
"Rise and shine," I hear a familiar voice protrude through the darkness of my dream.
"Mm…" I mumble. "Not yet… It's too late…" My eyes slowly peel open, and what they register are blurry spots of white and dark blue among an array of other dark colors.
"Let's go," the voice says. "Come on, get up." My foggy brain finally registers the voice, and my eyes clear up some so that I can make out that fluffy head of wonderful silver hair. That hair simply… fascinates me.
"Kakashi Sensei?" I mumble, reaching out to bury my hands in that luscious silver hair. "Is that you?"
"Yo," the man replies. "Let's go, ne?"
"Oi, it's so early," I complain, rolling over before it registers that I didn't invite Kakashi into my flat. "Wait!" I roll back over to face my sensei, but his face is a lot closer than expected, surprising me. I yelp as I instinctively roll back over and attempt jumping up, but fail miserably. I end up sprawled out on my bed, scrambling to sit up right. When I finally get a prominent view of Kakashi, I see he's in the same position, squatting next to my bed, looking as cheerful as ever.
"Well good morning," Kakashi greets.
"Don't you 'good morning me'!" I command, pointing a finger at him. "What are you doing?!"
"Well, I said we'd meet up today, yeah?"
"That's not the point! Why are you in here when I didn't even invite you in? Oi, nearly gave me a heart attack."
"Well, I apologize. But how did you expect me to come and get you?"
"Try knocking!" I exclaim as I face palm. "You do know there's something called 'invading', ne?"
"Oh really?"
"Don't forget 'breaking and entering'."
"I've broken nothing." I groan and face palm again. Is the man not getting it?
"Either way… Why are you coming to get me so early?"
"It's ten in the morning."
"Wait, what?!" I jerk my head towards my window. It seems Kakashi had pulled the shutters closed, because I know I didn't do it. I see the bright morning light pouring in through the cracks in the blinds, and I can now tell how late it really is.
"Since it's so late, we ought to get going, ne?" Kakashi says, getting up from the side of my bed and begins walking towards the door. I put my hand to my head in exasperation and rub my eyes. I still feel so tired. There's no way it could already be ten o'clock! I feel like I only got two minutes of sleep. "Oi, you coming?" Kakashi asks, grabbing my attention.
"Uh, yeah," I reply. "Let me get dressed."
"Don't take too long." Kakashi finds a seat as I throw on my usual attire; a short sleeved fishnet tee under a solid black tank and black capris that draw tight at the waist and the feet of the capris. I quickly brush my teeth before pulling back the top half of my long chocolate hair in a braid going down the middle, leaving the bottom half of my hair down. Afterwards, I pull on black fingerless gloves that extend just high enough to cover my curse mark, as well as my black sandals.
"Okay," I say to Kakashi as I begin to walk towards my door ahead of him. "Let's go." However, before I can reach my door, Kakashi stops me.
"Not so fast," he says, and I turn on my heel to face him, looking at him expectantly. "There's something you're going to need from now on." I step towards my teacher as he stands up and pulls something out of his pocket.
"What is it?" I ask as Kakashi hands the object to me, and he lets me find out the answer. I take in my hands something hard with a soft fabric laid over it. I unfold the black cloth slowly and find that it is the official headband of Konoha! Shocked, I admire the forehead protector with the Konoha leaf symbol etched perfectly into the shiny metal. I look up at Kakashi, almost as if asking permission to put it on, and he nods to me. I smile and rush to my bathroom mirror, fitting the black cloth around my forehead before I even make it there. Once it's tied snug around my forehead, I gaze at the beautiful headband, now feeling complete. Even though Tsunade already gave me the official welcome, it's not until now that I really feel like a part of this village. I am a part of this village.
I am a kunoichi of Konohagakure, the village hidden in the leaves.
I see Kakashi step behind me from the reflection of the mirror, and I turn around to face him. My instincts tell me to lunge forward and jump on him, to just glomp the man, and I almost do. I have a hard containing myself, and Kakashi chuckles as it's made obvious to him. Then, I quickly bow.
"Thank you, sensei!" I say as I bow.
"Oi, don't thank me; thank Lady Ho—" Before he can finish his sentence, I lose the battle fighting my instincts and capture Kakashi in a bear hug. He is obviously startled as he immediately stiffens and freezes as if mentally questioning what to do. My smile broadens as he hesitantly pats my back twice before trying to separate us. I then step back to watch Kakashi sigh a breath of relief.
"Okay, let's go," I say, and Kakashi nods, leading the way out the door.
We soon arrive at a small bridge where two others await. From a distance I can see they're about my age; around sixteen and seventeen years old. These must be the others in team seven. As Kakashi and I draw closer to them, I begin making out their details. One is a girl with a short pink hair, wearing mostly red, and the other is a boy with spikey blonde hair wearing orange and black. They seem to be having a dispute, but stop and wave ad they notice Kakashi and I approaching.
"Kakashi Sensei," the blonde boy complains when we all stand near each other, "you're always late!"
"Sorry, Naruto," Kakashi says, rubbing the back of his head. "I got lost on the road of life." The boy growls before the pink haired girl hits him in the head.
"Naruto," she growls. "Stop your complaining! We have a newcomer!" The girl then looks at me and smiles, extending a hand. "Hi, I'm Haruno Sakura. Pleased to meet you."
"Oh, thanks," I say, taking her hand. I notice her sparkling teal eyes, then taking into account how pretty this girl is. "You have beautiful eyes," I say, and she then backs away, smiling.
"Oh, thank you," she says. She looks like she wants to say something else, but the boy then steps towards me, extending his hand.
"Uzimaki Naruto!" he greets enthusiastically as I take his hand. I can't help but be the least bit charmed by his brilliant smile and energy. I smile, noting the whisker-like marks on his cheeks. He then backs away, standing next to Sakura.
"Thanks guys," I say. "Just call me Asami."
"So Asami," Naruto says, "what brings you to Konoha?"
"Oh," I say reluctantly. "It's kind of a long story…" There's a short silence before Kakashi steps in.
"Let's save that discussion for later," Kakashi says, stepping forward.
"Alright," Naruto says. He, obviously, is one to start conversation. "So what did you call us together for today?"
"Since Asami is new," Kakashi says, "I thought we could take the time today to welcome her to Konoha, and since she hasn't had breakfast, I'll treat you all to something to eat." After debating on where we should go to eat, we finally settle on Ichi Raku (after the insistence of Naruto) and head to our destination.
"Oh, Ichi Raku has the best ramen you'll ever taste anywhere," Naruto gushes when we've taken our seats. He and Sakura sit on either sides of me, and Kakashi next to Naruto, his nose in his book.
"I've never really been particularly fond of ramen," I say to Naruto.
"Ramen is all Naruto ever eats," Sakura says, and I laugh as Naruto narrows his eyes at Sakura. My eyes fall on Kakashi behind Naruto once again.
"Hey," I say, my voice lowered, and Naruto and Sakura automatically lean in some. "What's that book Kakashi Sensei is always reading?"
"Oh," Naruto replies immediately, "it's his Icha Icha porn novel. He doesn't like to admit it, but—"
"I don't like to admit what, Naruto?" Kakashi cuts off Naruto. Naruto, Sakura, and I all immediately jump back, facing Kakashi.
"Eh, nothing Kakashi Sensei!" Naruto exclaims with a nervous smile.
"Yeah, it's nothing, sensei!" Sakura tunes in with the same nervous smile as Naruto. Kakashi looks at me, and I sweat drop before plastering a smile on my face and nodding vigorously. Kakashi sits there, staring us down for a few seconds before Naruto desperately attempts to divert Kakashi's attention.
"Hey look!" Naruto says, gesturing towards the counter. "The old man's ready to take our order! Hey old man!" We all look to the man running the ramen place as he looks in our direction with a confused expression.
After ordering our food, Naruto immediately strikes conversation while scarfing down his bowl. "So," Naruto says, "how did you end up in Konoha?" I swallow what's in my mouth before sighing, thinking on how I should answer this. I turn my head down as I contemplate.
"Naruto," Sakura hisses from behind me.
"What?" Naruto asks obliviously.
"Maybe you shouldn't get in her business," Sakura says, but I cut her short before she can continue.
"No, no," I say, sitting up straight and smiling. "It's fine, Sakura, really." Sakura gives me a concerned look.
"Okay," she says slowly. "If you say so." It again falls silent for a few seconds before I speak up.
"Well," I begin hesitantly, "see…. I was a servant of Lord Orochimaru." Sakura and Naruto both seem taken aback by my statement. They both stop eating as they listen to my story. "I ended up here because I was infiltrating the village as a mission for Orochimaru. I was taken out by a small explosion, and afterwards was captured by Anbu. I had blacked out after the explosion, and I just remember waking up in the hospital. Apparently, Orochimaru had me under some kind of jutsu so that he would have the controlling influence on my mind, but the jutsu was undone by default after the explosion hit me. I was kept in closed quarters under close watch for a while until Lady Tsunade welcomed me into the village. And now, here I am."
"Orochimaru," Sakura mumbles with her head down before turning her head to face me. "Did you see Sasuke?" Immediately, my heart skips a beat.
"Sasuke?" I repeat slowly as Naruto leans in, looking at Sakura.
"He was our team member," Sakura says desperately. "He has black hair and eyes and bears the sharingan—"
"I know," I cut Sakura off, and she and Naruto seem astonished. "He was the sole survivor of the Uchiha massacre; mostly uses fire and lightning style; is set on revenge. I know." I look at both of my new teammates, and Sakura seems to be on the verge of tears.
"How do you know him?" Naruto asks, eyebrows stressed.
"I… I often trained with him while with Orochimaru," I say. "We were a lot alike, as far as fighting skills and styles, but Orochimaru seemed to favorite him."
"Did he ever tell you about us? About his past team members?" Sakura asks, and I can clearly see the tears in her eyes.
"He hardly spoke of his past, but then again, he hardly started or carried conversation," I say. "But he never said anything about you." Immediately, the tears spill forth from Sakura's eyes. I stare at her, unsure of how I'm supposed to comfort her. Were they really so close that she'd cry like this over him?
"I—I'm sorry," Sakura sobs. "Just give me a minute. I'll be right back." She then gets up and runs off somewhere, leaving me with Naruto and Kakashi. I look at Naruto to see him with a downcast face, and I can't help feeling the guilt rising in my chest.
"I'm sorry if it was something I said," I say, looking at my hands. "I didn't know it was like this…"
"No, it's not your fault," Naruto quickly says. I look at him, and he gives me a reassuring smile. "Sakura… she's fine. This is just a difficult subject for us."
"Oh," I say. "Okay then." I pause before continuing. "Were you guys… close?"
"He was my best friend," Naruto says. "We've been trying for years to get him back. We haven't done it yet, but we will. We have to. I made a promise…" Naruto pauses, as if reconsidering his words. "Anyways, how were you and Sasuke alike?"
"It's not really a lot," I say. "We both were just at around the same skill level when fighting, and we both are proficient users of fire and lightning style, although those are the only types I am able to use. He taught me chidori, and Orochimaru often had him train me in sword fighting…" I stop as I consider telling Naruto about my curse mark. It was one reason why Orochimaru often paired me with Sasuke, but… "We were close," I say, and decide to finish with that. I don't want to tell any of my teammates about my curse mark until we get closer.
"Well," Kakashi intervenes after a short silence. Naruto and I had forgotten about our sensei as he sat there in complete silence. "I'm going to go see if Sakura is okay. Naruto, please show Asami around. We'll just meet up tomorrow at noon, same place."
"Hai," Naruto says, and Kakashi disappears in the blink of an eye. Naruto then turns to face me, smiling. "You ready for a tour of Konoha?" I smile back, nodding.
"Whenever you are."