Author's Note: Over the years I've grown more appreciative of Sakura as a character. Yes, she started off weak, whiny, and annoying; but she grew out of that, and was able to become a stronger person. This was originally supposed to be a Self-Insert, but I changed my mind last minute
Summary: "Sakura, as your older sister, there isn't anything in the world I would do for you. Whether it's listening to you go on about Sasuke all day, or risking my life by becomming a ninja; I'll do it. I'll do anything for you, so long as you never lose your smile. I will protect you with my very life, and I won't let anyone ever harm you. I promise. To protect you, that, is my nindo. My ninja way."
Disclaimer: All characters from Naruto respectfully belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I only own my characters, and that is all.
Warning: The following story contains violence, gore, death, swearing, adult themes, suggestive themes, and all the other good stuff that goes along with a Naruto story. This can also count as a warning, it is that my grammar isn't the best in the world. I make mistakes. I try my best to create a story that's enjoyable to read with characters who are likeable.
Main Pairing: Original Character/Shikamaru or Original Character/Kiba. Leave your vote in your reviews. :)
Pairing Notes: This story will have many original characters in it. And with that, there will be other pairings scattered throughout the story such as Sasuke/OC as I don't really care for SasuSaku. It seemed forced and awkward, and the only good thing that came from their relationship was Sarada, who I adore. There are some "canon" pairings I like such as Neji and Ten-Ten, Sai and Ino, possibly Kiba and Hinata, you have any suggestions for pairings, please be sure to let me know. It would be interesting to see who you all would like to see paired together. Most likely I'll pair Naruto and Sakura together, since I think they're a cute pairing.
Cover Art: The cover art was done by myself using a base of Sakura. I only shaded her skin because I was lazy, and felt it did it's job at showing what she looked like. Maybe I'll go back and finish it one day.
✿Wild Flowers✿
"The flowers that bloom in adversity are the most rare and beautiful of all."
Wild Flowers, Chapter One: The Flowers of Tomorrow
There's nothing in this world Misaki adored more than her little sister, Sakura. She always brings Misaki feelings of joy and happiness, now matter how bratty she can be; which is most of the time, honestly. When Sakura told Misaki she wanted to be ninja she was shocked and afraid. The ninja world...is terrifying. From a young age you're brain washed into believing that ninja are these super cool people who go around fighting evil and saving the world. But they conveniently forgot to include that part about it all being propaganda to brainwash kids into becoming child soldiers. Children don't know how cruel the world really is; they'll believe anything you tell them. And Misaki's dumb baby sister wanted to become one?! No - No way! There was no way she was going to let her bratty kid sister become a ninja...not alone. Not matter how much the ninja world scared her, she would do anything to keep her baby sister safe from harm.
Even it it meant throwing away her freedom and entering a world full of homicidal ninja, where everyday is a fight for your survival. But she would do it. She would face her fears and face the unknown.
So that she never loses her smile.
"We will now start the final exam. When your name is called proceed to the testing room, the final test will be on the Clone Jutsu."
Sky blue eyes nervously shifted around the open classroom. She has known this day was coming for a while now, but it didn't do anything to stop the bundle of nerves twisting around in her stomach. It's not that she thought she was going to fail the test; she knew she would pass. Misaki and Sakura had been busting their asses forever now to perfect the Clone Jutsu so they would pass. Misaki wasn't nervous because she thought she was going to fail. She was nervous she because she knew she was going to pass.
Misaki never wanted to become a ninja. She was perfectly fine living the life of a normal citizen. Boring? Yes. Safe? Hell yeah. The idea of putting her life in danger all the time just didn't appeal to her. But the problem is, that her dumb little sister, Sakura Haruno, did want to become a ninja. And there's no way in hell Misaki was going to let her baby sister become a ninja alone. No matter how scared she was, she would stay by her side; and do anything and everything to protect her. And Misaki didn't think Sakura would survive very long without some kind of motivation and guidance, as cruel as that may sound. Her sister only knew one thing, and that's Sasuke Uchiha. She was completely obsessed with his moody ass and it drove Misaki crazy! Of all the guys her sister could have fallen for - why him?! He's never shown her any interest! He just snubs his nose at her, and pretends she doesn't exist. As much as Misaki loved her sister, there were times where she really, really, wanted to beat some sense into her.
"Misa!"
Misa jumped when she felt her arm being grabbed; only to relax as a hurrican of pink hair came into view, and the sweet scent of strawberries filled her nose. Sakura. Misaki sighed feeling the tension leave her body as Sakura leaned into her. She took comfort with her being so close. Sakura always seemed to know when Misaki was feeling on edge, and it worked the same way on her end. They always knew when something was wrong with each other. Their parents laughed and said it was a "twin thing".
Sakura and Misaki might be twins but there are very noticeable differences between them. Like the fact Sakura has green eyes like their mom, and that Misaki's eyes are blue, like thier dads. They have have their dads pink hair, but Sakura's is lighter, while Misaki's is darker; and both of their hair is long, though Misaki's is messier and sticks up against her will; she swears she got it from their dad. Aside from their eyes being different, their faces are identical. They also share the same height and weight as well. However, Misaki is the older twin by one hour and thirty-two minutes.
"You're tense Misaki," Sakura frowned up at her. "You need to relax. You're totally going to ace the test!" Sakura said with a cheerful smile that reached her bright, big green eyes. Misaki gave a small smile back as she watched everyone who had been called go in and out with a shiny new headband. They smiled, and laughed, and they celebrated; how could they be so happy to join the never ending line of death?
"Sakura Haruno!"
Misaki frowned as Sakura pulled away from her. "Be back in a few!" She smiled and winked, and ran off to the exam room. Misaki knew she would pass. Sakura is smart, way smarter than Misaki could ever hope to be. She's probably the smartest girl in class, well, second to Ino, of course.
Misaki sighed and leaned back in her seat. "That must mean I'm next. Great."
"You don't sound very excited. What gives? You afraid you're going to fail the test?"
Misaki tilted her head back and smiled. "That's not it, Kiba," she said to the brown-haired, brown-eyed boy with red facial markings. "The fact I know I'm going to pass is the problem."
Kiba tilted his head and scrunched up his face. "I don't see how that's a problem, Saki." of course he didn't. Kiba wanted to become a ninja. He was happy to become a ninja. "What, you scared or something?" Kiba grinned and leaned forward with his canines barred. "No need! Akamaru and I will protect you from the big, scary ninja!"
"Arf!"
She grinned at Akamaru who decided to poke his furry head out of Kiba's jacket. Misaki reached out and scratched his scruffy head. Akamaru barked and licked her hand, and she giggled, wiping his drool on Kiba's jacket. Kiba was one of the first friends Misaki made when she and Sakura joined the academy. And in many ways, he's like a big, dorky brother to her.
"Thanks Kiba." She told him just as Iruka-Sensei called my name. Sighing, Misaki stood up from her desk and gave a rough smile to her friend and his canine companion. "Wish me luck!"
"Good luck Saki!" Kiba said and bumped her fist while Akamaru gave a bark of encouragement.
Misaki's heart was pounding as she stood before both Iruka-Sensei and Mizuki-Sensei. They were both watching her, patiently, waiting for her to the perform the jutsu that determined whether she became a ninja or not. She could easily fail the test and remain living a comfortable and safe life; but she knew for a fact that Sakura had passed, and they was no way she could let her do this alone. They've always been together, and if one of them were to become a ninja and the other wasn't, then they would hardly see each other anymore. Not to mention the fact that Misaki would constantly be worrying about Sakura's safety and well-being.
Misaki took a deep breath and performed the seal. "Clone Jutsu!" she yelled, as a puff of smoke filled the air and cleared to reveal two perfect clones of herself. Iruka and Mizuki Sensei clapped, and congratulated her on passing the test. Though shaky, she thanked them and took her headband.
Misaki didn't bother putting it on.
"You did it!" Sakura squealed and tackled Misaki in a hug. "Congratulations Misa! We're ninja now!" Sakura's smile was always infectious. No matter how badly Misaki felt, seeing her smile always brightened her day. Sakura noticed that Misaki wasn't wearing her headband and frowned. Sakura was wearing her headband as a ribbon, and it looked cute, and Misaki felt it suited her. Sakura took Misaki's headband from her sweaty hands and brushed some of her hair aside. "There," she said fidgeting with it. "We can be twins!" She smirked, having tied Misaki's headband into a ribbon as well on top of her head.
"We are twins, dobe." Misaki smirked and ruffled her hair.
"And now we're even more twin-er."
Misaki snorted and ruffled her hair, grinning when she whined and smacked her hand away. "Come on, I'm sure mom and dad can't wait to know how we did." Misaki said with a forced smile. Their parents weren't opposed to them becoming ninja, but they certainly weren't happy with it, either. They were worried about them, which Misaki could understand. But, they also believed in them and knew that we would be just fine.
At least she hoped they would be.
That night when they got home their mom had made their favorite dishes: syrup-coated anko dumplings, umeboshi, and anmitsu. They were so proud of Misaki and Sakura, but Misaki could easily see the worry behind their eyes. But they hid it well. Sakura was all smiles that night and couldn't stop bragging bout what an awesome ninja she was going to be. Misaki smiled and laughed, but remained relatively quiet. If Sakura knew how she truly felt she would be devastated. So Misaki would continue to smile, so that Sakura never stopped.
Misaki had laid down for the night and was almost asleep when she heard the door to her and Sakura's bedroom creaking open, and their mom and dad poking their heads in. They were whispering to each other and while she couldn't hear what they were saying, she knew they were worried. Their moms dried tears said it all. It actually surprised her how well they were taking this. Many parents of children who didn't come from a clan would never let their chid become a ninja; but their parents trusted them, and they were proud, even if they were scared.
As she watched the door close through heavy lashes, she heard their mother say something that made her heart clench tightly. With the proudest and saddest smile she had ever seen, she whispered, "Sakura, Misaki, you're father and I are so proud of you. Please be careful, we love you so very much," her voice cracked. "You two are the flowers of tomorrow." and the door closed tight.
Misaki felt tears burning her eyes, and chest squeezing tighter. The flowers of tomorrow. So much pressure, and so many expectations...
Could they...
Could she really ever become the person they believed she could? Misaki was so lost in her own self pity that she didn't even hear the the alarms going off until it became to loud to ignore.
Just an average day in the life of a ninja.
End Note: I can see Misaki being paired with either Shikamaru or Kiba. Both I find are the most compatible with her, and can see myself working with. But, I'll leave it up to you to decide.
I really like Misaki for the fact she's different from all the other Naruto characters I created. She's not confident, and becoming a ninja is something she's deadly afraid of. But she loves her sister, and is willing to put that fear aside, for the moment. It's going to be fun writing about her growing and becoming stronger alongside Sakura. :)