p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px auto 1.286em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Hello everyone! It's the first time in 10 years that I write for this fandom and the first time that I do it in English ( I hope I make sense).br /I got the help of two awesome girls who were my Betas in this first chapter, so my big thanks to ultrasanaposts (she also gave me the idea for the title) psychonighmare. Go follow them on Tumblr! They share awesome content.!/p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Now, even though I have started to train in contortion and aerials, I'm still a newbie and I don't work on a circus so the circus life style is mostly an speculation and what I've gathered from watching circus' backstage vids, so there might be some innacuracy. But hey, this is for fun./p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"If you have any trouble picturing the acrobatic figures I describe,the website is super can find them all there in their different categories :)/p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Anyway,I hope you enjoy this story. Oh, and you can find me on Tumblr as ixtab-loves-me./p
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p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"span style="text-decoration: underline;"NARUTO POV/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Since the moment I opened my eyes and the sun blinded me, I realized this was going to be a bad day. I sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my temples while stretching my legs in front of me, doing circular motions with my ankles.I shouldn't have partied when I knew I had a new stage show coming up but still, I always seem to forget that after the third shot of tequila. I looked at my phone on the bedside table to check the time. It was 8:48 on a Sunday , I'm not going to piss off too many people today . I stretched my arms next, feeling the soreness of my overworked muscles. Kakashi had been very hard on Gaara and me these past few weeks. The soreness, however, doesn't bother me, it's usually part of my everyday life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After flexing my neck muscles and hearing them crack, I headed to the shower./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Pain, muscle soreness and physical exhaustion are a big part of all of our lives actually. This community is like a big family. We are all circus artists in the Hidden Leaf Circus./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As one of the top worldwide known circus shows, just being here is a huge accomplishment. Just the best of the best make it past the auditions to the six weeks of training that follow./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I have been an official member of the cast of Hidden Leaf for the last seven years so basically I grew up here./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"You see, my parents were circus performers before I was born,they met while doing duo acrobatics, performing as amateurs on the streets, and feel in love shortly afterwards. That's when they met Jiraiya, the artistic director and founder of this circus (as well as my godfather, go figure). They were part of the original cast and became legends because of the chemistry they had and the passion they put in their performances. They filled up all the circus benches./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Most of the current cast members have been here since they were kids, even if not performing as main acrobats. Training behind the scenes to follow their parents footsteps, these cast members were sons and daughters of the previous ones and most of them I've known my whole life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Since I can remember I've been training everyday for hours and hours with my parents to become an acrobat. And it's not that they imposed their dreams on me or anything like that. I genuinely loved it. By age 5 I could already do a perfect handstand, and with the help of my dad and mom as partners, by age 7 I already did most figures to perfection. I've always wanted to follow their footsteps, but I like to think that my reason for being here was not just because my parents were great acrobats. I worked really hard to earn my place,if anything, I've worked harder to show everybody that I deserve to be on this stage./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Being agile and flexible as a child is very easy. Increasing your physical strength and agility as you grow older while maintaining flexibility is the real work. It's very easy to lose flexibility if you work out a lot with weights but don't stretch properly for at least an hour everyday. Especially if you are a guy because it's easier to get muscle and become too bulky and get all stiff and then your figures all look like shit./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I don't only do floor acrobatics but also aerial, trapeze being my favorite. I have done hoop, straps and silks but they are not my speciality. Although part of being in the circus is that I get to try everything and try to learn something different for new shows, my favorite part of being here is that I never stop learning. I always get to experiment freely when I have time off from preparing a new show./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the hot water of the shower hit me, I felt like a new person. That's the best thing about myself. I quickly recover from everything. Call it injuries, hangovers or heartbreak./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Not like circus life lets out a lot of time for romance;performing and traveling with the circus is the biggest cockblock ever. In the past seven years that I have been traveling with Hidden Leaf, I have seen my parents twice (they have been retired for a while now and stopped traveling with us ever since) and been in like thirty different cities./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After I got out of the shower I threw a tank top on and my favorite training pants (the ones that keep my muscles warm but not enough to make me sweat like a pig and get dehydrated during training). I took a look at my face in the mirror, searching for any traces of a drinking night out, finding ./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Naruto Uzumaki, 24 years old. Today might not start out be as a bad as I thought./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When I headed out of my trailer, I saw Kiba and Akamaru walking by. Although our circus is cruelty free and consist mostly of a human cast, Kiba has the only act where a dog is allowed to perform. No cruelty involved in the training of Akamaru. If anything, he's the most spoiled cast member. Kiba has had Akamaru since he was a puppy and eventually convinced Jiraiya to let him into the show./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's up,dude?" I called him. Akamaru barked and wiggled its tail. Kiba looked back at me. He looked kinda beaten up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, bro" he replied. "Getting a late start today,huh?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, it's not so late yet" I pointed out. "Dude, you need to control your drinking next time. You look like a truck ran over you"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck off! I'm never getting into a drinking contest with you again. I don't know how you can look as fucking radiant as you do after drinking like that. Never going to let you convince me to go out before a new show. Man, this sucks. Jiraiya will have your ass in the cast meeting later"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Chill out, bro. Besides, it was Sakura's idea. She wouldn't stop complaining that we never celebrated her birthday properly, so I thought we would just go along. Besides, it's not always that Jiraiya decides Las Vegas is a good place to settle while preparing a new show." that was true./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Usually, we go to the most boring cities to prepare for new shows before going to the place where we'll make the official debut. He knows it's tough shit to deal with a bunch of feisty young adults that never really had normal teenage lives, we were already either performing or training our asses off to perform, so it's better to avoid any distractions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Tsk….whatever. Gotta walk Akamaru now before the meeting. See you later"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I waved him goodbye and then headed to the training room. I got to look for Gaara, my performing partner. We were working in a new acrobalance duo act and I felt there's still a long way to perfect it. He's an awesome acrobat,though. He's been in the circus forever, as well as his brother Kankuro, who is one of the guys in charge of one of the comedy acts ( he's actually a clown and does a puppet show, with big puppets, no kinder garden bullshit) and his sister Temari, who has a juggling act with fans./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Our show usually consists in 5 different types of acts: floor acrobatics, juggling, aerial acrobatics, contortion, comedy (gives the performers and the technicians some more time to prepare the stage while keeping the audience entertained, pretty much) and Kiba's and Akamaru's act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As I walk into the training room, the first person I see is Sakura, already warmed up,on the floor doing a basic chest stand position, holding her feet next to her head. In the background I see Hinata wrapped up in the silks being watched by Kurenai, the aerialists coach. On the other side, I see Rock Lee and Neji ,Hinata's cousin, practicing their hand balancing act with their coach, Gai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Girl, do you ever eat or sleep?" I teased Sakura./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, I had breakfast 3 hours ago. And no, not all of us can oversleep and still perform to perfection at opening night." she says. "Oh, and I also never get hangover" she added with a smile./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You will be amazing as always" I told her. Sakura is one of my closest friends of all the cast members and also, one of the newest people to join the cast. She joined Hidden Leaf Circus only three years ago and is always very hard on herself since her parents didn't work in the circus like the others./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know. I have been feeling like the act is not synchronized yet." she added while wrapping her arms behind her ribcage and spreading her legs into a split. "I think it's looks kind of...rigid lately. Don't you think?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Scandal!" I said with faked surprise. Sakura is in the contortion act with two other girls, Ino and Tenten. Both of them come from families with circus backgrounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shut up! Don't you have anything to do today?" she asked, rolling her eyes with faked annoyment./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Actually I was looking for Gaara. Have you seen him?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think he's at the Cafeteria. I saw him going in and sit with his weird brother and his bitch sister when I was leaving" she said while changing her position again to the chest stand and then bringing her pelvis forward until her knees touch the floor,into a triple fold. Ouch. Most of us in the circus are flexible but not as flexible as the contortionists./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Yeah, the Sabaku siblings aren't really that well liked but they aren't bad people,I swear. Gaara just has a poker face, Kankuro might be a bit strange and Temari...well, she's kind of a bitch. She sometimes makes comments that come across as way too harsh. And I think she's having an affair with one of the tech guys, Shikamaru (but the rumors haven't been corroborated yet). But one thing that all the Sabaku siblings have in common is that they are reliable people. They'll always give their best, and give the public excellent shows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Your triple fold is looking better, fluid. You really have made progress this past month" I complimented her because I know she deserves it and because she works hard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She slowly returned to her original chest stand position, and smiled at me. "Thank you for skipping the rules and going out with me to celebrate my belated birthday yesterday, Naruto. I will remember that when Jiraiya kicks your ass in front of everybody at the cast meeting" she said and then laughed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Seriously, like I am the only one to blame! Doublecrosser!" I let out a laugh." Anyway, I'm starving and I need to talk to Gaara. See you later, Sakura." I said and as I was heading to the door, I heard Sakura speak again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey Naruto?" she called and when I turn around, she said "Don't tell TenTen what I said about her"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I nodded and waved her goodbye as I headed out to the cafeteria. And no, it isn't just any cafeteria. The cast of the Hidden Leaf Circus leads a special diet. Most of us eat the foods that our bodies need depending on the type of training we do. It's not that we aren't allowed to eat whatever we want now and then, but this kind of physical training requires a special diet, with a good balance between carbohydrates and protein, and we need to watch our weight. The kitchen is always working even when we are training or on stage and always serves a big variety of meals for all of the cast different tastes./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When I got there I spotted Gaara getting up from the table along with his siblings, carrying his empty plates on the tray in his hands./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gaara, my man!" I said as I walked up to him." Hey Temari, Kankuro. What's up?" Gaara's siblings only nodded towards my direction and turned to leave./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You slept in." Gaara stated, without an ounce of reclaim in his voice. That's Gaara for you,folks. No expression in his face nor in his voice, ever./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yeah…" I answered, scratching my head " But it was cool, man. Going out now and then is not so bad, you know? You should come with us sometime."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think your friends like me a lot," he stated, again without showing any emotions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They just don't know you, buddy. I think they find your lack of expression kind of threatening or something." If I am sincere, Gaara can be kind of intimidating but when you get to know him you realize that he's one of the most reliable guys you could ever meet. I don't know if I am just too naive when it comes to people. I'm very social and easy going. I don't think I've ever met anybody that I disliked, really./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Mmmm" Gaara murmured. "I was thinking on heading to the training room after the cast meeting. You should eat something now. It's already kind of late"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I shrugged "yeah, I'll eat a light breakfast and meet you there."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After Gaara said goodbye and left, I walked towards the buffet trays to check what was available. I was actually starving./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The cast meetings always take place in Jiraiya's office (it's really a tent). When I got there I saw all of the cast members sat down on the floor in front of the projector. These meetings are usually done so we all watch our training session videos and discuss our progress (or lack thereof). A "little bit of constructive criticism" as Kakashi says. Kakashi is Gaara's and my coach. He has a weird friendship/rivalry with Guy, Rock Lee's and Neji's coach. Although we all get along pretty well, we do have our little groups of friends,the people that we hang out with more often. I am closest to Sakura, Kiba and of course,Gaara, since we spend a lot of time together during rehearsals./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After I sat down next to Gaara, I saw Jiraiya get in the room and occupy his own seat, which is at a table that he usually uses as a desk for his everyday work. He's an old pervert, I was once snooping around in his office and found a porn magazine underneath a stack of papers. Rumors say that he used to write porn before he founded the Hidden Leaf Circus. Other rumors say he still does it. Anyhow, I still see him as family. He's my godfather after all./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The new show is going to include the following acts:/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Aerial silks duo by Hinata Hyuuga and Shino Aburame. Their coach is Kurenai, who also coaches all of the other aerial acrobatics (although for this new show their act will be the only aerial act)/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Contortion trio by Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka and TenTen. Their coach and choreographer is Mitarashi Anko./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Kiba's and Akamaru's act. No coach. They do their own thing. I wouldn't even call it acrobatics but the public loves it and it also gives us more time to prepare the stage for more complicated acts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Hand balancing on canes by Rock Lee and Neji Hyuuga. Their coach is Gai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Comedy acts, by Chouji Akimichi and Kankuro./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Fan juggling by Temari (it is more exciting as it sounds, I swear)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Acrobalance duo by Gaara and coach is Kakashi. He's cool but he's lazy, usually arriving late to our training sessions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Other members of the team that I'm close to that travel with us all the time but aren't performers are Shikamaru Nara, the head guy of the technicians; that means he's the one in charge of the stage, the installation and all the necessary mechanisms to make it work. He's brilliant but he is also lazy as fuck. I heard he has in IQ of 200 and I assume it must be true because all of the things he designs (usually moving platforms but also different mechanisms for the aerial acts) work to perfection. Sai (what's this guy's last name anyway?) does costume design and makeup design, he's one of those artsy guys; Tsunade Senju, who's the cast's physiotherapist and Shizune, her apprentice. Tsunade is also the Old Pervert's love interest. There are more people travelling with us, musicians (all of our shows have live singers) and other technicians that help with the installation, the lights and all that./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After everybody has sit down, the Old Pervert cleared his throat and started speaking,finally./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All right. Now that I have everybody's attention. As you already know, our new stage show is due in a month and a half. We have been working in the creation and staging of this new show for more than four months now and most of you are doing a great job and working really hard. As the time for the opening is getting closer, I need you to work extra-hard in your acts and aspire to perfection. The Hidden Leaf circus has always characterized for being an amazing show and we need to keep it that way. I look forward to see all of your progress in today's review."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"These video reviews are usually a bitchfest, nonetheless./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Shikamaru, who was behind his MacBook in charge of the projections during the cast meetings, played the first video, which is Hinata's and Shino's act. We usually do all of our video recordings the day before the meeting, so Jiraiya and the other can see our progress./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Both Shino and Hinata got positive feedback from Jiraiya and the others, much to the satisfaction of Kurenai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next video was the contortion trio. Even though in the first minute or two, the three girls seemed to do their choreography perfectly, I started to notice how the act seems weirdly out of sync with the music. I could see what Sakura mentioned earlier. It was TenTen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the video ended, everybody was quiet, which has never been good sign./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The silence was broken by a female voice, that I immediately recognized as Temari's./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""TenTen, you're slacking off" she stated, sharply./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck you, you bitch." TenTen responded,clearly offended. This is the problem with Temari. Even though she was right in pointing out that TenTen needs to work harder, she just never knows how to word her thoughts in a way that doesn't come across as fucking rude. "A fucking monkey could do a juggling act like yours. Doesn't take much brains"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Uh-oh. This is it. Tenten reached her limit and snapped. This only gets worse the closer to the opening night we get. She's not the only one who has got terribly mad and lost her temper in one of these meetings before. The pressure to be perfect is too high and it gets to us after a while. I exchanged looks with Sakura, she looked worried. Anko was pinching the bridge of her nose, eyes closed, shaking her head lightly. Temari voiced Sakura's own thoughts about TenTen's performance with a bluntness that Sakura herself wouldn't be capable of. She is critical but always has other people's feelings in mind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It requires concentration, something that you don't seem to be able to achieve in order to make your choreography in sync with the others." Temari responded../p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Girls, please" Jiraiya intervened then looked at TenTen, addressing her but not Temari." You need to work extra hard this week. I expect to see you doing better for the next video review. I don't doubt your abilities and you shouldn't either. There's a reason why you are here. If you think the pressure is too much, you might want to speak to Shizune."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Although Shizune is not really a therapist, she kind of has assumed the role of one. Most of us go to her when we need to talk and one to hear honest and unbiased advice./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'll do my best. I'm going to work harder this week,I promise" TenTen replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't doubt that" the old Pervert added. And then nodded to Shikamaru to continue with the next./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kiba's and Akamaru's act was next, followed by Neji's and Rock Lee's handbalancing on canes act. Everybody had positive feedback for them. I was actually so nervous about the screening of my own act that I didn't even pay much attention to the others. I have started biting my nails at this point. I don't deal well with anticipation,especially when I know we haven't been doing well. And after the escapade of last night….They were right. The Old Pervert will kick my ass in front of everybody./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The thing is….even though we have fun at the job and training, since we have been doing this out whole lives, we didn't never really get to have a normal childhood and adolescence. Since we traveled with the circus, we didn't get to stay in places for long and made friends outside of the other cast members and people who traveled with us. I knew we are all under contracts and that this is our job but still, it feels nice to go wild now and then. It's not like we did it everyday, anyway./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Gaara tapped me on the shoulder and got me out of my cavillations. Our act was next on the projection./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Everybody was quiet, which means they weren't impressed. This is going to suck. Sakura sets me an encouraging look, but I can tell by her face that she thought the act sucked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Jiraiya released a deep sigh, and shook his head. Gaara and I exchanged looks. We both knew that this wasn't going to go well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the projection was over, everybody was silent for a moment. After the pregnant pause,Jiraiya broke the silence./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Guys...what the fuck was that?" He asked, controlled but obviously angry."Seriously, what the fuck did I just watch? We are a month and a half away from opening night! Most of the fucking tickets are sold out! People didn't pay to watch shit like this!" He lost his temper and he yelled." The first minutes of the act are good but the rest are just dreadful. People come here to be impressed, not to get bored out of their minds"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I was speechless. I knew it wasn't great but I never thought it would be boring./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm very sorry for this,sir" Gaara said. "I have no excuse for the bad results of my training. I will work harder from now on"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And you Naruto? Do you have anything to say for yourself? Can you explain to me why you have been working towards creating an act that is lame and boring? That lacks passion? Or are you too busy sneaking out and partying all night instead of actually training?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I actually felt very attacked by that statement. Nothing that I do in life lacks passion. But maybe he's right. My concentration levels haven't been the best. Maybe I need to get laid or something./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't party that often,old man. We deserve to have fun sometimes. We all work our asses off for this show" I replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Just don't forget you are under contract. And it doesn't matter who your parents are, and I say this not only for you but for the rest of the cast as well, this is not a place for people who slack off. You are here to work hard and to deliver a great show to the public. The fact that your parents were excellent acrobats doesn't guarantee you will have a place in the Hidden Leaf Circus. Whoever is slacking off, will be let go." Everybody in the room tensed. The environment felt heavy, with worry. "And by the way, I know you weren't the only one sneaking out last night to party. But so far, from all of them (and you know who you are), you Naruto,are the only one who showed me a half assed act"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"All right, I feel like shit right now./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Kakashi, the second half of that act needs a new choreography. Make sure you have something for next week's review. We can't present this to the public."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kakashi just nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The Old Pervert closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. "You are free to go to your training sessions now. See you next week". He dismissed us but I didn't want to leave before having a word with him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See you in the training room in a moment?" Gaara asked me. I nodded. My answer was obvious. It's not like I would miss any rehearsals anyway./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After everybody left, I walked up to Jiraiya. I felt the need to apologize for my bad performance but nothing else. I didn't even think that going out now and then was what affected my training.I didn't even know what it was, to be honest./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Alright," I spoke up "I'm sorry,OK? I don't know what happened with me. I promise I will work harder this week." I added and I meant it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know I love Minato and Kushina very much, and I respect them as the good acrobats they are and everything that they brought to this company." he said, serious but in a softer tone than earlier. "I know they didn't raise a slacker. You've never failed me or the Hidden Leaf and I know this won't be the first time. You know I am here if you need to talk to somebody. Or you can go to Tsunade, if you need."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know" I said. Even though Tsunade isn't a therapist either,both her and Shizune are always available to listen to us vent, specially the closer an opening day is. Not all of us know how to cope with stress. "I promise is nothing. I will work harder and do better on the next review. "/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know you will" he smiled at me. I walked up to the door but before leaving,I felt the need to speak a few more words./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know this means the life to me and I love what I do. I would never do anything that would affect Hidden Leaf or any member of the team."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"He just nodded and said " See you next week"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I headed out to the training room to meet Gaara. I found him warming up when I got there, stretching on the floor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, man" I said, sitting down next to him and starting my warm up/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How did it go?" he asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Let's just say that I have to work extra hard this week"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You and me both"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kakashi arrived after 15 minutes. When we started discussing the changes in the choreography and I started picturing everything in my head,I became very excited. It's this familiar feeling, like the adrenaline rush that I always feel whenever I'm dancing, hand standing or up in the air. It's when I'm performing that I feel the most alive. Suddenly,I felt my spirits go up. We can do this./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think we should also add some tosses in the second part of the act instead of the laying down figures . I analyzed this through the night. The positions would stay the same. Naruto will be the flyer in the second part of the act." Kakashi said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It would be more challenging and to the public, it will look riskier" I added, feeling excited./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm up for that." Gaara said. "I don't know why we didn't think of that before"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Great. Then we can start now" Kakashi added./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The first part of the choreography included both me and Gaara doing backwards walkovers from opposite sides and into the stage, then when we meet in the middle we execute some dance moves and then proceed with the figures, which involved adagio (partner lifts and tosses) and partner acrobalance. For that kind of duo acrobatics, Gaara and I switched to be the base and the flyer. In the first part of the act,I acted as the base./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The first figure was a shoulder stand on feet, where I laid down on the floor with my legs and arms up, and Gaara needed to take impulse, tuck then lift his hips while supporting himself in my hands and then position his shoulders on my feet. It requires concentration but this is quite an easy figure. Most of the first figures are very basic./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The second figure is called "candlestick", in where I laid down with my legs bent and slightly separated,my arms are extended and firm so Gaara could position his shoulders in my hands and his hands on my knees and he can lift his hips up until his body forms a straight line (like a candle,hence the name)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The third figure is called "front angel laying down" in which again, I laid down on the floor, bent my legs slightly and extended my arms to take Gaars hands, while he positioned his abdomen in the soles of my feet and took impulse. I then pulled him up and released his hands so that way he's in the air and opened his arms wide to the side while I fully supported him with my legs. In between all of the figures we executed a dance choreography to add a little more aesthetic, artistic effect to the act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Then, as we discussed with Kakashi, we are going to change the second part to add three new figures. The first of the new figures is going to be counter balance standing on thighs and in all of these ones, Gaara will act as a base and I will be one to be lifted up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"For the first figure, Gaara stood with his legs bent (almost as in an "I'm about to sit down" position) and we will held each other by the forearms as I climbed on top of his knees. Then he brought his knees together for a moment to give me chance to turn to the side and lift one of my legs up to set my foot on his shoulder, then we let go of each others arms and he placed his hand on the same thigh I put on his shoulder, gripping it near the hip, then he spread his free arm at the same time I spread mine. We executed this figure to perfection, much to Kakashi's delight.. I felt exhilarated./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next one required more concentration since its level of difficulty is higher. It's a reverse handstand. This figure requires a lot of stability from both we took our positions. Gaara stood with his legs slightly spread, we put our arms fully stretched in front of the other and grabbed each other's hands and I took impulse and I am lifted in the air for a moment where I have to pull my hips up and spread them while Gaara held me and stretched his arms as I slowly bring my legs together. That way I was doing a handstand while being in the air and being held by Gaara./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" That looks like shit, guys. You both look stiff like corpses." Kakashi pointed out. "The synchronization is good but I need to see more fluid movements. Make it look more natural. We won't move to the next figure until you both make this one to perfection. C'mon, get back down now."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Well, that is why we practice.I brought my knees to my chest, and slowly went back down to the floor. Gaara was breathing heavily, and I saw him stretch his arms a little bit before our second try. I should have probably done the same, but I felt fantastic. I wasn't not even feeling sore. Must be the adrenaline./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When we were both ready, we tried again. I took impulse, lifted my hips into the air and into a middle split, but when I had just started to bring my legs together, I felt Gaara falter and in a second, I knew I was going to fall. My alertness went to the roof and before I noticed my ass was hitting the floor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shit!" I groaned but then I took in Gaara holding his ankle and the expression of severe pain in his face. I ran to him and Kakashi did the same./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck, Gaara, are you OK?" I asked him in panic. He didn't even respond. His face twisted in an ugly grimace./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Go call Tsunade! Bring her in here! Now!" Kakashi yelled. And I did, in a second, I got up to run and find Tsunade. The last thing I heard before running out of the training room, was Gaara apologizing for fucking everything up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When you are an acrobat, every performance could be your last. You need to do your best, put everything into the act because you never know if that will be the last time that you will ever step on a stage. Accidents happen. Injuries aren't uncommon in our jobs. Some injuries heal quickly and some leave you incapacitated to do acrobatics for the rest of your life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" He won't be able to perform in the show."Tsunade told us, serious. "We need to take him to the hospital. Now."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Jiraiya and Kakashi were both in the room. Jiraiya nodded, pulled his phone out and goes outside./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I felt devastated. I looked at Gaara and I saw in his expressions that he already knew it. Now he's only waiting to know if this will be the end of his career or not. This fucking sucks. He didn't deserve this after all the hard work he put into this circus./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You will be OK, buddy." I said reassuringly, kneeling next to him. I wished I could actually promise him that, but I didn't know what else to say./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" We don't know that." he replied, looking down. "I'm sorry for ruining the act."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, don't worry about that. You need to concentrate in getting 'll figure something out for the act. Don't worry." I said, but I honestly didn't know what was going to happen. We are way too close to the opening day./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up to see Granny Tsunade, her expression serious but I could see some worry in her eyes. She always goes into "serious doctor mode" when she's working on a patient./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think you should let Jiraiya and I take care of this" she says. I looked back at Gaara. He nodded, as if giving me permission to leave./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See you soon,buddy" I said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Both Kakashi and I went outside. Jiraiya had just finished up a phone call when we met him there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's going to happen to the act now?" I asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I guess we will have to cast somebody else to take over Gaara's part" the Old Pervert replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's insane!" I exclaimed. "We are a month and a half away from opening night! That's impossible!" I felt myself panic a little bit, but tried to keep calm./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I agree with him" Kakashi added." It's too much of a rush. It would be unfair to ask somebody else from the other cast members to take Gaara's place but casting a new member from the outside is crazy. Everybody here already have their time consumed working in their own acts, I can't imagine they would be up to learning a new choreography, not when we are so close to the opening date"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Listen, both of you" the Old Pervert said. "First of all, I need to prioritize that Gaara receives special medical attention as soon as possible but we will speak about this when we get back from the hospital. I'll make some guys go back to do whatever you need to do. Take the day off from training."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto, we should go" Kakashi told me. " We'll talk later" he said to Jiraiya and he responded with a nod./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked back to my room to try to relax but I couldn't. When I got there, I walked up to my nightstand to check my phone and saw I had 2 missed calls from my mother. I didn't feel like talking to my parents .It was already 4:30 pm. I felt so sad that I thought I was going to cry. I decided to take a hot shower. My lower back hurt from the fall but I know that it's nothing that won't take a night or two to stop hurting, unlike what happened to Gaara./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I couldn't begin to imagine how he must feel, knowing his career might be over. He's been here his whole life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I ran the shower, waiting for it to warm up,I undressed slowly and went in when the water was hot enough. My muscles started to relax but the pain in my back was still there. I might have to pay Shizune a visit later. Maybe she can put some kinesiotape on my back to give me extra support for this next week. Although I still feel uncertain that I'm going to be able to perform at the opening show at all. I don't think we have enough time to work in a solo act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck!" I yelled in frustration. I hoped nobody would hear me. I need to get my shit together. I was at my limit. I have been feeling odd for a while but I need to snap out of it and be there for my friend, he needs me now. I took a deep breath, and exhaled. I repeated this for a few times and started to feel a little bit better./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I didn't know how much time passed before I got out of the shower and dried myself with a towel. I headed out of the bathroom to pick up some clothes from my drawer and took a pair of boxers and pants. Then I found a t-shirt and a hoodie. I dressed and put my shoes on and decided to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat. I took my phone before leaving the room. I might check my Facebook while I'm there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to the cafeteria and noticed is actually crowded. Most of the cast members were there. I saw Neji, Hinata and Lee sitting in one table. Kiba and Shino at the other, and also Anko and Kurenai. I saw Sakura sitting alone at a table and when she looked my way,I waved at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey Naruto" she called me. "Come sit here"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I nodded but walked to the food trays to pick something up first. There's a lot, as usual. I swear, those trays are never empty. It must be exhausting working in that cafeteria, feeding famished acrobats all day./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I picked up some chicken breast, some salad and a piece of bread. Gotta watch the carbs, even though I wouldn't mind eating a whole pizza right now. I chose plain water to drink, taking a water bottle from the cooler (I hate lukewarm water, even during winter)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked back to the table where Sakura was sitting down and sat in front of her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I heard about Gaara" she said "I ran into Kakashi and he told me...I'm so sorry, Naruto. You think he'll be okay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" We don't know yet. The Old Pervert and granny Tsunade took him to the hospital. She knew she couldn't fix it here" I replied with a sigh. I opened my water bottle and took a swig./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What do you think will happen to your act?" she asked, taking a piece of fruit from her bowl and putting it in her mouth./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The Old Pervert said he's going to cast somebody else" I shrugged. I didn't think it would be possible, the situation felt like a lost cause./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""NO WAY!" She exclaimed, raising her voice in surprise and feeling self conscious when everybody suddenly stopped speaking and turned their heads to our table. She lowered her voice down again " That's insane"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know" I replied, cutting up a piece of chicken breast and bringing it to my mouth./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"We ate in silence for a moment when I noticed Ino's shag of long,light blond hair walking towards us. I didn't even notice her walking into the cafeteria./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, guys," Ino said after putting her hand on Sakura's shoulder. Sakura startled at her touch. "Sorry, did I scare you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No...I just didn't notice you were behind me" she replied, blushing deeply. Something's going on there. I raised an eyebrow at Sakura. Ino didn't even ask if she could sit with us, she just did, putting an apple and a small carton of milk in front of her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So what are you guys up to?" Ino asked, after taking a bite of her apple./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gaara got injured today during rehearsal" I said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh shit! Is he going to be okay?" Ino asked, the look in her blues eyes showing worry./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We don't know yet" I said. "He's at the hospital now"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, no. It was that bad?" She asked. I just nodded."I'm sorry to hear that. I hope we can visit him soon"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They should be back later. We still don't know what we are going to do with the act."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That sucks, Naruto. I hope his injury can heal. Remember when Lee got that injury on his leg? It took a while but look at him now. He's good as new"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I hope so" I added, feeling suddenly down again."Hey,what happened to TenTen after the review? She seemed upset" I asked, trying to change the subject and because I was actually curious about it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Upset is an understatement" Sakura said. "After we left, she broke down in tears on the way to our rooms. We were all there. It took Anko a while to calm her down and she ordered her to take the rest of the day off and to see her early tomorrow. It was surreal. She hasn't come out of her room since"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The pressure gets to all of us" Ino added,and I nodded in agreement. "But she will need to work harder, all of us need to. Every mistake or miscalculation in our part and it ruins the hard work of all of the cast as well as ruining the public's experience of coming to the circus. I sometimes feel so anxious about making mistakes that I can't sleep"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You shouldn't worry that much,Ino" Sakura said. "You always look amazing on stage. All of your movements are so elegant...It wouldn't surprise me at all that you were to get a solo act in the future." Do I smell a bit of a girl crush here?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You really think so?"Ino asked, cheerful "I don't know. I mean, you are the fittest and strongest of us three."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know about that" Sakura added, looking down at her now empty fruit bowl./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Haven't you looked in a mirror? You have the best body" Ino told her with a smile and Sakura blushed. That's the best compliment an acrobat could get. "Don't worry too much about your upcoming performance. We'll all be amazing."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It just sucks that we are encountering with these difficulties now. Specially when Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak just arrived to Las Vegas" Sakura said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No fucking way. Seriously?" I asked her, incredulously. Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak and Hidden Leaf have competed to be the number one for years. We aren't usually touring in the same city but them being here at the same time as us presenting a new show is not cool. People love them. They have a different approach to circus, making everything more tetric and out of a horror movie but Orochimaru's performers are good and their concept is solid. The owner is even an old acquaintance of the Old Pervert and Granny Tsunade. But now, you can say they're rivals./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yeah. I heard a rumor from Shikamaru earlier and then checked their official Instagram like an hour ago. It's happening" Sakura replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Such a shady move from Orochimaru's part" Ino added, while chewing another bite of her apple. "Jiraiya should go kick his ass.I thought they had an agreement or something. To not tour at the same city at the same time"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That kind of agreement doesn't matter when money is involved." I said. I guess his ambition became more important than old friends./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, that's fucked up" Ino said." Anyway, I think I should get going. I was planning on Skyping with my dad and it's already late you tomorrow, Sakura?" the blonde stood up and tousled Sakura's pink hair a bit./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Yes...See you tomorrow" They smiled at each other./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Keep me updated on Gaara, please?" she asked me this time. I nodded and then she left./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you have any plans for tonight?" Sakura asked me./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I was thinking on maybe going to Shizune later. My back hurts a bit...because of the fall. Gaara and I were doing reverse handstand when he injured himself and I was the flyer"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Why didn't you get that checked out earlier? You can't brush off that kind of pain just like that! You know that it could get worse!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I was more concerned about Gaara, really" I said,shrugging it off./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You are a good friend, Naruto" she told me. "The best friend one could ever ask for"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I smiled at her but didn't let the opportunity to tease her slip by. " Talking about good friends...How close are you and Ino?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She looked like a deer caught by the headlights for a moment. " I don't know what you're talking about" she said trying to play dumb but the redness of her face gave her away./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know, she's kind of a hottie." I said. " I totally understand why you would have a crush on her"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I DO NOT!" she replied, raising her voice again, and everybody stared at us again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I chuckled. "You girls are together all day and practically on top of the other" I said to tease her further. Close to the ending of their act, they make kind of like a human pyramid. They all climb on top of the other and you can't ignore the fact that their crotches are very close to the other's face. Don't mean to sound like a pervert, though, just stating a fact./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Now you're just being nasty." she said, but her face got even redder./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Jokes aside, I think you should ask her out." I told her and I meant it. Ino doesn't usually throw compliments like that to others. "I think she's into you,too"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shut up!" she exclaimed. " I don't think she sees me that way...and if I do something to make her uncomfortable, the act would be ruined. We couldn't work together anymore"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sakura, are you gay?" I asked her,curious. I've never seen her show any interest in anybody. She always seems too busy training. We all are, really. I have seen very few couples get together while being here./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know" she said,with a sigh. "I would rather not talk about this but now that you mention it, are YOU gay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, I'm bi" I responded. I don't feel uncomfortable with my sexuality. I've always known that I like both girls and boys. It's just difficult to have a relationship when you travel with the Circus most of the year. Unless you date another cast member, that is./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How can you be so comfortable saying it?" she asked me. "I wish I was as carefree as you"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's just how I am and I accept it and don't care about what others think"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you like Gaara? I always wanted to ask you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course, he's a cool guy" I answered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, I mean, as if REALLY like ... are you attracted to him?" she asked,her green eyes now curious./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, no,no.I mean he's handsome and all but he's just a good friend."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All right. That's cool,I guess. The Sabakus will always be a mystery to me." she said and got up. " I should get going. I don't have anything to do for the rest of the day and I thought I might go for a run. You should get your back checked."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, I will. See you around." I told her. And with that she waved me goodbye and left. I finished what little left of food there was on my plate and put the tray back where it was./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I decided to go see Shizune now and I walked straight to her office. On the way there, my phone buzzed. It's a text message from the Old Pervert. He asked me to meet him at 7pm at his office./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Shizune checked my back, cracked it a few times and put some kinesiotape to help my lower back with some extra support for the next week but recommended me to go to the hospital if it still hurt after a few days. I think it'll be fine. If it was a serious injury I probably wouldn't even be able to stand up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to Jiraiya's office. When I entered,I saw Kakashi was there as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hello, Naruto" Jiraiya said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How is Gaara?" I asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""He will be alright. He won't be able to perform for a while, but with correct physiotherapy, he will be able to continue with his career in this circus. He just has to be very patient." he answered. "Take a sit"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I did as he ordered and sat next to Kakashi./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think both Naruto and I need to know what will happen to the act." Kakashi said, bluntly. " I need to know how we are going to proceed"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I think casting somebody else is a bad idea. There's no way we can find a substitute for Gaara just like that" I said, feeling exasperated./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You underestimate me, Naruto" The Old Pervert told me. " I made a call to somebody I know has wanted to join our cast for a while and he can act as a replacement of Gaara for this show..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No way! What about the audition and the months of training!? You can't just let any amateur become part of the cast! It's not fair to us!" I stood up. I felt angry. This wasn't fair./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Let me speak" Jiraiya said." This person has more than enough experience in circus. He wants the job and we need a last minute replacement for Gaara. This following month and a half will be his trial period. If he does a good job, he will sign a contract. If he doesn't, he will be let go. That being said, I must add that I don't doubt his abilities."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's too risky" Kakashi said, after being quiet for a while./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I would have thought after all these years that you would trust my judgement, Kakashi" Jiraiya replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And I do. That's why I will go along with your plan and do my best for it to work out"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really,Kakashi?" I feel seriously exasperated now."This sucks"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto" Jiraiya said, serious. " Would you prefer to not participate in the upcoming show?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, seriously, old man?!" He couldn't do that to me. He knows I would do whatever he wants to not be kicked out of the stage./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You are not being very cooperative" he added./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine! Whatever." I muttered. "I'll do my best to work with….whoever this person is"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""When do we get to meet this fantastic person?" Kakashi asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Tomorrow, 8 am, in the training room.I told him that we were going to simulate an audition. That way you both get to see what he can do before introducing him to the rest of the cast. Don't be late."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can I go see Gaara now?" I asked, desperate to get out of there as soon as possible. I've never worked with anyone that I haven't known for a while.I don't even know if I can trust this person./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The doctor gave him something to help him sleep. He was pretty out of it by the time we got back. I would recommend you to see him tomorrow. He needs to rest" The Old Pervert told me./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine. Now, if you excuse me…" I nodded curtly to both of them and left the room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"This is the shittiest day I've had in a while. I headed to my room hoping to be able to sleep tonight./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As soon as I opened my eyes, I checked the time on my was 8:23 am. I was already late to the audition meeting. Fuck, Jiraiya will have my ass again. I got up, peed and then brushed my teeth. I threw on a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and a hoodie on top of it. I took my phone and left the room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to the training room and I saw Kakashi and Jiraiya there, sitting on a chair and in front of them, about a meter of distance away, was another chair where a dark haired guy is sitting down. He had pale skin and sharp eyes. All of them are looking at me when I walked closer to them./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sorry for making you wait" I said. The dark haired guy looked at me, with an indifferent expression./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sit, Naruto." Jiraiya ordered. I can't believe Kakashi was actually on time./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I did as he said and sat down in the chair next to Kakashi,he said nothing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This is Sasuke." Jiraiya made his official introduction. "He has a 9 year experience of working in the circus." Sasuke just sat there, without changing the expression on his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can you show us what you can do?" Kakashi asked, although he didn't seem sceptical about this./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Sasuke stood up and took his jacket off. He left the garment on his chair and then walked further away across the room. He started to take impulse by running and then did front handspring,combined with somersault, air rotations, back handspring… all with precision and elegance. All of a sudden, he started to seem familiar. I have seen this face before./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"He then did a handstand, spread his legs into a middle split and then he released one arm. I have to admit that he is talented. And fucking hot. Then, I remembered where I've seen him before. He's Sasuke Uchiha from Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak! I've been following him on Instagram for a while (but I follow so many people that I forgot for an instant). What the actual fuck. I'm going to have a word with the Old Pervert after this. But for now, I'm just going to sit through this and say nothing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Remarkable" said Kakashi. "Is there anything else that you do? Do you have experience in another discipline?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I do fire breathing" Sasuke replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Excellent. We don't have anybody who does that at Hidden Leaf. We could use that to develop a new act in the future. "Jiraiya added "If you stay,that is"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you have any experience in aerials?" Kakashi's asked. I was wondering that as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Not really. But I'm a fast learner" Sasuke answered, then after a brief pause, he added" I thought you needed me for duo floor acrobatics, not aerials"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Well, at least there's something he can't do. I was starting to feel lame. I suddenly felt the urge to jump into a trapeze. I haven't done that in a while./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, that's right. He was just asking for future reference. Many of our cast members do more than one type of acrobatics." Jiraiya said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fair enough" Sasuke smirked. Damn, he must be the main attraction in Orochimaru's Circus. That's the kind of smile that would make any girl seems so full of himself./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, I officially welcome you to Hidden Leaf Circus" Jiraiya said, standing up and extending his hand. Sasuke walked to him and shook it. "I'll have a room prepared for you by midday. You can move in guys need to start working by tomorrow first thing."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Sasuke only nodded. And then extended his hand to Kakashi to shake hands with him as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm Kakashi. I'll be your coach. I'm looking forward to work with you"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Me too" he replied, then turned to me, extending his hand and asked "And you are…?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto" I said dryly and Jiraiya sent me a deathly glare. I really can't escape this so I just sucked it up and swallowed my pride. "I'm your new partner" I stated but I didn't shake his hand back, so he withdrew it, the same self sufficient smile drawn in his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I know two things about Sasuke Uchiha, Gaara's replacement./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"One, he's smoking hot./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Two, I hate his guts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Now, even though I have started to train in contortion and aerials, I'm still a newbie and I don't work on a circus so the circus life style is mostly an speculation and what I've gathered from watching circus' backstage vids, so there might be some innacuracy. But hey, this is for fun./p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"If you have any trouble picturing the acrobatic figures I describe,the website is super can find them all there in their different categories :)/p
p style="border: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Anyway,I hope you enjoy this story. Oh, and you can find me on Tumblr as ixtab-loves-me./p
hr /
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"span style="text-decoration: underline;"NARUTO POV/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Since the moment I opened my eyes and the sun blinded me, I realized this was going to be a bad day. I sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my temples while stretching my legs in front of me, doing circular motions with my ankles.I shouldn't have partied when I knew I had a new stage show coming up but still, I always seem to forget that after the third shot of tequila. I looked at my phone on the bedside table to check the time. It was 8:48 on a Sunday , I'm not going to piss off too many people today . I stretched my arms next, feeling the soreness of my overworked muscles. Kakashi had been very hard on Gaara and me these past few weeks. The soreness, however, doesn't bother me, it's usually part of my everyday life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After flexing my neck muscles and hearing them crack, I headed to the shower./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Pain, muscle soreness and physical exhaustion are a big part of all of our lives actually. This community is like a big family. We are all circus artists in the Hidden Leaf Circus./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As one of the top worldwide known circus shows, just being here is a huge accomplishment. Just the best of the best make it past the auditions to the six weeks of training that follow./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I have been an official member of the cast of Hidden Leaf for the last seven years so basically I grew up here./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"You see, my parents were circus performers before I was born,they met while doing duo acrobatics, performing as amateurs on the streets, and feel in love shortly afterwards. That's when they met Jiraiya, the artistic director and founder of this circus (as well as my godfather, go figure). They were part of the original cast and became legends because of the chemistry they had and the passion they put in their performances. They filled up all the circus benches./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Most of the current cast members have been here since they were kids, even if not performing as main acrobats. Training behind the scenes to follow their parents footsteps, these cast members were sons and daughters of the previous ones and most of them I've known my whole life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Since I can remember I've been training everyday for hours and hours with my parents to become an acrobat. And it's not that they imposed their dreams on me or anything like that. I genuinely loved it. By age 5 I could already do a perfect handstand, and with the help of my dad and mom as partners, by age 7 I already did most figures to perfection. I've always wanted to follow their footsteps, but I like to think that my reason for being here was not just because my parents were great acrobats. I worked really hard to earn my place,if anything, I've worked harder to show everybody that I deserve to be on this stage./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Being agile and flexible as a child is very easy. Increasing your physical strength and agility as you grow older while maintaining flexibility is the real work. It's very easy to lose flexibility if you work out a lot with weights but don't stretch properly for at least an hour everyday. Especially if you are a guy because it's easier to get muscle and become too bulky and get all stiff and then your figures all look like shit./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I don't only do floor acrobatics but also aerial, trapeze being my favorite. I have done hoop, straps and silks but they are not my speciality. Although part of being in the circus is that I get to try everything and try to learn something different for new shows, my favorite part of being here is that I never stop learning. I always get to experiment freely when I have time off from preparing a new show./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the hot water of the shower hit me, I felt like a new person. That's the best thing about myself. I quickly recover from everything. Call it injuries, hangovers or heartbreak./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Not like circus life lets out a lot of time for romance;performing and traveling with the circus is the biggest cockblock ever. In the past seven years that I have been traveling with Hidden Leaf, I have seen my parents twice (they have been retired for a while now and stopped traveling with us ever since) and been in like thirty different cities./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After I got out of the shower I threw a tank top on and my favorite training pants (the ones that keep my muscles warm but not enough to make me sweat like a pig and get dehydrated during training). I took a look at my face in the mirror, searching for any traces of a drinking night out, finding ./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Naruto Uzumaki, 24 years old. Today might not start out be as a bad as I thought./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When I headed out of my trailer, I saw Kiba and Akamaru walking by. Although our circus is cruelty free and consist mostly of a human cast, Kiba has the only act where a dog is allowed to perform. No cruelty involved in the training of Akamaru. If anything, he's the most spoiled cast member. Kiba has had Akamaru since he was a puppy and eventually convinced Jiraiya to let him into the show./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's up,dude?" I called him. Akamaru barked and wiggled its tail. Kiba looked back at me. He looked kinda beaten up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, bro" he replied. "Getting a late start today,huh?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, it's not so late yet" I pointed out. "Dude, you need to control your drinking next time. You look like a truck ran over you"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck off! I'm never getting into a drinking contest with you again. I don't know how you can look as fucking radiant as you do after drinking like that. Never going to let you convince me to go out before a new show. Man, this sucks. Jiraiya will have your ass in the cast meeting later"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Chill out, bro. Besides, it was Sakura's idea. She wouldn't stop complaining that we never celebrated her birthday properly, so I thought we would just go along. Besides, it's not always that Jiraiya decides Las Vegas is a good place to settle while preparing a new show." that was true./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Usually, we go to the most boring cities to prepare for new shows before going to the place where we'll make the official debut. He knows it's tough shit to deal with a bunch of feisty young adults that never really had normal teenage lives, we were already either performing or training our asses off to perform, so it's better to avoid any distractions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Tsk….whatever. Gotta walk Akamaru now before the meeting. See you later"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I waved him goodbye and then headed to the training room. I got to look for Gaara, my performing partner. We were working in a new acrobalance duo act and I felt there's still a long way to perfect it. He's an awesome acrobat,though. He's been in the circus forever, as well as his brother Kankuro, who is one of the guys in charge of one of the comedy acts ( he's actually a clown and does a puppet show, with big puppets, no kinder garden bullshit) and his sister Temari, who has a juggling act with fans./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Our show usually consists in 5 different types of acts: floor acrobatics, juggling, aerial acrobatics, contortion, comedy (gives the performers and the technicians some more time to prepare the stage while keeping the audience entertained, pretty much) and Kiba's and Akamaru's act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As I walk into the training room, the first person I see is Sakura, already warmed up,on the floor doing a basic chest stand position, holding her feet next to her head. In the background I see Hinata wrapped up in the silks being watched by Kurenai, the aerialists coach. On the other side, I see Rock Lee and Neji ,Hinata's cousin, practicing their hand balancing act with their coach, Gai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Girl, do you ever eat or sleep?" I teased Sakura./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, I had breakfast 3 hours ago. And no, not all of us can oversleep and still perform to perfection at opening night." she says. "Oh, and I also never get hangover" she added with a smile./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You will be amazing as always" I told her. Sakura is one of my closest friends of all the cast members and also, one of the newest people to join the cast. She joined Hidden Leaf Circus only three years ago and is always very hard on herself since her parents didn't work in the circus like the others./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know. I have been feeling like the act is not synchronized yet." she added while wrapping her arms behind her ribcage and spreading her legs into a split. "I think it's looks kind of...rigid lately. Don't you think?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Scandal!" I said with faked surprise. Sakura is in the contortion act with two other girls, Ino and Tenten. Both of them come from families with circus backgrounds./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shut up! Don't you have anything to do today?" she asked, rolling her eyes with faked annoyment./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Actually I was looking for Gaara. Have you seen him?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think he's at the Cafeteria. I saw him going in and sit with his weird brother and his bitch sister when I was leaving" she said while changing her position again to the chest stand and then bringing her pelvis forward until her knees touch the floor,into a triple fold. Ouch. Most of us in the circus are flexible but not as flexible as the contortionists./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Yeah, the Sabaku siblings aren't really that well liked but they aren't bad people,I swear. Gaara just has a poker face, Kankuro might be a bit strange and Temari...well, she's kind of a bitch. She sometimes makes comments that come across as way too harsh. And I think she's having an affair with one of the tech guys, Shikamaru (but the rumors haven't been corroborated yet). But one thing that all the Sabaku siblings have in common is that they are reliable people. They'll always give their best, and give the public excellent shows./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Your triple fold is looking better, fluid. You really have made progress this past month" I complimented her because I know she deserves it and because she works hard./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She slowly returned to her original chest stand position, and smiled at me. "Thank you for skipping the rules and going out with me to celebrate my belated birthday yesterday, Naruto. I will remember that when Jiraiya kicks your ass in front of everybody at the cast meeting" she said and then laughed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Seriously, like I am the only one to blame! Doublecrosser!" I let out a laugh." Anyway, I'm starving and I need to talk to Gaara. See you later, Sakura." I said and as I was heading to the door, I heard Sakura speak again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey Naruto?" she called and when I turn around, she said "Don't tell TenTen what I said about her"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I nodded and waved her goodbye as I headed out to the cafeteria. And no, it isn't just any cafeteria. The cast of the Hidden Leaf Circus leads a special diet. Most of us eat the foods that our bodies need depending on the type of training we do. It's not that we aren't allowed to eat whatever we want now and then, but this kind of physical training requires a special diet, with a good balance between carbohydrates and protein, and we need to watch our weight. The kitchen is always working even when we are training or on stage and always serves a big variety of meals for all of the cast different tastes./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When I got there I spotted Gaara getting up from the table along with his siblings, carrying his empty plates on the tray in his hands./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gaara, my man!" I said as I walked up to him." Hey Temari, Kankuro. What's up?" Gaara's siblings only nodded towards my direction and turned to leave./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You slept in." Gaara stated, without an ounce of reclaim in his voice. That's Gaara for you,folks. No expression in his face nor in his voice, ever./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yeah…" I answered, scratching my head " But it was cool, man. Going out now and then is not so bad, you know? You should come with us sometime."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't think your friends like me a lot," he stated, again without showing any emotions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They just don't know you, buddy. I think they find your lack of expression kind of threatening or something." If I am sincere, Gaara can be kind of intimidating but when you get to know him you realize that he's one of the most reliable guys you could ever meet. I don't know if I am just too naive when it comes to people. I'm very social and easy going. I don't think I've ever met anybody that I disliked, really./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Mmmm" Gaara murmured. "I was thinking on heading to the training room after the cast meeting. You should eat something now. It's already kind of late"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I shrugged "yeah, I'll eat a light breakfast and meet you there."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After Gaara said goodbye and left, I walked towards the buffet trays to check what was available. I was actually starving./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The cast meetings always take place in Jiraiya's office (it's really a tent). When I got there I saw all of the cast members sat down on the floor in front of the projector. These meetings are usually done so we all watch our training session videos and discuss our progress (or lack thereof). A "little bit of constructive criticism" as Kakashi says. Kakashi is Gaara's and my coach. He has a weird friendship/rivalry with Guy, Rock Lee's and Neji's coach. Although we all get along pretty well, we do have our little groups of friends,the people that we hang out with more often. I am closest to Sakura, Kiba and of course,Gaara, since we spend a lot of time together during rehearsals./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After I sat down next to Gaara, I saw Jiraiya get in the room and occupy his own seat, which is at a table that he usually uses as a desk for his everyday work. He's an old pervert, I was once snooping around in his office and found a porn magazine underneath a stack of papers. Rumors say that he used to write porn before he founded the Hidden Leaf Circus. Other rumors say he still does it. Anyhow, I still see him as family. He's my godfather after all./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The new show is going to include the following acts:/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Aerial silks duo by Hinata Hyuuga and Shino Aburame. Their coach is Kurenai, who also coaches all of the other aerial acrobatics (although for this new show their act will be the only aerial act)/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Contortion trio by Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka and TenTen. Their coach and choreographer is Mitarashi Anko./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Kiba's and Akamaru's act. No coach. They do their own thing. I wouldn't even call it acrobatics but the public loves it and it also gives us more time to prepare the stage for more complicated acts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Hand balancing on canes by Rock Lee and Neji Hyuuga. Their coach is Gai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Comedy acts, by Chouji Akimichi and Kankuro./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Fan juggling by Temari (it is more exciting as it sounds, I swear)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-Acrobalance duo by Gaara and coach is Kakashi. He's cool but he's lazy, usually arriving late to our training sessions./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Other members of the team that I'm close to that travel with us all the time but aren't performers are Shikamaru Nara, the head guy of the technicians; that means he's the one in charge of the stage, the installation and all the necessary mechanisms to make it work. He's brilliant but he is also lazy as fuck. I heard he has in IQ of 200 and I assume it must be true because all of the things he designs (usually moving platforms but also different mechanisms for the aerial acts) work to perfection. Sai (what's this guy's last name anyway?) does costume design and makeup design, he's one of those artsy guys; Tsunade Senju, who's the cast's physiotherapist and Shizune, her apprentice. Tsunade is also the Old Pervert's love interest. There are more people travelling with us, musicians (all of our shows have live singers) and other technicians that help with the installation, the lights and all that./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After everybody has sit down, the Old Pervert cleared his throat and started speaking,finally./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All right. Now that I have everybody's attention. As you already know, our new stage show is due in a month and a half. We have been working in the creation and staging of this new show for more than four months now and most of you are doing a great job and working really hard. As the time for the opening is getting closer, I need you to work extra-hard in your acts and aspire to perfection. The Hidden Leaf circus has always characterized for being an amazing show and we need to keep it that way. I look forward to see all of your progress in today's review."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"These video reviews are usually a bitchfest, nonetheless./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Shikamaru, who was behind his MacBook in charge of the projections during the cast meetings, played the first video, which is Hinata's and Shino's act. We usually do all of our video recordings the day before the meeting, so Jiraiya and the other can see our progress./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Both Shino and Hinata got positive feedback from Jiraiya and the others, much to the satisfaction of Kurenai./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next video was the contortion trio. Even though in the first minute or two, the three girls seemed to do their choreography perfectly, I started to notice how the act seems weirdly out of sync with the music. I could see what Sakura mentioned earlier. It was TenTen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the video ended, everybody was quiet, which has never been good sign./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The silence was broken by a female voice, that I immediately recognized as Temari's./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""TenTen, you're slacking off" she stated, sharply./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck you, you bitch." TenTen responded,clearly offended. This is the problem with Temari. Even though she was right in pointing out that TenTen needs to work harder, she just never knows how to word her thoughts in a way that doesn't come across as fucking rude. "A fucking monkey could do a juggling act like yours. Doesn't take much brains"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Uh-oh. This is it. Tenten reached her limit and snapped. This only gets worse the closer to the opening night we get. She's not the only one who has got terribly mad and lost her temper in one of these meetings before. The pressure to be perfect is too high and it gets to us after a while. I exchanged looks with Sakura, she looked worried. Anko was pinching the bridge of her nose, eyes closed, shaking her head lightly. Temari voiced Sakura's own thoughts about TenTen's performance with a bluntness that Sakura herself wouldn't be capable of. She is critical but always has other people's feelings in mind./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It requires concentration, something that you don't seem to be able to achieve in order to make your choreography in sync with the others." Temari responded../p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Girls, please" Jiraiya intervened then looked at TenTen, addressing her but not Temari." You need to work extra hard this week. I expect to see you doing better for the next video review. I don't doubt your abilities and you shouldn't either. There's a reason why you are here. If you think the pressure is too much, you might want to speak to Shizune."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Although Shizune is not really a therapist, she kind of has assumed the role of one. Most of us go to her when we need to talk and one to hear honest and unbiased advice./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'll do my best. I'm going to work harder this week,I promise" TenTen replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't doubt that" the old Pervert added. And then nodded to Shikamaru to continue with the next./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kiba's and Akamaru's act was next, followed by Neji's and Rock Lee's handbalancing on canes act. Everybody had positive feedback for them. I was actually so nervous about the screening of my own act that I didn't even pay much attention to the others. I have started biting my nails at this point. I don't deal well with anticipation,especially when I know we haven't been doing well. And after the escapade of last night….They were right. The Old Pervert will kick my ass in front of everybody./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The thing is….even though we have fun at the job and training, since we have been doing this out whole lives, we didn't never really get to have a normal childhood and adolescence. Since we traveled with the circus, we didn't get to stay in places for long and made friends outside of the other cast members and people who traveled with us. I knew we are all under contracts and that this is our job but still, it feels nice to go wild now and then. It's not like we did it everyday, anyway./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Gaara tapped me on the shoulder and got me out of my cavillations. Our act was next on the projection./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Everybody was quiet, which means they weren't impressed. This is going to suck. Sakura sets me an encouraging look, but I can tell by her face that she thought the act sucked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Jiraiya released a deep sigh, and shook his head. Gaara and I exchanged looks. We both knew that this wasn't going to go well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After the projection was over, everybody was silent for a moment. After the pregnant pause,Jiraiya broke the silence./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Guys...what the fuck was that?" He asked, controlled but obviously angry."Seriously, what the fuck did I just watch? We are a month and a half away from opening night! Most of the fucking tickets are sold out! People didn't pay to watch shit like this!" He lost his temper and he yelled." The first minutes of the act are good but the rest are just dreadful. People come here to be impressed, not to get bored out of their minds"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I was speechless. I knew it wasn't great but I never thought it would be boring./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm very sorry for this,sir" Gaara said. "I have no excuse for the bad results of my training. I will work harder from now on"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And you Naruto? Do you have anything to say for yourself? Can you explain to me why you have been working towards creating an act that is lame and boring? That lacks passion? Or are you too busy sneaking out and partying all night instead of actually training?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I actually felt very attacked by that statement. Nothing that I do in life lacks passion. But maybe he's right. My concentration levels haven't been the best. Maybe I need to get laid or something./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't party that often,old man. We deserve to have fun sometimes. We all work our asses off for this show" I replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Just don't forget you are under contract. And it doesn't matter who your parents are, and I say this not only for you but for the rest of the cast as well, this is not a place for people who slack off. You are here to work hard and to deliver a great show to the public. The fact that your parents were excellent acrobats doesn't guarantee you will have a place in the Hidden Leaf Circus. Whoever is slacking off, will be let go." Everybody in the room tensed. The environment felt heavy, with worry. "And by the way, I know you weren't the only one sneaking out last night to party. But so far, from all of them (and you know who you are), you Naruto,are the only one who showed me a half assed act"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"All right, I feel like shit right now./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Kakashi, the second half of that act needs a new choreography. Make sure you have something for next week's review. We can't present this to the public."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kakashi just nodded./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The Old Pervert closed his eyes and rubbed his temple. "You are free to go to your training sessions now. See you next week". He dismissed us but I didn't want to leave before having a word with him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See you in the training room in a moment?" Gaara asked me. I nodded. My answer was obvious. It's not like I would miss any rehearsals anyway./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"After everybody left, I walked up to Jiraiya. I felt the need to apologize for my bad performance but nothing else. I didn't even think that going out now and then was what affected my training.I didn't even know what it was, to be honest./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Alright," I spoke up "I'm sorry,OK? I don't know what happened with me. I promise I will work harder this week." I added and I meant it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know I love Minato and Kushina very much, and I respect them as the good acrobats they are and everything that they brought to this company." he said, serious but in a softer tone than earlier. "I know they didn't raise a slacker. You've never failed me or the Hidden Leaf and I know this won't be the first time. You know I am here if you need to talk to somebody. Or you can go to Tsunade, if you need."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know" I said. Even though Tsunade isn't a therapist either,both her and Shizune are always available to listen to us vent, specially the closer an opening day is. Not all of us know how to cope with stress. "I promise is nothing. I will work harder and do better on the next review. "/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know you will" he smiled at me. I walked up to the door but before leaving,I felt the need to speak a few more words./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know this means the life to me and I love what I do. I would never do anything that would affect Hidden Leaf or any member of the team."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"He just nodded and said " See you next week"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I headed out to the training room to meet Gaara. I found him warming up when I got there, stretching on the floor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, man" I said, sitting down next to him and starting my warm up/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How did it go?" he asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Let's just say that I have to work extra hard this week"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You and me both"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Kakashi arrived after 15 minutes. When we started discussing the changes in the choreography and I started picturing everything in my head,I became very excited. It's this familiar feeling, like the adrenaline rush that I always feel whenever I'm dancing, hand standing or up in the air. It's when I'm performing that I feel the most alive. Suddenly,I felt my spirits go up. We can do this./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think we should also add some tosses in the second part of the act instead of the laying down figures . I analyzed this through the night. The positions would stay the same. Naruto will be the flyer in the second part of the act." Kakashi said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It would be more challenging and to the public, it will look riskier" I added, feeling excited./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm up for that." Gaara said. "I don't know why we didn't think of that before"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Great. Then we can start now" Kakashi added./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The first part of the choreography included both me and Gaara doing backwards walkovers from opposite sides and into the stage, then when we meet in the middle we execute some dance moves and then proceed with the figures, which involved adagio (partner lifts and tosses) and partner acrobalance. For that kind of duo acrobatics, Gaara and I switched to be the base and the flyer. In the first part of the act,I acted as the base./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The first figure was a shoulder stand on feet, where I laid down on the floor with my legs and arms up, and Gaara needed to take impulse, tuck then lift his hips while supporting himself in my hands and then position his shoulders on my feet. It requires concentration but this is quite an easy figure. Most of the first figures are very basic./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The second figure is called "candlestick", in where I laid down with my legs bent and slightly separated,my arms are extended and firm so Gaara could position his shoulders in my hands and his hands on my knees and he can lift his hips up until his body forms a straight line (like a candle,hence the name)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The third figure is called "front angel laying down" in which again, I laid down on the floor, bent my legs slightly and extended my arms to take Gaars hands, while he positioned his abdomen in the soles of my feet and took impulse. I then pulled him up and released his hands so that way he's in the air and opened his arms wide to the side while I fully supported him with my legs. In between all of the figures we executed a dance choreography to add a little more aesthetic, artistic effect to the act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Then, as we discussed with Kakashi, we are going to change the second part to add three new figures. The first of the new figures is going to be counter balance standing on thighs and in all of these ones, Gaara will act as a base and I will be one to be lifted up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"For the first figure, Gaara stood with his legs bent (almost as in an "I'm about to sit down" position) and we will held each other by the forearms as I climbed on top of his knees. Then he brought his knees together for a moment to give me chance to turn to the side and lift one of my legs up to set my foot on his shoulder, then we let go of each others arms and he placed his hand on the same thigh I put on his shoulder, gripping it near the hip, then he spread his free arm at the same time I spread mine. We executed this figure to perfection, much to Kakashi's delight.. I felt exhilarated./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"The next one required more concentration since its level of difficulty is higher. It's a reverse handstand. This figure requires a lot of stability from both we took our positions. Gaara stood with his legs slightly spread, we put our arms fully stretched in front of the other and grabbed each other's hands and I took impulse and I am lifted in the air for a moment where I have to pull my hips up and spread them while Gaara held me and stretched his arms as I slowly bring my legs together. That way I was doing a handstand while being in the air and being held by Gaara./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" That looks like shit, guys. You both look stiff like corpses." Kakashi pointed out. "The synchronization is good but I need to see more fluid movements. Make it look more natural. We won't move to the next figure until you both make this one to perfection. C'mon, get back down now."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Well, that is why we practice.I brought my knees to my chest, and slowly went back down to the floor. Gaara was breathing heavily, and I saw him stretch his arms a little bit before our second try. I should have probably done the same, but I felt fantastic. I wasn't not even feeling sore. Must be the adrenaline./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When we were both ready, we tried again. I took impulse, lifted my hips into the air and into a middle split, but when I had just started to bring my legs together, I felt Gaara falter and in a second, I knew I was going to fall. My alertness went to the roof and before I noticed my ass was hitting the floor./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shit!" I groaned but then I took in Gaara holding his ankle and the expression of severe pain in his face. I ran to him and Kakashi did the same./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck, Gaara, are you OK?" I asked him in panic. He didn't even respond. His face twisted in an ugly grimace./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Go call Tsunade! Bring her in here! Now!" Kakashi yelled. And I did, in a second, I got up to run and find Tsunade. The last thing I heard before running out of the training room, was Gaara apologizing for fucking everything up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"When you are an acrobat, every performance could be your last. You need to do your best, put everything into the act because you never know if that will be the last time that you will ever step on a stage. Accidents happen. Injuries aren't uncommon in our jobs. Some injuries heal quickly and some leave you incapacitated to do acrobatics for the rest of your life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" He won't be able to perform in the show."Tsunade told us, serious. "We need to take him to the hospital. Now."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Jiraiya and Kakashi were both in the room. Jiraiya nodded, pulled his phone out and goes outside./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I felt devastated. I looked at Gaara and I saw in his expressions that he already knew it. Now he's only waiting to know if this will be the end of his career or not. This fucking sucks. He didn't deserve this after all the hard work he put into this circus./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You will be OK, buddy." I said reassuringly, kneeling next to him. I wished I could actually promise him that, but I didn't know what else to say./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" We don't know that." he replied, looking down. "I'm sorry for ruining the act."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, don't worry about that. You need to concentrate in getting 'll figure something out for the act. Don't worry." I said, but I honestly didn't know what was going to happen. We are way too close to the opening day./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up to see Granny Tsunade, her expression serious but I could see some worry in her eyes. She always goes into "serious doctor mode" when she's working on a patient./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think you should let Jiraiya and I take care of this" she says. I looked back at Gaara. He nodded, as if giving me permission to leave./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""See you soon,buddy" I said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Both Kakashi and I went outside. Jiraiya had just finished up a phone call when we met him there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What's going to happen to the act now?" I asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I guess we will have to cast somebody else to take over Gaara's part" the Old Pervert replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That's insane!" I exclaimed. "We are a month and a half away from opening night! That's impossible!" I felt myself panic a little bit, but tried to keep calm./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I agree with him" Kakashi added." It's too much of a rush. It would be unfair to ask somebody else from the other cast members to take Gaara's place but casting a new member from the outside is crazy. Everybody here already have their time consumed working in their own acts, I can't imagine they would be up to learning a new choreography, not when we are so close to the opening date"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Listen, both of you" the Old Pervert said. "First of all, I need to prioritize that Gaara receives special medical attention as soon as possible but we will speak about this when we get back from the hospital. I'll make some guys go back to do whatever you need to do. Take the day off from training."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto, we should go" Kakashi told me. " We'll talk later" he said to Jiraiya and he responded with a nod./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked back to my room to try to relax but I couldn't. When I got there, I walked up to my nightstand to check my phone and saw I had 2 missed calls from my mother. I didn't feel like talking to my parents .It was already 4:30 pm. I felt so sad that I thought I was going to cry. I decided to take a hot shower. My lower back hurt from the fall but I know that it's nothing that won't take a night or two to stop hurting, unlike what happened to Gaara./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I couldn't begin to imagine how he must feel, knowing his career might be over. He's been here his whole life./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I ran the shower, waiting for it to warm up,I undressed slowly and went in when the water was hot enough. My muscles started to relax but the pain in my back was still there. I might have to pay Shizune a visit later. Maybe she can put some kinesiotape on my back to give me extra support for this next week. Although I still feel uncertain that I'm going to be able to perform at the opening show at all. I don't think we have enough time to work in a solo act./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fuck!" I yelled in frustration. I hoped nobody would hear me. I need to get my shit together. I was at my limit. I have been feeling odd for a while but I need to snap out of it and be there for my friend, he needs me now. I took a deep breath, and exhaled. I repeated this for a few times and started to feel a little bit better./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I didn't know how much time passed before I got out of the shower and dried myself with a towel. I headed out of the bathroom to pick up some clothes from my drawer and took a pair of boxers and pants. Then I found a t-shirt and a hoodie. I dressed and put my shoes on and decided to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat. I took my phone before leaving the room. I might check my Facebook while I'm there./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to the cafeteria and noticed is actually crowded. Most of the cast members were there. I saw Neji, Hinata and Lee sitting in one table. Kiba and Shino at the other, and also Anko and Kurenai. I saw Sakura sitting alone at a table and when she looked my way,I waved at her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey Naruto" she called me. "Come sit here"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I nodded but walked to the food trays to pick something up first. There's a lot, as usual. I swear, those trays are never empty. It must be exhausting working in that cafeteria, feeding famished acrobats all day./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I picked up some chicken breast, some salad and a piece of bread. Gotta watch the carbs, even though I wouldn't mind eating a whole pizza right now. I chose plain water to drink, taking a water bottle from the cooler (I hate lukewarm water, even during winter)./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked back to the table where Sakura was sitting down and sat in front of her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I heard about Gaara" she said "I ran into Kakashi and he told me...I'm so sorry, Naruto. You think he'll be okay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" We don't know yet. The Old Pervert and granny Tsunade took him to the hospital. She knew she couldn't fix it here" I replied with a sigh. I opened my water bottle and took a swig./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""What do you think will happen to your act?" she asked, taking a piece of fruit from her bowl and putting it in her mouth./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The Old Pervert said he's going to cast somebody else" I shrugged. I didn't think it would be possible, the situation felt like a lost cause./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""NO WAY!" She exclaimed, raising her voice in surprise and feeling self conscious when everybody suddenly stopped speaking and turned their heads to our table. She lowered her voice down again " That's insane"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I know" I replied, cutting up a piece of chicken breast and bringing it to my mouth./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"We ate in silence for a moment when I noticed Ino's shag of long,light blond hair walking towards us. I didn't even notice her walking into the cafeteria./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hey, guys," Ino said after putting her hand on Sakura's shoulder. Sakura startled at her touch. "Sorry, did I scare you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No...I just didn't notice you were behind me" she replied, blushing deeply. Something's going on there. I raised an eyebrow at Sakura. Ino didn't even ask if she could sit with us, she just did, putting an apple and a small carton of milk in front of her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""So what are you guys up to?" Ino asked, after taking a bite of her apple./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Gaara got injured today during rehearsal" I said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh shit! Is he going to be okay?" Ino asked, the look in her blues eyes showing worry./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""We don't know yet" I said. "He's at the hospital now"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, no. It was that bad?" She asked. I just nodded."I'm sorry to hear that. I hope we can visit him soon"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""They should be back later. We still don't know what we are going to do with the act."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That sucks, Naruto. I hope his injury can heal. Remember when Lee got that injury on his leg? It took a while but look at him now. He's good as new"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I hope so" I added, feeling suddenly down again."Hey,what happened to TenTen after the review? She seemed upset" I asked, trying to change the subject and because I was actually curious about it./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Upset is an understatement" Sakura said. "After we left, she broke down in tears on the way to our rooms. We were all there. It took Anko a while to calm her down and she ordered her to take the rest of the day off and to see her early tomorrow. It was surreal. She hasn't come out of her room since"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The pressure gets to all of us" Ino added,and I nodded in agreement. "But she will need to work harder, all of us need to. Every mistake or miscalculation in our part and it ruins the hard work of all of the cast as well as ruining the public's experience of coming to the circus. I sometimes feel so anxious about making mistakes that I can't sleep"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You shouldn't worry that much,Ino" Sakura said. "You always look amazing on stage. All of your movements are so elegant...It wouldn't surprise me at all that you were to get a solo act in the future." Do I smell a bit of a girl crush here?/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" You really think so?"Ino asked, cheerful "I don't know. I mean, you are the fittest and strongest of us three."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know about that" Sakura added, looking down at her now empty fruit bowl./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Haven't you looked in a mirror? You have the best body" Ino told her with a smile and Sakura blushed. That's the best compliment an acrobat could get. "Don't worry too much about your upcoming performance. We'll all be amazing."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It just sucks that we are encountering with these difficulties now. Specially when Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak just arrived to Las Vegas" Sakura said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No fucking way. Seriously?" I asked her, incredulously. Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak and Hidden Leaf have competed to be the number one for years. We aren't usually touring in the same city but them being here at the same time as us presenting a new show is not cool. People love them. They have a different approach to circus, making everything more tetric and out of a horror movie but Orochimaru's performers are good and their concept is solid. The owner is even an old acquaintance of the Old Pervert and Granny Tsunade. But now, you can say they're rivals./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yeah. I heard a rumor from Shikamaru earlier and then checked their official Instagram like an hour ago. It's happening" Sakura replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Such a shady move from Orochimaru's part" Ino added, while chewing another bite of her apple. "Jiraiya should go kick his ass.I thought they had an agreement or something. To not tour at the same city at the same time"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""That kind of agreement doesn't matter when money is involved." I said. I guess his ambition became more important than old friends./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, that's fucked up" Ino said." Anyway, I think I should get going. I was planning on Skyping with my dad and it's already late you tomorrow, Sakura?" the blonde stood up and tousled Sakura's pink hair a bit./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Yes...See you tomorrow" They smiled at each other./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Keep me updated on Gaara, please?" she asked me this time. I nodded and then she left./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you have any plans for tonight?" Sakura asked me./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I was thinking on maybe going to Shizune later. My back hurts a bit...because of the fall. Gaara and I were doing reverse handstand when he injured himself and I was the flyer"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Why didn't you get that checked out earlier? You can't brush off that kind of pain just like that! You know that it could get worse!"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I was more concerned about Gaara, really" I said,shrugging it off./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You are a good friend, Naruto" she told me. "The best friend one could ever ask for"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I smiled at her but didn't let the opportunity to tease her slip by. " Talking about good friends...How close are you and Ino?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"She looked like a deer caught by the headlights for a moment. " I don't know what you're talking about" she said trying to play dumb but the redness of her face gave her away./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You know, she's kind of a hottie." I said. " I totally understand why you would have a crush on her"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I DO NOT!" she replied, raising her voice again, and everybody stared at us again./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I chuckled. "You girls are together all day and practically on top of the other" I said to tease her further. Close to the ending of their act, they make kind of like a human pyramid. They all climb on top of the other and you can't ignore the fact that their crotches are very close to the other's face. Don't mean to sound like a pervert, though, just stating a fact./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Now you're just being nasty." she said, but her face got even redder./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Jokes aside, I think you should ask her out." I told her and I meant it. Ino doesn't usually throw compliments like that to others. "I think she's into you,too"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Shut up!" she exclaimed. " I don't think she sees me that way...and if I do something to make her uncomfortable, the act would be ruined. We couldn't work together anymore"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sakura, are you gay?" I asked her,curious. I've never seen her show any interest in anybody. She always seems too busy training. We all are, really. I have seen very few couples get together while being here./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I don't know" she said,with a sigh. "I would rather not talk about this but now that you mention it, are YOU gay?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, I'm bi" I responded. I don't feel uncomfortable with my sexuality. I've always known that I like both girls and boys. It's just difficult to have a relationship when you travel with the Circus most of the year. Unless you date another cast member, that is./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How can you be so comfortable saying it?" she asked me. "I wish I was as carefree as you"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's just how I am and I accept it and don't care about what others think"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you like Gaara? I always wanted to ask you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Of course, he's a cool guy" I answered./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, I mean, as if REALLY like ... are you attracted to him?" she asked,her green eyes now curious./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Oh, no,no.I mean he's handsome and all but he's just a good friend."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""All right. That's cool,I guess. The Sabakus will always be a mystery to me." she said and got up. " I should get going. I don't have anything to do for the rest of the day and I thought I might go for a run. You should get your back checked."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, I will. See you around." I told her. And with that she waved me goodbye and left. I finished what little left of food there was on my plate and put the tray back where it was./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I decided to go see Shizune now and I walked straight to her office. On the way there, my phone buzzed. It's a text message from the Old Pervert. He asked me to meet him at 7pm at his office./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Shizune checked my back, cracked it a few times and put some kinesiotape to help my lower back with some extra support for the next week but recommended me to go to the hospital if it still hurt after a few days. I think it'll be fine. If it was a serious injury I probably wouldn't even be able to stand up./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to Jiraiya's office. When I entered,I saw Kakashi was there as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Hello, Naruto" Jiraiya said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""How is Gaara?" I asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""He will be alright. He won't be able to perform for a while, but with correct physiotherapy, he will be able to continue with his career in this circus. He just has to be very patient." he answered. "Take a sit"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I did as he ordered and sat next to Kakashi./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I think both Naruto and I need to know what will happen to the act." Kakashi said, bluntly. " I need to know how we are going to proceed"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I think casting somebody else is a bad idea. There's no way we can find a substitute for Gaara just like that" I said, feeling exasperated./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You underestimate me, Naruto" The Old Pervert told me. " I made a call to somebody I know has wanted to join our cast for a while and he can act as a replacement of Gaara for this show..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No way! What about the audition and the months of training!? You can't just let any amateur become part of the cast! It's not fair to us!" I stood up. I felt angry. This wasn't fair./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Let me speak" Jiraiya said." This person has more than enough experience in circus. He wants the job and we need a last minute replacement for Gaara. This following month and a half will be his trial period. If he does a good job, he will sign a contract. If he doesn't, he will be let go. That being said, I must add that I don't doubt his abilities."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""It's too risky" Kakashi said, after being quiet for a while./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" I would have thought after all these years that you would trust my judgement, Kakashi" Jiraiya replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""And I do. That's why I will go along with your plan and do my best for it to work out"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Really,Kakashi?" I feel seriously exasperated now."This sucks"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto" Jiraiya said, serious. " Would you prefer to not participate in the upcoming show?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""No, seriously, old man?!" He couldn't do that to me. He knows I would do whatever he wants to not be kicked out of the stage./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""You are not being very cooperative" he added./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine! Whatever." I muttered. "I'll do my best to work with….whoever this person is"./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""When do we get to meet this fantastic person?" Kakashi asked him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Tomorrow, 8 am, in the training room.I told him that we were going to simulate an audition. That way you both get to see what he can do before introducing him to the rest of the cast. Don't be late."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can I go see Gaara now?" I asked, desperate to get out of there as soon as possible. I've never worked with anyone that I haven't known for a while.I don't even know if I can trust this person./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""The doctor gave him something to help him sleep. He was pretty out of it by the time we got back. I would recommend you to see him tomorrow. He needs to rest" The Old Pervert told me./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fine. Now, if you excuse me…" I nodded curtly to both of them and left the room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"This is the shittiest day I've had in a while. I headed to my room hoping to be able to sleep tonight./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"As soon as I opened my eyes, I checked the time on my was 8:23 am. I was already late to the audition meeting. Fuck, Jiraiya will have my ass again. I got up, peed and then brushed my teeth. I threw on a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and a hoodie on top of it. I took my phone and left the room./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I walked to the training room and I saw Kakashi and Jiraiya there, sitting on a chair and in front of them, about a meter of distance away, was another chair where a dark haired guy is sitting down. He had pale skin and sharp eyes. All of them are looking at me when I walked closer to them./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sorry for making you wait" I said. The dark haired guy looked at me, with an indifferent expression./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Sit, Naruto." Jiraiya ordered. I can't believe Kakashi was actually on time./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I did as he said and sat down in the chair next to Kakashi,he said nothing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""This is Sasuke." Jiraiya made his official introduction. "He has a 9 year experience of working in the circus." Sasuke just sat there, without changing the expression on his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Can you show us what you can do?" Kakashi asked, although he didn't seem sceptical about this./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Sasuke stood up and took his jacket off. He left the garment on his chair and then walked further away across the room. He started to take impulse by running and then did front handspring,combined with somersault, air rotations, back handspring… all with precision and elegance. All of a sudden, he started to seem familiar. I have seen this face before./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"He then did a handstand, spread his legs into a middle split and then he released one arm. I have to admit that he is talented. And fucking hot. Then, I remembered where I've seen him before. He's Sasuke Uchiha from Orochimaru's Cirque du Freak! I've been following him on Instagram for a while (but I follow so many people that I forgot for an instant). What the actual fuck. I'm going to have a word with the Old Pervert after this. But for now, I'm just going to sit through this and say nothing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Remarkable" said Kakashi. "Is there anything else that you do? Do you have experience in another discipline?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I do fire breathing" Sasuke replied./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Excellent. We don't have anybody who does that at Hidden Leaf. We could use that to develop a new act in the future. "Jiraiya added "If you stay,that is"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Do you have any experience in aerials?" Kakashi's asked. I was wondering that as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"" Not really. But I'm a fast learner" Sasuke answered, then after a brief pause, he added" I thought you needed me for duo floor acrobatics, not aerials"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Well, at least there's something he can't do. I was starting to feel lame. I suddenly felt the urge to jump into a trapeze. I haven't done that in a while./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Yes, that's right. He was just asking for future reference. Many of our cast members do more than one type of acrobatics." Jiraiya said./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Fair enough" Sasuke smirked. Damn, he must be the main attraction in Orochimaru's Circus. That's the kind of smile that would make any girl seems so full of himself./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Well, I officially welcome you to Hidden Leaf Circus" Jiraiya said, standing up and extending his hand. Sasuke walked to him and shook it. "I'll have a room prepared for you by midday. You can move in guys need to start working by tomorrow first thing."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Sasuke only nodded. And then extended his hand to Kakashi to shake hands with him as well./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""I'm Kakashi. I'll be your coach. I'm looking forward to work with you"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Me too" he replied, then turned to me, extending his hand and asked "And you are…?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;""Naruto" I said dryly and Jiraiya sent me a deathly glare. I really can't escape this so I just sucked it up and swallowed my pride. "I'm your new partner" I stated but I didn't shake his hand back, so he withdrew it, the same self sufficient smile drawn in his face./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"I know two things about Sasuke Uchiha, Gaara's replacement./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"One, he's smoking hot./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"Two, I hate his guts./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 115%;"-/p