The Konoha AUs – The Konoha Gymnasium (Part 1)
500 words
I've spent the past few days thinking of what Itachi would be like as an elite gymnast and this is what came of it. Tomorrow, look out for Team 7 as detectives.
Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns Naruto, I only own this AU and my OCs.
Disclaimer 2: I've never done gymnastics in my life, so all routines, moves, and such else come from watching it or research attempts. Consider anything that is off a case of artistic license.
Gymnastics is the only thing that Itachi has ever done. His mom signed him up for his first lesson the week he turned three and he's been involved ever since. Sasuke had been pushed into it as well, but Itachi wasn't sure always being compared to his older brother was good for the younger boy.
It might not be a problem now. Not since his rotator cuff had torn, sidelining him for months and taking him out of contention for the all-around title at Nationals and placement on the national team.
It leaves him stuck. At sixteen, with his GED secured, there isn't much he can do for the next few months except hang around the gym and maybe help coach some of the younger boys. Not until his injury heals and he can see if he has a career left.
It's habit at this point to show up early to the gym, before everyone else arrives. Although, he probably shouldn't say that he gets there before everyone else. One of the girls is usually there as well and today is no different.
"Good morning, Takara-chan," he greets her as she takes a drink of water. From the look of her, she's been working for some time already on bars.
"Good morning, Itachi-kun," she responds with a smile, "how is your shoulder?"
"Injured," she rolls her eyes at his answer. "Where is Sarutobi-san?"
"He has a meeting with the Council this morning he'll be back this afternoon. Why?"
"I was hoping he would let me help with paperwork."
"I'm sure he'll be thrilled, considering how much he hates the stuff. You'll have to wait until he gets back though, the office is locked up."
Itachi sighed. That left him with nothing to do.
"Bored?"
"I'm not actively bored at this moment, but I have nothing to do."
"You're at a loss," She tilts her head. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to help me?"
Itachi tilts his head to the side. He knows little about women's gymnastics and wonders what she thinks he can help her with.
"I need to add amplitude to my vault," she clarifies, "I'm not getting enough height."
"You need strength training, is what you're telling me." He realizes.
"Basically, yes."
"What was your plan?"
"Hang from the rings? It seems to work for you," she shrugs. He laughs.
"I believe we build up strength in other ways first, but yes that has the potential to work. Let me see your vault first."
"As you wish, sensei," she chuckles at the order, but removes her hand guards and they move over to the vault.
He watches her perform a round off, back handspring, two and a half. She makes a small jump on the blind landing. He can see where she might want more power in the vault, to give her a better chance at sticking the landing.
"Here's what we'll do," he begins outlining a plan. It looks like he won't be bored after all.
