Title: Dance of the Flower Blossoms

Summary: "But if I was going to be apart of the civilian family known as the Haruno clan, you can bet your sweet buns that Sakura was going to be the most kick-ass ninja before Tsunade's training if I had anything to say about it!" Self-Insert, O.C.

Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. However, I do own any O.C. characters in the following chapters unless stated otherwise. I make no money from this story and only gain the pleasure of writing it.


Dance of the Flower Blossoms

Chapter Two


Under Father's daily chakra exercises, I was able to say that I had taken a small step into the right direction. I started out small with the infamous leaf exercise which, surprisingly enough, tired me out faster than I had assumed, and it left me taking daily naps in the store directly after them.

I was miffed about it for a time as it ruined my slim chances of catching Kakashi purchasing Icha Icha from our store but I soon got over it as I realized my daily naps allowed for me to practice chakra control late at night while Sakura was sleeping. Unfortunately, I think Mother might have caught me one night; she didn't say anything but, as a child, you just knew when you were caught.

Days not practicing with Father were spent learning the basics of herbalism with Mother and Sakura. I was surprised when I learned of how knowledgeable Mother was in the field and when I asked her about it, she claimed to have a friend belonging to the Nara clan. According to Mother, she gave tips on cooking in exchange for tips on herbalism. I wanted to know more about this friend but didn't push the issue once I saw how tense Mother's shoulders would become; I didn't want to be reprimanded...

But out of all the things I'd learned, I still hadn't figured my reason for wanting to become a kunoichi.

To be honest, I wasn't sure as to why I wanted to be a kunoichi; it was almost like an urge that had sprouted as soon as I was "born" into my body. There was no reason for me -it was more of an instinct that grew within me the longer I stayed idle. If I wasn't a kunoichi, then there wasn't an enjoyable life for me. That line of thinking was particularly disturbing, especially when knowing what the life of a shinobi entailed.

I didn't really understand Mother's reluctance about the matter, either. Perhaps, she had a reason for it but it seemed the answer would allude me for the longest of times. Probably until I was too old for the Academy and I just refused to be a fifty-year-old stuck in a beginner's class. Unfortunately, with the way things were going, I guess I'd just become some old bag lady...Ugh, bad thoughts!

"Koko-chan, are you okay?" Sakura's voice asked from next to me.

I started, eyes unfocusing as I remembered our surroundings. We were near Market Street, finishing up some minor grocery shopping for Mother. I was confused on why she'd allow two five year old girls tend to grocery shopping alone but the I remembered this was the Naruto-verse and apparently such things were normal. Also, we lived right around the corner, so that possibly accounted for something.

I nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I'm okay, 'Kura-chan. I was just thinking about...something."

"Oh okay." She matched my smile with one of her own. "Let's get this stuff back to Mama, then we can go to Dangoya for some anmitsu!"

I grimaced slightly but continued to smile regardless. To be honest, I wasn't much a fan for sweets even though I had a tendency to eat whatever Mother decided to cook. Mother's cooking was special, though, and I was inclined to eat it because it had the property of making me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

"-nd last time, I didn't try it but this time, I'm gonna! Say, Koko-chan, what are you gonna get when we do there?" Sakura inquired, eyes fastened to my face.

I shifted the grocery bag in my arms, using my chin to move the bag from my sight. "Well, I might ge-" I paused, eyes narrowing before widening. "Hey, 'Kura-chan, watch out for tha-"

My shout was interrupted by a sharp smack and loud from Sakura. I let the bag fall to the floor before rushing over to assist Sakura from the ground. A smile of reassurance covered my face as Sakura looked up with tears in her seagreen eyes. I followed her gaze, resting them on a boy who had to have been at least eight or nine. He looked like your typical rough-and-tumble boy with a very distinct scowl on his face.

Seeing where this was about to go, I lifted my hands in a placating manner. "S-sorry about that. My sister didn't mean to run into you."

His scowl deepened. "Yeah well, that's not gonna cut it! Your sister got eggs on me!" He motioned towards his shirt and pants, which were indeed covered in sticky yolk. I blinked, eyes examining his attire warily.

"Oh." I blurted, moving to stand in front of Sakura. "Well, I'm sure it's not that bad. Just go home and wipe it off or somethin'!"

"Go home?! Look at my clothes! My mom's gonna kill me!" He hissed, taking a step towards me. I frowned, eyes narrowed at the boy's form and angled my body to cover Sakura, who still hadn't stood from the ground.

"Hey! I apologized to you! There's nothing else that we can do about it so go home!" I yelled, fists clenched and legs tensed. "Go away or I'll...I will hurt you."

Instead of heeding my threat like I hoped he would, the dumb kid pushed me! I fell to the ground with a grunt as he laughed at my slight and most likely pathetic-looking frame. I blinked away my confusion and disorientation, watching with growing anger as he stepped over me and loomed over Sakura. His hand reached out to touch her and then, a voice began to whisper softly in my ear.

Don't let him touch her...Hit him...Protect her...Do it!

Taking the voice's advice in stride, I pushed myself from the ground, grabbing a handful of dirt in the process and tugged the back of the boy's shirt. He turned halfway, eyes glaring at my form and the smirk on my face.

"What're you gonna do, huh?" His voice was condescending as her turned to face me fully.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you that girls fight dirty!?" I exclaimed while throwing my make-shift weapon into his eyes.

His hiss of pain quickly turned into whimpers of anguish as his hands rubbed at his eyes, attempting to wipe away the dirt I'd thrown. Guilt ate at my conscience but as I spotted Sakura's weeping form behind him, it was quickly nipped in the bud.

"Ha! That's what you get for messing with the sister of a kunoichi!" I grinned triumphantly, adrenaline beginning to fade from my veins. The boy sniffled loudly, quickly running in the opposite direction while I squatted down to tend to Sakura. I smiled kindly at the crying girl, warmth blossoming in my chest as I patted her head.

That was what Mother wanted me to realize. She didn't want me to become a kunoichi simply to "be" one; she didn't want me to get into something as serious without a legitimate reason. I'd have to say that getting stronger to protect my family had to be the most legitimate reason I could think of. I smiled at my epiphany.

A hiccup from Sakura turned my gaze towards her. "Koko-chan...w-what did you j-just say?"

"Huh?" I blinked, not understanding her question. "I didn't say anything, 'Kura-chan." I placed a hand on her arm, moving to help her up and gasping when she shook my hand off. "'Kura-chan? What's wrong?"

"When? When are you gonna become ninja?" Her eyes were filled with betrayal as she stared at me. I took a step back as she continued, "Why are y-you trying to leave m-me?"

"I'm not trying to leave you, 'Kura-chan!" My voice came out indignantly. "I just wanna go to the Academy so I can be strong for you!"

"I don't want you to be a ninja!" Her voice shook as she continued to wipe at her face. "Why?! Why don't you wanna stay with me!?"

I couldn't understand Sakura's anger. Didn't she want to be protected? Didn't she want someone strong to look after her? If she decided to stay as a civilian, it'd make my goal a lot easier. I wouldn't have to worry about Kakashi's incompetence as a teacher or Sasuke's backstabbing and I wouldn't have to worry about the mountains of trouble Naruto brought in his wake. What didn't she understand about me wanting to keep her safe?! I wasn't going anywhere!

"Because I wanna be able to keep you safe, that's why!" I stomped my foot, childish rage taking over. "And I can't keep you safe staying at home, mixing up stupid medicine!"

"I don't need you to protect me!" She yelled at me, eyes wet and blazing with tears and anger. "I need you to stay with me!"

For a time, we just stood there, staring at each other and waiting for some sort of apology from the other. I took all I had not to relent and, to keep myself from breaking, I turned my head away from the trembling girl while crossing my arms together. A harsh sob came from Sakura's direction and I turned my head in time to see her whip past me, pink locks flying in the wind behind her.

I stared after Sakura's form, letting the last few moments process themselves into my mind. I stood there in the middle of the street, eyes staring at the fallen bags before doing the most logical thing for a child my age: burst into tears and make a run for the bookstore because no one could make me feel better like how Father could.

Somehow, I had managed to make it to the store without ramming into the body of another person, which I was thankful for but wasn't thinking about in the moment. I entered the store, catching sight of Father's prominent mauve-colored hair.

"PAPA!" I cried, little legs aching as I ran around the counter and wrapped my arms around his waist. He stumbled slightly, hands going to my shoulders to steady himself.

"Koko-chan, what's the matter?" Father asked as he lifted me up to my normal stop on the counter, next to the register. He gave my head a hesitant pat of appeasement but I shook it off, eyes glaring at the wall behind him. He was silent as he waited for me to speak, turning his attention to a small novel in his hands. More tears welled into my eyes as I began to blurt out my angry thoughts.

"I don't understand! Why is 'Kura-chan angry 'cuz I wanna be a kunoichi!?" I whined, hands up to rub harshly at my cheeks and eyes. Father's hands easily pushed mine away, taking over the task over wiping my face off. I stayed quiet, allowing the older man to clean my face and, once he was done, I began my rant again.

"Why won't she understand that I want to protect her!?" I frowned, arms crossed together in irritation. "I just wanna be able to get strong enough to keep her safe!"

Father rubbed his chin in thought before replying. "Perhaps...she's aware of the chance that you might not return home, Umeko." His eyes hardened as he looked at me and I couldn't help but stiffen under his unnaturally serious gaze. "All shinobi are aware of the risk of death, Umeko, as are their families and loved ones. It's not something to be taken lightly as I'm sure you'll realize with your mother's reluctance on letting you enter the Academy."

Was I ready to die? The answer was obvious. There are very few people who are ready to die; I wasn't like Itachi. I don't think I was strong enough to make the ultimate sacrifice for anyone, even Sakura. I could say, however, that I was willing to get stronger and lower the odds of that happening. I nodded, clenching my fists together in my lap.

"I understand that, Papa. That's why I want to get stronger. Even if there's a high chance of me dying, I want to be strong enough to go out with a fight!" I pumped a fist, grin stretching across my face. Kizashi blinked before he broke out into his loud, hearty laugh.

"Boy, that sounds exactly like me when I was a kid!" He wiped away a stray tear. "Where exactly do you get it, Koko-chan?"

"From you, Papa." I smiled, kicking my legs out playfully before a pout formed on my face. "I hope 'Kura-chan won't be mad at me forever..."

"I'm sure when you two are older, 'Kura-chan will learn to respect and understand your decision." Father patted my head and assisted me in getting down from the counter. "Now, why don't you go and study up on kenjutsu or ninjutsu?"

I cocked an eyebrow at his request but followed it regardless, losing myself to the world of books once more. The rest of the afternoon went by quicker than I would've liked it to and I still had yet to catch sight of Kakashi purchasing Icha Icha; I figured that I would probably never catch him in the act. When the last customer came and went, Father and I followed them out to close shop.

"Ready to go home, Koko-chan?" Father asked, his body turned as he locked up the shop.

"I'm ready... I think." I muttered the last part to myself, though I'm sure he heard me, if his chuckle was anything to go by. "Can we go back to the store? All the groceries got messed up.

We stopped by Market Street once more, getting there in time to buy replacement food and making our short trek back home. I was reluctant to enter the kitchen where I knew Mother and Sakura were. Father stood in the doorway, large grin covering his face as he looked into it. I edged closer, peeking around the corner in apprehension. I moved to pull myself from their sights but Father's hand on my head stopped me as he guided my body to stand directly in front of him.

"Now, now, Koko-chan, there's no need to be shy!" Father gave my hair his usual gentle ruffle as I glared up at him.

I ducked my head down when I caught sight of Sakura's orbs and kicked my foot out to have something to focus on. "A-ah, 'Kura-chan?" My voice was quiet as I placed the bag of replacement groceries on the floor. "A-are you still m-mad at me?"

"'Cuz I'm really sorry but I just have to become a ninja!" I played with the edge of my shirt. "I-I'll still play with you an' stuff even if we go to different schools so...please, don't be mad at me still."

I didn't look up as I heard the sound of bare feet on wooden floor, though, I did look up when small arms wrapped around my shoulders. I made a noise of confusion as Sakura tightened her hold on me and allowed my arms to wrap loosely around her waist. So...she wasn't angry at me anymore?

"I'm not mad, Koko-chan!" Sakura smiled as she pulled back. "I'm not mad 'cuz I'm gonna go to ninja academy with you! Now, we'll be together!"

"Wha?! Really?!" Father's reaction and words were the same as mine as both our heads snapped to look at Mebuki. A frown pulled at my lips as the words sunk in; why was Sakura going when I couldn't go? Actually, when had Mother decided to let me go at all?

"But Mama, you said I couldn't go!"

Mebuki shrugged her shoulders with a smile lighting up her features. "I saw you earlier, Umeko. I thought you two were taking a long time so I came to check on you. I heard about why you really wanted to go and I'd be a liar if I said I couldn't respect a mission like that."

"As for 'Kura-chan, I couldn't refuse her either, especially when she was just as adamant about it." Mebuki's smile morphed into a devious one. "Besides, it isn't as if I can't get any enjoyment out of training my children." Her eyes narrowed at Kizashi, who took a frightened step back. "Especially when one of us has already started teaching them. Isn't that right, Kizashi?"

He started, a hand going up to scratch his cheek as he gave Mebuki a sheepish smile. "W-well, you see..." He paused. "It was Umeko's fault!" He ignored the my indignant cry. "She manipulated me with those eyes of hers!"

"Papa! You told me not to tell Mama!" I smirked as I pressed my face into Sakura's shirt, relishing in the sound of Mebuki giving Kizashi a rather viscous tongue-lashing. If I had the chance to change things, I wouldn't.

As I laughed into Sakura's shoulder, I couldn't help but think this moment of happiness was worth fighting for.


Author's Note: Merry Christmas to all and thank you all for the reviews, favs and follows, GAIZ!1!11

I'm glad you like my update speed, Nomurai. I also agree that Uno Card Game can get very, very competitive and vicious lol :]

CeresMaria, you don't have to worry about the typical SI-replacing-Sakura thing if you don't want that -I was going to hold a poll about it on my profile when I reached that point. Even if Umeko ended up on Team Kakashi, I planned for the storyline to be way, way different than usual. Do you guys want me to? Hold a poll, that is?

But, anyways, the next chapter will be posted sometime next week as usual; just don't expect a specific date, all right? Okay, question time:

Question: If you have one, what is/are your weirdest quirk(s)?

My Answer: My weirdest quirk -if you can actually call it that- is the fact that I can't watch anime in the presence of other people. Not friends, not family, not anyone! If someone is in the immediate vicinity of me while I'm watching anime, my right arm will proceed to twitch and my cheeks will burn and I will turn off the entertainment. I'm pretty sure this quirk comes from my years of elementary school, where children would question and bully me for my love of anime, resulting in a deep-seated, subconscious feeling of anxiety where I'm waiting for someone to judge me for my interests.