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Chapter 4: Growing Hearts
Hiroki could hear voice calling her...but they seemed so far away... Who is calling my name? Hiroki's eyes widened to see Madara leaning over her, a concerned expression on his face. Turning pink, she sat up quickly and got up.
"Let me guess. You can't withstand the usage of it."
"Yeah. Pretty much." Hiroki responded nervously, still blushing at the fact Madara's face was so close to hers. Wincing at a few injuries, she turned to Madara to examine his. She prodded gently as several places, to see if they hurt. When Hiroki poked his chest, he noticeably winced.
"You've just got that bad cut on your chest. I can heal you up once we get back to the house."
"What of yourself? You looked pretty roughed up."
Madara said, noticing the gash on her leg and a cut on her collarbone. She smiled, "I'm fine!" she said cheerfully, though Hiroki could feel her leg grow numb from pain. So, the three headed out to walk home. The people noticed their wounds and stopped to ask what was wrong. They responded with, "Just a spar!" and continued to walk through. It took around 30 minutes from the grounds to the top of the hill where Madara's house was located. Hiroki stopped to buy bandages and ointment. Just as they were walking out of the shop, Madara saw that whenever Hiroki took a step, a spot of blood would appear where she stepped. There was also a slight limp.
"You know, you're awfully good at marking your path." Madara said with a hint of amusement. Hiroki stopped and turned around to see the blood. Her eyes showed a glint of surprise, but no expression. She simply turned around and started to walk again.
"If it hurts, just say so. It's quite obvious that it does."
"We're not that far away from the house. I won't die." Hiroki insisted. The truth was, there was still more than half of the walk home. Seeing her stubbornness, Madara handed Izuna his weapons. Izuna looked at him in surprise, but Madara's expression told him not to say anything. Madara walked in front of Hiroki and stopped. When she stopped, her crouched down, his hands held out to hold her. Hiroki looked at Madara in disbelief, but of course, he couldn't see her face.
"Get on my back. I'm doing this because you're injured." After a moment of silence, Madara motioned her to get on. Hiroki felt irritated, but it was better than getting her leg jacked up. She sighed and climbed atop his back. Madara was gentle with her injured left leg. The pace was slower, but it was better than straining her injury.
"Hmph. You're actually lighter than you look." Madara said, a faint smile on his lips, and Hiroki nearly beat the hell out of his head. Izuna chuckled behind them. Hiroki whipped around and glared at him with devil eyes. He immediately shut up.
"Hey! Don't take it out on my brother! I'll drop you!" Madara threatened.
"Then why did you offer to carry me in the first place?!" Hiroki yelled at Madara, who only smirked in amusement. As they walked through the town, people gawked at Madara and Hiroki. Hiroki had noticed before that the girls blushed whenever Madara was around. Hehehe... he's quite popular with the girls...This time around, they stared daggers at Hiroki with narrowed eyes and jealousy. Hiroki buried her face into Madara's back to avoid the stares. Madara also noticed the evil eyes directed toward her. He smiled. Well...I've never done this except with Izuna, so don't even mention a woman. Hiroki blushed, her heart pounded in her ears. Why do I feel this way when I'm with him? Wait...could...I...Madara?! No! No, no, not possible...right? I mean he's going to be like all evil right? Izuna noticed Hiroki's flushed face. Oh...she must like Nee-san! Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. But then, he saw the gentle smile on his brother's face. No way! Nee-san too?!
Madara arrived at the house, Izuna opened all the doors for him.
"Set my down in my room. I can heal you there to. Izuna, can you bring me some warm water and towels? Thanks, just set it outside my room." Izuna ran to get the items she wanted while Madara went to Hiroki's room to set her down.
"Ack! Got blood all over you...sorry. You can freshen yourself up and change into clean clothes." Hiroki told Madara to do and he wordlessly exited. Hiroki got rid of her weapons and armor, then took off her clothes. She put on a clean robe and got out her medical supplies. Dragging herself, to the door, she brought in the water and towels. Hiroki cleaned her wound and disinfected them with rubbing alcohol. She winced at the sting. Next, she sealed the skin shut with chakra. She applied ointments and bandaged her leg tight. Right when she was healing her bruises and cuts with chakra did Madara knock at the door.
"Come in."Madara entered and sat down in front of her. He kind of just sat there awkwardly while Hiroki healed the rest of her wounds. When she was done, she turned to Madara.
"Where are your bruises and cuts?" Madara pointed to his arms and legs. Hiroki healed the bruises and cuts through the fabric, and applied ointment on those visible. The next was his chest. Hiroki felt awkward asking, but there was no other option.
"You're going to have to remove your upper body clothing." Hiroki said, embarrassed. Madara didn't object and pulled open his robe to reveal the upper body. His arms, chest, and abdomen were well muscled. Hiroki blushed. Madara noticed her deep shade of pink. She applied ointment on the remaining cuts on his arms and torso. Hiroki cleaned the wound with water first, removing any excess blood.
"This is going to sting." Hiroki warned before applying rubbing alcohol to disinfect the wound. Madara flinched. Hiroki then began to seal the gash with chakra. The cut was deep, so she could only seal the skin and part of the muscles together. She was not as skilled as a professional medical ninja, but it was enough to partially heal the wounds. Hiroki applied ointment to the cut and bandaged his wound tightly. While close to his body, Hiroki was blushing fiercely the entire time. Madara looked about the room and noticed he hung up his drawing. He smiled, feeling happy that she did.
"You hung up my picture? I swear, you're becoming like all those Madara-worshipers. Half of them are female. Explains you're blushing when you got close to me." He said. Hiroki realized and was speechless, not sure how to give a good reason.
"Uh, I guess in respect for the owner of the house...?" She tried, and Madara chuckled. Hiroki silently scolded herself for choosing such a lame reason. Madara shrugged his robe on and stood up, stretching a bit.
"Not bad. You're not as shitty as I thought you'd be." Madara thanked.
"You're very good at praising people."
"I warned you beforehand."
"Fair enough."
"Anything else I need to know?"
"Be very careful, it may open up again if you put strain on it." Hiroki warned and he nodded. He exited the room. Hiroki began to tidy up the room, putting away her supplies and putting her dirty clothes apart to wash later. Hiroki limped painfully out of the room, and walked to the edge of the stair case. Oh god...
"Should I just push you down? It'll be the fastest way." Hiroki flinched and nearly fell down the stairs for real. This was the second time he's surprised her with his unknown presence. She smiled nervously. "Well, your house may be trouble for my injured leg." Madara sighed.
"Must I carry you again?" He said, smirking at her expression when he offered the choice. She immediately objected strongly. Seeing that he couldn't possibly carry her all the time, Madara thought up a solution. Madara disappeared down the hallway. He returned a few minutes later a wooden crutch about her size.
"Izuna broke his leg a few months ago. He's about same height as you." Madara explained and she tested it out. It was a bit too short, but still did its purpose.
"Uh, yeah, thanks." Hiroki responded and awkwardly bounced down the steps. The meal was fitting after an exhausting day. Madara had something to mention after dinner.
"The Council meeting is in 10 days, and you are required to attend. I'll go over it before it happens, so don't fuss over it very much." Madara said. Everyone was dismissed and Hiroki awkwardly hopped up the stairs.
"Sigh, looks like I can't jump on the roof for a while, now." Hiroki thought aloud and resumed to hopping to her room. Madara overheard and thought for a bit. I could just carry her up there.
"You, know, I've actually gotten quite used to our talks. I could just carry you up there. Unless you'll be all blushy blushy about it again." Madara suggested.
"Blushy...What?! Fine. Do whatever you want." Hiroki responded.
Once they got to her window, Madara picked her up gently, bridal style. Hiroki turned beet-red. Madara once smirked at her expression.
"Thar she blows." Madara said.
"S-Shut up! A woman has to be a woman!"
"An interesting one."
"You! I'll shave your head while you're sleeping!"
"Oh...that'll be many grave mistakes... I tend to be more vicious when I am attacked during my nap-time. If one dares to wake me up...It'll be a death sentence. And I'm quite the alert sleeper. If you step foot into my room...that's another mistake. And my beautiful locks? What are you going to do with it? Make rope?"
"Fine. I'll slip poison in your food."
"I'm immune to most of them."
"I'll kill you."
"I'd like to see you try."
"Then I'll find a way to take revenge."
"I'll drop you."
"You are just full of tricks aren't you."
"Yes. I am the Almighty Uchiha Madara."
"Like that makes perfect sense." Hiroki scoffed.
He jumped onto the roof swiftly and put her down. Despite his constant teasing, Hiroki admired the current Madara. There was a silent moment as they both thought of their own things. It lasted for a while until Madara finally spoke.
"I think most of this world is useless." Madara said, his eyes growing dark with an unknown emotion. "All I've ever dreamed has been wishful thinking. When Hashirama and I were young, we would dream of building a great village together, but the Senju and Uchiha will always fight. One will always hate the other. It is a blood war." He spoke his mind to the girl, who understood what he meant. Hiroki's brother often told her of these things. She smiled gently.
"Yes, we are bound to hate each other till we die, but, I believe your dreams are not wishful thinking. It is simply a dream that we don't know how to reach, so we must find a path to do so. Madara, I believe you are a wonderful leader...you will make the right choices." Hiroki spoke. Madara looked at her and felt chilled. Does this girl seem to know what will happen to me in the future? Hiroki feared the road he would go down, onto the path of darkness and hatred. The way you are now is who I admire...The bloodthirsty Madara everyone was taught to believe was simply from the hatred of the Senju...or rather...how our clan was treated. Madara realized there was no escaping the curse, so he left.
"You seem to know what will become of me?" Madara asked. Hiroki's obsidian eyes glimmered like gems in the moonlight. He saw a dark understanding within it.
"The truth is, I didn't come here to aid the Uchiha with the Senju..."Hiroki confessed. Rather, we're the bad guys in that situation. " But, however, I can be a predictor of sorts... Yes. I believe I can prevent some things from happening." Immediately, she realized her mistake. She covered her mouth, wide-eyed. Crap. I spoke too much. Madara's gaze flared like a hot flame.
"Huh?! Prevent...?! Does that mean something bad-" Hiroki pressed her finger against his lips. Hiroki's face grew clouded, as if it hurt...sorrowful...
"I'm sorry...I spoke too much. Forget everything I said." Hiroki pleaded, her finger still pressed against his mouth. His warm hand slid hers away. He was genuinely confused. His thoughts were muddled, filling with all sorts of emotions.
"I can't magically forget your words. And about you being from the Gods, were you lying to the clan the entire time? If so, I cannot forgive you." Madara said, his gentle tone completely replaced with a shielded accusation, as if their friendship was suddenly blocked, and he was the cold, emotionless Madara she used to see him as. Hiroki swallowed. There was no other explanation for her sudden revival in the past other the work of the Gods... but it was true that she simply thought up of it and claimed she was here to help them just to get out of questioning. At that exact moment, Hiroki decided within herself that it would be up to her to personally help Madara-even if it meant changing the past. Hiroki simply didn't want to think of the consequences at the time... and all she could feel was to help her friend... and a person she was beginning to care about. Hiroki swallowed the nervous lump in her throat.
"I have no other explanation to why I suddenly appeared here. I won't give details, but just to say... I never said that I was here to help with the Senju, your clan simply thought of the explanation. However, I do know what will happen later with you. And I will help to prevent if possible... And I guess in that form, I am here to help your clan." It was all she could say to him. Whether he figured out the truth or not was up to him... she tried her best to conceal it. Madara could feel and see that she was telling the truth. He released his tense appearance. He couldn't explain why he felt such relief that she wasn't lying. Have I become dependent on this girl? He stared at the moon again. The face of silver looked back at him, pondering her words. He felt his chest tug, and glanced at the girl beside him. Her small body was hunched over, she looked so fragile, like a doll her could simply snap in half. He felt his chest leap again at the sight of her. It's definitely her. Her face was filled with mixed emotions, he could almost see a tear threatening to fall over her eyelid. Filling with a strange emotion, Madara leaned over and gently embraced Hiroki, his arms sliding around her arms. Hiroki looked at him, surprise in her eyes.
"I'm sorry. It's just you really know how to make someone pissed off." Madara said, and released her. Hiroki stared at him.
"That's a way to give someone a hug." she muttered to herself, not even thinking.
Her emotions felt too muddled, so she couldn't even blush or say a word. She leaned back against the cold tiles. Both were wondering about their feelings, where their true loyalties lied. Hiroki gently placed her hand upon her heart, squeezing the fabric that lay over it. She turned away from Madara. Hiroki thought of her brother...and looked at his star... praying for him to help her now. She closed her eyes and thought of memories.
Flashback...
"Onee-chan!" Hiroki rushed over to a bloodstained Hikaru. The 21-year-old man stared at his 16-year-old sister. It was almost dark outside. "Stay away." He croaked, his voice harsh. Hiroki looked at him in confusion. His eyes were dark and mysterious, a thick coat of the red liquid on his face. Hiroki shivered. The look in his eyes made her want to run away and hide. Despite the cold feeling in her stomach, she approached him gently. She checked him for wounds, but found none. Hiroki looked at him in surprise. She had just realized it was not his blood. Seeing the startle in her eyes, his eyes softened. Hikaru, disappointed in himself at letting his sister seeing such a side of him, turned away and rushed out. Hiroki looked at the place where he stood. He had just come back from a mission- most likely assassinating someone. Hiroki admired his great skill and strength, but always was scared at the look in his eyes when he killed someone. It looked as if a wild animal had overtaken his mind with a single word to describe his task- Kill. She swallowed, feeling disgusted. Of course, she had seen someone die, had hurt someone, and probably killed someone... but... she was always scared to see her brother do it.
Hikaru returned silently later to wash off the slather of red on his body. Once all the remains of what he disposed of was gone, he went to search for Hiroki. He knew exactly where she was. Hiroki, pondering the thought of her brother being different form the kind, loving Onee-chan she loved was frightening. It was the first time she saw him that way. The tree this time of year was barren. The flowers were wilted and dead. She sat in the gray field, feeling the exact same as the withered around her. She heard the crunch of feet on dry grass and turned to face her brother. He no longer had the stains of his mission, and his eyes no longer feral. It was dark, and Hiroki could not see his face.
"Hiroki...I'm sorry you had to see that." Silence.
"It does not change the fact that I did." She finally retorted. Hikaru was taken back. She had never spoken to him this way.
"Indeed. But I promise...that part of me you will not have to witness much."
"But you are still saying that it will most likely be shown to me again." Hikaru was speechless.
"There is no escaping that part of me. Your brother isn't always kind. I can kill." Hiroki shuddered at hearing him say that word. He continued.
"I'll try to limit how many times you see me this way. But, one day I assure you, you are going to have to accept that I am only kind to my only younger sister and sibling. Trust me, nobody would say to you that I am the way that you think of me unless they are from our clan...and I'm sure I have haters there too, seeing that you know my intentions." He referred to the fact he didn't like the way how the Uchiha were treated and his similar intentions to those of Madara.
"Okay, Onee-chan. I'll always love you no matter what." Hiroki smiled and bounded over to her brother to bear-hug him. He was surprised at first, but then returned the hug with a warm embrace around her shoulders.
"Of course...I'll do anything for you..." Hikaru said softly thinking of his intentions of what exactly happened four years later. Hiroki had no idea what that meant, but she loved her brother more than anything, and if anything were to happen, the only thing she could think of would be death. Hikaru led her back to their small home, who on the way, had grown very tired. Hikaru chuckled and carried her on his back the rest of the way to tuck her in and give her a kiss on the forehead. "Good night, Hiroki-hime."
Fast-forward...
Hiroki thought of the day's events as she ran through her memories. Just like my Onee-chan... referring to the piggy-back ride and his unusual kindness only with her. Madara thought of his kindness with her. I guess since she's a girl...we have gotten quite close. Madara thought about if he truly had feelings for her. His mind said it was just a close friendship, one that had just grown into a tight bond in the past month. But his heart felt the jumpiness whenever she smiled or blushed at him. Maybe she feels the same way watching her reactions... he turned to speak to Hiroki. She was fast asleep. He suppressed an urge to laugh.
"You idiot...I cannot believe you can actually fall asleep on a roof!" He chided quietly, picking her up again. With the girl in his arms, he jumped into the window. She was gently laid onto the bed spread. Hiroki's raven locks fell around her face like a dark halo. He stared at her for awhile before standing up and exiting the room silently. He checked on Izuna to see if he was asleep, gave him a brotherly pat on the head, and left to enter the den...
The next morning, Hiroki awoke to see herself in a bed. Huh? How did I...Oh. Madara must've brought me in from the roof...I'm so shameless... she thought, wincing at her own stupidity. As usual, she got washed up and headed out to eat breakfast. That's when she noticed the house was too quiet. Hiroki limped to the table on her crutch to see a plate of rice balls and a note.
To Hiroki, from Izuna. Madara and I left for the Council. We'll be gone most of the day. You're sleeping like a log right now. ^ ^ " Well, so by the time you read this, we'll be long gone. Enjoy the day! P.S. Madara says not to spend too much money.
Hiroki smiled at the note and ate some of the onigiri. She put the rest in a bento box and added 2 pieces of hoshigaki. She slipped on her sandals and limped out the door. She knew exactly where she was going today. The walk would take an hour, since she couldn't jump in the trees. Hiroki walked past the stores and stands, greeting people and them greeting back, wishing for her to get well. She walked past the forest, past the river, and past the great mountain to a place where she could smile and laugh. Spring was just budding in... the sakura flowers were ready to burst, dancing in the gentle wind. Exhausted, she slumped down underneath the sprawling branches and sighed. She was in her favorite place. It was an open field where most of her memories took place. Flowers were beginning to dot the green grass, the wind blowing the soft shaa of the grass. A huge sakura tree was in the center of it all, the same one she drew in her picture. Memories flooded her, especially of her brother, who was the one who showed her this place. She closed her eyes, remembering a particular one.
Flashback...
"Hey washing-board, come over here!" her friend called. Hiroki was 14-years-old and she happened to bring her team to come and eat lunch at what she called Sakura Meadow. It was late spring, and the blossoms were raining down in a flurry of pink petals. she watched hilariously as her Uchiha friends pick the pink off of their dark hair. The particular reason they called her washing-board was for the reason that she was flat-chested. Hearing the name, she stormed off to the boy and smacked him in the head, her face furious.
"You! I swear, Jun, if you call me that one more time, I'll KILL you!" Hiroki yelled at him while the boy was suppressing the urge to laugh. The other one, who was also an Uchiha, snickered and concentrated on eating his bento.
"Yeah, whatever, Ms. Flat-chesty. Just eat your lunch!" Jun said and smiled mischievously as he saw steam rising from her head.
"What? You said not to use that particular name! So, I chose another one. See, Takeo is laughing, he agrees too!" He smiled nonchalantly and stuffed a piece of egg roll into his mouth. Hiroki realized her efforts were for vain and just breathed slowly, trying to manage to eat. The two boys were just teasing her, but they got along very well. Hiroki, was the one with the strongest Sharingan, so the boys made an effort to piss her off or belittle her. Hiroki minded that she was indeed flat as a board despite the other girls being C-cup already. It made it even worse that the boys pointed out the differences. I swear they probably have brain damage for how many welts I've given them on their heads... Still, she was happy because she was always on the top. The three Uchiha children enjoyed their lunch under the bright skies and shower of sakura.
Fast forward...
Hiroki chuckled deeply and smiled. She was the most flat-chested girl when she was little. Because she was a late bloomer, it didn't start developing until she was 16. In around 4 years, which was now, she had become around a B-C cup. Still, she wasn't as busty as others if she compared, thanks to her naturally small frame. She laughed at their faces when they couldn't call her that name anymore. She missed them desperately, for it was her team, her group, the ones that were taught and loved beside her. Her brother was the sensei, despite him doing secret missions as an undercover ANBU. Sometimes, Hiroki would tag along and they'd make a game out of it. Haha, how many idiots can you kill? Hey, look, I got 5, now you better catch up! It went along the lines of something like that. But, she saw her friends faces when they were told she was a traitor. They didn't believe her even when she tried to prove the authorities wrong. She could see the heart break in their eyes, and then the coldness that meant they were no longer on her side. It was the day before she killed herself. Hiroki smiled sadly as she nibbled on a rice ball. After the small lunch, Hiroki fell asleep underneath the Sakura. The sound of the leaves and the grass rustling softly in the wind lulled her sleep. When she woke up, it was nearly dark. Once again, she felt utterly stupid for losing track of her nap... Rising quickly, she hobbled past the field and into the forest, which was growing ever darker form the setting sun. She cursed for not bringing a weapon or two, scared that she might get ambushed by the Senju or something. Fortunately, she made it to town without any stalkers, or any that she wasn't aware of, and limped quickly up the hill, breathing heavily after the rushed walk. It was completely dark now, he only light coming from the houses. Seeing the light coming from Madara's home, she assumed the brothers were home already. Her stomach quivered. Oh god, what if they think I got kidnapped or something?! Hiroki gulped and tentatively entered the house. She stepped in and smiled in greeting. She felt Izuna's eyes bore into her.
"You just disappeared! I was reallty getting worried." Izuna exclaimed and stared at her with intense eyes. Just as I expected...
Madara was behind him, is eyes completely dark with anger. She held up her hands in defense and retreated to the dinner table, where the food was already cold with waiting. She mentally scowled at herself for letting them worry. She didn't have to wait. Madara scowled at her and she braced for his insults. When it didn't she looked at him for an explanation. He was expressionless, but his eyes were skeptical.
"First, let me give you chance to explain... I'm sure you have good reason." Madar said, his voice was normal, as if anything never happened. Hiroki breathed a sigh of relief.
"I was in a certain place of mine, one I particularly like to enjoy. I fell asleep and lost track of time. It took around an hour back." It was all she said she could see Madara's face contemplating something. He turned to her. The insults came.
"You Idiot! You lost track of time again... And, and hour? That means you were far away from the village and Uchiha, what if you got captured?! And that leg of yours, you shouldn't be moving in the first place..."
"And you got the food all cold."
Hiroki was silent.
"We were all ready to admit you were probably dead."
"I wasn't even going to go after you."
It was a big deal since she was someone necessary to the clan... even if it was partially a lie... Madara calmed down and sat beside Hiroki. Izuna sat down as well, eying his brother. Apparently, he doesn't usually outburst like that. Hehe...that means Madara really cares for Hiroki! Izuna thought. The meal was cold and silent. It wasn't bad, but the tension was very thick in the air, you could almost see the air burst with the waves coming off of the fuming Madara. Everyone was dismissed and Hiroki crawled to her room, staring out the window. It was awhile before she heard Madara come to carry her to the roof as usual. She heard a knock at her door.
"Come in" Hiroki said. Madara entered and stood beside her at the window.
"Need a lift? It seems you have trouble."
"No dip, Sherlock."
"Who's Sherlock?"
"Aish! Just get me on the damn roof!"
"No, seriously, who is this Sherlock? You often say his name."
"He's someone I met in heaven, now, go!"
Chapter 4 END : Hmm... Do I sense some sort of drama?!
PLEASE READ: For those of you that have read Chapter 3 before June 12, 2013, Please reread it ! I have changed some crucial facts due to a thankful reviewer! I am very grateful to : xGuiltyXGigglesx03, crazyuser, kiki8o, nekochan354, amelme10, Sassi15, and LivingAnEverlastingDream for reviewing, following, or favoriting my story so far! It has been very helpful for my story and to encourage me to continue writing! Thank You so much!
Loves, Rima-chan!
