New Dog In Town
I can't say that the last few days I wasn't worried about today. Grandma Chi gave us a few days to soak in the information so we can adapt to our schedules for our studies. Neji came by yesterday to tell us where we needed to go and with whom we'd be meeting. I was going to be with Tsume at the forest border right by my house, she was selected to be my first teacher since the other's were too busy. As for Sasuke and Itachi, they're going to have a different teacher, Hatake Kakashi. I wonder what he's like or what they'd learn, hopefully their physical training isn't too brutal. Then again, all this nervousness is being balanced by my growing excitement. I want to learn as much as I can about Sasuke and Itachi so I can protect them too. I don't want to slow them down, they're already so far ahead of me and they don't even understand what they are completely either. I let out a sigh, my breath visible from the morning's chilly air. Today was supposed to be a warm day so I didn't bother with bringing a sweater or a coat. I had on an old Chinese top that left my arms bare to my shoulders. There were only three buttons at the top starting from the collar diagonally down left. Its color was a soft pink with red linings. For pants I threw on some dark blue capris that had a pocket on my right thigh, with my keys inside, and simple black flats. Lastly, my hair was up in my favorite twin buns style, dressed for success! I hope. I grumbled placing my elbows on my knees and cupping my cheeks with the palms of my hands, slowly looking around taking in the little details of my street I didn't bother noticing before. Sasuke and Itachi's day started at five am this morning, mine didn't start until eight. So, here I am sitting on my building's front steps waiting for Tsume to appear somewhere out of the forest. Every minute that went by my nervousness spiked to another level. I sighed again. I wish she would just hurry up and get here already. Not a moment after thinking that, a puppy walks up to me and starts to nuzzle my leg.
"Hello there little fella, where'd you come from?" It sat down and barked a few times at me then bounced in circles as if it wanted to play. I smiled at the little puppy and rubbed its head making it bark excitedly. "You're so cute." The puppy barked repeatedly and starting running out across the street.
"Hey wait! Don't go over there!" I stood up quickly, not wanting it to get hit by a car, I followed it keeping my eyes open for any moving vehicles. The puppy ran all the way over to the forest border and into an opening. Grumbling, I followed it in taking cautious steps and looking around for the little puppy. I mainly followed it by its high pitched barking and the occasional rustle of low bushes. The leaves that were low enough licked my bare skin as I slipped around them, soft droplets of the morning's dew fell on top of my head as the higher bushes shook. I could faintly hear the sounds of the river along with the puppy's silence. Crap, I don't want the little guy to drown! I hurried my way through the tall vegetation only greeted by more wet kisses and the soft hum of the river. I stopped right in front of a bush, my eyes widening at the sight before me. There stood Inuzuka Tsume and three other dogs, two of which were larger than normal and the little puppy that had found me at my steps standing in front of the river. The two larger dogs turned to look directly at me causing Tsume to turn as well. My breath hitched, I felt so weak and exposed without Sasuke and Itachi near. No. I don't want to feel that way, like they're my shield and my sword. I have to be strong for them and with the council and Tsume's help, I'll get stronger so I can be their shield and sword. I tried to swallowed the lump that developed in my throat with little success and took a step forward.
"Good morning Tenten! I hope you're ready for your first day into our world. Did you leave your instrument in a safe location?" She asked with a mild smile on her lips. I nodded.
"Yes, I left in locked up in a box in my room." She placed her hands on her hips and raised her head.
"Good, Chase here will be guarding your apartment while you're away." She motioned the little puppy sitting next to her leg wagging its hyper tail. That little guy is going to guard my flute? I had my doubts, but if Tsume trusted him with something so important then I guess he must have something special about him that'll make sure my instrument is safe. I smiled weakly at the puppy, please keep it safe Chase, its the only thing keeping me with Sasuke and Itachi, I need those two.
"I'll guard it with my life Miss." A soft male voice spoke in my head, I gasped. Did he... Did that puppy just talk to me? I blinked and saw the Chase nod his head. He must have a power like Itachi, I'll ask Tsume about it after. Tsume waved her hand at him. "Good luck with your training Miss." I blinked and Chase was gone. Where did he go that fast?
"Okay Tenten, let me introduce you, this is Kuromaru, my partner." She said, one handing motioning which she was talking about. He was a big black wolf like creature, his under belly was white, he had an eye patch on his right eye and was missing his left ear. Poor thing must've had some really rough times. "And this fella here is my son's best friend Akamaru." She motioned the large white dog with a brown line tracing along his mouth and some covering his ears. They both looked big, like my boys, maybe a bit smaller? Tsume hopped on Kuromaru riding him just like I would. Akamaru trotted over to me and turned so his back was facing me, probably wanting me to do the same as Tsume. I have to admit I wasn't very comfortable getting on him, he wasn't one of the two brothers.
"So Tenten, as you know my clan is responsible for maintaining and caring for animal life. I'm aware that you've spent a some times with the Uchiha brothers so today's prime focus will be on how to care for our kind. We aren't that much different from humans at the same time we have broad similarities." Kuromaru and Akamaru began to move in sync trotting down the rivers edge as Tsume starting explaining the lesson to me. I wobbled a bit and had to lean forward and hold on more closely to easily rode her partner, back straight arms crossed and looking right at me. "I'll teach you the basics today so pay attention. I have to head home to drop off Akamaru to my son, he came to give you a lift here and back." I nodded looking over at the other woman unsteadily. I wonder what Sasuke and Itachi are doing right now, what they're learning, if they're okay. Will I get home first or will they? Are they going to be fed breakfast or lunch? What would we eat for dinner? All these questions went through my head, it wasn't the right questions I needed answers for at the moment, but I couldn't help but think about them. The trip to the Inuzuka House was rather quiet, a few times Tsume mentioned a thing here and a thing there, I wouldn't classify it as small talk, just tips. A thought sprung to mind when I glanced at Akamaru.
"Tsume, I have a question, regarding your kind." She looked over at me nodding showing that she had my attention. I looked down at the grass passing under my feet watching as the large paws stepped swiftly by as if he were gliding. "Well, Sasuke and Itachi have only lived with me for a short time, I understand that I know very little but there are somethings I still can't seem to get. Itachi and Sasuke both have the power to communicate with me mentally." I paused loosing my wording, the question was harder to say yet it made sense in my thoughts. Tsume nodded following my current statements.
"That's correct, you're their Divine Player for their clan, therefore you have the power to mentally communicate with anyone in that clan. They might not realize that because they don't know themselves as they should, but they can communicate mentally with any one of our kind. They cannot speak mentally with regular humans, unless a link is made by their Divine Player." She explained. That made sense, but how do you do that? Tsume smiled at my slightly puzzled face. "Lady Chiyemi will explain you the basics of chakra links." Chakra? What's that? Tsume laughed as my confused expression only twist in utter defeat.
"Do you mind telling me what chakra is?" I asked embarrassedly. She chuckled and waved her hand at me.
"When we get to the house I'll teach you that too, I'm surprised you changed the boys without realizing how." She grinning. I blinked, it was actually simple how I figured it out, but I didn't know there was a science behind it.
"They told me that if I played my flute it would change their forms, when I did they changed like they said. I figured it out that way." I wobbled a bit when Akamaru made a small hop over a fallen tree.
"They only knew that you could change them because you could play the flute, because of that they changed, but let me put it to you this way. Have you ever allowed anyone else play the flute?" She questioned, I shook my head, I didn't dare let anyone touch it let alone play it. It was a treasure of mines. "Well, if you did they wouldn't be able to change Sasuke and Itachi, if any other person played it, even the boys themselves, wouldn't be able to change if they played the Divine Instrument." Itachi did say they needed me to play, that they couldn't change without me because I was the Divine Player, then again, that doesn't explain why any other person who walked up and played it couldn't change their forms. I mean, all you have to do is play it right?
"But, what would happen if a regular person played it?" I questioned.
"Simple, it would sounded like a regular flute, but have no affect." That still didn't make any sense to me, what makes me different so I can change them and others can't?
"What's the difference between me and any other person besides the fact that I'm a Divine Player?" She chuckled at that question.
"Just because you're a Divine Player makes you eligible to play a Divine Instrument, but it leads back to the topic about chakra." She waved her hand signaling that she was ending her statement. But, I wanted to know what this chakra stuff was now!
"If its alright, I'd really like to know how it works?" I shot her a determined look, if it could help me keep the Uchiha brothers safe then I wanted to know. She watched me for a moment, my gaze not wavering for a second. I wanted to learn, I wanted to know what I could so I didn't have to be a liability. She smiled with a proud curiosity.
"Hmph. I like the look in your eyes kid, I'll tell you." She turned around so that both legs were hanging off one side of Kuromaru, she crossed one leg over the other, even as he moved, crossed her arms over her chest as she smiled eyes burning with the knowledge I seek. I nodded, holding my gaze readily for the information. "Chakra, its what makes us unique from your average human. We have, what's called, a Chakra Pathway System inside our bodies, they serve the same purpose as blood vessels for blood. Within the chakra pathways; I can't remember the number, whether its three hundred sixty-three or three hundred sixty-one; there are things called tanketsu. Those control the flow of chakra. Within those are the Eight Levels(1) which control the body's functions and strain levels. Do you follow so far?" It was a lot to take in but I understood it so far.
"What's a tanketsu?"
"Its a pressure point where chakra can be released, like a checkpoint." She scratched her head looking up mildly distracted and laughed faintly. "Man, this is like a quiz. Anyway, the chakra system touches and interacts with every little living cell and goes through all your organs." That didn't sound very safe, a sudden chill ran up my spine at the thought of something foreign passing through my body without me knowing.
"What happens if a tanketsu spot gets blocked?" I asked curiously.
"Think of it like river. Lets say your arm's tanketsu gets blocked, you wouldn't be able to release any chakra from those blocked points. Just like water, if you block its running path it won't be able to go in that direction right?" I nodded, that made sense, but what did chakra have to do with me being able to play my instrument?
"What does chakra have to do with playing the Divine Instruments?" She smiled.
"Being a Divine Player means you have a special kind of chakra, ones that humans and our kind alike don't have. As weird as this seems each instrument has their own form of chakra for security purposes. Picture it this way." She held up both her hands, wide open so all her fingers were extended. "If the instrument only accepts level five fingers of chakra, this is an example so you can picture it, its just easier to explain and not the actual science, and a level one finger tries to connect with it." She put one finger to her open palm. "It doesn't connect, a level 4 fingers is closer but," she shows me again trying to connect her fingers to her other hand. "It doesn't connect, you need to have a certain type of chakra to create the connection so you're able to play it and use it's power properly. Get it?" I nodded. Wow, that was more information than I'd expected. Sasuke and Itachi's kind was much more complicated than I had ever imagined. I going to catch up to them, slowly, but surely. That was our first conversation of the day and I'm glad I've gotten so much information. Without realizing it Akamaru was slowing down and became more lively.
"Ah, crap. I forgot to give Hana this. Tenten I'll meet up with you in a few, I have to drop something off. Akamaru, take Tenten to my other kid and just wait for me until I get back." She said groaning before they sped off in a different direction. Not very comfortable with Akamaru I didn't know exactly what to do but hold on. After a moment Akamaru let barked and ran faster. I kept quiet not knowing what to do other than that. I leaned forward and relaxed against Akamaru's white fur, closed my eyes to picture that night riding on Sasuke in the pouring rain. Sasuke, I wonder how those two are. I sighed. Akamaru sudden made a large leap which cased me to float for a moment in mid air. I lost my grip and ended up floating further behind and off Akamaru's back. In a panic I grabbed his tail at the last moment, but the futility behind that action too late. I hit the ground rolling slightly. I can to a skidding stop only to see the large white dog's blur in the distance. Didn't he know that I fell off? I grumbled and moved to sit down watching the white blur disappear within seconds of my vision. Sighing, I had a moment of déjà vu of when I rolled down that rocky hill where I was almost killed by normal wolves. My arm hurt a little bit but I didn't have any scratches or cuts thankfully. I stood up and dusted myself off from any existing dirt. I started in the direction the dog ran.
I paused in my step, I heard something. I heard, music. Curiously I followed the sound of it. It sounded like an electric guitar. Someone had to play it for it to make a sound, the dog ran in that direction so, that means the person must've seen a large white dog. I don't see how you could miss it. Once I was close enough I could make out someone singing. Stopping in front of a tree I peaked around it to see who it was. I saw a boy with Akamaru, he was laying back on the dog like a back rest and Akamaru was curled around him laying on his front paws. The boy had black capris with a white tie around the lower part of his leg. He had on a grey T-shirt with, what looked like, extensions of fish net around the collar. He had something wrapped around his waist, assuming its a sweater. On his forehead he had a tie that wrapped around his head and the remains loosely hung behind his head. On his cheeks were the red marks like Tsume, the upside down triangles. He was playing a Fender Guitar and a very fine one might I add. It had a silver plating on it, smooth deep red wooden finish with a fade of white. His eyes were closed as he sang, his voice was beautiful, like a sweet lullaby, even if the song wasn't lullaby-ish. The words he said were more of a call for help.
'Do you know what its like when, You're scared to see you're self, Do you know what its like when, You wish you were someone else, Who didn't need your help to get by, Do you know what its like to wanna surrender? I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow, I don't wanna live like this today, Make me feel better, I want to feel better, Stay with me here now and never surrender. Do you know what its like when, You're not who you want to be, Do you know what its like to, Be you're own worst enemy, Who sees the things in me I can't hide, Do you know what its like, To wanna surrender.'
I listened to the song, unfamiliar with it, but its was beautiful. I could feel the sadness in his heart like he was singing it to me. This boy wasn't happy, that much was clear, but why? I peaked out a little more and glanced up at tree behind them to noticed something. It was a rose, swaying softly in the breeze with the smooth words from that boy's lips and carefully plucked notes. I'm not sure how the sound came out without an amp, but I didn't care at the moment, it sounded great. A strong gust of wind blew pushing the rose out of the tree and in my direction. Careful, as to not get caught, I grabbed the rose in mid flight and pressed my back to the tree as I examined it. Another beautiful rose. The blue rose found swimming up the late, the white rose presented in a garden, and now, this deep elegant red rose. I held it up and inspected much like I did the ones before it. When I turned it I noticed one of the petals was white, that's odd. I've never heard of a rose having two different colored petals. I silently listened to the boy's music while watching the rose, waiting for the petals to fall apart like the rest had in the past. I waited and waited and the rose didn't do anything. I thought, why wasn't this one disappearing like the other's had before it. I glanced back at the boy sitting against Akamaru playing his guitar without words, then back to the flower. I wasn't sure what to do with it, I didn't want to leave it but I didn't know how to keep it. What to do, what to do? Another breeze came by and moved the flower gently, but it was strange, it didn't sway in the direction the wind blew but towards the boy. Okay, there's something going on with these strange roses. I turned to glance back at the boy and Akamaru, one flower petal came into view floating its way over to him. Surprised I look at the flower again and noticed that the petals fell off one by one and slowly floated their way to the boy sitting on the ground. In a second all the petal burst off and moved towards that boy, I was surprised he didn't see them. I looked back at the stem to find only two petals left, both were white. Confused I looked at the boy and back to the almost bare stem trying to piece things together. The last two white petals broke off together, both dancing their way over to that boy. One landed on his guitar, the other brushed his cheek causing his head to snap up in surprise with wide shocked eyes. I jumped in realization, moving back nervous about being caught I tripped over a low bush and fell onto my back. So much for being careful. I groaned feeling the small pain from the landing. I heard the boy move towards me by the rushes of a bush, damn those stupid things. He stood over me with a suspicious glare, the guitar was strapped to his back.
"Who the hell are you?" That's a nice way to greet a girl. I sat up rubbing my now aching back.
"Nice to meet you too." I gave him a look standing up brushing my pants off. His eyes narrowed a bit, probably not satisfied with my answer.
"Who are you and where did you come from?" He repeated sharply. I flinched back at the harshness of his tone. Geez.
"My name is Tenten, I was suppose to be brought to Tsume's son by Akamaru over there, but I guess he didn't realize I fell off." I crossed my arms. He snorted and placed his hands on his hips.
"So. You're the famous Divine Player for the Uchiha Clan that was thought to be completely wiped out?" News spreads fast. I nodded regardless.
"Yup, that's me." He chuckled a bit and shook his head.
"How does its feel becoming an all powerful Divine Player from a nothing?" He sneered. What the hell, that little brat! Who was he to say something like that? I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Who the hell do you think you are saying that? Last time I checked you weren't any one of authority." I glared at him, that comment was unnecessary and rude. He frowned, a tooth suddenly appeared from under his upper lip showing that there were more of those sharp teeth underneath. I could feel him, his anger building up like it was a flaming heat. Then he chuckled again.
"Can't you see that your efforts of trying to be a Divine Player is useless? No matter how good you become, even if you become the greatest in all history, it will be pointless in the end! All your efforts to be known will be wasted." He mumbled the last part more to himself than me. I feel like this argument is geared more at his self than the Uchiha Clan. Its obvious he has nothing against them, more like, he has something against me, personally.
"It doesn't matter how known of a player I become, what matters that I do my job as a player. I don't know what your problem is with the Uchiha Clan, but don't go insulting them like you know them or their struggles!" I was a little peeved at this kid's audacity. He glared at me growled showing some of those sharp white teeth.
"Struggles? What do you know about struggle, effort, status? How could you possible understand what that is when you have people to protect you twenty-four seven? You don't have to worry about anything! Just because you can play the Divine Instrument is enough, you just play to your whim and have those fools do your bidding! You don't have to worry about what people will think of you. Your status was set the moment you became a Divine Player! What do you know of struggle?" He yelled at me, his knuckles turned white he was balling his fists so tightly. I understood what was going on at this point, he wasn't saying these things to insult me or the Uchiha Clan, but more as a way to say, 'why are you, a no one, suddenly just given all these luxuries when I struggled, worked, and strived for the things you received with no effort.' I frowned at him and swallowed a growing lump in my throat.
"I didn't ask for this to happen to me. I don't remember there being any luxuries in being a Divine Player either. So far, I've been attacked by two snake that wanted to kill me, had my friends turned against me and the council trying to kill me. I was just living my life as a normal human being then suddenly I was handed this responsibility. Because I have this new 'luxury,' as you refer to it, I'm trying to be the best I can be so that I don't become a nuisance. I don't want people to recognize me or acknowledge me for anything else besides Tenten. I wouldn't call this a luxury, that's the wrong word. Its more like a burden, but one I'm willing to accept because I have people I want to protect. This isn't about status or luxury, I didn't want this, but now its more about family for me." He relaxed a bit, holding his sharp gaze, he eyed me looking for doubt in my words.
"What do you mean family, I'm sure you have a loving mother and father back at home that you can't wait to tell them of your new successes becoming a Divine Player?" He resorted. I flinched again.
"I don't have a family, I was an orphan since birth. I only have my friends, Sasuke and Itachi now. I don't have anyone else. That's why I want to try to make this divine stuff happen right. I want to keep them and if this training will help me be stronger so I can, then I'll do it without a second thought." He leaned back eyeing me again in mild shock. He looked away, much like pouting and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Kiba." I blinked, my brows scrunched together in confusion. He looked at my annoyed and repeated. "Kiba, Inuzuka Kiba. I'm Tsume's son." Oh. That explains something. He sighed and sat back against the tree swinging his guitar around and began to strum some cords. Feeling awkward and squatted down laying one arm on top of my lap and the other tracing circles in the grass.
"So umm." I trailed off not knowing what to say. He silently ignored me and continued to play cords. "How are you able to get a sound out like that without the use of an amp?" He glanced up at me then back to the strings. He shrugged.
"I don't know, I just found it one day abandoned, cleaned it up and learned to play it. I like the sound of modern music. It made me feel alive and it spoke to me in volumes. Ever since its been with me, like my best friend." He smiled a bit sadly. Akamaru bumped Kiba with his large head and whined. Kiba looked up and stopped playing for a second to rub Akamaru's head feverishly. "Besides you buddy, you are my first best friend." I smiles a bit watching him go back to playing cords and Akamaru laying his head on his front paws next to Kiba.
"You have a wonderful singing voice, do you preform?" I asked curiously, he looked up at me like I was crazy.
"You were listening to me sing?" He said with a flat disbelieved tone. I blinked, was that a crime?
"Yeah and you sounded beautiful." His brow twitched.
"That's weird, don't say things like my voice is beautiful." I rolled my eyes at his childish response.
"Yeah, yeah, now you didn't answer my question, do you preform?" He shrugged and looked indifferent.
"Yeah, but my mother doesn't approve of it because I like modern rock instead of that classical stuff they play at the festivals, she says its 'immature' of me." He mocked shaking his head at the word immature.
"Festival, what does that have to do with you liking modern rock?" His brows rose at me and he stopped playing to examine me for a moment.
"You must not have been a Divine Player for long have you?" I shook my head.
"I've recently learned who I was maybe a few days ago? I'll be honest, I know little to nothing about your kind." He laid his guitar on his lap and crossed his hands over it giving me his full attention. "Mind enlightening me on your kind of festivals?" I asked nicely shrugging my shoulders while sitting crisscrossed on the ground. He smirked and shook his head.
"Sure. Every so often there's a Music Festival held in the forest center where all the clans come together to celebrate and have fun. Its like human festivals, just theres a big ceremony that certain members of each clan has to preform a piece that's designed for them to play in harmony." I caught that distaste in the word certain, I wonder what that meant.
"Who has to play?" He looked down and plucked a string from his guitar.
"The soon-to-be head's of the clan." He spat, I curled my neck back at the venomous reply. He glanced at my reaction and sighed heavily. "Yeah, I'm supposed to be the next heir to the clan, but I wasn't allowed to anymore festivals anymore." He mumbled appearing hurt when voicing it. I gave him sorry look.
"What happened? How come you're not allowed to go to the festivals anymore? If you don't mind me asking that is?" I asked sheepishly twiddling my thumbs together in anticipation. He glanced at me for moment, his expression dropping to remorse.
"I was young and foolish. My love for modern day rock was at its strongest point then. I wanted to share that with the people who weren't as familiar with that genre of music. I wanted to introduce something new to them, something different. But something different isn't what everyone wanted. I was chosen to be the new heir because Hana, my older sister had chosen to be something else, so I was left the title. During the festival, I was excited, maybe a little too excited. We are given a piece to practice in advance so that the clans preforming would play their parts. Occasionally, they would hold meetings only for the performers so they could practice together. I had chosen not to attend those meetings because I claimed to have 'something special' for the up coming festival. When that time came I was nervous, there were only two outcomes of my performance, either everyone would love my new idea, the style, the sounds and the feel of modern rock, or they'd hate it. When my solo part came, I played my soul, not the piece assigned to me. I played rock music proudly. Everyone was silent, nothing was heard, I thought they were in shock at how good it sounded but how wrong I was. You can guess how they took it, and badly is an understatement. I managed to not only ban myself from not being able to attend the festivals but my family too. Sucks hun?" That seems a little unfair, he was just trying to mix it up a bit.
"How is that any kind of fair? I mean, I'm sure its a tradition that I'm unfamiliar with, but I don't see the harm in introducing something new into the standard everyday thing they do right?" Kiba's eyes lit up and a smile grew on his face.
"I know right! You'd think it was boring that they'd play the same kind of music all the time! I was just trying to make it a little different from the usual." He said enthusiastically, he leaned forward and placed his hands on top of mines filled with excitement. "I'm so glad someone finally understands me, I have one person on my side. Now I just need an army of you's." He laughed. I blinked a few times to comprehend what just happen. Still recovering from his turn of mood, I smiled at him nervously.
"I'm glad you feel better?" It kinda turned into a question, I was just completely confused by how happy he just became. He laughed and leaned back against the tree picking up his guitar and began strumming again. He seems like a good kid, no ill intentions, maybe just the wrong way of approaching a change in standards at their festivals.
"I like you, what did you say your name was again?" He smiled plucking a few cords waiting for my answer. I swear we were just arguing about ten minutes ago. I sighed, he's like a hormonal teenager. Before I could voice my name someone else beats me to it.
"Tenten!" We both snap up and look behind the tree Kiba was leaning on. There came Tsume marching through the bushes and in our direction. "There you are, I didn't expect you to be all the way out here, what are you-Kiba?!" She exclaimed when he came into her view. Kiba's expression then turned grim as he immediately stopped strumming and froze. Tsume didn't seem happy to see him here based off her body language.
"Kiba, what the hell are you doing here? You should be back at home!" She lectured him, Kiba still didn't even acknowledge that his mother was talking to him. Kiba suddenly stood up still not looking at his mother, he swung his guitar behind him, turned and stormed through the bushes. Tsume watched him in slight shock as he walked by without a word. I stood up and watched him tuck his hands in his pockets and venture deeper into the forest. I turned to look at Tsume as she let out a long heavy sigh, placing one hand on her hip and the other behind her neck she looked up at the pale blue sky above her.
"I'm sorry about Kiba, he's having a rough time." I swallowed not sure if the information Kiba gave me was only meant for me to know. "I know he's still upset about not being able to perform his loved genre of music, but it can't be help. Its not what the people want to hear." I turned to her slightly relieved that it wasn't something to be kept from her.
"What do they want to hear?" She turned and motioned me to follow her.
"They want to hear music from 'the heavens,' its not a specific song or genre, its just classical music. Its a tradition because a long time ago the Rinnegan said that this is the type of music requires all instruments to be present in order for it, as a genre, to be complete. We've practiced what the Rinnegan had said ever since and none would dare change it, that was Kiba's mistake. He, to the elders, was challenging the Rinnegan's law by introducing something new." She sighed a bit sadly. "I can't say what the boy performed that night was good or bad, but I was proud of him for trying to do the unthinkable and in front of everyone. He thinks I'm upset with him, yes I am a bit because we cannot attend the festivities, but I'm more proud of him that he could do something so bold." I was lost for words, Kiba was lost in a big misunderstanding. An idea hit me right at that moment.
"If you don't mind, maybe is a way to get you guys back in the festivals." Tsume looked at me confused. I held up my hands in defense. "I know this is sudden and I still don't understand your customs and what not, but the way Kiba explained it to me made things seem simpler than how you're taking it. You just need to perform a classical piece right? I know a song that has guitar music in it so Kiba can preform and I know a modern classical rock song that he could also preform that involves classical instruments. You said that the Rinnegan wants all instruments to be included so you all would be breaking his law if you didn't include Kiba, am I wrong?" Tsume looked stunned, after a moment of letting my words sink in her bursts out in a hearty laughter. I was baffled, did my idea sound that bad? She continued to laugh, clutching her stomach and smacking her knee, now I just felt like a giant idiot for suggesting that. I wanted to curl up and just die.
"Kid, I don't know where you came from, but I'm glad you're here. I love that flaming look in your eyes, how you're so quickly determined and psyched up to help people you barely know. You'll make a fine Divine Player that's for sure. But. If you honestly want to pursue this you have to talk to Lady Chiyemi and the council members. We all come together and decide on a piece to preform so they all have to agree with it. Make sure that you schedule it around their time and you have your presentation well prepared, cause let me tell you, you're new and your word will not be considered as much as you'd like just because you're the Divine Player of the Uchihas. The next festival is July 3 so you really only have a week to have the meeting, get the music to each clan and for them to rehearse it. That's a lot to squeeze in with such little time, but I wish you luck. What you're trying to pull together isn't easy but I'll be hoping for you success!" She said cheerfully. It did sound like a lot of work, but I think its only fair. The Rinnegan would be disappointed if he, or she, knew that a clan was being left out of that event. I know I would be bummed. I'll just have to work hard and get it done promptly and pray, if they do accept my idea, that the musicians are super talented and can learn the piece in a weeks time. I was used to this kind of pressure, I mean, I'm Naruto's assistant. Do you know how badly that man can slack? He'll come knock on my door and say, 'Hey Ten, I forgot to do something and it kind needs to be planned, booked, and gone to in a few days. You think you can pull that off, of course you can cause you're awesome like that, thanks a lot Ten, means the world!' Then he'd run away and hide in his office because he'd know I'd murder him if he stayed any longer. I smiled, he did that to me often so I've learned to adapt to doing things on short notice, I wasn't worried about this task. If anything it was nice to have even more time than usual.
It was a long day, Tsume took me all around the forest introducing me to different animals, explaining their ranking in their society, what to look out for, and so on. They're called Henka, that was their kind's name. Henka, it meant changing, which made sense. So Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, their race was Henka. I learned a lot about their kind, one was that they healed much faster than your average person and that in their animal form they can understand animals that aren't Henka. Tsume told me that they'd end my lessons around five-ish and that's when Sasuke and Itachi's lessons would be over too. Right now, Akamaru was taking me back to the river. I have to admit it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. I wonder what the two boys' lesson was about. I'm kinda excited! Akamaru stopped and let out large yawn. I hopped off him patting his head.
"Thank you for the lift, Akamaru." He barked and licked my face nearly covering me in his saliva. I'll be taking a shower tonight. I giggled and hugged his large head. "Be careful heading home." He barked wagging his tail and trotted off. I turned making my way through the bushes and out to the fence. Walking around it I glanced back to the forest and made my way to my apartment building. When I was close enough I say Sasuke and Itachi both sitting on the step waiting with little Chase in between them. I ran up to them waving my hand happy to see them again. Sasuke stood up immediately ears perked up and tail swinging showing his excitement. Itachi didn't stand until he was me come closer. I glanced down at Chase.
"Thank you for watching my place Chase." He barked and hopped down the steps wagging his tail and walking around the street corner. We all watched him go before I turned to the two boys. "Tired?" I asked digging in my pocked to unlock the door. Sasuke huffed.
"Like you would not believe." He mumbled. I held the door open for them to enter Sasuke spoke again as we climb the stairs to my door. "That man, Kakashi, he was two hours late. Me and Itachi were sitting there then out of the blue he appears and apologizes saying that he was helping an old woman cross the street. I didn't buy it." He grumbled. I opened the door and kicked off my flats, the boys doing the same with their shoes. I turned and examined them, I didn't notice it before but they had cuts and rips in their clothing. Worried I moved to get closer look.
"What happened to you guys, you have cuts everywhere." I looked between the two for answers. I knew that they'd heal in no time, but what happened for them to even get cuts in the first place? Itachi was looking at his shoulder noticing a leaf, he picked it up, looked at it for a moment, then walked over to the glass balcony doors and let it outside.
"We had physical training to see if we could fight." Sasuke said plopping down on the couch leaning his head back and closing his eyes. Fight, for what?
"Why do you need to learn how to fight?" I looked puzzled at them. Itachi's brows rose then scrunched together making a face as if that were a serious question.
"Because we need to protect our Divine Player, that, and we found out that there are rogue Henkas out there." Sasuke said rubbing his head. "Kakashi said that there are rogue Henkas that don't follow the laws of our kind. They kill us, rob us, and sell us out all for their own luxuries. We are a dominate kind of being compared to humans and regular animals, we get the benefits of both worlds, that, and more. So our bodies and hides are valuable in the black markets." They learned a lot today. I also noticed that Sasuke mentioned Henka, so he knows what he is now. I'm not sure if he already knew that and just never told me, I don't know what they know. That's scary though. To know that your own kind sells you out, then again, humans have done it all the same.
"Well, you'll heal so how about you guys go take a shower while I start dinner?" I clapped my hands together looking between the boys. They nodded silently agreeing with my plan. Sasuke stood up and started to remove his shirt, I could feel my face heat up at the tempting sight before. Sasuke's chest chiseled abs and the light sweat on his body made his pale skin glimmer in little amounts of light in the room. Itachi was also doing the same and he was no less sexy than Sasuke himself. I felt a my mouth go dry, my pulse speeding up and my head burning in heat. Damn it. Why were they so damn beautiful? It's not fair! Can't you see I'm suffering? You sadistic bastards! I watched as Sasuke started sniffed obviously. He leaned down sniffing his self then moved to Itachi, who gave him an 'are you serious' look and pointed to me. I jumped a bit at the motion. Did I smell that bad? Sasuke moved over to me in all his half naked glory and sniffed over my shoulder. He flinched back in disgust, scrunching his nose in clear revulsion. I hate being ugly.
"Tenten, where the hell have you been? You reek of mongrels." Okay, maybe I'm not ugly! Yay! He gave me a stern look placing his hands on those freakin' delicious hips.
"I had lessons with Tsume and I guess her family's animal is the dog." I shrugged innocently. He sighed and rolled his eyes. He turned back to the couch waving his hand as he plopped back down and getting comfortable again.
"You take a shower first, that filthy mutt's scent is hurting my sensitive nose." He crinkled his nose empathizing how bad it smelled to him. I sighed and turned to go take a shower. Going into my room I stripped and put my clothes in the basket. Grabbing a tower, wrapping it around me, I turned on the water and started to clean myself. I honestly thought he was smelling me, thank god I didn't stink. I quickly washed myself and my hair, turned off the shower and made my way back to my room again to change. I threw on a simple white T-shirt and grey sweat pants for bottoms. I pulled my damp hair up into a single messy bun and made my way out to fetch Sasuke or Itachi so they could take a shower while I prepared dinner.
"Sasuke or Itachi, one of you can-AHHHH!" I screamed and turned around instantly placing one hand on the wall for support. My beet red face tried to burrow into the wall. What the hell?! I walk down the hall to see both Itachi and Sasuke standing in the living naked! Thankfully Sasuke was facing Itachi so I didn't see anything, but that's besides the point! Do they have no shame? Actually, if I had a body that perfect I wouldn't have any shame, but modesty? Yes! Do they know what modesty-then a thought occurred to me. When I first saw Sasuke he was naked and coming out of the river naked with a fish in his mouth. Wait. Does that mean. No. That can't be!
"Tenten what's wrong, are you okay?" I tensed up at the feel of Sasuke's hand on my shoulder. He's naked and right behind. Fight Tenten! Fight the urges! Don't look! I could've died right on the spot of too much blood to my brain. Damn them, damn their beautiful abs and glistening ivory skin. Damn it all! "Tenten who are you talking to in your head again? Is there something we should know about you?" YES! The fact that both of you are unreasonably sexy as hell and that poor virgin Tenten wants to rape you in every possible way. Oh God, that didn't sound right at all. What the hell am I thinking? These boys are going to put me on medication.
"N-Nothing! Just go take a shower! Now please." I tried to speak but I could barely form the sentences in my head. Damn it you're making me illiterate! Sasuke's hand slipped off my shoulders, thank you.
"I want Itachi to take one with me, I don't want to go in by myself but he's being stubborn." Just take me now heavens. I can't take it anymore. The Uchiha brothers. In all their naked glory. Together. In a hot steamy shower, washing each others exquisite bodies. Its not fair. Stop it brain! I tried my hardest to turn and look Sasuke in the eyes only. He had his arms crossed over his chest and a pout visible on his lips. Damn it. I was afraid to look over at Itachi knowing he was facing us in all his glory. God. Fighting the now probably permanent blush on my cheeks I snapped my head to look Itachi in the eyes only. Damn it, fight Tenten, you got this!
"Itachi, please." For my sake. "Take a shower with your brother." I swallowed a lump I never knew formed in my neck. Itachi sighed and moved closer to us. Sasuke's eyes widened a bit curious to what Itachi was about to say or do. Itachi raised his arms, one went to his waist, the other to his cheek softly. He stared at him silently speaking to him mentally. Sasuke's hands then wrapped around his older brother's waist. Sasuke pouted at his brother.
"Mean." Was all he said. Itachi smiled softly and leaned in. Oh God. He opened his mouth and out came his tongue. Oh God. He tilted Sasuke head with the one hand on his cheek. Oh sweet God. Itachi licked his brother from the edge of his lips up to just under his eye. Fight Tenten! Itachi pulled back and looked into his little brother's eyes tilting his head. Sasuke, cheeks now lightly tinted, pouted again. "No." He said childishly. Itachi's brow rose and gave him a small smile. With his one hand he tilted Sasuke's head up and bent his head down lower. God Damn it. Itachi's tongue came out again and licked up Sasuke's neck causing the younger brother to shiver and close his eyes. God. Itachi didn't stop once he made it to his cheek, instead, he tilted Sasuke's head down to lean on and chew on his fidgeting ears. Sasuke groaned his pout morphing into a more, dare I say, pleasurable look? My Pulse. Itachi then moved again to look at Sasuke who was now smiling a bit.
"Fine." Sasuke said leaning up, Itachi following the movement. In my mind, I knew that as wolves this sight would've been more cute than sexy. Damn them for making every interaction with each other a hot one! I then noticed how dangerously close their lips were. My brain couldn't take it anymore. I squealed out loud, my arms waving like I was having an epileptic seizure, then every ounce of water on my hot face instantly evaporated into a cloud of steam before I fell to the ground, legs now made of jelly. Damn those two, damn them and their affectionate moments! Dinner may never get prepared if those two don't stop shaking me to see if I was okay, while still very much nude. Rinnegans, if you can see me now, I hope you can forgive me for failing as their Divine Player, for, I will be joining you shortly.
"Go take a shower, both of you, now!"
Thank you for being patient with my work, now that schools back it will take me a bit longer to write chapters like this. I don't have anyone proof reading this for me so please bare with any mistakes you may find, I reread this many times at night after my studies and still manage to find mistakes. Do tell me if there are any. Thank you for reading my story! Please leave a review, its greatly appreciated.
