Disclaimer: Not mine.
Authors Note: Everyone say 'thank' you to my brand new beta Sayle! Yaaay! And without further ado, I give you the edited version of chapter eleven.
Chapter 11- Inside These Walls
That winter was a cold one, but that only meant the teachers had us spend extra time outside. They wanted us to build endurance for situations like bad weather. It's why we always go out when it rains or snows. It was towards the end of winter that they scheduled the first camping trip. We were told to go home and use what we had learned in class to pack our 'mission gear'.
We had to show our packs to the teachers and if they didn't approve we were sent back home to try again. It was late evening by the time we actually set out for the camp site. There had been an incident with two of the boys. They were told that they hadn't packed enough and were being yelled at by one of the teachers.
"I already told you we don't have any extra clothes!" one of the boys was screaming. I think his name was ko-something or other. If I remember correctly he and the boy he was with had been orphaned in the Kyuubi attack. They were eventually able to convince the teacher of their lack of clothes and were left with the parting words: "Fine. Freeze for all I care." That's just wrong. Sometimes the teachers can be real jerks. I made my way over to the boys so that I could give them my extra blanket. The whole reason I brought one was because I figured someone would forget. Ko-something or other turned his glare on me.
"What do you want?" he wasn't going to make this easy.
"Here. You guys can borrow my extra," he looked surprised a moment before he glared at me harder.
"I don't want your stupid extra!" patience is a virtue, I told myself.
"Would you just take it? My arm is starting to hurt from holding it out," my tone was sharper than I had intended. He opened his mouth, presumably to start shouting again, before he was elbowed by his companion.
"Thank you. We will be sure to return it to you in good condition. My name is Hiroshi, and yours?" his voice was slow, as if he thought about his words before speaking them. Ko-something or other looked annoyed at being ignored but seemed to have enough respect for Hiroshi to not interrupt him.
"My name is Suikazura. I feel like we should already know each other's names since we are in the same class but I just don't usually pay attention. Sorry," he smiled in understanding.
"This is Kiyoshi. He isn't always this abrasive," I laughed out right at his blunt remark. Kiyoshi went bright red.
"Sh-shut up Hiroshi. And stop laughing at me!"
"Sorry, sorry. I like you guys, you're funny," he went red again. I love messing with people. Kiyoshi finally seemed to calm down.
"Anyway, thanks for the blanket," he mumbled rather begrudgingly.
"No problem. I brought it in case there was someone without, so it's just fulfilling its purpose. As long as you guys return it I'll be fine," he nods his head seriously.
"I'll make sure Kiyoshi doesn't accidentally burn it or anything," Hiroshi pipes in. The outraged look Kiyoshi gives him has me in another fit of giggles. As we made our way outside the village walls we talked. I had spared with Hiroshi and beaten him easily but I had never had a chance to go at it with Kiyoshi.
They were both orphans from civilian families and were always paired against the clan kids. We were in the same boat. I wanted to know what they thought of that; if they had even noticed, that is. I got the conversation in the direction of the spars.
"Do you two think they will have us spar during the trip?" of course they would. I just needed to bring it up. Both of their faces darkened briefly; so they had noticed.
"Probably. I swear if I get paired against Hyuuga again, I'm gonna punch something," he sounded exasperated.
"Yeah, I hate when they do that," I reply. They both give me a look before Hiroshi speaks up.
"Do you plan on quitting?"
"No way. I plan on training and passing the exams and becoming an excellent ninja," they both nod their heads in approval.
"Good. I was starting to like you. It would suck if you decided to quit," Kiyoshi always left so many openings.
"Aww. You like me? I'm flattered but I'm just not looking for a relationship at the moment," his face went red. I barely managed to dodge his hand as he swatted at my head. We spent the rest of the hike in companionable conversation.
That night the teachers provided food but tomorrow we would have to hunt for, and prepare, our own. We were given live kunai and were told to be back before dark. I cheated. Feeling around for the closest wildlife I found a rabbit and quickly caught it with my vines. I had the pleasure of being the first one back; I was also the first to learn how to skin my kill. It was disgusting.
Part of me was fascinated with the process while another, more girly part, wanted to puke. After dinner that night we spent a few hours learning how to put up and take down a tent. We worked with the sunlight left before continuing in the dark. It was really annoying, especially when kids were whacking each other with tent pegs.
At the end of this the teachers told us to take them down and sleep under the stars. I could feel my eyebrow twitching in annoyance. The next day we played the roughest game of capture the flag I have ever been a part of. We were allowed to fight however we wanted; no live weapons but we had permission to use the wooden ones. It was complete chaos. I had only ever had a one on one spar before. This was a Battle Royale.
Not only would I find myself surrounded by other kids, but I would have to keep dodging flying projectiles. It was awesome. My team almost won but the enemy got past the 'border' first. The rest of the week was a mixture of all of this along with the usual spars. I couldn't wait for the next one.
By the end of the trip Hiroshi, Kiyoshi and I had built a sturdy friendship. We had a lot in common: we were all from civilian families, and we all wanted to prove ourselves capable. We began spending more time with each other in class and would also spar whenever we could find an empty training field.
The three of us decided to stay in contact through the summer so that we could continue our training. I was glad for it, at the camp I had learned how chaotic battle could be with more than one opponent. When we trained we took turns teaming up against each other. We made it a competition of who could last the longest. I was on my way home from one such fight when I saw Sasuke by a local pond.
And then he breathed fire. It wasn't a lot but that still caught me by surprise, I forgot he was a genius. Deciding to talk to him I began to make my way over. The closer I got it was easier to tell he had been there for a while. He looked tired but perked up when he saw me heading over.
"Hey Sasuke, how are you?" he looked nervous, like he wasn't sure if he should talk to me.
"I'm okay," he replied shyly. I smile down at him.
"That was an impressive jutsu you did there,"
"No," he shook his head,
"Itachi's is way better. I want to be as good as him," he looked so determined.
"Well at the rate you're going, you may just be able too. I'm sure Itachi is proud," he blushed and beamed at me for the compliment. He really loves Itachi.
"I have to keep practicing now."
"Alright, I'll see you around. And tell Itachi to come find me so we could spar again," he nods his head and gets back to work. Men, always so single minded.
Itachi did eventually find me again, but this time he brought Sasuke with him. He treated the spar like a lesson for Sasuke. There was a lot of pointing at me and saying what not to do. I don't mind though. I like to watch the two of them getting along so well. We were beginning to wrap up when I felt a presence through the trees. A ninja landed in front of Itachi.
"Itachi, you are wanted at the missions' desk," Itachi nods and dismisses him.
"I will be there soon," as the other ninja leaves he turns to me.
"Would you bring Sasuke back to the compound for me?" realizing that Itachi is leaving Sasuke starts to pout.
"I don't need someone to walk me. Do you really have to leave?" Itachi looks down at him and pokes him in the forehead.
"Suikazura will help you get home. I will be back soon," he then turns to me.
"Please take care of him," without even waiting for an answer he leaves me with a still pouting Sasuke. That's awkward.
"Do you want to hang out here and spar longer or do you just want me to walk you home now?" his eyes light up at the idea of sparing with someone who spars with Itachi.
"Let's spar," so we get into our positions. It was hard at first because I didn't know how hard I could hit him without hurting him, but he is a sturdy kid. He wasn't even close to beating me but I could tell he had potential to get really good. As we finished up a frown was marring his face.
"Is something wrong Sasuke?"
"Itachi made beating you look easy," this caused me to laugh. He started giving me an irritated face but I just couldn't stop.
"Itachi could make beating anyone look easy. He's just that good. But I have to say you are also really good. Who knows maybe in a few years you'll be good enough to beat me. Then you can challenge Itachi."
"You never come close to beating Itachi. I'd have to get way stronger than you," I grin.
"I'm looking forward to that, but I won't make it easy for you," he gives me a long look before nodding in acceptance to my challenge. We were at the gates to the compound now and as he was leaving me I called out one more thing.
"Bye Sasuke. And remember, if you ever want to spar feel free to find me," he nods and waves as he enters the compound. The place was huge. I had known where it was, everyone does, but I'd never been this close to it. It made me realize just how large the Uchiha family is. I avert my gaze from the wall and begin to make my way home.
I enjoyed summer break more this year than I have in the past. Before I felt like I was in such a rush to get stronger and didn't think at all about taking a break. I didn't slack too much this summer but I did spend more time doing things I enjoyed like reading, and walking. My hair was really starting to get annoying, so just before the beginning of the next school year I cut it.
I kept my bangs but now all of my hair was as long as my chin. Most of it would fit in a pony tail, but it would start falling out after a while. I ended up looking like I put my hair in a half-pony but I didn't mind. I was around this age in my old life when I first needed glasses and I was glad that I didn't need them this time. They would have been a huge hindrance.
My class was even smaller this year. Apparently more civilian children had decided that the life of a shinobi wasn't for them. I knew Hiroshi and Kiyoshi had planned on staying but it was still a relief to see them waiting in the class room for me.
This year's curriculum was fairly similar to last years, but I could see them slowly changing us from children to killers. Before, it was all just a big game, now they were starting to remind us that our lives depended on our skills. They started having other shinobi come in to the classes to tell us how great it is to fight for the village.
They were spending more time explaining ranks, and how missions worked, about how we would be on a team. It was all basic stuff but I could see the subtle shift in attitude. The year passed quickly as I kept to my training. Most of my time was spent with the boys, Kurenai, my brothers, and Yamanaka-san.
Halfway through the year they switched us to real kunai and shuriken; they were dulled but the teachers used them to show us how to properly care for them. The beginnings of puberty are the only thing that made me hate this year. It was hard enough to go through the first time, and now that I knew how I would end up it felt even worse.
My knowledge of how my body would grow was a great advantage for me. I knew I would be thick but short and adjusted my fighting now. The other children would have to keep switching and adjusting their styles until they knew they were done growing.
I caught a few glimpses of the future team Guy. They were adorable. There was already talk of Lee being that year's dead last. I felt that as a fellow dead last I should give him advice, but I knew Guy would do that for him soon enough. Neji on the other hand looked like a brat.
I don't remember when his father had been killed but it may have already happened. There were rumors of him being moved up a class or two but he ended up staying put. Tenten is pretty average and will be until they start shuriken practice. She'll have to wait a few years before it's her time to shine.
It wasn't until close to my tenth birthday that I finally noticed it. I have always considered myself paranoid so I spent a week trying to make sure I was right. It was after winter so I was going around barefoot again; I had been practicing feeling people while moving. I was being followed. To be sure, instead of going right home I went to the market, nothing unusual.
It was hard to keep track of the chakra following me because not only was I unused to sensing people while moving, but they had the chakra of a civilian. It didn't make sense to me. Why would a civilian be following me? Something was wrong, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it. It confused me more when the chakra left as soon as I got home.
It would have made sense if I went to bed when I got home but I usually went back out to spar with Itachi or Kurenai or the boys. I started paying more attention when I left the house. They always started following me at the end of my street. Why not follow me the whole way home? And then a terrible, terrible thought occurred to me. Was I being scouted by Root?
I stopped dead in my tracks. It made sense. I was being followed by someone so good at chakra control that they could disguise themselves as a civilian. They never followed me home because my next door neighbor was Inoichi Yamanaka, one of the most loyal men the third Hokage has. How long have they been following me for? The very thought made my blood run cold.
I did not want to be part of Root. They would break me like a twig. If it was a Root member following me they could pluck me like an apple whenever they saw fit. I was older than most kids brought into Root, but I was still young enough to shape. If they took me, they would turn my Disposition into a terrible weapon.
I remember that Danzo had been upset at not getting to Yamato first. If he sees me as his chance at getting a Wood Release on his side, whether or not I could actually do it, he would take me from my home. I would just disappear one day on the way home from school; I would go out to train and never come home.
I was so scared, but I needed to be sure. One day of being tailed everywhere was enough to convince me. I wanted to tell Yamanaka the first chance I got, but he was out on a mission. The entire week I could be seen clinging to my brothers. My parents thought I was going through a phase, but my brothers could see the barely contained fear when I asked them to walk me to school.
I love them. Not once did they question me, instead they altered their schedule so that they had the time to spend with me. It worried me that Root hadn't done anything yet. They must have only found out about me recently or they would have nabbed me when I was much younger. At least the Hokage was trying.
I don't know how long they had been tailing me for but I would guess they started during the winter. I would have noticed if it was before then. This all raised another question. If they knew about me, why were they tailing me? Unless they wanted to see me do it; they wanted proof. I really only use my Disposition when I am in the backyard with Yamanaka-san.
I decided right then and there not to use it until he came back. Come to think of it now would be the best time to take me. Yamanaka-san is on a mission and my brothers aren't nearly as dangerous to Root as he is. I was so paranoid I started getting Hiroshi and Kiyoshi to walk me home. When they asked me why I told them it was a girl thing. They didn't care enough to ask again.
I felt really stupid. All this time I had been worrying what would happen if Orochimaru got his hands on me. It didn't occur to me that there were threats inside our walls as well. My paranoia reached an all time high when I almost attacked Itachi for sneaking up on me. He seemed surprised by my almost attack.
"Is something wrong Suikazura?" I let out a sigh of relief when I saw it was him.
"No you just surprised me. Sorry."
"You looked like you were expecting someone," my eyes dart to where I knew the person following me to be. Itachi saw this. His own eyes narrowed as he took a peak in that direction before turning back to me.
"My brothers are trying to get revenge on me. They keep trying to catch me by surprise, because I always scare them at home. I just thought you might be one of them," he caught on immediately. Thank G-d Itachi is smart.
"Would you like me to walk you home? It will be harder to sneak up on you with two of us on the lookout," I smile at him and nod my head. My brothers were on a mission and the boys weren't available. I had been trying to keep to populated areas but the presence following me had felt like he was getting closer.
I know it was probably my imagination, but I was so freaked out right then I didn't care. As we continue in the direction of my house, I felt the man fall back even further. Was he scared of Itachi? I think he was ANBU by now. I don't remember too well though.
"Is there a reason you are being followed by ANBU?" his voice is low so that others couldn't easily eaves drop.
"I have no idea. He's an ANBU?" I add in the last part just to be sure. Itachi just nods his head in confirmation.
"I was walking home last week when I finally caught on. I had no idea and I was starting to panic," he looked at me with narrowed eyes. Probably wondering how I was able to detect ANBU level personal following me. I'm grateful he didn't comment on it. The rest of our walk was quiet. As soon as we got to my house he turned to look at me.
"Would you like me to walk you home from school tomorrow?" I felt like I owed him after today and was hesitant about having him walk me tomorrow as well. The thought of be dragged down to Root had me swallowing my pride and nodding sullenly at him.
"Then I will see you then."
"Thank you Itachi," I say quietly as he leaves. If the man tailing me doesn't know that I know about him today, he will tomorrow. I just hope Yamanaka-san gets back soon.
The following day I was met at the school gate by Itachi and a very eager looking Sasuke. They both waved hello and Sasuke began to tell me how much stronger he had gotten since our last spar. Listening to him talk was calming my nerves down by a lot. By the time I got home I was almost feeling normal.
"Do you need me to walk you tomorrow?" Itachi asked as we approached my house. I was able to see Yamanaka-san in his backyard and smiled.
"No I'll be okay. Thank you for helping me, you're a really good friend," he looked a little startled by my last words.
"Fine. I shall see you in a few weeks time then."
"Bye. See you guys next time," I wave them away before rushing next door. Yamanaka-san looked up as he saw me approach him.
"You're a bit early today Suikazura, is something wrong?" I felt around a moment to make sure we were alone before replying.
"I'm being followed," he frowned at me.
"By who?"
"I don't know!" I say, panic oozing from every pore on my skin.
"How long," he asks voice calm.
"I only realized about a week ago, but I think it may have started during the winter," he looked very serious.
"I need to speak with the Hokage. Are you all right on your own?" Kotetsu and Izumo should be home by now so I nod my head.
"Alright. I'll be back later. Stay in your house,"
"Ok. Will the Hokage make him stop?" he pauses and looks down at me.
"He will most certainly try," and with that he leaves me alone in the yard. I didn't feel comfortable there in the growing dark so I went straight for my house. It was very late by the time I felt Yamanaka-san get back to his house. Knowing I would speak with him tomorrow I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
Hope you enjoyed, leave a review, and come again. The fate of the world depends on it.
ToeGirth,
Signing Out
