Dinner was cold, and as soggy.
It is the next day now, and I just woke up to help Iruka make breakfast.
Our typical breakfast consists of steamed rice, miso soup, and rolled egg omelettes. The rice goes into the steamer, I make the omelettes, and Iruka makes the soup. Sometimes Naruto helps, but he wakes up really easily to the smell of food, so the majority of the time we just cook to get him out of bed.
That boy can be really hard to wake up.
Today I'm graduating the academy. Everyone else will probably graduate when they're 11 or 12, but because of my extra training with Lord Third, I can graduate at age 9.
It's exciting but scary, and it really pissed off Sasuke. His dad also might be mad at him, I'm not sure. Everyone else is really happy for me.
As I chop up onions and red peppers for the omelette, I let out a heavy sigh.
"Nervous kiddo?" Iruka asks while he adds the nori to the simmering water. He's still in his pajamas, with a white apron. His hair is pulled back into a high ponytail.
I nod my head. "I just thought I'd graduate beside Naruto, ya know? But now I'm leaving the academy and Hiruzen wants me to-"
"Um Jade, you're not allowed to talk about that." Iruka chuckles, glancing over his shoulder at me. "You're working on a classified mission remember? I know about it, Kakashi knows, and Lord Hiruzen knows. Thats it. We are your support team, but you can't speak freely."
I whisk the eggs, and add in the onions and peppers. "Yeah...I'm just...nervous…"
Which is an understatement. I'm scared shitless.
With thoughts like that, you won't last a day.
The deep, faint voice of Isobu invades my inner thoughts. As I mentally agree with him without say anything out loud. Then I poor some of the egg and veggie mixture in the pan, and begin to cook it. Once its cooked, I roll it and put it on a small plate. I'm making 6 for us all to have 2. Usually Iruka has 2, Naruto has 3, and I have 1 rolled omelette.
It smells really good, and I take them over to the small round dining table that is against the dark red wall of the kitchen. The back of the kitchen is a large cabinet, and the wall with the window is where the counter tops, stove/oven, and fridge is.
Putting the plate in the middle of the table, sit in my spot which faces the entrance, and count.
"One...Two...Three…"
Naruto slowly walks through the arch that separates the kitchen from the rest of the house. The arch is at a corner, which allows the kitchen to feel more open than it really is.
"Good morning brother." I greet, as Iruka brings the miso soup to the table.
"Morning," Naruto groans, stretches, and farts loudly.
Covering my nose, I throw chopsticks at him. "EW!" There really isn't much of an odor, but the fact he does this every morning is annoying, and gross.
Chuckling, the blond grabs the chopsticks and sits down across from me.
The table is already set, we says thanks, and dig in.
Graduation is at 11, and its 8am right now.
"So what are you two going to do to kill time before the ceremony?" Iruka asks Naruto and I.
Shrugging, I finish off my rice. "Ino wanted everyone to meet at the Yamanaka flowers shop at 9 for something, then Ino, Sakura, and Hinata are going to come over to get ready with me." I inform him for what feels like the 100th time.
"Don't get too over board while getting dolled up. Remember what happened last time?" Iruka raises a condescending eyebrow at me as he eats his omelette.
Rolling my eyes I remember the mess. The spilled makeup pots, broken brushes, ruined hair. It was the worst group makeover ever.
"Yes Iruka-san, I know."
"Can I get ready with you?" Naruto asks eyes wide and hopeful.
While I'd like to say yes, Naruto doesn't actually get ready when he's suppose to. He gets annoying.
Shaking my head I point my current chopsticks at him. "No, you and the boys are getting ready at Shikamaru's house. I even ask his mom, Yoshino, to make sure you guys actually get ready, and get there on time for me. And if you don't I'll make you pay!" I lectured. It was important for me that my friends and family showed up. Naruto honestly being the most important person to show.
And how will we make him pay little one? Hide his ramen again?
Choosing to ignore the beast inside of me, I quickly finish my food, and glare at Iruka and Naruto for being so slow.
Instead of demanding Naruto to hurry up, I decide to have a shower. I walk out of the kitchen and into my light purple colour room. I pull out light blue jean capris that end just past my knee, and a gray button up, and clean underwear.
I walk out of my room, past the kitchen entrance, and through the living room to the bathroom. I quickly take off my yellow with pink polka dot night shorts, and my pink with yellow polka dots tank-top. Turning the water on as hot as I can get it. I very quickly wash my hair and body, dry myself off and change. After towel drying my hair, I leave it down so it can dry completely.
I change into my casual outfit, and exit the dark green bathroom only to find Naruto slowly walking to his bedroom.
"Naruto! We need to hurry!" I say, looking at the wall clock behind the cream colour couch. The far wall has Naruto's bedroom door, mine in the middle, and Iruka's bedroom door just a little past the kitchen.
Its now 8:27am. I through my hands up in the air, and gaze at the white ceiling. "Please give me the strength to not lose my shit this early in the morning."
"LANGUAGE!" My guardian yells at me from the kitchen.
To which I dramatically fall to the floor, and lay on my stomach. These boys obviously do not understand the importance of time and speaking one's mind.
The floor is a vinyl that's suppose to look like real wood. I can feel the chill of the cement underneath it. The walls of the living room are a pastel yellow, with a thin piece of white trim going around the floor, and every door/arch way. I lift my head to glare at Naruto's door, which leads to a bright orange, and very messy, room. Iruka walks out of the kitchen, probably just finished cleaning the dishes, and into his bedroom, which is a light blue colour. He has the biggest bed.
Each passing second feels like an eternity. Ino is very strict with times, and Sakura will simply back her up.
"NARUTO!" I scream pushing myself up into a sitting position.
The source of my anxiety waltzes out of the door, in his signature orange outfit. This makes me smile, I saw the outfit at the bargain shop when Iruka and I were Christmas shopping a year back. I used my own allowance to buy it, and I have to admit I did a lot of bargaining for it. Every time Naruto rips it, or gets a hole, I patch it up, and its almost as good as new.
"Yeah yeah yeah. We need to hurry our asses. Lets go." Naturo sighs as he pulls on his goggles that Iruka got for him.
"Again language." Iruka sighs walking over to us, dressed and ready, and pats me on the head. "Alright children, I have to go to the academy to help set up. Remember you need to be there early. And Naruto," Iruka says with a smile to me that fills me up with pride, then turning to give Naruto a pointed look. "Do not be late!"
Naruto pouts and grumbles under his breath. The three of us pull on our sandals, and the part ways at the bottom of the apartment building's stairs. Iruka goes right, for the academy, and Naruto and I go straight, for town.
The flower shop is pretty far from our apartment building, so Naruto and I begin to run as fast as possible. Hopefully we can still make it on time.
As we run, I do not fail to notice the stares and the hush voices. It still leaves a pang of hurt in my chest, but at least they're not actually beating us this morning.
It takes some focus to push Isobu's chakra through my system, but its something I'm getting really good at doing. Soon it will become second nature, which is the point of all my extra training.
We burst into the flower shop, and I looking at the wall clock. 8:59am, I just made it. Naruto and I find the group but the cashier counter.
"Jade-chun!" Ino squeals, giving me a large hug. Everyone else but Kiba is already here. "Oh, you're hair is still wet!" Ino, exclaims in surprise, patting the hair on my back.
I step out of the hug, nodding at her, and go to hug Hinata, then Sakura.
"So? What are we doing?" Sasuke says, and he sounds a little annoyed, black eyes narrowed. Probably because of Naruto who is currently in Sasuke's face glaring at him.
"Well um, I'm gonna graduate today-" Sasuke snorts at me, still jealous. Choji and Hinata give a little cheer. "-and I hope you'll all attend to support me. I know us girls are going to get ready at my house, and you boys will at Shika's house." Shikamaru glares at me for using his nickname instead of full name.
"What a bother…" He mumbles kicking at the wooden floor boards.
Hinata grabs my hand, smiling wide. I smile back just as big to my best friend. She's shaking a little bit, and I hope its from excitement.
Hinata and I've grown inexplicably close, maybe because I forced it a bit, maybe not. Sakura and Ino are best friends, and the group of 4 of us get along really well.
Ino smacks Shikamaru causing Choji and Naruto to laugh. "You really can't be that rude! Our friend has worked hard, and we are going to support her! Its not like Jade has a mommy or daddy like the rest of us to do so!" Ino hisses, but its clearly heard. Naruto's laugh dies off, and my face flushes red. The air grows thick and awkward, as Ino realizes that Naruto and I heard her. The blonde girl's face becomes as red as mine.
"Oi!" The yell from Kiba causes us to snap out of the uncomfortable situation. "I'm sorry I'm late, and Jade-chan I made this for you!" The smile on his face could not be missed, show casing his fang like teeth. His happiness causes me to hide behind Hinata.
"The last time you got me something it was a dead squirrel!" I state loudly, using Hinata as a meat shield to save me from whatever Kiba was holding, actually terrified of seeing another dead animal.
"It's really pretty…" Hinata whispers to me, and gasps from Sakura and Ino can be heard as well.
Now I'm curious...
"You made that! So pretty! Sasuke, make me one!" Sakura whines.
Okay, now I have to see!
I peek around Hinata's small shoulder to see Kiba looking really awkward. His face is bright red, and his eyes down cast, feet being shuffled. Akamaru whines softly. I glance at Choji's face, he's in such awe he's not even eating. Naruto even forgot about Sasuke to get a closer look.
Finally letting my eyes settle on the object in Kiba's hand, I'm delighted to see a beautiful necklace. A large tooth hung from what looks like white silk. The tooth is decorated in small carvings, twist around it in sprial designs is a sliver wire, which holds it to the silk cord.
"Um, my mom's dog, Kuromaru, lost one of his canine teeth. And on it I carved images to represent our friendship, and the string is made from the fur of the Haimaru brothers, Hana's dogs. I had to spin it, kinda like wool. It was a pain. And this wire is from my dad's tool box, it's one of the things he left behind before he, you know...Left us..." Kiba's face was so red I was almost unable to see his tattoos. "So..do you want it?" The boy refused to make eye contact with anyone, focusing on a small orchid plant instead.
Nodding my head, I move out from the back of the semi circle, and take the delicate necklace from him. The fur was soft, and the tooth is about the size of my thumb. One of the images is a paw and a diamond, with vines and leaves entangling around them. I turn it over, and it has two hands holding, and two swords crossed against the blade, like its a fight.
"So you're marking her?" I let out a small scream of surprise, Shino was very close to me and he whispered his sentence by my ear. Honestly I didn't even notice him here. "Shino! You scared me!" I snap, holding the necklace to my chest.
"Hey, its almost 9:20 now." Sakura says somewhere behind me. I turn my head and to watch panic settle over Ino's face.
"Hinata, Sakura, grab your bags we gotta go!" Ino shouts, running to the counter where the girls put their overnight bags.
I look at Kiba quickly. I put my hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Kiba, this means a lot to me." I turn to walk outside on the busy streets, the girls rushing towards me, but not before catching the huge smile on Kiba's face.
I quickly tie the necklace around my neck pretty tight, wearing it like a choker. "See you later boys!" I call as us girls leave flower shop, hurrying to get back to my place.
A little into the speed walk back, I take Hinata's bag so she can keep up with us. It feels like it is full of bricks, and I fall behind slightly.
Sakura has the smallest bag, her parents only having the money to afford 1 kimono. Ino's bag is a little larger, although that's because she probably has a ton of accessories. Hinata has the largest bag, bringing all of her kimono's, which need their own closest. Perk of living in a noble clan I guess.
I own none, which is why Hinata brought so many, so I can borrow one. Her father, is simply happy that she's being a proper lady, and seems to have given up on her being a ninja. Also as long as she stays away from Naruto, she can be my friend. Which is fucking stupid, because we hang out with Naruto all the time, and I'm the same as him. Although nobody but the higher ups, and the people that went on that mission (and my family which means Naruto and Iruka) actually know I'm a jinchuriki.
We get in the apartment just before 10, and the girls began to empty their bags. "Anyone want some water?" I ask heading to the kitchen to get myself a glass, using my arm to wipe the sweat off my brow.
"Yes but not too much! We don't want to get bloated!" Sakura replies, probably thinking of her own stomach. Which isn't even chubby by the way. She has a very flat tummy.
I roll my eyes and get 4 glasses. I exit the kitchen, the glasses on a try, and my jaw drops.
"Hinata! You had a clothing rack in your bag!?" I ask shocked. No wonder her bag was so flipping heavy. The girls set up a little saloon in the middle of the living room.
"W-well, yes. The bag has a-a bot-tom compartment, and thats wh-where I put-t it. So the k-kimono's are safe." The shy girl smiles, pale cheeks becoming bright pink.
I start to laugh a large belly laugh, quickly putting the glasses on the coffee table before spilling the drinks. Hinata always managed to surprise me somehow. If it is not her quite wit, or her sarcastic comments, its her drastic actions for the simplest things.
Ino huffs at me while picking up a glass. "At least Hinata is taking this seriously, unlike the girl who is going up on stage!" The blonde snaps, shaking her finger at me. I wipe a few tears of laughter from my eyes, and look through Hinata's selection. They are all silk, or cashmere.
"Hina-chan, I can't wear these! They're way too extravagant!" I say defeated, flopping onto the couch. I own nothing that will look good with these outfits. Even my prettiest hair bands and barrettes look like garbage.
The lavender eyed girl goes to the rack, picking up a silk baby blue kimono, with white and lavender lily blossoms decorating the bottom hem, kinda crowed at the bottom of the kimono, and becoming more spaced out as you get to the shoulders. It has all of the parts with it in the clear clothing bag, the collar, obiage, obi, obijime, and the sandals and the socks. It has to be folded and such for the other parts, which I do not know how to do.
Ino and Sakura stare and hold their hands out to touch it, but refrain from doing so.
"I think y-you should wear th-this one." Hinata says nervously, offering it towards me. I take a deep breath and nod, holding back tears from Hinata's generosity and from the beauty of the outfit.
Ino goes through the rack of Hinata's kimono's and pulls out a white one, with lavender cosmos beginning tightly packed at the right shoulder, and flowing out diagonally through the kimono. Again each clothing bag with a kimino has the matching parts.
I voice my agreement with Ino, and so does Sakura. Carefully, Hinata and I pack the rest of her kimono's (which is 23, so 25 in all) back into her large bag, only having to fold the garments over their middles once, and each one have a special outfit cover.
Then we hang Ino's linen pastel green kimono decorated with random bundles of white roses and its obi and such, and Sakura's cotton black kimono decorated with pink cherry blossoms that match her hair evenly throughout the dress and its obi and stuff.
I kinda feel bad that Ino and Sakura did not have expensive kimono's like the ones Hinata and I are going to wear.
Why would you feel bad? You do not even have one in your possession, they do.
I physically nod in agreement with Isobu, not want to voice my opinion.
"Hinata and I are going to do your hair! And Sakura you need to get all of the accessories in order, and then Hinata will do your hair once we're done with Jade." Ino instructs taking charge of the situation.
I get shoved to the floor, and the turmoil begins.
Hinata becomes quickly in charge of my hair, brushing it gently. Ino starts on Sakura's hair. The midnight hair girl playing with my dirty blonde hair makes me sigh and lean into her hands slightly, enjoying the sensation. I completely relax, and I let my eyes close, letting time become lost to me.
"Ino, flowers." Hinata says a while later, in a unusually steady voice. Ino hands her the large bouquet of flowers from her family's shop, quickly going back to continue on Sakura's head.
Looking at Sakura's head I am amazed at how well Ino can do hair. Sakura's long hair in up in a sock bun, tied with braided bits of her own hair at the base of said bun. I hope mine looks as good.
With a loud sigh, the movement on my head stops. "Okay I'm d-done" Hinata stutters, coming to the front of me. The dark haired girl gives a small tug on both side of my head, then stands back and admires her work.
Standing up I nervously ask, "Can I go look?"
Hinata nods, a large smile on her face, and I quickly walk through the messy living room to the bathroom and look in the mirror. There are white lilies on the sides on the middle section, the sides of my hair a little looser, hanging slightly over my ears, and a bump at the back of my head, with a small crown of white lilies, baby blue forget-me-nots, and white baby breath.
Hinata walks in holding a large hand held mirror, and stands behind me so I can see the back of my head. The top part of my hair with the flower crown is folded on itself and completely surrounded with the flowers. The hair at the nap of my neck is pulled taut. My hair has never looked so formal.
"Hinata...I love it…" I whisper, staring at reflection in awe.
The beaming smile of my best friend makes my heart swell. "That m-makes me happy. N-now I need to do my own."
Leaving Hinata in the bathroom, I walk out to see Sakura just finishing Ino's hair. Ino has a beehive, the bottom of it swoops in on itself, and the rest of her light blonde hair cascades down her back. Sakura is just adding white cosmos to the crease of beehive.
"How do we look?" Ino asks, pushing her bangs out from her face. Sakura steps back, smiling at her work, and raises her pink eyebrow at me.
Giggling I smile widely. "Fantastic!"
By the time we get dressed and convince Ino none of us need makeup, it is almost 10:40. We leave the apartment, I lock the door, and we walk to the Academy.
The shoes really mess me up, and Hinata got weirded out when I refused to wear socks.
Socks and sandals will always be a huge NO! Good thing I let Ino do my nails, that are simply painted white, because my toes and hands are exposed.
We get to the school on time, and I see a large grin on the Thirds face. The 4 of us girls give him a small bow.
"Well ladies don't you look absolutely ravishing." Lord Hiruzen says, giving us a small bow. We follow his lead, and wave his hand at the front row. "I believe the Konohagakure princesses should be seated in the front row, what you you think?" The old man asks me, giving me a small wink.
I quickly wrap my arms around his waist, giving him a big hug. "I agree!" Turning to grab the girl's hands, and leading them to the empty front row. "Sit right here by the aisle so you have a centered view!" I explain bring them to the right side of the stage. "And try to save the rest of the row for the boys, it'll just be big enough." I say, happy that the rows are 10 seats apiece.
"Jade Uzumaki! Time to line up!" I hear Iruka call. My face heats up, and my breathing gets caught in my throat. I feel Hinata, Ino, and Sakura squeeze my elbow, and shoulders. "You can do it." Ino encourages. "Take a deep breathe." Sakura advises. "The boys will be here soon." Hinata promises. Taking a deep breath, I nod my head and head behind the stage.
I disappear behind the current, and Iruka-san gives me a big smile. "You look beautiful m'lady." He says jokingly, but gives me a big hug. "You've worked so hard for this Jade. Own it." With that he pulls away. He is wearing dark blue hakama. Everyone is dressed up in very traditional Japanese formal wear.
I raise my left hand to my face, and bite into my thumb harshly. I take deep breaths, the pain in my thumb helping my center myself.
Suzume walks over to me, and drags me to my spot in line. "Stop chewing on your thumb, we've talked about that. It's a nervous tick you need to stop." The older lady snaps. I'm probably her least favourite student. "Stand straight, and remember you will be asked what it means to be a shinobi. Lift your chin up, suck your stomach in." I fix how I stand as she instructs me. Suzume begins to fuss over my outfit, wiping off imaginary dirt, fixing folds, tightening the obi, adding eyeliner, mascara, and tinted lip chap to my face. The she saw my feet and let out a horrified gasp.
"Just where are your socks young lady!?" My kunoichi teacher points at my feet, causing the rest of the graduating class to snicker at me. Anger flashes through me, but instead of lashing out I keep my head down and refused to make eye contact.
Iruka walks over, "What is the problem Suzume?" The scarred man asks, confusion easily heard in his voice.
The old lady's face is bright red, still pointing at my feet. "She's not wearing socks! She looks almost perfect, but she has no socks!" Her frantic statement makes Iruka laugh, knowing my hate for socks and sandals.
"It is fine Suzume. I am her guardian, and I say it's okay." Iruka says with a wink towards me. Suzume moves to the next female student, and Iruka goes to deal with another matter. The graduation should be starting any minute now.
Standing perfectly straight, with a perfect poker face, I freak out to Isobu.
I'm going to mess up. I'll either stutter like Hinata, or I'll fall flat on my face like Naruto. I can't be a shinobi! I can't even handle a graduation!
The weird sensation of the turtle like beast sighing causing goosebumps to cover my body.
If you continue to think like that, yes you will fuck up. If you believe you'll handle this perfectly you will. Also a shinobi lives in the shadows, not the spotlight. You'll be a fine shinobi, I should know little one.
His words give me a little comfort, and I begin a mantra in my head.
I will complete this perfectly. I am strong. This is a piece of cake.
"Okay everyone, this is about to begin!" A teacher I do not recognise says quietly to us behind the curtain.
The Hokage's voice fills the area, good thing it's outside. "Welcome friends and families of the graduating class. Each one of the students who are up here today passes their exit exams with flying colours, and will be welcomed to the world of shinobi. This is a terrific feat for them, and we will celebrate as much!"
Then it begun to blur. It went by ages first, then last name for each sensei's class. The teacher's only handed out the diplomas and forehead protectors to their students. I'm the last in the whole thing, being the youngest, and my name being the last in the alphabet for Iruka's students.
I will complete this perfectly. I am strong. This is a piece of cake.
Suddenly I'm the only person standing behind the curtain. My heart is beating a mile a minute, and I feel tears threatening to obscure my view. Taking deep breaths I gently touch the necklace Kiba gave me, feeling a little stronger. Suddenly I hear my name called.
"Jade Uzumaki! She is the youngest graduating this student, making it two student's who have graduated the academy at the age of 9." I walk over to the podium where Iruka is standing, with his hand showcasing me. My eyes quickly scan the front row, and I'm relieved when I see all my friends there.
Naruto, Kiba, Choji, Sakura, and Ino all stand up, clapping wildly, hooting and hollering loudly. I blush and wave at them.
"So, Jade, what does it mean to become a shinobi?" Iruka asks me, a large smile on his face.
Mind flashing back to the first day of school, I confidently, and loudly reply "To be a shinobi means to be a peacemaker. To fight for justice and to keep the peace among the people of all the nations. It means to fight for your dreams and your loved ones, as well as protect all the future generations among us."
The grinning Iruka hands me a rolled piece of paper, tied with a red bow, and the forehead protecter. I lose my breath momentarily, holding on to the 2 items carefully, not being able to control the blush covering my cheeks and nose, or the huge grin that threatens to split my face in half.
Iruka gently turns me around and pushes me towards the row of hands to shake.
I walk up to Lord Third, holding the paper and headband in my left hand, reach out my right to shake his. As I shake Hiruzen's hand he grasps my right hand with both of his hands, his smile as large as mine. I then shake the hand of the village elder's, and head off stage.
I sit in the free chair in the front row with all my hands, between Naruto and Kiba. My face hurts, and the boys are both elbowing me, with large smiles. I'm so zoned out that I miss the closing speech, and everyone stands up to mingle. My friends swarm me.
"You look beautiful Jade." Kiba says softly. "You gave a gracious answer." Shino compliments. "Wipe that stupid grin off your face!" Sasuke demands. "Good job at staying composed." Shikamaru offers with a smile. "You're defiantly the best dressed!" Ino says happily. "No one could hold a candle to you!" Sakura says in conjunction with Ino. "We're going to go for barbecue!" Choji informs me happily.
Hinata pulls me into a hug. "You're parents would be so proud." Tears threaten my eyes, and I hug her back.
Hearing the sound of crying, I pull away from Hinata, and look to the chair beside me. Naruto is crying his eyes out, using his left arm to cover his eyes. I pull my brother over to me, and hold the older blond close. I glance at the group staring dumbfounded at my brother.
"We will meet you for barbecue." I said, releasing all of them, and they head out. The yard empties pretty quickly, and I cry with Naruto.
We just sit there, clinging to each other. Naruto snotting into my hair, my onto his orange hakama. "I… I am proud of you Jade-chan… I just…" Naruto says, slowly getting control of himself.
"I know." Softly the words fall from my lips. Me graduating changes things. I won't be spending every day with my brother. I actually don't even know how much time I will be spending with him.
Naruto gives me a tight squeeze. "Well, let's go celebrate! This is a big day!" The cobalt blue eyed boy reminds me softly.
I squeeze my brother back. "Okay."