A/N: Here's the next installment of Just Wanna Make You Smile! I'm sorry for the delay, I honestly had hoped to post it earlier, but I was utterly distracted. With what, I don't exactly remember, but all I know is that I couldn't make it to the computer as often as I would've liked. Sorry for the long wait after the cliffhanger, and for the suckish-ness of the end of the battle. This chapter did NOT agree with me and must've super glued itself to the insides of my brain. Ugh, sounds painful. I'm not sure, things seem a little rushed to me, but hopefully you'll all enjoy the chapter. P.S. sorry for the freakishly long Author's Note. If you actually read the whole thing, I apologize for wasting the few (hopefully) seconds of your life. On with the fic!
Disclaimer: Instrument Trio does not own Naruto, but does own a few characters and elements of the plot
Ch. 21 Mission: Day Three
Through my steadily darkening vision, I continually glared at Sosuke while digging my nails deeper into his skin. He didn't show any signs of pain, but I could tell it bothered him.
"So how about it? I just tell them your little secre-"
"It's not a secret" I spat at him, though my voice sounded hoarse are hardly audible.
"Not a secret hm? Then why do you cover it?"
"Cover what?" I wheezed. A trickle of discomfort went down my back; he couldn't mean that could he? How would he know about that…unless he's actually from…
"Yeah, that's right, I'm from that village," Sosuke sneered, "but I left, you should think about it"
I managed to growl at him before it turned into a cough.
"But yeah, I know about it" he whispered as he placed his hand over my gloved hands, "Why do you wear gloves, hm? Have you had enough experience with weapons or fighting to wear gloves? Maybe they're for a fashion statement?"
While he was talking, I managed to move my hand enough for me to pinch the skin near his elbow. If no one has ever pinched you in the bend of your elbow, I can tell you that it hurts. Sosuke flinched and moved his arm away, surprised by my actions. I used the brief moment of time to complete a few hand signs before he could react.
"Sonic Screech no Jutsu"
The first few times I used this jutsu, my throat was hoarse for hours and Kurenai-sensei reprimanded me for using a jutsu above my level. Well, it wasn't any better this time either. The resulting sound made everybody cringe and cover their ears, but for Sosuke who was directly in front of me, I assume the sound was torturous. He let go of my throat and covered his ears, only for me to hit him with a chakra powered kick to the ribs. I enjoyed the sound of ribs cracking as I collapsed to the ground. I watched with blurry sight as Kiba and Akamaru slammed into him, forcing Sosuke back in Kurenai-sensei's direction. I heard him shout as he was caught in one of Kurenai-sensei's genjutsu before my eyes closed.
I must have blacked out for a few seconds or minutes, and when I woke up again I managed to get a glimpse of Hinata and Shino chasing after Sosuke and Kiba checking up on the twins. Jeez, I missed the whole battle. I heard footsteps approaching and managed to sit up with a groan as Kurenai-sensei knelt next to me.
"Are you okay Ashimakase?" Kurenai-sensei asked with a sigh as she placed a hand on my back to help me sit up.
"Well…" I started, wincing at my gravely voice before I broke out into a coughing fit.
Kurenai-sensei sighed again as she rubbed my back before giving me a bit of water to drink, "I don't know whether to compliment you and Kiba on your fighting, distracting, and planning, or to scold both you for going against my orders and you for using a jutsu I've plainly told you not to use"
"Scold" I mumbled, "Probably deserve it"
"Yes, you do, but not now" Kurenai-sensei agreed firmly, "Can you walk, or should we break a minute?"
"If I say walk, will we?" I asked faintly as I looked up at Kurenai-sensei's slightly amused and worried face. Kurenai-sensei smiled and shook her head no before helping me walk up to a tree.
"Sit here and try not to talk"
"Roger" I croaked, giving a smile at her pointed look in my direction. A few seconds later Kiba limped over with the help of Maemi-san while Ryoko-san walked behind with a look of disdain on her face.
"You and Kiba were amazing Ashi-san!" Maemi-san gushed as she carefully sat Kiba down next to me, "Are you okay though?"
I nodded with a slight smile as I scooted over to give Kiba some space on the tree trunk.
"I'm sure even as ninja, women aren't supposed to rush out into the fight" Ryoko-san commented with slight disgust, "You should have stayed back with Hyuuga-san, Nozomii-san"
I wanted to tell her off, or at least give a smart remark, but Kurenai-sensei told me not to speak so I just nodded with a frown. It was at this time when Shino and Hinata decided to literally drop in, jumping down in front of us from the tree we were leaning on.
"A-actually you're wr-wrong Yamitachi-san" Hinata answered for me, "W-women and m-men are b-basically equal as ninja if they're f-fighting enemies. There's n-no need for women to st-stay back"
"In this case, it is better that Kiba and Ashi fought rather than us" Shino added in, "Why? Because they are both more easily distracted than us and could not have protected you two as well, and because in this case speed was more crucial than power"
"Thanks Shino" Kiba retorted dryly at Shino's earlier statement. Shino raised his eyebrow before turning back to the twins.
"If you say so. I was merely stating what our father taught us as kids" Ryoko-san replied somewhat defensively. Hm, maybe she was brainwashed into her antipathetic attitude…
"Hinata, Shino, reports on Sosuke" Kurenai-sensei requested as she dropped in. I hadn't even noticed that she left.
"He disappeared, heading in th-the opposite direction of wh-where we are traveling"
"His trail wavered. He is still disoriented from the genjutsu but we cannot catch up. We have neither the speed, nor the time to do so"
Kurenai-sensei nodded as she stood up silently.
"All injuries accounted for, yes?"
"Throat, bruises, slightly twisted ankle" Kiba listed as he stood up with the help of the tree trunk.
"Throat should be healed by tomorrow" I croaked out, ignoring the amused look Ryoko-san sent me. Kurenai-sensei nodded in acceptance of the news.
"We lost valuable time because of this fight. We'll reach the destination later than expected, but we'll reach there tonight"
The twins nodded in acceptance as the rest of us stood up to start heading up to the Yamitachi manor.
The greeting when we arrived was enthusiastic…to a point, I mean. It was like 9 at night. People were tired, but we still got the happy faces and polite kindness. Maemi-san and Ryoko-san were ushered away to get cleaned up and rest while the 'head servant' addressed us.
"It is late, so we will give you some rooms" the man told us in a slightly egotistical manner. My eyebrow twitched, and I was glad that it was dark out. I have no more energy to mask my emotions.
"Thank you" Kurenai-sensei replied. I could hear the smile in her voice, "Can we also get some clean bandages? We have a few injuries to address"
"Of course" the servant replied with a bow, his greasy black hair fell into his face, "I'll send a medic to your rooms right away with medical supplies and some food for dinner"
"Thank you" Kurenai-sensei thanked again, "Your kindness is appreciated"
"No need. We are indebted to you for taking care of our heiresses"
Kurenai-sensei nodded as the servant led us to our rooms.
The compound was big, no; it was huge, and actually quite beautiful. They had a large courtyard filled with various flowering trees and shrubs with a pond in the center. There were also various paths that led all over the compound, and some that led outside to the village where the villagers lived. As grand and beautiful as it was, we were tired, and our rooms were on the opposite side of the compound. I swear, it took like 3 and a half minutes to 4 minutes to walk there, and we were speed walking. By the time we reached our rooms, I was swaying on my feet, barely able to stand upright. I was basically asleep standing on my feet, and it was only 9 pm! Chakra loss sucks. I helped Kiba with wrapping his ankle after we iced it for a few minutes to reduce the swelling, as Hinata helped Kurenai-sensei wrap up her shoulder. It would have been better if we had a medic nin, the majority of our injuries would've been healed, but we made due with what we had.
What could've been a four day mission turned into more than a week long one. The lack of a medic nin really set us back a few days. My throat healed within two days, and Kiba's ankle was good enough to walk on in about five. It was Kurenai-sensei's shoulder that we were waiting on. It had gotten an infection a few days after the fight, and was just now starting to heal properly.
"Good morning Ashi" Hinata greeted as I walked into the room. She was kneeling next to Kurenai-sensei, helping her change her bandage.
"G'morning Hinata, Kurenai-sensei"
"Good morning Ashimakase"
"How's the shoulder doing sensei?" I inquired as I searched around for my hair tie. I wasn't about to walk around the compound with my hair down. Who knows what snide remarks I'd overhear if I tried.
"It's doing better. We should be able to leave in about a day or two"
I gave Kurenai-sensei a smile, guarding my actual emotions which were along the lines of 'Thank Kami-sama! Freedom!!!' Every single thing I had done in this village earned me glares, mumbles, and insults. It wasn't this bad in the beginning; people were actually kind and accepting. Then, Ryoko-san happened.
Flashback
I walked around the compound looking for Shino. This place was so big, that it made finding people a hassle. All together way too troublesome. I stopped to ask one of the gardeners if he had spotted Shino, and he pointed me in the right direction.
"Shino!" I called, speeding my walk up slightly as I spotted him and Kiba talking to a worker who was trying to repair the ceiling on a part of the manor that had been destroyed by a storm. We had taken to helping out with odd jobs as long as we were staying on the compound.
"Excuse me for interrupting" I apologized, bowing to the worker who just smiled at me with a nod before continuing his conversation with Kiba. Shino was watching me expectantly, and I smiled.
"Good morning Shino, I didn't see you this morning"
"That's what you called for?" Shino asked, raising an eyebrow. I shook my head no.
"I came because Hinata was looking for you" I explained, "She's in th-"
"Excuse me, Nozomii-san?"
I turned around, ignoring the fact that I had just been interrupted. It was a kid, maybe about 8, and he was watching me warily. Okay…what have I done?
"Yes, that's me" I replied with a nod, "Did you need something?"
"Yamitachi-san said there was some trouble in the kitchen and thought you could help"
Kitchen…right
"Of course. I'll be right there" I replied with a slight smile before turning back to Shino. The kid scampered off, as if bees or snakes were chasing him.
"Where was I? Oh yeah, Hinata's in the school house. She says they're having a hornet problem"
Shino nodded before heading off toward the school building. With a sigh I turned back toward the kitchens. I had just come back from there and the only thing the people there were doing was cleaning the dishes from breakfast. Unless the water randomly caught on fire or the taps weren't working and the kitchen was flooding, I doubt anything was wrong. As I passed the garden, I spotted Ryoko-san smirking at me while pretending to talk to the gardener. I sighed and continued on toward the kitchen. There were a lot of dishes from breakfast, I'm sure they'd appreciate my help.
End Flashback
Since that day, I've been dodging glares and trying my hardest not to get in anybody's way. It's really hard since I've been helping around the school house with Hinata. Even though I've always been entertained at the sheer tactlessness of little kids, it can get to be beyond annoying. To put it simply, their parents told them blatantly not to be around me, along with other not to be repeated statements, and they picked up on it. Fast. Granted, I'm a useful tool for silencing classrooms, but as soon as I leave, the whispers start. And then there are the adults. Kids whisper. Adults speak out loud. They expect you to hear. That goes for the teens too. In fact, the only people I actually talk to are Hinata and Kurenai-sensei at night or in the morning, Kiba and Shino when we're all in our rooms, discussing our plans, Maemi-san, and Mimi.
Mimi was a little 4 year girl whose parents had been jailed for conspiracy. Against the heiresses. Mainly Ryoko-san. Imagine that. She lived on the compound and some of the servants took care of her. During the day, she wandered around since she was too young to go to school. For all the servants cared, as long as she was out of trouble, she could do whatever she liked.
"T-they wanted your help i-in the garden…" Hinata called, breaking me out of my thoughts as I headed toward the door. I smiled faintly as I nodded.
"Do you want anything from the kitchen? I was going to grab something small"
"N-no, I'll get something later"
"I'm fine Ashimakase"
With a nod I exited the door, closing it quietly. I walked past the gardens on my way to the kitchen, noticing a few miserable looking plants. The gardener glanced up at me, nodding slightly as I went by. That was the most acceptance I got from the general populace. Suddenly, I lost my balance, stumbling as a weight landed on my back. I grinned as I placed my arms behind me to keep the little girl from falling. Blonde hair draped over my shoulder as a cheerful face popped into view.
"Good mornin' Hope-chan!(1)"
"'Morning Mimi. Have you had breakfast?"
"Nope! They have eggs today!"
I laughed. I was stuck with miso soup and tofu.
"Alright. Let's get something to eat then"
Mimi cheered as she gave me a hug before I carried her to the kitchen, piggyback. I was still slightly surprised that no one went ballistic that this little innocent kid was hanging around me. I thought for certain when I first met her that I was going to get in trouble.
Flashback
I was returning from the school house, lost in thought. I had been told by some servant that Ryoko-san was holding a meeting or party or something, and needed someone to help serve her guests. I guess I had been chosen as her helper. Why in the world would she choose me, if she hates me? Or at least, I'm pretty sure she hates me. I was completely preoccupied with my thoughts, so I was startled when the little girl crashed into my legs, and landed on the ground staring up at me.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" I apologized, as I looked down at the little girl. She looked to be about 3 with blue eyes that rivaled Naruto's and bright golden hair. She was scuffed up, and looked like she had just been rolling in the dirt. I fought the urge to pick her up as her lip wobbled dangerously.
"Are you hurt? Can you stand up?" I asked.
Suddenly the little girl's lip stopped wobbling as a bright grin appeared on her face. It was akin to Naruto's 'life-is-great' grin he gave on a daily basis. Her arms lifted toward me as the grin stayed on her face.
"Up, up!"
I looked at her questioningly as I scratched my head, "You, uh, want me to pick you up? What will your parent's say?"
"Momma and Dada are in the house with the big bars" the girl chirped, "Mimi saw them yesterday. Mimi likes their clothing, lotsa stripes"
Okay, so they're in jail? Despite that fact, she was pretty well spoken for a girl her age.
"Who takes care of you Mimi-chan?" I asked, giving the girl a smile.
"Servants!" she exclaimed with a giggle, "And Mae-san! We're playing tag! Up, up!"
Her cheerful attitude was contagious, and I felt a grin sneaking up on my face as I bent down and picked her up. Maemi-san appeared around the corner, looking relieved as soon as she spotted Mimi with me.
"Oh good, Ashimakase-san, you found her. Do you think you could watch her for me, I have to attend my sister's meeting"
"I apologize Maemi-san" I replied as my grin slipped off my face, "Your sister has asked me to help serve at her meeting"
"Oh, nonsense. Why would she do that? We have many servants who have nothing to do today. I'll go find one of them to help" Maemi-san replied cheerfully, "Well, if you do decide to watch her for me, can you clean her up a bit? I found her playing in the garden"
With a nod of agreement, I watched Maemi-san walk away happily, until Mimi's pulling on my shirt sleeve distracted my attention.
"Mimi's name is Mimi. What's yours?"
"Ashimakase" I replied simply, "We have to get you cleaned up. Where do you stay Mimi-chan?"
"Mimi can't say your first name, what's Shi-san's last name?" Mimi questioned as she pointed in the direction I was to go.
"Nozomii"
Mimi giggled as she started playing with my hair, apparently trying to braid it, "Okay Hope-san!"
Later when I had finished wiping the dirt of Mimi's face, a servant had entered the room. I managed to ignore the glare she tossed at me as Mimi grabbed my hand and basically dragged me out of the room.
"C'mon, I wanna show you my puppets!"
End Flashback
That measly glare was the worst I've gotten for being around the little kid. After taking Mimi to breakfast, I dropped her off with a servant before heading over to the garden to help the gardeners. The day passed quickly after that. I found myself all over the compound, helping with random jobs. I helped the gardener with his planting issues, the oven in the kitchen wasn't working, so I had to get a fire started, later I was helping a few electricians with their work, and soon after that Kiba and I were painting some buildings. By the time it got to dinner, I barely made it through my soup. Jeez, I was getting sick of miso soup. After helping Kurenai-sensei with her shoulder because Hinata was already asleep (she was amazingly more tired than me) I stumbled off to bed, only to wake up hours later when I heard a thump of metal hitting wood and a muffled scream. I jumped out of bed immediately, throwing the blanket off of me as I grabbed my glasses and a kunai and rushed outside wearing only a t-shirt and shorts.
The first thing I noticed was a tingling feeling as my skin contacted the air outside. As I quietly walked toward the area I noticed the noise from, I noticed a scorch mark on the ground, and a splotch of blood. The sudden sound of footsteps on the roof startled me into loosing my grip on the kunai. A small trail of blood ran down my palm as I fumbled with the kunai and regained my grip. Just when I was about to examine the roof for the noise I was blinded as a light flashed into my eyes. I hissed and covered them with my hand as I peered around my hand toward the light. A couple of guards were standing there, scowling at me as they surrounded me.
"Where's Ryoko-sama?"
Oh crap…
If i'm correct, I do believe I've left you all with another cliff hanger. Sorry. I'll try to update soon on this one as well.
(1) Mimi pulled Hope from Nozomii because Nozomi means hope
Special thanks to...
MorphicxSaline, XiaBubbleQueen, Kita Kudai, SomeOtherPerson, CrystalHeart27, and Dragon of Twilight
for the reviews last chapter!
There's a preview this week
Ashi has been jailed by the compound guards. What the heck? What part of 'I didn't do anything' do they not understand? Well, they're not going to get any information out of Ashi while she's half asleep. What? Ryoko-san's been kidnapped by the ninja she conspired with? Ugh, things can't get any worse. WHAT? They want Hinata in return for Ryoko-san's life? You've got to be kidding me!!!
I've been wondering if the previews are actually liked. If not, I might stop them, but if they are, I'll try to continue. Feel free to comment in your reviews.