The next day I found my tired self in a strange predicament with team seven, as Kakashi had decided they needed a female influence. Well, Sakura did need a female influence, her growing crush on Sasuke was beyond being a distraction at this point and while I did find her dedication endearing she needed to learn some self discipline.
Locked inside Sakura there was a taijutsu genius, I just knew it! All she needed was a helpful kick up the backside and in the right non-obsessed direction. Bad enough Sasuke was obsessed with his brother, we didn't need two obsessive kids.
"I'm going to run you through some taijutsu drills Sakura," I turned to the boys with a critical mind "you two are going to do some chakra exercises, both of you could do with some practise in the area."
Sasuke looked like he wanted to object but chose to remain broodingly silent, Naruto settled for grumbling rather than outright yelling which was nice of him. Considering the time he and I had spent together as friends it was nice to see he respected me as a sensei too.
"Boys over by the pond, same concept as tree climbing, you have mastered tree climbing right?" Enthusiastic nods all round "Then the two of you will start water walking, same principle but water moves. Go nuts."
I sent them off with a wave and decided to keep a trained eye on the both of them before turning to Sakura, who was looking determined, if not a bit nervous. I mentally patted her on the back, like Sasuke the only time the two of us had met was at the bridge before their mission to wave and we all knew how that had turned out.
"You have some of the best chakra control out of all the genin, but your physical prowess is seriously lacking."
She looked like I just smacked her upside the head but I resolutely kept my face neutral, and trust me living with Kakashi had made me a master at it. It wouldn't do for Sakura to remain at this level with what I knew was coming, plus, I kind of maybe wanted her to beat Ino during the prelims.
I have nothing against Ino, but Sakura is on team seven, Kakashi's team…so I am slightly biased towards her.
"Let's start with focusing chakra into a strike…"
By the end of the day Sakura could manage a satisfactory punch, it left my hand stinging afterwards but I expected no less from someone with as much mastery over her chakra as Sakura. There was no doubt in my mind that she could be a taijutsu genius…maybe I could get Kakashi to make her train with Gai.
Not only would this be beneficial to her as a ninja, but Tenten sure as hell wouldn't listen to her whining about Sasuke all the time.
Naruto and Sasuke could walk shakily across the pond, but any more than six steps (four for Naruto) and they both splashed down into the murky green muck. Needless to say they were both drenched and dirty by the end, glaring at me, each other and the pond itself.
"You all did great, keep up the training and you'll all be chakra masters in no time." I praised, but only Sakura (who was far more tired than the other two due to her low chakra reserves, something else that needed work on) smiled up at me.
I ruffled her hair affectionately as Kakashi came strolling over, one hand in his pocket and the other reading that disgusting book. I growled and pushed my chakra into the earth as he came strolling over, and after a moment he went sprawling forwards, book flying from his hands.
I caught it expertly and held it between my thumb and forefinger with a disgusted expression, the kids looked awestruck.
"How did you do that Shoko-sensei?" Sakura squealed, a mixture of delight that her sensei had been downed and shock that someone could actually do that.
I just winked at the three of them as Kakashi pulled himself up and dusted himself off with as much dignity as he could muster.
Truth was, I'd shifted a piece of earth upwards a couple of inches as he'd been walked and tripped him with it. It was a bit like walking up the stairs in the dark and forgetting about the top step. Simple, but effective.
"Mah, I thought you were recovering?" He grinned, that deceptive eye crinkling smile I knew meant I was for it tonight.
Bah, he'd never touch me if I kept his book captive.
"I was, but this-" I waved the book disdainfully in the air "-gave me the strength I needed to trip you. Plus, your team has come along in leaps and bounds today."
Kakashi looked happy enough, but he was still eyeing the book suspiciously, as though he thought he could make a grab for it. Like I'd give him the chance.
"Have any of the guests arrived yet?" I asked, still waving the book around tauntingly.
His eyes never left it "A few. The rest will be here tomorrow."
Naruto's attention quirked.
"Guests? What guests?"
I winked at him, but said nothing as I walked away, still waving the book like a carrot on a stick in front of a donkey. Kakashi groaned but didn't follow, his obligations as a sensei keeping him from his precious book. Soon he was gone and I slipped the book into my vest pocket.
I hated wearing the chunin vest, mostly I didn't wear it at all but it didn't do for an active chunin to disregard policy when we had guests coming. Not to mention it hid my weights jacket and a variety of weapons very well.
I had my own training to get to, and a night patrol now that we had visitors so that they didn't think our security was lax. Not that they wouldn't know what we were doing, if the exams were being held in their village they'd probably do the same thing.
It was on patrol that I ran into a disgruntled looking Sasuke Uchiha who was trying to scold a group of older, bigger teens.
"-don't care, you have to pay for it!"
One of the teens scoffed down at him "Nobody lives there, we ain't paying fer nutin'."
His poor grammar was enough to make me wince, but as I approached I realised that the teens had been throwing rocks at the homes inside the Uchiha compound, smashing several windows and Sasuke was trying to make them pay for it.
"Oi brats, you did the damage now you pay for it." I called over, walking with a dangerous glint in my eyes.
The teens looked more frightened now an older ninja, clearly a chunin or above, was part of the argument and I took a stern place just behind Sasuke. Sasuke wouldn't appreciate it if I took all control, but he wasn't getting anywhere right now.
"But ninja-san, nobody lives there!" The ring leader pleaded, now understandably desperate.
I glared down at him "Nobody lives in the hospital, would you throw rocks at it?"
They shuffled and responded a negative, and I took at look at the windows. At least six were smashed, a few more cracked. Clearly this was a regular past-time of these four, something I'd have to put a stop to now.
"You are all going to pay for the windows, and if I catch you here again I'm having you arrested for criminal damage." I ordered in a tone that left no room for disagreement "Now scram!"
They ran, tails tucked between their legs and cursing me as they went.
Pathetic little twerps.
"I didn't need your help." Sasuke bit out and without taking my eyes from the teens receding backs I whacked the Uchiha upside the head.
"You're an idiot. Don't be stupid and say something like that after someone has just helped you out, you may not have wanted my help but that's different from not needing it,
"You should have reported them ages ago."
Sasuke rubbed his head, looking mutinous. I stared down at him neutrally, he needed to learn and if whacking him upside the head was the only way to do it then that's what I would do.
"I was handling it." He grouched.
"Sasuke! What are you doing?"
My head snapped up at the new voice and I stared, gob open and eyes wide as I watched her. She watched me with an equal amount of shock and mixed awe.
She was an Uchiha. She couldn't be an Uchiha.
"Hello, I am Sumie Uchiha it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
I stared, looked down at Sasuke and then up at her.
"You," I pointed at her and she frowned "you should not…" I took a moment to stare at Sasuke and the suspicion etched onto his features "Sumie, you and I need a long, long chat."
PLOT TWIST PLOT TWIST DAN DANUM!
So there is it, the plot twist, is another Uchiha and why not? Don't worry, there aren't any major changes (well there is but not quite yet) so I hope you guys like it (and her)
Read and Review guys!
Tulip Out.
