Akira's POV
It's been nearly a week since I started training with Naruto and Jaraiya. Naruto has made almost no progress, the best part of his day is when the tadpole has legs. I've managed to progress to a larger summoning, it's about the size of a forearm as that seems to be its favorite perch and has a flame on its tail. From this alone I'm beginning to think that Jaraiya may be right, these aren't the normal salamander summonings but as an added thought it also has what appear to be folded up wings along its body barely noticeable.
This one spoke unlike the last one but only small words, it seems to have difficulty with our language but can get the needed information across. This one's name is Exuro meaning burn as he says in our language. He also gave the little one a name he calls him Aduro meaning fire. Aduro I thought it suits him and Exuro's name suits him as well as his body seems to constantly give off heat as though his core itself is burning slowly.
I watched Jaraiya give Naruto another lecture on wasting so much energy before the day's training came to a close. I said good bye to my summonings and walked with Naruto to get ramen as usual. We talked about random things, complained about people or rules and of course talked about training and the chunin exams. After the ramen he walked me back to the Hyuga house as he had been doing every day this week. Normally this is all a normal person would be dealing with but sadly because I'm hiding my gender I also have to deal with a certain Pervy-sannin trying his hardest to prove to a certain blonde idiot that I am in fact female. So far he's accomplished nothing thatnks to Naruto being slightly dense, although he has managed to annoy me and anger Naruto. Not that I'm not appreciative of help but I don't see why he gets so hyped up about it.
Naruto's POV
2 weeks left until the chunin exam final, 1 week since Akira began training with me and 1 week tonight of me walking him home.
It had become routine for me wake up, eat, train, talk to Akira during lunch, train more, eat ramen with Akira, and walk Akira home. I look forward to training and ramen each day and instead of complaining about it in the morning I'll wonder what we'll talk about. I look forward to training only because Akira is there, I can talk to him and laugh without worries. He does tease me though but he can make me laugh as I tease him too.
During training I can get really frustrated but Akira will just smile and I can feel less stressed. I also learned that Akira can be smart he just chooses not to be unless he finds it 'necessary' which is his way of saying 'One of us has to be smart at least half the time.'
At some point I wondered how the rest of team 7 were, I hadn't seen Sasuke in a long time but I've caught glimpses of Sakura wandering around town. I didn't have much time to think about where Sasuke could be as Akira was pushed into the shallow river next to our temporary training ground by Pervy-Sage. I ran over to Akira to help him out of the water glaring at Pervy-sannin who looked on smugly.
"What'd you do that for?" I asked giving Akira my hand as he dragged himself out of the water.
Pervy-sage ignored my question as Akira stood once again on dry land while I held him fairly close in case Pervy-sage tried that again. But the smug look diminished from his face as he stared at Akira, "Ah nothing, just an experiment, a failed one I should say. Akira come over here for a second, Naruto go walk on water again."
With that Akira gave Pervy-sannin a suspicious look before following him slowly to the other side of the clearing.
"Why? Why do you need Akira?" I asked glancing to Akira who looked bored and responded with a shrug.
"Because, Akira's being a nuisance. Go train." He grabbed Akira's arm, dragging him along.
I watched them stop on the clearing edge and saw that whatever Pervy-sage was saying it was offending Akira, it was then Akira brushed whatever was said off, like usual, but I still felt anger towards Perv-sage so I did the first thing I thought of, I threw a rock at him.
As Pervy-sannin clutched his head Akira smothered laughter before smiling brightly after he got it under control. I felt my cheeks go red before I smiled back waving at him. I felt better now and a lot less angry.
Akira ran over ignoring Pervy-sage's attempts to call him back. All this week I've been talking to Akira and I recently realized how strong our friendship had become I liked the feeling of having someone close by that I lo- could trust.
Akira stopped in front of me, "Hey, thanks for that."
"No problem," I laughed. "It was fun but what were you two talking about?"
"Oh, Pervy-sage is hell bent on proving some stupid plot of his and he was confused as to why when my shirt sticks to me it's the same as when yours sticks to you."
"Ohh and what'd you say?"
"I told him it's because we're the same age…and both male of course." Akira added on after a moments pause.
"Oh, okay." I still felt as though I was only getting half the story. "Want to go tr-"
"Naruto, how can you even think of training when you can barely even stand without falling over?" Pervy-sage asked as he finally walked over to us.
"What do you mean? Give me a break, I've been working hard unlike you!" I said pointing angrily at him as Akira watched the beginning outbreak of an argument.
"You've trained for 3 weeks and are still at this level. If you continue like this its pointless."
"Hey that's not true. I'm trying as hard as I can here."
"Maybe you are, maybe you're not. If you want to succeed at this summoning jutsu then you must do it like your life depends on it. Same to you Akira. Don't think I haven't noticed you just talking to those things and Naruto, you've barely shown progress at all."
"What do you think I've been doing. I train everyday like I'm going to die and Akira's already managed to get a new summoning. If you have time to complain about it teach me a trick to do it!" I yelled. Akira can already summon a pretty powerful lizard I mean the newest one was able to hold a flame for a minute so why pick on him too.
"I agree with Naruto, he's fainted twice in the past week from being over worked and yet you think he's done nothing. He's already progressed to a toad shape, not a tadpole, with a tail. It won't be long before it's a full toad." Akira crossed his arms defiantly staring at Pervy-sage, I really doubt he'll be listening to Pervy-sage anytime soon if Pervy-sage keeps talking like this.
"A trick? Is that what you want?" Jaraiya rubbed the back of his head breaking eye contact with Akira. "Well, I don't know."
"What you're not going to teach me?" I asked.
"You need to put your life at risk."
"Say what? My(his) life?" Akira and I asked feeling really confused. Why would I need to put my life at risk?
"That's right it's no joke." Jaraiya's tone was taking a turn. From slacker to serious. "Even so are you willing to do it?"
"Of course." I agreed with no hesitation. "I always risk my life. There's no point in anything if you don't go all the way."
"I see. Akira?" Pervy-sage asked. "I'm asking this of you too. Will you put your life at risk to summon something bigger?"
He looked hesitant and at first I felt sad believing he was going to back out but with a glance towards me and a half smile he said, "I suppose I can, so sure if it's going to help. But if I do die, know that I'm coming back to haunt you."
I paled, I hate ghosts and I'm pretty sure that if Akira was angry and a ghost I would die. Pervy-sage seemed to have the same thought as he too drained of colour.
"That…seems fair. Alright, follow me." He said turning and leading the way for us. Suddenly I felt very apprehensive.
Akira sighed beside me, "Well, I guess we have no choice. Let's go grave buddy."
"Wait-Wha?" I said as Akira linked arms with me dragging me off as I realized the extent of what I was getting into.
Soon Pervy-sage showed us to a bath house. Akira and I both stared at the building before exchanging looks turning to Pervy-sage.
"So what are we doing in a place like this anyway?" I asked stepping through the door. "You're not looking for more girls again are you?"
"He better not be looking for more girls." Akira said following hesitantly behind. It's almost as though Akira's never been to a bath house. He's looking around as though he expects an enemy to appear.
It was then Pervy-sage stopped and he seemed almost apologetic, "Say, that's not a bad idea at all Naruto, but no I'm not. This is about bathing we must purify our bodies."
"I can't go in there." I heard Akira say behind me.
"Why?" Pervy-sage asked suspiciously.
"My clan raised us to be modest. A bath house would be seen as a social taboo for us."
"Whoa, really? No wonder you seemed so on edge." I said finally understanding.
"Oh really? But in order for this to work we must purify our bodies."
"No thanks, I'm quite pure, I'll wait outside." He said turning for the door.
Pervy-sage sighed before muttering, "So close, I figured it'd be nice if he knew the truth but it can't be helped." In a louder voice he said, "Come on kid, let's go, can't keep Akira waiting for too long."
After the bath, we joined back up with Akira. "So is Pervy-sage acting weirder today or what?"
"I think so too. It's freaking me out." Akira whispered back to me.
"Hey Pervy-sage-" I said as we walked along a trail in the forest.
"I'm the toad sage."
"Yeah well whatever you are. What does taking a bath have to do with the summoning jutsu anyway?" I asked but Jaraiya stayed quiet. "Hey! Hello! I'm talking to you!" I yelled running up to him just as he stopped. "What? What is it? Why'd you stop?"
"Hey, Naruto, Akira, tell me is there something you like to eat?" Pervy-sage asked in a sad low voice but he seemed to be covering it a bit, a faked happiness.
"Huh?" Akira and I both asked looking at each other. Akira mouthed 'Is he sick?' I shrugged not knowing the answer.
A few minutes later and we found ourselves at Ichirakus.
"Alright, I;m gonna eat!" I shouted fondly as I slurped my first bowl of noodles. Akira laughed digging into his own. "This is great. Why can't the training be like this everyday?"
"Good, now eat up." Pervy-sage said enthusiastically before mumbling something which sounded like, "It may be your last meal."
"Huh?" I asked sitting up properly. Akira too began watching Jaraiya's every move with narrowed eyes.
"Oh nothing. Nothing at all. Anyway eat up." He said overly enthusiastically. "Yeah, eat like there's no tomorrow." He laughed loudly.
"I don't know what's so funny and I don't care. I got food! Hit me chef, seconds on that ramen!" I slurped more noodles into my mouth not noticing the hard stare Akira was using on Jaraiya as he shrunk back. "One more, this time with barbecued pork."
Ten bowls later and I was done. I noticed that Akira had only finished his first bowl but a look at Akira's eyes told me not to ask. It was like a defensive wall had been built but the wall was also like a kunai aimed at Jaraiya, it sent a wave of shivers down my back. I would hate to be in Pervy-sages shoes right now. But when I glanced over there was only a frog, meaning I would have to pay. Before I had even reached for my wallet Akira placed some money on the counter.
"But I thought, most of your mission money went to whatever debts you owed the village."
"It's only household stuff and for whatever I break plus a few psychologists for certain people. I still get ten percent and whatever I steal from my dad."
"Ohh." I said before we both left on the hunt for Pervy-sage. We wandered around town for a bit before we heard a familiar voice.
"So, you full now?"
"Quit messing around, you were supposed to treat us to that meal!" I cried.
"You fool. I never said I'd treat you." He smiled I was about to rush him when I noticed Akira's voice wasn't in the argument. I looked over and he was staring at me with eyes that I never want to see again. It was as though he were trying to memorize me as though he was leaving and we were never going to see each other again.
"Akir-" I began but lost it as a fake smile plastered itself onto Akira's face as though he was reassuring me. I bit down on my lip, understanding that now wasn't a good time. I turned to Pervy sage who had been watching this near silent exchange with sad eyes.
"Say Naruto," Jaraiya said slowly. "Do you happen to have someone that you like?"
I backed away not fully understanding the question. Does he mean Akira?
"I asked if you have a special person, normally it's a girl but it could be someone else. You know someone close to you."
Does he mean Akira?
Akira's POV
He's planning to kill us. There was no doubt in my mind we are going to be killed or at least there's a large chance we'll be killed. Especially if he's telling Naruto to go to the person he loves and tell her how he feels. As Jaraiya said this, a blush rose to Naruto's cheeks and I knew he was thinking of a certain pink haired kunoichi. His gaze seemed to slide over to me before he quickly glanced away. It was probably my imagination.
"Well, uhh I don't know. I mean kinda, sorta. I guess you could say I like her." Naruto finally managed to say rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
"So who is it?" Jaraiya asked.
"No one!" Naruto said quickly. "Just Sakura."
Just Sakura. For some reason this made me a bit happier but only for an instant. I was a part of a planned killing once again. It wasn't the most pleasant feeling, suddenly my two homes seemed more alike than ever.
"Okay! Let's go see her," Jaraiya said pointing to the sky before pointing to Naruto. "Because! You're going to give her a big hug!"
Well, nice work Jaraiya. I thought. You've officially freaked Naruto out and found a successful, if accidental, way of killing him.
"What! This is part of my training?" Naruto said still blushing.
"Well, yeah…I mean it's close enough." Jaraiya seemed very confused. He still hasn't realized how dangerous this really is Naruto's going to die.
"Yes all right let's go!- but if I do hug her, Sakura will- No. This is part of my training too. I have to do it, I have to be strong.- but of course I'm also gonna be black and blue and Sakura won't want to talk to me for a while.- But still if I wanna learn how to do the summoning jutsu right then this can't be helped. But Sakura's gonna- No!- But then again…"
Eventually Jaraiya got so fed up with his indecisiveness he kicked Naruto in the back sending him on his way leaving me with Pervy-sage.
"So what about you Akira? Anyone you like?"
"No."
"What? But the way you look at him. Why don't you tell him? You may never get a chance too." He pleaded.
"I don't think it'll make a difference besides I don't know what love feels like. In my head Naruto is just a close friend, my best friend. Oh and seeing as you're planning to kill us." I said shooting him the iciest stare I could. "If I somehow survive and he doesn't I will personally make it my mission to hunt you down and kill you in the most painful ritual I have ever read about."
He gulped nodding his head. I nodded back smiling, "Good, now we should go find him he's probably been beaten up by now."
And low and behold when we got there Naruto had just tried to hug Sakura and ended up being punched in the face being told to back off. So, Naruto got thrown back into a fence and as I walked up Sakura just started a pleasant conversation about how my wounds were which I replied with that there closing up and only leaving a faint scar. I really wish I could tell her to let him give her a hug because we're going to die soon but she'd probably believe I'm lying. She smiled before yelling angrily at Naruto once more walking off to do who knows what.
"Whoo, what a punch. A yes young love." Jaraiya said shaking his head back and forth as he reminisced about his own life. First thought, He was young? So can't imagine that…
Later on we were walking through the forest away from the village when Naruto finally had the sense to ask, "Hey, if I do this can I really summon a frog?"
"You bet! Of course! Absolutely. Without a doubt."
Naruto looked unconvinced, so apparently some all mighty being out there did bless Naruto with a brain. "Are you sure?" Naruto asked.
"Is there anything else you want to do or have always wanted to do?" Jaraiya asked. "Anything?"
"Well, I wanted to say good bye to Kakashi, my brother, Naruto and maybe Sasuke and Sakura. Oh and the Hyuga's. Wait Gramps and my uncles too!" I said trying to buy time. I need to find out what he's planning so I can stop it.
His eyes closed for a second almost as if in pain, "Well, say goodbye to Naruto then. We don't have time for the others."
I blinked once it was going to happen now. Damn.
"Why do you want to say good bye to me?" Naruto asked in naïve confusion.
"Well, if I was going to die I'd want to say goodbye to my best friend right?"
His eyes widened watering slightly before he dragged me into a hug, "No one's ever told me that before. Thanks you're my best friend too." He pulled back smiling. "And if you ever need help just call for me, 'kay?"
I nodded before we turned to Jaraiya. He sighed heavily, "Is that all?"
We nodded confused. Next thing I knew I had been punched in the gut knocking me out and Naruto had the same done to him. Before I lost consciousness I heard a muttered sorry and a prayer that we'd be fine.
A while later and we woke up.
"Where, where are we? Tell me." Naruto said sleepily.
"Stand up! Both of you!" Jaraiya commanded.
"What? What's going on?" Naruto asked as I rose unsteadily to my feet.
"Yeah what's the big deal knocking us out like that?" I asked trying to get a bearing on our location. I couldn't even see the Hokage monument which meant we're either above it in a wooded area or very far away from home.
"Your training ends right here." Jaraiya said with almost no emotion.
"Huh? But I haven't done anything yet!" Naruto yelled.
"Naruto!" Jaraiya yelled angrily making me flinch. I have never heard him this angry not even when he gets annoyed at us. "Starting now you must stare death in the face. Akira I expect the same of you. That's right, to stave off the horror of death you must release enormous chakra. Once you experience that you'll undertand how to release the red chakra or in Akira's case a chakra reserve built into every being in your clan. Only some can unlock it though and it won't result in the best results for them. If you don't wish to die do something about it. Now."
And with that he pushed us back with one finger and we flew through the bushes and over a cliffs edge. Either side was covered in giant spikes.