Late update! This is my first story guys! Please be patient with me!
I have quite a few chapters ready, with few things to be edited...however, I came across a plot in the story, or rather, a character, that would be a big no no according to the guidelines. So I have to think of a way to change this character in a way that the plot still makes sense.
I just noticed that I have a few followers and a "Favorited" one...that makes me happy! If I can get at least 1 person to like it ... lol
Feel free to let me know how I can enhance "story telling" or any other technical stuff that I might not know. I have a lot of stories in my head, waiting to be put on paper, and learning how to do that here is pretty cool :)
Happy reading!
Chapter 1
Japan.
The land of the rising sun. The place that invented Sushi! The place of hot springs, Taiyaki and Samurais kicking butts and elegantly slicing heads off their opponents! Right now though, according to the news, it was presently the place where another earthquake took place.
She glanced at the TV hanging up high on the wall; the voice of the reporter was muffled by the customers all around her. She could only see the title at the bottom of the screen, moving from left to right:
'ANOTHER STRANGE EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN …'
She didn't think too much of it. What was so strange about Japan getting earthquakes? This one wasn't even big; buildings were still standing, people were still walking around. The only strange thing was this reporter, reporting news about Japan getting another earthquake that didn't seem worth mentioning.
"Abigail? Hum ... Pumpkin Spice Latte and two blueberry muffins? For Abigail?"
She jumped and made her way towards the counter to get her latte and muffins, and walked away, towards the exit of the shop.
The university she attended was right across the street; but before she made her way there, she took a few steps towards an dirty looking, older man who seemed to be asleep on the corner of the street. She took one of the muffins and held it against his chest. The old man jumped, opened his eyes, and smiled with crooked teeth. He shyly took the treat and looked up at her.
"Oh! Here I was wonderin' if you'd come t'day!"
"Did you have breakfast yet?"
"No ma'am...got to the back of the restaurant down the road, but they turned me straight 'round, shoutin' at me" he said embarrassed. "Nobody likes people goin' around in their garbage," he said.
"I'm sorry to hear that,"
"I heard them people t'day; 'tis your last day at the campus, right? Congrats!"
"Don't sweat it, sir, I'll still come look out for you from time to time," she smiled.
"Won't be staying in these parts for long," he said looking around. "Gotta move where I can keep warm, see?"
She looked at the dirty blanket he was holding up. She wondered how long he would last. He told her once he was used to it ... the smell of the sewage hole; but at least, they were warm in the winter.
"Take care sir,"
She unzipped her jean jacket with her free hand and loosened the scarf around her neck. She walked two more steps and heard the chirping birds in her pocket, indicating an incoming text.
She took a sip of her latte and looked at the text with her free hand; minding her pace towards the last class of the day. She smiled when she saw the text.
The last class of the year, she thought.
Hazel had sent her a picture of a ninja, all dressed in black, holding a katana.
"Oh Hazy …", she laughed.
She pressed the mic key on the reply box.
"Everyone knows a real ninja wears a green jacket and a headband showing off his village's symbol!" she recorded before pressing the "send" button.
"Whatever that means!" she heard back in reply.
"I'll prove it to you when we all get there!"
"Don't forget tomorrow!"
"As if I could! Got to go ... I'm about to start class!"
She sat down at her usual spot looking down towards the center. The teacher didn't even bother opening her suitcase; not many students were present.
This would be a short and sweet class.
Konoha, 4 days before the Earthquake.
The Hokage's office was awkwardly silent. Kakashi was looking straight at Sakura who was staring at him in total disbelief. The shock on her face was expected, but the red tone she was acquiring was quite amusing; it made it hard for the Hokage to keep a straight face, which was usually easy for him to do.
"Sakura?"
"Eh ... I'm sorry Kakashi sen ... I mean, Lord sixth."
"Kakashi is good," interrupted the masked man behind the desk.
"It's just … I thought I heard you say that you wanted me to go with Sasuke to the Land of Birds," she continued.
"That's what he said," a voice replied from the shadows.
Sakura shrieked and turned around to face Sasuke.
"Wh ... SASUKE?! You're back! When did you … ?" she couldn't contain her excitement.
"Last night."
"I called him back; The Kazekage, Tsuchikage and I want to investigate a weird phenomenon that has been going on for some time now."
"What phenomenon? Wait ... could this have something to do with the tremors that have been felt for the past few days?" she asked.
"You're sharp! Yes, it does.""What's so worrisome about a few earthquakes? It's not like it's never happened before?"
Sasuke came forward.
"There must be something different about it if they are worried; The Land of Birds must be in the center of the issue if the three countries that surround it are concerned," concluded Sasuke.
"Yes. The earthquakes seem normal to anybody, but according to the Tsuchikage, it does not come from the ground; however, the source seems to always be from the Land of Birds because it is where it seems to be the strongest. I want you, Sasuke and Sakura, to make your way to Amegakure; there you will meet with Kankuro. Together, you will go to the land of Birds and figure out what is going on. Lord Ônoki will be there to assist you. We'll find out the source of these "earthquakes" and decide if there's a need for action. Until then, we've got to be on guard."
"On guard of what?"
"We don't know what's causing these things...or who."Sakura's eyes grew bigger.
"You think people could actually be causing these earthquakes?"
"Or something ... To be honest, I've seen enough to know not to dismiss the unthinkable."
"Why send me with him? Not that I mind! But ... why not Naruto? Did you ask Shino? Surely his bugs could be of help searching the grounds for …" Sakura stopped to think for a moment. "Oh right ... if it isn't coming from the ground, then insects wouldn't be affected, unless we aren't sure that it isn't? How can this be though? Earthquakes always come from the movement of the earth's top layer ..." Sasuke went beside Sakura and interrupted her thoughts.
"I asked him that it'd be you."She turned to him with stars in her eyes.
"You ... wanted 'me' to go with you?"
"Naruto is ... busy."
Expecting, was a more accurate word. Hinata was about 5 months in her pregnancy and Naruto was like a puppy following her everywhere. It was funny to see him so attentive to her. When they have learned the news, Naruto just kept running everywhere telling everyone who would listen: 'I'm gonna be a dad y'know?'" "I thought you'd be the most useful if we'd get injured, being a medical ninja and all."
Sasuke continued;
"Oh ... right" she tried to hide her disappointment, but what did she expect? This love has always been a one-sided thing for her. She would never expect Sasuke to partner with someone for personal interest. It will always come down to strategy for the handsome Uchiha.
But still, she smiled. She was happy!