Chapter 8: Does this Ring a Bell?
As I hustled back to the meetup spot, my mind was racing. I couldn't get anything out to save my life and now I needed it most, to be calm, collected, to show my new team that I am meant to be here. But why? Why do they want me? And to spy on the clan? For what reason? This is crazy! And Izumi...I can't even fathom where she came up with such an idea! I paused for a moment to put a hand on my forehead as if it would help still my mind. And Itachi...out of the blue, saying his name with so much respect...I do respect him, greatly but now I have to ask myself...do I love him? How would I know? I sighed to myself and continued forward.
It didn't take long before I was where I needed to be. I waited nervously but managed to keep my composure. Suddenly, all three of the ANBU I met earlier appeared before me. They didn't make a sound. I straightened my posture and the one I assumed as the leader stepped forward. "Follow us without being seen." They bolted to the rooftops. I scrambled to keep up, they were insanely fast! As we moved I noticed that we were making our way to the outskirts of the village and closer to the high walls that protected it. The main gate came into sight and we descended down to take our leave. Without being noticed by even the guards posted we made our way out and into the wilderness. This was exciting! I felt so free, like a bird let out of it's cage. The wind tickled my skin and the air felt so fresh! I took in a deep breath, the smell of wild flowers and the crisp morning air sent my soul soaring. Before I knew it, we had come to a clearing and they had all stopped to wait for my approach. The nervousness I felt had melted away and in it's place excitement gleamed from my very being.
"Shikara." Called the leader.
I came forward. "Yes, sir?"
There was a slight pause, "do you recognize this place?"
I tilted my head and looked around carefully. The excitement was gone. "Why...?" I whispered with a shaky breath. My knees began to tremble slightly and the fresh air caught in my throat. This was the spot where Nakia took his last breath.
"Remember what I told you? You are to train on controlling your emotions." Our squad leader's words were harsh and to the point. "If you wish to become ANBU, you must learn to control your feelings!" He barked.
My jaw clenched. I did my best to clear my face of all emotion but in my heart I felt an unbearable sting. I managed to spit out "yes, sir," before taking a breath to relax and do my best to obey my superior.
There was another pause before our leader stepped forward and removed his mask. It was almost incredible to see this young man who wore yet another mask covering his mouth and nose, underneath the one he removed. His silver hair almost gleamed in the morning light and the one eye that wasn't closed stared at me coldly.
"Sir!" The female ANBU protested, "you mustn't remove your mask! She hasn't become a trustworthy member!"
"She is our comrade." He cooly replied. "So I will treat her as a comrade." He eyes his masked companions, then returned his stare to me. We won't be sharing our names today but I will tell you that I am your superior. You will answer to me."
"Y-yes, sir." I responded.
He gave me another pondering stare before moving forward and stood a couple feet in front of me. "How is your teamwork, I wonder?" He said, pulling out two small bells.
This just got interesting...
...
It turns out, my new leader is an ass. He expected me to work with two strangers at my best friend's death site to get two bells. On top of that, I was forced to wear a shock bracelet so every time I made any expression at all, I would get zapped. As the training went on, it became more and more difficult to keep a blank expression as I grew more and more tired. Two hours went by before my 'teammates' helped me out enough to confiscate both of the bells.
"I'm actually impressed, Shikara." The leader beamed. "You and your team actually managed to get the bells and with only 47 shocks!" The sarcasm was heavy in his tone.
I had kept a flat expression for at least 15 minutes before the thing on my wrist went off again when I shot that devil man a glare. ZIPPPT! "Ah!" I wiggled my hand and wrist in pain. "Really? I thought we were finished!" I complained, rubbing my wrist.
"48." The leader cooly responded.
My eyes narrowed. I think this is what hate feels like.
"I think that's enough for today." The woman said, seeming a bit bored.
The leader sighed, "alright, you're dismissed." My two teammates left without another word and the leader put out his hand to take the wristband. I gladly gave it over, along with the two bells and managed to keep myself from glaring at him in the process. He eyed me for a moment. "Good job, today. You will be expected to keep this up until you can contain yourself."
I nodded.
"We will see you here tomorrow. Don't be seen." He vanished.
I stood there for just a moment taking everything in. I was glad it was over and let out a small sigh or relief.
Now to find Izumi...