Disclaimer: Again, I don't own anything or anybody except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. Any concepts/ideas mentioned in this fanfiction that seem to be borrowed from another media/piece of continuity - note that I don't mean to plagiarize anything or anybody in any way! This fanfic was made for entertainment purposes, not for pissing off others! So yeah!
The theme is actually the 16th opening of Naruto Shippuden: Silhouette by KANA-BOON. I was originally thinking of using a RWBY theme for the chapter, but after listening to this song a few times while working on Chemistry homework, I couldn't resist. The song sounds amazing and the translated lyrics actually fit the situation pretty well in my opinion! For a piano version, I would point you towards the cover done by Theishter-Anime on Piano! He did a wonderful job of transcribing the original song into piano form, so feel free to listen to it yourself!
Anyways. Just sit back, relax, and please enjoy!
Chapter 32: Silhouette
Namikaze Minato was now REALLY reevaluating his team.
Especially with the recent events that just happened right in front of his eyes.
If not for his feet still rooted into the ground, the Jounin would've thought he was dreaming.
But judging by the immense amount of sparks flying between the parties involved in front of him, he was in reality all right.
"... What did you just say, Hatake?" Satoru was eagerly grinning now. "Me against the three of you? No offense, but it won't be much of a match."
The only hint that Kakashi was angry was his slamming of his book shut, an audible ruffle of pages echoing in the training grounds. If not for that, then the visible narrowing of his silver eyes was more than enough proof. "You don't know that, Hitoshi. I've been Chunin for a few years now and Team Minato has been in service for a year of that time - I don't think it'll be much of a match against you."
"Yeah! You tell him Kakashi!" Obito was cheering from the sounds of it, and Minato didn't have to turn his head to know that the Uchiha was grinning. Even Rin seemed to be smiling herself, despite her best attempts to hide it behind her hand (whether out of courtesy for Satoru or just politeness, the Jounin didn't know).
If it were any other situation, Minato would've been happy to see the obvious, full-hearted support between teammates.
But when it was between his own team and a new member, not so much.
In the end, Minato just sighed before glancing at his first student. "... So I'm guessing you really want to fight then, Kakashi?"
The Chunin just looked at the Jounin before curtly nodding. The determination in his eyes said more than enough.
"Do you feel the same way, Obito, Rin?"
It was as if the question wasn't even NECESSARY, because the two Genin looked at each other before staring up at their teacher with the same determination their Chunin teammate had.
Minato didn't know whether to feel pride or dread. Instead, he forced himself to look at the lone swordsman in the area, raising an eyebrow. "Are you alright with this, Satoru-kun?"
"Just lemme at 'em, sensei." Satoru gritted out through his teeth, grin almost splitting his face. "I can take 'em - three on one."
What was with kids these days? Minato could easily handle his students, but this guy?
The Jounin wouldn't be surprised if Jiraiya-sensei showed up just to call Satoru out on being such a brat.
Was he this bad when he was Satoru's age?
Minato just shook his head, forcing the thought out of his mind. He could easily think about that later. Right now, he had to focus on the four younger ninja in front of him, all raring for a fight. A sigh involuntarily left his lips, and the Jounin took a step back to provide enough fighting space, raising a hand in the air. "I'll make this a sparring match then. Anything is allowed, as long as it's non-lethal, alright?"
A "Yes sensei!" resounded throughout the entire training field.
No matter what Minato would do, the determination was there. It wasn't right to snuff it out.
"Alright then, kids, get ready. On my mark,"
His team all took fighting stances, and Minato didn't miss how Obito and Kakashi immediately went on guard in front of Rin. Even with the tension in his shoulders, Minato couldn't stop the beginnings of a smile on his face.
Wonderful teamwork, Team Minato!
"3… 2… 1…"
Satoru reached into a scroll to replace his two katanas with a chokuto katana, slinging it across his back while grinning maliciously.
His hand cut through the tense air like a knife when he gave the final signal. "BEGIN!"
It should've been a normal day at work. If anything, I probably should've expected the upcoming heart-attack since it was obvious.
But once again, I was too oblivious to see it until it actually happened.
I was actually in the middle of playing God Knows again for a new customer when Musashi-san burst into Nagareboshi.
… You know, Motome Musashi? Kakashi's opponent in the Chunin Exams?
I don't blame you if you forgot him. Honestly, he didn't show up that much around the area anyway. After that one Exam four years ago, Musashi-san almost disappeared off the 'local shinobi clientele list' of Nagareboshi Cafe (... note we don't really have such a list, but I kinda keep one in my head to remember familiar faces), and I heard from Kakashi that he became Chunin about a year later. Apparently he was taking missions near the border and only really stopped in Konoha for office work or policing the gates.
The fact that he slammed the cafe doors open today was more than enough to shock me. I even found myself missing a note by accident because of the sudden intrusion.
"B-Bad news! Bad news!" Musashi-san yelled, sweat beading his forehead, brown hair frizzled against his cheeks.
"What's the matter, Musashi?" Dad interjected before I got the chance, wiping a cup with a towel absentmindedly. If I didn't know any better, it was as if it was a normal day at work opening the cafe, judging by the nonchalant glance he was sending the Chunin's way. "It's only 10 in the morning - what's got you so frazzled?"
"T-Team Minato just started a fight, Judai-san!" The title alone immediately made adrenaline start to run through my veins as Musashi-san attempted to catch his breath.
… What?
"Apparently that Satoru kid started something, so Team Minato is doing a free-for-all against him!"
WHAT?!
At that point, all that was on my mind was Kakashi.
Ohmigod, are they going to be okay?!
Tomoko-chan, calm down! You're hyperventilating again!
But by then, I knew I was too far gone. Even Hisako's words seemed to go over my head. Heck, the piano wasn't even in my line of vision as I quickly shot up from the familiar black bench, murmuring a quick apology to the customer sitting near me before tightening my hair ribbon.
"I-I'm sorry! I'll be sure to play a concert for you later!"
The next thing I knew, I was running out the front doors, only really stopping at the sound of Papa's voice.
"T-Tomoko-chan, where are you going?!"
The words immediately left my mouth without me thinking on them. "To see what's going on, Papa! I want to make sure Kakashi and the others are okay! I-I won't get in the line of fire, so don't worry!"
"Tomoko-chan!" By the time a reply graced my ears, I was already running down the familiar paved roads of the shopping district towards the training grounds, even passing a stupefied Musashi-san along the way, RWBY kimono dress and all.
Please…! Be safe!
Maybe if I was calm enough, I would've noticed the trace amounts of blue energy lacing my boots as I ran.
Or the telltale presence of Papa following me via leaping on rooftops.
"Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!"
Kakashi made sure to move out of the way of the incoming fireball, relying on muscle alone to backflip out of the way. Even from the distance, he could feel the amount of heat sent in the enemy's way, but to be honest, he didn't mind.
With such a fight like this one, what else to do but start with fire?
Let it burn, right?
But even then, with such a large attack like that one, Kakashi knew that Satoru wouldn't go down so easily.
Once the Chunin found his footing in the soft grass, smoke had already begin to billow out in plumes around the battlefield. Even without the sudden cover, Kakashi already knew that Satoru was on the move, judging by the faint rustling of sandals dragging through the area.
But where would he be going?
Next thing Kakashi knew, Obito ran by to stand near him, kunai in hand while panting. Did the fireball take that much chakra? They would have to work on that. "D-Did we get him?"
The Chunin just clicked his tongue. "No, he's still moving. Where's Rin?"
Even when breathless, Obito was grinning. And judging by that smile, Kakashi knew the swordsman was going to be in a world of pain. "Setting up. I think we can surprise him."
"Be on your guard," Kakashi admonished, taking out a kunai of his own. "It seems like Satoru's keeping distance right now. We don't know what kind of jutsu he can use, so we'll watch each other's backs, alright?"
The Uchiha was outright beaming now. "Got it!"
Rin was jumping between tree after tree, placing tags and traps wherever she thought useful. Whether it was on the back of a trunk or a stray branch the enemy may land on, she placed a wind or an explosive tag on it in the meantime. Honestly, the medic was feeling grateful that she stocked up on such things before this day, because it was going to be a good test.
And what better target than a frustrating swordsman?
She could hear his footsteps on occasion anyway. But judging by the telltale wisps of orange and silver amongst the leaves, Rin knew that her teammates weren't far behind either.
Any moment now before first blood would be spilled.
The only thing was - whose side would it be?
Then she heard a single footstep behind her before the spark of chakra went off and a loud, girlish yelp sounded.
Rin found herself smiling just a little bit.
Here comes a good explosion for a guy who was just infuriating.
Once the first 'BOOM' went off in the surrounding forest, Obito knew someone triggered it.
The battle had officially begun.
But where was the jackass in all this?
… And for once, he wasn't referring to Kakashi.
His Chunin teammate, for once, was being a badass, not a jackass!
"... Where is that Satoru?" Kakashi muttered dryly, kunai still in hand while mid-leap from a tree branch. "One of Rin's tags was triggered, but who was it?"
Then Obito had to narrowly dodge a chokuto katana blade aimed for his shoulder. Doing his best to not yelp, he leapt away from the radius of the attack only to get a faceful of the bastard's smirk, sword slashing at his figure every chance he got. Even with the hints of singe marks on his face and clothes, it was as if Satoru wasn't even affected, easily moving like nothing had happened, DESPITE the earlier explosion. With every slash of the blade, Obito forced himself to retaliate with his kunai, causing metals sparks to fly into the air with every collision. Heck, every idea that he had to collaborate with Kakashi flew out of his head at the sudden appearance of the enemy's sword trying to cut his head (or a few hairs) off.
When did he-?!
"What's the matter, Uchiha? Cat got your tongue?" Satoru was taunting him now, but Obito forced himself not to listen. All that he was trying to do was find an opening, just to counter. But kunai and chokuto katana were still clashing. "Don't tell me you're as stupid as you look. The goggles just don't work, you know?"
Obito was really trying not to get pissed off and instead just focus on the bastard's blade in front of him. But the blade just kept slashing.
H-He's strong! But…
Rin's smiling face flashed through his mind.
I can't lose here! I'm not a weakling! I'm not stupid! I'm…
Obito grit his teeth and slammed his left foot into the grass behind him while ducking underneath the next sword swing.
Going to become Hokage, you bastard!
Without even hesitating, Obito slashed at Satoru's chest with his kunai. Unfortunately, it was far too shallow because the swordsman noticed, stepping back just enough for the knife to tear the fabric of his hoodie, leaving a visible slash mark.
"Too slow, Uchiha-elite," Satoru taunted, smile on his face. "I expected better from a member of the famed Uchiha clan of Konoha."
Obito felt the serious need to just punch the asshole's face in now.
Not just for the whole Uchiha jab, though.
But to his shock, a single kunai rushed through the air behind the swordsman's head, easily nicking his cheek to create a red scratch mark before landing in the tree behind the Uchiha. Obito knew that kunai wasn't his, so…
"At least he's better than you, asshole." Kakashi was growling from the sounds of it, standing just a few inches behind the swordsman, and Obito didn't have to be a sensor to know that he was angry. Judging by the light amount of killing intent leaking from his teammate, the Chunin wasn't happy.
And yet Obito felt strangely happy himself at the gesture.
Yep. Obito could officially conclude that Kakashi was a whole lot better than Satoru.
At least the silver-haired prodigy knew when to hold his tongue and cooperate with him and Rin anyways. Not to mention the many times the Chunin stopped his own training to help the two Genin out when they needed it during teamwork exercises.
Kakashi may have 'Tch'ed it off, but he was still a teammate. And he was leagues ahead of Satoru in that department.
Satoru blinked before raising a hand to his now bleeding cheek, wiping off a few drops of blood with his fingers before looking at them with disbelief. Then, he started to frown.
"You… You bastard." The swordsman growled, turning his head only a little to glance at Kakashi, eyes narrowed. "You'll pay for that."
Kakashi, on the other hand, looked happy, even with the mask on his face. Obito could at least make out a taunting smirk on his teammate's face. "Oh yeah? Make me."
The Uchiha was grinning himself and stood up to ready himself.
This was going to be good.
Rin made sure to rush back to where her teammates were as fast as she could, being careful to not trigger any of the traps she carefully placed a while back. Judging by the sudden silence, something happened.
And the boys needed their medic, right?
Once she pushed through the trees to land safely on the ground, all she could see was Kakashi, Satoru and Obito in a duel of their own. It honestly was a sight to behold, with Kakashi on Satoru's front using a mix of taijutsu and kunai to keep the swordsman's attention while Obito attempted to aim for the enemy's back, using a kunai of his own to slash at every opening while carefully avoiding Kakashi's own strikes.
Rin couldn't help but feel a bit of pride to see how far her two teammates had come.
But at the same time, she couldn't ignore the fact that Satoru was easily parrying both of their attacks at once. Even when armed with just a chokuto katana, the swordsman was blocking their attacks in a way that just looking at it made the medic dizzy. A back thrust of his blade one second, then a forward slash another moment.
Why didn't he bother showing this skill earlier in their bell test with Minato-sensei?
And then Satoru caught sight of her.
Oh no.
Rin grit her teeth as the swordsman suddenly ducked his way out of the boys' reach to instead run in her direction, sword in hand while bloodlust danced in his eyes. Thankfully, he had left enough of an interval for her to jump out of the way and meticulously place a Wind tag beneath her, activating it as soon as he came close.
GO!
A sudden mini-tornado burst from the tag, shoving Satoru in the air for just enough time for Rin to run back to her teammates. Rin did her best to hide the panic on her face as she reached Obito, and the Uchiha greeted her with a mix of worry and relief.
"You alright, Rin?" He asked.
"I-I'm fine, Obito." The medic made sure to mince her reply for the sake of time, checking over her teammate for injuries. Thankfully, all that was really on Obito's figure was a cut sleeve, so there wasn't much to worry about. On the other hand, once she turned to Kakashi, Rin tried not to put on a worrying expression in exchange for words. Judging by the miffed, masked visage and the various tears in his shinobi uniform, Team Minato's resident Chunin seemed to have taken more damage. "What about you, Kakashi?"
"I'm fine," The Chunin almost growled out, kunai still in hand. "Were you able to set up everything?"
The medic nodded. Kakashi then turned his gaze elsewhere, and it was at that moment that Rin knew that her Wind Tag had finished its task judging by the lack of noise in the area. The Genin only had to turn her head to know that Satoru was gaining on them, looking angrier than she had ever seen him before.
"The usual?" Obito interrupted, sounding almost cheery despite the impending tension.
"The usual." Rin and Kakashi said in unison.
Time to get to work. They had a swordsman to pummel.
By the time I was getting close to the training ground Team Minato was at, my legs AND calves were starting to burn. My ragged breathing wasn't helping, and honestly, I just blame my own short stamina. Sure, I was building it up, but it was nothing in comparison to ninja physique.
… The kimono dress and boots probably weren't helping my case either.
Nevertheless, I forced myself to keep going. The familiar trees and wet grass were getting closer by the minute, and the thought of seeing my friends was more than enough motivation to force my legs further.
Don't be hurt… Please!
Once the clearing was coming into view, my lungs were starting to burn too, and by then, I had to slow down to a light jog/power walk because my feet were starting to hurt.
I guess that's my punishment for not taking up ninja training and staying a weak civilian, huh?
Even then, once my boots found refuge in the familiar green blades of grass, I had to kneel over and catch my breath, staying a certain distance away from what I knew was the center of the battlefield before doing anything else. My body was just screaming 'Rest!', but I knew I wasn't done just yet.
I had to check on my friends after all.
Once my lungs finally stopped burning, I forced myself to look up only to first lock gazes with familiar blue orbs.
"T-Tomoko-chan?" Minato-san was openly gaping now, having just noticed my appearance, but I didn't even have the energy to respond to him, adrenaline forcing me to look elsewhere as I shakily straightened my back and took a step forward. I had found the Jounin, so then where was his team?
Where was Team Minato?
Where was Kakashi?
And then I saw them.
To put it lightly, it felt like I was watching a scene straight out of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games - the only difference being that there were 4 total combatants instead of the one-on-one fights the games originally advertised back in Vy's world. And it was three-on-one. The game would've probably seen it as unfair in the competitive side of things, but with how my life had been going so far, I knew that this was more than just a game now.
This was real life - and this was a real fight I was witnessing right now.
And it was both amazing AND terrifying all at once. Especially when I could see my friends in what looked like a fight for their lives. I may be exaggerating things, but at this point, I didn't know what to think.
Up until now, I've only seen Team Minato spar against one another. Not all of them gang up against one opponent. They may have done that with Minato-san on their first day of a team, but I didn't get to see it, only really arriving by the time they were long finished.
This was my first time actively seeing them fight as a team against a common enemy, who from the looks of it, was dangerous.
It looked like an even but tense fight all at once.
Rin, jumping back from the incoming sword slashes with elegance reminding me of Shippuden Sakura and Weiss from RWBY, backflipping at moments while attempting to kick at her opponent with determined brown orbs.
Obito, dodging attacks without breaking too much of a sweat, finding an opening every now and then via his own slashes with a kunai while also helping keep Rin at a distance so that a stray sword wouldn't hit her.
And Kakashi. This was the first serious fight in a while that I was able to see him go at what appeared to be full strength, and judging by the various slash and tear marks in his outfit, he was really taking on a lot, even for a long-time Chunin. Since he was at the forefront of the attacks themselves, I wasn't all that surprised at the state of his clothes considering how my best friend, even in canon, was almost always a front-liner. And yet he was holding out like a boss, ducking one moment and then thrusting his kunai up in an attack the next, calm visage never once breaking.
The sight both amazed and worried me. From the looks of it, my friends had no signs of blood on them, but with each passing second, I wasn't fully sure.
And their opponent. I did my best to not squeak in surprise for the sake of distracting the combatants, because out of all people, I didn't want to see him again.
Hitoshi Satoru was about 4-5 feet away from me, smirking the entire time reminiscent of another boy I once knew, and he was fighting the entirety of Team Minato on his own. Armed with nothing but a short katana and a kunai.
I did my best to push out thoughts of Leo in my mind to just watch the battle, but I couldn't help the rising amount of dread rushing through my veins.
The last thing I wanted to see was the doppelganger of my former boyfriend injure my friends.
But judging by the excitement in those brown orbs, I had every reason to be worried.
Kakashi dodged the nearest sword slash aimed for his head as his legs kept pushing him forward, his eyes analyzing every angle possible in hopes of an opening. This clashing of kunai and sword was honestly getting repetitive, and the ninja knew that he had to try something different.
Obito and Rin may have been doing their best to keep up with the speed, but even he could tell that they were starting to get tired. And that wasn't good.
Then Satoru had the audacity to smirk again and jump out of his reach, landing in an open area before weaving hand-signs and slamming a palm into the ground.
"Earth Release: Earth Wave Jutsu!"
Kakashi grit his teeth, doing his best to not accidently bite his lip in the impending rush of adrenaline and frustration. "Obito! Rin! Get onto high ground!"
The command, thankfully, wasn't lost on his teammates as they immediately jumped up into the air and took refuge into nearby trees. The waves were already starting up in the ground, making standing even more shaky than before, and Kakashi knew better than anyone that it was going to be a distraction.
He just wasn't expecting to be grabbed by the ankle mid-jump.
Looking down, all Kakashi got was a smirk filled with pure malice as Satoru pulled on his leg with his right hand, only for his sword to close in via his left, chakra extending the blade by a significant margin to resemble a true, curved katana.
SHIT -!
"Gatotsu Isshiki!"
The sword was heading right in his direction -!
Kakashi quickly made the hand-sign for the Substitution Jutsu before it could land, inaudibly letting out a sigh of relief as he landed on the now steady ground beneath him, a log taking his place.
Satoru was clearly confused now as he sliced through the new log in mid-air, landing back onto the ground afterwards. "The fuck?"
The Chunin bit back a snarky remark as he weaved through hand-signs. Might as well use his Lightning techniques, right?
If the swordsman could be thrown off by a log, why not a clone?
Taking advantage of the sudden silence, Kakashi made sure to quietly make a Lightning Clone to take his place, leaping back far enough into the trees to find his teammates.
"Woah, Kakashi, you okay?" Obito sounded concerned despite his kneeling position, a hand close to touching his shoulder. Thankfully, the Uchiha didn't go the full length to touch him since Kakashi knew that he was feeling a bit sore. His ankle was protesting a bit already.
"I'm fine, we just have to finish this quickly." Kakashi did his best to divert his attention between his teammates and the battlefield, noting how Satoru seemed to be getting angrier with every moment.
"You coward ninja! Fight me face-to-face! Or are you just as bad as your failure of a father?"
What.
"Or is your entire team made up of pussies?!" Kakashi didn't miss how Satoru's movements were becoming more erratic as he attempted to slash at his Clone with his katana, frown becoming more prominent on his face. "I thought a team underneath a Hokage candidate would do so much better than this shit!"
… Says the guy who doesn't even realize he's fighting a clone of me. Kakashi thought dryly.
Nonetheless, the Chunin turned to his two teammates, and the shared look in their eyes just showed that something needed to be done.
They've had more than enough of this guy's bullshit.
"Team attack after my clone goes?" He whispered.
"Team attack." Rin agreed.
"Team attack!" Obito echoed.
Yep, team attack.
Now all they had to do was wait until Satoru triggered it. Kakashi just counted off the numbers in his head while also counting off his fingers in the clear view of his teammates.
Five… Four… Three… Two…
"Fucking come out here already! Gatotsu Isshiki!" Left hand raised and then a sword thrust through the unlucky clone's chest.
Kakashi felt a surge of triumph run through him.
One.
The Clone dissipated in exchange for a brilliant lightning display.
"ARGH!" And the asshole was getting the full brunt of the shock.
"Now!" Kakashi whispered.
At his signal, the entirety of Team Minato burst from the foliage, leaping into the fray in well-practiced coordination. Kakashi made sure to go first, slashing at Satoru's chest upwards and to the side with a kunai quickly enough to leave the swordsman disoriented. Then Obito went next, doing a horizontal kunai slash of his own to continue the beatdown. Finally, it was Rin's turn, opting for a simple but efficient upwards kick that had her somersault in the air back into the safe zone behind them once finished.
Satoru didn't even see them coming in for the second swoop.
"Go guys!" Rin cheered.
Kakashi didn't even mind that Obito kinda kicked him in the head when leaping upwards to let out a small stream of fireballs in the swordsman's direction, hitting the surrounding areas enough to cause a light explosion. Not lethal, but worthy for the final blow.
Kakashi twirled his kunai before rushing in and slashing in a series of attacks with all his might. Since they had hit their target, the Chunin could finally let himself relax once he landed on the grass again, hearing the Genin's pained yelp before the clear noise of a body fell onto the ground.
"That's it!" The sound of Minato-sensei's voice resounded through the area a second later, and Kakashi found himself blinking. "The match is over! The winners are Kakashi, Rin, and Obito!"
All tension finally left his body, Kakashi straightening himself just as Obito and Rin ran over to him, bright smiles on their faces.
And then the medic just jumped on both Obito and Kakashi, grinning happily while making peace signs above their shoulders.
"We did it!"
Kakashi just sighed, but nevertheless found himself smiling despite the soreness permeating his body.
They really did it.
My heart could've easily stopped in my chest.
In front of me was a sight I honestly wasn't expecting, but at the same time, unconsciously hoping for.
My friends, unharmed with the exception of tears and dirt marks on their figures, smiling at one another.
Minato-san, shaking his head above the three of them, but nonetheless smiling at the clear signs of teamwork.
And… Satoru. Satoru was completely down on the ground, almost unmoving if not for the rise and fall of his back signaling his slow breathing. His sword had fallen near his hand, and from the looks of it, he wasn't getting up in a while.
I didn't know whether to feel happy or sad at seeing the image of my former boyfriend this way. Nevertheless, I shoved the idea aside to run over to my friends, waving a hand in their direction.
"Kakashi~! Obito-kun~! Rin-chan~!"
All the ninja turned to me in varying degrees of shock and surprise.
"Tomoko?" My best friend really looked like he went through a light version of hell.
"Tomoko-chan?" Thankfully, Obito and Rin didn't look as bad as Kakashi, but it didn't stop the worry running through my veins.
In the end, I just did what was first on my mind.
Jump on all three of them in a tackle-hug, not minding how I was greeted with varying yelps of shock.
"AH!" Obito screeched.
"T-Tomoko-chan!" Rin yelped, hands flailing.
"... Tomoko, why?" Kakashi groaned.
I didn't even realize tears were streaming down my cheeks as I giggled, snuggling the three of them as best I could. "I-I was worried about you three. I-I-I heard from Musashi-san that a fight broke out and I ended up running here as fast as I could, hoping that you were okay. Y-you…" I choked back a sob to just hug them tighter. "You guys are seriously hopeless, you know?"
"... Heh heh," Obito was the first to grin back, hand reaching up to pat my right shoulder. "We're your hopeless team then, Tomoko-chan!"
...Huh?
Rin was the next person to respond, smiling herself while reaching up to touch my other shoulder. "Yep! We're your Team Minato then, Tomoko-chan!"
Huh?
Then, Kakashi just wrapped his arms carefully around my back, a hand softly rubbing circles into my skin. "We're okay, Tomoko. Don't worry."
Oh…
I told you to stay calm, didn't I? Hisako was clicking her tongue, but I could tell that she was smiling too.
A shaky laugh left me as I lifted myself up from the three ninja just to beam at them. "S-Sheesh… I-I love you all so much, you know that?"
The three just looked at each other before giving me warm smiles in return.
It was too bad that someone had to interrupt the moment though.
"N-No… It can't be over yet…" My heart found itself freezing in my chest as I tried my best to not turn around. I didn't want to hear that voice again. "I… I'm not finished with you cowards yet! I-I still need to avenge him!"
TOMOKO, GET DOWN!
But I couldn't even move, resulting in my ninja friends pushing me behind them, Kakashi's back literally facing me as I attempted to catch my breath.
"Gatotsu Zeroshiki!"
I forced my eyes shut, not wanting to see anymore. In the end, I could only hear the whoosh of a sword being drawn before a loud 'CLANG' greeted my ears.
And then… silence?
Taking in a shaky breath, I turned my head and opened my eyes.
What greeted me was something I honestly wasn't expecting.
"... What is it with surprises these days?" Was the resulting mutter that left my lips.
In front of my eyes, past Kakashi's tense shoulders, was Satoru, straight katana in his left hand that appeared to be only a few inches away from my best friend's chest, only stopped by a familiar blue chakra katana. And the chakra blade was extending from a familiar calloused hand, and I followed the muscular arm up only to gulp.
"... Uncle Judai?" Kakashi breathed.
Indeed, it was Papa standing from the side, having dived in fast enough to conjure his blade and block Satoru's attack, even when still wearing his green work kimono.
When did he get here?
… You're in trouble now, Tomoko-chan. Hisako deadpanned.
On the other hand, Minato-san himself was at the scene too, having moved quick enough to hold Satoru back via a well-placed arm around the Genin's neck, dark look over his face.
"I think that's enough, Hitoshi-kun." Despite the cheerful tone, I could tell Papa was pissed, and the dark aura emitting from his body was more than enough proof. "The fight's over. There's no need to hurt my daughter's best friend and his team anymore."
Eep.
"I agree, Satoru-kun." Minato-san sounded nonchalant despite still having an arm wrapped around the Genin's neck. "The match is over, so you shouldn't be attacking anymore. Also using a technique as lethal as Gatotsu Zeroshiki is against the rules."
"But... But - !" I was surprised to see frustration and tears bud at the swordsman's eyes all at once as he attempted to wriggle around in the Jounin's hold. "I still haven't avenged him yet! I still haven't made them pay for what they did!"
"What the hell did we do?" Obito sounded really indignant at this point. "Last I checked, you were the one provoking us and all!" And I didn't miss how Rin and Kakashi eagerly nodded at the Uchiha's observation.
"It's because of you guys that Dad's in prison now!" My heart would've stopped. H-Huh?! "If you guys didn't stop Dad from killing that bitch, then Konoha would've been in a better place and he'd still be at home! Mom wouldn't have left me then!"
… This douche with Leo's face is the son of that drunk who tried to choke you to death? Hisako muttered incredulously.
Before I could do anything, Papa acted for me, releasing his chakra blade in exchange for violently punching the Genin in the head.
I didn't know whether to be shocked or relieved at Papa doing it for me.
"You should seriously look at yourself in a mirror, idiot." Papa was almost growling now, and even if he was facing Satoru's direction, I knew his eyes were probably glowing a red-orange and green heterochromatic hue. "Killing may be alright for a ninja, but only in specific situations. What your Dad did was attack an innocent civilian girl in the middle of the village, and THAT alone has serious consequences. Not to mention - he was goddamn drunk. What kind of ninja is right in acting that way?"
Satoru was baring his teeth at Papa in a malice-filled frown now.
To my surprise, Minato-san actually let go of the Genin in order to turn him around and make Satoru face him. "Not to mention, Satoru-kun, your father, Hitoshi Mamoru, was already acting out of line. At this rate, you'll be following right in his tracks."
From what I could see, the Genin was now starting to shake. "N-No…"
Minato-san just sighed, deep frown etched into his face. "I didn't want to do this, but you give me no choice. Satoru-kun, for attacking my team when they're weak and for targeting a civilian, you're officially removed from Team Minato and the Chunin Exams. You're coming with me to see Hokage-sama about your future as a shinobi operative."
"Y-You can't…" Satoru's sword was shaking in his hand. "You can't do that! You're just a Jounin at the command of an old man! You don't have any power!"
Minato-san was outwardly grimacing now, dark scowl on his face. "I do. And you're coming with me - right now."
And with a yellow flash, the two disappeared.
And I found myself falling to my knees in pure shock.
"T-Tomoko!" Kakashi was the first to notice, immediately turning around and kneeling down in front of me, concern in his silver eyes.
Despite his call of my name, it was as if I couldn't move. I didn't even notice Obito and Rin crowding around me as well, similar expressions of worry on their faces.
That… that just happened, right?
… It did, Tomoko-chan. It did.
That Leo doppelganger was finally gone, but the emotion running through my heart was still there.
A part of me… felt sorry for Hitoshi Satoru. A part of me… still saw him for that wonderful boyfriend Vy knew so long ago - even when I knew it wasn't him.
A part of me… still saw Leo in that shaking swordsman.
In the end, I attempted to catch my breath.
Then, someone flicked me in the forehead. Hard.
"Eep!" I squeaked, finally finding myself back in reality and now staring into angry brown eyes.
Here it comes…
"Tomoko-chan…" I ducked my head, closing my eyes to avoid looking at Papa's angry face, expecting the worst.
Instead, what I got was a tight hug.
I blinked, and attempted to turn my head. "... P-Papa?"
"You… you little, reckless idiot," Despite the curse, the tight hold around my body said more than enough. "I told you to not let your emotions get ahold of you yesterday, and then this happens - !" A shaky sigh brushed past my ear as a large hand went up to tangle itself in my hair. "What am I supposed to do with you…?"
Reality began to rush in as my body finally started to relax.
Oh… All I could do was reach over and pat Papa's back, hoping it was comforting in some way. "I-I'm sorry Papa. I'm sorry for being such a reckless idiot."
There's a limit on how much you're going to go for friends, Tomoko-chan, alright? Hisako added.
… Yeah, I know now.
"Goddamnit Vy! Quit overworking yourself and just relax with us, okay?"
Josh already said it before.
A shaky sigh was once again my response as the hug tightened, with no sign of it ending anytime soon. In the end, I just buried my face into the crook of Papa's neck, taking in his scent while rubbing his back slowly, hopefully helping him in some way.
Even when in that position, I didn't miss how Kakashi and the others slowly joined in on the hug to form a large lump of people all embracing each other one way or another.
After all that's happened, I think a group hug was in order.
Then, when Papa finally pulled away, he gave me a shaky smile, glancing at the other ninja in the vicinity with that same grin.
"... Enough of that then, I guess. How about we all head back to Nagareboshi? It'll be my treat."
Yeah, some relaxation would be nice. It would help getting my emotions back in order anyways.
I would have to work on my sensitivity at one point.
Author's Notes: So honestly, a lot of this chapter was hard to write just because of it being my first fight scene. But I actually have my Humanities TA to thank for this one, since I recently attended her office hours for feedback on an essay, and the resulting talk strangely gave me inspiration to finish up what I started. I hope you all enjoyed it!
And for those who recognized it, congrats! I did actually take a lot of inspiration from the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games when writing the fight scene, especially with Team Minato's finishing special technique, since it was my main portal into figuring out how things would go. Special thanks to Frost-Ninja-Dragon since he helped give me the main advice on how to go about this.
Anyways, before I go onto my usual thank you's, I actually wanted to take this time and explain some of the names mentioned in Civilian Pianist so far.
- Hoshino Tomoko: Hoshino is Japanese for 'star field' and Tomoko literally means 'friendly child', so if we tried to write out Tomoko's name in the Japanese language (星乃 朋子), we would get 'friendly child in the star field', continuing the theme of stars in Civilian Pianist.
- Hitoshi Satoru: Hitoshi means "even-tempered" (from what I've read online anyway), and with Satoru meaning "wisdom", then the full name would be "even tempered wisdom" (仁智), which I wanted to be ironic considering how Satoru really is.
- Hitoshi Mamoru: Again, with Hitoshi being "even-tempered" and Mamoru "protector", together we would get "even-tempered protector" (仁守), which is again ironic considering the character's last appearance.
On the other hand, the sword techniques that Satoru uses, specifically Gatotsu Isshiki and Zeroshiki, actually comes from Rurouni Kenshin, the Gatotsu style being used mainly by Saito from the Shinsengumi, and I mainly chose it since the style somewhat matches Satoru's character while also serving as a contrast from Saito. From what I remember reading from the Rurouni Kenshin manga, Saito may have been an antagonist/anti-hero at moments to the titular Kenshin, but he was still an honorable man. I wanted Satoru to kinda be the opposite of that while still wielding the style, so there's a small easter egg for you there!
To finish off, thank you to all my readers and supporters! As of right now, March 6th, 2017, we officially have 730 favorites, 917 followers, AND 507 reviews! Thank you all so much! Not to mention, Civilian Pianist is also in 15 communities, so thank you to all the moderators of said communities for recognizing my story!
I hope you continue to enjoy Tomoko's journey!
This is Writer-and-Artist27 signing out to work on her Humanities essay and brainstorm Chapter 33!