I want to thank everyone who have given this fic a chance! I might follow the original novel during the first chapters, but rest assured I will completely deviate from it soon. I'm not even reading it for references, and I already forgot most scenes. You will see familiar scenes, but those are from what I recall from the novel since this is sort of an adaptation. But let's not judge the entire story from the first chapter. Anyways, let's have a recap on the terms:
-Kumi (means "group"): Faction
-Yori (means "public servant"): Abnegation
-Yasuragi (means "peace"): Amity
-Shinobi (we all know what that means): Dauntless
-Chi (means "know"): Erudite
-Shin (means "truth"): Candor
-Tokushu (means "special"): Divergent
Again, I'm not fluent in Japanese so if the terms I included are used differently, please let them be for I chose those because they sounded good
Summary: In a world where everyone should know where they belong, she is the only one who doesn't.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Divergent and the cover picture.
Enjoy!
Aberrant
by cheerry-blossoms
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Chapter Two - Choosing Ceremony
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As I come out of the bathroom, freshly bathed and robed, Mother hands me a set of elegant kimono. Its layers are white and silver, with beautiful silver cherry blossom flowers embroidered on every part of the cloth. It's really stunning. The design is carefully detailed, the silk is smooth on my fingertips, and the sleeves reach down to my ankles. It must have been expensive.
She tells me it's really reserved for the Choosing Day. It is one of the few days where a Yori can dress up beautifully. They say it's for good luck… for us to be able to make the right decision.
Actually, I thought for a second it is for my wedding day.
After Mother fixes my clothes and hair, she steps back to stare at me from head to toe. This time, she doesn't hold back her tears, and she's the one who pulls me to her. It breaks my heart seeing her so down, knowing I'm the reason.
I want to cry, but the tears won't come out. I want to hug back, but my arms won't move. I want to assure her I'm staying, but the words won't come out. I stay immobile, as I listen to her broken weeping. To be honest, I don't know why she is acting this way.
Father is more composed than last night, though his eyes are still a bit swollen. Probably he cried his eyes out before sleeping. Not wanting another depressing episode, I latch my arms on his, smiling sweetly, and is rewarded by his normal goofy grin. I don't like it when my Father gets sad.
We meet with Sai and his grandparents on our way to Konoha Academy for the Choosing Ceremony. The awkwardness Sai and I had yesterday is gone; we are back. We are talking and bickering like how we used to.
"You look so ugly in that kimono." Sai comments. I grimace, but in Sai's language, it meant I look great. In all fairness, Sai's new kimono looks good on him. There's no way I will tell him that.
To hide my embarrassment, I lightly punch him on his arm, and he laughs.
Today feels so normal, even though something big is going to happen which will change our entire lives.
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The hall for the ceremony is bigger than the cafeteria. This is also where they hold the Welcome Ceremony for Konoha Academy students at every beginning of the school year. It will be long before I can enter this place again.
Families from different kumi flock together, creating that familiar noise again from the cafeteria. As usual, the Yori are delegated at the corner, followed by the Yasuragi, Chi, Shin, and Shinobi.
On the stage in front of the chairs, there are five stools at its center. If I'm correct, those symbolize each kumi. And that's where we'll make a blood compact to our chosen kumi in front of this crowd. Suddenly, I feel nervous.
A tall man whose skin is as white as paper—even whiter than Sai's—approaches us. He has the weirdest appearance I have ever seen. His eyes are similar to that of a snake's and his black hair is longer than mine. There's a purple ink under his yellow eyes extending until both side of his nose bridge. Somehow, his appearance sends chill through my spine, in a bad way. I don't like him.
The man adjusts his blue suit, flashing a creepy smile towards us. "Well, good morning to you and your family, Kizashi-kun, Mebuki-kun." Kizashi-kun? Mebuki-kun? Was he close to my parents?
I hear Father growl. The answer to my question is a no, then.
"Oh, is this your daughter? She's grown to be a beautiful young woman, just like her mother!" Snake man directs his creepy eyes at me.
I frown as he stares at me. I really hate snakes, to be honest. They're ugly… dangerous… scaly… and… well, ugly.
Noting my lack of response, Snake-man chuckles, extending his white hand towards me. "How rude of me, I am Orochimaru. May I know your name, young lady?"
Father makes a move to pull me away from Orochimaru, but I am quick to grasp on the white hand, which is surprisingly cold.
I'm not used to handshakes, though, because the Yori greeting is a bow.
"Haruno Sakura. Pleasure to meet you, Orochimaru-sama." Still, my parents taught me proper etiquette in meeting with superiors, no matter how much I dislike him. I already heard about Orochimaru. He's the leader of the Chi, and probably the one who starts the nasty rumors about our leaders. So that's why I hated him at first sight. Good thing I eliminated Chi from my list.
As much as my blood boils, I keep a confident and polite face. Orochimaru is still, after all, an official.
Orochimaru smirks as he lets go of my hand. "Sakura. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl," he pauses a beat, and then adds, "I like you." Too bad, I don't like you.
"It's an honor." I return his smirk and let go of his hand.
"As expected of a Senju." Orochimaru remarks, but I am not able to talk more as my parents are already pulling me to the Yori area. The Senju name is really a sensitive topic to my parents. Orochimaru seems to be aware of it.
"Ah, Uchiha-san!" I hear Orochimaru gleefully say. I glance to the newly-arrived family in black who stops at the mention of the name.
They are a black-haired family of four; two identical males with two diagonal lines formed on both sides of their nose, the older one having a lighter shade of hair, while the younger male has his quite longer one in a ponytail; the mother has an angelic face, her long tresses brushed back; and behind all of them is a young man who looks the same age as me, his similarly raven hair is spiked at the back, though I can't properly observe his features because he's not even glancing at Orochimaru. All of them are dressed quite formally—by Shinobi standards. The males are in long-sleeved black shirt and slacks, while the woman is wearing a long-sleeved black dress.
All of them are shining. I wonder why.
As Father pulls me to go up the stairs, the young man fully faces my direction, and our gazes meet. His coal eyes keenly follow my movements, making me feel conscious of my appearance. Handsome is not even the appropriate word to describe him. He's… too beautiful… for a man.
I feel my heart skip a beat.
His eyes didn't leave mine until his family already walks to their designated seat, which is at the front.
I then notice the sign on their backs. A red and white fan—I almost gasp in shock. His father is the Hokage of the Shinobi! I should have known at the mention of their surname!
Did I just have a staring competition against the Shinobi prince? I gulp.
"Hey, you look uglier. What's wrong?" Well, I'll give it to Sai for completely ruining the mood.
I sigh softly, making sure my expression is better before facing my best friend. "Just nervous. Are you?" Sai really looks worried. Do I really look weird?
Sai, of course, my mind reader, doesn't believe me, but didn't push further. He shrugs and leans back on the white chair, answering, "No." I don't know if he means he's not nervous or I don't look weird. I just choose the former.
I glare at him. "I'm so happy for you." I say sarcastically before rolling my eyes. Our banters always manage to make me forget what's bothering me.
"Just be yourself, Sakura." Sai tells me with a smile, his finger poking my cheek. He really knows how to deal with me. What would I do without him?
I watch him for a while, taking notes of some details I didn't bother noticing until now. He has become manlier, no doubt about that. Puberty works its magic on people. My gaze then lands on his lips, which are quite thicker than I thought. I distinctly remember the feeling of his soft plump lips on mine, making my heart beat faster.
If Sai and I manage to stay in Yori, I am sure we will take our relationship to another level.
My face lights up and I poke his cheek back. "I can't believe someone is whiter than you." I joke, pertaining to Orochimaru. Sai snorts. His skin is a sensitive topic. Hah.
Oddly, I feel goosebumps crawling up my skin. I unconsciously turn to the Shinobi area, finding the Shinobi prince staring at me, again.
I will not forget those eyes.
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Sarutobi-sama gives the opening speech about the history of Konoha and the Kumi system that I've already memorized. He explains the importance of each kumi, blah, blah, blah. I didn't bother listening, for my mind is still occupied by that Uchiha boy.
He actually doesn't tear his gaze off of me until his older brother, I presume, talks to him. I know he's looking at me, for when I glance around to check if there are other females behind me, I saw him smirk. Geez, that was just... I don't know, sexy?
He's handsome, that's a fact, but Sai is also good-looking, so I have no idea why I feel so nervous around him. What's so different about him aside from being a spoiled prince?
Then I see Sai stand up, and everyone's eyes are on him. Oh, is it his turn already?
My heart is now thumping wildly. I try breathing deeply to calm down, but it isn't working.
I will be called after Sai.
Sai confidently climbs up the stage, accepting the knife from Sarutobi-sama. He stands at the center, placing the blade on his right palm. I remember him saying he's not even nervous. It means he's a hundred percent sure of his choice. Well, that's Sai for you. He's the most confident person I know. Perhaps, that is why we match. I am the opposite.
From the left, the Yasuragi bowl contains rice grains as a sign of their simple and productive life. White pebbles are there in the Yori bowl, signifying nature's generosity to mankind. There in the Shinobi bowl are lit coals for their fiery bravery. Laurel leaves fill the Chi's bowl, which are associated with knowledge. Lastly, clear water is in the bowl of the Shin, a sign of their transparency and fair judgment.
Sai hesitates for a while before piercing the blade on his skin. I feel Mother's hand wrap on mine firmly, probably to relax me. But I didn't fully feel it, for I am focusing on my best friend who is about to make his greatest decision.
Will he stay with me? Will we still be together?
My heart drops the same time his blood does on the clear water.
"Shin!"
The Shin's cheers are blurry on my ears. I focus my gaze on him, mentally screaming for him to look at me. I need an explanation! I know he can hear me, because we're weird that way, right? We can understand each other without needing for words, right? Even without shouting for the other's name, we'll be there, right? We are best friends, right? Right?
Sai, please look at me!
Sai didn't even glance at our direction.
That's when I realize, we are now separated.
"Haruno Sakura."
I freeze at the sound of my name. I am still not over the transfer of my best friend, and now I'm being pressured to make a choice. I can't even think clearly right now. I might not make a good decision. Dear Hashirama, we haven't got the chance to meet in person but please help me.
Mother squeezes my hand, and it wakes me up from my trance. I nervously smile at her and Father before standing up, constantly chanting mentally to not mind the stares of the people in the room. I hold my hands together so people wouldn't see how hard I am shaking.
My surroundings never felt this cold before.
I go up the stage and take the knife from Sarutobi-sama, who smiles at me knowingly. They probably assume the senator's daughter and Hashirama's grand-granddaughter will not betray her kumi and stay.
I stop in front of the Yori bowl, fixing my gaze on the pebbles. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I think of my parents, my home, the Yori people, the compound, Aunt Tsunade, the hospital. I think of them and strengthen my resolve on choosing the Yori. I think of my ambition to be the best doctor after Aunt Tsunade. I am pretty sure I will choose the Yori.
Don't think about Sai… don't… don't…
Sai, stop smiling like an idiot.
My mind flashes scenes of people in black running on walls and jumping on roofs. I see the Shinobi people run and laugh without care. I see them free to be whoever they are. I see them eating wherever they want. I see them protecting and fighting for the weak. I see them happy.
"If you want to live, stay in Yori."
I want to be with my family. I want to be safe.
Forget about Sai.
"I'll be selfish if I do this, but who cares?"
Shut up, Sai.
"Just be yourself, Sakura."
"I'll see you soon, my niece."
"Choose whatever will make you happy. We love you, Sakura."
I'm selfless, and I want to protect my loved ones.
My eyes snap open.
The sound of gasps snaps me back to reality. Just then, I feel the sting on my palm. I look down on my hand, my eyes widening realizing it is above the Shinobi bowl, with my blood dripping on the coals.
There is pregnant silence. Tears gather on my eyes, threatening to fall any second now. I can't breathe. I am numb. I can't think.
"Shinobi." Sarutobi-sama's voice is weaker than his previous announcement, less certain.
The roars of Shinobi break the dramatic silence.
I just chose to be a Shinobi.
I should want to take it back, even though it would be useless. But I don't. I silently accept the bandage from a Shinobi, and make my way to their area with my head down. Now I understand why Sai didn't look at us. I don't think I can face the Yori people now, after that stunt Sai and I pulled. What would my parents say? What would Aunt Tsunade say?
Oh, right, I'm not allowed to see them much now.
"Welcome," says a man with a hoarse voice. I look up and see the same person Orochimaru was talking to; the Hokage of Shinobi, Uchiha Fugaku. His hand is also extended, just like how Snake-man did, only that he has a tanned skin. Out of courtesy, I shake his hand using my unwounded one, hoping he won't notice that I'm still shaking.
He did notice, anyway.
He tells me to quickly take a seat for I look like I could faint already. I nod and move towards the black chairs, only to find myself eye-to-eye with the handsome prince, yet again. I can't decipher what his stare means. He isn't smiling, yet he doesn't look angry. His eyes are blank.
Still, he's the prince of my new kumi; therefore, I bow respectfully at him, blushing as I remember it is a Yori thing. He smirks at me, amused, so I rush to find a vacant seat for me at a corner, my Yori blood kicking in, which happens to be beside a lone blond who has weird whisker marks on his cheeks. The black tracksuit he's wearing has a strip of orange on the upper shoulders up the neck area. I guess he just has bad taste in fashion.
He grins widely at me; it's so friendly that I immediately smile back. At least someone is nice in this kumi.
He tells me his name is Uzumaki Naruto.
The Uchiha gets called—he is called Sasuke—and as expected, he chooses the Shinobi without the hesitation I had. The yells are very loud, and I can particularly hear screaming from girls. It's not surprising; with his good looks, he'll definitely have lots of admirers from this wild crowd. He being the prince is just a bonus.
I hear Naruto snort. I see him frowning and crossing his arms while mumbling something. I just notice it's only the two of us who aren't rejoicing for the prince's choice. Ah, I smell jealousy.
It's weird that when Naruto's name is called, everyone is silent. As in, total silence. Naruto's playful demeanor is gone. I sense tension among the Shinobi when he climbs up the stage.
No one even claps when he drips his blood on the coals.
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The Shinobi are the first ones to leave the hall. Among the crowd, I peek at my parents who are still sitting on the white chairs. The Yori are always the last to leave, being the selfless bunch they are, for they will help clean the place.
It must have been my imagination, but my parents are smiling at me. My chest hurts thinking I won't be able to be their daughter from now on. How I would like to talk to them for the last time, to apologize for everything. But then, no matter what happens, no matter what they think of me, they will always be my parents, despite whatever trash the kumi system dictates.
I didn't bother looking for Sai.
As we reach the stairs, the crowd suddenly runs. I would probably get pushed around if not for Naruto taking my hand to drag me.
This is it, this is the freedom and excitement I have always envied in the Shinobi. This is the adrenaline rush I've wanted to feel. Despite having difficulties in running because of my footwear, I smile widely, letting Naruto guide me who, thankfully, is considerate of my attire.
We run and cheer with the other Shinobi as we get outside the building. Everything is new to me; I have never run this way before, I have never laughed with someone this hard. My cheekbones are hurting because of too much smiling. I just can't help it. I'm happy, I'm excited, and I'm free!
We head to another building near the academy, noticing the Shinobi running up the stairs. Great, stairs again! This building is no less than ten floors!
"I think you should remove your slippers and socks, Sakura-chan." Naruto suggests, making a face at my footwear as we stop at the building entrance. Hey, they're beautiful and expensive! I pout.
Then, I hear the boisterous yells of the Shinobi passing by us, until the two of us are nearly left outside.
Naruto gets moving, shouting for me to follow suit if we don't want to be last.
Ah, never mind! With a crying heart, I leave my precious slippers and socks, and run after Naruto.
These people run too fast! My lungs and legs are already burning due to exhaustion, yet they still have the energy to laugh and shout. I'm lagging behind them now! I think Naruto has forgotten about me already. I raise my kimono up to my thighs so I can charge faster. But it is just the first floor and I can already feel my legs giving up.
No, no, this can't be happening! You can do this, Sakura! CHA!
"Nice legs!" the blonde in gray beside me breathlessly remarks with a smirk, running next to me. She is in the same sweaty state as I am, though I think she can endure this longer than me.
Despite the heating of my cheeks, I did not have the leisure to push the hem down, only to receive a jolly but tired laugh from the girl beside me. Her messed up yellow hair reminds me of my mother and aunt, only that it is tied up in a high ponytail. Her baby blue eyes sparkled as she continues laughing. She's beautiful.
I grimace a bit. I can't afford to speak since I'm saving my breath. Gosh, I've never been this desperate for oxygen. Plus, I am sweating so heavily I can feel the loose strands of my hair sticking on my face and neck.
"I'm Ino!" She gleefully shouts. Geez, stop talking! You'll get tired easier!
"You're soooooo slow, Yamanaka!" A brunet wearing gray jacket passes by while laughing maniacally, another boy with pineapple hairstyle in a blue shirt following him silently as they take a turn.
A vein appears on Ino's forehead. "SHUT UP, DOG!"
My eyes start to become watery. Desperation to just finish this quickly fills me. Whatever Ino is saying, it didn't reach my senses.
I stop in the middle, clutching on the metal rails as I catch my breath. Ino also stops and looks at me, panting as heavily as I do. I can't help it; I have to stop. I can't make it if I don't. I was not raised for this kind of extreme activity. My frail body couldn't keep up. My vision is spinning, my chest is tightening and I can't feel my legs and feet anymore. A few seconds of rest would be enough. I don't care if I'm last.
"Hey, you alright? Only five floors more, we can do this!" Ino places a hand on my shoulder, and somehow I feel reassured. I glance at the white wall, a big red '10' is painted on it. Wow, I reached the tenth floor without pausing? No wonder I feel like dying now.
Then, Ino offers her hand to me, the smile on her face never fading away. With all my resolve coming back, I grip her hand as firm, standing up despite my wobbly legs.
"I'm Sakura." I finally say.
Ino's red lips stretch further. "Well, let's go now, Sakura!" She shouts as she tugs on my hand.
Together, Ino and I run upstairs, supporting each other. Although I'm now forced to use one hand in holding my skirt, I don't mind. This is much better than running alone.
I smile, happy that I've met another transfer. Then I look at her clothes; a gray turtle-neck dress that ends above her knees. It has a slit on the side to reveal her netted leggings under her dress. The color of her clothes reminds me of Sai.
So he'll be wearing that color from now on, huh. He'll look dull in that color, though he looks like a ghost in the Yori kimono. Still, there's a part of me knowing he'll fit in there because of his honest mouth; that he's meant to be there from the very beginning. I should have known he'll choose that kumi.
The yells become louder as we reach the fourteenth floor—we are almost there! Ino and I look at each other and nod, our eyes full of determination. We exert all of our energy as we reach the last set of stairs. It feels like I'm running towards heaven, because of the blinding light shining at the top.
Naruto suddenly appears, his cerulean eyes getting rounder seeing me. He cups his hands on each corner of his lips, and shouts encouragingly at me, "COME ON, SAKURA-CHAN! YOU CAN DO IT, BELIEVE IT!" Wow, he is that loud.
I launch myself at Naruto the moment I step on the last flight, feeling light and dizzy at the same time. We laugh hard as he spins me, and I don't even care if I get dizzier. I feel so comfortable around Naruto. He's like a long lost older brother to me thus I have no qualms in hugging him, even if he left me a while ago. I hug Ino next, as if we've been best friends since diapers.
I can't believe this; I survived running fifteen floors! It's an achievement! I have never thought I can experience this! The feeling's like I've already achieved all honors in the world!
"Why are you celebrating? This is troublesome." The Chi, rather ex-Chi, boy with dark brown pineapple hair, who is the friend of Ino's friend, lazily drawls, peeking from the big door.
Naruto scratches the back of his head and he tells us to check out what's outside. Curious, we step out, eyes squinting as wind violently slaps our face and body. All the excitement just now gets drained watching a group of teens in black leap over the next buildings. We hear someone laugh from behind us, recognizing him to be "dog-boy."
"These are Kiba and Shikamaru; our fellow transfers." Ino points at dog-boy who has spiky brown hair wearing a gray jacket, a black fur attached around the hoodie, and at pineapple hair. He's donned in a ruffled blue shirt, its sleeves messily rolled up to his elbows, and slacks.
Kiba grins, showing his sharp teeth, while Shikamaru merely sighs and nods, as if he doesn't want to be here. I now know why Ino calls Kiba as dog-boy.
"Heeeeeh, hi, I'm Naruto! I'm Sakura-chan's friend!" Naruto cheerfully says, standing next to me. I blush hearing him say 'friend.' We only met a few hours ago and he already considers me a friend.
"Ooh, you're already friends with a Shinobi?" Ino exclaims, nudging my side. She has that suggestive smile I don't like. "You're good! Let's be friends!" Aren't we friends already?
"You look like an idiot." Kiba says next, pointing at Naruto. The blond shrieks and growls at the former Shin, "You look like a dog!"
"Why, thank you!"
I sigh. So this is how a Shin's mouth rolls. It really can't be controlled. I have never had a personal conversation with one of them, actually. Though Sai is frank, he still has some control unlike these people.
Naruto and Kiba's bickering stops when we hear other people shout louder. Some of the Shinobi who were resting finally followed the others.
"Prepare your legs!" Naruto chirps as he jogs on one spot, shaking his hands.
I assume the distances between the buildings range from one to two meters. Yikes, that's still far in my standards.
Oh great. Are they trying to kill us?
"Are they trying to kill us?!" Ino the honest girl voices out my thoughts.
"How troublesome... just leave me here." Shikamaru mumbles. He really looks unwilling to be in the Shinobi, but why did he choose to be here? He can never change factions again. "I'd rather be factionless than die." I cringe at his words. There's nothing worse than being factionless.
"Oh come on, you sass, you made it this far! Make the most of it!" Kiba pulls the whining Shikamaru with him where Naruto is.
"The first one wins?" Kiba grins at the blond. Wow, instant friendship is awesome.
Naruto beams and holds out his fist. "You'll treat me ramen if I win, believe it!" Gosh, they are so enthusiastic.
"3, 2, 1!" Kiba and Naruto shout before running to leap across the gap between the buildings, running towards the next one with Shikamaru trailing behind them, grumbling curses.
Ino and I immediately lean on the wall like the three guys did. This time, Ino didn't hold her hand out to me, since we're gonna need to exert more effort than we did by running. I gather my skirt up to my thighs again, glancing at my new friend.
At the count of three, the two of us run and jump. We successfully reach the next establishment and the others.
We have crossed five buildings by now. This is actually more fun than I thought! I could only watch Shinobi do this when I was still in Yori, and now I'm doing it! Even if this is more life-threatening, I am enjoying this more than taking the stairs.
However, on the sixth building, I see the others pausing for a while somewhere at the center before charging with all their might. Much to my horror, there are a few who doesn't reach the next building and fall. I shut my eyes tight, trying to block the image of someone dying. Horrified screams and cries come after that; everyone becomes more desperate.
"Fuck," Kiba utters, his eyes as wide as saucers, as he watches what's happening.
If there's one thing I realize, it is that they are indeed trying to kill us.
"In my estimation, the gap between this building and the next one is a bit more than three meters," Shikamaru mumbles, his chin placed on his fingers, eyes narrowed at the next building. "It would be difficult, considering the maximum distance most people can cross is ten feet, using a forty-five degree projectile angle. If we start from here, in the double amount of power we exerted from before, we might reach the other side, but I cannot ensure our safety."
We stare at Shikamaru like we are the biggest idiots in the world and he's the smartest man alive. Feeling our gazes on him, he breaks free from his Physicist mode and looks at us, puzzled.
Ino steps forward and pats him on the shoulder, smiling approvingly. "I made the right decision to befriend you."
"User," Shikamaru grumbles while rolling his eyes. "Remember to always bend your knees while running, spread your arms while on air and move your legs as if you're pedaling a bicycle."
I gulp. I don't know how to ride the bicycle.
Naruto bumps his fist on his palm with a determined grin. "I don't understand him, but let's do this, team, believe it!"
"Who said we're a team, idiot?!"
"Aren't we, dog?!"
"Troublesome."
We bide our time waiting for the others to cross the building. The three boys, as usual, are in front of us. I chant a prayer in my head as I watch them run and jump just as Shikamaru instructed. A sigh of relief is released from me when they safely landed and are rolling on the ground. Ouch, that must have hurt. I can hear Naruto's whining from here.
"Let's do this, Sakura!" Ino encourages me, though I can clearly see the nervousness on her features. Not trusting my voice, I only nod a bit, signaling her I'm ready when she is. Actually, I'm not ready.
I keep my gaze straight, catching sight of the noisy blond waving his hands at us. I take a deep breath as I tighten my grip on the hem of my kimono, which is raised so high one could almost see my underwear. I can do this!
At Ino's signal, we sprint to the edge, gathering the needed power on my legs, I assume. Once my body is in the air, I try to do what Shikamaru said, but for the love of Hashirama, I just can't get it! I also can't move my arms because I'm holding my dress! Instead, I move my legs aimlessly, praying to my ancestors that they help me again this time and make this effective.
My heart stops beating as my bare feet land on the elevated edge of the other rooftop. Ino is rolling on the cement now. I grin triumphantly, and in relief; we made it!
However, wind unexpectedly blows hard at my front.
Shit!
I shut my eyes tight preparing for my fall.
"SAKURA-CHAN!"
It happens in a blink of an eye. Instead of cement crashing my body, a strong arm wraps on my waist and pulls me off the edge. I am maneuvered to the side, my face hitting something hard but warm. I am panting heavily; much heavier after climbing up the stairs. My body is cold and shaking, my lips are quivering, and my eyes are still shut, trying to ease the adrenaline rush away first. I clutch on the cloth tight to remind me this is real.
I want to cry.
I almost died there. One wrong step, one wrong move, I'd have my body down this building.
All I know is that I'm safe, and the owner of this incredibly warm body is my savior.
I finally build up the courage to open my eyes, the first thing I see is black… then a sweaty chest.
I lift my gaze up, freezing when those familiar dark eyes meet my own. It happens again, my heart begins racing in my chest. Those face and eyes I could not forget. It is him.
My knees weaken.
"S-Sakura-chan—Teme?!" Naruto's voice breaks our staring competition.
I move away from the Sasuke, mumbling my gratitude. I turn to my newly-made friends, my chest feeling warm seeing the sincere look of worry on their faces. I thought I would never see them again!
It's cool, though; I've gained more friends in the Shinobi than in Yori, when the day hasn't ended yet.
"Sakura-chan, you alright?" Naruto asks constantly checking for injuries. Ino rushes to me and hugs me, rambling how she thought I was going to die when we just met.
"Guys, I'm okay. U-Uchiha...san saved me." My hand rubs my nape. I feel shy calling him. I mean, should I call him with the -sama, because he's the prince? Plus, he saved my life, I should be more respectful, right?
But it's awkward... and he doesn't seem to mind.
"Don't leave your friend, dobe," Sasuke then looks at me, I feel hairs on my nape stand up. "She attracts danger." I look down like a child reprimanded by a parent.
I'm not even offended by what he said, since it's somewhat true. Besides, it's the first time I hear his voice, okay.
Naruto glares at Sasuke like the person in front of him isn't royalty or something. "Asshole."
Ino gasps, while I gape at Naruto. She, too, obviously knows who this guy is.
But Sasuke is unmoved. He even retorts a "Loser."
If Naruto can talk to the prince like that without the prince getting mad, they must be good friends. Though they act like children. Is that why Naruto seems neglected by his fellow Shinobi?
One day, I'll ask Naruto about it. Hey, I'm allowed to be curious now!
"Sasuke-sama, it's time!" A brunette Shinobi tells Sasuke batting her eyebrows seductively. Her pressing her arms on her sides to emphasize her cleavage is such a sad and cheap tactic. A group of girls with different hair colors and styles are behind her, doing the same.
Good thing Sasuke didn't pay heed and just head to the gathered crowd on the other side, standing next to another boy with the Uchiha symbol on his back. At least the prince is not a pervert.
We didn't waste time, either. We run to the crowd and join them. Ino makes sure to check on me while running, and I continue to reassure her that I'm fine.
"Young ones, welcome to Shinobi!" A tall guy whose face is almost covered by a black mask enthusiastically says. A black band with a metal plate on it is placed horizontally on his forehead. On the metal plate is the Konoha symbol: a spiral with an arrow attached to it. There are other Shinobi beside him wearing the same protector on their forehead. All full-fledged Shinobi are given one as their identity as Konoha's protectors.
"Is what you want me to say," he continues, his silver spiky hair swaying along the wind. "But what I really want to say is..."
He pauses, quite dramatically, and I gulp waiting for his response. His once smiling eyes turn serious and intimidating.
"...welcome to hell."
TO BE CONTINUED
Yay for Transfer + 1 Shinobi friendship! Haha! More characters revealed!
Yes, Sasuke is not Four. No, Kakashi is not Four. Yes, there is no Four. :D
This story will be longer than I thought, so I hope you guys will be patient in the slow pace.
Anyways, R & R? :)