Super thanks again to the followers and reviewers! I think they're really effective in motivating a person to write more! I'm changing the genre to Romance... just because I can't help it lels I'm more of a romance writer :D Also, I can't edit my own work so please forgive me for any errors. Anyway, here's another review of 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 Three - Shinobi
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"...welcome to hell."
I shiver. I am now gradually regretting my decision to shift kumi.
The masked man silently observes us, continuously pacing back and forth with his hands hidden inside his pants' pockets. I suddenly feel conscious. My appearance is not exactly fit for a warrior; pink hair, small body, short height, and let's not forget my attire. Who would treat me as an enemy?
My hands are itching to fix my hair. It's already messed up because of all the running and jumping, and loose strands are all over my face. But I'm afraid this scary person will notice me and say something embarrassing about me.
"The name's Kakashi," the silver-haired says loudly. Then, he lowers his voice a little, "But all of you brats will call me Sensei. We're not close to be on a first name basis."
He leaps on the elevated edge, doing the same thing he did while he was observing us. This time, I can see him better. My short height has some disadvantages.
Kakashi is in a black long-sleeved turtle-neck shirt under a black and green flak jacket, while his dark pants that reach his ankles are quite baggy.
"Now, the last step in being officially a Shinobi initiate is through this." Kakashi points his thumb behind him.
Ugh, we're gonna jump again.
"We're gonna jump again?" Ino hisses at me, saying what's in my mind, again. She might have tried to be a bit quieter, but her Shin blood still runs in her so her voice has reached Kakashi.
"Why, honestly, yes, Shin transfer." Kakashi answers with sarcasm, eyes narrowing at Ino. She hangs her head down, lips pouting. I'm sure it's hard for her to not speak her mind.
"Now, who wants to go first?"
Without letting a second pass, the tall blond beside me raises his hand, announcing proudly, "I'll do it, believe it!"
Shinobi-born people grimaces, and mumbles something to each other while giving Naruto nasty looks. Here they go again.
Kakashi, fortunately not joining the criticizing, nods and steps aside to give Naruto the space.
Naruto confidently marches towards the edge and jumps on it. He peeks down first before turning to us, rather to Sasuke at the front, pointing a finger at him.
"Ha! I got here before you! Beat that!"
Before Naruto can hear the angry reactions of the Shinobi-born, he already jumps off the edge while yelling.
The mumbles a while ago turn to yells of insults to my blond friend. I feel anger rushing through my veins, clenching my fist to stop myself from lashing out uncharacteristically. It's true that I don't know Naruto much, still, this is bullying! This is wrong! He doesn't even look like a weakling! Plus, he's in good terms with the prince… right…?
Someone ruffles my already messy hair, and I see Shikamaru replacing Naruto's spot. Shikamaru is looking straight. At first glance, he looks like he doesn't care, but if you focus on him, he's really holding himself back, which is logical because we're merely transfers and we don't know anything.
Ino huffs, her arms crossed. I can tell she does the same thing so as not to experience getting humiliated by Kakashi again.
A minute passes, and we hear no sound. Is Naruto okay?
Kakashi then directs his gaze at the Uchiha prince, "I take it you're next?"
"Hn." Sasuke untangles his arms from his chest.
Everybody seems to forget about Naruto, for all I hear are screams of adoration and encouragement.
"Suckers." Kiba growls under his breath.
"Uchiha-sama, you're so cool!"
"Beat his ass, Sasuke-sama!"
"Kyaa I'll go next!"
"No, I'm next!"
I sigh heavily. I just realize the screams are all from the girls. Maybe there are a few guys but they're probably just doing some ass-kissing.
"Can't blame them, though. He's hot." Ino whispers to me, nudging me on my side. I can't help but agree. Actually, yes, it's true. His black shirt has lots of creases, the first two upper buttons are undone—thus the exposition of his glistening chest—though his sleeves are amazingly neatly rolled up. Normally it would have been viewed as improper, but Sasuke managed to pull it off without looking dirty and indecent. I haven't encountered hot boys in the Yori, I guess, for Sai is already considered as the hottest one and I am immune to his looks. So, I am awkward around Uchiha Sasuke, who is a kind of person new to my eyes.
We think he has heard us, despite the noise from his admirers, for before he reaches the edge, he faces our group, probably to tell us to shut up or something. He doesn't look like the type to fool around with girls, seeing as they can't even touch him.
My cheeks heat up remembering that he saved me—he touched me, and I touched him, man! We hugged! I was pressed on his chest! CHA!
He points at me, with that poker face of his, saying, "You're next, Stiff."
Then, he is gone.
Eh? What happened? He was just talking to me and then he disappeared? How did he do that? It's either he's really fast or I didn't see him jump because I'm still shocked.
But the others also have the same reaction. The girls—even the boys—are silenced. Only Kakashi and Shikamaru didn't look surprised.
I think I turn paler when the remaining initiates turn to me with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, envy and anger on their faces. We're all pretty sure he was talking to me, for I am the only one wearing a white kimono in the group. Yori transfers in Shinobi are rare, as far as I am correct. Those who grew up in a safe and strict environment find the wildness and darkness of the Shinobi unpleasant. My presence here is indeed a surprise.
On the contrary, there is a high number of Shinobi transferring to Yori every year.
"Alright, Pink, you heard the boy." Hatake drawls, bored. I'm a bit glad he didn't call me 'Stiff' but 'Pink' is still insulting.
The term 'Stiff' is actually an offending nickname of other kumi members for the Yori people, since we have a stiff, boring lifestyle.
The crowd parts for me when I walk, and it kinda feels awesome. But that is just temporary, because unlike with Naruto, they didn't even bother whisper about me, saying how my hair looks weird, my clothes don't fit me, or why their Sasuke-sama chose me when I'm not even pretty. Why, thank you for the information.
I snort. My hair color is not weird in this kumi. The most extreme hues can be seen on Shinobis' hair, although mine is a hundred percent natural, unlike theirs.
I take a curious peek at what's behind this. Of course I need to prepare myself for the incoming doom!
Down there, I see a big cracked hole on the wooden roof, but I can't determine its depth since it's too dark inside the hole. What is under it? Kakashi said it's the last stage, so I just have to jump and it's over, right?
I wonder if I should also point at someone to go next. Never mind.
"Name?" Kakashi questions me, almost catching me off guard.
I am about to tell him my full name, but I don't want to be remembered as the Haruno who got away. That doesn't mean I'm not proud of my surname, I just...
This is a new kumi. I'm starting a new life. These are new people around me. I want the name 'Haruno' to remain attached to the Yori. Here in Shinobi, I have to create a new identity for myself.
So I say, "Sakura." Just Sakura would be fine for now, I guess. After all, transfers tend to change their surname after changing kumi.
When Kakashi gives me the signal, I carefully climb on the edge, hesitantly fixing my kimono up my thighs again.
"Whoo, nice legs, Stiff!" I hear someone from the back tease me, making the others laugh with him. "Take it off!"
So this is how Naruto feels.
Ignore them, Sakura.
"Go, Sakura!" Ino shouts at me encouragingly, along with Kiba. Shikamaru probably does the cheer mentally. I smile. I have friends who support me, so I shouldn't care about these immature people.
Blocking their voices in my ears, I concentrate and take a deep breath before letting my body fall.
It is fast.
My back instantly hits a large net, my body bouncing on it as it catches my weight.
I exhale rather loudly, relieved that nothing bad happened to me. I can still feel my heart pumping violently, but it's now because of excitement. I've reached my quota of nervousness for today.
I'm so exhausted I could collapse right now.
I squeak, my body rolling to the side of the net where it is pulled down. I grasp on it to control my fall, only to meet with another familiar handsome black-haired man, who is now wearing his forehead protector. The two lines under his eyes make me sure he is Uchiha Sasuke's brother, Uchiha Itachi.
He smirks at me, which I notice is identical to his younger brother's. "Welcome, Genin."
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After everyone had jumped—it didn't take too long since the remaining were excited—they gather us to a corner, meeting up with Kakashi and another black-haired man with a short haircut who looked cheerier than Kakashi. Somehow, he reminded me of Naruto. He says we call him 'Tobi,' which is obviously not his real name. But judging from the crest on the back of his flak jacket, he's from the prestigious Uchiha clan of the Shinobi. He also argues with Kakashi a lot, just like how Naruto acts towards Sasuke. Kakashi responds the same way Sasuke would. Ah, rivals.
"Unlike in the other Kumi, you, initiates will be addressed here in Shinobi as Genin. It's the lowest rank, meaning, there's no talking back to us, your superiors." Kakashi makes sure to stare at Ino on his last sentence.
"But that doesn't mean you're already a Shinobi." An old man arrives. He's wearing a black kimono-like outfit over a pair of loose slacks. There are bandages all over his arms, including his face, covering his left eye. His right eye is so small it looks like closed.
"Danzo-sama," Kakashi and Tobi, including the Shinobi-born Genin with us, bow respectfully at the newly-arrived man. Us, transfers, just did the same.
Danzo, Danzo, Danzo... oh, he's one of the Shinobi's council. The current council is composed of three elders who had been remarkable Shinobi during their younger years, and they make major decisions for the kumi, along with the Hokage. What is a higher-up like him doing here?
"The initiation is to determine whether or not you fit to be a Shinobi. You will undergo trainings and battles to prove your worth. It would not be easy." Danzo continues.
He says we will be ranked according to our performance. We will be separated into two groups: Shinobi-born and transfers. The first round will test our physical skills, and the second level is to challenge our stealth and overall fighting skills. There is a certain number of Genin to pass each round.
I can't fail this initiation.
"Good luck." Danzo finishes his speech and then takes his leave. Danzo weirdly gives off the Orochimaru aura, so I know that I should not trust him. I should just avoid him at all costs.
"Shinobi-born, come with me!" Tobi enthusiastically says, gesturing to the left by inclining his head before throwing Kakashi a nasty look.
So we are left with the masked Kakashi, who takes out an orange book with a strange design on the cover. It's an image of a man and woman running after each other.
I can tell I wouldn't want to read that.
"No need to introduce myself. Unfortunately for you all, and for me, but I will be your instructor for the entire initiation." Kakashi says dully while reading the book. His disinterested tone is similar to Shikamaru's.
He walks to the right, and though he didn't tell us anything, we follow him anyway.
We walk deeper inside the Shinobi basement, passing by dim-lighted corridors and lots of Shinobi who look at us interested and amused. I don't want to assume, but I do believe they linger their gazes longer at me. It's not flattering. I don't think it's because of my pink hair this time. They are allowed to dye their hair on the most outrageous colors. Must be because I am a 'Stiff.' I was not aware transfers from Yori get this much attention here.
Apparently, this underground made of stone seems to be the life of the Shinobi area during the night. Kakashi says if we walk further, we will reach a pathway which will lead us clubs, bars, and other shops that open in the night. I'll make sure to ask Ino to go there. Also, the offices can be found here.
We climb up a metal staircase attached on a stone wall. On the third level of the structure, Kakashi opens a heavy door and gets in. In the room are several bunk beds with no sheets scattered around the area. I guess this will be our room for now. To my horror, there seems to be no division for boys and girls.
"You'll stay here during the initiation." Kakashi says, still reading his book.
"Boys and girls?" Ino asks, a bit rudely, I think. Kakashi will surely reprimand her again.
"Boys and girls. I want you all out in five." Kakashi is suddenly out of the room, thankfully not minding Ino's question.
I can only sigh.
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It is awkward putting on the clean clothes they have provided us, with all these strangers in the room. I have never changed clothes in the presence of other people before. I'm quite ashamed of my body; though not fat, I'm really thin, almost malnourished. The activities in Yori don't allow my muscles to develop. Ino, on the other hand, has a nice body, which didn't go unnoticed by the perverts with us, much to her chagrin.
I sigh.
Of course my new bullies begin taunting me and my small and weak stature, but I am slowly learning to ignore them. This year's transfers are fourteen, while the Shinobi-born are fifteen. My bully group is composed of six; four from Shin, and two from Chi. The bully group's leaders are Taka and Ran, both are from Shin and are actually a couple. Ino told me they are assholes even back in Shin. The remaining four who didn't care about us are two Shin, one Chi and Yasuragi.
We're lucky to find an area where four beds are near each other and a bit far from the others.
We were told to bring the clothes we wore during the ceremony. I figure they will tell us to get rid of it, since we're in a new kumi now and everything from the past kumi shall be disposed of.
I stare longingly at the kimono Mother gave me. It's a waste to just throw it. I really love it. I know I have to let go of this as the first step in letting go of my Yori memories, but... this is the only thing I brought with me that would remind me of Mother. I could never throw this.
I sneak glances at the other transfers. When I see all of them distracted, I quickly hide the kimono inside the pillow case. I decide to just bring the under layers. I hope they wouldn't notice.
The clothes I was given are a pair of black fitted v-neck shirt, its sleeves reaching my wrists, and black skinny jeans. Good thing the sandals are soft, since my feet soles really hurt a lot after all the running I did earlier. I don't think I could walk properly for days.
I couldn't tie my hair, since I have no new hair bands yet. The Yori's hair bands are white. I can't use it here. Besides, I decide against tying my hair to a bun for now. It will remind me more of the Yori, plus, the other Shinobi would probably give me the bad eyes.
Going out with my hair loose feels weird.
Just like what I've deduced, we are told to put our discarded ex-kumi clothes in the fire. I made a good decision in keeping my kimono. Such a beautiful cloth doesn't deserve to be burnt.
Kakashi leads us to a big hall full of Shinobi. There are several rows of extremely long tables with various unfamiliar foods on it. The sight of these delectable dishes makes my mouth water. I only saw some of them in store displays and pictures!
We head to the table where Naruto, a chubby brunet, a weird-looking guy in sunglasses, and a pretty blue-haired girl are. The blond immediately beams when he sees our group, but his face turns red when he looks at me. I wonder why. I sit next to him.
Naruto is seated next to the guy in glasses, while in front of him are the girl and the chubby guy.
It is very noisy in the hall, which reminds me of the school cafeteria. Naruto tells us this feast is a tradition in the Shinobi to welcome us Genin. I look around; taking the sight of people merrily eating and drinking together. I can't believe people would throw something as extravagant as this just for a group of teens.
I try catching Naruto's gaze but he keeps on avoiding it. What's wrong with him now? Is there something on my face? Did I do something wrong? I pout.
Choosing to ignore it for now, I poke a yellow breaded thing with a reddish tail using a fork with hesitance. It's the first time I see this kind of food, I don't even know what it's called, and I don't know how to eat it.
"What, never eaten a tempura yet?" Ino, who is beside me, asks me, her eyes glinting in amusement.
I blush, looking back at the food. I just pick the breaded chicken. Holy chicken, this tastes heavenly.
"Yori people don't eat tasty food, saying it satisfies the self, which is forbidden to them, or somewhere along there." Shikamaru lazily drawls before biting the tempura. His Chi upbringing is kicking in.
"Are they serious?"
"What?! That's boring!" Thankfully, Naruto finally comes back to his normal self. They say love changes a person; no, I think food does a better job at that.
"They're missing half of their life!"
"Delicious food is the best thing!"
Sending a glare towards Naruto, Ino, Kiba and the chubby guy named Chouji, I angrily munch on the chicken. Deep inside, I'm glad Naruto becomes lively again. I decide not to ponder about the sudden change of attitude just now.
"G-Guys, t-that's rude..." Hinata, the blue-haired shyly whispers. I smile at her adorableness.
"Hinata, you might want to raise your voice a little so they could hear you." The glasses guy, Shino, tells the girl. We are in the underground, there is no sun present, so why is he wearing shades?
Naruto exclaims defending the shy girl, "Hey! Hinata's fine the way she is!"
Hinata's face reddens. Ooh... So, not everybody in the Shinobi hates Naruto.
In the midst of their argument, I look around, searching for Sasuke. I think he might be with the other Shinobi-born, but neither he nor his family is here. Shouldn't they be celebrating with us?
"Hey, you all chose the knife during the test, right? Please tell me you did." Ino opens up, her baby blue eyes roaming around all of us. I avoid her gaze, gulping this sweet and fizzy dark colored drink. I shall not engage in that conversation. Ino and Kiba can tell if I'm lying.
Kiba drops his chopsticks. "Well, duh. I had to look away because I love dogs. I mean, I don't even know why I chose that… I can't even look straight at Akamaru since then!" Their conversation blurs in my ears as my attention flies to the youngest Uchiha prince who just arrived with his older brother on the other side of the hall. He has changed clothes now, just clad in a plain black tee and jeans. Though he looks cold, his boyish charm and mysterious aura could attract anyone in the opposite sex effortlessly. I'm sure most of the girls present here would want to get in his world.
I wonder if I could.
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After the feast, all Genin go back to their rooms and collapse on our bed. I had a long day, full of alien and extreme emotions and activities, and my weak body is too exhausted. I am able to go to new places, taste new food, meet new people, and make new friends. Good and bad things happened. Still, I am looking forward to what's going to happen in the next days.
Thinking of my parents I left in the Yori who still smile at me despite that, the corner of my lips curls slightly before darkness consumes my consciousness.
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I wake up at the loud sound of clanking metals and soft groans in the room.
Through my blurry vision, I slightly make out the image of Kakashi hitting our beds' metal post using a rod. I suppress a groan when our instructor passes by my bed and hits the metal post, its vibration ringing in my ears and head. What a harsh wakeup call.
Getting up is difficult for me; all my muscles are screaming in pain at every movement I make. I almost can't move my legs if I don't force it. Yesterday's activities really wore me out. Why can't they let us rest for like two days first?
"Five minutes." Kakashi says once we are all up. He leaves us to have us prepare. Or he'll just read his book.
No one dares complain, although all of us are still obviously tired. We haven't seen Kakashi's wrath yet, but we all know it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. Ino had a little taste of it already.
I am able to create an alternative hair band through a torn cloth I randomly found in the room to tie my hair to a ponytail. It's better than nothing. I'm still not comfortable going out with my hair down.
We follow Kakashi out to the forest owned by the Shinobi. After being kept in the underground for hours, fresh air and nature are what I badly needed. We're not allowed to leave the Shinobi premises while initiation is still on-going unless a superior is accompanying us.
As it is my first time in a forest, I can't help but take everything I see in awe. Trees of various types stand tall next to each other, giving shade and shelter to the wild animals in the area. Air here smells refreshing. Birds from different areas are chirping a wonderful tune I could listen to all day. The feeling this place gives off is placid, despite the soft sounds of our footsteps, the cracking of wood we step on, and our ragged breathing. Finally, we are away from the noise in the town and the Shinobi underground.
It is exciting; being out in the wilderness. I do not know what more could be found in here, and no one knows what might happen. Learning something new is something I get hyped up for. Thus, my result in the aptitude test.
I am too engrossed in observing my surroundings that I didn't notice we were walking for an hour. Most of us are slowing down due to exhaustion, while I just keep going.
"Oh god, how long are we gonna walk?" Ino softly whines, slamming her palm on her knee, and stops to catch her breath. I also stop to wait for her. Kiba and Shikamaru, on the other hand, don't look like having a hard time.
Now that Ino have mentioned it, tiredness is gradually hitting me. My leg muscles are aching more than ever. It's also harder to breathe now. Good thing the bully group is ahead of us so they can't see us.
Finally, we halt before a running river. It looks awesome! The water is very clear, unlike some of the creeks I pass by in the main town. It is also abundant in fishes of varying kinds. In this area, the current is kind of strong. How I would love to take a swim here! Most especially now that I'm soaked in sweat.
Unlike in other countries, Fire country, where Konoha is, is almost like autumn during winter. Snow is not that much of a common occurrence, though the temperature is still low; not low enough to freeze the rivers. But when it does snow, the entire country instantly freezes.
"Sakura-chan!"
Naruto suddenly appears and hugs me, almost making me stumble. The group of Shinobi-born Genin is behind him, throwing him dirty stares, as usual. So I give him a smile. He's really like a child.
"Naruto, stop running." Kakashi reprimands, yet I think he isn't like the other Shinobi, for there's a hint of fondness on the instructor's voice. Normally, Kakashi's aura will darken if annoyed, but nothing happened with Naruto.
The blond pouts at Kakashi, but lets go of me. "Eh, but I saw Sakura-chan!" He then greets Ino, Kiba and Shikamaru through his loud voice.
At the background, I hear snickers coming from the 'Bully Sakura and Naruto' groups.
Uchiha Itachi and the Shinobi-born Genin soon catch up. Tobi is apparently unavailable today due to unknown reasons, so Itachi took his position temporarily. I notice Sasuke standing far away, with the other Uchiha boy. He looks bored.
"Sensei, you're early?" Itachi politely asks and bows, much to Kakashi's discomfort.
"Hey, hey, I told you not to call me that. You're also a Jounin now. And yes, I didn't see an elderly on the way." Kakashi scratches the back of his head. I swear I see a small smile on Itachi. Is that an inside joke?
Based on what I have gathered so far, a jounin is a high rank given to deserving skilled Shinobi who specialized in public relations and intelligence sectors of the Shinobi. I have yet to learn more about the ranks and departments in the kumi as these are information not open to the public.
Though Kakashi is an "ass"—Ino's term—to us, Genin, I find him awesome. He doesn't join the bandwagon of casting a noisy blond kid away in society and he's not looking up at Itachi for his bloodline, but for his abilities. Naruto and Itachi appreciate it, I can see.
"Anyway," Kakashi clears his throat. "Today, you're gonna learn the basics of chakra and how to control it. Itachi-kun?"
Itachi nods and then faces us. He's too young to be of someone in high rankings. He looks like he doesn't need the influence of his father to rise, so he must be really skilled. He's handsome, too!
"Chakra, for the transfers' information, is a form of life energy that all individuals produce. It is produced within 'chakra coils' that surround and connect to each chakra-producing organ. The energy circulates throughout the body in a network called the 'Chakra Pathway System,' which is similar to our cardiovascular system. We, Shinobi, make use of this." Itachi explains, his dark eyes observing us, "Great concentration is needed to control it, that's why we brought you here."
Kakashi adds after a more thorough explanation from Itachi, "All of you are starting on a clean slate. Young Shinobi aren't allowed to control chakra before the choosing ceremony. Else, we will know, and the punishment won't be nice." Kakashi trains his eyes to the Shinobi-born who glares at him in return.
Even though these Shinobi-born aren't allowed to train, they still have the advantage, as they already probably know how to, but haven't tried. Unlike us, transfers, who know nothing at all.
On second thought, my last statement is completely wrong. I have the knowledge. I have already read about it during my time in the library, and Shikamaru and the other Chi-born have probably did, too. In fact, not only the Shinobi use the concept of chakra. The Yori does, too, particularly the doctors. Aunt Tsunade said it's for control and precision since they can't afford to make a mistake in surgeries. Of course, she can't teach me how to control it then.
Kakashi is unaffected at the coldness of the Shinobi-born. "This is the training ground of the Shinobi. Actually, the entire forest is. Itachi-kun, do you mind demonstrating what you can do if the chakra is controlled?"
Without further ado, Itachi then starts walking to the river. We, transfers, gasp in shock when Itachi steps on top of the running water. The current is too strong, yet he remains unaffected and standing! Wow! Oh, did I mention the Shinobi-born girls squealed?
Wait, we can do that? We can also walk on water? I'm so excited!
"Alright, enough of the ogling. Let's get started. Choose your own place and start the meditation. Naruto, I don't want to hear your voice."
Naruto pouts while the rest of the Shinobi-born are laughing. Well, except Sasuke, Hinata and Shino. I pat Naruto on the back to console him. I'm sure Kakashi didn't mean anything bad.
Shinobi-born and Transfers are separated, once again. I choose a spot near a tree, and I'm the only one who did. The sound of the river waves and the other Genin will probably distract me. Besides, I see older Shinobi walking on walls, so trying it on a tree is a more plausible choice for a beginner. But why do they have us try it on a raging river first? I'm sure that's not basic.
Anyway, I press my palms together and close my eyes. I let myself fall into deep concentration until I can't hear anything. Taking quiet deep breaths, I focus on finding the right energy inside me. I keep in mind the basics of chakra that I have read.
Once I detect a new kind of warmth in my chest, I try channeling that energy to my feet, though it really is difficult to do.
I'm going there, I can feel it. I can feel the energy in my feet. I think I'm almost ready, I—
"Sakura." I feel a light tap on my shoulder, completely breaking my concentration. I see Kakashi beside me, his eyes looking amused.
What? Did I do something wrong?
"I already dismissed you, guys. Too much use of chakra will make your body weak." He speaks beneath his mask. This playful and gentle tone he used is… I don't know, weird. I am used to him being rude to us.
Oh. How long is it since we started? It's almost sunset. I didn't notice the time.
"I see... thank you, Sensei." I bow at him, freezing in the middle. I've done it again! I'm not in Yori anymore! This is so embarrassing!
To my surprise, Kakashi chuckles and pats my head. "You have the potential, Sakura. Keep it up, but don't overwork yourself."
I'm still in a daze because of what he did, so I didn't see him walking away and my friends running to me. They are as shocked as I am.
"Am I hallucinating or Kakashi really was nice to you?" Ino says excitedly, jealousy also obvious in her voice.
I move to express my elation; however, my body system seems to turn off altogether, causing for me to fall on the person in front of me.
Thankfully, it is Kiba and he catches me just in time. I barely make up my friends' words for my vision begins spinning. I feel like my energy is being drained out of me.
Kakashi's right; I overworked myself.
TO BE CONTINUED
I'm trying to cut the word count per chapter but I end up writing too much /sobs
Hmm... not much SasuSaku here... not much action... hmm... and... I ship Sakura with other guys, too, y'know /winkwink
But the main pairing is too obvious ;D
Again, please review! ^_^
-Cheerry