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.
Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Aberrant
by cheerry-blossoms
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Chapter Six – Specialty
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25. Sakura
We continue our training every night. Tonight, we jog around a specific area of the Shinobi forest as warm up. He mostly leads me to the areas not frequented by the other Genin, I have noticed. I realize I don't mind, actually.
I don't like Sasuke's style of training. It's very, very demanding. We rarely take breaks, and he's harsh. There is no stopping while our bodies can still move; meaning, I'm always the first one to give up. He shouts at me if I slack off for one second! That's why I always go back to the dorm with screaming, twitching muscles, and rely on painkillers.
Also, Sasuke trains wearing a sleeveless shirt, (thank god I haven't seen him with no shirt on yet) so the sight of his toned sweaty arms is distracting enough for me. I bet if Ino is with me, she will squeal and ramble about it nonstop until Sasuke tells her to go away.
After the thirty-minute warm up, we stop by the training room, which is surprisingly empty—I thought the other Genin would stay there to train. Are we the only ones taking this seriously? Or maybe they have other places to train on, for if I can recall correctly, Shikamaru and Ino are training together. I swear there is something going on between those two.
Sasuke hands me a thick red rope with two handles on each end. I know what this is; they call it a 'jumping rope.' I've seen girls from other kumi in the academy play with these during break time and dismissal time. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to try it, I haven't—more like I should not, because play time in the Yori is only 'hide-and-seek.' I don't get the logic behind it, actually. It was not explained, and we were not allowed to ask.
My ignorance probably showed, because Sasuke demonstrates on how to use it. I feel guilty for a while for not really focusing on what he's doing, even if he's quite amazing at it. His flexing arms and bouncing hair are really, really distracting. Plus, at every jump, his shirt hikes up a little, giving me a sneak peek of what's under it. I just hope I am not being too obvious.
Before he can catch me not paying attention, I attempt on using the rope. On my first tries, I am unsuccessful—always tripping and stepping on the rope to the point my face meets the floor all the time. Sasuke, on the other hand, is not bothered, thankfully. He keeps his eyes trained on me carefully, yelling at me from time to time whenever I make a mistake.
"You are smaller… you can be faster… Take advantage of it." he tells me in a stronger, firmer voice, moving around me while watching my every move. Releasing a grunt, I push myself up and continue, despite the numbing of my arms and legs.
Nonetheless, I soon had a grasp of it. I finally understand the pattern and the right timing after several attempts this night. The sound of approval from him effectively brightens my mood.
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My body is getting used to the everyday workout. I don't get tired as easily as the first days and the sore muscles are now more tolerable. But that doesn't mean I'm catching up with the others. I'm still way behind most of us and I'm still losing all of my fights. Despite that, I believe I'm putting up more fight now than before when all I did were evade and step away. As of now, the only things I excel at are the chakra control… and sneaking out—thanks to my hide and seek background!
Most of the time, we make use of the punching bags in the training area, but tonight, for the first time, Sasuke is my sparring partner as we improve my offensive attacks, as well as footwork pattern. I gulp in nervousness.
"No chakra." Sasuke holds up his two thick-gloved hands, interrupting my jumping rope session.
Somehow, I have managed to focus my chakra on my fists although it still needs more work on the control since I end up getting hurt instead. Back in our first day of training, Sasuke explained to me the real importance of chakra control for the Shinobi; turns out, aside from letting us walk and run on walls, it can also be used to amplify the impact of our attacks on our opponents, and even strengthen our defense, if properly controlled. Now I'm more than eager to master my control over it.
I shake my hands as I walk towards him, preparing my fists. Clenching them, I land controlled blows on both of his gloves without the use of chakra, my gaze fixed on them. At first I am hesitant, because, hello, Sasuke is so close to me! But remembering I don't want him yelling at me, I exert more effort after. Sasuke's gloves slightly back away at every punch.
"Your punches are quite stronger than I expected." Sasuke finally comments, frowning when I stop and stare at him. "Footwork,"
I release a grunt as I jab my right fist on his left glove. "I used to punch my best friend back in Yori." Breathlessly, I respond, bouncing on my heels. Yes, whenever Sai gives off rude comments. But I don't think they're that strong, and I punch his arms only. Sai was just a weakling.
"Hn. So you had the Shinobi tendency from the beginning." He calmly says whilst he receives my hits. He hasn't moved from his spot until now.
I have never thought of it that way before. I thought it was normal, because I have a guy as a best friend instead of a girl. Of course I can't punch a girl, and I haven't, when I was in Yori. Girls usually slap each other, not punch. Now that Sasuke mentioned it, it seems reasonable, just like Sai being straightforward and honest ever since.
I clench my fist tighter and aim a punch on Sasuke's glove.
"SHANNARO!"
Sasuke suddenly stands up straight, enclosing my fist through his glove, his coal eyes staring back at me in confusion. I raise an eyebrow, silently asking him what the matter is.
"Shan…naro?" he asks, also arching an eyebrow.
My face heats up.
It's an expression I have acquired since I was around twelve, when I began getting mad over little things. I have never said it out loud, my Yori consciousness doesn't allow me to even when it was just Sai who was with me, because it's a vulgar expression to release my frustration, something self-satisfactory. Since this is the first time I had to release more power while getting frustrated in front of someone, it is also the first time someone heard it from me. And it just had to be Sasuke, of all people!
I see a small smirk form on Sasuke's lips, before he releases my fist and raises his arms again.
"Now, with chakra."
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For today, our instructors make us focus on weaponry. Shinobi mostly use a kunai, shuriken and a senbon. I heard the higher ranking Shinobi sometimes fight using a special personalized katana, just like the Hokage, though. Guns and explosives are rarely used, only by the ones specializing in long-range battles, and most Shinobi are close-range.
We are told to pick a station where we prefer. Black tables are lined up at the center with consistent gap in between where different types of basic weapons are laid for us to practice on. Ten meters away from the tables are target boards hung on the wall. So, the aim of this activity is to have the weapons hit as close as possible to the small red circle at the middle of the board.
Knowing my way in the kitchen for years, I am an expert in handling sharp objects. Add to that my short experience in using scalpels and needles during my training with Aunt Tsunade. And, I used to throw small stones on Sai's head as pranks. My accuracy is a little above average because of that, I guess. Who would have thought it would come in handy in the future?
Therefore, I am pretty confident in this area.
At Kakashi's signal, sounds of knives dashing through the air and clanking begin.
I pick up the kunai first, twirling it on my finger before grasping on the handle. I make a mental estimation of the needed exertion of power, distance and angle to reach the target. I don't have to try and throw stuffs to determine it, although it would also be helpful.
"Afraid not to hit the target, Stiff?" Taka, who had purposefully chosen the station next to mine, smugly says before I am able to throw the kunai. I spare him a glare for distracting me.
To show off, he confidently throws his kunai in front without any control, managing to hit outside the circles. I almost snort.
"Bet you can't even hit the board, what with your weak arms." He continues throwing, not even feeling ashamed of his fail accuracy. His stance is wrong and his throws are too powerful.
Just as I am about to prove him wrong, I hear Ino's frustrated shriek. Her tied up blond hair is disheveled from constant pulling, she is sweating heavily and the whites around her azure irises slowly turn red.
The weapons on her table are already gone, but only few of those are stuck on the board. She barely even hit the yellow target.
"Looks like you're out of ammo, eh?" Ino flinches as Tobi speaks from behind her, peeking over her shoulder. She nibbles on her lower lip, obviously holding herself back from uttering a word. It's good she's learning how to control her mouth.
Suddenly, Tobi's voice lowers in a dangerous tone, "What are you doing? Pick 'em up."
This time, Ino's filters didn't work. Uh-oh."What?! But there are flying knives out there!"
Tobi glares at her. "If you aren't brave enough to just go there and pick some stuff up, then you are free to quit."
That's harsh! Most of us in this room are amateurs in weapon throwing! Who knows if some knife will accidentally reach her way? This Tobi is indeed more sadistic than Kakashi.
Ino carefully marches towards the target board, constantly glancing from left to right to watch out for flyaway knives as the other Genin did not care about what is happening to us. She quickly crouches and gathers the weapons on the floor on a red cloth she placed on her lap.
I keep my eyes on her, cheering her mentally. You can do it, Ino! Come back fast!
On my peripheral view, I see Taka grinning smugly as he prepares to throw a senbon. Normally, I would have ignored it, but there's something wrong with his angle, and that's when I realize he is aiming for Ino!
Acting on instinct, I grab the nearest weapon from my table and fling it with control, smirking when it meets with Taka's senbon, preventing it from hitting Ino. I sigh in relief.
Ino, catching up on the situation, pales. The commotion catches the attention of the other Genin. All of them are now looking our way, and have stopped target shooting, thankfully.
I shoot a dirty glare at the brunet beside me who is now fuming because I spoiled his plan. Serves him right, shannaro. "Your senbon was in the way. Perhaps you should work on your aim, Taka-san."
He growls in response, but stops from charging at me at a tap on his shoulder by Tobi.
"Impressive." Tobi tells me before marching away.
A shiver suddenly runs through my body, and that's when I notice the dark and serious stares the rest of the Genin are giving me, as if I did something wrong, as if I am in danger now.
So what if I also threw a senbon?
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"You sure you're okay now?" Shikamaru asks Ino once again.
"Yes," she replies weakly. I'm sure she's still shaken up by the happening that it's surprising she didn't attack Taka after the incident, knowing her.
We decide to have dinner at a barbecue store recommended by Chouji with our other Shinobi-born friends. I am seated in between Naruto and Ino, munching the piece of pork in silence. I'm still bothered by the looks the other Genin—excluding my friends…and Sasuke—have given me. I don't get it; do they see me as a threat now? Is that enough to make me a threat?
"Hey, Sakura," Ino cuts through my troubled thoughts. She is smiling shyly, almost embarrassed, looking totally the opposite of her normal self. "Thanks for… you know… earlier. I would have been hit by that bastard if not for you."
Feigning ignorance, I reply, "I didn't do anything."
Kiba, who is located in front of me, snorts and points his chopsticks at me. "That's bullshit. How can an amateur like you accidentally block something as thin as a senbon using another senbon with perfect precision and speed?" I gulp. "By the way, you were amazing there." He adds before eating the piece of meat he picked from the grill.
Naruto makes a noise of agreement, only to choke on his food so I rub his back and hand him his glass of water.
I sigh softly. There's no use arguing with these friends of mine. At least they didn't see it the wrong way.
"Taka's playing foul. I just can't let him do whatever he wants, especially to Ino."
Ino's smile widens and her arms wrap around my neck tightly, enough to choke me. "That's why I'm thanking you, Forehead!"
"Pig."
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An hour passes, we go back to our dorm with heavy and happy tummies. I have never appreciated food before, and now I almost worship it. I don't have a favourite yet, because all of them are so delicious. I understand why eating such food is forbidden in the Yori.
We find Taka's little cult huddled on one corner, laughing hard at whatever is written on the newspaper they're holding. The mirth in their eyes didn't fade when we come in. In fact, they look happier. I instantly smell trouble.
Well, 'Taka' and 'trouble' both start with the letter T.
Taka, who is holding a copy of Konoha Times, the only official newspaper released by the Chi journalists, stands up and reads aloud for all of us in the room to hear, "Shin and Yori official's daughters, alleged to have transferred kumi due to parental abuse!" Taka folds the newspaper, directing his smug grin on us, "You and your friend made the headlines, Yamanaka traitor!"
I hold back a gasp. I know Ino is a Yamanaka, but I didn't know she is the daughter of their current leader!
In an instant, Ino bolts towards Taka and grabs his collar. "You don't know anything, you garbage." she hisses, rage taking over her, but Taka remains unaffected.
Shikamaru and Kiba immediately pull Ino away from the guy while trying to restrict her from thrashing aimlessly.
"He's not worth it, Ino; he is no one." Kiba assures the blonde. Shrugging the two men away from her, Ino flips her hair before striding out of the room, causing for the others to snicker.
I thought the Chi only has conflicts with the Yori, and now they're also attacking the Shin. What exactly are they up to now? I knew something like this would happen the moment I chose Shinobi, just like what happened with Sarutobi-sama. I thought I was prepared for it, but how wrong I am. Now that it finally happened, the guilt and regret inside me have grown more. I could only hope Father and Mother are alright.
Seeing as I'm the only other girl in our group, and the 'Yori official's daughter,' I run after my friend, finding her crouching on a bench far away from the dorms.
The moment I sit next to her, Ino begins rambling, "That rat doesn't understand what I have gone through! I never wanted to be a lawyer, and my parents know that! They never forced me, that's why it still breaks my heart thinking I left them because of my selfishness! Still, the Shin elders are always saying I do this, I study that... Am I not allowed to be happy and free?!"
She pauses to sniff, and then looks at me with teary eyes, "Am I a bad daughter, Sakura?"
I know exactly how she feels. We have experienced the same thing; no pressure from parents, but heavy pressure from the society. Both of us were expected to stay because of our lineage and a sure bright future ahead of us, and yet, we chose the harder way to live. We needed change. We are desperate for happiness, and we both thought we can find it here in the Shinobi. I guess it's not a coincidence we became friends.
I don't know what to say. Rather, I don't want to answer that question, because I've been asking myself the same thing for nearly a month now.
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I am late, but why is Sasuke not yet here? He didn't tell me if he's not coming.
I'll just wait for him, then.
I lean on the trunk facing the river, crossing my arms on my chest. The happening back at the dorm still bothers me. It's not because of Taka, but the reason behind the headline is suspicious. Journalists only come from the Chi; therefore, that kumi is the only one permitted to produce the printed materials. Moreover, as the leader of the Chi, Orochimaru has an influence over the journalists. I'm sure he has something to do with the release of that article.
The weird thing is; why only now? It had been a month since the Choosing Ceremony, and yet there were no such articles back then. Anko's information on the ties between the Chi and Shinobi are proved to be correct now. Today's issue is spread throughout the headquarters, probably being given away for free since almost all Shinobi I pass by have one and are giving me stares of pity or wary.
If the article featured the Yamanaka and Haruno, then does that mean the Yori and Shin are allies now? It is not impossible to happen. Those two kumi efficiently manage the government hand-in-hand, despite the total difference in their principles.
Oh, so that's why they are also being targeted.
"You're late."
My heart stops beating, my senses suddenly becoming more alert. I tear my gaze off the ground and see Sasuke on the river, his arms also crossed on his chest. How long had he been there? Why didn't I sense him?
I sigh in relief. I really thought someone already knew I'm a tokushu, and was going to attack me. I'm getting more paranoid nowadays because of all these tokushu issue.
"Sasuke! You didn't have to scare me like that!" I see the corner of his lips curve upwards.
Wait—Sasuke is on the river?!
My face brightens. "You… you're… there!" I bounce on my heels.
Just a week ago, he had already reached the top of the highest tree in the woods, and now he finally can stand on water without falling? And it's through my help?
He chuckles lightly expecting my reaction.
"Hn."
The amused smirk on his face broadens, and I couldn't stop myself from running towards him and jump on him, wrapping my arms around his neck tight.
I am so happy! My student accomplishes something new and amazing again! My chest feels warm; this must be how my teachers have felt whenever we learn something new and get high scores in tests. I didn't know seeing my student achieve something feels better than when I was the one who did this. Hey, maybe I can be a good teacher, too!
"You did it!" I squeal.
"Hn." He hums beside my ear.
Wait a minute, why did he sound so close to me?
I quickly pull away, finally realizing our position. Oh god, I just hugged him! That's so great, Sakura! I'm sure he's now pegged you for a pervert, shannaro!
Feeling my cheeks burn in embarrassment, I avoid his gaze, scratching my cheek using one finger. "Y-You did... good..." No, no, no! You're supposed to say sorry!
"A-And so—"
"Thank you, Sakura."
I don't think my heart has beaten this violently before. I couldn't control it anymore; my lungs seem to malfunction for I'm finding it hard to breathe so I can't calm my stupid heart down.
I'm used to receiving words of gratitude from people I have helped, particularly from the factionless, but never have I had this kind of reaction. Usually, I merely smile back, but now, I'm speechless, blushing and acting like an idiot.
It's just a simple 'thank you,' and yet I feel like I'm the most successful person in the world, like I gave him the world. There is definitely something wrong with me now.
Good thing I easily come back from my senses before Sasuke finds me annoying, yet again, from my lack of response.
I laugh sheepishly and wave a hand, "I didn't do much! I should be the one thanking you for... well, helping me improve. This is your idea, after all!" This is so embarrassing, god, someone help me.
"Hn. But it's not through my guidance you can walk on water without you knowing."
Curiously, I look down, my hands automatically covering my mouth to control a delighted gasp at the sight of my feet standing steadily on top of water. I seriously forgot where Sasuke was when I ran to him! CHA!
But Sasuke doesn't like giving me a chance to calm my heart, for he puts his hand on the top of my head and stands beside me.
"Let's eat out. My treat."
It's official: I like Sasuke.
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This is not a date! This is not a date!
I've been chanting that for the past ten minutes. Sasuke was just probably being nice since I am his chakra tutor or something. This meant nothing to him, okay.
We're silent on the way here; Sasuke is definitely not the type to start a conversation, while I am still trying to recover from the intense emotions just now. He brings me to a small noodles store in the lesser frequented part in The Pit, an area I haven't gone to until now. I am more shocked to know he's a regular customer here; the nice chef already knew his order without him having to speak the moment we entered. I actually thought he's the type to eat in glamorous and expensive restaurants here. I guess I'm wrong.
Or maybe he just didn't want being seen by other rich people with someone like me.
I just came to a realization that I may actually be bearing some sort of special feelings for him, and now he's right here sitting across me as if we are on a date. I now see him as more than a friend, I've surpassed the shallow crush level, although I'm certain it's not yet love.
But this is scary. It's been just what, three weeks since we first met? This is too fast to my liking. I barely even know him; I'm just starting to learn things about him just like his fondness for tomatoes, and I already like him. Such feelings are alien to me.
I have no one to get advice from. I can't see Mother, and Ino... well, I still can't tell her about this. I know she has this massive crush on Sasuke, and my deal with the prince is still a secret. The closest I have felt this way is towards Sai, but it took me years before I saw him as a man. But with Sasuke...
"Sakura-chan, is that you?" I suddenly hear an unfamiliar gruff voice beside me.
There on my left, is a bearded tall man in a jounin outfit, his hitae-ate wrapped on his forehead. He has black hair and tanned skin, s stick of cigarette is stuck in the corner of his lips. I think I know him, but I just can't remember how I knew this man, which is weird since I don't recall interacting with other jounin aside from Kakashi and Tobi.
His face brightens when I give him my attention. "Wah, it's really you! Has it been ten years since I last saw you?" I frown a little. Ten years? "You were a cute little girl with the cute cotton candy hair back then, and now, look at you, you're a beautiful lady! Waah, how fast time flies!" There's a dreamy smile on his face as he reminisces.
How did he know me?
"Anyway, I never expected you to be here. Imagine my surprise hearing you've transferred! You were always stuck to Tsunade-sama's hips, I thought you'd want to be a doctor like her."
Now that he mentioned my aunt, I have my eyes wide. I'm trying to dig into my memories in search of his face, but to no avail, no one pops out.
"And what about that pale boy who's always with you? What's his name again?" Sai. "Is he your boyfriend now?"
I clear my throat, shifting uncomfortably on my seat. "U-Um. No. Changed kumi." It's still awkward talking about Sai with others. I still try hard not to think of him, and someone talking about him does not help. Who is this man? How come I don't remember him? How is he acquainted with the Yori?
"Oh."
Finally, he notices the boy with me. His tanned cheeks become flushed. He grins sheepishly and palms his nape. "Ah, Sasuke-sama! Fancy meeting you here! I'm terribly sorry for interrupting your date," I blush. This is not a date! "Was just surprised to see Sakura-chan!"
"Hn." Sasuke shrugs, much to my surprise. He didn't deny the date comment? Or did he?
"Sasuke-sama," A beautiful woman with red eyes whose layered black hair is curled on the tips appears, bowing next to the mysterious jounin. She's wearing the same flak jacket over a black fitted sleeveless dress. "We are very sorry for the interruption. We will be going now."
"Aa." Sasuke calmly takes a sip of his tea.
"Well then, let's have a chat soon, Sakura-chan! Sasuke-sama." Beard guy grins at me before leaving with the woman who I assume is his lover. I then remember he thought Sasuke and I are on a date. Oh god. But why didn't Sasuke deny it?
"I'm surprised you don't know him, Stiff." Sasuke comments when the two are already out of sight. The waiter comes and places our orders on our table.
At the mention of "Stiff," flashes of scenes come back to me.
A decade ago, the son of the Yori president transferred to Shinobi.
Sarutobi Asuma.
TO BE CONTINUED
May I know your thoughts? :))
cheerry