Hello~
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Let's continue this biz
~.~
Last Time:
I had started sleeping in Kakashi's room, anytime I had the nightmares, I would either turn to him and fall asleep again, or go out to play my violin. His presence was calming. I'm grateful he never said anything about it. I would never hear the end of it.
"So are we still training?" I asked Kakashi as I ate my breakfast.
We both had woken up earlier than the others.
"You and Sakura are done training," Kakashi told me, "While Naruto and Sasuke are continuing training, you and Sakura will help guard Tazuna while he builds the bridge."
Kakashi told me. I nodded.
"We'll leave in ten minutes," Tazuna told me and Sakura.
"Alright, I'll get changed and get ready," I said, walking back upstairs.
I changed into my extra clothes, which were another set of my black clothes.
I tied my headband around my neck, put my hair in a ponytail with the hair tie Ino gave me. I strapped on my weapon pouches and my Katanna around my waist.
I quickly made my way downstairs where Tazuna was waiting for me and Sakura.
"Sakura shouldn't be much longer," I told Tazuna.
She soon appeared, tying her headband as she made her way down the stairs.
"You already ate, right?" I asked her.
"Yeah, I'm ready to go," She smiled.
"Let's go then," Tazuna said as he walked out the door, me and Sakura quickly following him.
"I'm bored," Sakura whined.
I nodded in agreement. Its been a few weeks already, almost a month. All we did was sit and watched the workers and Tazuna build the bridge.
"Hey...you said you didn't like Sasuke, right?" Sakura asked me.
"For the thousandth time, Sakura, I don't like him in any romantic way, shape, or form," I told her.
"Well, on the first night you guys went to bed before us and fell asleep beside each other...so..." Sakura said, looking down.
"It's just cause we're comfortable with each other," I told her, "You don't need to worry so much, I decided to start sleeping in Kakashi's room."
"That's true," She said with a small smile.
'Please don't make me a rival, I don't wanna deal with you like how you have to deal with Ino,' I sighed.
"It's a little stuffy with four of us in a small room," I thought for a moment, "We should make all the guys share a room and have a room to ourselves."
She laughed, "That would be great," She smiled, "Hey...you're the one playing music at night, right?"
"...you noticed?" I asked.
She nodded, "It's not every night, but some nights I hear it. I saw you one night," She admitted, "Its so nice to hear though...it puts me to sleep."
"I see," I said.
"I wish you brought it along," Sakura said, "It would be nice to listen to some music."
"Not gonna lie, I actually want to go back and train again," I said, changing the subject.
"I wonder how Sasuke-kun's doing with training?" She asked with a dreamy voice.
"Probably arguing with Naruto," I said.
"Naruto's in the way of his training," Sakura said, annoyed.
I thought for a moment, 'I can have some fun with this.'
"Y'know what? He's probably mad at us," I told her.
"What? Why mad at us?" She questioned.
"Isn't it obvious? We surpassed him in that training exercise with ease, while he's at the same level as Naruto," I explained.
Sakura had a worried expression on her face.
"Oh no...I shouldn't have finished the training! I thought if I could pass him, he would look up to me and ask to train when we get home," she cried.
I kept in a laugh.
"Yeah, oh well," I said in a bored tone.
"Um Tazuna, I have to talk to you," a worker said.
Tazuna turned to him.
"Yes? What is it?" He asked.
"I...I'm sorry Tazuna, but I can't help finish the bridge," the worker said.
"What? But this town needs this bridge, so many people are depending on this!" Tazuna told his worker.
"Tazuna, you're a target to Gatou. If you continue this bridge, he's going to kill you. If I help, he's going to kill me, and the other workers," the worker explained.
"Ah looks like it's time for a break," Tazuna said.
"But, Tazuna-"
"Look, you don't have to come back anymore," Tazuna said walking away from his now former employee.
I got up and started walking towards Tazuna.
"Coward," I muttered, as I passed the worker, loud enough for him to hear.
'He should be ashamed,' I thought to myself.
"Oi, Tazuna-San! Let me help with he bridge," I said, walking up to him.
"Hmm are you sure? It's a lot of work, plus you have to focus on guarding," Tazuna told me.
I nodded.
"Sakura will inform me if she senses anything. My wound is pretty much healed...ish. The more people that help, the faster the bridge will be build, which means the mission will finish soon and then I can go home," I told him.
He laughed, "You're eager to go home, huh? Is there someone waiting for you?"
I nodded, "Yeah, I-"
"Is it Shikamaru?" Sakura said out loud.
I turned to see her with a smirk.
"I could care less about him," I told her before turning to Tazuna, "I have a cat waiting for me."
"Is that so?" He asked.
I nodded, reaching into my pocket, "I have an adorable black cat with the biggest eyes," I showed him a picture.
He laughed, "I see. Then let's get to work," He said, "Just make sure to be careful."
"I will," I said.
I just help with carrying material to where it needs to be, holding wooden boards up until another worker secures it. It was hard and tiring work, but better than doing nothing. I took a quick break, sitting beside Sakura.
"That's nice of you to help out," Sakura told me, I gave her a small smile.
"Well, I gotta do something, I wanna get home soon," I joked.
I looked passed her to the edge of the bridge. The bridge was now way past the halfway point and was almost finished.
"The bridge might be finished sooner than we thought," Sakura said, catching my gaze.
I nodded.
"Sooner it finishes, sooner we go home," I grinned.
"Do you miss him?" She asked with a slight smirk.
"How could I not?" I admitted.
I pulled out the picture and held it out for her to see.
"Isn't he the cutest?"
"Your cat?" She asked.
"Yeah," I nodded, "I haven't been away from him for this long. Shikamaru told me he'd visit Akumu when he can, so I guess Akumu can see a familiar face."
"For a moment, I thought you were gonna tell me you missed Shikamaru," Sakura told me.
"...he beats me in shogi, I don't think I'll miss that," I said bluntly.
~.~
Me and Sakura followed Tazuna into the village when he finished for the day. The sun was beginning to set, making the sky seem at peace. The wind blew through my hair, making me sigh in relief of the cool air after helping Tazuna.
"Tazuna, where are we going?" Sakura asked the older man.
"Well, you wanna eat tonight, don't you?" Tazuna questioned.
I stretched my arms, following behind them. I looked around as we walked into the village. Sad, depressing, negativity filled the air. A man walked passed us, holding a board saying 'Will do any kind of work.' My attention turned to the voice, yelling "Thief!" followed by a little boy running off with some food in his hands. Along the streets, children sitting, their eyes filled with depression and hunger.
'How pitiful,' Fuzen said.
'Yeah, since when do you care?' I asked.
'Hey, I'm not that evil,' they said defensively, 'But look at this. This village is a mess. They need the bridge finished. But they're also in danger being under the thumb of Gatou.'
'Yeah, I know. Thanks for the summary,' I said, 'What's your point?'
'I'm getting to it. We all know Zabuza is still alive. You should've killed him when you had the chance,' Fuzen told me.
'You mean I should have let you take over me so you can kill him?' I questioned.
'Yes. That way, you wouldn't have Zabuza to deal with later, and only have to deal with Gatou,' Fuzen said, 'So, next time we encounter them. Maybe you should...let me help.'
'No. I'm not letting you take over my body,' I said simply.
'Boo, you're no fun,' Fuzen pouted.
"Here we are," Tazuna said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
We followed Tazuna into a store and was welcomed by the owner. Well, at least I think it was some kind of store. There were hardly any food. I looked over at some of the crates when I heard a scream from Sakura.
"You pervert!" She yelled, kicking the man behind her.
"...what did he do?" I asked, walking over to her.
"He touched my butt!" Sakura replied angrily.
I glared at the man who was now on the ground.
"How dare you. Aren't there more things you should worry about than pleasuring yourself?" I asked in a dark, menacing voice, grabbing the front of his shirt.
I looked up, noticing children, really young, impressionable children, watching. I growled and threw him on the ground.
"You are so lucky that I'm letting you live," I said, turning back to Sakura.
"Good job, Sakura."
"You really surprised me back there," Tazuna told Sakura, "I would've expected something like that from Kyoko. Girls around here don't fight like you two."
We were all walking back to Tazuna's house.
"Well they should!" Sakura exclaimed, "Something is seriously wrong-"
She stopped talking and turned around.
"Hey, buster-" she said with an angry expression, but stopped when she noticed it was just a little girl. The little girl, unfazed by Sakura's angry expression, held her hands out.
"Please?" She asked, with a smile on her face, for food, or money, anything.
All the girl said was please, somehow with a happy expression.
"Uhh..." Sakura dug around in her bag and pulled out some candy, "Here."
She placed it into the girl's hands.
"Thank you!" The little girl beamed, running off.
Sakura watched her with a saddened expression.
"It's been like this ever since Gatou came," Tazuna told us, "Children suffer, and the adults are too afraid to stand up to him. They've lost all hope, and that's why we have to finish the bridge. It'll bring commoners and trades, but most importantly, it'll be a symbol of courage. We must restore the spirit to our people. When the bridge is finished, people will start to believe again, so they can believe they can live with dignity. We can't let Gatou stop us."
I felt a little bit of empathy towards the village, knowing that they could live a better life than this.
'We'll finish this bridge, no matter what.'
~.~
Once we got back, Sakura helped Tsunami with dinner. I told them I would help but Tazuna told me that I worked hard, helping him with the bridge and that I should rest. I have to admit, I was awfully tired. I was upstairs, on the balcony, watching the two idiots climb trees. It was calm on the balcony, soothing as the wind blew.
I pulled out a notebook from my bag, I had written down a couple of Jutsu I wanted to learn as I was out on the mission. I took a look and I immediately felt lazy. I was too tired to even read it. I closed it and placed it aside. I closed my eyes, leaning on the wall of the house, while the cool breezed cooled off my warm body.
~.~
"Kyoko, wake up, dinner," I heard Kakashi tell me.
I rubbed my eyes. I was in bed, my notebook back in my bag.
'Must've fallen asleep,' I thought.
I helped set the table and bring the food to the table. I sat beside Kakashi and started eating. Sasuke and Naruto barged into the house. Sasuke sat beside me and Naruto sat on the other side of the table. They both started eating quickly, like they were racing to see who would finish eating first. I eyes the two boys weirdly.
"So nice to have people over for dinner," Tazuna smiled.
I couldn't eat, watching the boys eat disgusted me.
"Seconds!" Sasuke and Naruto both said at the same time, holding their empty bowls up.
They glared at each other for a moment. Then a sound came from their stomachs, the two boys turn to the sides on the table and emptied out their stomachs.
"Don't eat if you're gonna throw up!" Sakura lectured.
"Can't. We have to eat, to build up energy," Sasuke told her.
Naruto nodded.
"Eating is important, but throwing up isn't good," Kakashi told them.
I stood up and walked over to the sink.
"What are you doing?" Sakura asked me.
"I lost my appetite after Sasuke puked all over my shoes," I said irritably, "Now I'm washing my shoes that are now filled with what was inside of Sasuke," I glared at the Uchiha.
Sakura stood up to put her bowl away but stopped at a picture. The picture had Tazuna, Inari, Tsunami, and one more person, but the face was ripped out.
"Who was the person in this picture?" Sakura asked.
'If the pictures ripped, something bad probably happened...' I sighed.
"...that was Inari's father," Tazuna said.
Inari got up and walked up stairs.
"Father, I told you not to speak of him in front of Inari!" Tsunami said, going after the boy.
Tazuna sighed.
"...what happened?" Sakura asked.
'...oh no,' I sighed, 'I'm curious too, but I dunno if it was right to ask.'
Tazuna told us a story about this village's hero. He wasn't Inari's biological father, but everyone acted like he was family. His name was Taiza. He had spiky hair, wore a piece of string around his forehead, and a scar that looked like an 'X' on his chin. Looking back at the photo, Inari used to tie a string around his forehead, mimicking Taiza.
Taiza had apparently saved Inari from drowning, after some other kids pushed him in the water. After that they spent all their time together, like father and son. One day, there was a flood that was going cover the entire city, and they didn't have time to clear everyone out. Taiza was the one who volunteered to close the gates to prevent the water from further filling up the city. The town called him a hero after that, and Inari was proud of his father, looked up to him like he always did.
But the next day, Taiza was shown, nailed to a cross. There were large scratches and bruises all over his body. Blood was dripping from his mouth and was everywhere. Gatou and his men where there, they were the ones who did it.
Taiza had interrupted their plans by saving the city. Gatou told the village to stay away from their plans, and killed Taiza to show them what would happen if they interfered.
I looked upstairs, the boy hasn't moved on yet.
I sighed, washing my shoes and leaving them out to dry. I made my way up the stairs and into my room.
I heard Naruto yelling at someone, assuming it was Inari, then the door slammed shut. I ignored it and continued with my studies. After going over a few things, I notice someone at the door.
"I know you're there, just come in," I told him.
Inari walked into the room slowly as if he was prepared if I was going to attack.
"Did you need anything?" I asked, putting the book down.
He didn't say anything.
"I...know you don't wanna talk about it, but heard about your father, I'm sorry that that happened," I told him.
I patted the space beside me motioning him to sit. He sat beside me.
"Must be hard for you to loose someone. I wouldn't know, I never had anyone close to me to loose before," I said.
He looked at me curiously, I saw that he was also near tears.
"I never had a mother or father, I never met them," I told him, "But earlier when I was helping protect your Grandfather, we went up against this big strong guy with a giant sword. We got trapped and I almost lost Kakashi, as well as my own life. Almost loosing Kakashi scared me, since he's my big brother," I rambled, "Uh, I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I kinda know how you feel."
I sighed, 'I'm so awkward.'
I stiffened up when I felt little arms around my waist. I looked down to see Inari hugging me tightly, sobbing into my clothes. I froze, I had no idea what to do in this situation.
'I wasn't prepared for this,' I thought.
I thought about what Kakashi had done when I told him I was worried about him.
I lightly patted his hair.
"I understand why you're crying...but why are you hugging me?" I asked him.
He looked up, tears streaming down his face.
"B-because, you're a-alone and I h-have my m-mom and my grandpa," he sniffled.
"Correction, I was alone...I would still be alone if it weren't for...a friend..." I told him.
It felt weird to say that word as I thought of Shikamaru.
"But now I'm not alone. I have Kakashi, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura," I looked at him, "And I guess you."
I gave him a small smile.
He smiled back but started crying even more.
'...please tell me those tears are tears of happiness because I don't know what to do if they aren't,' I sighed.
I wrapped my left arm around him and gently rubbed his back to sooth him, while I continued to look at my book using my other hand. After awhile I heard snoring instead of sobbing. I looked at the boy to see that he had fallen asleep.
I slowly picked him up and carefully moved him to my futon. I put the covers over him. I sat beside him and patted his head as I continued reading my book.
~.~
"I can't seem to find Inari, he's not in his room," Tsunami said.
"Damn it Naruto, he had to yell at the kid," Sakura sighed.
"Kyoko hasn't came down either," Sasuke mentioned, "I'm gonna go upstairs to check on her."
"Oh, maybe Inari's with her," Tazuna wondered.
Kakashi stifled his laugh.
"Possibly but I don't think so, Kyoko...has an issue with kids," Kakashi said.
They all went upstairs, curious about Kyoko and Inari. Surprise to them, they found Kyoko asleep, leaning on the wall, Inari sleeping on her lap, one of her hands on his head.
"Well, what do you know?" Kakashi said crossing his arms, "I wish I could take a picture of this,"
"I should take Inari back to his room," Tsunami said.
"We should wake up Kyoko too, I wanna see what she says about this," Sasuke smirked.
He walked over the the two and shook the girl's shoulder lightly.
"...what...?" Kyoko asked in a gentle voice, removing her arm from Inari to rub her eyes.
Kyoko paused for a minute.
"...the little brat walked in when I was sleeping," she lied.
Sasuke smirked, "I never knew you were good with kids."
"Go ahead and start this but you and I both know I'll end it quickly and painfully," Kyoko warned. Tsunami carefully picked up the boy and carried him out of the room.
"Everyone, wipe those smiles off your faces or I'll smack them off," Kyoko told them.
They laughed.
"I'm gonna hold this against you," Kakashi told her.
"Do that, and all your make out paradise books will be burned to ashes," Kyoko threatened, crossing her arms.
"That's right," the girl said, "Now leave, I'm really tired."
"Should I bring Inari back to help you sleep?" Sasuke joked.
Kyoko grabbed her bag and threw it at the Uchiha's head, knocking him on the floor.
"If your unconscious, it's better this way," Kyoko smirked victoriously.
~.~
"...I said I wanted to sleep, why are we looking for him?"
It was the next morning and instead of sleeping, I was woken up early to help look for The Number One Knuckle Head Ninja from The Leaf.
"He left last night and never came back," Sasuke told me.
I rubbed the bridge of my nose.
"Idiot."
We walked along a path in the forest and pasted someone wearing a Yukata, holding a basket full of herbs. That person was either a really pretty guy, or a really flat chested girl.
'...that's...a guy...right?..wait, he's that hunter nin! Right?' I stopped the guy, holding out a kunai.
"What's your name?" I demanded.
He smiled, he knew that I knew.
"Haku, and what might be yours?" He asked.
I paused for a moment, not knowing if I should give out my name.
"...Kyoko," I finally answered.
He nodded.
"We will meet again soon, and don't worry about your friend back there, I didn't do anything to him," he assured as he walked away.
I looked back at Sasuke before we both dashed towards where Naruto was. We spotted him laying on the grass with his eyes closed.
"Aw, he's dead, what a shame?" I said in a bored tone.
"You wish," Sasuke said, poking Naruto.
"Ugh...what?" Naruto asked.
"We thought you were dead," I answered.
Sasuke looked at me, I shrugged.
"Lets just get back to everyone else," I told them.
They nodded. I helped Naruto up and we all walked back together.
~.~
"I love that they started training again," I said, watching the boys.
They were almost at the top.
"You aren't out with Tazuna today?" Tsunami asked me.
I shook my head.
"I didn't want to do anything today so I told Kakashi that I'd watch them train while he would watch over Tazuna with Sakura."
Tsunami handed me a cup of tea.
"Well, it's good to have a break now and then, huh?" She smiled.
I thanked her for the tea and she walked back inside.
"Got something to ask me, kid?" I asked Inari who was behind me.
He sat beside me and handed me my book.
"Could you show me some?" He asked quietly.
"Do you mean teach, or show?" I asked him.
"Just show, I just want to see Jutsu," he told me.
I nodded.
"I'll show you some I already know..." I said, looking around.
I saw Naruto on the ground, out of breath.
"Watch this," I smirked, "Jikangan."
Inari watch closely with curiosity.
Naruto looked at the tree, his mark was a bit higher than Sasuke's.
He smiled at his achievement. Sasuke walked over to Naruto.
"Hey...Kyoko and Sakura gave you advice...right?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah," Naruto answered.
"...do you think you could tell me what they said?" Sasuke asked, embarrassed.
Naruto smiled cheekily.
"Secret."
Sasuke glared at the yellow-headed ninja.
"Earth style: Head Hunter Jutsu!" I said, pulling Naruto into the ground.
I stood on the surface, looking down on him.
"Hey! What Was that for?" Naruto asked me, I ignored him.
"What do you think, Inari?" I asked the boy.
"Whoa! That was so cool! What else can you do?" Inari asked.
"I can get him out of the ground, but I don't want to," I said.
"When did you learn that?" Sasuke asked me.
I shrugged.
"I did what I remember Sensei did I you," I answered, "I used my Jikangan."
Inari stared at me in awe.
"Anyways, you needed advice? Basically, not to much, or not too little chakra. Keep focus, but keep calm and relax. Find your centre and you'll be fine," I told Sasuke.
"Can you please let me out?" Naruto whined.
After I released Naruto, I continued to show Inari simple Jutsu. I think Naruto got a little jealous cause he walked over and tried to show Inari his shadow clone Jutsu. But I stopped him before he could make one clone, telling him to continue training.
"Wow, what else can you do?" Inari asked.
"Hmm," I thought for a moment, "Oh, here."
I pulled a scroll out from my bag and summoned my violin.
"No harm in playing a little."
~.~
"Man, are they still training?" Sakura asked.
"Yup," I said.
"You pushed them too far," Kakashi sighed.
"That's okay," I said as I ate my dinner, "As long as they don't puke on me again, I don't care."
"So, you're the one playing the violin in the middle of the night?" Tazuna asked me.
When they came back, they caught me in the middle of playing.
"Uh, yeah. Sorry," I said.
"Oh, no, it was lovely," Tsunami told me.
"No need to apologize," Tazuna told me.
I nervously laughed, getting embarrassed.
"You did this to yourself," Kakashi whispered to me.
"Shut up," I said, getting up to put my dishes in the sink.
The front door opened.
"We made it to the top," Naruto panted.
Sasuke smirked. The Uchiha was holding the Uzumaki up. I gave them a thumbs up.
"Good work, tomorrow you guys can help guard Tazuna," Kakashi told them.
I started walking over to the sink. Naruto fist pumped, jumping into the air, causing both boys to fall over me. I swiftly dodged, before they could both fall on me.
"Be careful," I said, putting my dishes in the sink.
"I'm going to bed early, don't puke again, but eat plenty, and blah night," I said, walking upstairs.
~.~
Thanks for reading!
I hope y'all enjoyed~
Signing off,
Bluebirb