Aju's POV
Patches of grass scattered on the brown-colored tree trunks, the stains of green boots highlighted around the bark. Chunks missing from the earth, the dirt and grime had prints of each woman. The battle started not long ago, although blows were traded it was clear who was sustaining more damage. Shinobi tools dug into the ground, the insects and animals steering clear of the area in fear of their life. The smell of sweat was vibrant in the area, above all, even some minor blood came into the equation.
The battle had been raging on longer than I wanted, no matter how many times I got close she'd find some way to push me back. I knew my taijutsu was remarkable, furthermore, I should have the upper hand in close combat. With that in mind, why was my nose the only one with blood coming out? My button-shaped nose was damaged, and to take in the other injuries I knew I had a gash right above these thin eyebrows. I took pride in my fighting style, it was a reason why people loath going against me when sparring. I often heard that experience beats anything else, which could explain what was going on. She was a hardened warrior, she's seen death time and time again. This was my first real battle where my life was on the hook, the second she saw a chance she'd bite on and drag me away. I lost track of time, we were only supposed to stall but at a certain point, that thought washed away in the pain that came at me.
"It's been fun little girl, but we've been extending this battle long enough." Leumi's nail dug into her skin, her eyes zoning into my own bright green. She moved her finger horizontal, blood dripping from her cheek and onto the ground. Following the droplet, my body shuddered as it splat into the ground. The very spot sizzling and burning, "You're lucky. If you managed to get a good hit on me to draw blood you would've been subjected to a new kind of pain." She wasn't wrong, and I know I wasn't exactly ingenious nor resourceful when it came down to coming up with plans; my instincts were screaming at me to stay away from her blood. My legs moved as she tried to lung at me, the blood from her cheek rolling down her face.
"You're special blood won't work if it doesn't touch me, and believe it or not I haven't shown my full arsenal." Despite the current situation, I couldn't stop the edges of my lips from curving into a smile. She had the advantage in everything now, the second I got close to her she'd release her liquid onto me. I had to somehow counter it, my thought process was cut short blood coming at me from the front. Jumping up and flipping onto a tree branch, I didn't have time to think her palm inches away from my face. It was in the moment, a sudden spur of fear. The muscles in my thin arms tightened, chakra started to spread all around my nerves. My pupils dilated, in the short time frame my knee's bent. Right hand grabbing onto her arm, I used my left hand to dig into her torso. The mass I pushed into the strike almost made her flip out of my grip, right hand clasped tighter around her arm. Following through with what she was trying to accomplish I tossed her in the direction of the landscape, my mind taking time to register the sweet moments that slipped by. Leumi flipped landing on her feet, her hand clutching where she was hit.
Finally piecing together what happened, I turned to face the older woman attacking me. The sound of something sizzling caught my ear and before I knew it the branch broke a loud thud echoing into the air as I rubbed my back. "You sure do pack a mean punch." Removing her hand, Leumi exhaled wincing, it felt as if she had a broken rib. "I'm not well versed in these surprises, so I'll let you feel what years of pain feels like." Balling her hands, her nails sunk in her skin. Her blood dripping off her palm and onto the ground, releasing herself from her own injury she gave me a sadistic expression. Throughout it all, I could see the pain in her eyes. "I'll gladly use my life for his cause... it's the least I can do after he saved me." Black hair blew with the wind, her body arching forward. She didn't stop at her hands, her arms were soon littered with her blood and her fair skin was now pale.
I couldn't bear the scene, she was subjecting herself to this method for some mere child. At least, it's what she was thinking I bet. In reality, she was looking for a means to escape the life she lived up till this point. She charged at me, her moves were sloppy but effective in having me move around. I wasn't only dodging her body but the blood that came off. I was on the defensive, and as a result, I tripped on a root coming out of the ground. It was a mistake that was about to cost me my life, her hand grabbed onto my jacket and she lifted me into the air. The fabric was burning I could hear it, my eyes reflected her actions. Her free hand hovering above my eye, a multitude of beads rushing to the tip of her finger; would I be blinded forever or would it burn through my skull?
I didn't want to die, no one did. I had lots of time left and wanted to experience many things. The strength in my body focused on my left leg, closing my eyes I couldn't help but scream at the top of my lungs.
Ishiyagi Style: Crumbly Quack
It was a work in progress, but it sounded cool and cute, right? Pushing my leg forth, it made contact with her chin. The force behind it stunned Leumi for a second, and as the blood started to reach her fingertip she dropped her arm the hold on me was now gone this allowed me to touch the ground and jump away. I didn't stop there, the front of my jacket was now burnt off, a hole revealing my mesh armored shirt. Quickly leaving the older woman I started towards the exit.
Leumi fell back her head knocking against a log, that kick didn't just stun her; it put her body in a numb state. It didn't matter much, the battle was over. She lost. Closing her eyes, she felt the blood loss get to her. She didn't want her life to end this way years ago, she had dreams and ambitions. She wanted to start a family, have a nice place by a lake. Get old with her lover, then again who would love her. Her own blood killed thousands, it even hurt herself to a degree. Wouldn't her kids die inside her then? Where did it all go wrong? Was it when her family sold her off to slave traders? How she was forced and abused for years? The only light in her life was when she met the one who gave her this blood. Then again it was a curse, she used it to get revenge on the people who wronged her. She didn't hate her family, but when she saw them again they were living peacefully. Greed and anger forced her to commit sins, she'd take them to the grave.
Did life have to start and end roughly with her? A lone tear made of blood rolled down the side of her face, in the end, she knew this curse would be the conclusion of her. Nothing in this world made from creations would live for long, it was only a matter of time before it destroyed her heart. Ah, she did have a short fling but that ended fast. Maybe, dying was for the best. She could finally be at peace.
My body pushed, the jacket I wore previously flying off as I ran. It was damaged, I would get another. Tripping over god knows what, I didn't find it in myself to get up. I was alive that much I can assume, exhaling my stomach deflated. That could've been considered my first real fight where everything was at stake, batting my eyelashes in the corner of my eyes I saw what only could've been a roach running to some nearby home. The howling in the wind bought a happy expression, no more lounging around I picked myself up. The bandages around my feet started to rip along the fight, my medium tan skin tone grew lighter at the bottom of my foot just as everyone. I could feel the small cuts and splinters that made a home in my feet, deciding to escape I started walking a sense of safety washing over me.
Making my way through the terrain, my hand repeatedly slapped away the flying bugs that wanted a bite to eat; the sound of someone snoring coming into my ears. One step after another, I reached a decently banged-up Kiyoshi. "It seems you also survived!" Not knowing why I raised my voice to speak to myself I picked the male up tossing him around my shoulder. His body was cold, and before I picked him up I caught a hint of the marks on one of his arms. "You're just full of surprises huh? Surviving and finding time to sleep?" My mother once told me that when someone snores they are having a peaceful rest or at least much-needed sleep. Puckering my lips, I found his body oddly light, at least for what I expected. Adding him to my walk, I started to regret it after trailing up a hill; I know I pushed my body beyond the likes of this but I haven't rested, recently fought for my life, and food was a bare memory.
Stomach growling for the tenth time, I debated on taking a chunk out of Kiyoshi's arm. The thought got a slight giggle out of me, laughter could brighten to mood anywhere. Stumbling over a discarded branch, my lips parted a sigh escaping from my petite frame. The dirt turned into mud which put more strain on my body, the bandages that were white now a dark poo brown. It didn't help that moving so much was starting to reflect my body odor, grinding my teeth I kept moving. The wind pushing against me with each step.
After more minutes of walking, I stopped to view yet another peer laid out on the ground. Unlike Kiyoshi he had injuries around, the most important one was the small outline on his chest. "I don't think I can carry you two and live to see tomorrow." Trying my luck, it took me a while to find a balance to get him on my other shoulder, the extra weight sunk me further into the ground. The bright side about this was that my bushy pigtails were tickling them in the face, and they couldn't smell me.
My feet moved, and my mind started to drift. I knew blood would get on me from helping my other classmate, it didn't bother me in the slightest at the moment. This was the beginning of everything, and in the future who knows maybe I'd be carrying my teammates like this? On that subject, I pondered who would want to be with who on a cell. Personally, I was fine with anyone. Ah, for certain I didn't want Sasuke so I guess I contradicted myself as Iruka would put it. I can handle silence, but the Uchiha had a twisted view of things. I don't think I am the only one to catch onto it, but he figured he was the best alive so he wanted only the best on his team...I kinda felt sorry for who would be placed with him. "I hope I get Hinata! She is so sweet and fun to be around, oh and Kirayari!" Speaking out loud to myself again I focused on the task at hand.
How long has it been since I've taken this extra addition? I didn't know, the light from the exit was as bright as ever. My legs pushed to the final stretch my veins and muscles pulsing with each step, cardio was something I would remember to work on after today. Making it out, I caught the sight of the few who remained it wasn't a lot but it was enough to bring us to safety. My body gave out, my vision clouding as I went under.
Kei caught Aju with his knee, her forehead placing against it as his other hands filled with the boys. He didn't get to see anyone's condition, but he could hear his brother breathing weakly, the short-staffed medics came to asset and help. They ended up taking all three to the hospital for check-ups, which let his heart calm.
No one's POV
-The next day-
"I can't believe this happened." Kurenai's voice softened, her eyes taking in one of her dear colleagues. "What were we all doing in the first place?" Her relationship with Iruka was best described as simple friends, they'd chat occasionally but beyond that, it wasn't much depth. Considering that aspect, it didn't mean she was less upset in any way. He was lucky to be alive, she was informed not long ago and many questions were plaguing her mind.
Asuma's hands squeezed the fabric in his pocket, he was a leaf ninja and put his life on the line to protect the village. Information about how this came to be as bare as if someone was covering it up, he was lucky some civilian spotted him and took him here. That doesn't explain anything, after getting a base review of his condition the male was happy his friend would still live. Finding the urge to place one of his stress relievers in his mouth, Asuma nibbled on his lower lip. "I don't understand what happened," Every now and then he would stop the small action before returning to it. "Iruka must've had a lead on what happened and chased after, right?"
Before Kurenai could offer her input, Reina's index finger tapped against the viewing glass. She saw a snake, but it could've been coming out of the training ground. She couldn't think when she last saw Iruka in the upset of things, "Instead of questioning everything we should be happy he's alive and in a stable condition." She said what she wanted, but was being like this worth living at this point? His life as a shinobi was over as of now, even when he woke up did anyone think how'd he feel?
"We know this was for his students, he grown attached to them." She retained a time where the Chunin would down a drink calling most of his students' prodigies, how he would go on and on about how teams could make or break them. Kurenai shook her head, "Well, no matter what as long as no one thinks of him differently...he is going to be proud."
'Proud?' Reina let her thoughts sink in, it wasn't entirely possible. They should save this conversation for when he awoke, it wasn't if it was when. "We've been informed that the students are given a month until they are to report in cells, if he awakes in that time frame we should host a party with all his friends and students."
"How do you think he'd feel when he finds out Mizuki was a part of this whole scheme?" Jiei leaned against the wall, he was blind he couldn't see his friend's condition but the way everyone described it was enough to give someone an image. There was also the question of how Mizuki came to lose against a child, the skill gap should've been huge. Then again, the student that did him in was in the hospital better than before. 'The way they described the body it seemed as if it was overkill.' Breaking away from his thoughts the refined warrior turned his head in the direction of Kakashi.
"Still can't get through your sharp senses huh Jiei." Kakashi kept his attention on the book in hand, without noticing Reina stiffening at his voice the male closed his book only to look through the glass. "A lot happened in a short time span, when this month is up I hope everyone trains whoever they get accordingly." He knew it would be something Iruka asked for, it was obvious. Pupils moved to the side of the glass, in the reflection was Kei moving down the hall with Anko by his side.
"You two aren't going to take a second to give a silent pray to Iruka?" Asuma's voice came out with slight anger oozing into the sentence. His hold on the fabric started to waver, and Anko turned to look at the Jonin with an almost pained expression on her it was as if she had a clue at what transpired.
"No, I will save it until he awake!" Her loud voice caused Kei to take a step back his hand rubbing his ear, Anko was just about one of the loudest Jonin.
"I'll do it after my brother is discharged." Putting a hand up he dragged his feet against the marble flooring, a slight stubble coming into play as he passed each Jonin up. Reina found her eyes narrowing on the one moving by them, she knew his brother was his world, and being the only two left in his family perhaps she could understand?
"Is that all you care about?" It was a slip again, but it was an important question. It showed where one's loyalty lied. Reina looked towards Kakashi's shocked expression before mentally cursing herself.
"At the moment yes, who wouldn't care if you had a duty to protect your younger brother, and here he is in the hospital?" Kei didn't turn around, he kept moving with Anko quickly waving at the group before appearing at his side. Reina felt he was being truthful, but something was off about it. He worded it perfectly, and didn't say anything back...maybe she was barking up the wrong tree.
xXx
Fukō's feet dangled off the mattress, memories of what happened the day before fresh in his head. The sound of some bird in a cage chirping away disrupting his thought process, pale soles hit the cold platform.
Chirp, Chirp, Chirp.
Standing in front of the cage the male blinked, his hand hovering in front of the entrance. The sudden movement caused the bird to stop making noise, for the time being, its dark eyes looked at the towering human. Silence filled the room, silver pools zoning in on the small animal.
Kei opened the door, looking at the room he acquired for his brother. Seeing his brother was resting, the male walked towards the open window. 'I thought I kept everything closed?' Thinking he accidentally left it open, he peeked outside before coming back to close it. Blowing out hot air, the big brother turned to view his family resting. All was good, but he would have a small scar across his chest. "You did well if I would've known what was going to happen...I-" Not knowing what he would say he took a seat in a chair, "I haven't been asleep all day..." His words started colliding with each other, his eyes closing as he decided to get some rest.
Silence flourished around the volume, both brothers having a smile on their faces as they rested.
Akane kicked back, the shade from the tree giving her a sense of serenity. All was well, the leaves around her put a smile on her face it was the small things that mattered in the end. A sudden heel made the leaves diminish, it didn't take much brainpower to guess who the culprit that ruined her training session was.
Tenten stood in front of the resting girl, her hands on her sides as they both gave each other a dumb expression. "And here I was thinking you'd be mourning after finding out what happened to Iruka." Dusting off the grass, the preteen sat near her friend. "I take it your sister didn't tell you about it?" A nod answered Tenten's question. "Apparently, he was hospitalized and in a dangerous condition when they found him." Puffing her cheeks she continued, "He's stable now, but hasn't shown any signs in waking up...when he does he'll probably retire." Her goal was to become strong and well known throughout the world, so speaking about this put illogical fear into her. "He won't be able to walk again."
The news put the female on her bottom, her back perched on the tree. "Did they remove his legs or something?" It was a generally obscure question, she knew there were many ways to incapacitate people mentally and physically. Iruka was someone she didn't have bad blood with, if anything she thought he was admirable with his own set of skills. Somewhat of a pushover, but nice.
"The details are unknown, but people are speculating a sword went through his spine which ended all contact with his nerves and responses down there." Tenten knew better than to believe rumors but it sounded plausible, hell when they were in the academy rumors haunted her. "He's lucky to be alive so I guess, even if his career is over he can help with teaching still."
"He is never going to get laid now." Akane being blunt voiced her current thought, seeing her best friend's expression allowed an eye-roll. "Think about it, you and me both seen how ninjas are treated akin to ordinary people. He's just about ordinary now, probably can't even get his thingy up. Poor soul." Tenten smacked Akane as the impure thoughts kept rolling out.
"T-That's not the case! He was hurt protecting the village, even if he is forced to retire his honor and name will follow through maybe he'll find someone that can put up with him." Tenten covered her mouth as soon as the words left, side-eyeing the red-haired preteen she tried to get caught up in the soon-to-come teasing.
"Up? I understand since he won't be able to get up ever again." The foul joke left her mouth only for her to hear herself, "I'll shut up now." Neji and Lee appeared from thin air, both of them looking at the brown-haired Kunoichi.
"Gai-sensei wants us to meet near the training grounds!" Lee's voice was loud as ever, and his smile was just as contagious.
"Hey, Lee and Neji." Akane finding time to stand glared at the genius only to be ignored.
"Hi, Akane-chan!" Before Lee could give her his trademark thumbs-up, Neji yanked him by his bodysuit. Tenten stood before bidding Akane a farewell, the three left the younger Yūhi alone once again.
"Prick."
-Two days later-
The students filled the classroom, some wearing the ninja outfit they acquired and others coming in casual clothing, none of them had time to see each other over the days they expected to be graduate at least some of them did.
Jiei stood in front of the classroom, the chalkboard fresh with something to keep them busy until he made the announcement. "There is a piece of paper in front of you, and a writing utensil. Using the items you will write who you think you should be partnered with and why only give two names and when you are done flip the paper over." The Hokage wanted the student's insight into this topic, although it wouldn't have an impact on the decision at hand it made them feel a part of something.
Above all, Masuo was the first to flip the paper over. His eyes staring at the blank paper, when he first came inside it wasn't as loud as it usually was. Maybe, it had to do with the news of their Instructor being hospitalized or the aftermath of the exam. It was either one of the two, none of them had consulted with each other since the exam; now once they finished this task anything was possible. What would happen? Intrigued yet scared, he found his thoughts lining up. He knew who he wanted for a fact, it was none other than Kiyoshi the strangest kid in the classroom. They had an agreement going on, so being in close proximity would benefit both of them to top it off his skills were above average the two could easily work off each other. Stopping his hand movements, Masuo surveyed the classroom with his light brown eyes coming to each of his peers. Sakura was an option she was spaced off in the classroom, usually, she'd sit as close to Sasuke but this time she was in the corner surprisingly, Hotaru was the one near the emo preteen. His hand moved, the name he scribbled being marked over. Fukō. He was interesting with some flaws, if he was closer to him then anything could happen. Masuo didn't know much about the skills of his peer but he figured if he was alive it had to be decent. After finishing his paper, he turned his attention to Shikamaru. Another interesting fellow.
Jiei heard how most of these youngsters finished the assignment in record time, it was no doubt they wrote down their friend's names or who they felt comfortable by. Only a handful would put thought into it, still, it was nice to get the mood up before breaking the news.
Mia finished the paper turning it over, she thought over her answers. She wasn't affected by the exam as everyone else, but it made her for sure of her answers. Sasuke at first seemed like a good option, but he was in bad condition which shouldn't have affected his status in her head. He underperformed in her eyes, even then she still had his name on the paper; she was hoping it was a one-time thing but it was a false belief. Mia was rather reluctant on her second option, her hand fiddled with the pencil on the table; Hotaru being her rival and all would be better on an opposite faction, it was what Kaoru said. 'Rivals on opposite sides are more inclined to give more, but on the same team it pushes both to grow cause they see the progress happening.' She ended up with Hotaru as her second name, teal eyes shot to the side just around Sasuke was Hotaru. Somehow, the two ended up next to her with Sasuke in the middle and Hotaru just on the other side. 'Sasuke didn't have to get her to sit next to him...' It was kinda awkward to her.
Fukō shifted in his seat, the jacket he was wearing kept attaching to the ointment on his chest. He wasn't allowed to wear his other outfit cause of this damn scar, it irked him more than he would've liked. Tapping his writing appliance against the table, he scanned the room. Being in the back had its advantages, he had a clear view of everything. He didn't know how to start this. Name and reason he didn't have a clue, at first he had a second thought but that sailed away. Silver eyes lined up with the pink-haired girl away from her usual friends, more importantly, the distance between her and Sasuke was far from what she'd usually like. It seemed as if she took over Hotaru's seat, moving towards the girl in name he saw her near the emo male. 'Maybe she is finally branching out?' If that was the case, starting the assignment officially he didn't hesitate to write Sakura's name. 'This is where I destroy the bridge.' His metaphoric thought washed away as he needed a reason. Sakura was, someone loud which he found annoying and stuck out. Now, it was like she was trying to hide. He ended up writing she was different. Folding the bottom half of the paper he flipped it over, the room had barely any annoyance now. It was music to his ears.
Kirayari was one of the first to finish, after the exam she knew who she wanted and why. To start, Aju was someone she didn't hesitate to write. They clicked at least she figured they did, maybe she was too optimistic about this blossoming friendship? On the bright side, Aju's skills could easily move off her own; it was a combo no one would see coming. Now her second name was someone that would come in handy in situations, Seiko and Kirayari had a brief interaction during the exam but he showcased something he could do well off given the limited items and time, sure his taijutsu could be worked on but he could play in the outfield. Speaking of the male, he wasn't present in class. She didn't know a thing about him, but that would change after some time she had a gut feeling about it.
Jiei's ears picked up on the sound of people writing, some of them were taking it seriously at least more than he anticipated. Hearing the sound of one of the students crumbling up the paper a small scowl pasted on his face, if one couldn't do such a simple task were they even worthy of becoming a Genin?
Hotaru found herself not writing a thing, now that she was back in the classroom with her associates she wanted to figure out who came to her rescue. Thanking them was one thing, but she was more interested in if her seal worked completely. When she asked Mia who bought her to wherever they were resting she was met with a shrug, she wanted to let it go but an experiment was at play. She had gotten the opportunity to test something she poured her hard work into and she didn't want to change anything if the results were beyond ordinary. Feeling a set of eyes on her she didn't need to turn to know the Uchiha was looking at her paper, she was slowly getting irritated with his antics; first, she was damn near ushered to seat near him by someone now he kept trying to sneak glances at her paper. Jotting down some random names she flipped her paper, only to go back into her subconscious.
The noise in the classroom began to pick up, but it didn't bother Kiyoshi. Strangely enough, after the incident, he felt good. The hospital said there wasn't anything really wrong which pleased him, so after finding out who carried him out he thought about telling her thanks...but it seemed like she was surrounded by friends constantly asking how did she fair inside for so long. The first name was obvious, Masuo for the sole reason of helping himself. The second was Aju, who was quite talkative, and a bundle of joy as some referred. She was proficient in fighting and what she lacked in other areas Masuo made up, it was a nice team with him in the middle or front. Kiyoshi didn't take in the fact Masuo might not enjoy Aju's company, flipping the paper over the young man placed his head against the table.
"Why do you think Sakura is sitting alone?" One of the main girls in the class whispered not so quietly, she was curious normally the Haruno was up and about; so this sudden change was off. Aju looked back at Sakura if she had to guess it was something to do with the exam. Whether anyone wanted the share what they went through is entirely up to them, but it had to be with someone that took part in it also.
Not bothering to finish the assessment, Aju debated on standing before catching Fukō looking at the back of Sakura's head. It was a first she caught him doing something like this, maybe the exam had some psychological damage rummaging around more than one student? She tried to read into the male's body language but she couldn't gauge anything, he didn't have that love glint normal people have nor that curious or shy gaze it was something she hasn't seen before. Not fretting, she angled herself back to Sakura. Even if she was far away, she saw the distant look in her eyes. Iruka's predicament had a toll on everyone but maybe it was something dear to her? Cursing the lack of free time, she flinched as Jiei called her to turn straight. "Your blind...how did you even know." Muttering the sentence underneath her breath she pouted before messing with her hair.
Shinobu started drawing on his paper as he finished, he didn't write anything special. All he had was Naruto and Shikamaru, he figured if one can have fun while being serious what was the harm in that? Naruto could be the main tank, Shikamaru the long-range attackers and then he could stay in the mid-field; it sounded like quite the dangerous team especially if you took in their strengths, with Naruto's ability to take hits repeatedly they wouldn't lose at all. Combining his feats with Shikamaru's also makes for some impressive teamwork. Overall, he was decently happy with his little paper.
The clock ticked down before Jiei had someone grab all the papers and deliver them to the desk; not feeling it was the appropriate time to explain everything he gave the students a short break before exiting.
Sakura leaned into the chair, a soft sigh leaving her lips. Her thumb drawing circles into the back of her hand, it was something she told would keep her calm. Listening to everyone talk, she felt a melancholy feeling in her stomach. Her hands left each other only to rub along the thin tights she had on, the biker shorts now gone and replaced with some dark tights. Not seeing the group of girls walking up to her she ended up jumping at the sound of their voice, "We are going to the bathroom do you want to join us?" A soft shake confirmed things and they left the girl alone.
Fukō's feet hit the stairs, his body coming next to the table Sakura was at. Her angelic green eyes set on the male, and for a moment her heart started to palpate. The role's changed, didn't they? Here she was alone and docile, she put her head down her eyes on the floor in seconds. He was interested, she wasn't causing him to get a headache.
Masuo's hand placed on Fukō's shoulder, sweat lingering down the side of his face as he offered the two a smile. "Strange, the only girl you are seen around is Hotaru...replacing her already?" He knew exactly how to push someone's buttons but this snowy-haired male was different, maybe this was the break he was looking for? The noise in the classroom from everyone else put the three in their own square.
Blinking Fukō retracted, "Hotaru? Replacing her? It looks like she's busy right now, why would I bother her?" Masuo was a pain in the ass now that he thought about it, the slight mention of the female was supposed to bother him but he didn't react he wouldn't play into his hands. "Your hobby is watching people, but I think you're slowly becoming obsessed."
"Me? What about you? Before I came over, you were hovering above Sakura like she was yours? You couldn't see how uncomfortable she was?" Removing his hand he leaned against the table, it was always a battle when the two clashed. It kept him interested, Masuo ran his hand around his violet hair awaiting an answer; if Fukō left now then he would be accepting what he was doing. It was all a mental game.
"Sorry, I wasn't trying to come off that way...I just noticed she was distancing herself from her friends and was checking up on her." It sounded believable if it was Aju, but Masuo didn't believe a word coming out of his mouth. He noticed how Fukō didn't break eye contact, was he finally cracking down these walls?
Sakura interrupted the two, her soft-spoken voice catching them off-guard. "S-Sorry, I am not feeling well." Both of the boys knew it was a lie still, both had a similar yet different expression, finally finding herself to look at the two her green pools went towards silver and shortly after brown hues. "I-I'm serious, I just don't feel like being around anyone."
Aju randomly popped up, and upon so she took the seat right next to her friend, "You guys heard her she doesn't feel well...hehe." She got a good look in Fukō's eyes she could see the annoyance and anger brimming, Masuo on the other hand was more curious than anything. "She's started her cycle, so please abide by her words." Aju felt like she was protecting the poor girl against twin wolves.
The two listened one leaving back to his seat. yet the other followed pestering. Aju turned to look at Sakura, and now that she was close she noticed how pale she was; and how her outfit changed. Before she could answer, Sakura gave a forced smile. Whatever she was holding onto wasn't ready to be released. "It's okay, as long as I am here you don't have to worry about anything! I will protect you!" It was an attempt to cheer her up, the last thing she wanted was her to fall in the clutches of someone with ill intent.
The exam had more of an effect than anyone noticed.
xXx
"Iruka's status is over." Mia reiterated once again to the group of people that crowded around her, Hotaru not having the peace of quiet to study decided to listen to them conversating, it hadn't occurred to her previously but Mia was rather emotionally unavailable or emotionally inept. For starters, when she explained Kiba's condition during the exam, she sounded like she didn't care at all. Being able to erase all hints of emotion was key in becoming a true shinobi, but violence followed right after.
Tuning the group out, Hotaru began to get lost in her head. Violence was the only answer in some cases, and believe it or not if people talked things out civilly lots of deaths and altercations can be compromised. For example, Iruka. Now Hotaru wasn't as cold as she liked to think but with words maybe Iruka could've suffered a different fate? Then again, she was contradicting herself words could only work if both parties spoke. If one side was only listening then violence would erupt, it was stupid. Somehow she got herself a tad annoyed at the thought of how brain-dead people could be, standing she went to find a seat in the back where she could peacefully read.
Reaching the end she took her seat, the book placed on the table. Normally she could skim over things and retain them, but she enjoyed rereading about Fuinjutsu and coming up with branch thoughts on whatever the book focuses on, her attempts at peace and quiet were removed the moment the seat next to her was filled. The culprit had a hoodie on, but as they placed their head on the table she knew exactly who it was. Golden-yellow eyes traveled to where the preteen previously was only to see Masuo looking in her direction, maybe she wasn't entirely alone in wanting to get away? Not finding his presence troublesome, she continued where her bookmark laid.
Kirayari looked at the two in the back, then towards Aju and Sakura. 'Why does it seem everyone is split off in sections?' Speaking of that, why wasn't anyone by her? Quickly standing she fought the urge to join the two green-eyed women, moving to Kiyoshi she was met with a questioning gaze. "U-uh...H-hello! I am Kira. -Kira." To say this meeting wasn't starting off on the wrong foot was debatable.
"I know." His voice came out, which bought Kirayari's jaw to the floor. They never really had any meaningful chats, hell had they spoke to each other before this? Still, she heard all these rumors about him not talking which put the assumption he hated everyone, but here he was talking to carrot girl. Taking a moment to process what was said, she couldn't stop the edges of her lips from curving upwards.
"Honestly, I didn't expect you to answer so I don't have much to say..." Her eyes went back and forth before she found anything to talk about, "I heard you were one of the few to fight during the exam, care to explain how it went down? -Kira." Kiyoshi didn't know how to respond, or if he wanted to. Blowing out hot air, he figured he'd play into the act of conversation.
"Rough?" He wasn't well acquainted in explaining what happened as he was clueless himself, one second he was fighting a losing battle the next he was toying around and drawing the battle out, the sickening feeling of enjoying someone's meaningless struggle. The odd chakra that surrounded him and how it took control of his mind, everything about it was strange.
"I didn't expect anything less, it was rough saving someone and running so I can only imagine taking on one of those people face to face!" Kirayari tapped against the wooden table as the clock ticked down, the conversation grew stale; normally she could go on for ages yet Kiyoshi wasn't showing any signs of wanting to speak. "Um, I-I am happy you made it out fine." She didn't mean it completely they hardly knew each other, but it was common courtesy.
Kiyoshi shook his head, making it out alive was the goal in the end. But the overlaying problems that came rotated around the classroom, at least for some of the students.
Jiei figured he gave the students enough time, coming through the sliding door his shoes tapped on the wooden flooring; creaking coming into the air with the faulty design. He wouldn't mind a nice cup of Sake at the moment, applying chakra in his hands, arms moved his palms colliding in a clap. The sound was loud enough to get everyone's attention. "I take it most of you heard about your instructor's condition? If you haven't he is currently in a coma, we can't say when he will awake or if he can. Please take time out of your day to visit his room or leave some type of card in case he does awake." Stepping forward Jiei cleared his throat, "In other news, you all will be given a month before you are officially placed with your Jonin leader. During this time, make amends, build relations and train." The bell rang signaling it was lunchtime, yet like any disciplined army, none of the students moved. "You are still required to attend the academy for the remaining weeks, though we won't be doing much besides the usual or less." Looking around the room, he took in everyone's expressions.
"You are dismissed."
No words of what happened to Iruka yet, the students have a month left before becoming a true ninja; lots of time for things to occur. That Fuko scene was inspired by Mouse the K drama, in this month who's to tell what can happen people may get closer or breakaway. Maybe it's me, but music is key when I am writing it helps envision the scene; I also have songs for each character or most of them, it helps flesh them out better. Ahem, I even have songs that can describe some future friendships, etc. The slight conflict between Asuma and Kei, Asuma acting a little OOC, but there is a reason.
Ah, I am not going to spoil much; but Iruka is still useful for a short time. Fuko's mindset is rather odd, as time goes along we will see why he acts like so. For a second, he starts targeting Sakura but who knows what will happen...Masuo seems to be the only one interested/wary of him lol. Thanks, as I stated above I listen to a certain set of music to get in the mind of a pov.
Thanks, I don't think I write fast more so I just have a lot of free time. I have started another semester of college though, so it may impact my updates.
Mia and Shinobu's fight showcased their lack of teamwork, or at least Mia not attempting to correlate with him. Now, as of Fuko. There is a reason for him to think like so and Iruka yea but there is still some use for him haha.
Thanks for all the support! I will get to that long reply next chapter, and sorry mine are a little short kinda busy still.
The exam part may be over, but it's only the beginning. Aju's fight was my favorite to write honestly, especially her move. Ah, see you guys next time! From this moment onwards, the character submission is closed for now!