Ants circled inside the dead bird, it's left eye was missing, entrail around the dirt. It was a feast, antennas wiggled around as they quickly made worth of the food, some worker ants signaling towards the soldiers to help harvest the flesh. The round stomach was split open the black insects taking apart the dead animal, some human passerby noticed movement in the dead bird but didn't do anything as they knew it was the circle of life. Everything had a predator and prey.
Sakura swung her legs, her rear resting on the orange bench. She told herself she'd get over it. No matter how many times she told herself she kept seeing the same thing. Picking at the packed lunch her mother made for her, she figured she could not resume pursuing Sasuke if she wouldn't get over such a trivia thing. That wasn't even the main issue at hand, but it was what she kept in mind to keep pushing. Blinking, a flash of white burned into her head. She was supposed to be a ninja, and here she was dwelling on something that happened to her. Even so, she couldn't get over it, the pleasurable expression he wore when he ran the tip of the weapon along her legs and thighs. His dreading words, how he told her she was worthless.
She was ashamed, she could only blame herself. Sasuke wouldn't look at her at all, he'd be disgusted if anything. Shaking her head, her pink locks swung around. Sakura didn't want to think like this like her life was ruined because of the marks around her legs. Surprisingly, this was the reason she was chowing down alone away from anyone that could question her. She couldn't take it. Aju was a real angel to help her in that dire situation, she must've looked pathetic. Placing her homemade dish to the side, her dainty fingers reached the hem of her attire. Her heart started palpating, her arms shaking as she lifted the clothing upwards. Sweat started playing around her forehead, time around her stopping as a similar shade of white hair appeared in front of her. Questions plagued her mind, she didn't know what to do. Looking into his eye's she couldn't tell if he was disgusted by her, or pitied her.
Fukō watched as Sakura froze, her arms were shaking. Her eyes brimming with fear, but she wasn't scared of him. She didn't want anyone to see the oddity on her legs, he couldn't help. It was more of a mental issue, something he couldn't do much about. "It's fine, things like this will happen one way or another when becoming a ninja." His heels clicked against the concrete pathway, a gust of air blowing both of their hair. Fukō could tell she was hesitant about talking, if she was ashamed of this to the point she secluded herself away from her friends why would she feel comfortable around him? Taking in the barrage of scars that riddled her skin, the preteen crouched. They weren't spread out, more so aligned like the culprit took time to execute it. "You shouldn't be afraid to show them, it's a sign of a battle you survived." He wasn't getting a headache, what changed? She hadn't spoken yet, so that was a clue.
Sakura rolled the fabric back down, in her panic her elbow forcefully hit the back of the bench. Excusing the pain, she tried to quickly gather her things only to be stopped by the very male. Green met silver, and she couldn't tell what was on his mind; what he was thinking, why he was doing this. His hold on her shoulder was tender as if he was trying to calm her down or get her to lower her guard. Closing her eye's she fought back the tears that wanted to spill out. How weak could she be?
Naruto forcefully removed Fukō's hand, his whiskered face narrowing on the snowy-haired boy. "What are you doing to her?" His jaw was clenched, his words barely audible. Fukō turned to look at the brat who came into the equation, this was the second time he was interrupted. He'd make sure there wasn't a third. Removing the hold on his arm, Fukō took a step backward placing space between the three.
"She isn't acting like herself, I was checking up on her...because I care about her." Naruto didn't know how to take his words, he never got to know the male but in all the time he bothered Sakura he'd never made her like this, and he never saw him near her. The orange jumpsuit-wearing jinchūriki bought his hand towards Sakura only to watch her scoot to the side, the simple action bringing her closer to the very person who had his hand on her. Looking at Fukō's smirk, the male closed the distance, hands gripping his jacket, pulling him closer than needed.
"What did you do to Sakura-chan." Naruto couldn't tell where his anger was coming from, he hasn't seen her vulnerable before so seeing her in a state along with her moving away from him he couldn't exactly figure what was going on. Most of all, he hated the look in Fukō's eyes. "Why is she like thi-" A direct fist to the face made him release his hold, his body falling to the floor.
Fukō couldn't stop himself, he acted on impulse. Naruto's voice was annoying him, it wasn't his fault Sakura backed away from Naruto's help. All he did was offer words to a lonely girl, maybe he'd admit he knew what he was doing later on, but now his work was done. Leaving the two alone, Sakura didn't debate on helping Naruto. She found herself holding back her voice, she couldn't stay like this if she wanted to get better. Pushing past the newfound shyness she had, her voice rang out. "B-Baka! Don't try to act tough! H-He was helping me."
Naruto's face flushed with Sakura's help, all previous anger washing away. "I feel like such an asshole! I thought he hurt you or something!" Naruto couldn't put it in words, but something was off about that whole scene. It looked like he was in control from the very end, "Sakura-chan! Care to go get something to eat with me?" It was back to normal, the male expected a slap or a loud no.
"I'm good, I have to head home after school...hehe." Sakura sunk back in, only to help him get up. "T-thanks again." Bidding a farewell, the female quickly left Naruto alone with her food still resting on the bench, the content still fresh.
Fukō walked inside the building, hands in his pocket he didn't turn to greet the major pain. "That's new, I can't tell if you were helping her or making things worse." Masuo leaned against the wall, his head tilted to the side in a comedic manner. "Well, whatever you were doing I can tell you made an impression on her..." Moving off the wall and in front of Fukō, Masuo couldn't help but cross his arms. "That was your goal huh? Isn't that why you lashed out at Naruto? Sight, sound, smell, and touch. You outlined four of the five senses,"
"You're oddly interested in me, at least more than usual...or should I say Sakura? I haven't noticed until now but you are always nearby, do you feel guilty about her predicament? I'm sure someone as observant as you noticed it, this is your fault after all." Fukō nibbled on his lower lips, the contact between the two not stopping.
"I'm still on the fences whether being on a team with you would be fun or dangerous." Masuo stepped in front of the male in an attempt to size him up, sadly Fukō was an inch or four taller. "Team or not, it seems we are enemies more than acquaintances." Masuo stood his ground as Fukō brushed past him, "Maybe rivals could be a better term?" Tuning back to Sakura's direction the male watched as she finally rounded the corner leaving Naruto, "Maybe, I do feel a tad guilty."
xXx
Mia ate her meal in peace away from all the questions, she was slowly losing energy answering the same repeating questions. Everyone wanted to know how she did what she did, coming up with a plan and whatnot. It felt good, boosting her dopamine but she was still disappointed with herself. The battle she participated in was lackluster on her side, she thought she had the upper hand only to end up losing. Snapping the chopsticks in her hand, the young girl began to fiddle with the teal satin bow on her head. When she awoke after the battle or at least regained her senses, her mother was frantically hugging her and smothering her in love. Ivory skin was beautified in the sun, the sound of the people chattering filling Mia's ears. The training paid off without a doubt, but it felt as if she was missing a crucial piece. Was it the closure of the battle? A shadow loomed over her, a familiar sight of red greeting her vision.
Shinbou was preparing this for the longest, he practiced in his room and even had said it in the shower multiple times. Swallowing down the disagreeable thoughts that delayed, he shuffled his fingers against each other. "Mia, I am sorry for not being that helpful during the exam." It was technically his fault, with the proper help the encounter could've gone differently.
Mia didn't respond, her eyes narrowing on the kid before raising a brow. Finally keying into reality, she looked around only to see all eyes were on her. "Shinobu, you did help if you weren't around I would've been dead." Her blunt regard to her death made him flinch for a second, she was rather hardcore. Well, someone like her was worthy of her rank and status. Still, the reassuring words bought some guilt off his mind.
"I thought he was going to confess his love for you." Kimi couldn't help but take a friendly shot at the popular girl. Mia returned her attention to her friends, her full lips parting as her eyebrows knitted, not letting it bother her she figured Shinobu left as the sun started to hit her skin once again. "I mean, you captivated most of the boys in this class without trying at that." Mia could practically taste the bitterness in her voice, unlike everyone else Kimi wasn't downright head over heels for Sasuke her taste was unique.
"Haha, I don't care for the attention the boys give me." Mia attempted to sway the chat, this type of conversation happened before and it ended up with a long drawn out one-sided argument. "I don't think we are at an adequate age to be focusing on trivia things like crushes, we need to be focused on forming bonds with our peers." It was spoken like a true leader in the making, someone with the right mindset.
Giggling, Kimi batted her eyes at Mia. "I knew you'd say that, if you don't mind then can you help me? I plan on confessing to someone later today you can act as our messenger. What do you say, Mia?" Kimi smiled to throw off all questioning thoughts, and Mia couldn't help but rub her heels against the concrete.
"You should take care of your internal affairs alone, it'll only hinder me and whoever you're interested in." Standing Mia looked around for anyone available, seeing as no one caught her eye she carefully left the table her hands balled up into fists. Kimi was obviously trying to embarrass her and ruin her image, it was vexing. Leaving the lunch area, her legs stopped moving. "Damnit!" Stomping her foot on the ground, she shifted to see a bewildered Hotaru with a scroll in hand, Hinata right next to her rival.
Storming off to save herself from embarrassment, Hotaru went back to her teachings while Hinata debated seeing if the girl was alright. "So, as we see here you need to have neat format when composing a basic seal." Hotaru's voice ultimately was the decider in keeping Hinata grounded her soft voice hardly audible.
Hinata asked for Hotaru's help in teaching her about the basics of Fuinjutsu, she knew it'd come in handy one way or another when traveling with her squad. "The issue with Fuinjutus that many don't speak about is the amount of chakra one should embed inside, with some training and time I think you'll be able to pick up on the difference." Hotaru was well versed in this topic, the fact someone sought her out to ask her about teaching made her a bit fortunate. There were many problems when trying to perfect something, and although she was gifted some of these complications were harder than they seemed.
"T-Thank you Hotaru-chan." The Hyuga heiress smiled profoundly, her attention roaming back to where Mia scattered off. "D-do you think M-Mia-chan is fine?" Hotaru didn't give it any thought, but knowing how kind-hearted Hinata was of course she'd want to look out for a fellow classmate. Shrugging, Hotaru rolled the scroll. Hinata's mind was wandering off, which would be she couldn't give the art her full attention.
"You can chase after her, I have to catch up on some reading." Without much thought Hinata bowed and left, leaving the girl alone. Marching in the opposite direction she was stopped by Kirayari and Aju, both talkative Kunoichi having a questioning gaze. "Heyyy, Hotaru." Aju closed one her of eyes and smiled, "I need your help with something." And like that she was kidnapped by a peer.
The third Hokage shuffled the paperwork on his desk, he hasn't been able to finish any of the work that piled. Everything was in the possible worst scenario, Iruka a noble aspect in the village was in a coma; looping in that matter with how badly the exam was and the complaints he received everything was coming at him. Threats were around all corners, the Hokage had to stay vigilant at all times when did he find the mental to take it easy? Some opponents were already in the village, masks were being worn and secured. Mizuki was a prime example, luckily he was taken care of by the students. 'Looks like, I'll need to prepare for the worse.' Hiruzen's thoughts branched around, the tin doorknob twisting as another known assailant intruded.
Black shaggy hair came into view, the sound of a thin wooden cane echoing into the Third's ears. "Hokage-sama, we received more grievances." The stern expression on Danzō's face was the very mask everyone was wary around. "Apparently, the citizens want to know what happened that left you unable to help."
Hiruzen didn't utter a word, the fellow old man would usually throw in some type of backhanded threat when speaking alone; maybe he should egg him forth a bit. "I was helping," Turning in his chair, brown eyes looked at the window the glass reflecting Danzō's emotionless expression. "Keeping the true enemy closer to me, therefore keeping all other allies at bay." The sly meaning didn't roll past Danzō.
"Humans, tend to be more emotional based. The same can be said for me, but those who can push aside those weakened flaws become something great; they go beyond normal feats, the irrational views is the true flaw of life."
"All humans have emotions and bonds, if one doesn't that means they aren't human. Monster. That's what they are and will be until they can find what helps them grow."
"You continuously tend to look on the vivacious side of circumstances, in the end, that will be your downfall and you know it. It saddens me to know you won't be alive to see the monster I will unleash."
"What is one monster too, thousands of angels? With the help of others, the angels can change the monster back into a human being and so forth."
"Failure, a monster can't be changed. It'll bring the angels despair and corrupt them, in order to defeat a monster one must become a monster."
"Danzō, if you think you are a monster you are mistaken. If anything, you're just about human like the rest of us. Your actions prove my declaration conclusive, you don't have what it takes to become a monster mentally. I take it you heard the bedtime story parents tell their students to make sure they fall asleep? How the blood from the white spider will turn you into a monster? Born at night, in the blood of its enemies. It solicited death, a strange silky insect that bought death to anything it touched?" Turning back, the Sandaime Hokage chuckled. "Its purpose was to cause havoc, and it continued killing until death. That version is wrong, the story took a turn the longer it was passed down the original only killed those that bothered its home; it was territorial, easily angered. It lived to mate, it could only produce so many offspring but loved its children dearly." Leaving the story alone, the older man waved his palm. "That is enough for now, if you want to know more I suggest you do research."
Danzō's grip on his cane congealed, "What if its offspring outgrew that territorial behavior? Wouldn't it roam until someone trapped it, making use of its abilities?"
"Someone can't tame a wild insect, that's what makes it a monster in some folklore. A branch in the story served into that direction and in the end, the insect was too much and took the life of the one that captivated it, as for outgrowing its behavior it's formatted into the blood. It'll keep searching for a home and then after a mate." Danzō calmed, his anger subsiding. The talk was all but over, nothing more was needed to be said.
The Hokage says, "Though finding a mate suitable for it was difficult, the story's true origins were long lost not even he could find it. The different versions were interesting though."
Leaving the Hokage in his cluttered fortress Danzō stood outside the door, 'Monsters are made, but the best are breed and nurtured.' Walking down the hall, the chattering of workers roamed around. It was a matter of time before this was all his, the day he became Hokage the village would be in its prime. It all started with his root members expanding, then everything will fall into line. Especially after the deal, he cut with Orochimaru.
xXx
Guarding Iruka's body wasn't something Kei thought he'd be doing anytime soon, but the Hokage requested it and Danzō gave him the thumbs up. The way things were progressing, he'd need to figure out some way to cut ties with the Kage level threat. He couldn't downright eliminate him, but poisoning was a viable option. It would start in small portions then gradually grow larger and larger. Like cancer. Killing Danzō would grant him merit with many, but it would also present him with new adversaries. Did that matter, his brother was put in danger from the lack of trust. Danzō had him on a leash, a long leash that could be easily cut. "Why cut the leash when one can use it to harm the owner?" A silent chuckle escaped, the spacious hallways not picking up.
"Laughing at a time like this?" Asuma's lips curled around the lit cigarette, the hazy smoke leaving the tip of the cancerous stick the red ash lighting as he took another puff. "Ya'know all the good things I hear I can't quite see it in you." Kei was amazed at how he was able to speak while keeping the stress reliever still, smoking habits must've got passed down through generations. "I haven't even gauged your skill, odd how people naturally stick up for you..."
Kei didn't mind the words, it was something that managed to piss off certain people luckily he wasn't one to be affected by words, at least it's what he liked to think. "If you can't laugh in tough situations, then I suggest more mental fortitude is needed," Asuma was usually laid back, maybe this exam had more of an effect than he liked to admit? With Iruka in a coma, and attention on his father maybe the water was overflowing the kettle? "I don't want any altercation, it's been some long days for all of us." The dark circles under Kei's eyes were enough to prove his words.
Asuma rose his hand, tapping the cigarette against his finger the ash fell onto the marble flooring his heel stomping down onto the substance. The fire hazard placed in between his fingers, a sigh came out the smoke flowing right after. "I can tell, you haven't even shaved properly." Asuma felt like an ass after Kurenai informed him about Reina's laughable suspicions, and his reaction to Iruka the adult was looking for someone to blame. "Man, I've been on edge this whole time I could use a drink or ten."
The suggestion didn't speed away, maybe it's what Kei needed to get more sleep? "I'll gladly take you up on that offer when I am off the clock." Diffusing the situation was something that the dark-haired male picked up on while growing up, it was part of being a people's person. What came with that was knowing what to say and when to say it, he picked it up from his father. Gosh, his dad was a people pleaser dumb as bricks but he had an arm on him. Kei recounted the time his father had to talk a fellow parent out of lashing out at him and his brother, they got into a little fight with some neighboring kids relative to their age at the time, and needless to say, they easily mopped them. Fukō ended up putting the one he fought in critical condition, truthfully I don't know how he did it or how our father took care of everything.
"Earth to Kei?" Snapping back to the present, the male blinked twice his mouth stretching open as his lungs deflated a yawn leaving. Did he doze off? Asuma finished his smoke which only narrowed how long he's been out, wasn't Asuma angry at him a couple of minutes ago? What changed in this short time span did his words really have that much effect on someone. Maybe convincing Reina to stop thinking ill of him will work? "Man, you really must be tired to sleep on the job; I know it won't do much but why are you drowsy?"
How could Kei answer the question, he got decent sleep when Fukō was in the hospital; but even then he found himself awaking in spurs to make sure they were safe, was it the fear of falling asleep again and not seeing his brother, it could be a number of things. "Let's see if we can get a shift change, and hope you get laid? That's what'll help you." Asuma's logic was flawed, why would using more energy help? Kei failed to see the perks of the logic but went along with the fellow Jonin. Noting that the question wasn't answered, Asuma started dragging Kei away from Iruka, heading towards the Hokage office.
Hotaru rubbed her arm, who would've thought that two girls could speak so much? They were a dangerous combo that could kill anyone with words, and then they had the audacity to ask her if she could help. Smacking her lips together, she slurped on the steaming noodles the flavor melting into her taste buds. The sweet delicacy danced around her mouth, she never took in how other people ate ramen but she enjoyed her's with a luscious flavor.
"W-why did you bring me here?" Sakura's tone wasn't what she was expecting, maybe Aju and Kirayari were correct about a change? Hotaru remembered Sakura to be loud, fawning, or at least speaking about Sasuke whenever she saw fit. She didn't know how she came to this situation, she didn't agree to help the two girls that kidnapped her, however here she was alone with Sakura after school. Noticing that someone hardly touched their food, Hotaru cleared her throat.
If Sakura wasn't eating it proved she was anxious to the point where she didn't feel comfortable eating near her at least, out of everyone why was she asked to attend to this task? "I bought you here to help." It was blunt and straightforward, it was what she was primarily here for. Taking a second to look at Sakura's attire, Hotaru already knew where the problem lied. It was an issue she couldn't fix alone, it was a lack of self-confidence. Coming up with various ways to tackle the situation, light teal bangs brushed against her head as she shivered. "Why are you wearing tights?"
The general question bought newfound stress onto Sakura's shoulders, her hand coming up as she faked a cough. "I-I caught a cold recently, s-so just precautions." The excuse was abysmal, maybe if she was someone with low intelligence she'd fall for the cheap words; unfortunately, she wasn't. Sakura cleared her throat as she forced some of the food into her system, her hand shaking as she lifted up the chopsticks. The slight movement pushed Hotaru back in her head, it was obvious Sakura was trying to keep it inside; perhaps what she was covering wasn't just scars but a newfound trauma?
"You should keep your whole body warm instead of your lower half right?" Playing along with her excuse, Hotaru used the bamboo chopsticks to spin her set of ramen. "Don't let this make you weaker, you...are someone that can achieve great things." The grouchy tone caused Sakura to exhale, it seemed progress was being made.
"Why...is everyone worried about me? It's not like I am that close to anyone, Ino always speaks about my forehead, and now...now," The same set of words echoed in her head, "I-I...think you should leave me alone, you don't know what I've been through." Kicking off the stool, the pink-haired girl looked at Hotaru with a defeated expression. "Worry about yourself, you should just take Sasuke for yourself now that I am at it." Hotaru didn't move, not even as Sakura threw her bowl. The content inside the bowl littering around Hotaru's hair and outfit.
'This anger came abruptly, what is wrong with this girl.' Picking some of the noticeable food out of her hair, the female found herself getting off the seat her appetite down the drain, "If you are going to keep watching I'll drag you out." Yellow gold cat-like eyes watched as Fukō came from the shadows, the grease and juices ran down her eyes hindering her vision.
"Are you okay?" Hotaru was taken back by his tone, it wasn't the calm nonchalant tone she was used to, the venom laced in could poison an ox. Quickly using the hem of the large shirt, she wiped the juice around her face. Taking in his expression, she couldn't help but question if she heard wrong. He looked as if he didn't care in the slightest, "You're bleeding." His index finger placed against the cut, Hotaru's body tensing from the weird display.
"You're acting weird again," Now wasn't the time to worry about her injury, Sakura's sudden display of emotions was what needed to be focused on. "I understand if she was sad, but she flipped a switch, and out came a hostile version." Finally moving from Fukō's touch, she started walking pondering what was going on. Fukō stood still, Hotaru was hurt minorly and Sakura caused it. He didn't expect it to go down like that, the plans he wanted were now ripped to pieces. She was already losing it, if he gave her the extra push who would care? Hotaru wasn't about getting petty revenge, but he'd gladly do so. Catching up to the moving girl, he matched pace.
"She could be projecting anger to those she envies? Think about it, she mentioned you and Sasuke in the same sentence." Using his words Hotaru's thoughts switched tracks, that wasn't the case. If so why would she lash out now out of all times? It didn't make any sense. "Hotaru, your still bleeding."
"What if she is manifesting a coping mechanism? The sudden anger could be a key! If that's the case, then she needs to understand that everyone cares for her..." Fukō momentarily stopped in his tracks, the matching pace now a mismatch.
"You care for her?" Fukō quickly zipped up his mouth, his finger tapping against the cut getting a low moan from the girl.
"What the hell was that for?" Hotaru glared at her peer, if she took time to leave this Sakura topic she would've noticed the look in his eyes. "Geez, what's the deal with you touching me randomly you creep." Finally confronting Fukō about his actions, she crossed her arms.
"I do it to get your attention, plus it shows your guard is down around me." Fukō averted his eyes from her direction, he felt a headache coming. The cause of it was a mystery, but he could get by. "You can call me a creep all you want, but somehow you keep letting me around you." Stating the obvious, Hotaru turned on her heels.
She was curious how all this felt natural, they were talking back and forth as if they knew each other for years when they usually stayed silent. "You don't always bother me, and I don't mind you being near. Furthermore, if we are being honest you are the one that keeps coming by me..." Finally connecting the dots, she mentally felt someone slap her in the face. "You must like me!"
Fukō couldn't tell if she was overthinking or if it was sarcasm maybe both? Still, he found this moment beyond hilarious. The edges of his lips curved into a genuine smile, his laughter coming out into the air making some villagers step away from the two. Without outright trying, he got her to stop thinking about Sakura. She wasn't worth the brainpower, and he'll be damned if Hotaru started dedicating time to her. He could control himself, but if she started to overwork herself; he'd make sure no one would worry anymore.
xXx
Ino finished stocking the shelf, the new set of flowers mixing with the natural scent of everything else. Less of her friends dropped by the shop, and it most likely had to do with parents requiring their children home early. The flower shop was beginning to grow stale, she was ready to be placed with Sasuke and dominate the world. 'Gah! Lately, I haven't been able to greet him but forehead hasn't either.' Rounding back to the counter, she placed her head against the chilly fresh maple wood counter; her blonde locks hitting the table and splitting into strands. 'This day felt so weird.' The bell rung prompting the female to lift her head up, it was the first customer she saw since she came. "Welcome t-" Closing her mouth, the energy that came out withered away.
"Geez, what happened to the friendly atmosphere you advertise?"
"That's only for people that come in to buy something, you bum." Ino looked bothered at Masuo, she knew of him and the rumors that went around about him somehow the two never got to casually speak to each other. During the years working here, she picked up on the people that had money to buy and the ones who came to gawk at the selection they had; she even picked up on the ones that we're looking for a charming gift to a loved one. "If you're not going to purchase anything, please leave business starts booming around this time." Masuo looked around, in search of anyone.
"Could've fooled me." Stepping in front of the 'friendly' cashier the male cleared his throat. "Do you have any flowers that mean good health and companionship?" Ino's brows rose, her eyes burning with newly lit flames. "It's not like that, I need to give someone this as a gift." Sugarcoating his words, he patiently waited until she offered advice.
Ino replayed everything that happened today, she tried to recall who he was close with or at least spoke to recently. 'Think! You can use this!' Not finding any evidence she left the counter, her index finger dancing around the flowers they had on display. "Well, we have the Echinacea." Stopping she tapped the vase it was in, the cone-shaped central disc was surrounded by pink petal-like rays. "It symbolizes Strenght and Health, which is something along the lines you were going for; next," Skipping over a tile, her heels planted on the floor. "Malva! It's one of our top sellers considering its pretty cup-shaped flowers, it gives off a romantic feel to it huh?" Turning to look at Masuo she was disappointed to see him zoned in on the Echinacea."BAKA! Over here! These mean love, protection, and health."
Shivering at her loud voice, he tapped against the vase of the Echinacea. "I don't want nothing that's in the form of love. Health and strength are good enough." Watching as Ino grabbed ahold of the vase he couldn't help but put more work onto her shoulders, "I'd like ten of them in the same vase Ino-chan." Switching up his dialect he listened to her let out a sigh.
After getting everything ready she rang him up, and the price was something he didn't expect. "1200 ryō please." Masuo felt his heart stop, the price was ridiculous the fact people paid for this it was no wonder they were still up and running it was robbery. Taking the currency out of his pocket, he hesitantly placed it on the counter before snatching the vase.
"There you go," Leaving, the bell rang as he opened the door. Ino took the money and counted it only to see he was two hundred short. Balling the cash up, she let out a few curse words that would no doubt get her in trouble.
Masuo walked down the dirt path, this was just about all he could do at this point; he wouldn't feel guilty after this. It wasn't his fault, but he couldn't help but take responsibility; even if she didn't accept the gift then he'd be done. If he didn't leave her alone, would a different outcome come into play? Stopping in his tracks he spotting the female he was looking for, she was moving quickly the look on her face could only be characterized as anger.
Running up to her, he placed himself in her way the motion forcing her to stop and growl. She was on a mission, even if she was angry she looked weak; like she was over it. Holding the vase full of flowers, he offered it to the girl without breaking eye contact. "Take some time off from school, and confide in your parents it'll help." Masuo shoved the item into her chest, "Listen, just write out what happened to you; and then I'd recommend embracing it, it'll help with recovery; if you're worried about anyone seeing it then they aren't worth it, get over your silly obsession with Sasuke...and find something else to pursue." Letting the vase go, she caught it on instinct. "If you let this simple thing affect you this much, you don't deserve to become a ninja." It was harsh but in reality, you'd need to endure more than this later on.
"W-What..." Her speech was soft, she was going back in her shell. "What the hell do you know?" The change didn't come as a surprise to the male, he'd seen this a couple of times she was in denial blaming everything but the person who did it to her, victims with weak mental properties tend to recall what happened more vividly than others.
"I don't know anything, but I am sure everyone has their own scars from what happened. You need to stop acting out, I was feeling guilty before...but this is clearly your fault, I am going to personally advise you to stop trying to be a ninja...you'll only get your team killed later down the line." Masuo swallowed, his words sinking into her head. She didn't need anyone being nice to her, someone needed to tell her the truth. "Heed my advice." Leaving the female in her spot to digest everything. he placed his hands in his pocket.
It was the harsh reality, and what humans usually forget is that everything isn't a fairytale the world is dark and grim.
Shino watched as Seiko worked on the injured kitten, the soft meows it emitted warmed his heart. "Alright, and we are done." Turning to look at Shino, Seiko scratched his cheek. "You're saying one of you bugs, that was latched onto an animal I tended told you it died?"
Shino's head bobbed up and down, it was the truth the little blood-sucking insect ran up to him and spoke in his ear. The black goggles reflected Seiko's confused expression, he kept his abilities silent it was the best in every scenario. He was always in the back, and the times the spotlight was on him he was called creepy, just like Seiko. He knew it was futile to explain the situation, but his clan thrived on insects.
"Thanks for telling me, but I am quite busy at the moment..." Awkwardly looking around the room, Seiko waited for the male to take the hint. Only after ten seconds did Shino leave him alone, "If you were trying to give your bugs an excuse...you could've at least told the truth." Muttering to himself, he went to fetch some cat food.
Shino walked down the steps, he was simply relaying information that one wanted to be explained. He wasn't interested in the slightest about what was going on, all he should be focused on was finding ways to pass the rest of these dreaded school days. Coming to a stop, one of his partners rushed on his shoe and up his leg scaling his body until he made it to his ear. "Seiko doesn't believe me? I wouldn't either, he most likely thinks one of you guys killed the animal." The nagging made him toss his head back, "Fine, fine I will look for some proof." If he didn't tend to this now then training all these insects would go to waste. They wouldn't live that long but they would pass down everything they learned to the next generation. "We will track the suspect from this point on alright," moving once more Shino started to plot out a plan.
The foe wasn't that special it seemed, he wasn't even worried about getting caught. After all explaining, it should clear everything up on the off chance it made things worse he'd handle the situation his skills were far superior to everyone in the academy, especially in an open environment.
BoomBam, Bang. As you can tell, this little short-term arc will be filled with mostly interactions and sorta bonding; but most of all conflict revolving around certain students. Let's crack open it, Masuo telling Sakura how it was; fits. Some people act differently after going through something traumatic, some need to be told the harsh truth whiles others so on. It all differs. The Hokage's conversation is folklore in a way, besides that; I will start having little Omakes at the end starting around the next chapter; still trying to figure it out.
Also, here I figured I should start doing this; or after some conversations here. The op- gambling (Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu; English subs) and the ed- JJK ending 2. Just for this little arc.
Aju does have a unique view on things, she's from what I gathered one of the favorites. Fuko does have a heart in there somewhere, this chapter proved it. Looking out for Hotaru in a way...and Sakura? Who knows what he has planned. Canon teams may not be safe at all, anything is possible. Although, Fuko may drop Hotaru if she branches out they had some bonding moments haha; the case about Sakura. There is room for development and it starts somewhere, we see how her inner mind comes out at times now; in cannon, she kept her thoughts mostly to herself for her image I assume.
Ah, thanks! The fights were nice to write, and no need to be biased Aju was definitely a top tier; the most underrated one was Kiyoshi in my eyes. Lot's of hidden meanings in each fight, Aju was the real savior in this whole exam; she was happy until the end. Sakura, let's just say she will go through some changes haha.
Thanks, the classroom was different and people were acting differently than before. Nice observation!
Now, I was not able to get to all the reviews; but next chapter I will. Been sick, and even now I am. So everything may look a tad bit shorter than before, the highlight of this chapter to me is Masuo and Fuko's small conflict...at least we see who had good intentions with Sakura but what did Fuko mean at the end when it said he'd make sure no one worries?
Thanks for all the support, the next chapter will be in two weeks or sooner. Also, there is room for one more character if anyone wants to submit pm me. Also, if you have anything you want to add before the teams are made pm me now; since I fleshed out the characters a bit, it could be friendships to rivals with canon characters. With that said have a good day!