the sacrifice
Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine... The things I own here are the character named Rekka and the plot. (Yup, there's a plot here which will clearly come out soon.)
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Chapter 3: SURPRISES PART 2
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Rekka opened her eyes. She was lying on her comfy bed, with blankets on top of her. She couldn't clearly remember everything that happened last night. She was so sleepy then, and there's no stopping her for falling asleep. Besides, she felt comfortable wherever she was last night. Yes, she felt something warm even if the nights in Konoha are chilly…
And, she asked herself how she returned home from work. Her first guess is Naruto, that is, Naruto helped her or something… But then, there was a familiar scent of someone she knew very well… and that wasn't Naruto…
And the only person she could think of was Sasuke.
Rekka thought for a moment… and she concluded that everything made sense.
But instead of being happy about it, Rekka looked distressed.
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Rekka quickly took a shower and changed clothes. She was thinking of beating Sasuke on being early… but Sasuke was already waiting at the gates.
Rekka sighed. Then, she walked over to Sasuke, who started to walk ahead.
"Hey Sasuke! I just want to..."
"Don't mention it. I'm just doing my duty," Sasuke interrupted, knowing that Rekka was probably going to thank him.
Rekka looked annoyed. Then, something struck her.
"It's not about that, you Mr. Know-It-All!" Rekka yelled.
Sasuke stopped walking and waited for Rekka to catch up.
When Rekka was in front of Sasuke, she gave him another glare before saying, "I want to break up."
"What?"
"Our engagement, you moron, is cancelled!"
Sasuke had a disbelieving look on his face partially because no one had called him a moron before and partially because of Rekka's statement.
"That's right," Rekka said with a triumphant smile (now that she had made Sasuke bitter). "I'm calling off the engagement."
"You can't do that…"
"Yes, I can. Why can't I?"
"Because… Because… Because… You already know why…"
"Because our ancestors agreed to it? Is that the reason you're talking about?"
"Yes," Sasuke murmured. He looked down and took a deep breath. "Rekka, listen—…"
"No, Sasuke. You're the one who should listen to me," Rekka said, looking really serious this time. Then, she stared intently at Sasuke's eyes.
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Sasuke was thinking very fast. He must do something. He must stop Rekka from…
/*From what?*/ Sasuke asked himself. Then, he gulped… /*No. This can't be happening to me. She cannot refuse her destiny…*/
When he stared down at her eyes, Sasuke could sense that Rekka was serious. /*Super serious.*/ Sasuke thought. /*And I've never seen her like this before. This past weeks, I knew she tried very hard to annoy and irritate me – opposing every statement I made, sticking and hanging out with Naruto, teasing me constantly, etc.… But I didn't see her saying this directly to me.*/
Sasuke waited for Rekka to say something.
"I'll be honest with you," Rekka began. "I don't like the idea of us being forced to be together for the rest of our lives by an ancient document, know what I mean?" She glanced at Sasuke for a simple response but she got none. "It is completely unfair for the both of us," she continued. "I mean, you and I are just friends… Well at least, we used to be…" Her voice faltered.
Sasuke closed his eyes and began to find something to argue to her… /*I can't let her do this to me…*/
Rekka coughed. "Okay, okay… Now, we're not nearly called 'friends' but, that's how I feel about our nearest relationship. So, let me just use term, is that all right with you?"
Sasuke didn't bulged a bit.
Rekka sighed. "Anyway, we're just friends. Not lovers. And friends don't just marry each other if they're just friends, right? They have to be lovers first, then along the way, they'll suddenly realize that they want to spend the rest of their lives with the presence of the other… which means, the lovers have the option to get married, while the friends don't. Got it?" She gave Sasuke a sheepish grin, thinking how ridiculous her argument sounded.
"You mean we should be…" Sasuke didn't dare to say the word lovers. "you know… be more than friends? Is that what you're saying?" Sasuke said in a bored voice.
"No, you moron!" Rekka exclaimed dramatically. "I know what you're thinking… and I tell you: I'm not asking you to court me what-so-ever so that I'll go along with the engagement! Do you think I am that low, huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?"
/*I couldn't believe the energy of this sleepy-head.*/ Sasuke thought. Though he didn't look it, he was amused seeing Rekka's irritated face. /*But then, that's what my ancestors had considered back then…*/
Rekka took a very, very deep breath. /*Okay, calm down. He's just trying to put you down so that you'll give up arguing.*/ She told herself. /*But you can't. This argument will determine your future. So just give you best shot! Don't loose hope or energy! You have a lot more of it stored in you than in him…*/
"Okay," Rekka started. "All I'm saying here is let me go. Let yourself go."
Sasuke stared at Rekka.
/*Now that you got his attention, don't mess up this chance…*/
"Sasuke, I know this might sound bizarre but I like to experience what a girl usually experience – you know, like dating, or being heart-broken even… And given my situation, specifically being engaged to you, I knew I wouldn't experience those things… All my life, I was protected from other boys, because you know, I'm exclusively raised to be married to you… I never went to movies or parties without being chaperoned. And yes, I never dated. You might think I am pathetic, I know… Plus, you don't care about those… But I care a lot about those simple things."
Silence.
Rekka continued, "Just stop looking after me. I can take care of myself. Why did you think I wanted to be a ninja?"
Silence.
More silence.
"I might sound selfish, but I want to search for my special person. And I guess the first step to it is being single, having no commitments or something… So just let me go," Rekka said.
"No."
Rekka couldn't believe it. "Excuse me?"
"I can't do that," replied Sasuke with his serious voice. "You know that there are consequences…"
"I know about tha—"
"… So we cannot really break the written vow," Sasuke continued. "So we might as well have a verbal agreement. That is, even if we're engaged, you are still capable of doing what you want in your life…"
/*Oh god, I can't believe this!*/ "So we're calling off our engagement?" Rekka asked excitedly.
"Partially," Sasuke answered, still without emotions, "Then, you have found the person, we'll think about what to do nex—"
Rekka embraced the surprised Sasuke… which only lasted for a couple of second for Rekka just realized that Sasuke is still Sasuke who didn't like those scenes.
"Sorry about that," Rekka apologized after letting him go. "I just… I don't know… feel very happy? Excited? Or both…"
/*Yeah, I could see it.*/ Sasuke told himself as he eyed Rekka who was wearing a huge beautiful smile. "You should not be, just yet," Sasuke said.
Rekka stared at Sasuke's serious face.
Sasuke smirked. He told Rekka, "Before our agreement will take effect, you must do something for me first."
"And what's that, Mr. User-Friendly?"
"You'll pretend to be me and will perform as me at the party…"
"That's easy. I can do that, don't you worry… Is that all, your highness?"
"Hn."
Rekka smiled. "You should also do me a favor."
Sasuke gave her look asking her "What?"
"You should also search for your special person," Rekka stated simply. "I know you haven't really cared about girls since… you know, I'm in the picture… But now's different. You allowed me to search for him and I should so the same for you."
"Why would you think I want to search?"
"Not that you want it. You need it. If I have found him, I'll definitely fight for him and make sure we end up together… This only means, we have zero chance to be married… And there goes the problem of continuing the next generations of your clan. So the best solution is for you to find the future Mrs. Uchiha…"
"Hn." /*Well Rekka has a point…*/ Sasuke admitted to himself.
"Don't worry, I'll help you meet girls…" Rekka offered, then she remembered something. "Oopps! I forgot the fact that many girls are running after you… and all you have to do is pick one of the girls… and your problem is solved. Hah hah hah!"
Sasuke glared at Rekka. /*That's not funny…*/
Then, Rekka held her pinkie finger to Sasuke. "Seriously, it's a deal," she said.
And Sasuke clasped his pinkie finger around Rekka's. "It's a deal," Sasuke repeated.
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Summer jobs were attended, and so were the dance/singing rehearsals. Time flies by really fast. It seemed that it was just yesterday when Kakashi announced the surprise birthday party… and now, it was just a day away from it.
And this entire day was devoted for preparing for tomorrow's event.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Shino, Kiba, Ino, Chouji, Nara, Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee were found working together, cleaning and decorating the place. Of course, there were the students from the Lotus Academy (like Rekka) and there were also the teachers of Konoha such as Kakashi, Iruka, Asuma, Kurenai, Gai, and Anko.
"Red looks better than blue," Naruto said then he shoved the blue curtain (which Sasuke had chosen) at the side, and put his choice neatly.
Sasuke glared at Naruto.
"No! Blue is nicer than red," Sakura and Ino, who had been hanging out with Sasuke all the time, said in unison. They both pushed Naruto's red curtain and put the blue ones back at its place.
"Red is appropriate for the occasion," Naruto said.
"In your opinion, baka!" Ino huffed. "Sasuke has a better taste than you, Naruto…"
"Yeah," Sakura put in, stepping in front of Ino to be closer to Sasuke, "Blue is better than red, right Sasuke-kun?"
"Hn."
This was the scene Kakashi-sensei was subtly watching. He was seeing to it that his Team 7 was working… even if that includes childish quarrels between Naruto and Sasuke and Sasuke's fans.
And speaking of Team 7, Kakashi's right eye scanned the room for Rekka. He saw her silently working at the stage along with Hinata. It seemed to Kakashi that Rekka had gotten along with the Hyuuga girl better than Sakura even if they're on the same team.
Kakashi smiled to himself. From the very start, he sensed something different from Rekka. So he chose her to be on Team 7 (back then) mainly because he felt the Team needed her. Why? He didn't know… Back then… But everything was getting clearer now than before.
Gai approached Kakashi and told him if he could use some of his students for an errand.
"Sure," Kakashi anwered. "Which ones?"
"You choose," Gai replied. "They are just going to shop for supplies including the ingredients for the dishes that'll be served tomorrow."
"Okay. I'll tell them to go to you."
Kakashi left Gai and went to Sakura. Then he and Sakura went towards Rekka. Then he told Sakura and Rekka to talk to sensei-Gai.
Sakura, knowing who sensei-Gai was, led the way. "Sir Gai, Kakashi-sensei told us to—…" She stopped speaking for she saw…
Rock Lee was smiling from ear to ear. /*At last! A mission with my Sakura-chan! Thanks Sir Gai!*/ "How do you do Sakura-chan?"
"F-Fine…" /*I can't believe I'll be shopping with Rock Lee! Kakashi-sensei will pay for this*/ Sakura gave Kakashi an evil eye… Then she suddenly remembered that she's not alone being with Rock Lee. So she suddenly pushed Rekka forward.
"This is my new teammate, Rekka," Sakura introduced. "Rekka, these are sensei-Gai, Rock Lee, and Neji…"
"Hello," was Rekka's polite remark.
Sakura waited for Rock Lee's reaction towards the pretty Rekka, hoping he would divert his attention to the new teammate.
Rock Lee gulped. His eyes went from Sakura, then to Rekka, then back to Sakura, then to Rekka again. /*She's pretty, alright. No doubt about that.*/ Rock Lee admitted to himself. /*But I'm sticking with what my heart shouts: Sakura-chan!*/ He grinned at Sakura and looked as if he'd seen the light.
/*Oh no!*/ Sakura thought, sensing what Rock Lee was thinking.
"So you're Rekka from the Fire Country," Neji spoke as he eyed Rekka from head to toe, estimating her abilities.
Rekka just nodded slowly. She was sure that this guy was related to her friend Hinata (because of the white eyes) even though their attitudes are the very opposite.
After Gai's final instructions, wherein Rock Lee listened most intently, Sakura, Rekka, Rock Lee, and Neji left for the grocery store.
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The 'curtain quarrel' died down after some time for Hinata suggested to them to display the two colors at the same time to have a balanced color effect. (It was maybe because Hinata rarely voice her opinions that both parties decided to follow her suggestion for a change.)
"That's okay with me if it's okay with Sasuke-kun," Ino said. Then she realized that Sasuke was no near where she was. So, she fled and search for him.
Naruto couldn't believe Ino's affections towards the stone-hearted Sasuke. "I guess, I'll do this alone," he said enthusiastically, knowing that no one could interfere with his work.
"I can help you there…" came a soft voice.
Naruto looked at Hinata (who had looked away). "Ok," he said with a smile. /*Working with someone is better than working alone*/ Naruto reasoned out.
Hinata blushed. This was the first time Naruto had not ignored her. /*This is an improvement.*/ She thought happily.
They worked quietly… which just lasted for a couple of minutes for Naruto was a loquacious lad, so what there to expect?
"So who's you're new teammates, Hinata?" Naruto started.
"They're Motoochi Asiwari and Kinobi Wagiko…"
"And how are they doing with you and Kiba and Shino?"
"Fine, I g-guess…"
Silence.
/*You stupid girl!*/ Hinata scolded herself. /*Don't mess up you're conversation with Naruto!*/
"Umm N-Naruto?"
"Hmm?"
"What are you doing tomorrow?" Hinata asked, referring to the performance in the surprise birthday party.
"Huh?"
Hinata blushed when she saw Naruto looking at her.
"Not much, I guess," Naruto answered, looking confused. "There'll be no missions tomorrow, right? Why did you ask?"
/*He didn't get what you're asking…*/ Hinata thought. /*Oh my god! He didn't think… He didn't think I'm going to ask him out, if ever he's available tomorrow… Did he?*/ "Naruto…" she started, not knowing how to explain herself.
"How about you? Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Naruto asked, looking excited. (He didn't hear Hinata.)
Hinata just stared.
"What do you say… umm, we watch movies tomorrow…?" Naruto asked again.
Hinata looked as if she was going to faint. /*This is just a dream… just a beautiful dream… and I'll wake up in a matter of seconds…*/ Hinata told herself.
"… it'll be on me," Naruto continued, wearing a huge smile.
Hinata couldn't take it anymore. She didn't hear Naruto's explanation… for she's feeling very dizzy…
TBC
Shout-outs:
:D – Here's another chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.
duochang97 – This chapter affirms your hypothesis about Sasuke and Rekka's relationship. You're a psychic, huh? :) I'll definitely include other characters but that might happen later on because I have a trouble building new characters with their uniqueness and everything…
Cookie6 – I can't say I also hate Sakura. I believe hate is quite a strong word. Although, I admit I am not fond of her (Sakura). But I am trying to be a fair writer and give all Naruto characters a role in my fiction.
Wormkaizer – Hinata's confession is coming out pretty soon! Promise! This chapter's the start of their (NaruHina) love story. :)
hikariko - Thanks for the info. The problem with my fic, I made the characters older/ 17 yrs. old even though they're actually only 12 when the third Hokage is still alive… Sry about the confusion. So, just think that Naruto and company are 17 yrs. old and the 3rd Hokage is still alive… And this fic won't become a yaoi fic. I assure you that. Btw, thanks for making a long review. I appreciate it very much. Thank you!
Babog – Sasuke does not have everything, especially what I considered the most important thing: the heart to love someone. :(
M-Naruto-Fic – Thanks for the compliments! I hope you'll now 'figure out Rekka' since I've spilled out the details between her and Sasuke… ^_^ Thanks again! (Plus, sry to hear that your computer had a virus…)
Kodomo – Thank you! You can anticipate what will happen next after reading today's chapter (once again)… You can suggest your ideas via writing it as you review this chapie…
Sorry if it took me longer than I usually do to post this chapter. Anyway, I have summer classes (yup, it's summer here in my place) and I am taking up Humanities1 and Social Science 2… And in SocSci2, I am going to learn about the classical and modern philosophers… Anyway, I was surfing through the net looking for any info about Plato and I came across this quote:
"Never discourage anyone… who continually makes progress, no matter how slow."
Yes, that's from Plato. And I thought it can be associated with my fic. I mean, even if this story has a slow pace, according to Plato, do not discourage me… Heh heh heh ^_^ And thank you for being supportive. You've been most helpful to me. The reviews I got make me want to sit in front of my pc and type as fast as I can the ideas I have in mind. Thanks again…
Don't forget to review! :)
Poprice
18 April 2004
1:28pm