Difference
HUGE AUTHOR'S NOTE
Well, here's the deal. I've decided to post the rest of the chapters that I was working on for some time. I was going to finish the story and then post the first chapter but I was way to anxious to see how it would do. I found out that my character is a Mary-Sueish girl. Thus, I have decided to edit and make adjustments. So basically I'm going to take down the story in a week or so. This is your LAST chance to read the original. So after a week, you'll be able to read the hopefully IMPROVED version of Difference. The storyline will change a bit and character traits may change as well. I really can't go into detail. The title will also stay the same. So I have to say, thank-you to all that helped me along this journey. I hope that I shall give readers more enjoyment than this story. Well, thank-you so much!
HUGE AUTHOR'S NOTE
"WE'RE HERE!" Derno shouted happily, jumping up and down from his happiness.
"Finally," Toro muttered under his breath and replied, "Stupid, we still need to escort Mr. Muuyo."
"I believe we'll need to see the Hokage first to ensure him of your safe journey and to inform him of a precious jewel in his possession. I would think you'd be giving him this gem. Am I correct?" Orikawa asked.
"Why, yes? But, how did you know of all the people in Konoha, I'd give it to the Fourth?" Mr. Muuyo asked curiously.
"It's a bit of common sense actually. Of all the people in Konoha, giving the gem to the Fourth would ensure the most perfect security. Few dare to cross the Fourth. Although he is old, he is wise and stronger beyond an average shinobis' comprehension. He is the one man in Konoha that would not allow greed to taint the hands of something so pure," Orikawa replied, beaming at his answer—showing his immense trust and admiration for the Hokage.
"I'm glad we share the same views," Mr. Muuyo consented and began walking towards the tower where all the Hokages have stayed.
"What's so great about this Hokage anyway?" Derno asked; crossing at his arms, apparently not satisfied about giving so much respect to one man.
"Don't you even know what a Hokage is?" Sierra hissed, completely dismayed by Derno's lack of intelligent.
Before Derno could reply, Toro began his explanation, "A Hokage is the leader of the Fire Country. There are several kages in this land, such as Kazekage. Anyways, to be elected Hokage, a shinobi must show immense strength, wisdom, and sincerity. In this case, the shinobi is the elite of all shinobi."
Within a few seconds, Derno replied, "Oh…"
"Baka," Sierra muttered.
"This gem is very precious. I'm not sure if I could accept it, Shunnin," the Hokage spoke.
"It is beyond my might to protect this jewel from thieves, Hokage. I ask of you to protect this jewel. Do whatever with it, but please never let it touch tainted hands," Mr. Muuyo asked.
The Hokage placed his hands on his chin and replied, "Very well, I will protect this gem. Thank-you for contributing such a precious heirloom of yours, it will be given great care."
"Thank-you, Hokage, I could ask of nothing more," Mr. Muuyo thanked gratefully and bowed.
With that being said, Mr. Muuyo walked out of the room.
"Orikawa, I see you have new subordinates. It has been a long time since I last saw you," the Hokage informed with a slight smile on his face.
"I suppose it has been a long time. I finally found peace in Sebir. However, this village always seems peaceful and welcoming when coming back," Orikawa explained with a smile on his face.
"I see that you received a strong batch of subordinates. You must be proud," the Hokage said and stared at the children who seemed to care less about the situation.
"Sometimes happiness can be found in different ways other than revenge," the Hokage said suddenly, "Life is a mystery and can run in a circle. You may even come back to the beginning."
Sierra looked up and found that he was looking in her direction. She merely looked away towards the window at the village and frowned at her memories.
"Well, I suppose would it be okay to stay in the village for a little bit of time? I find that training my subordinates in Konoha may allow certain techniques to be developed. I always would meet some friends as well," Orikawa asked.
"Certainly, visitors and past residents are always welcomed," the Hokage allowed and smiled.
"Hey Sierra and Toro, let's go get some ramen! I hear that a place called Icharaku Ramen tastes great!" Derno invited.
"Sure!" Toro accepted, hungered and wanting something to eat other than wild fruits and vegetables.
"It's not a date," Sierra snapped and gave Derno a glare.
Derno placed his hands in front of him and replied, "Okay, okay. Just don't give me that glare!"
They passed by several shops to find an open booth that could be smelled several feet away. Although not as well developed, the atmosphere was friendly and just the smell would tempt many tourists.
"Ah, we have some customers," the owner replied, "What would you like?"
After ordering the appropriate dishes, the team began talking about their lives and recent mission. Of course, the subject changed after a minute or so.
"So Sierra, what do you think of Konoha?" Derno asked curiously, seeing as how Sierra drifted off every few minutes when looking around.
"It's—well it's a bit hard to describe actually. Whenever I'm here, I always feel that I'm at peace. Of course, it just brings back memories. Memories I'd rather not remember. I use to live here actually," Sierra replied and drifted off again.
Both Toro and Derno looked at each other and realized not to question her any further. Although arguing was in each teammate's blood, they knew when to stop. This was an understood concept between them that they need not to discuss.
"The ramen is ready!" the chef announced and placed the bowls of ramen in front of Team B.
After placing their gratitude, the Genins began eating.
"THIS IS GREAT!" Derno yelled out loud.
Suddenly appearing, a boy announced with a similar loud mouth, "I KNOW! I THINK ICHARAKU RAMEN IS THE BEST!"
This boy had a similar look to Derno. His hair was a very bright colored blonde, wore an orange jumpsuit, and gave an ear-to-ear smile.
"The name's Nodin Derno. What's yours?" Derno asked.
"Uzumaki Naruto and I'll become the next Hokage!" Naruto screamed, bending his arms in triumph as if he had already achieved his goal.
"Good luck," Sierra muttered, closing her eyelids, "I doubt a loudmouth like you could ever become something so great."
Pointing at Sierra, Naruto yelled out of fury, "I'LL BECOME HOKAGE! THAT'S A PROMISE OF A LIFETIME!"
"Unlike her, I hope you do become Hokage," Toro replied, trying to repress a fight or argument that may form.
Naruto took this as a compliment and quickly ordered his favorite bowls of ramen.
Strangely enough, Naruto and Derno found similarities between them. They found that they had both just been promoted as Genins and shared similar beliefs such as their love of ramen.
"I'm glad I don't live in Konoha," Sierra said, covering her ears from the loud chatter of two boys.
"You can say that again," Toro agreed, also covering his ears.
Sierra sighed and looked down at the water. She was sitting on a dock on the outskirts of a lake.
"I haven't been here for quite a while…" Sierra thought out loud, looking at her reflection.
Flashback
"Hey Sierra, look what I can do now!" a boy exhibited with an excited look on his face.
"Hi Sasuke, did you learn a new technique?" Sierra asked with a similar smile on her face.
"Yeah, I was just taught Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu from my dad!" Sasuke said excitedly and began making intricate signs.
In a few seconds, a large amount of fire was blown out of Sasuke's mouth.
"Wow," Sierra commented, unable to speak, "Can you teach me how to do that?
"Sure," Sasuke agreed and began showing Sierra the signs to summon the chakra.
"Look Sasuke, I finally made mine as big as yours!" Sierra yelled happily.
"Yeah, yours is pretty good, but mine's better!" Sasuke argued.
Flashback
Sierra looked up at the sky and wished to see some sign of hope. In spite of this, the stars were beaming down before her like before. Cold, heartless, like a shining jewel unable to bring love, the stars only shined brightly down on her. One tear dropped from an eye, then another until they poured down upon her smooth face. She buried her head into her knees and cried like she had done so many times before…
