Chapter 4 - Snooping around
IT was bright and early when Rei finally arrived. She didn't head home but instead straight for the bridge where her squad, (Squad 7) Would be waiting. She still had an hour to go home and rest but she knew if she fell asleep she might not wake up till this time tomorrow. She arrived at the bridge, and walked up to one of the post thing, and jumped up. She leaned against the peak of one of the post and drifted off into a slight sleep. They'll wake me up when one of them gets here. Even if Sasuke or Sakura don't I know for a fact Naruto will. Kilala walked up into her lapped and fell asleep with her. Right on time a half-hour later Sasuke shows up. To his surprise when he looked up Rei was right there. (her head faced the other way)
He took a step back then realizing who it was went back to his normal emotionless self. What is she doing up there? Don't tell me I did something to make her mad AGAIN. He thought to himself. Kilala herd his foot steps and lifted her to see who It was. After finding it out she walked up to Rei's face and bite down on one of her strands of hair and pulled. When that didn't work She popped her little claws out and scratched her arm. Kilala jumped out of the way as Rei woke up and fell onto the ground. Rei landed flat on her back and look up.
"Ow" She said with no emotion. "Alright I fell asleep but do you have to do that every time?" She said to the little cat. Kilala seemed to smile at this, it was kinda of a game for her. "Think I can just lay here for awhile?" The little cat shook her head no and turned to where Sasuke was standing. "She lifted her head up just enough to see. "Oh, you're here." She said before letting her head fall to the ground. Kilala jumped down from the post and once again bite and pulled her hair. "Five more minutes." Kilala shock her head in annoyment and scratched Rei's arm AGAIN. Rei jumped up and grabbed her arm. "You little demon" She blinked for a sec. "Duh" she said to herself before getting up the rest of the way. She stood up and looked at her arm. The little demon cat had pierced her skin and their was a slight trail of blood running down her arm. Rei went over to the river and bended the water around her arm just as Snow had taught her to. She closed the wound and walked back over to her usual spot and stayed quiet. Sasuke finally getting a clue of what was going on walked over.
"You can do water bending?"
She looked up at him it was so unusual for him to say anything to her it almost came as a shock.
"Hmmm…? Oh yeah I can along with Fire and Air. All thank to Mistress Snow."
"She taught you a lot of what you know. Didn't she?"
"Mostly."
"Where did the other half come from?" He asked trying to start a conversation.
"Some of it came from when I lived on The White Moon"
"Why did you come to Earth then?"
"The White Moon and almost all of it's people were distorted in a horrible attack from the Negaverse. The Moon Kingdom was such a wonderful place. I being a guardian from the Planet Mars volunteered to protect the Moon and everyone who lived on it. Three other scouts and myself were hired to protect the Moon and mostly the princess name Serina as well as Queen Serenity. Unfortunately I arrived at the end of the Silver Millennium."
"What is the Silver Millennium?"
"The Silver Millennium was a time when the whole universe was at peace and co-excised in harmony. The Three other scouts were from Mercury, Venus, and my sister who originated from Jupiter. I was the quiet one in my family while my sister was headstrong."
"Wait a second your from mars and your sister was from Jupiter right?"
"Yes that what I said."
"How can that be if your family?"
"My sister an I were born on the same day. My Father, from Jupiter, and My Mother, From Mars. My sister was born three minutes before I was. After I was born my mother held us both and shared equal lover both. My Father on the other hand loved my sister and I was only wanted because I held the 'power' my father wanted to deeply. MY Father was a very powerful demon, my Mother was only a half-demon. My Sister ended up as a half-demon and I got the fucked up end of the deal. I'm a demon." She said looking down at the ground.
This caught Sasuke's attention. Guess I'm not the only demon around here anymore. Where I have I herd this story before? NO. I don't want to remember the incident in my village that's all just a distant memory now, it's time to grow up and move on. His memories went back to his village and his clan laying dead all over the streets. He snapped out of his though to see Rei looking at him.
"I'm sorry I probably shouldn't of told you that. Oh and sorry about before I was just having a bad day. Sorry for yelling at you."
She's apologizing? He thought to himself. "It's alright everyone has there bad days."
"Yeah I guess everyone does." She smiled witch was something she rarely did since the attack on the moon kingdom. Before long Rei see Sakura coming up to the bridge and Rei jumped back up to the post thingy and sat and waited. She came trotting and to Sasuke.
"Good Morning Sasuke"
He look up. Here we go again. He thought to himself
"Yeah."
Soon After Naruto showed up about three four minutes after Sakura.
"Hey guys what's up?" He looked around to see Rei looking off in space Sasuke glaring at Sakura and Sakura going googled eyed over Sasuke. "Boy isn't this a lively bunch" He said sarcastically. "Where' Kakashi?"
"Don't know he's late again." Rei said sitting on the pillar
"AGAIN! I could of stayed in bed instead of getting up this early!" Naruto yelling in anger
"Calm down Naruto."
"Fine. When did you get back anyway?"
"About two hours ago."
"Why'd you leave in the first place?"
"Just had a problem to take care of." She replied while pulling her little sleeves down covering something on her arm.
"Hey what's that on your arm."
"Nothing, just a scratch."
"Right." "Women…" he whispered to himself
"You know I can hear you right?"
He turned around with shaking his hands with his eyes closed.
"I meant that in a good way you know. You know me always joking"
"Right, I believe you." She said sarcastically
"You do? I mean of coarse you do. Why wouldn't you?"
"I wonder why?"
Just then Kakashi showed up along with Snow.
"Well team ready for the days mission?"
"Yeah do we finally get a real mission?"
"No, Naruto we don't want to tier you out too much before the Chunin Exams." Snow said calmly.
"Yes, we'll just be doing three or four small missions for today." Kakashi explained
"Right." Snow nodded "Alright gang lets get your butts up and go finish these missions and have the rest of the day for training."
"Are we ever gonna get a real mission again?" Naruto complained
"If one shows up for us we'll take it but until then you'll just have to settle with the regular mission Naruto." Kakashi yet again explained. "Alright then let's get this over with. Shall we?"
"You first mission is to get rid of some weeds in a herb garden. Any questions?"
She looked around and no one answered. "Well then I guess not."
They went over to the garden. Sasuke, Rei and Sakura
started right in. Naruto on the other hand…
Well this might
not be a real mission but I can still beat Sasuke, Naruto planned
in his head then randomly started grapping plants. He turned around.
"Done!"
Kakashi walked over, then closed that one eye that seemed to say good… but.
"Every good Naruto. Except you forgot about the herbs."
Naruto turned around to see the big pile of weeds and herbs mixed together. He put his hand behind his head and closed his eyes in an anime style.
"Oops."
The owner came out and was very upset about her garden. She went to put Naruto and didn't get far before Rei grabbed the fist.
"I know your upset but that's no reason to throw punches."
"Alright everyone, next task is to walk some dogs everyone can pick one of their choice."
So maybe the first mission of mine wasn't a complete success. Sasuke chose a small dog and if I get a big one it'll make him look like a girl.. He gave himself a little grin, while he rubbed his hands together evilly.
Turns out the dog ends up dragging him into a mine field. Naruto blows up along with the dog. HE sat there with the dog sitting right next to him panting. Naruto opened his mouth and all that came out was smoke. Final mission - Pick up trash out of the river.
Ok, ok so maybe things aren't going well for me today, I'll just pick up more trash then Sasuke. Naruto thought to himself. A current came through and knocked Naruto off his feet. Swimming with all his might against the river Naruto only gained an inch before being swept back down river. Little ways down the river was a waterfall and Naruto had reached it. He went off the edge and out of nowhere a hand grabbed his it was Sasuke and he had once again saved Naruto. Rrrr…Sasuke! Always trying to be the hero! He though enraged at himself. They had finished the day's mission and were walking down an alley Snow had left early to go 'prepare' something and it was only Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Rei, and Kilala.
"Well everyone crongrats on the hard days work. I'm gonna go turn in today's mission statues. Try not to beat each other to a pulp while I'm gone." He said looking at Naruto and Sakura. With that he POOFED away. Soon after Snow showed up with Luna, Atrimus, and Diana. Rei looked behind her.
"Rei come one you have work to do." Snow said impatiently "He won't wait forever."
"Yes Mistress Snow." She turned back to the others "Go to go everyone see ya around."
"Where are you going?" Sasuke asked while Sakura getting mad at him showing concern to her.
"Well… I can really say I'll I know is it's gonna be rough."
"Who's he?" Sakura asked
"No one of your importance." Rei replied
"Can we come?"
"NO" She answered firmly
"What's the big deal?" He asked confused
"Nothing it doesn't concern you any of you for that fact." Rei said sounding different then usual
"Rei Hino!" Snow said again
"Come one Rei he's waiting!" Diana said anxiously
"Got to go" then she turned and ran by Snow's side both nodded to each other before walking off.
"What was that about?" Naruto asked
"I have no clue." Sasuke finally answered
"Who cares. Hey Sasuke wanna go train or something?" Sakura asked
I wonder why she went off in such a hurry? Sasuke questioned himself
In with Snow, Rei, Luna, Artimus, and Diana
They arrived by the ocean, where a large ship was floating out on the water. A small boat came towards them with two men in black and red striped armor. The three cats jumped in and so did Snow. Looking back Snow could see that Rei had no clue what was going on.
"Get on Rei, it's ok."
Nodding Rei got into the small boat as the soldiers rowed them to the large boat. Rei was so unsure of what was happing. She didn't want to ask and risk irritating Snow. Although she knew Snow would most likely understand. She looked up to see Snow looking out at the ocean. Diana was playing in the while Luna was getting worried that she might fall over board. Diana indeed did fall over and Snow jumping back into reality quickly stuck her hand in the water and fished Diana out of the water. Looking to see Rei confused decide that she was looking for an explanation.
"Rei you are going to see the master fire-bender Prince Zuco."
"Zuco!"
"Yes, I seen him on the streets and asked him if he would show you some of his pointers. He agreed and now you MUST be on your best behavior Rei. Remember he is the heir to the Fire Nation's throne, we don't want to rub him the wrong way. Also remember the impression of our clan is resting on your shoulders now."
Rei now though hard then touched her tattoo on the back of her neck it was printed in thick letters xXx, the tattoo was hidden by her hair, so no one except Snow and her cats knew about it. They had reached the boat were lifted on top to the deck. Where a teenager with a scar over his right eye and his short uncle waited. Rei smoothed out the ripples in her skirt on her outfit, then walked with Snow to the two maters.
"Konnichiwa, nice to finally be here, this is my pupil Rei Hino. She's the one who you'll be training."
Zuco looked at the girl in enjoyment. This will be fun… He thought to himself. Then he bowed. "Nice to finally meet you Miss Rei Hino. Now if your ready for your training to begin?"
"Ready when you are." She said returning the bow.
"Good." He threw a staff at her. "Let us begin then."
"Ok." She smiled this guys was polite and just something about him was different from any of her teammates. She was actually going to have fun.
They went over to the middle of the deck of the boat, and poisoned themselves for their battle. Rei being the guess was to take the first move. They stood for a few moments with their eyes closed. Then in a instant a staff moved and went running towards Zuco. She was about 10 paces away from him when the staff went up in flames. A strike went to be delivered. Zuco's eyes suddenly opened and in a flash he was teleported behind her and grabbed the staff, flipped back and the staff disappeared into ashes.
"You are TOO gentle, Fire bending is not about being gentle like water bending, but feeling the energy flow through your veins. Use your strength, use the inner strength you carry within. I've never seen so much hatred in two people. Although I noticed where Snow is balanced you've bottled up. Pop that top and use it to strike me." He stood waiting for the next attack after seeing Rei nod that she understood. Rei took a deep breath then opened her eyes witch now glowed with fire. Her hands went together.
"MARS FIRE SURROUND!"
Back with Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto
Everyone stood quiet except Naruto who started to fidget.
"ALL RIGHT!" He yelled as everyone looked at him "I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ALL OF YOU BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT REI'S DOING!" Naruto yelled
"NARUTO! Do you want the whole neighborhood to hear you!" Sakura agued
"You'd be foolish to enter in her affairs." Sasuke said looking up at Naruto and Sakura
"Whatever, so is anyone in?"
"I'm in, I've been wondering about her for some time now." Sakura said sort of devilish
"Alright, what about you Mr. Attitude?"
"Count me out, I don't like screwing in people's business." He replied coldly
"Whatever, come on Sakura" He said grabbing her hand leaving Sasuke to stand alone. I would go with you by choice… You two idiots will be caught dead handed. Me on the other hand will be watching the whole time… Thinking to himself he ran off in the direction of Rei and the others only staying more hidden. If Kakashi found out he wouldn't be to happy. He arrived at the edge of the ocean to see fire going every which way and Knew it was Rei. So he ran up and hid in a tree and sat every quiet. Thankfully he arrived before Naruto and Sakura, but only by a few seconds. Shortly after they came running onto the beach where Sasuke had shortly been.
"Look out there on that boat." Naruto pointed out only to see flames sprouting off the ship. "If that isn't Mars then it's trouble."
"Right, that could be trouble and being proper Ninja we should check it out" She said evilishly
"I don't know if that's the best idea…"
"Come one Naruto you're the one who wanted to bring me here" She whined
"Yeah but Rei's at a pretty powerful level" He said imagining her skinning them alive
"True, BUT she's also might be endangering our clan and we can't have that can we."
"I have an idea, we'll just stand her and watch what happens when it's over like REAL Ninja."
"Yeah, see where she goes after this is done."
Naruto looked like he had just got a ton lifted off his shoulders. Till Sakura grabbed his arm and pulled him into a bush. There they waited for something to happen.
Back on the Ship
Rei jumped back they both panted like dogs. Zuco stood up.
"You have quit the impressive power."
"You fire bending skills are amazing!" Rei commented
"Yes, but you've worked up some skills yourself. I think that enough training has been done today. Don't you think?" He said walking over and offering a hand up to Rei. Rei grabbed his hand happily. This man was sweet and caring. Those were very good qualities in her opinion. While all this went on Snow and the General were sitting down watching while drinking some herbal tea.
"Zuco is quit an excellent warrior."
"He is, he trains so hard. To be honest to hard, the only reason I agree to let him train Rei is I think a woman will tone down that temper he has. But do tell him that you can imagine the anger he'd have. But Rei seems like a great warrior girl so I think she'll be able to calm he down quit a bit"
"Oh yes, Rei has quit an attitude, and she has the determination like no other. But this trip here to the ninja academy has really done a number one her spirit level. Everyone here just doesn't understand her. She gets upset every night cause of not having friends her age. I'm all she has and it's just not enough. She needs people her age who if she wanted to could get into trouble, go to parties, and everything I missed out on as a child. Rei was originally from the moon when I found her she was already alone and afraid. Once I won her trust I was never let out of sight. I felt so bad it was awful on my part. So all I could do was adopt her into the Triple X clan. But after seeing it destroyed she just fell apart. She really never fully recovered"
"Zuco was banished by his own father. I remember him being so excited about becoming emperor that one night before a meeting he came to me and bagged that I let him sit and listen. I said no but he seemed so enthused. He said "If I'm going to be a good leader I need to listen to my people." After that I couldn't say no I told him to keep his mouth shut and it would be alright if he sat and listened. The general that now has been fallowing us spoke of using solders who were fresh out of the academy against the Earth nation. You can imagine the rage Zuco felt about using fresh soldiers against powerful Earth soldiers."
"Yes, there's a reason most Earth nation has survived the war. They have excellent warriors and training academies spread through out their nation. They always have new solders ready."
"Yes, and it was a mistake now I seen to bring Zuco into the meeting. He jumped up and yelled at the general that it wasn't right and he knows better then to use solders like his plan wanted. His father grew angry at his son's disrespect and said a challenge was to be held in honor to hold dignity. Zuco immediately excepted and told the general he wasn't afraid. The next morning he waited at the courtyard for him to arrive. AS he turned around he realized that it wasn't the general he disrespected but his own Father. Refusing to fight showed even more disrespect to his father, so his father marked his right eye with a burn mark. It was a terrible tragedy"
"Sounds horrible, I can never imagine doing that to a mere child. Whether it had been mine or someone else's that just wasn't right."
"Yes but it was the way of earning respect and
since he refused he was banished. I know I never agreed with it
either."
"Each Nation has it's own was of dealing with
punishments although I've noticed the Fire Nation's is much more
server."
"It is." HE said as Zuco and Rei walked up.
"Well I guess your done with training for today" Snow remarked
"Yes, we are." Rei replied
"That's good you've both trained very hard and we're very proud of you." Uncle commented
"Thank you Uncle." Zuco thanked
"Well I'm all dirty now so I think I'll head home and take a nice hot bath."
"So you'll be leaving then?" Uncle questioned
"I suppose we should. Rei has to get rested up for the night, remember you still have missions in the morning."
"Yes, Mistress Snow." She turned to Zuco. "Thank you for the training."
"Your most certainly welcome."
"Alright then, same time tomorrow?" Uncle questioned
"As soon as Rei's done with her missions and choirs, but yes we'll be here."
"Alright then good-bye"
"Thank you for the tea."
"Alright now you go home and rest and we'll see everyone tomorrow."
"Thank you again" Snow remarked one last time before going into the boat.
"Luna, Artimus, Diana, Kilala into the boat now we're going home." Snow called as the cats came running into the boat. Diana jumped on Rei's shoulder as the boat lowered. They reached shore and everyone got out as the solders turned back to the boat. Luna, Artimus, Kilala and Snow headed towards the village. Rei with Diana on her shoulders turned the other way and headed towards the bush where Sakura and Naruto hid.
"Rei come on all that food is making me tired." Artimus complained
"Just a sec." She yelled opening the bush to find the two hiding.
"What are you doing?" She asked firmly
"AAAaaa….. Nothing." Naruto asked unconvincingly
"So I can do anything without you two fallowing? Even when I told you it was none of your business?" She said hurtfully
"It's not that it's just…" Sakura tried to explain
"You know what save it. I don't want to hear your excuses. The bottom line was you two didn't trust me and that good enough for me." She said turning around then ran to Snow's side.
"Yes, Miss Hino." He said before turning around and heading back to the ship
Rei turned sharply and marched back to the village.
"Rei, it might be just because they care enough about your safty to see what you were up to."
"I don't care if they can't take my word that I'll be find then they obviously don't trust me and if they considered me as a teammate then they would of…" She answered coldly
"True, but you can't hold this grudge long Rei, remember they will be on your team for a long time."
"I wish I never came here. I wish I had my old team. I wish I wasn't little anymore."
"You know Rei I really didn't want to send you here. I did it because they said they'd protect you while I was away. I know you don't like it here but we all do things we don't want to and if I would have been given any warning that our clan would be destroyed I would of stopped it. But I didn't so there wasn't much I could do. And as far as you being little I don't know… It gives me a few more years to spend time with you." She said kindly
"Yeah I guess that helps."
"See? I know it's hard baby. But I'm sure you'll find friends soon."
"I don't want any friends. All I want is just to get through this STUPID ninja thing so I can get out"
"Right, well let's get home and get you cleaned up. I let Kakashi handle those two."
Sasuke standing in the tree the whole time started to feel the pain inside that Rei felt. Everyone at the academy only wanted to be around him because he was the best at the academy. And after awhile of being alone it starts to hurt. He knew what it was like to see your life torn apart before your very eyes. But still what was her clan? Maybe there was a mark or a He stood hidden for everyone until he was sure Rei and the others were out of sight before jumping down from the tree.
"You were there the whole time!" Naruto shouted out
"On the contrary, I just got here to stop you to before you did something stupid." He lied
"Your too late." Sakura exclaimed
"Why what did you do now?"
"Rei found us spying on her and now she madder then a hornet's nest." Naruto explained
"I told you not to medal in people's business but do you ever listen to me?"
"Sorry Sasuke."
"Yeah sorry."
"I don't think it's me you
own an apology to."
"Your right, come one Sakura we should go make things right,"
"Do I have to?"
"She is a member of our squad and we should treat her like one."
"Alright."
"Ok then well you two better hurry."
The two ran off in a hurry to find Rei. After awhile of running they did find her going into her house but she was in no mood to talk. She walked in like she never saw them. They went running to her door, Naruto banged one the door.
"Come on Rei! We're sorry."
"Go away I don't feel like talking."
"I said we were sorry." Naruto kept yelling
"Go away Naruto."
"We're sorry Rei, we were just wondering what the big secret was" Sakura finally spoke up
"Like I said you didn't trust me enough not to spy on me. Are teammates sup post to trust each other?"
"True, and I'm sorry we didn't trust you enough to know you wouldn't do anything bad."
"Yeah we're really, REALLY sorry, and we promise to trust you now. You're on our squad and we have to stick together." Naruto said as Rei walked up to the door and opened it.
"Alright then I forgive you" She smiled "Only cause I know I have to deal with you guys for a couple more years"
"That's great now our tiny little squad is back together!" Naruto shouted happily
"I guess it is, now if you two don't mind I'd like to take a shower and get ready for tomorrow. That is unless you plan to fallow me I there to."
"Oh don't worry we learned our lesson." Sakura said sheepishly
"Yeah what she said."
"Alright then, you can leave at any time now." Hinting that they should leave now
"Alright thanks for understanding"
"Yeah… we'll just be going now"
"That would be a good thing."
They both walked together away from her house. Rei shook her head at the two before shutting the door.
What a bunch of screwballs…
"Ok Kilala, Diana I'm going to take a nice hot bath and I expect you two to behave yourselves." The two cats nodded and she went into her bathroom. The hot water ran into the tub as she sat by the bath tub and waited. The tub filled and the water shut off. She took off her towel and headed into the water. It was hot at first but she jumped in anyway. Leaning back she let out a sigh. She was swore from training and the water seemed to relax it away. The next morning she got up groggy, went over and started bowling water. All she wanted was tea for some reason that morning she didn't want anything to eat. As soon as she was done she went back into her room where Diana and Kilala laid. Gently she shook them, then went over and changed out of her temple robe into her usual outfit. She put a small bag on it was almost the size of small purse. Since the cats weren't quit woken she gently grabbed each one and carefully set each into the bag. They fit perfectly with them being small. She then made her way over to Snow's apartment. She knocked on the door. For some reason she had gotten up an extra two hours before she had to be at the bridge for their daily missions. Snow came to the door as usual Snow was ready for the day before anyone else was.
"Good morning Rei had a good night?"
"Actually that warm bath before I went to bed relax my muscles and helped me sleep."
"Good to hear, you want something done with your hair today?"
"That would be a nice change, except what about me tattoo?"
"Leave that to me"
"Alright"
She walked into her apartment, while Snow went into the back room. Her apartment wasn't large, but extremely elegant, with beautiful tatami mats that were obviously new, for they had a lovely yellow-green sheen and smelled richly of straw. If you've ever looked closely enough at a tatami mat, you'd notice that the border around it is edged in fabric, usually just a strip of dark cotton or linen; but these were edged in a strip of silk with a pattern of green and gold. Not far away in an alcove hung a scroll written in beautiful handwriting, witched turned out to be a gift to Snow from the famous calligrapher Matsudaira Koichi. Beneath it, o the wooden base of the alcove, an arrangement of blossoming dogwood branches rose up out of a shallow dish that was irregular in shape with a cracked glaze of the deepest black. Rei found it very peculiar, but actually it had been presented to Snow by none other than Yoshida Sakuhei, the great master of the setoguro style of ceramics who became a Living National Treasure in the years after World War II.
Snow finally came out with a small chest which later Rei found out contained foundation, and hair ordainments. Snow's hair was put back like usual. The front part of her hair was pulled back into a bun while the back hung down. And in the front she had layered bangs the hung down gentle on her face.
"Alright then how should we do your hair?" She finally asked
"How about just the thing where you twisted it up into a clip, since I still have missions to do this morning and in the evening after training We can do it nicer if there's time."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Oh I forgot about my tat."
"What about it?"
"No one knows about it and if I have my hair up…"
"Don't worry about it when I'm done no one will even notice."
"You can do that?"
"Sure can… why don't you believe me?"
"But I don't want it removed"
"I'm not going to remove it silly, I'm just gonna cover it up."
"How?"
"Well let me fix your hair first and then we'll worry about that then…"
"Alright then let's get started, promise you won't pull to hard?"
"Depends do you want to brush it first?"
"Aren't you going to?"
"I can"
"Then do it"
She said as she turned on the mat for Snow, Snow easily ran the brush though Rei's hair that shower from the night before had left her hair silk and easy to brush..
"Oh my Rei."
"What is it? My hair that bad?"
"As if, your hair is so gorgeous."
"Thank you I've tried but it seemed like I could never get it to be the way it is now"
"Well let's try to figure out what you did to pass the time"
"Ok."
"Did you take a hot bath last night?"
"Yes, I also changed my shampoo and conditioner"
"What kind?"
"It was a Green Tea mixture"
"Oh yes, Green Tea is a great mixture for hair it has the nutrients to replace the ones you loose in kombat"
"Really, what about Jasmine?"
"Jasmine is good to but my hair prefers Green
Tea."
"That explains why your hair is so beautiful and lays so
nicely"
"Well thank you no on really notices"
"How can't they?"
"I'm known for my skills as a geisha and skills as a warrior, not of beauty although from time to time I wish I was"
"Really? What was life as a Geisha like?"
"Well… it had it's ups and downs"
"Like what?"
"Well I had a beautiful selection of kimonos to where and almost every night I went out dancing, laughing, and having a good time. In fact I think I still have my kimonos somewhere I'll try to find them some time. I also did all this dancing for people so I got paid for going out and having a good time."
"Sounds like a dream. Being able to look pretty, dressing up. Just the thought of being paid to look nice is a sweet thought to the mind."
"Yes but it was work, like your training to be a skilled ninja or warrior. It took great work to be a successful Geisha. We attended school for two years and we never got the money to spend. It was always the owners of the house you were assigned to that got the money."
"Why is that? You're the one working and not them so why do you have to pay them?"
"That is true, but see the owners of the house are the ones that pay for your lessons to become a Geisha in the first place. Their the ones that buy your first kimonos and all of your expenses. So it's only fair that you pay them back for the money they've put out for you."
"Yes, but…"
"Alright I'm done with your hair now it's time to fix your tattoo."
"Cool, I've been waiting for this."
"I don't know what your excited about but if it floats your boat then I won't sink it."
She took out her foundation and started to power Rei's neck. Rei enjoyed the feeling on the brush rubbing against her neck.
"A few more touches and… done"
"All you did was cover it up"
"Well that's what I said I was gonna do"
"Oh yeah, so what are we going to do now?"
"Well why don't we walk over to the bridge. The morning air is a good way to wake up"
"Alright"
Both walked out of the door. And started down the path to the bridge.
"When do you think I'll get a real mission?"
"When do you want one?"
"Soon, as disrespectful as it is I want a real mission, I'm tired of choirs."
"Well I can see that maybe I can talk to the head man for a more difficult mission."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of coarse, particularly because I'm tired of all these choirs too."
"You just sit back and supervise"
"Yeah, but I get board watching you four do them" She began to smile
"Lazy"
"Oh so I'm lazy now am I?"
"Yep"
"Well little missy… I agree I feel really lazy right now"
"Why?"
"Well, I'm used to being on mission 24/7 and now all I'm doing is wondering around town"
"Your life's pretty dull right now then?"
"Pretty much, I wish I could take everyone into space like I did once before"
"You went into space?"
"Along time ago, actually I've been on the run from murchs who are after me for killing people"
"So murchs are cops?"
"No their people who go around arresting criminals for the police"
"Why?"
"Cause they get big pay days to do
it"
"Oh, I see"
"I'm sure you do you are a bright girl"
"You think so?"
"Well you are able to keep calm under MOST pressure and figure things out without help"
"MOST, of the time."
"Your pretty good at keeping those demon emotions under control"
"Yeah"
"Oh I forgot there is something that's going to happen but I can't tell you yet."
"The head man said I wasn't support to tell
ANYONE"
They had reached the bridge now and Snow turned to
leave.
"Where are you going?"
"I have to go meet Kakashi for your surprise"
"So your leaving me?"
"For awhile, remember you can't tell anyone that I said something was gonna happen"
"Got it, see ya in a few"
"See you soon"
She left Rei on the bridge and walked towards the head office. Standing in the front door was Kakashi waiting for Snow.
"Your late"
"Sorry Kakashi I'm just not
used to this whole Ninja stuff yet."
Kakashi smiled to smile at this.
"Well then come on there about to enroll the
students."
"Do I just sit back and watch?"
"Pretty much"
"Then why did you have to wait for me?"
"Your second in command so you also have to show up for all these enrollments"
"Well there's some fine prints for ya"
"Yeah, let's get inside their about to start"
"OK"
They went inside the building just as the 4th Hokage started to speech.
"As you all know it's that time of year again. Time to start the Chunin Exams. We have a few new members in our village will they please step forward?"
"It that a sing that I go up?"
"Yeah it is"
"You said all I had to do was stand and
listen"
"Yes I did so go up there stand and listen."
"I'll
get your for this"
"I'm sure you will so get up there"
"Fine"
Snow and Gonini stepped forward.
"Since you both are new I'll give you the 411. The Chunin Exams are the exams that decide whether or not your students pass from genin to chunin. They'll have to pass a series of test. Each testing them on a certain skill. If the exam teacher doesn't like the way the student works they have free right to eliminate them from the exam. The squad leaders are not allowed in the room with the students unless the head tester allows it. Any questions?"
"No sir"
"No sir"
"Good now that that's out of the way. Will the rooky squad leaders please step forward?"
All tree leaders stepped forward.
"Alright then Kakashi you start"
(I'm skipping the part where they intro their students because I can't remember witch student goes where)
Each leader went through nominating each of their students with all of the leaders behind gasping for this had not happened in more than 5 years. Iruka was both shocked and worried.
"None of those students are ready for the exams" He yelled out "All of those students were mine at the academy, I know what they can do and I don't think any of them are ready for the exams!"
"Iruka I know that your worried about he students and I understand that it's very personal for you, but…"
"Kakashi that's enough" Gonini interpreted
"On the contrary Iruka needs to hear this. Their not your students anymore… Their MINE"
"Yeah but…"
"Iruka that's enough if your so worried about their skills we'll hold a pretest. That's enough for the rookies, on to the next level…"
Kakashi walked over to Snow, who was just leaning against the wall in sort of a trance. Kakashi gently touched her should and she 'woke up' back into the world.
"Is it over?"
"Yeah we can go now"
"Don't we have to stay for the rest of it?"
"No all we need to be here for is the rooky part"
"What happened?"
"You were suppose to be listening"
"I was until Iruka started in with his concern, and both you and I know exactly who he was worried about."
"Naruto"
"Yep, so what is the pretest?"
"Not sure yet, Hokage will alert us as soon as he decided. You have to be sure not to tell anyone there's a pretest."
"Alright, alright I won't tell anyone"
"That's good"
"Well then I'm sure the genin are waiting"
"Yes we took more time then we anticipated"
"It was all in concern, can't say I blame Iruka for worrying, I know what it's like. But he's got to trust them to do the right thing."
"Yeah"
"What is your problem? I must not of paid attention pretty well and missed something important"
"It's nothing"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure"
She put her hand on his forehead. He looked shocked but Snow wasn't feeling one bit out of place.
"Your running a fever."
"I'm sure it's nothing"
"Right and my name isn't Snow"
"Fine you win maybe I'm not at my best but I'm not stopping"
"I know, but if you get much worst I will send you home believe it or not I can handle the kids"
"Sure you can…"
"Are you saying I can't?"
"Not at all"
"Better not, I am at your skill level so your not the only powerful shinobi here"
"I know, I know"
"As Naruto would say… BELIEVE IT!"
She winked and Kakashi smiled and they headed towards the bridge. They arrived at the bridge to see Rei up on the podium, Sasuke leaning against the bridge's rails, and Sakura and Naruto talking about something.
Not even mid-day and already there driving me crazy! Rei and Sasuke thing the same thought. Rei seen Snow and Kakashi.
"FINALLY!" She said before jumping down and running off the bridge. "What took you two SO long! NARUTO and SAKURA WERE DRIVING ME CRAZY!"
"Who" Snow said while standing there blinking "That bad?"
"THAT BAD"
"Alright then, let's get this thingy done"
The three of them walked up to the bridge
"Alright team, here are your papers to the Chunin Exams" Kakashi said handing out the papers
"It's a dedication to be made based on the person you can take the exams or wait till next year" Snow explained.
"It's completely up to you" Kakashi added
"The Chunin Exams?"
"Your repeating me Sakura"
"What are the Chunin Exams?" Naruto asked
"There the Exams you have to pass to graduate from a genin to a full chunin" Rei answered
"How do you know?" Sasuke asked
"I actually read the booklet" Rei sassed back
"That is a sign of a good student" Kakashi told everyone
"CHUNIN EXAMS ALRIGHT KAKASHI YOU'RE THE BEST!" Naruto said jumping up and hugging him.
"Hey! Stop your slobbering all over my vest"
Snow just stood there and blinked, then smiled it was nice to be around people again. Rei walked over with a less happy look on her face.
"What's wrong Rei?" She said looking down at the girl
"Can we take a walk?"
"Of coarse just let me tell Kakashi, I don't think you have any missions today"
"Alright I'll wait"
"Ok"
Snow walked over to Kakashi.
"We don't have any missions today do we?"
"No not today, why?"
"Someone's not entirely sure about something and I want to find out"
"Ok out go take care of it. I'll watch these three"
"Ok thanks Kakashi and remember if you don't feel well have one of the kids find me. Got it?"
"Got it now hurry up"
"Hmmm…? Oh right, see you soon"
"Can we go yet?"
"Yeah"
Both started to walk into the forest Sasuke looked behind to notice Rei was gone. He looked around and seen her walking into the forest. He also noticed that she didn't look all that hot and was wondering if she was ok. It was so weird he didn't even know her that well and he was beginning to show concern for her. He had been around Naruto and Sakura twice as long and didn't even notice them that much.
"So what's bugging you?"
"Well I'm worried about the Chunin Exams"
"Those, there's nothing to worry about you're a bright girl and you'll figure it all out"
"Yeah but I just got here, all the other people have been training since they were old enough to"
"And your worried that you'll be at a disadvantage?"
"Yeah"
"Well that is something to look at if your name wasn't Rei Hino"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that there the one's at a disadvantage"
"How? I still don't understand"
"I mean as much as you try to run from it your demon heritage will give you an extra boost"
"I don't think so"
"I do, you're a demoness, and being a demon means you have extra chakra"
"Your right"
"I don't know why your so ashamed of your heritage"
"I just want to be treated like everyone else"
"You know they only teat you like that cause they know it bothers you"
"They do it because they hate me"
"No, if you just kept your chin up and showed them it didn't bother you than…"
"Then they'd know I didn't care what they thought of me"
"Exactly"
"That makes sense… THANK YOU MISTRESS
SNOW!"
"Your welcome I guess"
"Now I'm not worried about the Chunin Exams"
"Are you still do worried about you heritage?"
"Actually no I'm not"
"That's my girl, just remember that is your ever scared whisper 'No Fear'"
"No Fear, hey that does make you feel better"
"Told ya, that's what I always told myself when I got scared"
"You got scared?"
"Of coarse everyone gets scared in fact if anyone says they've never been scared you can tell their lying."
"I didn't think you ever got scared"
"Oh yes, even demons get scared"
"Yep"
"Feel better now?"
"Actually I do"
"That's great, ready to head back then?"
"Let's go"
"Glad to see you back to your spirited self"
"So am I…"
Third chapter up and I'm going to bed. checks counter 12 pages in one night isn't bad.
If anyone had ideas be sure to let me know because if I like them I'll put them in. Got it?
Same as always you've read now you review!
Thanx everyone