Naruto Fan Fiction!
Adventure! SI-OC!
(Title)
"A Song for Them"
A/N: Sorry about the long delay since the last chapter, guys. There's been a lot of drama going on in RL and it's been really effecting my writing. Plus, we're in a bit of a slow spot in the story and I keep getting bogged up with the editing of the earlier chapters and that eats up my time and motivation. Most of the next few chapters are going to be training and relationship building, not just for Sora. Welp, that's all I have to say for now... Enjoy the chapter guys!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of the canon characters! There would be more thorough explanations on elemental training if I did!
WARNING! RATED M! For bad, bad language and mischievous thoughts?
Montage Arc,
Chapter Forty-Five: "Going with the Flow"
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" -Muhammad Ali
Perspective:
空 (Sky)
I slowly peeled my eye open to peer at the chakra hovering outside, it was still dark outside. Somewhere between 2 and 5am if I was pressed to make a guess, which, uggghhh... I was so wiped out from yesterday I ended up sleeping dreamlessly. It was nearly blissful if not for the fact that every part of my body was in pain. Even parts I didn't even know could ache were aching! By the sudden flare of guilt that manifested in his Safe and Sturdy chakra, he just figured it out, too. I narrowed my eye at the cloaked/masked individual who didn't bother to suppress his chakra as he came to check up on me.
He lifted a gloved hand, folding his fingers. 'Apologies.'
I let out a short huff before I dragged my warmed-over corpse from the salvation of my bedding and shuffled over to the window, unlocking it and pushing open for the ANBU. A gentle, warm breeze brushed my face as Neko took a seat on the sill. Now, up until the point I walked over he'd been relatively relaxed. But the second I stepped into the moonlight, a shot of well-meaning concern went through him. I kind of froze as he reached up and pulled his mask off to the side of his head. His dark-brown eyes went from the bruises on my arms, the bandage around the wound from the other day, and finally rested on my swollen and busted lip. He exhaled through his nose in a way that could almost be considered a sigh.
Briefly he closed his eyes and looked thoughtful. When he looked at me again, he spoke oh-so seriously. "Get some more rest. When you get up again you are to head directly to the hospital to receive healing—" I began to raise a hand to protest, he shut me down. "—no excuses. As your interim teacher, I expect you to do as I say, Sora. And that means going to the hospital."
I narrowed my eyes at him, gauging his seriousness. Neko returned my stare evenly, his entire demeanor telling me just what he'd think of any act of rebellion on my part. I slumped against the sill, hanging my head in defeat. Damn it...! It's just not the same as when Kakashi tells me to do something I don't agree with. I actually respect Neko as an authority figure!
"Well?" he prompted, needing verification. Smart man, it might've 'slipped' my mind otherwise. I lifted my eyes to meet his and nodded my head sullenly. My reward was a pleased smile, "Good. When the medic's have finished, meet me at Training Grounds 32 and we'll have a discussion about what you'll be learning."
'What about Crazy Lady?' I asked. Neko covered up his laugh with a cough at my choice in wording.
He smiled at me wryly. "Mitarashi-san will not be joining us today. She has her own duties as a tokubetsu jonin to attend to. It's just you and I today."
I felt a frown tugging on my lips. Although I was thrilled at the idea of getting to spend the day with my Neko, I was still a bit leery of the other one. 'When will she show up. I would like to prepare myself mentally and physically.'
His slight smile disappeared and his eyes glanced down to my bust lip for a split second before pretending like it didn't bother him. How cute. "Mitarashi-san's schedule is... sporadic, at best. She is also under orders not to strain herself and impede her recovery, she will oversee your training when she can find a suitable amount of time. Though she might give you objectives to carry out in her absence, for instance, accomplishing a ten kilometer run each day."
My head dropped against his chest armor. I could already feel my body aching from the exertion. I was still aching from yesterday. Neko chuckled softly at my misery and I felt it reverberate through the armor piece.
"Ten kilometers is actually fairly basic in terms of endurance training, Sora." he said encouragingly, trying to comfort me. It wasn't a comforting thought at all! It just meant that I was going to have to run even more when I got used to it, probably faster, too. "You should make sure to do it though, perhaps before meeting me later today. It is a very realistic possibility that Mitarashi-san might visit unexpectedly to check on your progress."
I stared up at the ANBU blankly.
...was that his way of warning me of ambushes?
Ughhhh...
In my growing despair, I wrapped my arms around one of his and pressed my cheek against his bare shoulder, greedily soaking in his presence. I didn't get to see him often enough, I've actually really missed him lately. In response to my display of affection he let out a soft sigh, awkwardly patting my head.
Yup, I needed this.
You're stalling at this point, Sky-girl. Terra sighed. I frowned, running my hand through my hair and moving it away from my face—maybe I should find a tie or something? Ninja wire sucks for a hair tie. Why the hell didn't I have a spare hair tie? This was getting annoying. Maybe I should stop by the store or some—STALLLLIIIIIINNNNGGGG!
'I am not stalling!' I rebuked in a huff as I began walking down the side-street again. 'I am CLEARLY on my way to the hospital! Look! I can see it now!'
And really I could. Crap. I pointedly ignored the growing knot in my stomach as approached the weathered stone building, pulling in my sensing as I passed over the threshold and into the lobby. Ugh! Even though I withdrew in on myself, I could still feel the sterilized chakra everywhere! I shook my head, getting ahold of myself, I was being ridiculous at this point. It was only going to be a quick check-up, maybe get a little bit of first aid—I really didn't think it was at all necessary for any Mystic Palm technique whatsoever. Anko hadn't poisoned me again -yet- and I didn't get any breaks from the Taijutsu training, my bruises were mostly healed over and the cut on my arm doesn't even bother me! I don't even know why Neko insisted I come here in the first place! He was just being a worrywart as per usual...
...
...Sky-girl.
'Yes?'
You passed the reception desk already. These are the stairs to Hinata's room...
Uhm...
I could put it off for a half-hour or so, right? Just long enough to check on Mouse and make sure she's feeling all right! I've already been putting off my visit for the last couple of days because of my training, so she must be so tired of her stuffy clansmen by now! This is actually a good thing! I got the feeling of intense exasperation from my one-third as I happily skipped up the flight of stairs and made my way down the hall, towards the Warm and Clear chakra waiting for me. Checking once more down the hall for any sign of pesky nurses, finding the coast was clear I moved to open the door. Cautiously, I nudged the door open silently and my chest tightened at the sight of one of my oldest, sweetest friends lying there with heavy bandages wrapped around her arms and her collarbone, the bandages that were no doubt wrapped around her chest were covered by a hospital gown. Pale eyes moved from gazing out the window to land on me, a smile quickly lighting her too-pale face.
"Sora-chan... you came." she said, her sweet voice sounding raspy and tired.
I smiled as best as I could even though really I felt like punching a particular someone in that moment and stepped in, closing the door securely behind me. When I looked back, Hinata's all-seeing eyes were trained on me intensely, making me feel a little more than self-conscious. Don't tell me she's gonna pull a Hero and say there's something 'different' about me. I wasn't sure I could handle it...
"Sora-chan, you look..." she trailed off, frowning delicately. Tension eased in my shoulders as I smiled wryly, walking over to the chair by her bed and slipping one of my hands into her own cool one.
'Same to you.' I responded with my free hand and she blinked rapidly before flushing, knowing that I knew what she thought of my appearance but was far too polite to say aloud. Tch. Sweet girl. I already knew I looked like crap, but so did she. And it was all that guy's fault, too. Argh. There's that punchy feeling again.
Hinata smiled weakly and tightened her fingers around mine slightly, making me look up into her pearly eyes. "Please... don't be too mad at Neji-niisan."
I frowned, obviously unhappy. And how did she know what I was thinking about?! I know for a fact I don't have 'I'm pissed at Neji' written on my forehead. 'He hurt you. Bad.' I signed, her brow pinched together but she didn't deny it. Good. 'I get to be mad at him for it.'
She let out a sad little sigh, one that hit me where it hurt. Which, was all over today. "But... you know what it is like for him. I've told you what our family is like, it isn't really me that he was angry with. I know that, and... I hope you do too."
'You are not his punching bag.' I countered, feeling my irritation with the boy double up. She was defending him even now,and I'd bet all my books on the chance that he couldn't be bothered to give two damns about it. I scowled, 'He doesn't get to do this. Not to you.'
Not to my Mouse.
Her smaller fingers intertwined with mine and she looked at me with those big, sad eyes of hers. "I don't want you to hold it against him. Please don't hold it against him."
I scrunched up my nose in distaste. Mouse knew that forgiveness wasn't my strongest suits. She was counted among the very select few who could do anything and I'd still love them unconditionally. Who could literally get away with murdering someone and I'd figure out a way to cope with it.
Stick wasn't in that category.
Almost as if she sensed an impending loss in the argument, Mouse then jutted her bottom lip in a pout and my will shook.
"Please, Sora-chan?"
Raaaahhhhh... Her eyes were wide and shiny, bottom lip trembling and where in the fudging hell did she learn to do—
Oh...
Hmmm.
I really have been a bad influence on her. Maybe that stuffy Hiashi was onto something all those years ago?
Oh well, too late now.
I huffed in defeat, laying my head down on the side of the bed. I sensed as a victorious happiness bloomed in her chakra and I couldn't help but mirror the smile growing on her face. If only because it was my Mouse who was asking, I won't enact my revenge scheme this day. Or week. Maybe next month if I survive the Invasion intact? The summer heat is always a boon when dealing with sticky substances. I should ask the Hero for some help, I know he's supposed to be maturing out of this kind of stuff and all but I think he'd join me for one last hurrah if he found out who's day we'd be ruining. Oooh! I should enlist the rest of the boys, too. Get the gang back together. I know Kiba must be itching for payback on Hinata's behalf right about now and who knows, maybe Shino has a vindictive streak? I know that boy can hold a grudge. I'm sure Shikamaru wouldn't be too adverse to the idea, given proper incentive, he has a weakness for mystery novels, Sherlock Holmes specifically. And Chōji... well, I can bribe him to be our accomplice with food.
Yes... I can practically see it now.
It will be great...
"Sora-chan..." the Princess sighed, almost as if she was reading my mind. Which, she can't. Ino isn't here right now. Hinata's power is seeing through walls and clothes. She lifted a thickly bandaged hand and poked my cheek. "...you were smiling too widely just now."
Was I? Interesting...
Perspective:
友達 (Friend)
Sasuke was progressing faster than I could've hoped.
It's only been a couple days since we left the Village to train and he's picked up everything at a speed I have no doubt his teammates would be hard-pressed to keep up with. Since we've began, I've noticed with slight unease that his usual single-minded determination to achieve a higher level of skill might have evolved into something a tad more obsessive than it used to be. It's gotten to the point I was seriously considering whether or not I should be worried.
Daily, he starts the mornings by running through kata I've shown him to condition his muscle memory until later on when I decide on either training his speed or reflexes for the day. He out preforms every task I set before him and goes beyond. I literally have to stop him from continuing to run the drills before he pushes his body to collapse. It's already bad enough that he's been sleeping the absolute minimum amount of time before beginning it all over again. Beside the lack of concern towards his well-being, I was convinced it would be a matter of days before I could teach him how to properly convert his chakra nature and begin the first steps towards learning the Chidori. Him being able to actually use the technique in a combat situation by the end of the month was rapidly becoming more of a reality than when I first came up with the idea.
Promising results aside...
I still felt conflicted.
At the moment, my broody student was taking a break from today's speed drills up the cliff face but I had a suspicion that he was already getting anxious to begin again, not ten minutes after sitting down to eat. And his definition of eating was just him shove him shoving a rice ball down his throat and calling it lunch. I wonder if Sora also knows that he does this and that's why she makes the lunches? I never did get around to asking Tenzō about that did I? Oh well.
"What's next?" he asks, standing up and brushing off his hands briefly. Exactly like I'd guessed. Seriously, he was kind of predictable in that way.
I have to stop myself from sighing at the look he gives me, the one that says that if I don't give him something to do then he'll find something on his own. I then lift a hand to wearily rub the back of my neck, unsure if I should make him rest a little longer. Something in the back of my mind that sounds a lot like Rin's scolding tone was telling me to take it down a notch, before he hurts himself by pushing too far. I consider it for a moment. Then the memory of that kid from Sound getting turned into pulp comes back to the forefront of my mind and I'm reminded of exactly why I thought teaching Sasuke the Chidori was a good idea in the first place. I try not to think too much about how of Sora's unresponsive body comes to mind and I'm reminded of that fact that Sasuke could've easily been in that hospital room beside her, a Mark filled with pure and literal corruption etched onto his skin as well.
I really try not to.
"Today we'll start on Nature Transformation." I announce, and from the way his eyes sharpen I know it's another thing that I probably won't have to explain too much.
That's kind of boring. It's more fun when my little students don't understand what I'm teaching them right away.
Perspective:
空 (Sky)
It was about 9am by the time I reached the Training Grounds where I was set to meet my Neko, he wasn't there yet so I decided to add another chapter in The Tale of the Unfortunate Ferret, Sensu Sable. Poor furry Bastard has it tough enough and I'm not going to make it any easier on him. I was writing for an hour or so before my ANBU friend finally showed up, dressed in the standard Konoha blues. I'd quickly sealed away my things the moment I sensed his incoming chakra, so when he dropped to stand in front of me I was ready and waiting.
His dark brown eyes briefly scanned over me, no doubt noting the bruises that still littered my exposed skin. "The Medics allowed you to leave like that?" he asked skeptically.
I gave my old friend a look, raised my hands to sign. 'Yes, they did. Nothing broken or serious, want the rest to heal itself. Even looked at my stitches.' He narrowed his eyes at me but I gave nothing away. Everything I said was true... more or less. I did allow the medic to check for any fractured ribs and the like, and it was common practice to allow minor injuries like bruises and shallow cuts to heal naturally. It's just that when the medic tried to insist that he redo the stitches in my arm himself, I kind of... fled the hospital.
Terra's cackles kicked up again at the reminder. You... You ran so fast! You'da thought a snake was chasing you out! she breathed out between the laughter. I was very unamused with the mental image. I had to deal with real, live snakes pursuing me on a regular basis nowadays—it wasn't that funny!
Neko sighed eventually, accepting my answer with reluctance. "Alright then. As long as you feel up for training though. I know that Mitarashi-san has been pushing you fairly hard so I don't want to risk you overextending yourself. If you think that your body can withstand the strain, then we'll begin, because..." he paused and I felt—oh no. I recognized that feeling. Did he learn it from Scarecrow? I swallowed and my lips twitched up into a nervous grin as Neko smiled in a ghoulish way. "...I won't go easy on you."
Oh dear.
The most accomplished ANBU Captain in Konoha's history just said he wasn't going to go easy on me. Ahhhh... where did my adorable Neko go? I nodded though, steeling myself. Underneath this elite-killer coating was still the twenty-something man that was all too prone to blushing when his well-mannered mind was led to think unseemly things. Speaking of...
I signed to him, face solemn. 'My body is ready.'
He closed his eyes tightly in response, as if he was preparing himself as well. I wonder why~? "Sora, that's not..." he sighed, opening his eyes to look at me again. And what an exasperated look that was. He shook his head at me, "Just—...never-mind. Let's get started on training. Tell me, what kind of ninjutsu so you know? I'd like to get an understanding of your full capabilities before we can discuss any possible strategy for your fight."
'Just the Academy Three.' I signed. Strategy? We were going to discuss strategy? Oooh! A genuine learning experience! Not just a 'Watch and then do' method like Anko, or a 'Do whatever you feel like' plan that Kakashi usually leave us inexperienced genin with! Ah, that was probably uncalled for. Kakashi tries his best.
Neko's brow furrowed, "You mean the Transformation, Substitution and Clone jutsu? That's all you've learned after spending half a year under Kakashi-senpai's tutelage?"
I lifted a finger to scratch my cheek as I nodded. Was his expectations of Scarecrow really that high? I mean, how much are you supposed to teach a teenage ninja in that time? And it's not like I've learned nothing. Quickly, I offered up something in the silver-haired man's defense. 'He taught us how to walk up trees.'
Neko didn't seemed appeased with that. He muttered something under his breath before speaking to me again. "What has Kakashi-senpai been teaching you?"
Just that honestly. Unless the life lessons count? But, something tells me that they wouldn't really count in this instance. Sorry, Sensei. Oooooh! Idea! I suppressed a wicked grin at the thought. This was a perfect teasing moment! He reaction would be—Noooo... it'd be too mean... but, ohh... Don'tsayitDon'tsayitDon't—
'How to Love.' I answered with a shit-eating grin.
He choked, face paling multiple shades. I immediately bent over and started laughing. HA! Oh—that is just too funny. Teasing him is always so fun! He glared balefully at me, "Sora! Are you going to take this seriously or not?" he demanded and I tried to tamper down my snickering. I barely managed it.
'Teamwork. He taught us teamwork.' I answered, seriously, as he requested. That eased him slightly, but I could tell he was still unhappy about my teasing. It's his own fault really. He makes it too easy for me. A contemplative look crossed his face and he frowned thoughtfully, thinking something through. I waited patiently until he was finished.
"Alright, I think it's in your best interest to at least begin learning the basics of an elemental-based ninjutsu—" Wait, wait, wait! He is saying what I think he's saying?! Was this really happening?! "—now, so that you can continue to work on it even after the Chuunin Selection Exams have concluded. It's not strictly necessary to begin expanding your knowledge of ninjutsu after this, but it would be good for you to have a better grasp of the basics. And there is no better way to have an understanding of a jutsu than to be able to preform it yourself." he informed me. I was practically vibrating with glee as Neko continued. "I suppose I already know the answer, but I still have to ask... Sora, do you know about Chakra Nature's and Nature Transformation?"
This was happening.
I grinned stupid-wide. He took my grin as confirmation and reached into one of the tools bags on his hip, pulling out a blank sheet of paper. I kid you not, I got goosebumps! It was actual Chakra Induction Paper! Made from specially cultivated Ginkgo trees, grown and nurtured over years with chakra to infuse the wood with it! Ohh, I would love to use that in one of my Fuinjutsu projects! I cannot even begin to imagine what it do to the conductivity of the Seal! He held it out for me and I may have skipped over to him to take it, holding it up to my eyes to inspect it closer. It looked like a plain square piece of paper but I could feel the chakra in it. This is happening! Are you kidding me?! I've been wanting to learn about my chakra affinity since I first started practicing the Academy Three! I noticed Neko try to suppress a smile at my attitude right before I closed my eyes and pulsed chakra into my fingertips...
Something damp fell on my fingers.
I peeked one eye open to see that the paper was drooping over my knuckles and it was soggy and... waitaminute.
WATER!
I've got a Water affinity!
A grin split my face and I looked up to see Neko's reaction. "Water." he confirmed, straightening up slightly. He then smiled a little, pleased. "Water also happens to be my affinity as well. Then, without any further delay, we'll begin your Water manipulation training!"
Yaaasssss! Super cool new jutsu here I come!
The Hero is going to be SO jealous!
Montage Arc,
Chapter Forty-Five: "Going with the Flow"
END
A/N: Ahhh! Another chapter down and we got progression! Sora is learning a new jutsu and how to manipulate her WATER element! Surprise! Now Sora gets to start working on that! I know, this chapter wasn't the most filled or exciting in comparison to the past—especially with how much time it took, but I can only promise you guys that the next chapter is going to more than make up for it!
One word: Jiraiya
It's going to be so much fun! I hope you guys like this chapter, I just wish I could've done it faster! Lot's of stuff happening to me lately. I got an eye exam, deemed unfit to drive without prescription glasses—I'm still a bit upset over that. I honestly thought I had good vision. Got woken up at 3am by a man shouting 'Field Triiiiip!' and took a drive up to Colorado and got some serious writing done! Feel free to thank Mr. FieldTrip for the completion of this chapter, by the way. Embraced Nature's bounty by pelting people with snowballs. Fun times.
Author Question!
"What kind of Elemental affinity would you like to have? (You can choose more than one, too!)"
Hrmmm… I think I'd want electricity! Water seems very nice, but I think being able to shock people whenever I want would benefit me greatly. Yes... yes, it would. For A second one? I think I'd want earth. Just imagine the things I could do then...
I wuv yew all! Until next time~
-Nanami