Obligatory Disclaimer: The series Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto; I only own the OCs, picture, and this story.
Chapter 14: Of Hot Pots and Fans
Things got better.
Aunt Mei had me stay at home for another day since she was worried I might've worsened my condition by gardening. I had developed a fever after falling into the river, though I was feeling much better now. I was itching to get back to the academy, but at least the day-off let me catch up on all the work I missed, courtesy of Kenta. There was also a note from Noburu and Akane mixed in with my assignments.
'Get better soon Junko-chan!' was written in Akane's neat hand, alongside a doodle that could've only been Noburu's. It was a miniature version of Ikeda-sensei, with demon horns and breathing fire with a tiny version of himself cowering in fear, which had gotten a few giggles from me. I wondered if she had seen him draw it. Most likely; I think that woman saw everything.
It was on a Thursday that I returned to the academy, three days after the incident. I was aware that a clansmen was probably watching me from somewhere not far off as I walked along my usual route to the academy. Aunt Mei had given me a hint that I was being given a new overseer as the elders didn't trust my cousins to insure I was safe at all times due to the incident, even though it wasn't their fault. I was glad to hear that Satomi and Kenta weren't being burdened by that anymore, despite the fact that Aunt Mei had to take the punishment in their place. But she had told me, over and over, that she did not regret her decision and so I respected it and said no more about it.
I was immediately assaulted by Noburu when I entered our classroom, the boy leaping down the rows of seats to try and tackle me which I dodged, causing him trip and fall outside the classroom. Akane met us at the door, worry shining in her red eyes.
"Are you better Junko-chan?" She tugged at her pigtails. "Kenta-kun told us that you were sick."
"No thanks to Satomi," Noburu sneered as he shot up from the floor.
I smiled sincerely at the both of them. "I'm alright. It was just a small fever. Thank you for the note."
Both of them seemed to relax at my words, and it warmed my heart to know they cared so much. We were the only ones in the classroom, the pair of civilians having come early to study. Some of my studying habits had rubbed off on them, though Akane must have been the one who enforced it by the slightly haggard expression on the boy's face.
Akane was empathetic after I told her how my parents had not returned home, but I assured her that I was fine, and I was really. It should've been alarming but I didn't feel too sad about it anymore, though maybe having two near death experiences had skewed my head a bit. They weren't here and I'd just have to accept that fact. And although Hideyoshi said there would be more shinobi returning from the field, it made no sense to get my hopes up. The war wasn't over yet and I don't think it would be for a while.
It was just a feeling.
The duo caught me up with everything that happened during my absence, which wasn't much. I was glad to hear that the Akiyama twins and their groupies had stayed to themselves, but I became worried when they told me Shisui hadn't been in class just as long as I had.
Maybe he was sick too.
Noburu gave me a look. "Yeah, you both didn't come to class for most of this week."
I looked up at him briefly from where I was copying Akane's class notes. I didn't need them as I was familiar with the material- hypothetical combat situations and what to do when and so forth by proper protocol- but I wanted to have a complete set of notes. The me from Before never missed a day of school in her life, the nerd.
"That's unfortunate."
"I just think it's odd that you two went absent at the same time," he said giving me a nudge.
There was no way I was telling him or the other girl what happened. It would only make them even more worried. Besides, letting them I know had been in contact with the Uchiha would spur more comments I didn't want to deal with. I gave a shrug.
"The weather is changing and we are a lot younger than you."
"Younger children tend to get sick often since their immune systems aren't as developed," Akane added as I returned her notes.
The boy frowned but gave his own shrug in response. While Akane was more of the daydreaming romantic type, Noburu had more of a conspiracy theorist quirk. Maybe that's why they were best friends. He was suspicious of everything, especially when it came to clan stuff. It had taken a bit of convincing during the first weeks of our friendship to make him believe that no, clans did not do experiments in order to create children soldiers.
I think.
He surprised me with his intuition and paranoia most times. I think he'd do well in interrogations or investigations if he just toned it down a bit.
Soon classes began and with that, my heart sunk a little. As the rest of our classmates clambered into the room, there was no sign of the young Uchiha boy. Satomi didn't give me her usual stink-eye of the day but Ikeda-sensei made eye contact with me as soon as she entered the classroom. Oh no.
"I'm glad to see one of our young prodigies is back in action." The woman grinned and I couldn't help but wish I had stayed home today.
The rest of the school day was spent answering Ikeda-sensei's targeted questions and exhausting demonstrations- she had me do the henge at least four times and the replacement jutsu three. 'To make sure I was in top shape', she had said with that annoying smile on her face. I enjoyed the afternoon sun as I walked towards the academy gates with Akane and Noburu at my side. I couldn't shake the guilt I felt at Shisui's absence- there was no doubt that he was out sick too, and it was my fault.
Satomi brushed past by us without a word with Kenta at her heels, who only spared me a brief glance as they made their way out of the gates and around the corner.
"Is there something going on between you and them?" Noburu asked as we walked out of the gates and towards the Akimichi district.
I couldn't help the deep sigh that escaped me. "It's clan stuff. Nothing for you to worry about."
"Are you really alright Junko-chan?" Akane's concern made me feel a bit worse, so I forced a smile and quickened my step.
"I will be once we get to Tsukuda's. I can't wait to see what specials Miho-san has for today."
I ignored the uncertain looks I received in response but the pair followed me through the streets towards our destination without another word about it.
Miho-san was very happy to see me, so much so she had yelled my name across the small restaurant as soon as we stepped through the threshold.
"Junko-chan!" The portly woman easily lifted me in her arms and into a hug. "I'm so glad that you're okay!"
I mumbled a reply into her cleavage that was muffled and unintelligible. Once she let me go, I took a few breaths before giving her strained smile.
"It's nice to see you too Miho-san."
Over our frequent trips to Tsukuda's, our little ragtag group had gotten close to the woman. She always tried to stuff us with desserts every time we came, along with a whole assortment of other recipes that came out of her head. Miho pushed us to our usual table near the front corner of the room. A blooming smile spread across her face as she set out some menus for us, although she probably knew what we going to order anyways. We were a predicable group when it came to food.
"I know just the thing to get rid of a fever! I'll be right back," she said, practically skipping towards the kitchen.
"W-wait Miho-san! I'm completely fine now-" My words fell on deaf ears and I could hear the quick chopping of a knife as she got to work on whatever concoction she had. I sighed and slumped slightly in my seat.
Akane giggled. "You know how she gets."
"That I do." I shook my head.
Miho was too much at times but she was also very generous. Knowing about Akane's position, she sometimes gave us things on the house though the blonde tried to refuse. Miho was one of those women who didn't take no for a reason, especially when it came to food related matters. Still, I often left big tips for the owner from the allowance Mei gave me for knickknacks. I wasn't a big spender, not even in my old life, not that I ever had a lot to spend back then. She didn't like that either but I could be stubborn too.
After a while, the woman returned with a cast iron pot and a burner which she plopped onto the middle of our table.
"A hot pot?" Noburu asked as we all jumped back in our seats a little. "It's not even winter yet."
While Tsukuda's was primarily a bakery, Miho liked to spicy it up a little every once in a while with savory things. Akimichi were masters at cooking after all.
There was a gleam in Miho's eye as she spoke.
"Oh ho, that is where you're wrong Nobu-chan!"
The boy scowled at her favorite nickname and the woman placed her hands on her hips.
"This is a special sukiyaki that will increase your stamina development tenfold!" She gave a confident nod. "Even the Hokage has eaten it before."
"What! Really?" Noburu was caught between a mix of disbelief and excitement. Akane and I looked at each other. Being more frequent than the boy, we knew that Miho was pulling his leg. By stamina increasing, she probably just threw more vegetables in there. Although I wouldn't be surprised if she did add a little something extra.
"You kids are growing shinobi after all, so you gotta eat." She grinned while turning away. "Enjoy yourselves!"
Noburu was the first to begin grabbing a serving for himself, Akane and I following soon after. Miho's cooking was like heaven on Earth and we weren't going to let him have it all to himself!
After we all had our fill, the three of sat back basking in the afterglow. There was still a portion of stew left simmering in the cast iron pot.
"Are you guys worried about the upcoming practice graduation exam?" Noburu asked, staring lethargically at the ceiling.
In the final year of the academy, officials held multiple exams every four to five months, a way of testing students and pulling out potential as soon as possible. Most chose to stay till the end of the term though if they could help it.
"I'm a little nervous," Akane admitted, running a finger around the rim of her tea cup. "But it's just a practice test. It'll be good to see where we stand."
"I'm sure we'll all be fine," I nodded. "It's not like it'll stop you from becoming ninja. You can take it as many times as you need."
In the series, Naruto had failed the test multiple times; if he could become a ninja, they definitely could, protagonist armor be damned.
The atmosphere seemed to drop as they both turned towards me.
"Knowing you, they'll probably promote you to genin right away," Noburu sighed, closing his eyes and leaning back in his chair. Akane tensed, gripping her cup tightly and I looked down into my cinnamon honey tea.
That was a possibility I couldn't overlook. It was wartime after all. But were the Hokage and the village really that desperate that they would send a four year old out on the field? I wasn't even sure.
"There's really no reason to worry about that now," I said, taking a sip of my tea. "If it is the decision of the academy then I have no choice."
The bowls and cups on the table shook as Akane slammed her own onto the table, causing Noburu and I to jump back in alarm.
"But you could die Junko-chan!" she cried, tears glistening in her eyes. Embarrassed by her outburst, the girl withdrew into herself, eyes down cast.
"Akane…" Noburu tried to console the girl but she wouldn't have it, hunching her shoulders.
"Things are so scary outside the village," she sniffed, weaving her hands through her braided pigtails.
There was something in her eyes, as if her words came from experience and not just a fear of the unknown. Akane wasn't one to talk about her past other than things that happened at the orphanage or with Noburu. The only thing I knew was that she wasn't born in the village. I had almost forgotten; she loved the village so much, it seemed as though she had been here her entire life.
"You're one of my closest friends, I don't want you to die," she whimpered. This girl…
Shaking my head, I hopped out of my seat and brought my arms up around her in a hug.
"Even if they do promote me, it is unlikely that I'll be sent out onto the field," I reasoned, rubbing her back. "I'm the heiress of the Hyūga and I am only four. I may be good at theory and chakra control, but I'm definitely lacking in the strength department."
While I was good at sending the much older and heavier students over the edge of the area during spars, that wouldn't work out on the field unless I sent them over the edge of a cliff. And I wasn't planning on having any battles near cliffs any time soon.
"B-but you're so good at everything," she sniffed, calming down a bit. "Matsuri-chan from the orphanage says that super special children are taken away. She's seen it happen before!"
My blood ran cold. Could Danzō, or even Orochimaru have their claws in the village already? I didn't know when Root came into existence but Danzō was an opportunist, and Orochimaru… well I didn't want to think about what he could be up to.
"The clan elders won't let that happen, trust me." I didn't trust them all that much in regards to my mental health but physically, they cared about my well-being.
The girl calmed at my reassurances, letting me go to wipe away her tears.
"And even if you do graduate early, you'll always be our friend?"
Noburu interrupted before I could speak. "Of course she will; we're too amazing to forget."
Rolling my eyes, I nod and smile. "It's as he says. You two are my best friends after all."
I made the duo several promises as we walked out of the restaurant. That I'd continue to help them with their studies. That we'd always go to Tsukuda's even if it was only every once in a while.
That I'd stay alive no matter what.
I waved them goodbye as I trudged back toward the compound, the remains of the hot pot contained and wrapped in my bag by Miho's insistence. Akane had brought up a possibility I had never thought about before. It was possible that I could be graduating as soon as a couple of months. I was sure that many powers had their eyes on me and that wasn't me being a narcissist. Honestly, I didn't feel anything about it one way or the other but there were pros and cons on each side.
On the one hand, it would jumpstart my plans by months but it depended on what team and sensei I got placed with. On the other, I really didn't want to be separate from Akane and Noburu, but there was a chance for me to try and do good out in the world, more so than wasting time in the academy. I shouldn't be rushing things, being four years old, but the other part of me craved something more. More than school life, and family drama. I had enough of that in my old life, but I would prefer something that didn't include mummies or snake people.
As usual, I let out a sigh and shook my head to reset my thoughts. Like I told them, it wouldn't do me any good to worry about it now. I shouldn't be getting ahead of myself; I was only four.
I would have to take it as it came.
Looking up, I realized my feet had taken me towards a more foreign part of the village. My eyes wondered over the area, taking note of the huge wall that bordered one side of the street. Just where was I? I wasn't too familiar with the locations of the other clan compounds in the village as I tried to not make a habit of getting involved in intra-village clan shenanigans. The only other ones I was familiar with were the Yamanaka shops and the Akimichi district, obviously, though they didn't really have a border around them, integrated seamlessly with the rest of the village. The Akimichi were just friendly like that.
My stomach dropped a little as I came across a gate. One that had a familiar red and white fan shape on it. The Uchiha district. It should've been obvious, given the dark haired pedestrians that walked around me and through the gate. I really needed to pay more attention to my surroundings.
I should've turned around and headed back to the compound. It probably wasn't the best idea to get involved with the Uchiha any more than I already was. Actually, it was one of the worst ideas I could have had considering that the trouble I had gotten myself into happened less than a week ago.
But I let my feet carry me through the new, unfamiliar streets.
Author's Notes
Posted/Edited: November 1st, 2016
Minor editing: February 5th, 2017
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As always, thanks to all of those who have favorited and followed this story. I appreciate it!
A bit of a late update (at least for me, it's a little pass 11pm when I'm posting this) but I doubt any of you mind. It felt good to get Mei and Junko back on speaking terms; like many of you've said, that girl needs some family stability in her life.
Reviews:
Thanks to 2 lazy 2 login, Judgement of the Arbiter, UniCryin, calcu22, k123, OTrizy, one who reads too much, Kurokaneko, Guest, Guest, sillyrama, 372259, AmericanNidiot, Guest, and unhesitant aliens for leaving a review on the last chapter.
-OTrizy asked, 'Can you make a SatomiKentaMei POV in one chapter?'
That's an excellent suggestion. Yes, yes I can.
-Kurokaneko asked, 'Is this going to be a fix-fic?'
(Apologies in advance for the long reply; I couldn't find a way to make my thoughts more concise.)
The more I write this story, the more choices come up, and sometimes things I've decided now, like for example saving a canon character from their canon fate, might change depending on the development of the story and the twists and turns as a result of that. It's a part of my writing process.
Standing by and doing nothing is not a part of Junko's personality, that much has been established. And she won't be able to fix everything that happens in the canon plot, if I happen to stick to it at all. If she's able to, there's always the possibility that her fixes don't change certain outcomes in the long run. There will be consequences to everything she tries to fix and the things she "fixes" will change the way the entire world works, opening opportunities and closing others.
Sticking strictly to canon, following the timeline exactly, in my opinion, wouldn't be making use of the 'insert genre'. Sure, it would be interesting to see how she deals with it but she already knows what's going to happen. One can infer how she would feel about it. On the other hand, it is also very true that it's boring if Junko just magically fixes everything and life becomes perfect for all the characters, that is neither interesting to read about or write about. And that's not the type of fic this is.
I haven't really looked at For a Chance at Happiness that way when I started writing it. It's just a self-indulgent sort of fic of 'what if's and examinations of characters and dynamics that canon seems to throw to the side. Maybe it is a fix-it fic.
A question for you and everyone then: What makes or breaks a 'fix-it' fic?
Let me know your thoughts.
Next time on For a Chance at Happiness:
Chapter 15: Of Diapers and Streetlights