I just gone done with this chapter and I wanted to post it before I left for my grandparent's house. Therefore this probably has even more spelling mistakes and grammar error then usual (which is saying a lot). I will try to edit it by next week, so if it really both you wait until then. Sorry.
Chapter 8: WWE, but real
When Tou-chan told me he wouldn't be able to train me for a month in order to teach Itachi super special secrets jutsus, I naively thought that would mean I didn't have to train. Of course I would still practice my form and do all the exercises that Kaa-chan does with me every morning, but I was looking forward to a break from being pushed to the point where I could barely walk back to my bed to sleep.
I forgot tou-chan wasn't the only Jounin in our clan.
"Chiyome, why are you back so late? You're going to be late for your training today."
"But isn't tou-chan still helping nii-chan?" I asked with a raised brow, pausing from taking my shoes off.
"Your uncle will be taking that over."
"Yoshiro? I thought he was still gone." I said even though I knew he was still gone.
Makoto has been complaining nonstop about how long the mission is.
"No your other uncle. You haven't meet him yet, but Souta offered to train you along with his kids this month." Kaa-chan said, making a weird face.
"O-kay? Is this another second cousin once removed?"
"No. Souta's my brother."
"What?! You mean all this time I have legit cousins and I am just meeting them now?!" I said in disbelief.
Why are clans so big? At this rate I'm not even going to meet everyone before the massacre happens!
"Yes, well, they are a very busy family." Kaa-chan said making that face again.
Okay, so it sounds a lot like Kaa-chan isn't on good terms with her brother. That's... not good, but I can work on it. I have the power of cuteness on my side.
Their house wasn't too far away from ours; down the street and two houses down the alleyway. It looked like all the other houses in the compound.
We didn't knock on the door, instead Kaa-chan lead me to the back where I could hear some people training. I could sense three people, but chakra sensing still felt like a sixth sense to me. As in it was something I really had to focus on to get anything useful out of it.
"Souta, I brought Chiyome-chan." Kaa-chan announced, not even pausing before entering the back yard.
There stood a man looking like the stereotypical Uchiha, with his arms crossed and a frown as he turned to us. Souta looked to be a few years older then Ka-chan, but besides a few more wrinkles and a scar across his eyebrow, the two looked similar.
"Hn. Souma, come over and meet your cousin. I'm going to have you two spar so I can gauge how well my brother-in-law has been training her." Souta said, and holy shit, he had some balls to say that about the clan head.
It was a good thing Kaa-chan already left.
A tall boy with light brown hair come over from where he was throwing Kunais. He looked to be 7 or 8, but as he sighed and stomped over it was more like a bratty pre-teen.
"Nice to meet you Souma-nii, I'm Chiyome!" I said with a slight bow at the hip.
Shisui is going to be so piss when he finds out I've been calling other family brother before him.
"Do I really have to fight her?" Souma asked, turning to his dad and completing ignoring my cuteass introduction.
"It shouldn't last too long. She is only a girl." Souta said, and I immediately made a face at him.
Okay, so he's probably right, but if I lost it wouldn have been because he is older and more experienced than me. There was no reason for him to bring sexsis ideas of gender into this. I was starting to think that type of thinking didn't exist here since Chakra trumps over any biological differences, but I guess it is just some peoples natural to be huge assholes.
No wonder Kaa-chan doesn't get along with him.
"I'll try my best." I said with a sickly sweet smile.
I was going to make this spar last as long as I can. There is no greater motivated than spite afterall.
I stood in front of my cousin in the stance that tou-chan and Itachi forced me to do until it become second nature. Souma was in an identical stance, which means he is still learning the basics. He should be in the academy, therefore he would also know the academy Standard.
Question is would he use it.
"Begin at the count of three. One... two... three!" Souta announced, and before I could react Souma was rushing at me.
I stood my ground, frantically looking for a weakness. I knew I wasn't going to win if I relied on strength or speed, since Souma would bet me on both because of his age and size. But he was a kid. I was mental an adult (I think) and I can force myself to think logically even in adrenaline filled situations.
When Souta went for a punch I was just able to deflect it, but before I could perform a counterattack, he attacked again. I took a step back as the other punch glanced my shoulder. It hurt like hell, but only for a moment. Probably nothing more than a bruise and I was able to recorrect my stance into a more defensive position.
Souta did a battle cry as he tried to kick my legs, but I flipped backwards before using my momentum to push forward. I made it look like I was aiming for his chest when I was really go for his throat.
Not somewhere you want to go for a friendly spare, but in my defence Souta didn't tell us the parameters of the spare. Tou-chan tells me that every time we spare, and the same for Itachi when he spare against Shisui.
Souta gasped as I hit him, the air getting knocked out. I tripped him, using mainly his own weight to cause him to fall. I then scrambled to get ontop of him, pulling back one of his arms and pinning it back.
"Get off!"
"Say I win and I will." I retorted way more calmly than I was feeling.
"Tou-san!" Souma yelled, and I made the mistake of looking over.
I don't know if that was Souma's plan, or if he was just reacting in the moment, but Souma reeled his head back and slammed it into my nose.
I felt the blood run down my face as I fell on my butt.
"That's enough. Good job getting out of the hold, but you shouldn't have fallen for her tricks in the first place." Souta said, and I really wanted to spit a gob of blood at him.
Insead I tilted my head back and pressed my tongue up against the roof of my mouth. The flow of blood seemed to slow, but I wasn't sure if it was just because of timing or from what I was doing. I wasn't even sure why I was doing it.
Maybe I got a lot of nosebleeds in my past life?
"Chiyome, you have a lot of work, but at least I don't have to go over everything with you. I want to both of you to do 15 repetitions of the fifth cycle." Souta said before leaving.
That's right. He just left an almost 5 year old with a 7 year old. To practice martial arts by themselves.
I wondered not for the first time, why this place was so weird when it comes to children.
Chiyome's fifth birthday was even more crazy the usual. It might have something to do with all the dogs, but who knows. Mikoto was just happy that Itachi was able to take a break from training to come.
But what makes it even better was he was socializing! With a girl.
While Chiyome wasn't getting along too well with the younger Inuzuka, she also seemed to catch on that Itachi was spending lots of time with Hana. Mikoto even caught Fugaku stifling a laugh from watching their daughter ask Itachi and Hana 'innocent' questions. Mikoto thinks she was doing it on purpose, but she has no idea who would have told Chiyome about dating.
It was Shisui. No doubt about it.
Mikoto would have to talk to the boy about that, but it could wait.
"Chiyome-chan do you want to work on the... um... p-project now?" Hinata said, finally stopping Chiyome from embarrassing Itachi and Hana.
"Oh ya! I almost forgot."
"You kids are working on a project?" Hana asked with a raised brow, and disturbingly enough it seems like all the kids were in on this project.
Even Shikamaru.
"Sorry Hana-san, but you and Ita-nii can't know about it. It is important for your fight." Chiyome said with a oddly serious tone.
Oh she must be talking about the signs. Mikoto realized, unable to stop the smile from showing on her face.
"I have to say, I was expecting this party to suck balls with how stuck up your clan is, but this isn't too bad." Tsume said as she walked over, a cup of sake already in her hand despite it still being the early afternoon.
"Thank you for your approval of my daughter's birthday party." Mikoto said she stared the head of the Inuzuka as the women just grinned wildly.
"Always happy to give my party rating. But seriously, the only reason I came was to keep my kids from starting a fight. I didn't expect any of this!" Tsume said as she waved over to the other adults at the party.
Inoichi was talking to Yoshino and Hizashi about something, probably the academy teaching methods. Hiashi was by the cake with Hikari, who was trying to calm down little Hanabi. Inoe was talking to Masami, the only other civilian here. Choza was watching as Shikaku played a game of Shogi against Fugaku with Yuina trying to give suggestions. Then Yoshiro was alone taking care of Hanae who was also crying.
"I can't even remember having so many clan heads in one place without it being a meeting." Mikoto said.
"Definitely not since Minato died." Tsume said before taking a drink.
Though they weren't all in the same class, everyone here knew either Minato or Kushina. The two of them were just too charismatic not to try befriending everyone. That's what made their deaths so hard, not to mention that rule surrounding their only son.
"That probably shows that we should have done this sooner. Even the older kids are getting along." Mikoto said instead, and somehow got wrapped into helping Tsume plan Hana's next birthday.
The day of the tournament reminded me of a sports game. There was a lot of people, and food was being sold everywhere. Not to mentioned it smelled really good even though Kaa-chan refused to buy any.
To my surprise all my friends were able to come. Well, not my family who are friends like Shisui and Makoto, but everyone else.
"Did you guys bring them!" I yelled as I jumped over the benches to where the kids were seating.
It seems the adults decided we were fine by ourselves and to try and have fun themselves. I am so proud that my parents also have friends now. I could weep.
"Yes." Shikamaru said, and I could have sworn he rolled his eyes if it wasn't for the fact that would have been too much effort for the boy.
"Good." I said with a smile as I sat myself down between Hinata and Chōji.
"You guys have to cheer for Nee-chan too!" Kiba reminded us, yelling loudly enough I wouldn't have been surprised if the whole stadium could hear.
"Ya, ya. Don't worry. I just hope it will be awhile before she goes against Ita-nii."
"Ya! I don't want you to cry because my sister bet your brother!" Kiba said and I laughed.
"Oh you sweet summer child." I said while shaking my head.
"What do you mean by THAT?!" Kiba yelled, but before I or anyone else could respond, a voice rang out over the area.
"Welcome to the last part of the Chunin exams. I will be your announcer, Shiranui Genma. Now let's get things started with our first match, UCHIHA ITACHI FROM KONOHA VS. MAKI MASARU FROM KUSA!" The Senbon wearing ninja said from the both where the Kage were.
I could see the third was there, and there was man around my parents age with the symbol for wind on his hat. So it seems like only the Hokage and Kazekage were here. I was kinda hoping to see more, but I guess things aren't that great even on the macro scale.
As soon as we saw Itachi walk into the ring, looking like the perfect boy soldier, we lifted up our signs.
"GO ITA-NII! BEAT HIS BUTT!" I yelled along with my friends.
And to my utter amazement, I saw him blush in embarrassment. That would be the second time this month! I am getting so good at this little sister thing.
We calmed down once the fight actually started. No need to be distracting. The guy from grass was a weapons specialist or something. It didn't really matter because Itachi was able to knock his ass out in less than five minutes. I bet that is like a new record as well.
"UCHIHA ITACHI IS THE WINNER!" Genma announced with a roar of applause.
"NICE GOING NII-CHAN! YOU'RE THE BEST BROTHER EVER!" I yelled and Itachi waved at me.
Next was some puppet guy from Suna who was fight against Izumi. I felt bad that I didn't even know she was taking the Chūnin exam, let alone made it this far. I cheered for her nevertheless, but it didn't help. Izumi had to be carried out due to being poisoned.
After a short break, Itachi's Aburame teammate fought against someone named Tachibana Haru. Aburame-san won because he had his inchest eat the other guys arm. It was so cool, there was even bony fingers sticking out.
Ino had to go sit with her parents, but Hinata and Kiba agreed with me that it was cool.
"NOW, LET'S SEE HOW INUZUKA HANA FROM OUR BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE GOES AGAINST SASAKI NATSUKI FROM SUNA!"
She was another puppeteer, but unlike the other guys, her puppet looked like a vulture. It was even moving its wings in the air like it was flying and not just being held up by chakra threads.
"GO NEE-CHAN!" Kiba yelled as his sister laughed and give him a thumbs up.
"Don't worry, this isn't going to take too long." Hana said with a evil looking grin while her three dog howled.
The fight did look more impressive than Itachi's, but that was mainly because it lasted longer and they were closer in terms of skill. It seems that the other girl had three animal themes puppets, and they were much better at combat then the first guy's. Still, after Hana and her dog destroyed one, the girl forfeited.
"See I told you my sister was better?" Kiba said just as intermission was called before the next round starts.
"It was a good fight, but just because something looks cool doesn't mean it's better." I said, but unfortunately Kiba didn't seem to care about the wisdom I was offering him for free.
When the next round started, Itachi faced off against Hiroto, the boy who beat Izumi.
"LET'S GO ITACHI, LET'S GO! LET'S GO ITACHI, LET'S GO!" I sung, the other easily repeating along with me, despite having never heard the chant before.
As soon as Genma started the fight, Itachi turned on his sharingan. That surprised me because I didn't know he already had it. I assumed he did, but part of me hoped that it was when be was in ANBU that he got the sharingan. And the Mangekyō sharingan.
I really hope he doesn't already have that, I thought that didn't happen until Shisui's suicide.
Itachi gracefully dodged the puupet's poison strings, which putting poison on ninja wire is a good idea, even if i don't like the boy. Then with a overkill fireball, the guy passed out from the heat.
Itachi closed his eyes while we cheered, completing ignoring Genma's words of praise.
I feel like there was something else going on. Itachi is friends with Izumi, though I don't know how close. Not as close as he is with Shisui, but Itachi doesn't have a lot of friends. Seeing Izumi fail probably wasn't easy for Itachi to watch.
Man, now I feel even worst for not knowing she was here.
"NEXT WE HAVE TWO OF OUR OWN! INUZUKA HANA VS. ABURAME YōJI!" Genma said, only for the Aburame to raise his hand.
"I forfeit." He said, his voice sounding like one of those kid voice manipulators.
I hope the kid isn't already starting to smoke. His voice sounded awful.
"Um, okay. WELL IT SEEMS LIKE OUR FINALY WILL BE INUZUKA HANA VS UCHIHA ITACHI! THERE WILL BE A SMALL BREAK FOR THEM TO GET READY, THEN WE WILL BEGIN!"
"Who do we cheer for now?" Hinata asked, frowning as she thought with her fingertips touching.
"Who ever you want. You could cheer for both, but this is the moment you show your supposed to whoever you think deserves it." I told them, and I was a little curious about what they would do.
Hana's pretty cool, and definitely more charismatic than my brother. She spent time playing with us during my birthday, while Itachi just waited until everyone left before spending personal time with me. I actually hope they cheer for Hana, since it will make the blow of losing to Itachi less.
"IT IS THE MOMENT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. THE HEIRESS OF THE INUZUKA CLAN VS. THE HEIR OF THE UCHIHA CLAN. WHO. WILL. WIN." Genma said, clearly taking this announcer role as far as he could.
I wonder what the Kazekage thinks of this. I have a feeling that this isn't what most Chunin exams are like.
"GO ITACHI!" I yelled as loud as I could while shaking the sign wildly.
"GO HANA-CHAN! I NEED YOU TO WIN SO EVERYONE KNOWS HOW COOL OF A SISTER YOU ARE!" Kiba said, and damn, that was good.
"DO YOUR BEST ITA-NII! I KNOW YOU WILL WIN!" I yelled again.
"GO ITACHI-SAN!" Hinata yelled, and I didn't even know Hinata knew how to yell.
"GOOD LUCK HANA-CHAN! I LIKE YOUR HAIR BUT CHIYO-CHAN'S BROTHER IS CUTE!" Ino yelled, and I really hope she doesn't have a crush on my brother.
"Good luck Itachi-san and Hana-san!" Choji said, Shikamaru helping him hold up both signs.
Neji just crossed his arms staring intently at the fight that was about to begin. Oh well, at least he held up the signs for the previous fights.
"LET'S LET THIS FIGHT STARTED!" Genma yelled and Hana was the first to move.
One of her dogs transformed while the other two flaked Itachi. Or at least tried to. Itachi flipped backwards onto the wall, making a seal before dissolving into ravens.
"G-Genjutsu?" Hinata asked, and when I looked over I saw her Byakugan was activated.
She has already started training with that? Hinata's fifth birthday is, like, four months away. Wouldn't that be too young or...
Right. I forgot. Ninja village.
Somehow (genjutsu probably) Itachi appeared behind Hana and kicked her into the hall, causing a crack to form from the impact. Itachi did have to play 'ground is lava' with how Hana's dogs were going after him, and one got a lucky bite in.
Hana was back, and was angry. Itachi hasn't even used his sharingan yet, so I wasn't too worried. Itachi played keep away for a little longer, and Hana got more and more annoyed.
I don't know if Itachi was trying to irritate Hana, but it was clear that she wasn't one of those people who get better when angry. She made mistakes that even I noticed, and at one point triggered a trap Itachi was able to set up. While fighting.
"I see you are still good at this. Well, maybe we can fight again." Hana said after she tried to get out.
"I would like that." Itachi said, though he didn't relax.
"I right, I am willing to admit when I've lost. I FORFEIT, OKAY?!" Hana yelled, and Geman jumped down.
"OUR WINNER IS UCHIHA ITACHI!"
I felt like I was going to lose my hearing from how loud our area of the stadium was.
I am proud to say I have this story mapped out up to when Chiyome graduates and goes on d-ranks. Past that I have ideas, but nothing that I have outlined into chapters yet. That being said, if there are scenes you would like to see speak now.
Thank you everyone who is currently following or has even favorited this story. And special thanks to spicyrash, LadyScatty, MonochromeJoker29, VenaHope, and the two guest for taking the time to leave a review.
I hope you all have a nice day/night!