Sparks 15
"A daisy blooming in a desert is worth more than a rose blossoming in a rainforest."
― Matshona Dhliwayo
This chapter is dedicated to anyone struggling right now. Keep going. Keep pressing on.
With c-class missions, came more of a disposable income. Finally, I was able to do more. Such as, I could actually purchase an outfit for my adventures as well as day-wear while not on mission. I may have gotten odd looks from my illustrious partner, but with Summer setting in I needed it. I didn't like my scar being so present and visible. I may have been wearing my jacket because of it. So, I found some long black finger-less gloves to use. I rather liked it. It made me feel a bit more like Gambit, or even his love, Rogue. I found some new black boots and brown trousers on one of our missions, which were comely. I was able to get a leather belt, leather armor and a green top to go below it. I rather liked it, to be honest.
I may have garnered looks from others, namely said partner but he made no comment. I figured Kakashi simply thought me strange and had nothing to say about it. He'd been odd as of late. Rather quiet and withdrawn. He would still banter with me, but something was off. I paid him no mind - he was as he was. If he had a problem he would share it. He never had an issue keeping his silence before. I figured it was because of the Chunin exams.
He gave his approval for my participation and soon I would be doing as such. Usually, one had a choice in the matter. However, because of my unique circumstances, as well as my skill set - the council was requiring my attendance. How kind of them. I figured this was why Kakashi was troubled. When they said that I had to take part, there was this slightest jerk in his shoulder. It was almost like he was holding himself back from saying something. I didn't know if he thought I shouldn't be forced, or if something else was going on in that mind of his. But, regardless, I would be participating. What surprised me was that he didn't force me to spar more than we already were. We would train about once a week. Or every other, depending on if we were off on mission. I still helped Naruto out (he was getting far better) and Sasuke was starting to actually treat Naruto better. He wasn't scowling as much any more, and would talk to Naruto in a reasonable tone (until Naruto would cross him, and then peace would break).
Kurenai and I were becoming far better friends. Between what she was teaching me and my own curiosity I was able to finesse the genjutsu to something more my taste. It took a great deal of focus, but I could pull my potential victims into visions of Raves and Mosh pits (the rave when I was feeling particularly cruel. Strobe light against a ninja? Cruelty there). I knew this only from my own practice. I would use them against my very own shadow clones. They were grand at testing things on as they had the complex chakra system to work with, and once poofed I could see the memories. It was draining, but it was worth it. I could, additionally, force the victim to go through quicker attacks such as being "hit" with a speeding car, or other various things. I preferred to use genjutsu as a quick distraction than torture or anything long. I didn't like drawing out battles. Best to be done as quickly as possible. Kakashi and I seemed to agree on that, at least. He always tried to get any battle done as short as possible.
I never did show them these genjutsus. I never wished to put Kurenai through such headaches, and Kakashi was far too clever to allow him to know. If he saw that - my secrets would unravel like a poorly wrapped mummy. I didn't need him being any more curious than he already was. Even with what protective measures I had on my phone, he still would get in. I don't know how he did it, but I believed it might have something to do with that special secret eye of his. Any time I changed the password, while typing it in he would uncover that eye and bam secret lost. I was sure the eye did more than steal silly passcodes. He hadn't told me about it yet. However, I left it be. It was just simpler as he didn't do much.
Mostly he would be playing one of my games or ask what the screen said. Kakashi was dedicated to destroying any high score I ever held in those games, it would seem. Angry Birds had already crowned him winner, and he was making short work of Plants vs Zombies. Needless to say, I wasn't a fan. But, at least that's all he had done. He only found the games interesting - strangely he wasn't interested in looking through further. At least that I was aware of. I hadn't needed to chase him away from the movies or videos yet. I could only hope the games would entertain him well enough. Thus far, it worked like a charm. If only it worked when I wanted it to. Mostly he played them at the most inopportune moments. I was beginning to believe the man lived to be irritating.
Such as, on our last mission before the chunin exams - mostly we had been getting background check cases. They were simpler than our first and blessedly easy. Kakashi took full advantage of my ability to do this job and took the time to play on my phone. I was shuffling through the files as he played.
"You know, one would think a man of your caliber would do more than his best portrayal of a lazy cat." I told him under my breath. We were in some high security vault somewhere in the middle of some City east of Konoha. I charmed the guard and knocked him out all the while partner dearest destroyed zombies on a mobile app.
He only ignored me, continuing to play the game.
"If I had half a mind, I'd uninstall those games." I muttered to myself. I wouldn't, because it kept him out of my hair, even if he did choose the worst times to get involved with them.
"Tami-chan you shouldn't be so mean to yourself. You at least have three-fourths of a mind." Kakashi said. Slowly, I turned to him. He didn't even have the decency to look me in the eye. He just continued to play his game.
"You do realize I'm the sort to go down with the ship, right?" I asked. It would be his only warning.
"I have no idea what you mean." He replied.
I stepped forward, placing my hand on the phone and pulling it towards me. His gaze snapped to mine and he was still. He was watching me with the intensity of a hawk. I couldn't say what was going on in his mind, as he pulled that little trick of his again. I didn't know how he could hide his reactions, but he was getting good at it. Even micro-expressions were suppressed.
"Either focus on this case and leave the game be - or I'll see you back at the hotel." I said.
"I thought I was the Diva." He said, a touch of sass easing its way into his voice.
"Rarely does a Diva mingle with their lessers. Right now, you're behaving like a stage prop." I told him, trying to remain calm. I sent him a toothy grin. He was staring and then suddenly glanced away with a frustrated maa. He tried to pocket my phone. I shot him a look, and wiggled my fingers at him.
"My camera." I said firmly. He tried his best to look innocent but his acting was rather poor.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Tami-chan. I forgot." He tried to be charming with his fake eye-smile. Tried. He did give me back my phone, though.
I was sure he was doing his level best to be irritating. I wasn't quite sure why. Other than that, the case was easy. When we left, we left silently.
I was starting to get a hang of this whole ninja thing. I doubted I was as good as the Great Hatake himself but I did what I could. I was getting more comfortable with using the ninja wire too.
I did everything I could to prepare for the Chunin exams. I knew little of what I was heading into. I would have asked someone, but it didn't feel like a subject I could broach. So - I left it be. I knew Kakashi wouldn't even give me a straight answer if I tried. What I did know about the exams was that they were held twice a year. I knew that if I didn't pass this round, I certainly would be put through for the next. Best to get it done. From what I also understood, they were held at different Hidden Villages. Most often than not, they were held at Konoha. This time, I was in luck. They were in another Hidden Village - Kusa. While it did mean I could be in potential danger, it also meant that I could explore. Perhaps Kusa would have secrets to help me. Or perhaps not - I wouldn't know until I arrived.
I didn't bring it up to Kakashi - he would twitch funny if I ever brought it up during training. I think - no. I didn't know what to think. From what I understood I would be placed in a team for the time being with other Genin. I really hoped that they weren't fresh out of the academy. Truly, that was my only wish. Honestly, the trio I saw that Kakashi had been teamed up with gave me little hope for whomever I was grouped with. But, certainly because Kakashi sent them back, anyone who acted as such would have been sent back too.
So, my time was spent doing so I could ace the exam. Running, swimming, strengthening my skills and supporting Naruto and Sasuke when I could. When the day finally came to leave for Kusa - it was far less fanfare than I expected. Truly, it was like any other Thursday. Partner Dearest didn't even say goodbye the day of. He did wish me luck the last time we saw each other. However, that day - he had been very strange.
We had just gotten done with training for the day and he sat right down next to me. He didn't look at me, instead he stared off into the distance.
"Tami, how much do you trust me?" He asked without an icebreaker. Such serious questions from this one and very little tact.
"Depends on the day." I said humorously. He didn't even flinch, just continued to stare. His mind was somewhere.
"Is it a good day?" He carried on, but there wasn't any humor in his voice.
"So long as you don't call me Tami-chan, I think it's all well." I replied, studying him with a mall smile. He hummed.
"Don't trust the Team Captain you were put under. Hide your skills and don't let them know more than necessary. At least not until the tournament."
That was odd - I wondered why he would say that.
"I know how to toe the line. Any particulars of the eye I caught?"
"Don't." He said, finally turning to me, "Keep your head down and do as I say."
I studied him carefully. Before I was done he turned away, staring off into the distance again. Very few times had Kakashi ever laid down the law like that. It was rare, in fact. More often than not, he ignored my antics or joined the fun in his own way. The only time he ever told me what to do or told me off was in life or death situations. Even then it was rare.
"You're afraid I'll get in over my head." I said. He shot me a dark look.
"Don't." He reiterated, though I figured he was talking about me reading him.
"I won't. Head down - no sass, no attitude, no information. I promise." I agreed.
Kakashi let out a slow breath. We parted not long after this and he wished me good luck - he seemed a touch more relaxed. There was something shining in his eye that I could quite name yet.
Part of me had thought he would at least be there to see me off - but I suppose a good luck was good enough for him. I really ought to learn.
My bag was packed - I was ready. I had my pineapple slices, and even juice in a thermos. I left my phone at home - I didn't need a distraction. If I couldn't trust the team, I couldn't show them that. And, I also didn't need another Hatake situation.
I met my temporary team at the gate, where everyone was meeting for the morning.
Aburame Toru and Sato Atsuchi. The first was a boy from one of the many clans of Konoha, and the other? He was like me in a way. He had no clan, no big name. They both were younger than I - I would guess around 14. Toru was the calm sort. Didn't talk much and seemed lost in his own mind. He wore a long trench coat, and favored darker colors - he even had sunglasses over his eyes. I couldn't recall for the life of me what his Clan's ability was. Atsuchi - well, he was a no-clan, no-name like me. He wore red, primarily and generally wore a scowl on his face. There was a Jounin with them, the team leader. He wore the standard wear with shaggy dull brown hair. His expression was blank; his gaze barely flicked to me when I arrived. His name was Hoki Ken.
"Well since the Princess has arrived… let's go." Atsuchi grumbled after introductions. I chose not to say anything - I did have a promise to keep. Ken seemed to be watching me from the corner of his eye. Without much fanfare we were off. We took to the trees, running as we went. I could now run without fearing the drop much anymore.
Atsuchi kept scowling my way, while Toru simply ignored my very existence. When we rested for the night, I helped look for firewood for our little band of four. Around a roaring fire, we settled in. There were two pairs of curious eyes on me while the third stared off elsewhere - Toru didn't seem the people type.
"I heard you were partnered with Hatake Kakashi." Ken said out of nowhere.
I hummed noncommittally, focusing on my nails. "Under Hokage and council order - yes."
"So it is true." Toru spoke up, his quiet and soft voice wafting over the aggression I could feel from Atsuchi.
"Unfortunately." I said in a bored tone. I was doing my best to keep my expression bland and dull. I had found a stick and drew idly in the dirt with it.
"What's so special about you that you're not in a team?" Atsuchi snapped, glaring at me from across from me. I didn't look at him and blithely shrugged my shoulders.
"Your guess is as good as mine, luv." I pretended to yawn as if the subject was a complete bore.
"Probably scared Princess will break a nail." He grumbled.
This would be where I would put the little brat in his place had I been not keeping my promise. Instead I continued to draw in the dirt. I had hoped my lack of a team and general position wouldn't garner much attention, but - it seemed to. Was I that out of the norm that this caused a stir? I thought of Anko and her reaction. I had hoped she was just an outlier, but - maybe not.
"So you don't know why you're partnered with him." Ken said.
"Unless there's a reason that they haven't disclosed to everyone, I don't know." I murmured. "If you so wish, we certainly can turn right back around and ask him personally. After all, I've no say in this. Perhaps that's best. Which way again?"
I perked up, clapping my hands together as if the best idea was to go back home to my home and quit the idea of the Chunin exams. Atsuchi's jaw dropped and Ken turned his head away.
"That's not necessary. We're almost to Kusa as it is." The jounin said, losing interest in talking to me. Finally. It's hard to question someone who had neither their attention and hadn't any reaction. Little to read, little to go off of. Again, it was something I could work with personally - but I was finding most Ninja were poorly socialized and rarely had the skill for such behavior. Most didn't have tact, and we're as blunt as a rusted unsharpened blade.
Toru, though - the little sun-glasses kid had turned to look at me curiously. He was rather interesting, just with that little bit. I wondered what was bouncing in that head of his. Not much else progressed that night and the next day we found ourselves in Kusa.
Kusa was beautiful but different from Konoha. They did have forests similar to Konoha, but they did have sporadic large bamboo stalks that went on for days. Where the bamboo wasn't, large oversized mushrooms lay scattered in clumps. That being said, Kusa was like walking into a sauna. The sheer humidity of their climate was outrageous. It wasn't that hot as much as the air was wet.
Their water, though, was near crystal clear and gorgeous. Although the ravines looked right deadly.
Kusagakure itself was… well, reminded me far more of my true home than I cared to admit. Most of the buildings were made of stone and some of the streets were paved in brick. In some ways, it looked like Downtown Old Chicago. I near thought I would see Capone himself stroll out as if he owned the city. However, the sporadic plots of shrooms and bamboo all but destroyed the notion.
Our Team Leader parted ways with us, letting us know he would see us later. I hoped not, but knew better.
We were gathered at a building - I could see all sorts of different ninjas about. Kusa, of course. Suna had a cluster of their nin there. I could see some Iwa shinobi as well as Taki shinobi and even some from Ame.
Each team was giving the other the evil eye as if that alone would ensure victory.
"You better pull your own weight, Princess. I don't wanna go through this again." Atsuchi snapped at me.
"I'll see what I can do." I said fully, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. I could see Toru crack only a whisper of a smirk.
"Oh wow. Walker Tami. I didn't think you would be here yet." A friendly voice said. It went above the general murmur of the crowd. The three of us looked, and another team from Konoha was making their way to us. The other two were masked, while the one who spoke had large thin round glasses perched on his nose. He had pale grey hair and black eyes. While his voice was friendly, there was something hollow about him - empty. Almost like a Russian Nesting Doll, nothing but a new layer of itself. While he smiled and interacted with us, everything about him was empty.
"It's so great to see others from Konoha here. Kinda makes it feel not so alone." He said with a smile. Something about him sent me to the edge. He wasn't quite right. It was like listening to an actor who had rehearsed one too many times. The right expression and tone was there, but there was a missing piece. It was like a robot was speaking - not a human. Odd. But nearly all ninja were odd.
"Hey Kabuto. You back again?" Atsuchi said, folding his arms behind his head.
"Of course. Gotta make rank. I want to get to do more for my village." Kabuto said. He turned to me with a hollow smile. "I didn't think you would be here yet. Didn't you just become a ninja in the last few months?"
"Something like that." I said conversationally. "I rather think they like the idea of throwing me to the Lions. See how well I run."
I did my best to down play anything I knew, anything I could do. Kabuto didn't do much except smile at that. No laugh. No comment. Not even a twitch.
"Hey, hey - got those cards again this year?" Atsuchi asked.
"I don't see why you need them. It's not like you're going to get through." Kabuto said cuttingly with a smile. "You're the only one who didn't make it from your last team. This one needed to be patched up so you could try again."
"Hey! At least I tried. You left half way through the test, you ding-dong!" Atsuchi snapped.
"Name calling isn't necessary." Toru said calmly. Ah, do that was what he sounded like.
"He just-"
"Save the energy. I'm rather sure Kabuto-kun has more pressing things, ah?" I turned to the man with my best dazzling smile. It didn't phase him in the least.
"I do. I was wondering what it was like, working so closely with a Jounin. I heard about your unusual situation." Kabuto continued on. He ignored my team and solely focused on me. Grand.
"Headache inducing." I replied with a smile. Kabuto watched me for only a moment before continuing on.
"Why would they pair you together, I wonder?"
"I've been wondering the same. I did wish to go back and see the council about it but our dear leader said otherwise. I never even thought to ask. I suppose it's a mystery for another time." I sighed regretfully. Mind, I knew full well why both the council and Hokage made their decisions. However, both the Leader and now this one were asking. Ah. This information? It had a price. The answer wouldn't leave my lips. They wanted it, they would have to go to the source. Not I. Kabuto hummed and his smile widened only a fraction more.
"So it seems." He agreed. "I look forward to seeing you again, Walker-san."
Finally he left with his team. Soon we were shuffled into a room and given the written exam.
The rules were as followed:
The final question would be asked at the end.
We could leave whenever, but we forfeit the chance to go through for the entire team.
If one member fails, all fail.
If we are caught cheating, it's automatic failure.
Figures. There was something along the lines that felt off. This test was a sham at some level. Half the proctor's helpers looked bored out of their skulls and the other looked to be doodling on their notepads. The fact that they had a large clock on the wall with the countdown of the time remaining on the test didn't help.
This was a test of a different sort.
"If we fail because of you…." Atsuchi muttered, glaring at me around Toru.
"Don't you have other things to worry about? Mind your own." I said, waving him away. "I'm more than capable."
He grumbled but fell silent as the exam was passed around.
Ah.
Calculus.
We meet again.
That was cruelty right there. Although, I did wonder - how did Atsuchi pass last time?
There were riddles, logic puzzles, vague geography, obscure history facts, maths and general questions that seemed to have no answer or more than one. All covered on one single sheet, on one side with only 9 questions. And with the threat that if caught cheating we would be failed.
I had taken more thorough and focused tests to determine what color I was online. This was a hodge-podge of questions not designed to test knowledge but something else.
As I went through the sheet, answering what I could, people were called out who had been caught cheating and away team by team went.
"If you even think you answered one question wrong better pack it up. We do nothing half way here. Think you got something wrong? Better believe we have a Jounin on the other side of that door waiting to make you pay for wasting our time. Every wrong answer is a broken bone, by percent. If you even think half is wrong you might as well leave." The man before us grinned - all teeth and no joy. Who knew if he was bluffing - I certainly didn't. He and Kakashi shared a skill - muting their micro-expressions. Fascinating. However this man was far more skilled than Kakashi himself. Had I wished it, I could pick apart Kakashi. This Proctor? Not as easily.
Well, as long as they had tea for after. It wasn't like I was going anywhere, and from what I hear about Kusa they were diplomatic; should a Jounin actually be waiting for me on the other side of the door I was sure I could talk my way out of it. Or fight my way out of it. Or get a broken bone. Whatever.
I watched as more left. Even Kabuto and his team walked out. Interesting.
"My dad's gonna be so mad." One muttered from Suna.
I could see others were getting restless and finally the tenth question would be coming. More people slowly left as the pressure grew.
Lovelies, I won't even bore you with the details. There was no Jounin waiting for us. There wasn't even much of a 10th question. It was a bluffing game all along. They merely wanted to see how bad we wanted to go through. Not a question mattered on the test. I felt sorry for the poor sods who tried to cheat. Had they sat there, they would have gotten through no problems by sheer determination alone (at least from the sounds of things). I'd never felt more let down in my life (although glad for no broken bones, mind).
"All that for a bluff." I muttered to myself.
"Historically it's always been like this. The first test is always simpler." Toru told me softly.
"Cruel, that." I responded.
"Why, wanted to get hurt?" Atsuchi asked with a grin.
"I would so love to watch you be put in your place." I said to him and his jaw fell open.
"But I answered mine correctly." He insisted.
"Mmm - if you say so, luv." I dismissed him as we left for the next portion. I don't think he realized that I had gotten a good look at his paper - his calculus was wrong and he had gotten the logic puzzle wrong as well. Ah well, what did I care? Fools prove themselves.
Soon enough we stood in front of a vast forest of bamboo and mushrooms.
"The next portion, you'll all be signing waivers. You could die or be seriously hurt." One of the Kusa men said loudly. They were handing out the waivers and I picked it up. I immediately started scanning it, just in case.
"You're reading it?" The Kusa Ninja asked.
"Mm - always do." I replied with a grin.
"At least one of the Leaf nin have their head on right." He grumbled and continued to pass out fliers.
The waiver was a standard one - so I signed it and turned it in. Might as well. Who knew? Maybe if I did die I'd wake up back at home. I doubted it, but wishful thinking.
Soon after the waivers were signed, each team received a scroll. We had the heaven scroll.
"You have three days. Your team has either a heaven scroll or an earth scroll. You need both at the final location to complete this challenge. Do not open the scroll. Your entire team has to get to the final location with you. If you're missing people, you and your team have failed. And go."
With that, we were off.
My team and I dashed in. I only hoped that we would be able to get through this. I didn't want to go through this all again. We ran and found a safe spot.
"We need to formulate a plan." Toru said.
"Agreed." I chimed in.
"Fine." He leapt over and we gathered around.
I took out my deck of cards - six cards. The top three I ripped - a 6 of clubs, 2 of diamonds and the 5 of hearts. The bottom three, the Ace of Spades, the King of Clubs and the Queen of Diamonds remained intact.
"Right then," I caught his eye. "Please remember, gentlemen - your cards. Each card is ripped, so we know it's us. Toru - you've the 6 of clubs" I slid him the ace of spades, "Atsuchi, 2 of diamonds" he got the King of Clubs, "and I've the 5 of hearts. No fuss, no muss. Flash these if we part, ah? Best to know if we're working with the real deal."
That shut Atsuchi up. Toru straightened up, hiding his card in his sleeve. Interesting. In one moment, both of them were regarding me with expectation.
Kakashi didn't miss this part of the process of becoming a ninja. The tests, the drills, the endless lists of things to do. He was thankful to be on the other side of it though. He was in a room with the other Jounin, waiting to hear news. Ibiki was sitting across from him, going through the updates he had gotten. Kakashi really didn't care to learn the results. Tami would get through - she wasn't foolish enough to get tripped up with the test portions. His only concern was her temper and maintaining her promise.
"She's onto the next portion of the test." Ibiki confirmed what Kakashi already knew. She would be fine. She was at a Chunin level already in battle. Her professionalism while on the job far outranked what title she already possessed.
"I'm surprised you two didn't kill each other the first week." Ibiki mused, still going through the results from the first test. "I never had anyone backtalk me like she does and keep getting up for more."
Kakashi didn't answer. Ibiki already had his laughs when he asked about Tami months ago.
"What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall." Ibiki continued with a grin.
"Has Danzo continued to ask about her?" Kakashi asked quietly. He couldn't guess what Tami's secrets were, but he wouldn't allow another comrad or teammate to fall on his watch. No more. The moment Ibiki told him that Danzo was trying to find out about her…. Tami was absolutely harmless. But a man like Danzo would exploit her, bend her to his will. He just had to ensure she remained uninteresting enough so that he moved on.
"No. I don't think he'll continue asking me anything." Ibiki grumbled. "I had to stop training her because he was getting too nosy. When Lord Hokage made his choice - it wasn't what anyone thought would happen."
A silence fell between the two, and Kakashi hoped it would stay. He didn't want to talk then. He just wanted the three days over with.
"I think I'm gonna see how firm the Hokage is on that order that kind-people don't belong in the Anbu." Iibki began with a rumble. "That woman started reading me when we sparred. I had to change tactics every other day. I could use another one like that in T&I."
"No." Kakashi said. He barely even recognized that he said something. It wasn't until Ibiki shifted to stare him right on.
"No?"
"She won't deal killing blows. She refuses to use genjutsu when we train and I had to argue for her to start using her skills to fight me seriously. She's not suited to that life." Kakashi explained. The idea of her becoming who he used to be was just wrong. Tami wasn't deadly. She wasn't a ninja in any traditional sense. He couldn't put words to what it was he was trying to protect in her, but he couldn't see it leave. Hope? Joy? Light? She didn't belong in the Anbu. She didn't belong on the T&I.
"Jiraiya's already petitioning for her to go back into the field as one of his agents. Again." Ibiki said, leaning back in his chair. He spread out, taking up the space available.
"I thought we were partnered until she found her way home or I found my team?" Kakashi slipped out his book. This talk was getting aggravating and he wanted something simple to think about instead of this.
"Just trying to help you Hatake. Eventually you'll get that team. I doubt she's gonna find her way home. Better close by than in the middle of nowhere, don't you think?" He grinned darkly. Kakashi ignored the barb, and started to read his book. He knew as long as he stopped reacting to Ibiki the man would grow tired and leave him be. Soon. He just didn't look forward to the sly comments.
A day and a half in, we were still trying to find the last scroll, the Earth scroll. We had already beaten another team (one that tried to pretend to be me, of all people. It was cute, in a flattering sort of way), but they had the same scroll that we did. Pointless, that. However, it did mean less competitors in the long run, so we kept it.
Although Atsuchi was slowly becoming less annoying, I still wanted to show him what for. However I had to hold back - promises and all that. When it finally came down to it, we were able to bargain with a group of Kusa nin for their extra Earth scroll. It took some finessing and quite a bit of trust on Atsuchi's part. I don't think he quite realized that if they were lying to us, we easily could have beaten them for the real scrolls. In the end we crossed the finish line with both scrolls.
The next part of the exam would be in a month. A month more to complete the exam and to know the results. Cruel, right there.
I would be leaving Kusa to return home to prepare until time. I did try to wander through their library but wasn't allowed to because I wasn't a Kusa citizen. I would have looked through during the off hours but I think Kakashi's 'Tami's being foolish' senses are tingling. I went outside the night before we left, just to stretch my legs of course. I wandered the streets and there he was; his nose in a book and crossing my path as if it was his usual. I hadn't even known he was in town. But, knowing him he had been late and perhaps just arrived? Who knew. He didn't share that sort of details.
"You shouldn't be out." Kakashi told me when he got close.
"Probably." I agreed. I nodded my head towards the streets, "and yet - these roads are just begging to be wandered through."
Kakashi was silent for the moment before deciding to walk with me.
"How was the group?" He asked
"Well," I began, my hands slipping into my back pockets. I dearly missed my coat but with the heat I was better off without. "One is an Aburame, and the other is like me; civilian. He isn't much for me. Rather peeved I got preferential treatment."
Kakashi hummed, flipping the page.
"You do realize reading in the low light is horrible for your eye, ah?" I asked, but he didn't respond.
We just continued to walk, him still having his nose in the book. I slowed my place, looking up at the sky. The stars in this world were gorgeous. They dazzled like diamonds on a black silk dress, dancing in the light they shimmered without a care in the world.
It wasn't until I stopped that he finally noticed I wasn't waking with him anymore. He stopped, watching me over the pages of his book.
"Will you be staying in Kusa until the matches?"
"No. I don't think I could bear to be away from Naruto and Sasuke for that long. I don't think my apartment would survive either." I said playfully. I caught up with him and we continued our walk - though my gaze was fully fixed on the stars themselves.
"Did they ask you anything?"
"Only why I was partnered with you."
"You said… ?" He drifted off.
"No idea. I suggested we turn back to speak to the Hokage himself. After all, I'm just a simple kunoichi. What care have I for the fine details?" I batted my eyelashes at him and he scoffed. "Though they weren't the only one to ask."
"Oh?"
"Some kid… he was - off. He asked the same thing." I said, glancing to Kakashi. "Something about him was strange."
"What's his name?"
"Kabuto. Big round glasses, grey hair, dark eyes. He's…" I tried my best to find the right words, "hollow."
Kakashi's eyebrow raised at that and echoed, "hollow?"
"Mm. When he talked, it was like there wasn't anything on the inside. His tone was fine, even his behavior but his body didn't…"
"His body?" Kakashi commented dryly. I could feel his judging eye on me.
"Oh, don't even, luv. Only one of us has their mind in the gutter and it certainly isn't me." I told him. He hummed and went back to his book.
"What did you mean, then?" He asked - I could hear the curiosity in his voice.
"When… when people speak their body tends to emote things. Subtle things. Could be a flick of the eye, a tightening in the neck, it could be a roll of the shoulder - anything. He didn't. It was like he memorized a script and knew what to say and how to say it but that was all. His delivery wasn't genuine." I explained.
"And that bothers you?"
"Yes. Something isn't right there. But it could just be-" I stopped myself, darted to look at him and then away.
Kakashi stopped, and watched me straight on. I could see he wanted me to finish my thought. I let out a long sigh.
"Adults can't even process this sort of lifestyle without a great deal of help. To expect children to is…. I suppose it's a testament to how resilient Konoha people are. To get knocked over and continue to stand up again and again. But I imagine it takes a toll." I said, finally. Once again I wondered what kind of life Kakashi led. He didn't remark on my thoughts, only going back to his book once more. I wondered about that friend who's life he was said to have taken. I wondered about the slouch he always walked with. I even pondered about the sort of path it took him to get to the very one he was on now.
The man who stood before me: quiet, guarded and seeming to have little hope. From the Genin event, I knew he questioned himself more than I could ever even guess.
"Tell me - do you know how long it takes the brain to be fully developed? Able to fully comprehend the choices given, to evaluate what's there." I began quietly. Kakashi's gaze darted to me one more time.
"Maybe ten? Fifteen?" He guessed.
"Mm - twenty five. Some participants aren't even half that age. Here they are, battling it out - making life changing decisions in the snap of a finger. Overall, they're doing rather well considering - wouldn't you say?" I gave him a grin. I watched as he looked away and put his book away.
"Well half of them are brats." He said with a sigh. He sent me a pointed look.
"I know you are but what am I?" I countered with a sing-song tone. He scoffed and I playfully nudged his shoulder with mine. "Better watch out Hatake. Your friends won't know what to do if you start joking with me. I may end up hog-tied in some hidden shack and Guy might be replacing me."
"Well, he is a delight." Kakashi replied with a dry tone.
"Glad you agree." I said. He fell quiet, turning to stare off into the distance. Such an odd man. But there was a flicker of life in him somewhere. I hope he fed it.
With that we returned to our respective rooms for the night. The next day, we headed back to Konoha, and the day after I was charmed to see both Naruto and Sasuke once more. One month of training was what I had to look forward to.Then the tournament.
AN:/ Soooo I was going to do this whole complicated original Chunin exam and it was gonna be amazing and then I realized something. I really didn't care enough to focus on it. I could try and force this part of the story, or wait for inspiration to hit (which could be FOREVER and I want to write this, not be stuck here). So, either I could toss it or just work around it with what I could. So, maybe someday in the future I'll polish it up and even use the original idea for this but… this part of the story doesn't affect much of anything. It's the tournament Tami gets to shine in.
Kabuto won't return for a long time, but I just had to have him here. It lined up far too well with what he would do and Tami would just get the heebies from him. I had to have him in :P
ALso - TEM! Dude, don't know if you're reading but YES. Actually, before I updated the last chapter I nearly didn't because only two days before that I had a new chapter and felt weird about it. However, I knew my story was making people happy and they were enjoying it (they said so), so I posted it. I'm so glad that the chapter brought some sunshine to your day. I hope this one did too, even though it's a little rough. Keep your head up, you'll get through this :)
Also! If you want to see Tami's look, look me up on Tumblr, I'm "the-muffin-in-question". It's the top post.
Once again - thank you guys for all your love and support! I adore seeing the notifications for follows, favorites and of course reviews. I try to get back to you all. :3 Thank you for all the chatting we do as well. You guys are so much fun! Thank you again! Until next time!