Sparks 16
Quick AN note: So I finally realized I inadvertently forgot one of Naruto's lovely quirks. Not on purpose, as it's just who he is. However at the time, I avoided it because 1.) The American version was "Believe it!" and the Japanese version was "Dattebayo" (which is the right one!), but I hadn't heard enough of the Japanese version to feel comfortable with it. It's another thing I'll probably work back into the chapters where I can, when I can. So - he's going to start using his favorite line now :3 Sorry if it's been missing for too long!
Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here? - Maximus, Gladiator
Getting ready for the tournament was like getting ready for a terrible storm. One knew it was coming, but when it finally hit you weren't quite sure if you'd gotten ready well enough. Were the boards over the window secure enough? Was there enough provision should it last longer than expected? One could never truly tell until the storm came and everything was tested.
Throughout the month provided, I pushed myself more than I ever thought possible. I had thought I would be facing this challenge alone, but Naruto and Sasuke insisted on coming. Guy already assured me he would be there. Kurenai had informed me that she looked forward to her hard work being displayed. I knew because both Guy and Kurenai would be there - Asuma would be as well. Who knew if my partner would be in attendance. I never knew what he was planning. I hadn't quite expected him to be in Kusa, but he had been. He was still rather like a cat who glared at you from across the room and then later would sit on your lap and pretend you weren't there.
When the day finally came it felt like opening night for The Phantom of the Opera. I was Christine Daae and the last call was in mere minutes. There was this grand expectation in the air. My nerves were practically eating me alive, I nearly started doing vocal warm ups to keep my mind occupied. Instead I found myself fiddling with my cards, my kunai, anything to keep my hands busy. Naruto was looking thrilled to be with me, he just was kicking his feet from the chair he was in. He was smiling up at me like I was a sunny day and he was a blue bird. Sasuke was watching me curiously, like I was the next greatest puzzle.
"Why are you so nervous?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh, you know, pre-performance jitters." I said with a weak grin.
"It's just fighting." He said, his nose scrunching up.
"Tami-chan's gonna win this! And when I come, I'll win it too, dattebayo!" Naruto cheered. Sasuke sent Naruto a withering glare but didn't say a thing.
"It's not just fighting, lovelies. That, that out there - you realize they're betting on this? This is more showboating than a wrestling match." I replied. I could hear the crowd from all the way in the hall where we stood.
"It's about representing your village." Sasuke said.
"It's a show." I said, "this is entertainment to those people out there. They're betting and selling snacks."
I could hear Naruto's stomach rumble as soon as I said the magic word. He laughed nervously and I playfully rolled my eyes. I gave him some ryo, kneeling down to look him in the eye.
"Go on. Eat something for me too, ah? I doubt I could keep anything down." I said. Naruto grinned widely and took off.
"You'll be fine." Sasuke assured me.
"Ah - and I thought I was supposed to encourage you." I said, kneeling down. "After all, I can barely catch you."
"You're not seriously trying to when we play games." Sasuke countered quickly, a frown played on his face. Was I that transparent? Perhaps, but potentially only to Sasuke.
"Well, I suppose that'll have to change now that you know it." I said, tapping him on the nose. It scrunched right up again and he sent me a dirty look.
"You're up soon." A cold voice stated. Sasuke and I turned and saw Ibiki striding towards me, his hands in his pockets. He towered over us both like the looming death he was.
"Quite grand to see you again. Looking forward to my eventual downfall?" I asked playfully. Sasuke shot me a look and glared at Ibiki. The man in question ignored Sasuke and focused on me.
"I have a running bet going on you. You better not go down soon." He rumbled, staring down at me.
"Ah. Well. That does complicate things, mm?" I sent him a grin and stood up. Ibiki wasn't the sort to just pop on by. There was a reason. He wasn't the comforting gesture type. Sure enough, he slipped out a card and handed it to me. There on it was me. All my little sordid details. My percentages, my intellect, what I was good at - all rated in lovely little numbers.
"Intriguing how work can be converted to this." I murmured, looking it over. Ninja rated things on the strangest scale. Bare minimum stats, each ranked out of 5 points. My intellect and genjutsu skills were the highest, although my ratings were rather low. It had nothing on my other skills, my other talents. Nothing. Interesting how ninja decided what was and was not important.
"They certainly missed my charming demeanor." I muttered.
"You would be higher rated, if you actually fought people honestly." Ibiki grumbled.
"Yes, well, I imagine I'm pegged to lose rather soon." I commented, handing the page back to him. "I bet my odds of lasting more than one round is slim."
"Like I said - don't go down early." He told me. He eyed both Sasuke and I and left shortly after.
"Charming, isn't he? Like a grumpy Tiger with a thorn in his paw." I said and Sasuke scoffed. I knelt down in front of Sasuke again and gave him a bright grin.
"Come on, then. Find your place in the stands. Between you and Naruto cheering me on I may have a chance." I said to him. Sasuke gave me a long suffering sigh and went to leave. Not before I pressed coins into his hand as well. "Get something too, ah? I worry."
Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked off to find Naruto.
It was then when my last call came and I headed out. I breathed in deep and took it all in stride. I should have a plan for the entire fight. I should have it figured out. I should have something more than I had. I was sure had Kakashi been in my shoes, he already would have had an entire battle strategy and a couple others up his sleeve just waiting to be toyed with. Instead I had a handful of tricks and attitude. Ah well. It served me before and would again. After all, improv was my specialty.
I strode out onto the field - it was near electrifying. Or as close as the Nin could get. The general rumble of the crowd, them peering down at me. They all had those little sheets Ibiki had and each of them were watching as if I were one of Toru's little bugs. I could see Guy, Kurenai and Asuma sitting in the crowd. Guy gave me the largest grin he could and Kurenai waved - Asuma just nodded in my direction, a cigarette hanging in his mouth. I couldn't see Kakashi. If he was even here, he was probably holed up somewhere alone. I waved back to Kurenai and focused on the task at hand. I stepped towards the center, Atsuchi stood there before me with an angry scowl. The field was near empty save for a small patch of bamboo.
"This is going to be easy." He said, evaluating me with a flick of his gaze. Whatever he saw - I didn't measure up. Good. I supposed I could use it to my advantage. In this? Best to be thought a fool and eventually prove them wrong.
I didn't comment, keeping my hands in my back pockets as I waited for the referee to signal it was time to go.
"Alright. You know the drill. Go until one of you idjits passes out or taps out. No killing blows." The Kusa referee said. He glanced between both of us and backed away, "Go."
We both sprang into action. I decided to wait for him to decide the terms. Best to let the hotheaded have their say - that way I could use it against him. I slipped out my kunai and watched him carefully. I kept moving on the outskirts. Best to use the nervous energy I had.
Atsuchi didn't wait long before springing at me with his kunai. He threw them, trying to lure me elsewhere. I knocked a couple away and danced around the others. I waited for him to get close.
Like any good hot-head - Atsuchi got in close and we clashed. I could see why he had gotten so far - his taijutsu was fair. Had it not been for Ibiki's insistence on practically ripping me apart every morning before the sun rose, Atsuchi would have had a fair chance. It was time to just lay low. I did my best to play the part, taking cues from Atsuchi to seem worn and tired. I had to switch up my breathing into seeming to be out of breath (it felt incredibly wrong to do so, having been taught the right way eons ago). Atsuchi raced back in, and I held my ground - being the vulnerable Kunoichi the crowd thought me as. I flashed him my best wounded Doe look. The crowd wanted a show? I could give them that.
I slipped an explosion-tagged card into my hand and waited. The moment Atsuchi was close, I popped it into his face - using it to momentarily distract him. He jerked back and I took the chance. I lept at him, popping him in the throat with an open palm and kicking him in the torso when he lurched back. He fell and I jumped. I pinned him down, my knees on his shoulders and a kunai at his throat.
"Yield." I hissed. I could see surprise in Atsuchi's gaze.
"That's why." He muttered. "This is why.. This is why you're…"
"Too true. Now, yield. We can continue this, and draw this dance out and you lose still, while I can make a fool of you- or this just seems like a convenient win." I grumbled to him.
Atsuchi stared at me in wonder before raising his hand and yielding the match. I got up and made my way off of the field. I'd watch the next matches, see who I was paired up with next. I didn't start controlling my breath again the right way until I was well out of sight. I found a good place to watch the next matches and leaned against the wall. Learning. Watching. Waiting. The man I would be up against next was far stronger than little Atsuchi. He was older, stronger. He had a calmness to him that Atsuchi didn't have, and a focus that told me I'd have to step it up once more. He looked like he had a clan, as he had a super special jutsu like all Clansmen did. His headband said he was from Taki. His jutsus were ground-based.
Fun.
I was going to have a grand old time weaving through. Especially when he was using the very ground and walls in the arena to his advantage. That one - that one I would watch out for. I would probably have to keep him off balance, keep him guessing. I'd focus on genjutsu and maybe branch out to my canary call. The good thing about him was - he was slower to move. He spent far too much time thinking. Not enough moving. I could use that to my advantage. Force him to try to keep up with me. Keep changing things so he didn't know what way was up.
I wasn't looking forward to the battle ahead of me. But I had to endure.
That was when someone came by and sat beside me.
"You're breathing better." Kakashi said. His arms were balanced on his knees and he was staring at the match in progress.
"Mm - like that bit? Thought it was the right amount of razzle-dazzle." I said playfully.
"It's smart. Chunin wouldn't assume anyone would try to be unimpressive." He said.
"Try? Luv, I'm so boring. I put enemies to sleep - clearly. What am I but simple?" I teased. I could see a small crinkle in the corner of his eye.
"So - you're not sitting with Guy?" I asked, glancing at him. Kakashi shrugged and we both continued to watch the match. I didn't know what to make of him. He was here, insead of with his friends. Although he was rarely around them anyways. He only was ever around Guy and that was only for the contests. Once again, I could read him but - I swore I wouldn't unless necessary. This wasn't one of those necessities.
"Forming a plan?" He asked.
"I do suppose I must. Although I prefer them rather vague. You see, I'm without my partner this time around. I'll have to at least show him I can attempt to keep up." I said, flicking my gaze to him.
"Maybe one day. You're catching up." Kakashi agreed lightly.
"I rather doubt so. I do think you are in a league all your own."
Kakashi didn't respond. In fact he didn't even act as if he heard me. He had this far away look in his eye. One I couldn't name. One I wouldn't name. Instead I tried to distract him.
"Do tell, have you placed any bets?" I egged him, a wide grin on my face.
"Maa," He sighed in exasperation, "Tami-chan you're being difficult."
"Mm - I do tend to do that." I agreed. He hummed, and the look was gone. Again, he had been strange lately. But he was allowed it. I doubt he had anyone just let him be while hanging out. He often had to remind Guy he didn't like sweets, and very few ever tried to get past him and his barbs. He wasn't a bad sort in the slightest. I wasn't quite sure where this put us. But it must be in a decent place.
I fell quiet, letting the silence rule over us. It was pleasant, in a way. No taking. No arguing. No debates.
I had once heard that "true friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable". I wondered if that was where we were. If that was our end result. Part of me hoped not. I still had a home elsewhere. Kakashi deserved better than a woman who would leave out of nowhere. He deserved better friends. But I couldn't say I regretted the development. He was the good sort. A tad perverted. Mostly a troll. But, genuinely - once passed the barbs? He was rather grand. However, getting past the trolling was another thing entirely.
We continued to watch the matches. Another contender was in the ring. His match was taking time, not because he lacked the skill but because of it. He was showboating, egging on the crowd. He was a ninja from the Mist, too. Kakashi and I watched on in disgust. I doubted either of us cared for his attitude.
"Watch out for him." He advised.
"You mean, if I face him."
"You will."
"Ah? So much faith in little ol' me?"
"Your next opponent isn't going to defeat you, so long as you fight well. You'll outsmart them." He assured me. My jaw fell open. So much faith… in me? I didn't know how to answer.
"If I were you, I would pay closer attention to his next fight." Kakashi advised. I hummed in agreement. I had planned on it anyways. Soon enough, the time came for me to part ways.
"I'd offer for you to sit with Sasuke and Naruto but I know you're doing your level best impression of the distant house cat." I told him with a smile.
"Thanks." He said dryly.
"It's not my fault you hide in trees and stare down passer-bys. I'll see you after, ah? You'll get even with me then I'm sure." I said with a playful wink. He let out a sigh and gave me a small wave. I left him there and wandered down to the lower levels. Soon my next match would start. I didn't feel as nervous but I knew I had to be ready. I snagged my pineapple juice and sipped it. I had to be ready for anything. Uncle always tried to instill that in me. Now I had to. I would be.
The stage called me again. Who was I to deny her?
Time to let Christine Daae brave the crowd - it was time for "Remember Me". I only hoped that I wouldn't let down the others. I heard my name called and meekly began my walk out. I kept my hands behind me, trying my hardest to play my part. I avoided the Taki nin's gaze as if I were afraid of him.
"Alright. Same old" The ref said, backing away. "Begin!"
I jumped back, completing the jutsu for my clones while the Taki nin began his jutsu. The ground rippled beneath my feet. As the rocks came after me, I did my best to keep moving. In short time, Spicy and Sweetness appeared. We weaved around, as he continued his onslaught. I had to move faster, the vines were getting close - scratching and scraping me. It was almost like tap dancing. I couldn't go after this one directly, but I could make him go where I wanted. In a flurry of exploding cards, I distracted him. It only momentarily proved useful as the man pushed forward. Grand.
I needed him off balance, not pressing on. And certainly not poofing poor Sweetness. I think a good genjutsu worked for the best now.
This one, this one was for Kurenai. For all her hours of hard work. With a grin, I slid into my pose.
I could see it just as easily as he could. With no warning at all, he stood there in the middle of a damp dark street, bright headlights bearing down on him and a horn blazing its warning. Like a deer in headlights, he froze as the car hit him with the force of a rampaging bull. While he was distracted, I leapt at him. Although the man had gathered back his wits, he barely dodged my kunai. While my basics in taijutsu were fair, his was better as he snapped to gain the ground he lost. Knives spinning, he rushed at me.
However - I wasn't ready to let him be. I wouldn't let him win. I gathered my chakra to my throat, pulling it in as quickly as I could. The second he moved in close, I used my Canary Call. I screamed - amplifying the vibrations my voice caused. He was pushed back and I jumped forward. I had so wanted to be like Black Widow. It was my time. I leapt, wrapped my legs around his neck and used my momentum to knock him down. I landed on my knees, him behind me. He used the moment to try to get back up, throwing his kunai at me. I moved out of the way, but it still got cut. Spicy nailed him in the head and he finally went down.
I was far more roughed up than I had hoped to be, and breathing heavier than I wished - but I was able to win the match. I could hear the referee call the end, and I fell to my hands and knees. That was more tiring than what I thought it would be.
I took that moment to slowly stand up and leave. I needed to see to my leg and prepare for the last match. I watched my would be opponents match from the highest point I could as I bound my leg. It wasn't the first time I would be performing wounded. After all, the show must go on and understudies could be rather catty. I still had to sing my final song, my very own "Phantom of the Opera".
The Mist nin I would be heading up against was cruel. He wielded lighting like it was a toy, using his sharpened skills to taunt and mock his prey. I watched carefully as he played with the Suna ninja he was paired up against. That one had puppets and the Mist nin was just toying with him. Something about it all just seemed off. Almost like - almost like he had something else going on. The Mist nin was so confident in his skill that I wondered if it was all just show. If he were just as much of a showman as I was. That was when I noticed it. Footprints in the dirt, behind the towering bamboo. That was why he was so confident. He was pulling a Kakashi. The man was hiding, somehow, while his shadow clone fought his battles.
I would have to lure him out - somehow. It meant playing the long game. It meant that I was going to get quite a few bumps and bruises. It also meant I would have to feed that ego of his. Pride comes before the fall, after all. But - how would I get him?
I quietly thought, watching the match below. The Mist nin toyed with the Suna man for near ten - fifteen minutes before finally finishing him off. I had the time for a setup. I had the time to lure him into a false sense of security. That was when I recalled three things - the mole technique, the wire in my possession and the cat's cradle. I could use the field, distract him by playing the foolish damsel and lay my wire while tripping and falling over myself. When the time was right - I'd bind him. I would have to keep him busy. I would have to keep him distracted.
I didn't like it, but it meant I had a chance. I wasn't looking forward to the pain that would be coming my way but if it worked. If it worked - Ibiki owed me. And maybe with that - maybe, I could get some leverage to get home. If only from those around me in Konoha. Someone had missing pieces to my puzzle. Maybe this would charm them into telling me what only they could.
I took what little time I had to work out the kinks in my body, stretching myself out. I needed to be loose and languid for this.
"Tami-chan!" I heard a voice call. I glanced over and saw Guy, Kakashi and Kurenai. Of course he would see me with my back-end right in the air as I stretched out my back and legs. Grand. They barely seemed to notice, but I quickly shifted myself to be kneeling on the ground before standing up straight.
"You've done so good! Guy encouraged. "That scream you did was so cool!"
"Ah - thank you." I grinned uneasy at him.
"Was that a genjutsu you used? It looked fast." Kurenai commented with a smile.
"I rather the shock and awe. Thought it fitting." I said.
Kakashi just stood there, looking right bored. He didn't say a thing. House cat - that's what he was. And a Dire Wolf, and a Jaguar. The man never seemed to make up his mind.
"We wanted to see you off before your next match. Let the power of youth see you through!" Guy told me. He turned to Kakashi and went, "Isn't that right?"
Kakashi only stood there, staring into the distance before glancing at Guy with a, "What was that?"
I did my level best not to roll my eyes.
"Kakashi - you and your too cool attitude!" Guy complained, looking for all the world fired up to challenge the man again. Kurenai and I shared a look. Men - I never would understand them. Particularly the two before us both.
That was when I heard Naruto and Sasuke running towards me. Kakashi shifted, I could see a certain level of discomfort enter into his stance as he pulled away from the group. Why would Naruto and Sasuke cause that in him? He moved away, turning his head to face away from the two boys.
"Tami-chan! That last match was so cool! You're gonna win this, dattebayo!" He shouted. Sasuke stood there, his hands in his pockets, watching me.
"I didn't know you could do all that." Sasuke said, looking up at me as if reevaluating me once more. It seemed I was in more than one exam now.
"Yes, well - I figured Naruto could inspire something of my skill set." I said playfully. The little boy lit up and then his face fell moments later.
"Whaa-?! Tami-chan, that's so mean!" Naruto whined and I ruffled his hair.
"Go on then. Go back, it starts soon. Both of you, just remember - don't believe everything you see, ah?" I said to them quietly and gave them meaningful looks. Naruto scratched his head in thought while Sasuke's gaze darkened. Kurenai regarded me curiously while Guy stroked his chin.
"Always excellent advice but.." Guy muttered, seeming to try to figure me out as the two boys left (Naruto waving wildly as they went).
"What are you planning?" Kurenai asked.
"That man wants a stage. Best to give the man what he wants. I found fools, if given enough rope, will eventually hang themselves." I said. Guy's mouth fell open and Kurenai nodded quietly. I caught Kakashi's gaze from the corner of his eye. That was when the final announcement came. It was time for my final song. The point of no return.
"Well. That is my cue. See you all later, ah?" I wiggled my fingers at them as I left.
Kakashi remained quiet as I passed him. Kurenai called a "good luck!" and Guy gave me his best youthful grin.
Walking onto the field this time - I could feel my heart in my throat, pounding. I stepped out, focusing on my breathing.
The man before me gave a snarling grin, eyeing me with a hungry look. He reminded me of a rabid wolf, the way he stared me down. I kept my head down, doing my best not to meet his eye.
"They put a kunoichi against me." He said gleefully. Wolf-man chuckled and we waited for the ref to signal the start of the match. My fingers itched to delve into my pocket for my wire but I waited patiently. The man was clearly hungry like the wolf. I'll play his game while he had no idea he was falling into mine.
The moment the ref signaled our start, Wolf-man darted to the bamboo, his hands flying through the signs. I didn't even need to whistle, the crowd was so loud the vibrations alone told me my guess was right. There were two on the field. One clone and one him. One was hidden among the bamboo.
I backed away.
"Come on then, play nice." I said, worry filtering into my tone. My hand went to my wire.
He chuckled and attacked. Lightning poured into his hand and he raced at me.
Good news?
I didn't need to fake being wounded.
Bad news -
My scar was acting up.
But I began my plot, as I dodged his attack. I fell to the ground hard, my hand slipping into my pocket for my wire. I pressed it into the ground, deep enough to hold it for the time being.
"Been awhile since I've gotten to play with a kunoichi!" He shouted.
"Do tell - is it your smile or demeanor that scares them off?" I asked smartly. He scowled and attacked again but I moved out of his way.
"You little -" He growled. I stumbled to my next point, burying the next bit of wire as soon as I could.
"I'll admit - I rather thought that would go over your head." I said, breathing heavy. He snarled and attacked again.
This would all be part of the delicate dance I wove. Irritate him enough to keep the attack going and distracted. However, I had to ensure he wasn't so annoyed that the real man didn't join the attack. He needed to feel in control. And that meant, I had to lose some. I did so hate that part of the plot.
I got to my feet and backed up, waiting for him as my next goal was in sight.
Our dance continued that way for some time. I could see victory play in his eyes as he stared me down. My breathing was getting harder to control and I knew time was short. I had thought that he would have been able to guess what I was plotting but - nothing. He still stared me down like a hungry baboon. I would have to ensure this next part went well. I'd have to find the real man and lure him where I wanted.
Between the roar of the crowd I didn't even need to whistle to know where he stood. I would have to play my hand - force him where I wanted. That meant getting close. That meant getting hit with that lovely electricity. Grand.
I gathered what little courage and tenacity I had left.
Go.
I dashed to the center of the arena, throwing kunai to force the Ravenous Wolf where I wanted. While I did that - he nailed me with the electricity. I used my left arm to guard on pure instinct. My scar flared up again, my arm burning and searing in pain. I folded to the ground, holding my arm. The electricity seemed stuck, contained there. I could feel it running up and down my scar. I gasped while the Wolf cackled.
"Give up. All this is over if you just give up." He taunted like the proud peacock he was. Never would I, simply because I make it a point not to for his sort. Especially when they were right where I wanted them. I could see the dust, swirling around his feet where the real him was.
I breathed in a shaky breath and shoved my fingers into the dirt below. Without warning I played my hand. I used enough force to cause the wire to jump higher than it would have usually. High enough to tangle around the arena, my wire sprang up, dragging itself out of the dirt, rising like the phoenix from the ashes.
The clone watched in awe as the wire made itself known.
"You missed me." It complained.
"I missed the fake" I gasped. I stood tall, and the real man finally appeared. He was wrapped in my wire and my final play? A cross-hair right in front of him, threatening to wrap around his neck.
"Check-mate." I said, staring at him - the real him.
He scowled at me and his clone departed.
"You-"He began, but I pulled the cross-hair closer.
"Yield." I snapped. My scar was burning through what little patience I had and all I wanted was to curl into a ball and pretend everything was fine.
Long story short, the man wouldn't yield but the ref stepped in as I tightened the wire.
The crowd went wild and all I wanted was a nap. I dropped the wire and went to my opponent.
"Good match." I said - but I kept my distance. He snarled at me and I backed away. Looking up I could see the Hokage staring down at me. He had this little smile playing on his mouth. Grand.
"I'm assuming there's a medic?" I asked the ref and he gestured off the arena. Normally I would have played up my part but my arm was ravaging what little sanity I had left. I shook my arm and sparks shot out. I stared in shock, my mouth falling open. What?
No. Nope. I wasn't going to even think about that.
I forced myself to find the medic, ignoring the oddities that have plagued me since day one. The only good thing was that the pain in my arm had lessened.
Soon enough I found myself on a hospital bed, being helped by a red haired woman. She was so very thin and frail looking, her red eyes dull from over work and not enough sunlight. I watched her as she worked on the others, allowing them to bite her. From the looks of things, her daughter was there with her. She was small, just like Naruto and Sasuke - probably around their age. She had her mother's looks - bright red hair, and red eyes. She sat in a chair, her nose in a book - she would dart curious glances at me.
Her mother came over, mindlessly sticking her hand in my face. The woman didn't even look at me, just at the chart in her hand. When I didn't bite her, she glanced at me.
"Go on" She said, gesturing with her hand.
"I think not." I began and I saw frustration flicker in her eye. "I'm not - ah, not a vampire, luv. I prefer the old fashioned method. I would rather nothing than just to stop the pain in my arm."
She stared at me, her mouth falling open. She glanced over to her daughter and back to me. She moved forward and pulled my arm into her grasp. The woman worked faster than extra-strength aspirin.
"Walker Tami." I introduced myself. The woman paused, her head ducked. She darted her eyes up to meet mine.
"Uzumaki Mariko." She said softly before leaving.
Uzumaki. Like Naruto's name. Clans usually held similar traits passed down. The woman and her daughter were red-heads. I wondered, did that mean Naruto's mother or father was an Uzumaki? Did they have the red-hair? Fascinating. Or - maybe, it was just a coincidence. Maybe.
I leaned back in my seat, relaxing after all that took place. I'd probably have to show up and do the winners circle or some such nonsense. Maybe I should have just lost to avoid that. I saw the little girl still glancing at me, and I sent her a smile. I would have offered a magic trick, but that was when my illustrious partner arrived.
He walked in, his hands deep in his pockets. Kakashi stood at the end of the bed, looking down at me.
"You did good." He said although his tone gave nothing away.
"Like I said - given enough rope." I gave a half-hearted shrug and slid down into the bed.
"You'll be wanted soon." He continued.
"Think I can pretend to have fallen asleep and unable to wake up?" I asked playfully. He scoffed and didn't answer. I watched him for a moment.
"You alright, luv? The world seems to be on your shoulders again." I commented. He sat down next to me in the chair provided and sprawled out. When he finally looked at me, his eyebrow was quirked.
"I don't have to read it, if it's as apparent as Guy's love of youth." I said. He sighed in an exaggerated way and looked away.
"Don't worry about it. I'm taking care of it."
"Ah? Handling things off the battlefield now? Shall I be worried or pleased?" I teased him. He scoffed again and turned to me.
"So I suppose this means potentially new cases with a touch of deadly added to the mix." I said and he nodded.
"Of course. You just proved you can handle it."
"Grand." I murmured. I still preferred my old work - much simpler than this line.
"How'd you think of that trap?" He asked.
"Mm - just… just a children's game I learned. Thought it fitting, considering he was much like one." I said with a grin. He snorted and I sent him a look.
"The day you actually laugh I may have to get it in writing that it happened. No one would believe me."
He eyed me.
"I laugh." He said defensively.
"No - you snort, you'll chuckle at your Icha Icha - and you scoff rather often. Never have I heard you laugh genuinely." I said, "One of these days - all that laughter you've been covering up is going to come bursting out. Watch and see. You'll barely be able to contain it."
He snorted at me, but I could see a bit of something shining in his eye.
"If you say so, Walker." He said lightly. He then stood up, and patted the arm rest. "I'll see you later."
With that, Kakashi stood up and left. Nearly timed it perfectly, to where as soon as he left Naruto and Sasuke were running into the room.
"That was so cool, dattebayo!" Naruto gushed. Mariko shot him a glare and he ducked his head. Sasuke looked up at me with pride evident in his gaze.
"How'd you think of that?" Sasuke asked, authentic interest in his voice.
"A bit of ingenuity is all, my lovelies." I told them. This moment made it worth it all. Not the fighting, not Ibiki's bet and not the fancy new title I may or may not have earned. It was this. I could see life in Sasuke's eye and excitement in Naruto's. If nothing else, they'd been fired up for something new.
With far too much ceremony and pomp, I was awarded with my Chunin title. It took a couple days for things to get back to normal -ish.
Since I won the tournament, I was openly stared at again but in a vastly different way. Mostly it was open curiosity and murmurs.
"Did you see the tournament - it was insane. I don't know how she won."
"I hear she works with Hatake Kakashi. He probably told her how to win."
"I heard she started last year."
"I heard she worked with Jiraiya."
"The perverted sannin? What kind of woman is she?"
All in all - I hated it. My job always called for me to be in the background and this took me right to the forefront. I should have taken the loss when I had the chance.
It wasn't until a week later when Kakashi and I resumed our normal caseload. We were exiting the building when an unknown figure was walking by, into the building. I could see stress in Kakashi's frame all of a sudden. The man walking in looked weak but something about him -. He was cold, like ice. There was something so very dark, so very twisted about that man. Half his head was wrapped in bandages and he had an X shaped scar on his chin. Something about him felt so very evil.
Kakashi stopped walking, stepping out of the way of the man. I followed his lead, not meeting the mystery man's eye.
I had met many people in my line of work. The misunderstood, the angry, the depressed, the suicidal, the raging alcoholic. Few times had I ever met a man like this; one who radiated such vile intent. I breathed in a shaky breath. Without meaning to, I grabbed Kakashi's arm as the unknown man passed. He barely looked at me as he went in.
"There's something very wrong with that man." I murmured. Kakashi pushed me along and away as soon as he could. It took some time for me to speak again. I couldn't shake the feeling that man gave off. He was so cold, so dark. In a way, the man reminded me of my very own father.
"We'll deal with the mission tomorrow." Kakashi told me quietly.
"No! No- no, I can -" I began but he cut me off.
"Tomorrow." He insisted. "I'm the Diva."
It was my turn to scoff a breathy laugh. "Right. Right, of course."
He didn't comment on my lack of arguing. I didn't even think I could pretend an argument at the time. Kakashi must have known it from the way he was watching me. He patted my shoulder and left shortly after. Who knew he and I would become friends? That alone - that was shocking enough to me.
AN:/TADA! Another chapter! I'm stuck at home, so here we are. I tried to keep this fun. We'll be going back to fun banter next chapter. She and Kakashi are going to start having moments soon enough.
Atsuchi will show back up at some point, he's not meaning to be rude he's just… well, grumpy :P
I tried to figure out if Tami would or wouldn't win the tournament. Had there been more than three rounds, she would have gone down or withdrawn. But between her being smart and knowing how she works - I just couldn't see her losing. Between the years of working, reading people, and the skills she's learned. She's a hard woman to beat, especially with the little things she's learned along the way. Which might not be fair. I don't know. It was probably the hardest decision so far (since the team up). BUT it's what it is. Had the others been verified/experienced Chunin or Jounin - she would have gone down by either the second round or third. I am looking forward to the next part of this. She's going to start being nicer to Kakashi.
So, again, I hoped you liked this addition to Sparks and the answer to her scar. Her nature is not lightning :P however because her arm is fried it does mean that she's not able to use lightning herself but she can catch it and toss it (with a great amount of pain to go with it, and she can't last long like that either).
Thank you for all of your reviews, favorites and follows! I love you guys! Thank you so very much :3
Random Tami Fact that hasn't shown up in forever #?: While role-playing Tami, she always said the reason she never learned how to fight was because it wouldn't be fair for anyone if she could both mentally evaluate and read them AS WELL as fight them... Well. Here we are.