The Cursed Woman
Chapter Fourteen: My Happiness
Her fingers curled around the blade as she lifted and leaned forward slashing ahead of herself with a strong intensity, her breath escaping her lips quicker than her thoughts and her eyes looking around. She clenched her teeth feeling as the beads of sweat rolled down her forehead and slowly moved to her neck, the sound of the buzzing sun echoing in her ear making her become more aware of the conditions. She sucked her breath in for a moment glancing around as she surveyed her surroundings.
Everything was spinning. She couldn't control the way her body was feeling. She hissed between her teeth as she barely managed to dodge the short sword at her head, stumbling forward, she clenched the side of her head. Becoming more aware of herself, she was getting sick, this had been the first time she was sick in this life, was it because she had pushed herself the day before today and was suffering the consequences. It was going to be the first time she would experience the 'Battle of Ages' anything at all could happen and she needed to be prepared.
Rolling out of the way she performed a clumsy and sloppy swing of her sword, it had made those around her look in shock as the girl who had been strongly swinging her sword around with a solid resolute had now been so weak. Everyone could hardly believe, Tajima, narrowed his eyes from the porch as the rest of the siblings stood up. He watched as Akari stepped forward her eyes closing as she stepped forward, he gasped seeing as the sword was unable to be stopped at the speed of it. He dashed forward, realizing she wouldn't be able to block it.
"Akari!" He screamed. However, the sword was halted making him stop himself in his steps, he had watched Okita block the sword with his bare hands, the thick traces of blood flowing down his wrist and onto his clothing. The Uchiha swinging the sword halted and paused quickly dropping the sword with the unconscious Akari in the arms of Okita. It didn't take long before the rest of her family came bounding over, Okita gently placed his hand onto her forehead he nearly hissed in this temperature.
It had felt as if her entire skin was burning. Quickly he had watched as she was taken from him and in the arms of Ryuusuke, he had just watched as her small body gave out before losing completely conscious, she was still breathing but she had completely passed out. Watching everything take place the wound on his hand didn't concern him and instead, she did. He wordlessly followed them as he watched her small body being carried into the household, everyone around the household had been panic at her passing out.
He clenched his fists as he watched the healers examine her, no matter what she had to attend the trial tomorrow, sick or not. He had been aware of that. Despite him being told all his life he could match the skills of the young Uchiha's and a genius at his age, he felt so weak, so useless. He couldn't do anything for her. However, this was a problem. He had felt he had forgotten his mission, yes, he had been her guard, but he was aware that even she was stronger than him and didn't need a guard.
The thoughts of protecting her for the Uchiha had no longer came about. He had seen the way she was, the way she helped people, went above herself and even discovered new things impacting the Uchiha. He had learned so much about her in such a small amount of time felt like nothing and he soon had felt he had known her for lives and lives. He just wanted to protect her, he wanted her to himself, it was a selfish request. Especially at her age and her household, everyone was strict, even he was aware that such a thing was impossible.
He always knew. That was why he had promised himself that simply remaining by her side was more than enough if he could be of some use to her in her future or her life he will gladly have her use it. Because he had found a purpose behind his life, with the harsh reality and deadly wars, life was never promised and never cherished for a while. He often thought about ending it as foolish as it may seem, he had thought of it and was sure almost all the other children in the Uchiha compound at some point thought of it.
Whenever he thought of himself in the past and now he laughed, he would genuinely laugh. With reality, he faced before and the one Akari had shown him, he was aware that there was always something better. She had shown him that there was a reason to live, to push past all the hardships and the losses, and become stronger. So he had promised him very quickly, she would guide him wherever she went. No matter what she did. No matter who she became. He will always follow her. Good or bad. He accepted all of it.
"It's a fever, my Lord." Tajima felt his eyebrow twitch as he watched Kanato gently placed the damp cloth on her forehead. The crowd around the room became bigger with some of the maids and workers peering in concern and even the civilians that helped around the property watched from a distance in concern. He sighed to himself looking around the area, she hadn't truly realized the people that had come to love her in such a limited amount of time. Something like this was seen as a gift, especially for an Uchiha.
Izuna gently pulled the covers up to her chest seeing as her breathing was heavy and the thick sweat rolled down her neck, he curled his fingers in his lap and bit into his lower lip. He was ashamed of him, for so many reasons. He was ashamed that he couldn't prevent her from entering the 'Battle of Ages', he had feared the Elders especially Togoro and wanted to avoid him at all costs. Now he couldn't even see that was getting sicker for every passing moment, it made him even more anxious, sick or not. They will force her to attend the trial.
"Father. What are we going to do? The trial is tomorrow-" Ryuusuke unconsciously trailed off hearing the light whispers around the room as they fumbled with their own words. He didn't know what to do. What could he do? She was sick and tomorrow was the trial. Especially since Togoro was hosting it, it would be impossible to convince Akari to be withdrawn from the trial itself. Eldest but the most useless of them all. He could only watch her struggle with her breathing in the bedding with the mass amount of people around them.
Kanato rose to his feet, "if you'll excuse us, everyone. We ask if you will kindly leave us with Akari. Any news concerning her health with be updated as quickly as possible." He bent forward, his voice light and kind but strict and determined. The youngest looked around seeing as the wave of people exited the room, leaving Okita, the healer and her family alone. The only thing the men had been able to do was to wait by her bedside and pray for her recovery, that was until Taijima had decided to go to convince Togoro to withdraw her.
However, when he had arrived he was denied an audience no matter how much he pleaded. Tajima remained seated outside the sliding door his hands on his lap and his eyes facing forward, he was determined and would still their until Togoro would see him. The Elder in the room simply laughed and went upon his business seeing as the figure of the Uchiha man kneeling outside his door. He couldn't help but letting his barking laughter slipping past his lips, the great Uchiha clan head who was heartless and didn't care for his children had suddenly grown a heart and was kneeling at his doorstep for one of his children.
Ah, it was an amazing feeling.
Togoro couldn't help but laugh countless times and would check every second looking at the figure through the door. It was amusing. He had already heard of the news of her getting sick and couldn't help but enjoy it. Meanwhile, the rest of the compound cared for her safety he had found this to be another form of leverage in the trial. He was going to force her to go through with it. He didn't care at all. With the high and mighty talk she had. She should have been bedded already thinking about producing heirs, instead, that damn clan head gave her a spot at the table.
Her sickness would be something that would disadvantage her in the trial. However, there was another factor. When going through the trial you are randomly assigned partners, it could be either 2 or 3, though it was random. Many had always been wary of this factor as it would determine whether or not your teammate was strong. Whether it had been physical or strategizing. Since Togoro had been the Elder specifically overseeing the process he had decided that Akari will only get one partner.
Her partner. He was certainly a failure at life. He had been one of the lowborn-Uchiha with no parents and was from the orphanage, Kihara Uchiha. He had met the boy a few times and had the urge to kill him. Everything about him was annoying, the way he walked, the way he bowed, his way of talking and even when apologized for everything. The boy was not talented in anything, he wasn't smart, he wasn't strong and certainly was deemed a complete useless pawn for the Uchiha. He was assured that in the trial he will be killed.
The boy could never truly be an Uchiha. Never.
Togoro had blown his candle out, "sit there all you want Tajima. Your child will be taking the trial tomorrow." He hummed as he lifted his covers up and tucked himself underneath, "p-please, Elder T-" He scoffed at the sound of his trembling voice. Was he even a man anymore? That child made him like that? He frustrated sighed if Akari wasn't killed or fail the trials and she passed she could become another form of trouble for him and the other elders. Something he certainly didn't enjoy the thought of at all.
"I will see you in the morning, Tajima-san."
Akari had wondered, how long had it been since she was sick? Most of the times in her life she was sick and often alone, having to force herself to get better in order to support herself or the others around her. She had soon been forced to rely on herself, yet, somehow in this life, she was being forced to rely on others. Forced to rely on her brothers as she watched them gathered around her and attempt to cool her body, give her fluids, or even tell her stories. She wanted to bark in laughter but was afraid of hurting herself any further.
Watching as the group of boys even her grown father try to maneuver around her and make everything easier. She couldn't help but smile as she could feel the cool and reassuring grip from Izuna, his large eyes glued to her as his lower lip trembled. She didn't understand. Where the Uchiha's always like this? This was so new to her. She gulped as she watched her father brush her hair back as rest another cooling pack on her head, she moaned at the graceful feeling of her temperature dimming for the moments and watched the grateful smile settle on his lips.
Ah, this was bad.
She wanted to change the faiths of the Uchiha, but she attempted to vow in not loving them. It was hard. That was scary. She had known their outcomes, death and madness. She wanted to change and see if it could impact the future. Maybe everything could be fine. Maybe she could help the Leaf village become different from the outcome it originally had. Complete and utter destruction. She could change it. She could.
"Dad." She croaked out as she squeezed Izuna's hand, all eyes were on her's immediate. She strained herself and smiled, "I can do it." She breathed out, her voice was hot and eyes were half-opened but her voice was strong. She looked around to her brothers and nodded slowly, her fingers becoming tighter around Izuna's. She was promising them and herself, promising that she could be worthy of the name, worthy of being apart of the family. She would risk her life for her family and be willing to start with this trial.
"This trial. Sick or not. I will show you that we are not to be looked down upon." She looked around the room, her father's eyes narrowed but the pride-filled his chest, Ryuusuke clenched his teeth and fist in his lap, Madara turned away in the other direction avoiding to look at her and Izuna shook as both his hands wrapped around her's. Everyone in the room could only look at her. Tajima was the first to break the silence, "you don't have to do that. You children are fine as you are." Akari felt her fingers shake in Izuna's grip.
Ryuusuke had easily shaken his words, "father. The Elders and the clan do not take us seriously. Since you have been spending more time with us they had disregarded you as a leader for the clan." He breathed out deeply, crossing his arms across his chest, Akari nodded watching as he raked a hand through his hair exposing his delicate features. Tajima looked around, "you think that?" Madara had narrowed his eyes at his father, his wild hair still untamed as his eyes flashed with anger for a moment.
"Yes! All they can talk about is how you care about your children and that you are weak!" Ryuusuke gently placed a hand on Madara's shoulder sending his father a look, "Madara. Lower your voice. You are inside and Akari is not feeling well." Madara grumbled to himself and sat on the floor, Tajima couldn't help but look around the room. Each of his children looked at him with a sort of pity, the feeling had been new and made his skin crawl. His clan had discussed of him not being taken seriously because he cared for his children?
A strange world indeed.
"Maybe. This trial is an opportunity." Ryuusuke spoke, his hand resting on his chin as he looked deep-in-thought, Kanato looked over to him anger flashing, "how dare you! Our little sister is sick and going to be tossed to wolves tomorrow and you want to use this as an opportunity." He hissed as he looked at his older brother with disgust, the tone and display of emotions had been raw and unseen from Kanato. Another side of him was being shown that no one had known about, even himself. He couldn't help but just release everything. His sister. His lovely little sister. Was talked about being used as a pawn? He couldn't have that!
"Kanato-" Ryuusuke was shocked by the outburst, everyone had known him as the calm and collected one from the group while the younger three were outright rebels. Ryuusuke felt the twitch of his brow as the dark looked was cast onto him from Kanato, "listen, Akari isn't just a regular little girl." He paused, watching as his nostrils flared, "she has killed and most of all has the Sharingan." He sighed as he placed a finger to his temple breathing out at his little brother's action. He didn't want to admit it either. But, Akari wasn't just his little sister.
"If anyone is capable of passing this trial, it is her." He sharpened his tone watching as the words settled into Kanato's face. It was quiet for a few moments before Kanato had suddenly gotten up and quickly left the room. The sound of him shutting the door echoing as Akari watched the frame close shut, she gulped and stared at the ceiling. Her father's voice was heard, "he needs time." His deep voice had filled her ears. She sighed as she slowly forced her aching body up, gritting her teeth as the pain shot across her body.
Izuna quickly helped her up allowing her to rest some weight on his body. She looked at her father, "artifact." She narrowed her eyes, her father had opened his eye wide as Ryuuske hummed for a moment. Tajima looked down at his lap and at her, she was taking this seriously. She took a deep breath as she narrowed her lidded eyes, "I need something that isn't just a scroll or treasure, something that can convince the Elders." She sharpened her tone. She wanted to prove a point in the item she would be getting.
"The only thing that is precious to the clan are scrolls and lost battle weapons." She hummed as she looked at her lap, "nothing else?" She raised a brow, she could sense the tension between all of them, she of one thing. One thing that was considered a myth one that was avoided at all costs, but she played along. Even the grim expressions had confirmed it all. She had lived too many lives to know when someone was lying. Right now she was sure all of her family was lying, meaning it had confirmed her suspicion.
"Okay. What is a scroll you think would be of worth?" It took mere seconds as her father and brothers showed her the layout of the forest, with the lakes and information regarding poisoned plants, dangerous areas and places located within the forest that had been inhabited and mainly the most dangerous. Of course, she had consumed the information like a sponge, she was slowly making her own plan while listening to her father talk. She could hear the excitement in his voice and even say the glimmer in his eyes.
She discussed where the artifacts were frequently hidden, however, it was often the area in which death battles often occurred. Some of the Uchiha's would arrive early and wait for the rest of their clans and ambush them in order to prevent them from getting anything before and after them. It had been very similar to the Chunin exams. She stopped. Halting in her actions, the Chunin exams. This did not only lead to a rush of memories but of layout on how the creation of the exams where discussed.
She couldn't help the smile on her lips and laugh, but quickly coughed in order to cover it up as she received the weird looks by her family. She focused as her father had tapped the map again, "this is the spot in where I found the underground pathway." His finger drew along the map as it was under a way of trees but it had been near the inhabited area, "this had managed to take me under everything and me and my comrade had managed to get what we found." It seemed simple. Too simple.
Her father had to have taken the trial decades ago, it was a very high chance of it being filled with rubble or even another area for an ambush. She sighed, "father. That's not possible. When I went to the spot during my trial there had been nothing there." Tajima's eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the map, the wrinkles around his lips becoming prominent for the few moments. Ryuusuke deeply breathed out, "instead. We found something-more deadly." This had allowed everyone in the room to perk up.
Ryuusuke gestured his finger near the same area near the underground pathway, "it was a den." Izuna bounced at the word, "den?" He repeated the words. He had been so quiet unsure of what to say, he didn't have the knowledge Ryuusuke possessed or even the experience his father had as well. Overall, he had found his position in being quiet was the best. As well no matter how much pleading he did, he was unable to convince Akari of pleading to drop out of the trial. He wanted to somehow believe that he would listen to her and give up. Though she had been the person he had grown to love and was so determined once she made her resolve.
"Yes, den." He nodded, his words hard and filled with seriousness. Akari felt her ears perk along with Izuna, "we found a den of snakes." Izuna and Madara gasped but Akari simply stared in amazement, a whole den!? This had been so confusing if there had been a den of snakes why hadn't Uchiha fully removed the trial. Snakes were something that the era was still getting used too, especially with their massive size, they were considered deadly and those who had managed to tame them seemed like a God themselves.
However, for the Uchiha too still hold a trial in the same forest. Were they not informed? Or were they just hiding it? She looked to her father for answers. Watching as his shouldered shivered for a moment, the flash of a concerned look was focused on her as he clenched his teeth. He took a deep breath. Akari stared at him, she was seeing all different forms of expression tonight of him, it was different and somehow showed that the head of the Uchiha clan was as human as anyone else.
"Father?" Madara called out softly. Tajima looked up sighing heavily. His hand resting on the map as he recalled his memories, "when I was on my trial me and my comrade had encountered the den. Unknowingly we had walked in, though had been stopped by a snake. She had protected us and kept us hidden from the true darkness that laid within the den." Akari was gripping her blanket now, "a snake? And a 'she'?" Izuna craned his neck, it had been the first time his father was talking about his past as a young adult.
He nodded, "when we walked in we had encountered various snakes of different sizes and forms, but all deadly. She had commanded them. And. . .Talked to us." Everyone in the room stopped, "talk?" Akari wanted to laugh at her father's words but knew it had to be true. She had lived long lives to encounter everything from the normal to abnormal, among them, had been animals talking. Izuna started laughing and slapping the ground followed by Madara and even her chuckling older brother.
This had allowed her father to engage with a deep blush, his cheeks and ears tinting a light pink. He coughed as he attempted to calm himself down as Izuna rolled knocking into Madara, both boys crying of laughter, "h-h-he said-talk, n-nee-chan!" He looked to Madara as both boys were unable to form their own words. Akari giggled softly and brushed her hair back, she was slowly feeling better but was far from 100%. Though the story had certainly caught her interest if anything she was certainly going to use this as an advantage.
"I think you're telling the truth." Akari stared at him, her eyes completely blank and focused at him as he stared at her. He nodded as the small smile graced his lips, "I mean of course. This 'snake' of his 'talked' and protected him." Izuna shrugged his shoulders as he stared at his father who frowned slightly. Ryuusuke tilted his head at his little brother, "to be honest. He could be telling the truth. I mean he knows of the den. And the pathway?" Ryuusuke looked over wanting him to explain more.
Tajima coughed lightly as he adjusting himself, "as I was saying," he paused casting his young son a glare, letting him clamp his mouth shut. Akari couldn't help but admire the way he talked of his past, he was opening up more and more, that improvement alone, "she had expressed that the King known as Yakunan, had hated humans and would kill us. In return for avoiding the area, we had explained our trial and she aided in creating the secret underground pathway for us. She had wanted us to avoid Yakunan at all means." He tapped the map again as he points a distance away from the map and in a completely different area.
Ryuusuke eyes widened, "that's it! That's the exact same spot." He breathed out as he stared at the spot, Akari stared at the spot again as she felt the eyes of her father looking at her. She could feel the heaviness of his gaze and look up at him, "you are not to go anywhere near there." His voice was hard and terrifying as too how deep and instructive it was. However, she was aware that it was for her own self, to protect he had wanted her aware of the spot but want her to avoid it at all times.
In fact, he didn't want her at the tunnel at all. But, it appears the only way she could get to the artifacts was North. Without the tunnel, she would a harder time avoiding her clan members, "Yakunan is not to be messed with he is brutal and destructive. He does not care for our clan, in fact, he appears to have wants to explore these lands and dominate what he can." Madara leaned forward, "but how? The Uchiha are strong, we could handle him if he were to attack us." He shrugged his shoulders like nothing.
Tajima shook his head, "that would be impossible." His fingers tangled in his hair as he looked down at the map again, "Yakunan is a King Cobra and his venom is the deadliest among them. One spit could simply destroy the entire clan. Yakunan is aware of this and takes advantage of it, because whenever the trial occurs mass amounts of the Uchiha youths are killed." Ryuusuke stilled, Akari paused. This beast is a threat to the clan, and in a way is somehow blackmailing them without the whole exchange of things.
She huffed lowly, "despite these youths being killed the Elders and the Council decided to keep it hidden and let it be defined as one of the deadliest trials as an Uchiha." He rubbed his forehead as he rested both of his hands against his forehead, Akari nodded at his words. Yakunan was controlling them and for the fun of it would kill her clan members. He was powerful and deadly. He knew of that. He was fully aware. That was why he continued to do whatever he had wanted and killed countless Uchiha's.
Though the Elders used this to their advantage, the deaths of others had been a stepping stool for them. Disgusting. She cringed at her own words. This was the clan she had been apart of the entire time. Using people as mere objects it had been so easily done. With them using their deaths it had defined the trial to be more intense and crucial into proving one's self. She huffed. They were smart. But, was this how they were going to live, like mere dogs underneath that snake. Maybe? Or maybe not.
She raised her blanket up to her lips and placed her back onto her futon, "I am going to get some sleep for the trial." She heard the rustling of paper and the sounds of the padding feet, and even the gentle brush of a kiss on her cheek by the flustered Izuna who bolted out the door nearly tackling Madara in the process. She giggled at the action and let her fingers brush along the fleeting feeling of the kiss. Feeling herself riled up she closed her eyes with a smile. She was going to do something that even the Elders and clan would be shocked.
She was going to get Yakunan's head.
Morning came quiet and Akari had ensured herself of all her equipment, from the senbons, the first aid kits, shuriken, kunai, wires and even antidotes for the possibility of poisons. She had woken early this morning and made an antidote for a handful of poisons, considering she was going to fight Yakunan. Despite her night's rest, she had been unable to fully sleep and let go of the fever, her fever had slightly gone down and was out of major concern. Though it would still cause an issue on her abilities.
She couldn't help but think about a plan one she had constantly formulated in her head. As she looked in the mirror she had straightened her black, watching the bright blue eyes looking back at her. She pulled her hair into a tight hairband ensuring not a slip of hair escaped. Looking at her outfit she shrugged her shoulders, she had wore black gloves with the thick fishnet on her arms and padded guards around her shoulders, knees and back. She sported the thick black tights and armoured ankles guards while wearing ninja sandles.
This had been the first time she had actually dressed for battle. Something the maids had hounded her for and forced her to wear. She complied while groaning throughout the entire process. Hearing the knock on her door she looked over to see a small figure behind the door. Based on the frame it had been a boy with short hair and seemed incredibly nervous, she raised a brow and ensured everything was on her. She approached the door and took a deep breath, "hell-" She paused as she looked at the boy. One she had never met before.
Craning her neck, "have we met?" She asked kindly. She wanted as the boy fumbled with his words and stumbled with his emotions, he was nervous and couldn't directly look her in the eyes. She found it adorable seeing the way he struggled with his words, instead, she reached out. Her hand outstretched in front of him, he looked at it for a second before looking up to her, his doe-like eyes pierced her's while his matted short hair framed his long lashes and delicate features. Despite admiring his physical looks and mentally making a note of his social capabilities, she greeted him.
"My name is Akari, and you are?" She wanted him as he slowly reached forward to shake her hand before she had eagerly shaken it. The boy nearly stumbled forward and blushed at the sudden contact, "F-Fu-yu-hiko." He stammered as he looked down unable to be greeted by her smile. She gently pulled away and stared at him, it was quiet for a few more moments with only him fidgetting around and looking in different directions to avoid her. She leaned forward peering into his face and even noticed the small beauty mark underneath his right eye.
The boy let out a scream as he flatted himself out, "I see." She nodded, "are you, my partner?" He was quiet for a few seconds as she looked over his attire, clearly, the boy had been prepared for a fight. With various cases of weapons stacked around his body. He quietly and quickly got up, his heart stammering in his chest as he looked up for a brief moment and nodded. She hummed in response as she stared at her. Her eyes no longer filled with that carefreeness he had seen, but instead a terrifying and determined look, she was scary.
"We are both going to come back." She started walking towards the front of the compound and heard him follow her, "b-but-you d-don't have to p-promise me that." She paused in her step and looked at him, watching the shy smile across his lips while he nervously scratched the back of his head. With the glimmer of the sun reflecting off of his pale skin, his smile shined brightly, "if any of m-me could be of u-use, please u-use me." He bent over bowing towards her, she went still. This power. She felt as she could abuse it. No. She couldn't.
"M-My li-fe is yours, A-Akari-s-sama." He stumbled on his words as Akari stomped over to him, she roughly gripped his shoulders her eyes flashing with the pain of his words as she stared into his eyes. She grits her teeth for a moment, "just because we are in a clan and I may have a higher rank than you, does not mean that my life means any less than yours!" Her voice rang in her own ears as she watched the small tears settle into the corner of her eyes. She was angry at herself, at this damn clan, everyone, everyone in this damn clan thought power and ranks meant everything!
But it doesn't! None of it matters!
"In this trial, we are together. My life is yours and yours is mine. We will protect each other and prove everyone that we are strong, that we are meant to be an Uchiha!" She watched as the flash of revelation filled across his eyes. She had still yet to know the boy and was sure that it would take time, this boy was someone she had never known of. Was he an orphan? She couldn't help but strongly feel that way. It hurt her. At a point she had been angered by her family for various reasons while this child in front of her was possibly just an orphan and was alone, no wondered he wanted to throw his life away so easily.
She stepped away and gently tugged on his hand, "think of this as a bonding experience." She hummed as the boy stumbled to follow in her steps, "b-b-bonding experience?" He was confused that alone she could tell by his words. She couldn't help by smile at his innocent words, "you are going to be my friend." She stated. Maybe she had been too harsh on him, but he would be the first boy in her age gap that would be her friend, and if she could be friends with him maybe she could help him grow.
She wasn't exactly sure why she wanted to be friends with him, maybe it was because she felt pity or sympathy for him. However, whatever feelings she was experiencing she had deemed them useless and wanted to truly help him, be with him as a fellow friend. After-all she was going to have to trust him with her life, that alone was crucial. She slowly released his hand and watched forward straightening her shoulders and hiding any signs of sickness as she looked at the large group gathered at the front of the compound.
Feeling the small hand on her shoulder she looked over to Fuyuhiko, "I-I-I am with you, t-though I may n-not be much help." His words were low, but she couldn't help but smile. She nodded, "thank you." She sent him a grateful smile as she walked with her head up towards the crowd, she watched as fellow Uchiha members had looked at her and allowed her to part through the crowd. Along the sides had been the civilians she had help even spotting the confused Tsuna and Gin in the distance along with the kind woman she had met before.
She could already feel the heavy gazes on her back the thoughts of judgement circling around her and the pressure for the success filled her head. Looking ahead she had seen her father in the front while Togoro had stood in front of all of them, she had glanced around analyzing her opponents as they glued their eyes to her. She locked eyes with a particular individual seeing the dark look in his eyes and watched as he licked his lips, was she scared? She couldn't help but feel it. No matter how much she told herself, she would still be scared.
Barely managing to look throughout the entire line she had assumed that there had been over at least 50 participants, "good to see you, Akari." She watched the glowing smirk of Togoro fill her eyes, she kept her head high and eyes forward letting no emotion show. The last thing she needed was her opponents seeing any form of weakness, because of that they would use it to their advantage, especially since she was sure that her sickness had spread through the house, that had been her biggest fault.
"Glad to see everyone gathered." Togoro began to explain history for the trial and the reasoning behind it, she had overall summarized it as 'your death means nothing' especially with the discovery of Yakunan she assumed that the people participating had been nothing more than offerings to him. Terrible but the cruel truth. She listened to his words as her eyes went to her brothers seeing as Kanato locked eyes with her for a moment before looking away. She bit her lower lip and looked to the ground, that hurt.
She could feel the brush of Fuyuhiko's hand against her, she looked overseeing the bright smile on his lips. She sighed. Was this boy really trying to become a ninja? She feared that because she was sure that the participants were gunning for her first. If they could take her out, it would be ideally dealing with the biggest threat and destroying her father's hope. Everyone had assumed she was a threat mainly because of the incident before when she had been found among the dozens of dead bodies, and especially when she stopped the slave trade and saved the civilians.
She couldn't take complete credit for the second one as those two boys had been of great help to her, in terms of a distraction. Thinking about Kouta and Renta she looked around seeing as they stood near her siblings, both boys seemed distressed but sent a grateful wave. She even wanted the sad look on the beautiful Saiko's face, she clenched her fist but couldn't help but hid the smile as Renta had his hand on her shoulder. Akari quickly tucked her hand behind her back and thumbs him up.
Kouta looked over with a shocked as he looked over to his friend who blushed extremely while Saiko looked confused but smiled nevertheless. She hid her smile as Togoro narrowed them at her, "now." Akari quickly took her stance as she measured the distance of the pathway to the trees. She recalled the advice her dear guard provided her, "they will target you at the very beginning before you even reach the treeline. Be aware." She could remember the dark look in his eyes as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
Fuyuhiko couldn't help but stare at her, everything had been alike the rumors. From her elegant beauty and the sharp glowing blue eyes, he had to admit she had been the first person that had forced him to talk so much. He thought of her too be scary when he had first discovered that she had been kidnapped but returned in her enemies' blood. Imagining the sight made him shake as he glanced at her. However, he had watched the determination in her eyes and even the way she had talked about her being called a 'friend'.
He wasn't used to that. He was often regarded as a tool and was a servant to everyone, at least that it was he knew all his life. He never had a family nor anyone to call 'friend' it was a strange feeling. He felt as if he had lived his life simply being dragged along like some doll. He did have a family at one point though, he hadn't always been a servant to others, that had been before his father and brothers had been killed in the war. He was soon alone and placed in the orphanage with other lost children.
He thought maybe one day his dad and brothers would walk through the door laughing and hug him and save him from this loneliness but it was a dream. A false hope. He was still a child and learning, though unlike some children in the orphanage they had grown and was known for their abilities. Members among the Uchiha had seen this and often they would be adopted and have someone to call their family, however, that hadn't been the case for him. He had a strange love for plants and was never good at anything.
He could barely even throw a kunai straight but was okay at the basics, but barely enough that it could call himself a ninja. Though he thought he would never need to use these in his life, though when his nanny had hugged him and cried that he would be attending the trial he was ensured his death was impending. He was going to die regardless of what he had wanted, he wasn't intelligent, or a strategist, and barely had any power in his body. He was a completely useless person. So, he thought maybe his partner would be able to make use of him.
Maybe his life could be worth more to them in the trial. Strange, yes. But he was still a boy and was unsure of how to cope with these emotions. He had been told he was going to be paired with Akari, it was a wave of emotions. He was excited but terrified. Everyone around his age group and older was aware of the strength the young girl held and the way she was known for caring for those she had never met before. He had also been aware of her presence melting those around her and even rumoured to charming her guard.
He had even been daring one night to sneak into the kitchen to get snacks and heard that Akari had already gotten marriage proposals. He had always been intrigued. However, seeing him now, seeing the way she held her head up high and her eyes facing forward. Everything about her had been different. Of course, he had found her enticing, but he had somehow developed the feeling he would follow this person wherever she had gone. He had even smiled at the strange feeling. Was he sure he could truly call her a 'friend'?
Could he be allowed such happiness?