Butterflies

"Me? I'm nobody. I'm not skilled like Uchiha-san. I am not passionate like Haruno-san. I am not smart like Nara-san. I'm not as strong as Chouji-san. I'm not as collected as Aburame-san. Or as pretty as Yamanaka-san. I'm not as confident as Inuzuka-san. If anything, I'm like Hyuuga-san, socially awkward. Oh wait, no, she's just shy. The socially awkward one is me." OC! Team 7 remix!

Chapter 8 – Say what!?

8-8

"Come again?" Nara-sama doesn't like the explanation she's offered. Uzumaki-san repeats the part she isn't sure she heard right; this is the fifth time such a thing has happened. "He did what…?" Uzumaki repeats again, sounding more and more exasb… exespe… annoyed; really, really annoyed.

By the end of Uzumaki-san's tale, Nara-sama looks like she's about to pop. "Naruto, you will make a shadow clone. No, make it two. Send one to the Hokage Tower and ask for Mitarashi Anko. Tell her I need her, and now. Don't take no for an answer."

"And the other?" Uzumaki-san asks, caught off guard with the reque… no, demand. This isn't something she will tolerate not happening, and now!

"Tell Sasuke to come here. Nothing else. Don't say you two are here. Don't stick around to hear his answer. And don't offer directions."

"Ummm… Yoshino-san-"

"'Sensei'. The second you came to me for training and the like, I became your sensei." She corrects him.

"Yoshino-sensei, I'm not sure if…"

"Relax. He won't be here long. Now come on, hop to! Laziness isn't rewarded in this house!"

8-8

Not a minute after Uzumaki-san sends out two clones with the exact orders of Nara-sensei, we're guided outside to begin training. Real training. Four-hundred sit-ups, push-ups, squats and funny-little-dance sequences (squat, rising right kick, punch-punch, squat, rising left kick, punch-punch, spinning jump kick, bow, repeat).

I can't help but feel comforted by the unfair demands of her training. This is above and beyond what we should be capable of; what I'd expect of someone that wants us to become stronger.

Once we're done with the warm up, we're instructed to spar with her for five minutes straight. I get to go first too, even though I'm out of breath. I still offer her everything I've got, but I can tell my moves are horrid, my already laughable skills seem even worse.

"Good." She nods to me, a hand held up to wordlessly tell me to stop. "You've been training with your mother's scrolls. What level are you with your Muay Thai?" I ignore Uzumaki-san's curious look.

"Four out of ten." They have a weird ranking system; at least, as mama's scrolls explain them. Ten levels of skill. One being a complete beginner that's never thrown a punch in the style. Ten being a jounin level master. I'm at four, if I analyse my own skills right – high genin level.

"And in Capoeira?" She doesn't even react, just continues on without a care.

"Two out of ten." Low genin level. That two styles have the same ranking style makes me think it's more mama's ranking system than anything.

"Any other skills I need to know about?" She once again doesn't react. It's almost as if the information isn't worth anything, but she wouldn't ask if there was no value to it.

"Genjutsu-release?" I offer. I know I suck, okay! That's why I need a sensei that can help me not suck as badly!

"Is there anything else?" I shake my head, no. Everything else is still theory, untested, untried.

"Good, Naruto. You're turn. And no shadow clones. I've already seen that." I'm instructed to take a seat, so I do just that. Uzumaki-san attacks her the second the match is started. I shake my head – he never did have much patience. Still, I study him, study his sloppy form, his brawler-style attacks. He really didn't learn anything at the academy, not even the basic Konoha-style taijutsu. No wonder he was called the 'dead last'. I hope Nara-sensei can help correct this.

"Any other skills?" Nara-sense asks after ending their match and instructing Uzumaki-san to sit next to me.

"No." He sounds sad.

"Not going to mention pick pocketing?" She says with a teasing smile. He looks away. "I know. I also know about Aya-chans con artistry. I will tolerate none of that. If you are in need of money, you will let me know and we will take the appropriate amount of missions in order to get the money you need. Is that understood?" We nod dumbly, but only I blush and look away.

"Now, skill analysis. Naruto, I'll start with you. You taijutsu is horrible. The worst I've ever seen." He deflates. I'm nearly in tears for him; that's a mean way to word it. "But, you're unpredictable and improvise well. This makes up for a lot, but not everything. We'll get you straightened out, don't worry."

"Aya, you on the other hand are quite skilled with your fighting styles. I agree with your analysis, you are high genin with Muay Thai, and low genin with Capoeira. That you can do the genjutsu-release speaks highly of your chakra control. And both of you, your stamina is incredible for fresh out the academy genin! I'm impressed with both of you!"

I blush, pleased this time. "Now, let me explain how we'll do this. You are both to show up here every morning at six. You will have breakfast here, so do not eat at home." I nod, not liking this at all. "Aya, you will not be allowed to have any chocolate until after our first mission, so around ten AM. Naruto, same for you with ramen. You're both growing children! You should be eating far healthier!" I groan, having seen that coming.

"As well, both of you need a new wardrobe. Naruto, I don't care what your reasons are, orange is not a shinobi colour. You will change it, or I will change it for you. Aya, black is far more acceptable, but you need more pockets. You need to be able to hide things in places people won't expect." I nod, agreeing with her. Uzumaki-san looks far less impressed.

"As well, we're starting you both out on weapon's training. I will be taking you to get a beginner's weapon tomorrow, seeing as it's meant to be your day off. I expect you here at six anyway, is that understood?" We nod. "Good. Then let's get going for our first mission together. Naruto, you are to leave a shadow clone here in case Sasuke FINALLY decides to show up. If he does, tell him to wait outside. And make sure to sound annoyed with him."

8-8

This is how I expected my days to flow after graduation. It's ten in the morning; we've done a good warm up, finished a simple D-rank mission (painting a fence) and are currently taking a break and getting something to eat. I smile as Nara-sensei offers me another riceball she just finished making when we first arrived.

"Nara-sensei…" I call her, hoping to not have to repeat myself too much. She turns to me, amused. "Thank you. For helping us."

"Aya-chan, you can drop the formalities. I'm not going anywhere. And stop being so quiet. I know why you do it." She's using her strict-tone again, waggling her right index finger at me. I look away from her, not wanting her to see the hollowness of my eyes. She doesn't even seem to notice, smiling brightly. "You're welcome."

"Huh… she does the whole 'family name thing' because she thinks we're gonna leave her or something?" Uzumaki-san… I sigh, groan… make an annoyed noise that I can't quite pin down in words. "Ah… makes sense. You knew your parents…"

We're sooooooo not talking about this!

"So how are we fixing Uzumaki-san's taijutsu?" I change the subject.

"We're not. I am. I've also already filed an official complaint about the academy instructor that was supposed to teach you tai… why are you acting like that?" Nara-sensei notices Uzumaki-san's embarrassment.

"That'd be Mizuki, the idiot that went rogue. Or tried to. He's already locked up."

"Ah, that's how you learned the shadow clone jutsu then." I shrug. This just isn't something I'm meant to understand. "Curious, Aya-chan?"

"We all have things we'd rather not discuss." I say, offering Uzumaki-san an understanding smile. "If he wants me to know, he'll tell me." I take another bite, hating the bitterness of the pickle in the middle of the riceball. Still, I eat without complaint. Free food is still free.

"Alright. How many missions per mission day did you two need to do to have all your bills paid?" She changes the subject.

"Two." I offer without having to think about it. I did the calculation yesterday already.

"Two." Uzumaki-san agrees with me. It seems he lives a very minimal lifestyle as well.

"Good. Then we'll be aiming for four. Naruto, you'll be using your shadow clones to speed things up as best you can. I want to make sure you both have a healthy buffer just in case. And I assume you both have a bank account set up?" I shake my head. I have the access codes to my parents' accounts, and they're both in my name, but I don't have an account I'm willing to touch or even admit to having.

"We'll be dealing with that in the morning as well. I'll also want to see your apartments, to see if you have everything you need. That means it'd better be spotless!" Hey! My apartment is always spotless!

…

Why is… Is Uzumaki-san embarrassed? I groan, already having decided to help him clean his apartment to keep him from getting in trouble.

8-8

After a half hour rest, we're back in Nara-sensei's back yard, back to training. We go through the same warm up, only this time, she has a different idea of what she wants us to do: tree climbing. She goes through the explanation about focusing chakra to the bottom's of our feet, and she shows us how it's done. There's only one tree though, and it isn't very tall. She promises we're only here for today – she's expecting someone.

"And there he is. The man of the hour." I hear Nara-sensei welcoming someone. I don't turn to find out who, I'm too busy focusing on this chakra exercise! I mean, I'm decent with chakra control, but… this is something else!

I can almost, sort of, make it up six strides before falling back down. But that's with a running head start, long strides, and being careful enough to make sure I don't fall on my head and kill myself.

"I wonder if I should be surprised." Ecchi-san. I snort. I'm not going to lose my focus because of someone like that. I dash for the tree again. "You do realise you are still registered as chuunin?"

"I didn't care then, and I certainly don't care now." Nara-sensei sounds amused. I dash for the tree.

"Alright, you two. Fun time's over! We're leaving!" I snort, kicking off at the five stride mark. We're not allowed to mark the tree, so I just have to keep track based on how many steps I manage. I walk back to my starting line, drawn in the dirt. I run at the tree again, without a care in the world.

"Are you aware that they came to me of their own volition?" Nara-sensei's is enjoying this way too much and she wants him to know that.

"I'm their sen-"

"Kakashi, do you even know why there's an issue between them and Uchiha Sasuke? Who, might I add, isn't with you either. That means you showed up almost four hours late, again, and still left him alone in that training ground. Care to explain why?" I ignore whatever reaction he may or may not have shown. I just don't care enough about him or Uchiha-san to follow that.

"You are aware that Aya filed a complaint? You know what that means. And you know I won't let you or Hokage-sama back out."

"I don't care what you think will happen. I left Anbu so I can't train him." So this about Uchiha-san again, huh. It's always about the precious last of his clan.

"Then go to Sasuke. Train him to your heart's content." I hear an annoyed noise. Hmm, not Uchiha-san then? Uzumaki-san? What about Uzumaki-san? Crap! Now I really am interested.

"Oh, so you're here." I look over this time. A kunoichi of average height with a tan trench coat, and showing WAY too much skin… how can she legally walk around showing that much boob? Anyway, and a burnt orange miniskirt. I can seriously see that she isn't wearing a bra. Why can I see that she isn't wearing a bra!?

Aya. Stop. Focus. I sigh. And I wanted to reach the top soon too. "You needed me?"

"Yes. One of my genin has shown inappropriate conduct towards Namiki Aya. The last of the Uchiha, he should be in training ground seven. Three days in training ground forty-four should set him straight. Are you in?"

"…" All I heard were curse words. A string of curse words. "Try to mess with my goddaughter will you…" I blink. I blink again. 'Goddaughter'? I blink a third time, only this time, the odd woman is already gone. Purple hair? I don't remember anyone with purple hair. Shouldn't I remember someone that should be my… was it just a turn of phrase (whatever that means)? Was she just getting herself worked up? What… does… this… mean!?

"Anko-chan… please do-"

There's a wave of killing intent, but luckily I'm far enough away to not be affected too badly. "Kakashi. Finish that sentence, and I'll kill you." This 'Anko' person doesn't have Nara-sensei's patience, it seems. Then, the strange woman is gone. Just, poof. I want to learn to do that!

Whatever. "Aya! Focus!" I was just about to think that, Nara-sensei! Take it easy!

8-8

We make it back long after the sun sets. Uzumaki-san offers to let me rest and whatnot, but… I'd rather just get this over with. I motion for him to get it over with. Why am I thinking this twice? Shouldn't I be too tired to think this twice? I just thought that twice as well. Aya. Shut up.

When the door opens, the smell of the unholy hells greets me.

"U… Zu… Ma… Ki~iiii…!" I groan.

"I tried to warn you." He's embarrassed. I'm even more annoyed.

"Shadow clones. As many as you can make." I shove him into his own apartment, getting more and more annoyed by the second. There's instant ramen cups everywhere, all empty, thank Kami-sa… nope. Ramen free, but not empty. One has milk that looks like it's trying to walk away from this scene. There are also… things tossed any and everywhere.

"Where are those clones?" I demand. A moment later, the room is filled with twenty Uzumakis. "We don't have garbage sacks. So we'll do this the hard way. Make a human chain outside and to the garbage bin. Start handing the items one by one. I want all this trash out in less than thirty minutes. MOVE IT!"

I sigh, deciding to just focus on the cleaning mater…ials… his cupboards are empty. He doesn't have any dishes at all. And he doesn't have anything in his fridge other than instant ramen cups, chopsticks, and a pack of milk that spoiled last month. And nothing to clean with. Not even a cloth.

I sigh again. "I'm going to get my cleaning things." This is going to be a long night, isn't it.

8-8

The next morning, we make it to Nara-sensei's house at ten to six. I like being a little early to everything. Uzumaki-san knocks, yawns, and apologies for coming so early. We're shown in not a minute later.

"I'm guessing you already checked his apartment and you both cleaned it last night." Nara-sensei seems amused. I glare at her. "Like I figured. Good, then I don't have to check. Did you make a mental list of the things he'll need?" I mutter under my breath, but eventually nod anyway.

"Good. We'll be dealing with that today as well. For now, just try to relax. I wanted the two of you here so I can get a few things out of the way. The stores don't open until eight, so we have two hours to deal with this. Naruto, you'll come with me to help me set the table. Aya, I want you to go wake up Shikamaru. Upstairs, first door on the right."

I start walking up the stairs, wondering why I have to go wake Nara-san. "I know… my question is, does she?" Okay… obviously there's a conversation that is meant to stay private. I walk more loudly, trying to drown out whatever words might reach me. I knock on the door, wondering how this will play out.

"…" I hear grumbling. Lots and lots of grumbling. He's a light sleeper, it seems. I knock again. "Five minutes!" I barely make out from the muffled words. He must be hiding in his pillow to drown out the noise. I open the door, looking around carefully. I'm almost afraid of what I'll see in there, but it's not nearly as bad as Uzumaki-san's apartment – or how it was before I exercised those demons.

Closet –must be nice to have one– bed –with a Nara-san-sized lump and a pillow over his head– and a desk with this and that scattered over it. I walk into the room, right up to the lumpy sheet and pillow trying to hide from me. I grab the pillow and rip it from his grip.

"Mom… seriously! It's too early!" I slap the back of his head with my right hand, hard. That gets his attention. He turns to me, halfway twisting himself into a cheese stick. "AYA!?" I glare at him, daring him to say or do something stupid.

"Great… mom sent you. Just tell-"

SLAP!

I got him on the forehead this time, hard. I smirk, liking that his whole forehead is turning red, even in the low lighting. "I'm up! I'm up!"

He gets out of bed, walking to his closet for something. I clear my throat, pointing to his bed. He grumbles, but makes his bed without too much complaining. He obviously doesn't want another smack to the face. Once his bed is made, his desk is cleaned up, and he has clean clothes, I let him head off to wash up. I head back downstairs.

"Troublesome." I hear him muttering under his breath.

8-8

Once everyone is downstairs –and Shikamaru grumbles to his mother about sending a troublesome brunette to wake him– we start eating breakfast together. Nara-sensei is really amused that her son's forehead is still slightly red.

"By the way, Shika-chan… did you already make up your bed and clean up your desk like I asked you to?" Nara-sensei asks sweetly… too sweetly. She threatens in a sweet tone, does she? Nara-san grumbles, but points at me. Nara-sensei seems even more amused. "My, my, Aya-chan, it would seem that I should send you up to wake him up more often." I beam at her, but I flat out grin when I notice how uncomfortable Nara-san is about that.

"You guys are free today, aren't you?" She asks her son. He grumbles some more, but eventually nods. He's obviously not a morning person. "Good, I want you to try to take it easy today. I've spoken to Asami-chan about Asuma's lax training attitude. He should be a lot more demanding tomorrow. And I wouldn't be too surprised if she shows up to monitor him as well."

I laugh at the annoyed, almost pained groan that escapes him. "Mom… why are you…?"

"Finish that sentence. I dare you." She almost sings to him this time. He shivers, wisely shutting up. "Oh, Naruto-kun, Aya-chan, I suspect we'll get called into Hokage-sama's office sometime today. When that happens, don't speak unless directly asked a question. I will handle Kakashi and his little temper tantrum. Is that understood?"

8-8

"Sit down, Aya-chan." I'm instructed. Nara-sensei motions to a chair in front of a desk she's walking to. I look around briefly, wondering at all the books lining the bookshelves, but sit down without a word. Nara-sensei sits as well, behind the desk. Behind her are three large windows meant for natural lighting.

"We'll start out small. Please call me Yoshino-sensei." She demands. I look away, not making a sound. "Aya-chan, this isn't a request. This is a demand. Call me Yoshino-sensei."

I stay silent. "Have I not kept to my word in everything? Have I not shown you that I'm here for you?" I nod. She's been simply amazing so far… but… "Will you tell me why this's still an issue?"

I shake my head slightly, no. This isn't something that I can just up and decide after a day or two! Uzumaki-san being let in was out of desperation, so he's still 'Uzumaki-san'. Ino snuck in, I'm still not sure how. And Chouji-san… he's been stealing pieces of my heart for years! Compared to them… you're nobody.

"You're still upset with your parents." She doesn't ask. I hug myself, refusing to cry. "Did you know that last word they both said was your name?" A tear falls before I can stop it. I'm glad it was from the eye she can't see from this angle.

"I can't help you if you won't let me in. You know that." I can't let you in if you don't prove yourself. You know that. She sighs. She starts asking me things, like how I like her training style (it's fine), if I like reading (I do), what I planned on doing for the future (stuff, I guess). She isn't giving up either.

"Where'd you learn the genjutsu-release?"

"A book."

"Which book?" She presses.

"Genjutsu made easy, by Yuuhi Kurei."

"Ah, so you read shinobi material as well then. What other books have you been studying?" I tell her about 'The magic of the elements', the book on sound release –which I still haven't really gotten very far with, I've only learned to project my voice– the unusual jutsu styles book, the medical books from papa I read from time to time, and the scrolls on Muay Thai and Capoeira from mama. That's pretty much it.

"I see. Quite varied. What would you like to focus on then? Are you going to be like your father and become a medic? Or do you want to be an Anbu operative like your mother?" I shrug, unsure if I should trust her with that information. "Anbu then. You wouldn't be so defensive if you wanted to be a medic." I still don't dare meet her gaze.

"I have no skill in sound release, nor do I know anyone who does. I'm sorry I cannot help you in this. I can, however, help you with your elemental training. But that won't start until after you've mastered quite a few chakra control exercises." I nod. What else is there to do? "Have you tested your primary element?" I shake my head, no.

"If I ask you to pursue medical training so that our team has a medic, would you fight me?" I shake my head, no. It's just one of the things I need to do. And besides, medics are always in high demand and short supply. "Good. I'm also going to need to figure out the best weap… hmm sound release… I'm curious. Have you ever played a musical instrument?" Again, I shake my head, no.

"I would like to read this book on sound release of yours. I want to confirm something. Would that be a problem?" I shake my head, no, for a third time. "Good. I would like to make an informed decision and not poke around in the dark. As well, I want to start teaching you some basic skills. Have you ever worked with storage seals?" I seem to be offering her a 'no' for a lot of questions, but I see no point in lying to her.

"Alright. I will show you how to seal and unseal things later. As well, I need to know what your element is, what weapon you prefer to work with. Do you have any idea what weapon you'd like?"

"A dagger?" I still haven't gone to the blacksmith's for that dagger I liked.

"Hmm, seeing how tiny you are, that might be a good bet. I wonder though. Why a dagger?"

"Taijutsu? I'm a close range fighter."

"Not anymore you're not. I don't train idiots. And only idiots focus on close range and nothing else. You will learn long range, mid range and close range. Your taijutsu will be less of a worry for me, so I'll just leave that to you for now. So that means we need to work on your mid and long range skills. I won't stop you from buying a dagger on your own, but I want to give you the skills you'll need to survive. Do you understand?" I nod. It seems pointless to argue with her.

"Good. Now about your fumbling with words. I have three books I want you to study in your spare time. One is on social interactions. One is on elocution, or voice usage. The last is on grammar and commonly used registers, or words used in different styles of talking. I trust there won't be an issue on studying them?" I shake my head, no. I love to read, and they sound like ideal subjects to help me in the long run. "Good. I will be testing you on these things regularly. That means as of next week, I will be demanding you talk more. If you want to only talk in private like this, that is acceptable, but you will be required to explain things to me using full sentences and proper grammar. Is that understood?" I nod.

"In addition to this, I'm going to start to teaching you how to cook. You will be joining me in preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner until I say otherwise. Naruto-kun as well, don't worry. I see no reason why a boy shouldn't be able to cook and clean and take care of himself. Especially someone who's living on their own." I nod. No point in arguing with her. And besides, now I don't have to beg her!

"You will start wearing light makeup. At all times. Once you learn to use storage seals, you will be expected to carry a small scroll with your things so that you can reapply as needed." I nod, not unhappy with this. "We will be getting you any and all items you need today. Do not even think of going against me in this, Aya-chan. Your mother wouldn't forgive me if I let you." Hey, I already wasn't going to! I'm-

"I will also be arranging supplementary lessons for you. In proper etiquette, in makeup applying skills, in cooking skills, in any and everything I feel you need extra help with. I will be handling your martial trainings and mostly cooking as well. But I will be asking Mariko-chan and Remi-chan to help turn you into a kunoichi I can be proud of." She'll be asking Ino and Chouji-san's moms to help me too? "I'll also be stalking you and making sure you're not hiding things from me. I'm sorry if my wording is a bit much, but I refuse to lie to you. I need to make sure you have everything you need. And I mean everything." I nod.

"… thank you… Y-yoshino-sensei."

"You're quite welcome, Aya-chan." She smiles this time. A very kind, motherly smile that does things to me. The last time I saw a smile like that… "Now about that burn. Does it affect your right hand at all?"

8-8

My head is spinning slightly. It's not that I'm dizzy or anything, but… this is so much so quickly. Yoshino-sensei really has been sticking to her word in everything – a blessing for someone like me – but… it's this latest thing that has me so…

"Aya-chan, I'll be taking you and Naruto shopping anyway. Is it a problem if I ask Ino to tag along?" Yoshino-sensei asks seriously. I shake my head, but that doesn't mean I'm swimming in my thoughts any less.

"You mind if I tag along as well, auntie? You guys will need someone to help with all the bags, right?" Cheeks flaming, butterflies going nuts, lightheadedness getting worse. "You don't mind, do you, Aya-chan?" I shake my head almost violently, and I regret it.

Luckily Uz… that's Chouji-san's meaty and calloused hand on my shoulder, steadying me. Aya… breathe. Breathe! You'll pass out! You know you will! AYA!

"Whoa, Aya-chan, you're really red."

"U. Zu. Ma. Ki~iiii!" Oh, I'm soooooooo figuring out a way to hang out with Hyuuga-san more, just to return the favour!

8-8

End Chapter 8

8-8

A/N: ^_^ I really like Yoshino as a character. She's kind of twisting things to her liking, telling Aya and Naruto that she's a jounin, when she's registered as a chuunin. What's that about? And still no sign of Sakura!? Honestly, she was supposed to be brought up in this chapter, but other things took priority. Things like Yoshino hammering through Aya's defence, introduing Anko as the girls godmother, Kakashi getting one-upped again.

Really, someone like Yoshino is the better sensei for Aya. And there's still finding out what she's doing for Naruto ^_^ So many yummy details to work out. Well, ciao for now!