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 9 – The long way home

8-8

What am I thinking. What am I trying. This… this can't ever hope to end well. This can't. It never does. What… what are you thinking, Aya.

"Are you okay, Aya-chan?" Y-yoshino-sensei asks. My key is still hovering in front of the keyhole of my door, unmoving. Am I okay? How can I be okay? I left out my book, the book I doodle in. If Y-yoshino-sensei sees it, she'll get curious. If she gets curious, she'll want to look into it. If she looks into it, she'll see those doodles. If she sees them… I don't even like seeing them most of the time. I love those doodles, don't get me wrong… but they are… everything wrong with my life.

"N-nn." I stuff the key into the slot, twist it, hear the lock open. I switch to the next key and do the same with the following lock. The last key goes into the doorknob, which opens into my little getaway; it isn't 'home' after all. I don't invite them in, but I'm not too surprised when they come in anyway.

"Hey, there's a sight for sore eyes. You used to have this book with you everywhere you went." Ino just has to draw attention to it. I hurry to my stack of books, quickly sort through them and take 'The sound of silence', careful to balance the other books.

"Aya… that's…" I turn, seeing Ino looking into my book. The first page too. I… hate being right. I walk over to her, before she even notices the line she just crossed. I slam the book shut, taking it out of her reach. As she looks up to me, tears in her eyes, I offer her an annoyed and hurt look.

"Hnn!" I turn away from her, placing that book next to my rolled up futon. Then I offer the requested book to sensei.

"What…?" She wants to know what Ino just did wrong. I look away from her.

"Anything else?" I ask, trying to sound annoyed; not depressed in other words.

"Aya-chan… I…"

"Let's go then." I demand, trying to get everyone out.

8-8

"This is troublesome beyond words." Nara-san complains, but I ignore him. "Ino goes and sticks her nose where it doesn't belong, and now everyone's acting stupid." Still ignoring you, Nara-san.

"I said I was sorry!" Ino shouts at him. I'm too busy hating this to care. I agree with Nara-san; this is troublesome. "Aya-chan, you know…" She trails off. I walk ahead, refusing to get into this. I shouldn't have left that book lying on my table. I should have known nothing good would come of it. I should have known better than to agree to everyone entering my apartment. I should have said something, stopped them, asked them to wait outside. Something!

"You know, Ino, curiosity killed the cat. So stop meowing so much." Uzumaki-san teases her. I can't even tell if he's being open and mask-free right now. This seems like a mix of him and his mask. I just don't want to understand this stupid situation.

"That's enough. I think we've drawn enough attention to this. Ino-chan, whatever you saw in that book is obviously not something meant for you. Keep it a secret and take that secret to your grave, understood?" Yoshino-sensei sets her foot… puts her foot down.

"I said I was sorry!" Ino sounds frustrated. I can't tell if it's with herself or everyone rubbing her nose in this.

"'Sorry' doesn't remove a kunai from your lung." Yoshino-sensei offers. "And it certainly does nothing for the bleeding."

8-8

Slowly, as time passes, as we go from shop to shop, the ache eases. Yoshino-sensei makes sure we miss nothing. Sure, we're mostly buying things second hand, but I don't care. I'm getting an actual bed, a closet, a side table to go next to my bed… a nightstand? Whatever. It should all be delivered this afternoon around five.

I was also instructed to buy a new jacket; a warmer one given that fall has long since started. I also got to pick out some battle ready tops I kind of like. And four steel-thread-reinforced cargo pants with plenty of pockets. And a hip pouch!

I'm just… so grateful. I feel horrible that she's spending so much money on me! But she just waves me off every time I try to bring it up. I've already decided to pay her back with interest anyway.

When we finally make it to the blacksmith, I've calmed down enough to actually start paying attention to people again.

Uzumaki-san's no longer wearing his orange jumpsuit. Instead, he's wearing something Yoshino-sensei agreed suits him better: a standard jounin uniform without the flak jacket. Long sleeve dark blue shirt, loose fitting dark blue pants, with the hems tied with bandages. And he's wearing two hip pouches and two leg pouches. It seems sensei has quite a collection of hip and leg pouches sealed in that little scroll she keeps on her. Of different colours and styles as well! I mean, I got white pouches. Uzumaki-san got red ones!

Whatever.

Once in the blacksmith's, Yoshino-sensei asks that Chouji-san and Ino 'play nice' and she drags Uzumaki-san and myself deeper into the store.

"Naruto. Since you're a brawler-type, I think either dual daggers or dual trench knives would better suit you. However, we will see what we encounter. Keep your eyes open." Yoshino-sensei explains. I'm mostly just eyeing all the weapons we're passing. From the swords big enough to dwarf me, to the huge collection of needles of all sizes.

"Aya. You said you were interested in a dagger. As I told you, you may buy that from your own money, should you want it. However, I've gone through your book, and I believe I have two far better suited weapons in mind for you. Let's see if we find either here." I nod, unsure what else I could do.

I'm still looking around. I see katanas and a range of other curved swords. I see Fuma shuriken, windmill shuriken, and other unique three-, four-, or five-point stars. I can't afford any of them. I mean, the most beaten up windmill shuriken is like twenty-five-thousand Ryou!

I need to start making some serious cash if I'm going to survive in this business!

We make it into a section with shorter blades. Tantos, kodachis, trench knives, daggers, and other blades I can't really name. How odd, daggers are more expensive than tantos and kodachis. I mean, wouldn't it take longer to produce a proper tanto or kodachi? I sigh. So much I don't understand.

Hmm, kodachis seem to be the cheapest of the bunch? That's stupid! Five-thousand Ryou. Hmm, not badly priced either. Still, not something I can really afford right now.

"Hmm… I wonder. Aya-chan, would you consider yourself more offensive or defensive a fighter?" Yoshino-sensei asks.

"Defensive." I prefer not to fight, at all really. Just because I train so much in taijutsu doesn't mean I like fighting.

"Hmm, that means that tantos and kodachis are the better bet if you were to take up a sword. Good to know." She mumbles. I'm not sure why.

"These are just awesome!" Uzumaki-san shouts so loud that he draws the attention of the blacksmith. He walks over to us, asks if we need any assistance. Sensei seems to like that he's here.

"Actually yes. We need a good pair of trench knives for a beginner. And I need to know if you have either a flute or an ocarina that wouldn't break the second someone touches it." Sensei explains. Flute or ocarina? I shake the thought. It's got nothing to do with me.

"Trench knives, huh. Well, let's see. For the boy or the girl?" He asks. Sensei informs him that it's for Uzumaki-san. "These are all decent to begin with. I don't put the pricier ones on display like this. But, for someone short and scrawny I would still recommend twin kodachis. I mean, the sharper blade would serve him better. And if he really needs to, he can still punch someone while wielding them."

"I see."

"Yeah. Trench knives are better suited for people who can shatter stone with a single punch. Maybe in a few years, kiddo." I shrug, deciding this has nothing to do with me.

"And the girl? Do you think she'd be suited for kodachis?" Sensei asks. Okay, this definitely has something to do with me now!

"Hmm. Yeah, with her slight frame… and girls are naturally more flexible. Yes, she'd be better suited for kodachis. She might want to wear gloves though. Most females I know don't like… never mind. She's already got some impressive calluses." I huff, hiding my hands from him.

"What about if she can't use some of her fingers properly."

"Depends on what function she can't use. If it's fine motor skills, so long and she holds the grip she'll barely notice. But she'd have a lot more troubles with flute or the ocarina, if she's the one you'd want that for." I sigh, hating that they're talking about me like I'm not even here.

"I'll take my chances." Sensei says, patting my hair… or is that 'petting my hair'…? Stupid words. Stupid sayings… stupid stupidness that only stupids stupidly understand. "Alright, you two. A pair of twin kodachis each. Pick out a pair that has the same sheath, and make sure it's a style you like, okay?"

We both nod. There are a lot of different kodachis. Many of them are clearly meant to be 'single blades' seeing as they don't match any other. "Hey, Aya-chan, there's one here with a butterfly." Uzumaki-san points out. I look at it.

"Moth." I correct him.

"How can you even tell the difference?"

"She's right though. Those kodachis with a moth design have a little groove that allows you to store poisons in the blade." The blacksmith offers.

"THAT'S AWESOME! I'm so going with this pair then!" He grabs the pair with the moths, both having purple-white camouflage sheaths.

I roll my eyes, but quickly start looking at the collection again. Soon I really do find a pair with butterflies – the wings are totally different from a moth's. The sheaths are pink and red, which I don't mind at all. It's almost as if these were made for girls like me.

I pick up the pair I like, showing them to Sensei for her approval. "A fine pair." She smiles with a nod. "Now about that other thing?"

"Of course. This way." He leads us over to a section with odd weapons. There are… scythes, kamas… okay, those aren't too weird. Then we pass an impressive collection of staffs, from the shorter bo staff, to the super long staffs that make me feel like a midget. "Here we go. Battle flute. I'd recommend a metal one, but avoid the silver. They offer a better sound quality, but silver is so soft a metal that one good hit would bend them beyond repair. As for the ocarina… well, honestly they're all decent enough, but I still doubt she'd like them. They need much longer fingers than she has." I'm a chibi! I GET IT!

"Hmm, not badly prices either." Yoshino-sensei nudges me forward to look at the selection. She's not wrong. The cheaper ones –wooden– are five-hundred Ryou. The metal ones are around the fifteen-thousand mark though…

"A wooden one?" I wonder. I can't ever explain it to myself… having sensei spend thousands of Ryou on something I can't even say if my injury will allow me to use. I look at the wooden ones; even they come in different types. There are some with the blowhole at the tip, some with the blowhole on the side. Others with the blowhole in the middle…? Okay, how would you even play that!?

I won't lie, I'm clueless which one to pick! In the end, I just go for the one that irks me less – a pail white one with the blowhole to the side, just below the head of it. "A fine choice. The shinobue, hayashi styled. It's best for festivals and such." I'm told. Interesting, but not very. "The price doesn't include the scroll on how to use it, I'm afraid. But you could just as easily figure it out on your own, if you want."

I turn to Sensei, unsure what to even think. "It's fine. My students are a worthy investment." I blush, looking away.

"Alright. Is there anything else you'd need?"

"No, I think we have enough to keep them entertained for a few months." She seems happy. "And just in time too. Looks like Hokage-sama wishes to speak with us?"

An Anbu operative, with a… cat mask(?) nods.

8-8

Well, this is definitely a first. I've never been in Hokage-dono's office before. Uzumaki-sama, seems perfectly at ease though.

Ecchi-san is, of course, here as well. I try not to react to his presence. Yoshino-sensei tells us where she wants us to stand. "You sent for use, Hokage-sama?" Sensei asks, her voice neutral. Thank, Kami-sama.

"I believe Team Seven is incomplete?" Hokage-dono points out. I fight the snort. Don't react Aya, Sensei wants to handle this. If you go and react to something, they'll start asking you questions, and then it'll all go pear-shaped!

"That is correct. Genin Uchiha Sasuke is currently on Day One of his disciplinary proceedings due to indecent conduct towards Genin Namiki Aya." Sensei sounds so… wow!

"I've received no report of such." Hokage-dono doesn't look convinced.

"Because said action happened during Jounin Hatake Kakashi's brief stretch as their sensei. He should have reported it. However, I doubt he has any idea about the details of said event." Sensei lays it all out.

"Ah, that would be the event leading up to her complaint filed yesterday afternoon, correct?" Hokage-dono asks.

"No, the event in question happened the afternoon prior. Jounin Hatake's lack of insight simply worsened his case." Okay… I can't follow any of this! And one look at Uzumaki-san tells me he isn't any better on… off! Any better off!

"And what is this 'event'?"

"Genin Uchiha attempted to gain entry to Genin Namiki's apartment by means of transforming into Genin Uzumaki, thereby using him as a scapegoat for whatever his plans were. Seeing as Genin Uchiha refused to submit himself to my questioning, I opted to skip it and simply discipline him based on a worst case scenario." Sigh… I can't follow any of this! Sure there are words I recognize, I'm not stupid! But all I can follow is that Sensei's explaining the situation. Why do we need to be here for this?

"Being?"

"Attempted rape. I've arranged three days survival training with Tokubetsu Jounin Mitarashi Anko, with her full knowledge of the situation."

"Is that wise?"

"It is needed." Hey! I can follow this again!

"How so?"

"Genin Uchiha is accustomed to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. The entire Civilian Council caters to his every whim." And you lost me again. "Should I not set clear boundaries as to what is acceptable, what would stop him from trying again?" I'm trying to follow this. I really am. And a lot of it is starting to make sense. Sensei's basically saying that she needs to do this for my safety, and for Uchiha-san's own good or he'll just continue to be a spoiled brat. I get that. What I don't get, is why I need to hear it!

"Aya-chan. What do you have to say about all of this?" Hokage-dono asks me. I look away, unwilling to make a fool of myself.

"It's alright, Aya-chan. Just breathe. He needs to know." Sensei places a hand on my shoulder. I sigh.

"Once bitten, twice shy." I offer, hoping it'll be enough.

"True, but that doesn't really say anything." Hokage-dono presses.

"What do you want to know, exactly? 'All of this' is vague." I choose my words carefully, which makes me speak much slower than I usually would.

"Uchiha Sasuke. What do you think he wanted with you?" He asks me kindly.

"I don't know. But I've been noticing a weird vibe… He… makes me uncomfortable." Okay, Aya. Good. So far you haven't made yourself look like a complete idiot. Just one that isn't used to talking a lot. This isn't perfect, but it isn't bad either.

"Do you think he would want to hurt you?" I nod, grateful it's a simple 'yes or no' question.

"She embarrassed the idiot during a spar just before graduation." Uzumaki-san offers, probably seeing the 'why is that' coming.

"I see. And why did you file a complaint against Kakashi?"

That was in the complaint! Come on! I really don't want to make myself look stupid here! "Lead by example."

"Are you sure you weren't doing as Yoshino asked?" I raise an eyebrow. I turn to Ecchi-san. Though he didn't say the words, I know he's the one behind this.

"Is that what you think?" He doesn't look me in the eyes. I point to my headband, proudly worn on my neck. "This proves me an adult. Capable, responsible. You've forgotten what that means." I narrow my eyes at him, anger and frustration boiling up within me. A soft squeeze from Sensei helps me to remember she's supposed to handle this. I step back into the spot she wanted me to stand.

"Aya, what would happen if I were to return you to Kakashi's care?" I narrow my eyes at that. Then I snort.

"I won't go." Why in the flying fart is this about me!? Why? Why are people forcing… That's his game? Force me to talk, force me to back down? Fine, we'll play you're game, but by my rules.

I point to Yoshino-sensei. "Caring."

I point to Ecchi-san. "Uncaring."

I point to Sensei. "On time."

I point to Ecchi-san. "Late."

I point to Sensei. "Helps me."

I point to Ecchi-san. "Orders me around. Doesn't respect me. Demands respect. Doesn't care." I tilt my head to one side. "Questions?"

"And her taking you shopping doesn't hurt?" Ecchi-san tries. My only response is a glare.

"Yoshino-sensei…?" I warn her that I really will start acting out if this crap continues. I briefly wonder why Hokage-dono and Ecchi-san look shocked, but I just hate this situation too much to look too much into it.

"Gentlemen. I believe everything that needs to be said has been said. Will there be anything else, Hokage-sama?"

8-8

Leaving the Tower. Walking back to the Commercial District where Sensei says we still have two things she wants done.

Well, that meeting was pointless. And frustrating. And pointless. Oh so very pointless. No point at all. "Oh, hey, Aya-chan, Naruto-kun. How've you guys been?" Haruno-san? Oh, I am sooo not getting into this conversation.

"Hey, Sakura-chan! You know us, we're living it up!" Uzumaki-san's mask is once again perfectly in place. He sounds like a clueless idiot that doesn't know Haruno-san doesn't like him.

"Where's Sasuke-kun?" Ah, the real reason she cares we're still alive.

Uzumaki-san makes a vague motion with his hands. "Some specialized training." I like how he words that.

"Already!? Of course, this is Sasuke-kun we're talking about!" Back at this are we? Why… Aya. Stop. You're already plotting bad things to do to her. Stop. "I'm actually planning on much the same! Even though I didn't pass the second exam, the hospital has an entrance exam next week for medical training!"

"Why, what a coincidence! Aya-chan is signing up as well!" Sensei jumps into the conversation. I sigh mutely. Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Ecchi-san isn't enough? Uchiha-san isn't enough? No, I have to deal with this too! Why cares if I agreed to not fight it! I never said I won't complain every step of the way!

"That's so cool! Our little Aya-chan is going to be a medic!" I glare at Uzumaki-san for his stupid words. "Aw, come on! You have to admit that you'd be totally awesome!"

I glare even harder. Taijutsu. Medic jutsu. Kodachis. Flute. "Too many things at once."

"It's better to be good at a dozen little things, than perfect at one big thing." Yoshino-sensei says. I'm not sure what to even make of it. Whatever.

"Anyway, Sakura-chan, right? Well, Sakura-chan, you'll see Aya-chan at the exam. For now, we really must be off. We have plenty other things to do today. Although it would be nice if you got over yourself and stopped letting Uchiha Sasuke get between you and Ino-chan. Just saying." I feel better. Now that Sensei said the exact things I wanted to tell Haruno-san to shut her up. I feel much better.

Still. Really. Four completely unrelated things to study? This is going to end up being a bit much! I hope I can handle it!

8-8

The day finally –FINALLY– comes to an end. I look around my little apartment, in shock. Over in the corner where once stood my rolled up futon, now stands a bed. Next to it, a nightstand where I can actually place my glasses – glasses! I still need to go pick up my new glasses! Whatever, tomorrow.

Across from my bed is my new closet. It's nothing special, just two doors and three drawers, but my clothes no longer have to sit in my dryer until I wear them! To the foot of my bed stands my new bookshelf. Yoshino-sensei even helped me to set up a little curtain hanging from the side of the bookshelf to the wall, offering me a little privacy if I should ever want it. All the books that were once stacked one on top the other, are now neatly organized on my bookshelf.

I look around my little apartment. It somehow feels warmer than it ever has. Sensei spent ten-thousand Ryou. She says it was almost nothing, but that money turned this… space… into somewhere I can be at ease.

I shiver, for some reason. Just thinking about how different my life is. Thinking about how different my life will be in the future.

Somehow… somehow I can't imagine my life going the way I used to think it would go. I don't know how it'll go anymore. I don't know if I'll want to join the Anbu. I don't know if I'll manage to keep people away from me anymore.

It's almost as if Ino changed me, as stupid as that sounds. Well, her and Uzumaki-san. And… now Yoshino-sensei. It's like a domino effect… but then, Chouji-san would be the first. Chouji-san's the reason for Ino. Ino's the reason for Uzumaki-san. Uzumaki-san… is going to end up being the reason for me trying to talk to Hyuuga-san. But then, Ino's also responsible for Yoshino-sensei, isn't she…? I don't know. I really don't know. I wouldn't put it past her.

I sigh. Aya. Shut up. Just check your nightstand drawer if your kodachi is still there, put your glasses on your nightstand, and go to sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day once again! And you really don't want to disappoint Yoshino-sensei, do you?

8-8

"Right on time." Yoshino-sensei opens the door to greet us before Uzumaki-san even has the chance to knock. She eyes us, in our new uniforms. Uzumaki in his dark blue that almost makes him invisible in the low lighting. Me in my pink shirt, maroon kimono jacket and maroon cargo pants. He's wearing his kodachis on his lower back, one grip to each side. I'm wearing mine with my grips peeking up over my left shoulder. I smile a little at Sensei, nervous about her teaching me and Uzumaki-san to cook. I've… never been a very 'homely' type. "Naruto-kun. I want you to go wake up Shikamaru. I'll have Aya-chan help me with breakfast. You'll be helping me with lunch. Alright?"

"I'm on it, sensei!" And the blonde blunder is off. I roll my eyes, sliding the door shut behind me.

"Come on, Aya-chan. Breakfast won't cook itself." I smile… I find myself doing that more often these says; smiling. How odd.

Preparing breakfast is completely different from what I expected. Sensei takes her time to explain the preparations for each dish. Washing the rice. Cleaning, cutting, chopping, slicing and dicing the vegetables and meats; seasoning them. She explains combining seasonings with meats. Using vegetables as seasonings. Oils that mix with what. What needs salt. What needs sugar.

She doesn't spare any detail. She doesn't shy away from telling little secrets, like things she knows Chouji-san likes to eat. She doesn't treat me like an idiot when I ask something silly, or if I say it wrong. She doesn't sugar coat her words, telling me like it is. But she also doesn't say things just to make me feel bad.

She's… different. A good different.

8-8

After breakfast, Sensei sees Nara-san off. I hear Chouji-san at the door welcoming him – he even comes in to tell us good morning – very sweet of him.

After that… it's training. Real training. REAL training. Half hour warm up. An hour taijutsu katas so Uzumaki-san can teach his muscles the proper forms he needs to remember. Every time he messes up, I'm allowed to smack him. Not that Sensei suggested it, but I did it the first time and he's been learning far quicker every since. I think Sensei's amused with both of us because of it.

After that, we take a mission. Then we get a snack, which sensei drags both of us into the kitchen to help her prepare. Then we do another warm up, then training with a single kodachi.

Then another mission. Lunch, Uzumaki-san gets dragged into the kitchen this time. I'm allowed to study one of the books Sensei gave me while I wait. After lunch is eaten, and Uzumaki-san brings Chouji-san's team thei share of it, we go for another warm up. Sensei offers one private instruction on something – I don't know what she's making Uzumaki-san do, but I'm instructed to practice another sound-release jutsu from that book. This one is a D-rank genjutsu that I can toy with even after its cast – apparently that's not usually the case with genjutsus.

Then another mission. Our third for the day. We get another snack –which we once again both have to help her with– then we do something different: planning and tactics. She teaches Uzumaki-san and me how to play a game called Shogi. She takes her time to explain the rules, a few tactics, what to pay attention to. We're walked through the first game, allowed to think out loud, given pointers.

Then our last mission for the day. Sensei finally points out that she'd taken four this morning, to make sure we really do get four for the day. Sensei drags me into the kitchen this time, to help prepare dinner. Just like this morning, I'm explained the menu, the combinations, the little details. I'm allowed to chop vegetables without her looking over my shoulder this time – I didn't even notice she was doing that until I notice her not doing it.

Chouji-san's team joins us, which Sensei seems to have planned for. Nara-sama also joins us, as he did for breakfast – he's really quiet during meals, so I didn't even know he was here this morning. I'm asked a few times to go prepare another bottle of sake – apparently, you need to warm it up first. Who knew. I manage without killing anyone! I did make it a bit too warm the first time, but he compliments that it's just right every time after.

I…

I…

I shouldn't enjoy this as much as I do. I don't know why I shouldn't, but I shouldn't. I mean… it's basically chores. All of it. The missions are all raking yards, weeding gardens, painting fences. Cooking is the most straight forward chore, and we are expected to help with every meal. We also take turns to help Sensei with the dishes, and setting the table and…

Why am I enjoying this?

"Why the long face?" Ino teases. 'Long face'? My face isn't any longer or shorter than any other time she's seen me. I turn to her, raising an eyebrow to show I have no idea what she means. "What are you thinking about?"

"Are you… enjoying yourself with your team?" I ask. She seems surprised, not having seen that coming.

"Well, I guess? I mean, I'm used to hanging out with those two anyway, so it's not like it's something new." She thinks about it some more. "But… I really hate the stupid missions we're doing, and it's so annoying to have to deal with Shikamaru's constant complaining!"

So I'm weird then. "I enjoy it." I admit, my cheeks burning up from a blush. "The missions, the training, the complaining, the… extra chores… the cooking, the washing up… spending pretty much every moment with Uzumaki-san and Yoshino-sensei… it's…" What's the word? 'Nice'? Not telling the whole story. 'Comfortable'? That just sounds like a new pair of slippers. 'Incredible'? That's too Uzumaki-flavoured for me.

"It's… home."

8-8

End Chapter 9

8-8

A/N: Sorry about the last two scene being so exposé-styled, but I really want to show what their days are slowly becoming. I want to show how Aya really does think of most of it as chores; this, then that, then the other. I wanted it to feel repetitive. This... kind of shows just how much Aya loves it, heedless of the repetition of it.

As well... I'm starting to really feel like Aya's taking me over! I mean, I woke up at like 4 this morning, and I couldn't fall back asleep. So what do I do? Plan, plot and daydream about Aya.

Just a warning before I go, though... Yoshino isn't going to permanently be Team 7's sensei. Not because she doesn't want to be, and certainly because she can't handle reasons will be made clear at some point, but I just wanted to point out now so that no one gripes too much when the switch takes place. If Yoshino was meant to be the sensei, she'd have been the sensei from the get-go ^_^ I prefer to think of her as... a catalyst.