Sorry for the delay! I had major computer troubles (something was wiped so the computer didn't recognize the modem) so I could only post this recently. There are no more troubles and Storm Stone should be updated regularly from now on.
~~ Daichi's Pov ~~
A week later and everyone was improving, even if it was by a little bit.
Akuma was already a skilled ninja, but even his skills of accuracy and evasion were increasing. Amai still needed to work more on her charka control, she seemed less exhausted after yesterdays training, meaning that her muscles were possibly getting stronger.
I believed I was the one that was improving the least. While I had discovered my nature type, I still couldn't perform any jutsu that could create a flame. I spent most of my time studying about the jutsu and practicing with Ashika-sensei's clone.
Ashika-sensei usually rotated who he personally was training for that session. He always seemed so laid back when practicing with Akuma and he was ever watchful with Amai, picking up small details I couldn't begin to know how he found them.
Ashika-sensei was a good sensei, whenever I started to get distracted, even when he was working with the others, he would know and tell me to get back on track. Either he was a sensory type ninja or he was really observant.
Back at home, my mother was not impressed. She would scream at me, how being in the team meant I could go on more missions that would bring in money, but right now I was only 'wasting my time.' She couldn't understand that I needed to train to be stronger in order to go on higher ranked missions, but even I was wondering when Team Ashika would ever go on its first mission.
I sat down in a small park near the centre of the Village Hidden in the Cloud. A small basket holding fruit and sandwiches was next to me as I sat on a thin, red blanket. I only had half an hour before I had to meet my team at training field 3, but I hadn't spent much time with Hikaru recently and I wanted to catch up with her. I couldn't wait for the day when I would get to go on missions with her by my side.
Finally after 10 minutes of waiting I saw Hikaru walk towards me. She looked perfect as the sunlight dappled her in patches of light and dark, yet her white hair, pale blue eyes and creamy coloured skin stood out, like a beacon of hope.
"Hikaru," I called out as I waved a hand in the air to get her attention.
A smile appeared on Hikaru's face as she ran over to meet me. Happiness danced inside her pale blue eyes and it filled me up with pride and love. I was glad I could make her happy, even if I couldn't do much for her.
"I am sorry I was late Daichi," She told me as she sat down and snuggled up close to me, "I had to feed the clan's birds."
"That's alright," I murmured as I enjoyed the closeness for a brief moment before pulling out the foods I had chosen.
I was careful to not fill the sandwiches with any kind of meat from a bird. Hikaru came from the Tabame Clan, which centered around birds. The ninja from her clan could summon birds or even tame wild birds the size of a house. They also raised messenger birds, housed and other types of birds. Because Hikaru cared so much for her feathered friends and her family was important to her clan, she didn't eat any food product that came from birds, such as the meat or eggs.
Hikaru plucked out a sandwich while I selected an orange. I used my Kunai to cut the orange into slices for me to eat.
"Silly, why didn't you bring a knife? That kunai could have been dirty and now you'll smell of orange, and that isn't very ninja like," Hikaru teased lightly after she had taken a bite from her sandwich.
"I am sure it's fine," I said with a shrug, "all I'll be doing is mediating and studying anyway. It's Akuma's turn to get Ashika-sensei's attention."
Hikaru's forehead creased as she frowned.
"Haven't you guys gone on a mission yet?" She asked with concern, "because my team is about to do our 2nd mission."
"I guess we aren't as ready as your team," I answered after swallowing my piece of fruit.
Hikaru didn't look convinced, "Oh, okay Daichi."
I couldn't stay long after that, as I had training. I left the secluded area of the park and headed for the mountains, where the training grounds were situated.
As I headed up the steep slope towards the training grounds, thoughts of doubt circled my mind. Were we too weak to go for a mission? Hikaru's team was one of the last teams I knew of that were starting missions. Not only was Team Ashika one of the last teams to form, but we were developing so slowly.
"Trouble, Daichi?" a voice asked, interrupting my thoughts and causing me to jump.
I turned around and saw Ashika sensei staring at me with his intense light brown eyes. He looked calm, yet intimidating, which I thought was hard to pull off. I wouldn't be surprised if he could have read my thoughts based on my expression.
"No, Ashika-sensei," I replied nervously.
"Hmm, I don't see why there would be," Ashika murmured as he ran his hand through his reddish orange hair.
"The warm day with a fresh crisp wind blowing and the scent of orange in the air. It seems like a good day," Ashika commented lightly as he eyed the pack on my hip that contained my ninja tools.
My cheeks went red when I realised he was talking about the kunai I used to eat my lunch. Maybe it was his way of showing just how observant he was.
I had to admit the conversation was a little weird. It was almost like Ashika was trying to get to know me, but then switched the subject. I recalled some of the previous training sessions, where I had watched Ashika, and he always seemed a little distant from me. He didn't appear any closer to Amai or Akuma and it left me feeling confused and curious.
Before I could say anything else, Ashika walked past me and headed up the mountain before pausing and gesturing for me to follow. With an inward sigh I followed him like an obedient dog.
When we were near the 3rd training field I could hear Akuma's voice talk loudly.
"This is the second time he is late," Akuma complained.
"Well Daichi isn't here yet," I heard Amai speak, "so maybe Ashika is getting him or something?"
Ashika jumped over the chain link fence with ease, while I actually used the more conventional entrance. Ashika stared at Akuma for a while before giving a lazy smile.
Amai was dressed in her usual pale green attire and Akuma was wearing his loose light blue over a fish net shirt and baggy black cargo pants. I personally thought it was unwise for him to wear loose clothes, because they could get caught and impede Akuma's movements, but Ashika never said anything. I assumed he was waiting for Akuma to find that out for himself.
Ashika was also wearing his normal attire, a dark gray, short sleeved turtleneck with a modified Kumogakure flak jacket around his stomach like a belt, orange shin and lower arms guards, as well as his long baggy gray pants. Now that I thought about it, the man also wore non ninja like pants. Maybe that's why he let Akuma get away with his attire.
No one could forget the sword that Ashika always kept with him. It was in its sheath and strapped to his back.
"I am glad that everyone is here, almost on time," Ashika announced as I stood next to Amai.
"So what are we doing today?" Akuma grunted, expecting to train with Ashika-sensei.
"We aren't training today, you have the day off!" Ashika said happily before his face turned to a stony expression.
He added, "That was a joke. Anyways it is time that you guys are handed your first official mission as a team. I would have preferred to leave the mission for a while, since all of you clearly need work, but someone's mother wrote a threatening letter and I was so scared I had to obey her."
I dipped my head in shame, knowing that this kind of stuff is what my mother did. I felt everyone's eyes on me and I wanted to melt away in shame. I had no doubt that Ashika wasn't really scared, but I was curious to why he would obey my mother's wish like that, considering she didn't even know half of what was going on in training.
"So, Lady Raikage's very own personal assistant has given me the mission for today," Ashika announced, as his dry humor tried to capture our excitement.
"What is it?" Amai asked with mild curiosity.
"We are babysitting at the old orphanage," Ashika declared.
Akuma groaned slightly and I could tell Amai was a bit disappointed. I was secretly pleased, I loved helping out at the orphanage and I couldn't wait to see Mama again and all the kids.
"That's a D rank mission Sensei," Amai said thoughtfully, "We all did D-rank missions and even a few C rank missions before we got into this team."
"Yeah and this D rank mission seems like a pretty low one too," Akuma added, clearly unhappy. I bet if he could, he would have added the words Shitty or Fucking in his sentence.
"Well Akuma, Amai and Daichi, since you guys aren't the best in the teamwork department, I figured this would be a good way for you guys to bond. Most of the more difficult missions will have you working with people, and most of them will have your other two members of this team. Since you guys aren't really close, especially Akuma, you can try and prove yourself to me in this mission," Ashika explained.
I looked at Amai and gave her a light smile. I already liked Amai and thought she was a nice person. Akuma on the other hand, would be more difficult and I guessed this mission focused more on him. Which was okay, since today's training session was meant to focus on him too.
I was glad to finally do a mission, even if it was a low ranked one. We would still get money, so my mother wouldn't be as upset and our experience was growing.
"This will be great," I said enthusiastically, in order to try and get the others excited.
Amai looked like she was trying to get excited but Akuma just looked away. I could see why Ashika had chosen this mission now.
I led everyone to the orphanage, since in my free time I used to work there a lot. I opened the front door and was smothered by a pair of arms.
"It's so good to see you Daichi," Mama murmured as her gentle green eyes looked at Akuma and Amai.
"I am Amai Makijiku," Amai said brightly before pausing, "and this is Akuma."
Akuma gave a small wave that lacked effort. Ashika smiled and I could see Mama's eyes widen slightly.
"Ashika it is good to see you, for once," Mama said, starting off in a friendly tone before her voice turned grumpy.
I stared at the two adults having no idea how the pair knew each other. They were both important in my life, but it appeared I knew hardly anything about them. I wasn't that surprised about Ashika-sensei, but I was shocked with Mama.
Ashika shot her a dashing smile and said in a charming voice, "I don't always have time to see my favourite cousin. Especially with my new team."
If I originally known about the connection between the two, I would have assumed that Mama had told Ashika to pick me for his team, so I wouldn't be left behind. But when I heard Mama say that she hadn't seen Ashika sensei in a while, it made me think otherwise. Maybe that it was hard for his own family to get close to Ashika.
Mama grunted as she moved away from the door and allowed us in. The orphanage was exactly as I remembered it, a tad run down, but not overly depressing. I glanced around the room and saw many children of various ages playing.
"A few of my volunteers had work," Mama explained with a smile in my direction, "so I need help looking after the children here, while I take care of the babies. Ashika has a list of what to do and I'll fill out your Mission Complete form once all of those areas have been fulfilled."
I gave Mama a nod as Ashika pulled out a piece of crumpled paper from his pocket. A small girl, aged 14 walked up to us and I knew her name was Masuki. Her skin was dark and her eyes were a dark brown colour. He looked up and Akuma who looked down at her.
"Oh great, he is kinda cute!" She giggled and Akuma pulled a face.
"Ok as well as the requirements on this piece of paper, I have an addition task for you to work on," Ashika muttered as he was reading the piece of paper, "and don't worry, it pays. I need you to answer 8 questions on your other teammates by the end of the day."
"Ok," Amai murmured, "what are the questions and requirements?"
I glanced at Akuma and the white hair teammate scowled. I had to admit his orange eyes were startling and unique. Not wanting to get scowled at for staring at my teammate I turned my gaze back to Ashika and prayed the questions were easy as Akuma didn't look like he was in a good mood today.
"Okay, we have to take several of the children down to the park to play, make them dinner, make sure they tidy their rooms as well as washing bedding," Ashika explained before continuing,
"The questions that have to be answered are as follows. Number one, what is your teammates' favourite colour? 2. How many people live in your team mate's home? 3 Who is your teammate's best friend? 4 Name one trait both your teammates like about themselves. 5 Does your team mate have a crush or best friend and who are they? 6. How long have they been dating/known their best friend? 7. What is your teammate's favourite animal? Lastly 8. When is your teammates' birthday? You must talk to each other over the mission and find out the answers for BOTH of your teammates. You will be quizzed after the mission and for those who get it right will receive extra payment on top of their mission money."
"And we have to remember this by the end of the day?" Amai asked curiously, her expression showed she didn't know how this would help with training or who would pay to know these answers.
"Sounds easy enough," I said with a shrug before smiling at Akuma, who was watching the orphan girl who called him cute with suspicion.
"Well let's get to work," Ashika said with little excitement, "First off is taking them to the park. It is a few blocks away so make sure the kids don't do running off."
The bags for the children in the play room were done, so it was a matter of getting them ready. Since I knew the orphans so well it took us 5 minutes to sort out everyone and take the roll of names with us.
Some children tried to run off once the door was open and the older kids, the ones still in school were just excited for the freedom. Masuki stuck by Akuma and tried to grab his hand. He scowled and walked faster after tucking his hands in his pockets. I sighed knowing that he hated this and it will be harder to get the information out of him when he was grumpy.
Finally we got to the park and the kids ran wild. I supervised them on the play equipment while Amai watched them play sports and Ashika watched them playing hide and seek. Akuma had boundary duty to ensure no child left the park.
That also meant it was harder for me, or the others to figure out the answers to the questions.
I spied out of the corner of my eye, Amai waving Akuma over and they too were talking briefly. I hoped that they were getting the answers so they could pass the quiz at the end of the mission.
I could see that Akuma was giving short words to Amai, who was talking animatedly. I hoped that we all passed and could show Ashika that we worked well together. Then maybe we could go on a more exciting mission.
An hour later, we had to take the children home and that was a struggle. Most of the younger children threw tantrums and I had to carry two of them home. They were around 4 years old and were exhausted from the games. I knew they would be too tired to walk the trek home and offered them lifts that they accepted quickly.
I deliberately walked next to my white haired team mate of the way home. Akuma was carrying Masuki who refused to go home unless Akuma carried her. Although she was small she was swift and could pack a mean bite, so Akuma unwillingly surrendered.
"So it's a nice day today. Warm and full of sunlight. Hey the sun is yellow, do you like yellow?" I asked as casually as I could.
Akuma rolled his orange eyes and kept walking. Masuki was pretending to be asleep, so she was slumped over his shoulder.
"Or red, the sign of your enemy's blood?" I continued as I struggled to keep up with him. I wouldn't surprised if that was Akuma's answer.
"So this is for the quiz thing hmm?" Akuma asked with a smirk on his face. I didn't get a good feeling when he did that.
"Yeah," I admitted with a sheepish grin, "would you indulge me?"
"You won't stop pestering me until I do, will you?" Akuma accused as he narrowed his eyes. I had to admit, the orange colour made them much more intimidating.
"Probably not," I confessed with a smile as I manouvered the children I was carrying up a bit.
"Fine, it's blue," Akuma grunted in defeat, "How about you?"
My smile turned into a genuine one. It looked like we were getting somewhere.
"It's a tie between red and blue. So I guess purple," I answered as I blurted my thoughts out loud.
"Really?" Akuma asked in disbelief as he tilted his head, "alright what about your home? Who do you live with?"
"I live with my mum. She has a small shop at the front of the house that she works during the day while I am on missions," I explained, but I wasn't sure if Akuma cared.
"Well as for the other questions, me and my cat. No one. My anger. No. And no. Haven't. Cat. And March 5th," Akuma muttered as he counted off the answers using his fingers.
"Oh," I murmured as I tried to process what he was telling me. I had already forgotten some of the questions.
I think Akuma could sense my confusion, but he didn't offer any help to my mental torment.
"You have a cat?" I questioned as I raised an eyebrow at my comrade.
"Yes," he grunted bluntly.
"Does it have a name?" I asked curiously.
"Its name is Cat," Akuma sighed and I couldn't help but note how unoriginal that was.
"I got a better name, why don't you call it Princess?" I asked.
And was rewarded with a slap to the face. My cheek stung but I looked at Akuma and he seemed surprised that he had slapped me. He stared me, then the kids I was holding, who where thankfully out of it, before looking at his hand.
Akuma didn't seem like the type to lash out for no reason. Given his shock I guess he wasn't expecting it. I continued to walk along more quiet than before. That slap was strong and my cheek was going to bruise tomorrow.
"Ok, not Princess," I murmured as I walked along. It wasn't like I was new to this.
I was never sure if Akuma was guilty or not because I kept my eyes low to the ground. This wasn't like at home where I could retreat to my room or was showered with love afterwards.
After a long pause, Akuma spoke again.
"So do you have a best friend and who are they or are you dating anyone?' Akuma asked, his voice sounded mildly inquisitive.
"I have a girlfriend and she is like my best friend. Her name is Hikaru," I answered, a smile was on my lips as I thought of her.
I decided not to hold a grudge against Akuma, he was probably not used to people.
"Hmm how long have you been dating?" Akuma asked, starting to sound bored now.
"Around 3 years now," I answered as I clutched at a child slipping from my arms. The games caused them to fall sound asleep and it appeared nothing would wake them.
"Really?" Akuma asked, sounding a little shocked.
"We started going out when we were 13," I answered with a grin. Not many people our age could have such a long lasting relationship.
Akuma must have been bored by now, or saw the orphanage in sight because he hurriedly asked, "What is your favourite animal and when is your birthday?"
I honestly never thought about a favourite animal before. I like most animals and was never required to pick before. I like Dolphins, but that was purely based on appearance as I had never met one before. I might not like them after I meet them...
"Well?" Akuma urged as we were on the same block as the orphanage.
"Dogs," I decided at last, liking their loyalty "and my birthday is November the 15th."
Akuma sighed, before asking, "before I forget, what trait do you like about yourself?"
These questions were hard, I never had to consider any of this before.
"I like how I can say positive," I declared with a nod of my head.
We approached the orphanage door and the children were beginning to stir from their sleep, as if sensing that they were almost home. The wooden door was left open and Ashika and Amai were inside making sure everyone was there. After the names were marked off all the children went to their rooms.
"I thought were would have lost a few," Amai laughed light heartedly, but I think it was in relief.
Her relieved expression changed when she eyed my cheek. I waved a hand at her before waking the sleeping children I was carrying. My arms ached but I didn't let it show. I crouched down and the kids leapt off of me. They walked off to wash their hands before dinner. As I got up Ashika walked over.
"Alright the first one is done," Ashika announced, sounding proud of himself, "I will need two people to make the beds for the kids while to other two cook."
"Me and Amai will cook," I offered and Amai shot me a look of surprise.
I wasn't if the kunoichi could cook or not, but I knew how to do a few meals so I was more than happy to cook while she chopped up ingredients and washed the utensils.
"That leaves me and Akuma with the beds," Ashika confirmed with a nod, "Mami said that the kitchen is packed with fresh food."
"Who is Mami?" I asked. In all the time I had volunteered at the orphanage, I had never encountered someone with that name.
"My cousin," Ashika answered bluntly and it took me a moment to realise he was talking about Mama.
My face flushed red and I mumbled, "Oh yeah, right."
Apparently after all this time I had worked with Mama, I had never asked her name. She always went by Mama. I guess it made sense, considering that the names were so similar.
I quickly dragged Amai to the kitchen, which was a long vertical room at the back of the orphanage. We started to pull out the utensils and prepare the food.
"Is it alright if I cook while you chop and clean? I know the dietary requirements of these kids so I would like to cook," I asked Amai.
Amai looked shocked but agreed after considering my logic. She wrapped an apron around her pale green robes and she put a hair net over her straight, light brown hair.
As soon as I picked spaghetti bolognaise for the meal we quickly got to work, making idle chat as we worked.
I was filling a pot to boil water for the noodles in as Amai asked an interesting question, while she was chopping up onion with goggles on.
"Do you think we have to ask Ashika questions?" She asked as she stopped cutting to look at me, "he is also our team mate after all."
"I am not sure, should we ask him?" I asked confused. It never crossed my mind that Ashika could be asked questions. He was a team mate after all.
"He did say both of your team mates, not all of you team mates," our only female member pointed out.
"I'll have to agree with you there," I replied, as I get the hot plate on and started unwrapping the mince.
"So, what is your favourite colour?" Amai asked as she moved on to chopping up the mushrooms.
"I like both red and blue, so I am saying I like purple, because those colours mix to make purple," I answered as I grabbed the onion and threw them in the next pot I could find. I dumped the mince in there as well and started to stir.
"What about you?" I added as I continued to stir. I decided to wait until the water was boiling before adding the pasta noodles.
Amai thought for a bit before answering, "I like the colour purple, as well. Like the Hydrangeas that used to grow outside Grandma Kouga's place... "
She trailed off, like she had a bad memory, but I didn't press her further on the subject. At least it would be easier to remember which colour she liked.
"So what about the second question?" Amai asked suddenly as to change the subject, "who do to live at home with?"
"My mother. She runs a shop at the front of our house to earn some money, since she doesn't go on missions. I get as much money as I can to help out," I answered hoping that she wouldn't take pity on me. But Amai didn't seem like the type to do that.
Amai didn't wait for me to ask the next question, " Do you have a best friend?"
"Not really, my girlfriend is my closest friend. Her name is Hikaru Tabame and she is the most compassionate and kindest girl I know," I answered before catching myself being too mushy.
Amai and I continued to ask and answer questions until dinner was ready. Mama had the children lined up and we started dishing out food. It was received well.
Ashika and Akuma returned from bed making, with Akuma looking particularly bored with the process. I saw Masuki spy on Akuma with a faint blush across her cheeks. I sighed, knowing she had no idea what Akuma was like.
"Well Akuma has answered his quiz," Ashika announced, "So my plan is Amai is next she tells me her answers and I record them and she tells me what she thinks the answers are to you two. Then I shall take Daichi and we do the same. While I am asking questions, the remaining two people wash the dishes."
Akuma groaned, because he knew that meant he would be stuck with the chores.
"Should we also check if the rooms are tidy?" Amai asked as she glanced in the direction of the children's rooms.
"All done when Akuma and I were fixing the beds. It's called efficiency dear Amai," Ashika answered easily as he wiggling his finger gesturing for her to follow.
I led Akuma to the kitchen and Mama started to hand us the dirty dishes. I allowed the water in the kitchen sink to become warm and soapy before I started to wash the dishes. Mama, after gathering all the dirty dishes and cutlery helped Akuma with the wiping and placing the objects away.
Amai entered the kitchen and walked up to me. I wasn't looking at her but I could feel her eyes on my cheek. It still stung a lot, but it didn't matter.
"Ashika wants to see you," Amai said and I pulled off the rubber gloves I had been using.
I left the kitchen, relieved to be away from Amai's stare. Ashika was waiting in the cafeteria and gave me a nod as I walked up to him.
"Nice cheek," He teased as he pretended to poke my cheek.
I frowned and touched my cheek lightly, wondering how hard Akuma hit me. He was definitely strong, but it was annoying everyone had noticed. This was why I always used makeup to hide the bruises my mother gave me. She never meant them.
"Alright, what is Amai's favourite colour?" Ashika kicked things off.
"Purple I answered, easily remembering that one. And Akuma's is blue," I decided to answer Akuma's one to save time. At the rate we were going in the kitchen, the dishes would be done soon and my teammates would be waiting for me to finish so they could get paid and go home.
"Alright," Ashika sighed, "How many people do Amai and Akuma live with?"
I struggled as I thought back to the conversations I had with Akuma and Amai. I could remember Amai having a sister in Storm Operations. I wouldn't mind going into that if I was good enough.
"Amai has her parents and sister, so I am saying three and Akuma has himself and his cat," I answered coolly.
How could I forget the cat? My cheek wouldn't let me forget it.
"And who are your teammate's best friend and/or crush?" Ashika asked, his light brown eyes bored into my own.
"Akuma doesn't have any friends or a crush, and Amai had a best friend, who I think was called Suppai? They aren't close now," I tried to recall, but I felt uncertain.
I remember it was really hard to get that information out of Amai and she seemed depressed about it. She had said, "I don't think our families get along." I felt really bad for her.
"And any crushes?" Ashika pushed lightly. He remained fairly quiet through this.
"Amai had a crush on a guy named Takeshi," I answered but I could not name a last name. I remember she had called him smart and attractive but had a cocky personality. Like the question before, it took a lot to get this information out of Amai.
"I see," Ashika murmured before asking, "What is one trait that Amai and Akuma think they have?"
I smiled as I answered this, "anger for Akuma and Amai is a good artist."
"Alright, how long has Amai had her friend for? Since Akuma doesn't have a best friend or crush that he is willing to share," Ashika asked, which made me think Ashika knew more than he let on.
"Umm they have been friends for years but fell out. I can't give you a direct number," I answered, unsure if Amai told me a set amount of years.
I could already tell I was failing at this.
"What is their favourite animal?" Ashika asked and I laughed.
"Cats, for the both of them. At least they have something in common," I chuckled, imagining the pair awkwardly talking about cats.
"Last question, When is your team mates birthday?" Ashika asked with a smirk.
My face dropped as I completely forgot about dates. I knew one was in September but I forgot Akuma's birth month, or was Akuma born in September? And I had no idea about the dates.
"The um.. 12th of September for... Akuma? And the 5th of November," I answered pitifully.
"And your answers to the questions are?" Ashika asked as if he was interested. I wasn't sure if he was.
"Purple, two, Hikaru, My positivity, Hikaru again and we have been dating for three years now. I like a lot of animals but I picked dogs and November 15," I answered and I saw Ashika sensei open a book and take notes.
"That is all. Bring Akuma and Amai out here," Ashika sensei ordered and I obeyed.
We all waited in the cafeteria and I didn't feel confident. Something told me Amai and Akuma did.
"Amai and Akuma you two passed and got everything right," Ashika announced and the pair looked proud.
"Daichi you got everything right about Akuma but his birthday. With Amai you mistook her sister's name for her old friend's name and her birthday," Ashika said in a disapproving tone.
"Sorry," I mumbled as my face flushed. Apparently I wasn't as good listener like I thought. Even Akuma was more observant than me.
"Well Amai and Akuma will get the reward money," Ashika sensei murmured as he divided the mission money we just received from Mama. It was low since it was split 4 ways.
I was sent home early, since Ashika Sensei used his own money to pay us what the mission was worth, before he handed in the complete form to the office that assigned missions. Since he couldn't pay Akuma and Amai their reward money, they followed him and I walked home.
I felt crushed that I had failed the quiz we were given. This exercise was about getting to know each other and I had failed. I had always prided myself on getting to know others. I was more self centered than I thought.
I bumped into a young man, who could only be in his mid twenties. He scowled at me and I was taken aback by his irritated attitude and daunting golden eyes. He wore a black cloak that opened out at his chest and black sandals with the standard black stockings. His dark blue forehead protector was worn like a belt.
"I am sorry sir," I apologised with a bow.
"Stupid kid, you should look where you are going," the man snapped as he pulled the collar to his cloak up.
He spat by my feet and walked away grumbling under his breath, "this has brought a dark cloud over my sunny day."
Ashamed I quickly raced home and was greeted by a dark house. The sun had set on my journey home and I had hoped my mum fell asleep, but that was unlikely.
I slipped through the front door, careful not to creak it as I closed it behind me. I turned around and was greeted by the sight of my mother on the stairs. She looked very upset, like she had been crying and her knuckles were red.
"You are late home," She said accusingly, "you said this wouldn't interfere."
"I am sorry mother," I apologised as I brought my hands up.
I saw her dark brown eyes latch onto my reddened cheek and she hissed, "This ninja business is only causing us pain. You haven't even done a mission yet. We are going broke and it's all your fault!"
She screamed the last words and raced down the stairs. Before she could land a strike on me, I held up my small pouch filled with money.
"I went on a mission today Mother! Look I got paid," I said hurriedly, hoping this would please her.
My mother snatched the pouch from my hand and wiggled it lightly. She opened it up and peered inside to look at the contents.
"This is less than what you were doing on your own," She said accusingly, her voice started to rise.
"I have to do low mission before getting better ones Mother. I told you that," I tried to explain but I saw that look in her eyes. One that made my heart skip a beat.
"You just want to leave me and steal all the money for yourself you greedy bastard!" My mother screamed as she raced into the kitchen.
"I am sorry. I on't want to leave or steal any money. It is how things are for now," I apologised again as I followed her.
I saw her grab out a frying pan and she faced me.
"You can't leave me Daichi! No matter how hard you try. You are my boy and I wasted too much time and money to get you to where you are today you ungrateful brat!" My mother snapped as she moved closer.
I stepped back but she kept advancing, until my back hit a wall. Her words stung me worse than if a snake had bit me. She couldn't mean those words... She told me she loved me all the time after her episodes. These had to be the lies..
Before I could react, my mother swung the pan and the side of my head screamed out in agony. I faintly recognised that he had hit above my left ear before the darkness consumed me.
Finally Team Ashika have gone on a mission but it still hasn't pleased Daichi's mother. How will Daichi recover and will the other members of Team Ashika notice? Review please.
I also apologize for the length, my computer has Wordpad now instead of Word, thus it doesn't count how many words I had written. I hope you guys have enjoyed the longer chapter.
Question of the day: Why does Ashika have a nack for endangering the youths of the Hidden Cloud Village?