Chapter 8: First Job
Pain. That is all that I felt vibrating in my skull. A couple birds tweeted outside, causing me to pull the blanket over my head some more. I spent the whole night last night studying jutsus. I just sat in bed trying to memorize them. When Sasuke and Gaara came back, I pretended to be sleeping, but after they were asleep, I used the moonlight from the window to continue studying.
To be honest, I actually memorized some techniques and jutsus, but I don't think I'll be able to use one any time soon.
I heard Gaara get up from the bunk underneath me.
"Naruto, you must wake up now." Sasuke grunted and replied to him.
"Leave him. He's obviously being lazy." I lifted my head and locked eyes with Sasuke.
"Shaddup! I'm not lazy!" The truth was that I am lazy. Extremely lazy, but Sasuke doesn't need to know that. He smirked lightly at me.
"If that's so, then get up." A groan wanted to come out, but I didn't let it. I swung my legs over the bed and hopped down. My eyes hurt from all that studying. I don't even remember going to sleep. Stretching, I followed Gaara to the living room and let myself fall down on the couch.
"Should one of us make breakfast?" I asked. Gaara, who sat down next to me, shrugged.
"After you left to go sleep, Kakashi told us the mess halls were done being renovated for each dorm, but he still needs cooks. We can cook breakfast in them by ourselves if we want. I am very surprised that each dorm gets a separate mess hall. It's the area that joins the girl and boy dorms in the middle of the partition. Apparently, both sexes can eat there together." Sasuke went to the fridge and pulled out three packs of orange juice.
"Kakashi also told us that next week we'll be given more new students. Of course, he expects us to help too, but the school is growing faster than I first thought." He chucked a juice at Gaara and slammed another at me. Gaara caught his; mine smacked my face. Cold juice to face doesn't feel good. I glared at Sasuke as he closed the fridge and continued. "Also the dorm public baths are open now too. We can go there in the morning instead of taking showers in here." I perked up. Dorm baths!? No way!
"Sweet! The school has a lot of cool stuff!" Gaara nodded.
"The amenities are admirable, but we have to work too, remember?" Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Yuniti offered lodging and jobs. Jobs were recommended if you wanted to have extra money to buy school materials or stuff for the rooms. I looked around our plain living room and decided it would be a good idea. Sasuke must have had similar thoughts as he inspected the kitchen area.
"Jobs are open now too. Kakashi told me that there are only basic jobs for now, but as we get more skilled and acquire more sponsors, we can get really cool missions and projects to do." Poking into my juice, I addressed him.
"Will our employers know that they hired ninjas?" Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"That would defeat the entire purpose, moron. We're supposed to be a secret school, remember?" He tossed away his drink and patted his hands. "Besides, it's about three more months until summer. If we want to get anything done to advance to our next year, we better get started. Training and jobs are top priorities for now. We're getting more teachers in about a week or two, so proper classes won't start until then." Gaara finished his drink and got up to throw it away.
"If you need me, I'll be studying in the library with Sai. It just opened, so we decided to take advantage of it." I jumped up too. Boy, things sure are moving fast! I better learn a jutsu and be prepared for classes. Sasuke agreed with Gaara as I tossed away my trash.
"I might join you guys later, but for now, I have to give the new students a tour. We also still have private training with Kakashi. The new students won't be able to join yet since they're behind in the basics."
"Okay, we'll be expectant of you. Will you be coming too, Naruto?" I shook my head. I've had enough studying for a while.
"I'm going to check out those jobs. I could use some cash. I'll tell you guys what I see later." They were okay with that, and we all took some clothes and went to the dorm's public bath. We walked down the hallway and went down the stairs. There were three sections that made up the bottom of the boys' dorm. There was a lounging area, the public bath and deluxe rooms. According to Sasuke, Kakashi said the rooms were once used by teachers to live with and monitor the students. Kakashi doubts they'll be used again, so he's still thinking about what to do with them.
When we went inside the public bath, my jaw dropped. The floor was covered in smooth, traditional stones, and the main bath was huge. It was an inviting pale green color with a small island and rocks around it. It must be from a natural spring; I can just smell the freshness. It was separated in three different divisions, which probably housed three different temperatures. The washing areas were lined against the walls, and the dressing room was behind another sliding door. The walls were a mix of stone and bamboo with a beautiful paper design in the middle.
"For previous students, I wonder if their parents' tax dollars went into this," Gaara mused.
"Then they got ripped off," Sasuke answered. He shook his head. "This place is way too good for a couple high school students."
"Who cares? Let's enjoy it!" I dashed for the locker room with the other two right behind me. The bath was amazing! I've never been in such rich water before. Back at home at the orphanage, we never went to a public bath, and I always heard people talking about how good they were. Iruka took me a couple times when I was younger, but this bath was a million times better. After we bathed, we went our separate ways. Gaara headed to the library, where Sai was already stationed, and Sasuke went to find the new students. I went to the main building and walked around. Sasuke told me there's a desk where I can find jobs in there. At a desk in the back, I found Iruka sitting there.
"Iruka? You're in charge of assigning jobs?" He looked up at me and shook his head.
"No, I'm just organizing them for when the true assigner comes. Kakashi should be hiring one soon, but I can give you a job if you want." He placed a couple sheets before me. "Have a look." I examined each sheet. Dog walking. Garbage disposal. Park clean up. Car washing. Babysitting. Ugh. I looked up at him.
"All of these sound so boring."
"Well, they're all we have for now. The clients think those who come are students from this recreational school that is really tough to get in. Until more ninja come in and you lot get better, you're stuck with these." No fair! I looked down again and snatched up the babysitting job. Iruka gave me a look. "Babysitting? Are you sure?"
"I don't really like kids, but I can handle them just fine." Besides, I had a lot of experience from the orphanage kids. Watching a brat or two should be easy. Iruka signed off on the slip and gave me money for bus fare.
Eh? Bus fare?
"Wait a minute. I'm going somewhere far?"
"Yes. You're basically going to the heart of Konoha, our Leaf Village. You will need money to go there and back. You can go change into something more comfortable if you like, but you cannot bring anything regarding Yuniti or ninjas. You are allowed one kunai knife for this, but that and your current knowledge of ninjutsu is all you can take. Taking care of and ensuring the absolute safety of your target is required. Any questions?" Quickly, I shook my head. I think I got it all. Drive bus there and back. No ninja stuff. One kunai knife. Protect and care for the brat. That's about it. Iruka smiled. "Okay, good. You need to be there around eleven. Bus gets here around eight-thirty. Good luck." I thanked him and dashed off.
What I'm wearing now is fine. An orange shirt with black cargo pants shouldn't really attract attention. I should, however, swap out my ninja shoes for sneakers. After doing that, I packed a backpack with a jacket, flashlight, snacks, the money, my personal money and a water bottle. When I went for the kunai knife, I hesitated. I don't really have any place to put it. I thought for a moment and stuffed it in a secret compartment in my bag. There's a lock on it, so it should be kind of safe. Hitching my backpack up, I left my room and ran outside.
It was nice morning. The sky was kind of foggy, but it should clear up. Before I could go any further, I spotted Hinata walking with a bucket of cleaning supplies. I jumped and waved at her.
"Hey, Hinata!" She looked over and froze in place. Huh? Did I scare her? I walked up and smiled. "Good morning!" She blinked and grew red again but replied.
"G-Good morning." I guess I can't rat on her today since her coat looks lighter than usual, but she should be careful with those things.
"I'm going off to a job real quick. Where are you going?"
"I-I'm fixing up more dorms. Th-They're for new st-studnets." I smiled at her.
"That's cool! Good luck!" Quickly, I ran past and up to the gate. Opening the gate, I ran out. I learned something from Kakashi a while back. Apparently, there's some type of jutsu in the forest preventing normal people from detecting it. It also explains why it was so hard for me to see in it at first, but now it's as clear as ever to me. I could see the sun beginning to creep up in the trees and jumped faster through them. Once I was outside the forest, I walked up to the road beside the wheat field and waited. Soon, a bus approached me.
It pulled to a stop, and I climbed aboard. After paying the driver, I walked down to the eighth row and sat on the right side. As the bus drove, I looked at outside and saw the world go by. The wheat farm was a lot bigger than I first imagined, and I think I caught a glimpse of the house Sasuke used to live at.
Sasuke.
For some reason, I'm upset now. No, I'm not upset at him but for him. Why did he use to live with some guy he called "master"? That and whatever happened to the Uchiha clan are things I should probably find out. I'm also worried about Gaara. He ran away from home and thought he was a monster. He's no monster. I know it. I wish I knew more about my friends. Maybe then I could help them...
"Hey!" I jumped in my seat, getting out of my sleepy daze. The bus driver was talking at me. "We're here! Wake up!" I quickly scrambled up, apologized and exited the bus. Studying really wears a guy out.
The central part of the Leaf Village is basically a huge, bustling city. There are buildings everywhere, both modern and oriental. One of the biggest and oldest buildings in the plump, red one in the very center. It's the Hokage's Tower, which houses the Hokage's office.
One day, I'm going to own that building!
Smiling to myself, I begin walking down the street. People in business clothes, modern clothes, kimonos, oriental clothes and more passed me by. I dodged underneath one old man carrying two buckets of water on his shoulders and slide past a group of people joining to go to some diner. Horses and donkeys travel on the sidewalks, but I see a couple on the road while cars drive up and down it. This place is kind of crazy and busy, but I like it! It doesn't take me too long to see a sign with one of Danzo's quotes on it. My smile faltered only a little.
Soon I'm at the fancy apartment I need to be at. I read about it while I was jumping; it's called The Sarutobi Canopy. It's pretty high up and classy. Walking in, I can tell whoever lives here has big money. A certain fountain full of koi fish and crystal chandelier helped me figure out that one. I walk over to the front desk and smile at the secretary or whoever that person is. I looked at my paper again to check out the name of my client before talking to her.
"Hello! I'm here to see Mr. Hiruzen Sarutobi. I'm a babysitter." The lady sized me up before turning to make a call. Hey! What gives!? After talking, she points to the elevator.
"Room 1247. Twelfth floor." She then turned right back around. So rude! I stomped away and headed for the elevator. After pushing the button, I'm zipped up to the twelfth floor and look for the room. It doesn't take me too long, so I knocked on the door and waited. Almost immediately, the door is pulled open and an old man is standing in front of me. He's wearing a white and brown kimono and white haori for a jacket. His wispy white beard was the only hair I saw since the rest was cover with a traditional hat. His face was rough and tanned with lines in it and around his eyes. His beady brown eyes found mine in a heartbeat.
"Are you the babysitter sent by the school?" His voice something else. It was pretty stern for an old guy. I bowed and replied. I was thought some manners at the orphanage and only hope I remember most of them
"Yeah, I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Pleased to meet you." He narrowed his eyes a bit but stepped aside. Did I do something wrong? Maybe not?
"Come in now." I did as I was told and stepped inside. "I wasn't expecting a boy to come, but this might be better. One of your teachers phoned saying you'll be here soon, so I was expectant." I rubbed the back of my neck.
"Oh, was I late? Sorry. I haven't been in the heart of the Leaf Village in a long time." He began to walk ahead into the lavish apartment. It had a really beautiful wooden theme going on.
"No, it is not your fault. This place has a way with puzzling minds." I began to walk with him and took in the cool decor of the whole place. This guy must be really important. Hiruzen Sarutobi... Wait. Where did I see that name before? "Tell me, Naruto, what do you think a child needs most in their life." Eh? I looked at him. That's a weird question. I thought really hard and tapped my chin.
"Well, I guess what they would need most is a little fun. Something like an adventure, y'know? Kids love that! I did when I was a kid too." The old man seemed pleased by my answer and nodded.
"Yes, that is very true. You see, my grandson has been quite depressed as of lately. The doctors are ready to label it as chronic depression." I didn't know what to say, so he looked at me. "Your thoughts, Naruto?" I fumbled with my answer. What can I say to that? That's terrible!
"Well, that's really bad. Being depressed isn't fun at all."
"How do you know that?"
"I..." The words kind of died in my mouth, and I stopped talking and looked down. Why did I have to say that? I couldn't avoided this. However, the old man looked intrigued.
"Go on." I sighed.
"I'm an orphan. I've lived in an orphanage my whole life. People made fun of me, and no one adopted me, but I'm okay now!" I stopped walking and so did he. "I'm making friends, going to school, learning a bunch and accomplishing my dream."
"What is your dream, Naruto?"
"Why, I want to become Hokage!" A dark looked passed his face, and for a moment, I thought I imagined it.
"Hokage? Is that so?" I nodded.
"Yes, it is, but I don't want to be anything like Danzo! I want to be like the original Third Hokage! He was so awesome! I heard he was very kind and courageous and did a lot of good way back when. If I could be kind of like him and all the other past Hokages, I'd be the very best!" A look of complete surprise took the old man's face, and I looked down sheepishly. "Sorry. You probably support Danzo, don't you? My dream must sound silly to you..." Instead of tossing me out or yelling at me like I thought he would, the old man laughed. It wasn't a bad laugh, like the ones I'm used to, but a good one.
"No, no, child! That is an excellent dream. And no again, I do not support that turnip named Danzo. I am glad your heart is full of spirit." I smiled at him. He likes my dream! He called Danzo a turnip! I really like this guy! "May you please lend my dear Konohamaru some of that spirit." I nodded.
"Will do!" Finally, we were at a closed door, and the old man opened it to reveal a boy's room. There were some posters on one wall and a dart board and calendar on the other. The floor was covered with shoes, socks, books and CDs. A large blue bed was in the middle, and in the middle of that, was a teenage boy doing homework. He had fair skin and an upturned crop of wicked brown hair. A comfortable, blue muffler was around his neck, and he was wearing a black middle school uniform. Even with his headphones on, he heard the door open and turned to us with big black eyes. He took off his headphones and spoke to us.
"Hello, Grandfather." He had a young but tired voice. His eyes zeroed in on me. "Who is that?" The old man gestured to me.
"This is your new babysitter, Naruto Uzumaki." I waved. I didn't expect the kid to be this big. He's probably like twelve or something.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you," I greeted. He just stared at me. Okay. This is weird.
"I'm getting a babysitter? I thought I was too old for one."
"I will be out late this evening, Konohamaru. Since you're sick, Naruto will be watching over you until my return. Be good." He then nodded at me, so I nodded back. The old man walked away, and we soon heard the slam of the front door behind him.
Great. Now I'm really stuck with him.
I turned around and saw Konohamaru watching me. He seemed confused and distrusting. I can't blame him. I would be too. I smiled anyway.
"So. What's the illness? Cold? Flu? No-homework-itis?" I gestured to his homework, which he quickly slide away with narrowed eyes. Ha! Gotcha. "Man, I remember when I used to pull stunts like that. Did you pretend to throw up in the bathroom or was it bloody nose gag with tabasco sauce?" He lips quirked at me.
"Bloody nose."
"Awesome!"
"But I used ketchup instead of tabasco sauce." I shook my head.
"Bad move."
"Why?"
"If you find the right kind, tabasco sauce is way more believable than ketchup. Come on, dude, get with the program!" I plopped myself on the edge of his bed and let my bag slip to the floor. He crossed his arms at me.
"Won't it hurt putting it in your nose?"
"Of course, but it'll give you a good crying and gaging effect. They'll send you home real fast with that one." Konohamaru seemed thoughtful before grabbing his homework back and continuing.
"I'm hungry." I quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Uh, do you want me to make something?"
"Chips are fine." Okay then. Chips it is. Grabbing my bag, I got up to prepare him a snack, but, out of the corner of my eye, I saw he had written down "tabasco sauce" on his paper. A smile formed on my lips.
Maybe babysitting won't be that bad after all.