Chapter 8:
Success! And Discovered Secrets
I slowly walked into the kitchen of Tazuna's house, dragging my feet because I was still tired as heck. I slumped down into one of the table chairs.
"Morning guys," I said groggily. My head drooped forward and I let it hit the table. I'm not much of a morning person if you can tell...
Tazuna's daughter placed a plate of food in front of me. The good smelling aroma of it made me sit up. I instantly started eating.
"Hey, where's Naruto?" I asked with a mouth full of food. Everyone seemed to be sitting around the table except for Naruto.
"He left last night and hasn't come back yet," Kakashi said casually.
"What do you mean he left?" I asked, "Where'd he go?"
"He left only a few minutes after you did last night," Tazuna said, "Didn't say where he was going..."
I saw Kakashi staring at me out of the corner of my eye. His gaze showed concern and I knew he wanted to know about why I had be crying like a baby.
"I'm fine," I said to Kakashi.
"Anything you want to talk about?" He asked. Jeez! What was he, my counselor!
"Yeah," I answered, "About were Naruto is. Did anyone try looking for him?"
Kakashi, Tazuna, and Sasuke exchanged glances. Well that was a no!
"Just what kind of team mates are you? For all you know he could be in danger!" I scolded.
"I do hope Naruto's all right," Tazuna's daughter said entering the conversation, "A child all alone in the woods overnight..."
"Don't worry," Kakashi reassured, "He may not look it, but Naruto's a true ninja."
"Even so I still find it rude that you aren't showing any concern for him!" I said, "I'm very disappointed in the both of you!"
"Dobe's probably dead by now anyways," Sasuke muttered. I shot him a short glare.
I pushed my chair out and stood up. "Well I'm going to go look for him," I announced. I walked over to the door and pulled it open. "Letting the poor, defenseless girl of the group go out on her own in a strange town with the enemy still out there. Very manly of you," I said not even turning around.
Kakashi sighed. "Sasuke..."
Sasuke reluctantly stood up and walked over to me.
"We'll be back," He said annoyed. I grinned while walking out of the house and closing the door behind us.
"Oh the hiiiiiills are aliiiive with the sound of muuuuuusic!" I sang while skipping around.
"Why are you so happy?" Sasuke asked twitching. My optimistic and cheerful attitude must really scare him. Score one hundred for me! And I didn't even try.
"Why shouldn't I be happy? It's a bea-utiful day!" I replied happily.
Sasuke sighed aggravated. "Sayuki... you sure are... strange," He stated. I laughed.
"I get that a lot,"I said proudly. Hey! I have the right to be proud of my strangeness if I want to! "But what's really strange is the name Sayuki... I mean it just sounds so weird. Say-uki. Actually all Japanese names sound strange. Maybe it's just me. Probably just because I'm so used to English names. Man what a difference between the two languages!" I babbled on. Sometimes I could just talk and talk and talk! Didn't matter what I was talking about because I mean any topic was okay really as long as I could talk. My mom always used to say I was little blabber mouth but-
Inner Sayuki: You're doing it again
Oh... right
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke asked. He sounded suspicious.
"Um... uh...I... erm.." I stuttered. Me and my BIG mouth! "Oh look! There's Naruto!" Saved!
Inner Sayuki: Next time watch your mouth!
Heh heh... I'll try. Can't guarantee anything.
"Hey Naruto!" I said running over to where Naruto was. He was leaning against a tree and panting.
"Oh hey Sayuki!" He said smiling. Does this guy ever not smile? He always grins and bears it no matter what. One of the many reasons I respect him!
"Are you okay?" I asked him. He looked really worn out.
"I'm great!" His face was painted with a big grin and he looked really proud.
"Why are you so happy?" I asked tilting my head to the side. Oh, great, now I sound like Sasuke.
"Because it's a be-autiful day." I heard Sasuke mutter. I turned to him and stuck my tongue out.
"I did it," Naruto said.
"Hm? Did what?"
Naruto's grin widened. "Watch." Naruto walked a few yards away from the tree, stopped, turned around so he was facing the tree, did some hand signs, then ran. He ran fast so he hit the tree with force, and ran straight up it! He didn't fall or wobble at all! He made it all the way to the very top of the tree. I could see his huge smile and hear his laugh from all the way down at the bottom of the tree.
"Way to go Naruto!" I hollered so he'd be able to hear me. I gave him the thumbs up.
"It wasn't that impressive," Sasuke grumbled.
"Oh yeah? Let's see you do it!" I challenged. Sasuke turned his head as if I wasn't even there.
"Come on Uchiha! Afraid of a challenge? Or is it just that you know Naruto's better than you?" I smirked. In not even a second Sasuke had done the hand signs and was running up the tree next to the one Naruto was on. In about the same time it took Naruto, he was at the top of the tree. I stepped back a bit to get a better look at the two trees. They were identical in height.
"All right!" I cheered, "You go guys! Way to be the ninja!"
"Your turn Sayuki!" Naruto yelled down to me. "Let's see how high you can climb!"
"Me? Nah, I'll pass." Sure, I could climb the tree using my chakra, but I still hated heights.
"Afraid of a challenge?" Sasuke asked smugly. Agh! He really needs to stop using everything I say against me!
"No! It's just that... Oh fine!" I'll wipe that grin right off that pretty boy Uchiha's face!
Inner Sayuki: Yeah!
I chose the tree next to Sasuke's because it was about as high as the tree he climbed, just a little taller. I backed up to get a running head start then did the hand signs. Agh! What hand sign comes next? Oh I hope I'm doing this right! After a few tries I got it right. I could feel the chakra gathering at my feet. I ran forward and when my feet hit the tree I didn't fall! Whoo! And she does it again!
I was only a few feet from the top of the tree when I suddenly stopped. A cute little caterpillar was right in front of me and I almost stepped on it!
I picked the caterpillar up in my hands and set it down on the branch that was conveniently right next to me. "Next time be more careful! I could have squished you!" The cute little caterpillar slowly wiggled it's way down the branch.
"Oh man..." I squeaked. I had looked down. Stupid Stupid Stupid! I mentally scolded myself.
I was high up, like, way higher than last time. And my immense phobia of heights was coming on strong.
"Oh no no no no no," I moaned. I could feel the chakra at my feet slowly fading, and as it went, so did my footing on the tree.
"Sayuki, you alright?" Naruto called over to me.
I was so scared of how high up I was that I lost all concentration on my chakra. And I'm pretty sure you know what happens next. Yep, you guessed it, I started to fall.
"Ahhhh!" I yelled, squeezing my eyes shut tight. And this is why I hate heights!!
Inner Sayuki: You and me both!
I tensed my body, and prepared for the impact. Only it never came. Slowly I opened one eye at a time and looked up into the face of Sasuke. He had caught me, just in time too. We were standing on the ground. Well, he was, I was in his arms. Ewwwwwwww!
Sasuke put me down.
"Hey! Are you okay?" Naruto asked jumping down next to us.
I just stood there, absolutely shocked. Not because I had been saved by that jerk Sasuke. I'd eventually get over that. But the sensation of falling like that... It felt so familiar. Terrifying familiar... And I knew why.
I started shaking out of fear.
"Sayuki?" I looked at Naruto. His eyes showed concern. Ha, I must look like such and idiot right now.
"Sorry," I said smiling brightly. "I'm fine. Just kinda tired. I think I'm gonna head back now." Naruto looked exhausted himself. "You might wanna head back too."
"Nah. I'm gonna train a little more first!" Naruto said. Man this dude has a never ending supply of energy!
"Me too," Sasuke said. "I must get stronger." Right, of course you must. Because the whole world would just end if you didn't.
"Well, in that case, I guess I could stick around a little while longer," I said. I started walking over to a tree parallel of the tree's we were using to train. "I'll just sit over here and watch you two train." I plopped down and leaned my back against the tree.
"You watch and be amazed!" Naruto said already back to training.
It had already gotten dark, but Naruto and Sasuke were still at it. And me being the devoted teammate I am stayed to cheer them on. And I got a little training in myself. The moon was our only source of light; good thing it was really bright. Naruto and Sasuke had moved onto taller tree's. And they both made it to the very top!
I wish I could make it up that high... I thought, sighing.
Inner Sayuki: Give it one more try! We can do it!!
Yeah! One more try!
I stood up and immediately started making the hand signs. Once my chakra was gathered I got my running head start. My feet made contact with the tree. I gulped.
Inner Sayuki: Just don't look down!!
Right!
I kept my eyes focused on straight ahead. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and my adrenaline rushing.
"Wow.." I breathed, "I... I DID IT!" I had made it all the way to the top of the tree! And I didn't fall!! I actually did it!
"You go Sayuki!" Naruto shouted. The tree I climbed was in between the tree's Naruto and Sasuke were on.
"I can't believe I actually made it to the top!" I laughed out of delight. I'd so do the victory dance but then I might fall out of the tree. That would ruin this awesome moment.
"Maybe we could go back now?" Naruto asked. "I'm starved!"
I looked down. Opps... How was I gonna get down now?
Inner Sayuki: Greaaaaaat
"Help getting down?" Sasuke asked annoyed.
"Heh heh.. Yeah that'd be great," I replied.
We walked through the door to Tazuna's home. We were leaning and limping against one another. Naruto was in between me and Sasuke and we had our arms wrapped around him to keep him from falling. Naruto's arms were draped over our shoulders. I was depending on Naruto to keep me up just as much as he was on me and Sasuke to keep him up.
Inner Sayuki: You should see yourselves! You look pathetic!
Oh shut up
"Hm? What's this? Your dirty and worn out," Tazuna pointed out.
"We sure are!" I said, "That's because..."
"All three of us, made it to the top!" Naruto finished my sentence.
"That's very good," Kakashi said. "Now all of you can protect Tazuna tomorrow."
"Yeah!" Naruto shouted excitedly. He tried to pump a fist in the air for effect but instead cause all three of us to fall down.
"Nice going moron!" Sasuke said.
"Aw, lighten up, Sasuke!" I laughed.
After that we all sat down to eat. The adults were engaged in conversation but I was too busy eating to listen to any of it. When I finished eating I excused myself then went up to the room I was sleeping in.
"When there's trouble you know who to call... TEEN TITANS!" I sang while digging through my backpack for my black sweat pants and baggy green tee-shirt I used as pajamas.
I took a quick shower and changed into the sweats and tee-shirt. My hair was still wet but I didn't bother drying it. I opened the window next to my bed and slipped out onto the fire escape like balcony.
Hmm... I never saw this thing on the show... I thought.
Inner Sayuki: Who cares? It's a great view.
"It is a great view," I breathed. Mountains covered in thick, green tree's, the clear blue sea, a few hills here and there blanketed in plush grass. The full moon was bright enough for me to see most of the scenery.
Everything was dead silent except for the sound of crickets chirping. On any other occasion I probably would have enjoyed sitting outside staring out at everything. But because of the absolute quiet I had the chance to think, really think. And getting into deep thought wasn't something I wanted. I mean, it really hurt my head!
So... back to the one question I'm dying to know the answer to. Why am I here? And how the heck did I get here?
Inner Sayuki: Actually, that's two questions.
Whatever. I just still don't get it at all. I'm almost positive this isn't some dream. Who ever heard of a dream lasting this long? And what other explanation is there?
Inner Sayuki: Um... Maybe you're going crazy?
I sighed. "Yeah, maybe."
"Maybe what?"
I spun around only to have my eyes meet those of Sasuke.
"What did I tell you about sneaking up on me!" I practically yelled.
Sasuke merely shrugged. He climbed outside the window and sat down next to me on the fire escape balcony thing.
"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked trying to sound annoyed. But I was really relieved to have someone with me so I wouldn't be alone and stuck in my thoughts. They were too darn confusing!!
Sasuke didn't reply. He just sat there staring out, with a distant look in his eyes. I wonder what he was thinking about?
"Do you honestly believe what you said before?" He said at last.
"Huh?" I replied, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"The other night," he said, "What you said about getting revenge and how pointless it is, do you really think that's true?" He was trying to sound uninterested but I could tell he was eager to hear what I had to say.
"Well, yeah," I said nodding. "I do."
There was another long pause.
"Why?" I asked. I didn't think he'd care about what I said. But maybe some of what I said had actually gotten through to him...?
"I've been thinking about what you said," He said. He was still staring out, his gaze never moving. He didn't say anything else but I clearly got the message. He was telling me he gave it some thought, that he acknowledged what I said. He was also saying that he didn't completely agree with me, but that he didn't necessarily disagree either. At least he listened.
"I'm glad," I said. And I was, maybe now the things that were supposed to happen in the future wouldn't. Maybe he wouldn't go off with that Oro-creep after all.
But wait... wouldn't that completely alter the story line?
Inner Sayuki: Doesn't your being here alter it a lot already?
Well you do have a point there!
"So, who are you?" Sasuke asked. The question took me completely by surprise.
"What do you mean?" I asked nervously.
"You're not really who you say you are, are you?"
"W-what would make you say something like that?" Sasuke turned to me and gave me one of those looks that say "You know what I'm talking about". His intense glare meant no funny business.
"I'm Sayuki, Ino's cousin. Now stop acting so weird." I wasn't lying. Technically the person I am in this world is Sayuki, and she is Ino's cousin. Ha ha! I love loopholes!
"Really?" He asked, obviously still suspicious.
"Really!"
"You're Ino's cousin?"
"Yup!"
"What's your last name?" He was testing me!
"Yamanaka!" I smiled triumphantly. I remembered how to say it! I'm so proud of me!
"Spell it." Sasuke demanded.
"Uh..." Aw man!!
Sasuke smirked. Ugh! I hate that smirk of his!!
I sighed. "How did you know?"
"All those strange things you keep mentioning, and earlier you said that your own name was weird and it sounded so foreign compared to the names you were used to in your native language," He said. Dang it!! I need to learn to keep my HUGE mouth SHUT!
Inner Sayuki: Yeah you really do.
Oh shut it!
"And," Sasuke went on. Great, more! "I can tell you're not from anywhere around here. You're not even from this country are you?"
"N-no," I admitted truthfully.
"So answer my question, who are you?" I knew he was suspicious about who I was, but I couldn't tell if he was mad on top of that, or if he was just curious.
"My name... My real name is Casey," I said, "I'm not from this country. The country I come from is one you've more than likely never heard of."
"So then everything you've told us is a lie," He stated. I still couldn't tell if he was mad; he was a master of masking his emotions. "How do I know you're not an enemy ninja? How can I trust you don't prove a threat?"
"No! Not everything I said was a lie! I'm really twelve years old and I'm really on your side; I'm not an enemy ninja. In fact, I'm not a ninja at all. I mean, I took marital arts back at my home but other than that I'm not a real ninja."
He took a moment and seemed to be thinking things over. "So you're not Ino's cousin?"
I shook my head. "No... I'm not. I'm not related to anyone in this place."
Then he asked the infamous question: "Why are you here?"
It was all I could do not to scream. "I don't know!" I said exasperated. I took a deep breath. "I don't know why I'm here or how I got here. All I know is one minute I was back at my home and the next I'm here! It all happened so quick and I don't understand any of it!" I pulled my legs up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, burying my head into my legs.
Sasuke didn't know what to say, so just sat there. I looked up at him. He didn't seem like he believe me. I couldn't blame him, I wouldn't believe me either, I don't exactly have a believable story.
"You have to trust me," I practically begged, "And please, don't tell anyone about this."
"I have to tell Kakashi sensi."
"No, please don't!" He couldn't tell Kakashi! No way a Jonin like Kakashi would believe me! He'd have to tell the Hokage and the Hokage might see me as a threat. Then I'd have to go before the Elder's and if the Elder's see me as a threat too then they might put me in jail, or worse execute me! Sometimes I think waaaay too much. "If you told Kakashi who knows what would happen. Please don't tell anyone, at least for now." In a act of desperation I pulled out the lip and the ultimate attack: the puppy pout!
Looking as cute as humanly possible I said, "Pwetty pwease?" I batted my eye lashes for effect.
Inner Casey: No way he can resist!
Wait, you're inner Casey again?
Inner Casey: Yup! Because someone in this world now knows Casey exists, I'm Casey again!
Works for me!
"Fine," Sasuke said giving in.
Cha-yes! He's a sucker for the puppy dog pout! I now know his weakness! Muahahahahaha!
Inner Casey: Knock it off.
Right, sorry.
"I won't tell." Sasuke stood up and climbed back into my room through the window. "For now," He said before leaving the room.
"Thanks," I said, even though I knew he could no longer hear me.
I climbed back through the window and plopped down onto the bed.
I better get some sleep. Tomorrow I'm gonna be protecting Tazuna! I thought pulling the covers up.
If I had given any thought to the story line I might have remembered tomorrow wasn't going to be as easy as just protecting the Bridge Builder.
Author's Note: I am SO sorry!! I had no idea it's been this long since I updated. I've had a lot (and I mean A LOT) going on and when I checked the date of the last time I updated this my jaw hit the floor! I immediately started writing and made sure I didn't stop until I had this chapter finished. Omg guys I really hope you're not too bad at me! But I wouldn't blame you if you are. I mean this chapter pretty much sucks because I rushed it. hangs head in shame I'm so so so so sorry.