Chapter 9: Pulled my trigger
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The break was all too short, and now we're back to—ugh—classes. Which means the start of kunoichi classes for me. Which is twice a week.
Yay.
Of course, I'm a month behind so I'll have to catch up. Which I want to say will be easy, but who knows. I literally have no clue what we'll be "learning" in this class, except probably about flowers. (That's how Sakura and Ino bonded in the manga, right? Something about flowers and bullies?) I mean, sure, yeah, flowers can be interesting. Sometimes. But to be graded on it? No thanks.
Not that I have much of a choice. Apparently, attendance is mandatory for all girls. Which is just fucking bullshit. I don't see any ninja class for guys only. And not only do guys not have to take any sort of equivalent class, kunoichi classes are after school. Which cuts into free time and extra class time.
It's annoying, time consuming, sexist, and just not fucking fair. Which is why I'm dragging Naruto to it. Not that he realizes that's where we're headed. I try my best to act nonchalant as I lead Naruto toward the meeting spot at the back of the Academy, nodding along as Naruto chatters at me.
("Suspiciously"—because it really isn't suspicious when you pretty much know the reason why—our teacher is taking a leave of absence.)
Naruto stops talking abruptly when he sees the group of girls we're approaching. His footsteps become uncertain, but I don't slow down, dragging him behind me.
"Nee-san?" he asks hesitantly.
"Hm?"
He stops walking, bringing me to a halt, too. His hand spasms in mine as I glance at him. Naruto looks warily from the gaggle of girls to me, then back again.
"Nee-san, what are we—oh no. No no no no no!"
Coming to a sudden realization, Naruto tries to jerk his hand out of mine. I clamp down on his hand and give him a wide smile as I try to drag him forward. He digs his feet in and pulls in the opposite direction.
"Yes. If I have to go through this, so do you!" I grit out through clenched teeth, pulling with all my might, and oh my god why is he so heavy!
But he doesn't budge, his face scrunched up in concentration. "No!" he shouts resolutely.
Alarmingly, he starts dragging me toward him. In my panic, I let go of his hand and watch in horror (biting back laughter) as Naruto yelps and goes tumbling. It's silent for a second, and then—
"Oh shi—ssssugar plums!" I shout, biting back a curse at the last second, as I run over to check on him. "Are you okay?"
Naruto squints up at me from his position on the floor, pouting. Sheepishly grinning down at him, I hold out my hand for him to take. He swats at it and picks himself up, still pouting.
"What the hell?" he grumps. He crosses his arms and glowers at me, or at least he tries to. It's kinda ruined by his puffed up cheeks.
"Sorry," I apologize again, reaching over to dust off his clothes. "Didn't really think you'd go, well, like that."
"Hmph!" he sticks his nose up in the air. But he still lets me dust him off. I have to bite back a grin.
"Are you two quite done?" a voice suddenly breaks in.
As Naruto drops his arms to stare uncertainly behind me, I whirl around the face the voice. A young woman with long, curly black hair, and glasses obscuring her eyes stands in front of us, her arms crossed. Behind her, the gaggle of girls whisper and giggle at each other. My eyes focus on the hitai-ate on her forehead. Oh crap. Is this the kunoichi class teacher? Wow, way to make a first impression.
Not that it really matters. Not that I care.
"Yes ma'am," I respond belatedly.
She gives a noncommittal hum as she eyes me (or at least, I assume that's what she does—it's hard to tell through her oddly eye-obscuring glasses). "Renge, I presume? And this must be your... brother?"
The way she says that makes my hackles rise. I tense without meaning to, stepping protectively in front of Naruto.
"Yes," I bite out, reaching behind me to give Naruto's hand a squeeze.
"Class is starting, if he would be so kind as to leave." She stares pointedly at Naruto for a moment before turning away to address the group of girls standing behind her. "Come along, girls."
"Yes, ma'am," they chorus, a few of them giggling at the end.
I give Naruto's hand another squeeze and glance back at him with a frown to catch his forlorn expression. "Sorry," I apologize again, and just how many times am I going to apologize to him? But there's not much I can do, so I dart in to give him a brief hug. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay," he mumbles into my shoulder, hugging back tightly.
Then I pull away to run after the class that's walking off, turning back to wave once at Naruto. When I turn forward again, I have to bite my lip to resist the urge to go back to him. He just looks so sad. I don't want to have to leave him, either, especially after how the teacher acted, but I don't have much choice. Besides, it'll only be an hour. How much trouble can he get into in an hour?
Once I catch up with the group, I walk more near them than with them. Aside from Naruto, I don't really interact with anyone my physical age. Generally, I can't stand children. They're loud and messy, and kinda mean spirited. Mostly because they don't realize or know better. But that knowledge doesn't make interacting with them tolerable.
And in some ways, little girls can be worse than boys. No, both genders of little kids are bad. It's just that as a girl, I'm more likely to interact with girls than boys, since we're at the age where everyone of the opposite gender has "cooties."
Blegh.
We stop walking once we reach a—you guessed it—flower field. Oh great. Flowers.
Seriously? This is what I'm going to waste my time on? I mean, it'd be one thing if we were being taught about which ones are edible or poisonous, and how to prepare them, but that's probably not what we're going to learn. Especially considering the age range of this class. Some of the girls I recognize from my class, some from lunch.
The teacher positions herself in front of us before talking. "Since we covered the flowers native to Konoha last time, today's assignment is to identify and gather them. Afterward, we'll review their meanings and uses. You have half an hour starting now."
Immediately the girls start breaking off into little groups to start their search. I dither for a moment, unsure of what to do. I don't know any flowers, let alone flowers native to Konoha. I mean, what? What the hell do flowers native to Konoha even look like? Leafy? Green? I don't know.
Resisting the urge to grip my head in frustration, I'm stopped by a familiar voice calling out to me.
"Renge-san?"
"Kyoko-chan!" another voice whisper-shouts, probably to the girl calling out to me.
I look toward the voice, already suspecting who it is, and just as I thought, it's Aikawa. What the hell. I have to resist the urge to make a disgruntled face at her, because seriously, what the hell. I thought I was done with her. She didn't seem like she was going to blab, and she'd made friends, noted by the two girls standing a bit away, casting furtive glances toward us, so I thought I wouldn't have to pay her much attention. And now she's talking to me. Why?
Schooling my face into a facsimile of a smile, I greet her. "Hey, Aikawa."
She gives a little frown at that, then brings her hands in front of her and starts fiddling with her fingers. "It's Kyoko," she insists, but when I don't say anything, she gives a little harrumph and drops her hands. "Is this your first kunoichi class?"
What a stupid question. Of course it is. Which should be easy for her to deduce, considering this is the first time she's seen me attending. So why is she asking? Small talk? Feeling a bit annoyed at her wasting my time when I have no fucking clue how I'm supposed to complete our assigned task, my answer comes out a bit curt.
"Yeah."
"Ah, um," Aikawa stutters, bringing her hands back up to fiddle with them. "W-would you like to work together? Since this is your first class."
And because I don't know what we're looking for, goes unsaid.
Frankly, I'm surprised by her offer. Then suspicious. Why is she offering? She gets nothing out of it while I benefit greatly. And then the way her friends are observing us so nervously... Are they nervous for Aikawa because she's talking to me or because of something else? Because they're plotting something?
But—they're only children. What could they possibly be plotting? Besides, Aikawa was there with Lunch-face and Righty. She knows the punishment Lunch-face got for messing with me and Naruto—
And then my thoughts are derailed, because she knows about Lunch-face. She knows when Lunch-face's suspension will be over. Probably. I can use her to get revenge on Lunch-face.
Resisting the urge to smile wickedly, I reply, "That'd be great. I have no clue what we're looking for."
"Great!" she shouts, smiling at me. Then she gives a little jolt, her hands flying up to her mouth. "Oh! Hold on!"
Aikawa give me a small smile before running off to her two friends. They exchange a few words before Aikawa makes her way back, her friends walking off with a few backward glances. I have to resist the urge to bare my teeth at them. I don't want to scare Aikawa's friends into making sure we don't interact. Even if I can't get on her good side enough to have her spill info on Lunch-face, I need to at least make sure she harbors no ill will toward me or Naruto. Don't want her to tell anyone she saw me jumping out of the window of the teacher's office. There's never a "good" reason to be seen doing something like that.
As soon as Aikawa reaches me, she smiles again. "Okay! Come on, this is what we're looking for!"
And then she starts listing flowers and their characteristics, most of which I promptly forget. It's hard to get excited about what we're doing, but Aikawa looks genuinely interested. She even mentions which ones are edible. Which. Why you would want to eat flowers boggles my mind. The closest I've gotten to eating a flower is sucking on a honeysuckle, but that was during my really stupid phase (which actually covers half my life, but I'm pretty sure most kids are just dumb before puberty—at least, I like to think so, because I used to be seriously stupid, as in really lacking in the common sense department and not very good at memorization, which sucks because that's pretty much what school learning's about). Too bad she doesn't know things like whether they're poisonous or not. If only I could find some that can paralyze someone or give them stomach troubles or something... then I'd use it on Lunch-face. Or our teacher—Naruto and mine, not Aikawa and mine. Or even that other teacher. The one who almost slapped Naruto.
Despite my lackluster participation, we eventually gather what Aikawa deems is enough flowers. By then, Aikawa's finished her lecture on Konoha-native flowers and we've lapsed into a bit of an awkward silence. Which is just... I really don't know what to do about this girl. Don't know why she's associating with me. What she wants. And I don't want to give her anything more than I have to. But I have to give her something because otherwise she'll leave with not-so-good feelings about me and that's what I want to avoid. For now, at least.
Not that I know what to say. How the hell do you interact with kids, anyway? Aside from Naruto—he's a special case. I don't think he's realized yet that we don't have to spend so much time together, that he can break away from me. And it would be so so easy for him to... If only everyone else didn't treat him with disdain (and for one horrible, sick moment, I'm glad they do. Because it means he won't leave me. That he needs me. Because I need him).
"So, what else does this class cover, besides flowers," I interrupt my thoughts by speaking.
Aikawa looks up from the flower crown (or at least that's what I think it is) she's been working on for the last few minutes, startled at my sudden question. She drops the flower crown without meaning to, quickly stooping over to pick it back up. Then she fiddles with it, keeping her eyes down.
"Um, s-so far we learned about plant life in Konoha. But next week we're going to start learning about how to be a lady!" Here, she claps her hands together, looking at me with—I swear to god—sparkling eyes.
Dear god. I need to readjust my assessment of this girl. She isn't just excited about flowers, she's excited about this class. She must be a real girly girl. (As if the pink flower dress and the frilly ribbons in her hair weren't evidence enough.)
Wow. Um. Abort?
No, wait. This makes her invaluable. If there's someone I can cheat/mooch off of for this class, here is the one person who might be willing. I won't have to creep on people to try and figure out what the fuck we're doing. Here is my... golden egg? Is that the correct phrase? I've never been all that good with phrases or analogies.
Aaaand I should probably respond.
"That's... nice." Aikawa giggles at my disgruntled face. I sniff faux-haughtily. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up."
She pauses long enough to gasp out an apology. "S-sorry!" I just wave her off. At least she's not being all super meek right now. She laughs a little more before finally calming down. Then she peers at me curiously. "You don't like this class?"
"Well," I dither, scrunching up my nose in contemplation. Truth, semi-truth, or lie? "Not really. I'm not all that interested in... girly things. I mean, I guess it's important to be able to blend in as a civilian, but a lady? And isn't it unfair that the boys don't have to go through something like this? I'd rather learn how to beat someone up."
"I guess...," she responds, unsure, thoughtful. She clasps her hands together and looks down again. "It's just... I'm not really good at all the... um, the other stuff. I'm weak, and not very fast, and—and I get scared easily... But I'm good at this! I help my mom out a lot and she's been teaching me things because she says it's important for a girl to learn how to be a lady and—um..." Aikawa flushes a deep red as she trails off.
Whoa, way to bare yourself. And while I'm kinda curious about the end of her sentence, I'm also not because I can guess and that's something you shouldn't be telling your—how old is Aikawa? Seven? Eight?—little girl.
We lapse into a semi-awkward silence again before I give in and break it. I have to remember, friendly relations. Besides, Aikawa's not all that bad... A three out of ten on the annoying scale? Anyway, she'll have her uses.
"Everyone's got something they're good at and something they're bad at. At least you found what you're good at. But—" Why are you aiming to become a ninja if you're not good at the physical portion? Excelling in the kunoichi classes isn't a good thing unless you want to specialize in infiltration or seduction. Luckily, I cut myself off before I bungle things up and ask such a rude question. Aikawa peers at me curiously, waiting for me to continue talking. "Well, at least one of us is good at this. I'm half afraid I'm going to fail this class. And I have so much to catch up on, too."
"I can help you!" Aikawa shouts enthusiastically, her eyes shining with dedication, her hands clenching into fists. I can't help but look at her in shock because, wow, I was not expecting that. I mean, I thought maybe she'll offer, or that she'd be amenable to at least help a little during class, but to be so enthusiastic?
What's the catch? There's gotta be one. Nobody's that nice, especially to me or Naruto. Not without a reason. Even Raidou, who was probably only nice to us at first because he knew our parents and because it's his job. Though I'm eighty percent certain he's attached to us now. We've grown on him, like fungus.
And Aikawa? What's her deal? Certainly, it can't be because anyone encouraged her to be my friend. Not unless it's part of some plot similar to mine, or worse, which may be a bit too complicated for a child to concoct. So... what? Maybe it's one of those feel-good things. Make her feel better about herself.
This is something she's good at. Helping out someone is a form of self-gloating. But whatever the case is, I can't afford to turn down her help.
"Er, okay. Thanks."
That's as far as we get before the teacher calls the time and we have to gather in front of her. I don't get to talk to Aikawa for the rest of the class—not that I really want to—or afterward, when her friends quickly collect her and dart off to wherever, though Aikawa calls out a farewell. Her friends cast dubious looks toward me, which I manfully ignore, as they cart her off.
Briefly, I wonder if I'm supposed to receive anything from the teacher—papers or a book or even a syllabus—but by the time I look away from Aikawa, she's already gone. No use lingering. Heaving a sigh, I quickly depart.
I reach the front of our apartment complex at the same time as Naruto. Which. Confuses me.
"Hey, nee-san!" Naruto greets enthusiastically, grinning widely at me.
I give a short wave, eyeing him dubiously. "...Where were you?"
"Hehe, do you really want to know?" he asks, leaning forward dramatically, then rocking back on his feet.
"Er, on second thought, no."
Because with the way he's acting? I really don't want to know. Plausible deniability and all that. Besides, he's way too excited at the thought of telling me. I think I'd rather have the satisfaction of not giving him the satisfaction.
And sure enough, he pouts. "Aww, you're no fun!"
"Yeah, yeah," I roll my eyes as I drag him up the stairs by his hand.
Suddenly, his pout morphs into a wicked grin. He lets go of my hand to throw his arm around my shoulder and he leans in.
"So, how was your kunoichi class?"
"Ugh," I groan. "Don't even ask."
.
.
"How much trouble can he get into in an hour?"
A lot, apparently.
My second kunoichi class, being a joint meeting between my class and another, runs later than expected. With so many girls gathered together, chittering and already sharing gossip (which, really, what's there to gossip about at such a young age? So and so pulled so and so's hair, making her cry?), the teacher—and I really wish I knew her name, so that I can call her something other than "the teacher" or "teacher #2" or "that female teacher, the one with the frizzy hair"—had more trouble than usual keeping an eye on us all. Which is why some girls tried to cause trouble.
Not that they got very far, I can't help but think triumphantly. Can't believe I got some use out of the itching powder I've been holding on to in hopes of encountering Lunch-face. Aikawa managed to look disapproving even through her laughter. Though, I won't be able to use it again for a while, lest I bring more suspicion onto me. The teacher is already keeping a close eye on me, though I can only guess as to why (my age, my relation to Naruto, on the Hokage's orders, or for some entirely different reason).
Doesn't really matter though, since there's nothing I can do about it. So I shake the thought out of my head and speed up my pace as I run toward the apartment. I can feel Naruto loitering near what I think is the entrance, probably waiting for me.
That boy can be so impatient sometimes. (Look who's talking.)
Maybe he's just bored. Half of me is curious about what he does when I'm not around, but the other half really doesn't want to know because I still don't know when and how he got the itching powder. Or the glue he'd used on our teacher's desk, which our teacher somehow avoided touching with his hands, instead resting his clothed elbows on it. Naruto and I had trouble acting innocent, but thankfully he took to heart my warnings about getting caught.
You know, I've never given serious thought about why I can sense Naruto—Kurama, I mean. Because it's Kurama I'm sensing, not Naruto. Sure, a bijuu's chakra is probably really distinct, but it's not like I can sense anyone else to compare it to. Maybe I'm just really in tune with it? I was in the womb of a jinchuuriki (and that's not something I really want to contemplate). And wasn't that where Kurama was sealed? In Kushina's stomach? Or at least I assume that her seal was in the same place as Naruto's. Plus, I've spent the last four years constantly by Naruto's side.
But then, shouldn't I be able to sense Naruto? Or maybe I can sense him, but it's overwhelmed by Kurama's chakra. Or maybe it's that plus that I'm in tune with Kurama's chakra, making it easier for me to sense it. Or something. I don't know.
Maybe I'll be able to research this later. After I summon up the courage to ask Raidou for more lessons on chakra.
I'm interrupted from my musings when I sense Naruto approaching me. Curious, I start to speed up. Maybe he's actually out to do something? Is there anything we need to buy today?
I'm almost at his location when he suddenly stops moving. At first, I don't think much of it. Until Kurama's chakra suddenly spikes suddenly. Distantly, I hear a familiar voice crying out in pain.
Naruto!
Heedless of anyone standing in my way, I barrel through the afternoon crowd toward my brother. My heart jumps into my throat when I hear Naruto shouting.
"Stop! Stop!"
There's a crowd of people ahead, standing in a wide circle. I push my way through, elbowing people and stomping on their feet, growling at anyone who doesn't move quickly enough.
"Get out of my way!" I bark. Someone tries to grab my arm, but I quickly shake them off. It takes too long for me to finally reach the front, and when I do, I stop in shock. There, in the center, is Naruto curled into a ball, his arms around his head to protect it. Above him, a man shouts at him, kicking at him again and again and again—
"—Disgusting monster! Why are you alive?"
Why. Why? Why are you doing this to him to us why stop it stop you motherfucker why where are the Anbu aren't they supposed to protect us protect him die I'll kill you I'llkillyou I'll—
"—Kill you!"
I don't think, don't see or hear or feel. Vision full of Naruto beaten and bruised, I throw myself at the (motherfucker I'll kill him die die die) man. I tackle his legs, knock him over. Don't give him time to recover. My fists and feet, too small, too weak, pound at everything in its reach. Stomp, kick, punch, punch, kick, kick, kick kickkick. I'll kill you I'll kill you kill kill motherfucker die! Soft, hard, flesh, hair, face, groin. It hurts. It hurts hurts hurts but it Naruto hurts more Naruto's hurt he's hurt this asshole this motherfucker hurt him—!
I'm hurled backward, and I tumble, scraping my legs, my palms, my elbows. Strike the ground, bounce, head hits the floor and I bite my tongue. Copper fills my mouth as I lay, gasping.
Pain piercing through my scalp, someone grips my hair and pulls. The asshole, back on his feet, holds me up by my hair. I shriek and he slaps me, yells and shakes me but I can't hear. Can't make out his voice over the sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I reach up, scratch at his hands, kick out but he's too far away.
"Let go! Let go let go I'll kill you let go!"
Crying behind me, a familiar voice. Someone latches onto my back, tries to prop me up, but too weak, too small. Naruto. Naruto Naruto Naruto this bastard hurt you I'll kill him I'll kill him I'll kill—
"Stop it! Let her go!" Naruto shouts, behind me, near, but it sounds so distant, muffled.
And it's not enough, it'll never be enough. He just laughs and shakes me, shakes us both, growls. Says something, but I can't hear. And I scratch at his hands and scratch and shriek and shout.
"I'll kill you let go let go!"
My throat hurts my scalp hurts my ears ring tears stream down my face but it'll be okay. It'll be okay as long as I can kill him. I just need to kill him just fucking kill—
A hand is suddenly squeezing the man's arm, squeezing so tightly white blooms under fingertips and the man's grip on me loosens and I drop, but Naruto's holding me so I don't. I slowly land on my feet and I try to throw myself back at him but Naruto won't let go he won't fucking let go and I almost throw my elbow into his face but it's Naruto so I don't I won't even though that fucking asshole is right there where—
Where what? I'll kill him? How? You're not strong enough, not skilled enough. No weapon, either. There's nothing I can do.
Defeated, exhausted, I slump in Naruto's grip and flick my gaze toward the person who interrupted. A man with shoulder length straight black hair, with his hand still clamped tight on the fucking asshole's arm, stands in front of us. His eyebrows are furrowed over small eyes as he whispers furiously at the asshole. The Military Police insignia stands out on the arm of his uniform.
An Uchiha.
I tense at the knowledge. Just because he stopped the man, doesn't mean things are over.
"—publicly assault a child."
I catch the tail end of his sentence, but the rest is drowned out by Naruto.
"Nee-san," he mumbles as he pushes his head into my shoulder. He goes from holding me to hugging me, his grip tight. Painfully tight. I can start to feel the aches and the pains, the bruises and scrapes. It fucking hurts but I don't care. I don't care because it's Naruto.
Naruto. Naruto Naruto oh god is he okay!? Is he hurt bad? Should he be standing?
Panicking, I push away from him and turn to get a good look at him. I suck in a deep breath from shock. His left eye is swollen shut, there's blood coming from his nose and mouth, and some from a cut on his forehead. There are dusty footprints covering most of his clothes on one side, the same side he's now gripping tightly. His elbows and his knees look scraped and bruises are starting to bloom one side of his body. To top it all off, there are tear tracks on his face, with new tears forming in the corner of his eyes.
I want to (kill that bastard that motherfucker how dare he how dare he lay a single fucking hand on my brother I'll kill him eviscerate him cut him into tiny little pieces no one will ever be able to find him paint his blood on the fucking walls as a warning) comfort Naruto but I don't know how, don't know if there's a safe place to touch on him that won't hurt, that doesn't ache.
Without wanting it to, the fucker's voice carries over, aggravating me, making me anxious. I try not to pay attention to him. I don't pay attention to him, because if I do, I'll try to kill him again.
"Naruto," I gasp out, and god do I sound pathetic. So fucking pathetic. Can't even protect my own brother. And where are they people who are supposed to protect him? Where are the Anbu? Where?
I bring my hands up abortively, unsure if I should hold him or not, and let out a groan. Despite the amount of times I've seen him hurt, I'll never get used to the sight. I don't want to get used to it. Shouldn't have to. Yet, here we are. Once again.
I don't care if it's illegal for Academy students to carry weapons, from now on I'm keeping a kunai on me at all times.
Reading my indecision, Naruto wraps his free arm around me instead. His hold on me is loose, but his grip on my shirt is tight. I follow his example and grip his shirt tightly. As he starts to tremble, I gently rest my chin on his shoulder—
And wish I didn't.
There are still people surrounding us. Just standing there, whispering, gossiping; watching. While Naruto was getting beat up, while that motherfucker had me hanging by my hair, while we were screaming and shouting, these fucking assholes just stood there and did nothing. Did someone actually go out of their way to alert the Uchiha policeman about what's going on, or did he just stumble upon the scene? Did these fuckers just stand her and watch as a little kid was assaulted by a fucking grown man?
Was it entertaining?
I can feel my lips forming a snarl when a familiar figure catches my eye. A girl—teenager?—with long honey-brown hair shoulders her way through the crowd, her bright teal sundress popping out from the sea of plain colors. Large green eyes reflects the horror written across her face when she gets a good look at us.
For a moment, I can't remember why she looks familiar. I frown at her long enough for her to realize I'm looking at her. Which, unfortunately, she takes as permission to approach us.
"Naruto-kun! Renge-chan!" she calls out.
Naruto's grip on me loosens as he turns around at the sound of his name. At first, he frowns at the girl before his face lights up in recognition, then flushes—probably in embarrassment.
"Hisano-neesan," he mumbles in greeting.
What? "Neesan?" How does Naruto know this chick? As I unconsciously glower at the girl, I watch as her expression turns disapproving for a moment, causing Naruto to become sheepish, before becoming sympathetic.
Inexplicably, I feel like punching someone again.
What the hell. Who is she? Why does she seem familiar? And why is Naruto so familiar with her? I watch warily as the girl, Hisano, kneels in front of us. Then she fishes a handkerchief out from a clutch hanging from her shoulder and reaches out to wipe at Naruto's face.
As I'm about to slap her hand away, I'm struck by the familiarity of this scene. Is she—the neighbor girl?
Oh my god Naruto, when did you get friendly with the neighbor girl? First name basis, too! What the fuck.
Struck by disbelief, I'm too slow to stop "Hisano-neesan." I can only stand and watch as she gently wipes his face, inexplicably both enraged and jealous, and also ashamed of myself. God, that should be my job. I'm the one who should be cleaning him off with a handkerchief (never mind that I don't carry one), who should be soothing and consoling him. This... this chick is doing more to calm Naruto than I did. I—
Naruto's relying on someone else... and I'm jealous. He should be relying on me. (I should be able to rely on him.) Why isn't he relying on me? (Why can't I rely on him?) Aren't I good enough? (Why isn't there anyone I can rely on?) Am I not enough? (Why isn't anyone here for me?) Am I not needed? Does he not need me anymore? (Why must I be the strong one? The protector?) Am I useless?
(someone
help
me)
My grip on Naruto loosens, but he doesn't notice. He's focused on the sensation of having his face wiped gently. His eyes are shut, but his face is flushed.
"Ya okay?" the girl asks.
No. No he isn't okay. Obviously. But I don't say anything. Only watch as Naruto's face turns even redder as he squints at the girl and nods.
"Yeah!" he shouts. "This is nothing! A strong ninja can take a beating or two!"
He straightens up and puffs up his chest, only to curl inward with a wince, clutching at his side again. Alarmed, I pull his shirt up to prod at his side. Naruto yelps and whines at me, but I barely pay attention as I check to make sure he doesn't have a broken ribcage. Not that I'm sure I'll know if he does. Eventually I prod a spot that makes him yelp in pain.
"How does this feel?" I ask as I feel around. It doesn't feel broken. Maybe bruised?
Naruto scowls at me and speaks through gritted teeth, "It hurts."
Well. With that attitude, it's probably not broken. I roll my eyes as I drop his shirt. He's just petulant I'm embarrassing him in front of the "pretty lady."
I want to say that it's suspicious that she ran into us here, I really do. Especially considering this is our second time bumping into her when Naruto's injured. But we're really close to our apartment, so I can't. And she really does live in the same complex as us—I've seen her a few times. Unless, that is, she's been snooping around the place. But for a whole month?
There's still the question of how she and Naruto became "close."
Before I can interrogate her, however, a shadow falls over us. When I turn around, the Uchiha policeman looks down at us with an expression that I interpret as consternation. Or maybe it's frustration. I don't know. Behind him, the asshole is being detained by another Uchiha policeman, this one a much older man past his prime. He has graying hair and squinted eyes with wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.
I can't help but chastise myself for not noticing his arrival. Like an idiot, I let myself get distracted. We're not safe yet. Obviously, being out in the open gives us no safety, and there's no one around that we can trust to keep us safe. Seriously, where the fuck are the fucking Anbu? Isn't it their job to keep Naruto safe?
I thought we had at least one Anbu guard? Is that only a night thing? Or... what? Did our guard deliberately do nothing as Naruto was attacked?
"You two are coming with us to headquarters," the Uchiha states in a cool voice that's at odds with his expression.
"What for?" I'm quick to ask. I know it's to take our statements, but the way the guy's acting puts me on edge. Maybe it's just an Uchiha thing (aside from that guy—that weird Uchiha), or maybe he just doesn't like us, but he is radiating contempt. Frankly, I don't want him anywhere near Naruto.
"Listen—" he growls, glaring down at me, but cuts himself off. His eyes flicker briefly toward Hisano as he grits his teeth. "We need to take your statements."
Naruto frowns up at him, probably not understanding what he means. I don't blame him. If I hadn't gotten my hands on a dictionary, I wouldn't have known what he meant. Even then, it's a guess at best. For all I know, he might have said something completely different.
I mold my face into a look of confusion. "Our what?"
"Just—come with us."
His frustration is written clearly across his face—so much for Uchiha stoicism—and he looks one step away from hitting us, so I don't badger him. Even though I want to, because wow what an asshole. I'd ask how he got this job, but he's an Uchiha.
...Which actually leads to the question of how competent these guys actually are, if they're so unpleasant. I wonder how many crimes go unreported because people don't want to deal with the Uchiha or don't trust them to do their job properly? I know the general attitude toward the Uchiha is cool. (You can tell, because half the crowd around us can't decide who to glare at: us or the Uchiha.)
Suddenly, Hisano stands up. "I'm comin' too," she says, simpering. "To give my witness statement."
She lays a hand on Naruto and my shoulder. I try not to tense under her touch, and it's really hard to resist the urge to smack her hand away, but even though I don't trust her, I'll feel better if she comes with. They're less likely to do anything to us with a witness around.
"A credible source," the Uchiha sneers at her, but concedes.
And what does that mean?
Hisano smiles sharply at the Uchiha as he walks toward the other Uchiha, probably his partner (do they partner up? I know that's what police did Before, but these are shinobi...). They exchange a few words, the older Uchiha glancing in our direction, before they start walking. The crowd parts easily for them, watching with wide-eyed interest as our assailant is dragged forward with very loud protests.
"It's their fault! Those demons! They killed my wife! They—"
"Be quiet," the older Uchiha orders as he tugs forward on the fucker's handcuffs, making him stumble. Serves him right.
As soon as their backs are turned to us, I shrug Hisano's hand off my shoulder and grip Naruto's hand. Even though I don't want her walking behind us, more than that, I don't want our backs completely unguarded. So I suck it up and start following the Uchiha, though I keep some distance between us.
The journey to the police station is long and arduous, and unnecessarily painful. I really hope they have a medic-nin on hand, though I doubt it, because as quickly as Naruto heals, he still needs medical attention. What if something did break and it heals improperly? And I know I definitely need healing. I wish we could go to the hospital instead of the station. No, I wish we could go back to the apartment. I just want to curl up in bed and not come out for week. (And then plot that fucker's demise.)
I just feel so so tired. My whole body aches. I can't decide if I want to cry or punch someone, but that isn't unusual. I'm leaning toward punching someone.
Whenever I imagined going to the police station, it definitely didn't happen like this. I always thought I would just... visit. Out of curiosity. Or maybe we'd get taken in for something minor. Like petty theft. Or destruction of property. Or defamation.
Definitely not beaten and bruised.
Not as the victim to be mocked or not taken seriously. Because somehow I doubt things would be going in our favor if there weren't so many witnesses.
Around us, people stop to point and stare. Whispering follows us. Naruto's grip on my hand tightens as he starts walking closer to me. I take a quick glance behind us to see Hisano walking not far behind us with a fierce glare on her face. Despite all the noise following us, we're quiet, except for the motherfucker's insistence on being loud in spite of the Uchiha quieting him.
"—going on?"
"What did they—"
"—just disappear like—"
"—demons."
My foot catches on something and I stumble, almost falling over before someone—I glimpse the worried face of Hisano—catches my arm, dragging a hiss of pain out of me. God, I hurt.
"Shouldn't the kids go to the hospital?" Hisano asks the two policemen, but they don't respond.
I'm not sure if they didn't hear her or if they're just ignoring her. We continue walking, though Hisano walks closer to us, probably in case I trip again. If we weren't in public, I have the feeling Naruto would be attached to me like a limpet. I don't blame him. I'd do the same.
It feels like it takes hours to trudge our way to the police station, but we finally make it. Overhead, the sky is starting to turn pink. The building looks like it's made mostly from stone with two sets of double doors on either side of a booth protruding at the front of the building. The booth's center window is open, with a bored looking teenage Uchiha sitting behind it. His bored look quickly disappears when he catches sight of us.
"Yashiro-sempai! Inabi-sempai!" he shouts as he jumps out of his seat.
The fucker starts shouting and struggling again in one last effort, but I willfully ignore him. Unlike Naruto, who flinches into me at whatever the fucker's saying.
"Ignore him," I advise Naruto, but I don't think he listens to my advice, because he keeps flinching. And I know, easier said than done. At least I have practice from all the years learning to tune out my dad (though, unfortunately, it never worked for anything shown on TV, no matter how awful the content). Don't think covering his ears will help much, either.
"Tekka," the older Uchiha nods in acknowledgement.
No other words are exchanged as he holds open the door, leaving the younger Uchiha to drag the asshole inside. I wait until they've cleared the area before I lead Naruto inside, skirting around the man holding the door open.
I used to watch a lot of police procedural TV shows. Castle, Criminal Minds, Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes and its predecessor... Normally, I'd be excited or at least curious about the inner workings of an actual police station (and also really freaking nervous, because there's never a positive reason to visit a police station). But now, I can't bring myself to care. I just want to leave as soon as I can. More than anything, I just want to be comforted. Instead, I'll have to comfort Naruto.
Instead, we're seated by the front desk and then are promptly ignored. No questions, no healing, no anything. The two Uchiha are quick to ditch us, making off with the still protesting fucker. I make sure to get one last look at him to try and memorize how he looks.
The front lobby is less busy than I thought it would be, considering it's the only police station in a city this big (Hidden "Village" is definitely a misnomer, though it probably did start off as a village). Two policemen sit behind the front desk talking to a half-hysterical woman wailing about her missing son. People intermittently exit one door and enter another, heading toward different sections of the building. Across from us, a man comforts his daughter crying about her missing pet.
Naruto slumps against me in his seat, exhausted. My grip on his hand tightens. On his other side, Hisano sits with her back straight, her fists clenched on her lap, glaring at the people around us. I would be, too, except I just don't have the energy to do anything but sit here. I'm physically exhausted, but my mind won't rest.
I wonder why Hisano is helping us. Why that man attacked Naruto. Why was no one guarding Naruto? Or if he was being guarded, why didn't they do anything? Why are we here instead of the hospital? Can't they take our statement there? Or do they just not care enough to let us get our wounds treated?
If they come out with the excuse that they need to "properly document our injuries," I'm gonna call bullshit. Because they're waiting way too long. By the time someone does, most of Naruto's injuries will be healed. Or is that what they're aiming for? To make Naruto look less injured than he is?
More than anything, I really wish Raidou was here.
Tears sting at my eyes. I close them before any can leak out, willing them to go away. Unintentionally, I catch part of a conversation between two people walking by.
"More missing children?" a male whispers.
Another man sighs. "I don't know why you're so surprised. It's been happening for years now."
"Yeah, but," the first man says, then hesitates. "It makes me worry for my son. He's in the age range..."
"I know two children no one would miss. Why can't they be taken instead?"
I tense. What the hell? Is that fucker talking about us?
"Oh! If it isn't the little miss and her brother!" A familiar voice suddenly calls out, startling me so badly I accidentally jostle Naruto off of my shoulder.
My eyes snap open and immediately search for the owner of the voice. An Uchiha policeman man with dark unruly hair shoulders past two men, waving enthusiastically at us.
Oh dear god. What the hell. First the neighbor girl and now him?
Naruto looks around wildly before he spots the man. He perks up as soon as he recognizes him. Annoyance flashes across my face before it settles into a glare.
"Ojisan!" Naruto shouts. He starts to get up from his seat, but I stop him before he can, earning a pout from him. "Nee-san!" he whines.
I ignore him for a moment, intent on the Uchiha. "What do you want?"
The Uchiha grins widely, the laugh lines on his face becoming prominent, with a flash of his teeth. Luckily, we're indoors so it doesn't blind me this time. I'm still tempted to shield my eyes. He stops in front of us, looming over us, and god does that make me want to punch him.
"Now, now. Is that any way to talk to your elder?" he asks with a laugh. But before I can respond, his eyes flick over to Hisano and a look of surprise crosses his face. "Oh? And who is this young lady?"
"None of your business," I grit out, but I'm ignored as Naruto talks over me.
"That's Hisano-neesan! She lives next door, but not next door. Um..."
"I live three door down," Hisano interjects, giving the policeman a winsome smile, giving her dipping her head demurely in greeting. "Fujimaki Hisano."
The Uchiha gives a shallow bow in return. "Uchiha Meikyou, at your service. So what brings you three here?"
I probably shouldn't tell him off, no matter how much I want to, because he's the first person to actually "assist" us. I have to bite my lip to resist the urge, instead letting Naruto talk.
"We're here to give our state—our stateme—um," Naruto pauses, looking at me imploringly.
"Statement."
"Yeah! That!" Naruto nods.
"What for?" Meikyou asks. As he takes a better look at us, his smile disappears from his face.
I don't blame him. We probably look like a mess. I feel like a mess. Naruto flushes, shrinking into himself and looking down to hide his face. In contrast, I look directly into the Uchiha's eyes.
"An asshole attacked Naruto," I state plainly.
Hisano whips her head toward me so fast I'm afraid it'll fall off. She gives a little snort, glancing at Meikyou out of the corner of her eye. Meikyou doesn't react, though his eyes narrow a bit.
"I see," he says, never looking away from me. "Do you know why?" My eyes flick over toward Naruto in response. Meikyou follows my gaze, his eyes softening as he kneels to try and catch Naruto's eyes. "Naruto?"
Naruto finally looks up, a stubborn look in his eyes as he juts his chin out. "He said mean things! He said… he said that nee-san and I are monsters. But we're not! We're not!" He repeats himself, looking up at the policeman earnestly. "Nee-san said that anyone who calls us a monster is a monster. So I said that he's the monster! And then... and then he hit me, so I hit him back."
I... I don't know if I should laugh or cry or what. Is this my fault? Is this because I said that to him? Because I'm the time of person to hit someone back when they hit me, and Naruto emulates me to an extent? Am I really that much of a bad influence?
No.
It isn't my fault. It's that asshole's fault. It's all the people who insist we're monster—that Naruto's a monster even though he's just a little kid. Even though he's an orphan boy who just wants people to love him and accept him.
(And instead, he got me.)
The worst part... the really worst part? Is that I can't scold him because it sounds like something I might do. Because he really is emulating me in some ways.
"I saw some of it," Hisano chimes in. "I was passin' by when Renge-chan charged the guy. But a child against a grown man? Luckily, a policeman broke them up. But we've been here for a while an' no one's talked to us."
"Oh?" Meikyou gives a little hum. For a moment, his eyes flash red as he takes a good long look at me and Naruto, making me jolt.
The Sharingan?
But before I can ask him, he pulls out a notebook and a pencil. He writes something down and then tears the page out. He folds it and snags the arm of the first person to walk by, another Uchiha policeman. "Take this to the Hokage."
"But—" the man tries to protest, but Meikyou cuts him off.
"Now," he says. "It's urgent."
The man grumbles, his eyes flicking over to us disdainfully. I resist the urge to sneer at him, instead watching as he takes the note with a sniff and walks off.
"Only because it's you, Meikyou-sempai."
Meikyou gives the retreating man's back a small smile before taking the only available seat, which is next to Hisano. He holds up his pencil and notepad. "Please, tell me more."
We each give him our versions of the events. Naruto's a bit vague, though not entirely on purpose, limited by his vocabulary. I try to be as concise as I can, though I mention not going to the hospital and that one policeman's insistence that we come here. Hisano's retelling covers what happened after I appeared. She also mentions how we've received no medical treatment and reiterates that we've been here a while without anyone talking to us. Meikyou notes everything we say, giving encouraging nods and hums whenever we falter.
"Alright, that's everything," he states as he stores his notepad away. "You're free to go."
What? Really? No paperwork? No photographic evidence? No detailing of our injuries? I share a look with Naruto, dubious. Hisano looks unsure, hesitating to stand up, though she grabs her clutch.
"Ya sure?" she asks. She casts a concerned look over me and Naruto, making me unconsciously bristle. I know I shouldn't, that she's concerned for us—and she does seem genuine—but I just don't like being looked at. Not like that.
"Yes," Meikyou nods his head. His mouth, set in a straight line, purses in displeasure. It's so odd seeing him so serious. I know first impressions can't be trusted, but he seems like such a jovial person that his serious mien shouldn't suit him. Yet it does. "I'll fill out the paperwork, plus a file of complaint. You shouldn't have been made to wait for so long. Especially without medical attention." He notices me looking intently at him and gives me a small smile. "I sent a message to the Hokage, so your guardian should be here soon."
Our guardian? Oh. Raidou.
Oh thank god.
The immediate relief at finding out that Raidou's on his way startles me. But then, is it really so surprising? I rely on him a lot (more than I should) and he's been there for us for years. Plus, he's the only adult figure in our lives. Of course I'll be relieved to cede responsibility to him. He'll take of us—at the least, it's his job.
"We'll be okay, neesan!" Naruto says, but when I look at him, I see he's not talking to me, but Hisano.
"If you're sure...," Hisano says, glancing hesitantly toward the both of us.
Yes, we're sure. Now go.
Naruto echoes my thoughts, except in a completely different tone of voice. She still looks hesitant as she leaves, turning down Meikyou's offer to walk her out. Once she's gone, the Uchiha settles back in his seat and gives us a smile. It's oddly comforting to see him smile again, which kinda pisses me off. I don't say anything though, instead watching in annoyance as Naruto smiles back.
"Oh, right!" Meikyou suddenly exclaims. He starts digging through his pockets until he finds what he's searching for. He pulls out whatever it is and holds it out to me. "Here. Thank you for last time."
It takes me a moment to recognize what it is, but when I do, I can't help but turn red. "Ah!"
"Ah?" Naruto imitates me, craning his head to get a look at it.
I snatch the handkerchief out of Meikyou's hand and quickly pocket it. Thank god he didn't pull it out earlier. If Hisano had seen it... Would she have recognized her own handkerchief?
Crap. I'll have to remember to give this back to her. Unless she forgot about it?
"What?" Naruto asks. "What is it?" He leans over to try and paw at my pocket. I get up to dodge him, resolutely ignoring my body screaming at me in protest.
"Nothing! It's nothing." I shout. "And stop moving so much. You're injured, remember?"
Naruto pouts at me. "But it doesn't really hurt anymore! See!"
And he prods at his side before I can stop him. I lurch toward him, only to stop jerkily when he doesn't even flinch. Two hours ago, he had to hold that side to make sure he didn't accidentally jostle it, and now poking it doesn't even hurt? Why do I continuously underestimate his speed of healing? But I'm still worried that it might not have healed properly. And...
"Stop that," I slap his hand away, pointedly looking in Meikyou's direction. The Uchiha, realizing I'm looking at him, turns his curious gaze away from Naruto to flash his teeth at me in a wide smile. I instinctively cover my eyes.
That's the scene Raidou arrives to.
"Naruto! Renge!" he shouts as he rushes toward us.
"Raidou-nii!" Naruto shouts in joy.
He jumps out of his seat and throws himself at Raidou, hugging his legs enthusiastically. Raidou folds in over him, enveloping him in a hug. He looks over to me, and I can see the worry in his eyes, the relief to see us whole and standing. I stand there, uselessly, biting my lip. I'm glad he's here. I really am. But...
"Go on," Meikyou says, giving my back a little push.
I glare at him even as I comply. How dare he tell me what to do? And I'm not doing it just because he told me to! I was going to join them even before he said anything, damn it.
...Ah, whatever. Who cares?
Raidou raises his arm for me to snuggle in next to Naruto, engulfing the both of us. It's warm and nice and more comforting than I thought it would be. I can feel tears forming in my eyes and damn it, why? Why?
Why do I keep doubting this guy? Why can't I trust him fully? He deserves it. A part of me already unconsciously trusts him, takes comfort in his presence. Relies on him.
Eventually we separate, Raidou standing fully and turning toward Meikyou. He gives the Uchiha a nod (of acknowledgement?).
"Meikyou-san."
"Raidou-kun! It's been a while," Meikyou greets him warmly, though his expression quickly turns serious. "Unfortunate that we meet like this. I apologize on the behalf of my clansmen that it took so long to alert you of the situation. I'll be dealing with them personally." Here, he gives a bow. Some of the people around us stop to stare at him in shock.
It takes a moment, Raidou staring evenly at the back of Meikyou's head, before he responds. "Apology accepted." The Uchiha straightens at the acknowledgement. He gives a sharp look to everyone gawking (or as close to gawking as Uchiha get, which really isn't close at all) at him, making them return to what they were doing previously. "What exactly happened?"
As Meikyou recounts an incident report of what happened, I lean into Raidou's side. I'm so tired and I ache, and I just want to go back to the apartment and sleep. Raidou's hand, so warm and large, starts carding through my hair. It relaxes me, makes my eyes flutter shut. I zone out the sounds around me, choosing to trust Raidou to protect us.
Eventually, a familiar weight presses up against me, Naruto taking a hold of my hand. "Nee-san?" he murmurs.
"Hm?" I respond without opening my eyes.
"I want to go home."
"Yeah," I agree, blinking my eyes open to stare up at the off-white ceiling. "Me too."
Except I haven't considered anywhere to be home for years before I was reborn here.
Home… home isn't a place, it's a feeling. A person. A sense of comfort, of "this is where I want to be. This is where I feel comfortable." And the closest thing to that, for me, is Naruto.
And that's sad.
.
.
The rest of the day's a bit hazy. After Raidou and Meikyou finish talking, Raidou takes us (carries us) to the hospital where we're given a check-up. No serious injuries, so no healing, but we do get bandaged up. Unsurprisingly, me more than Naruto. By that time, most of his wounds have healed. My palms, elbows, and knees are all wrapped up, with some bandages around my head, too. I probably look like a half-wrapped zombie. A nurse, distantly polite at best with Raidou standing nearby, tells me that I can take the bandage off of my cheek.
Afterward, we head back to the apartment, where Raidou sends us to get cleaned up while he makes us dinner. All we really have to do is change our clothes and wash our hands, since the nurses had to clean off our dust-caked forms to check us over (no iryou-nin for us). A bit mortifying, but I ached too much to care. I still ache.
I just want this day to be over. And I'm definitely not looking forward to going to school tomorrow. Maybe we'll just skip.
As I'm contemplating this, Naruto suddenly speaks up. "Nee-san?"
"Yeah?" I respond, looking at him through the mirror as I wash my hands, except he's not looking at me. He's looking down at his feet. Shutting the water off, I turn around to get a good look at him. He's fidgeting his feet and biting on his lip. "Naruto?"
"I'm sorry!" he blurts out. He looks up, and there are tears in his eyes. Shit. "About today. It's my fault. I'm so sorry!"
Fuck.
Fuck fuck fuck.
Panicking, I wrap my arms around him, forgetting that my hands are wet. He doesn't seem to mind as he buries his head into my shoulder. His hands curl into fists on the back of my shirt.
"No," I deny, shaking my head furiously. "No. It's not your fault! Okay? I would have done the same thing!" Crap, not supposed to admit that. But it's the truth.
"I know," he mumbles. Then lets out a little giggle. "So violent."
I give a sniff and thrust my nose into the air. "Of course." Hesitate. "But... run if the opponent's too strong, okay? It's a tactical retreat, not running away."
I pull away to look into his eyes, make sure he realizes how serious I am. Because sometimes you have to run away. Sometimes it's braver to run away. He takes a moment, but eventually he seems to understand.
"Okay!" he nods before breaking out a smile.
I can't help but smile back. "Alright, let's go eat. Gotta savor food not made by me."
"Yeah," he easily agrees, already leaving the bathroom before I can finish speaking.
"Hey! You're not supposed to agree! You're supposed to say how much you like my cooking!" I yell after him.
"But that's a big fat lie!" he calls back.
Huffing a laugh, I follow him. Closest thing to home, indeed.
.
.
A/N:
Aikawa, no! Why do you keep butting into this story!? Man, she's supposed to be a bit character that only appears once or twice, but now look at her. She's edging her way into becoming Renge's "friend." And my first reaction to that realization was "kill it!" which is just horrible and goes to show what kind of writer I am... Not that I'm going to cave into that impulse. (Or will I?)
And the reappearance of the Uchiha! Who is not Shisui, sorry. But Shisui will eventually appear! Also, why is it so hard to introduce canon characters?
Thank you to those who reviewed/favorited/followed:
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