Child of the Leaf

Chapter Nineteen

by operadeglace

(I know I said first week of my, but it is NaruSaku selfie day! Another day to celebrate NS awesomeness, and I thought it was a good time to get Chapter 19 out… Shinachiku will answer some questions asked by you readers! Then Chapter 19 commences! Do not miss his answers… there are spoilers and other goodies.)

Shinachiku Question and Answer:

ODG: Hi there! I interviewed Shinachiku-kun with your questions and he was excited to answer! Here we go!

Q: What's your full name?

Shinachiku: Monaka Shinachiku. Monaka is my Dad's surname. Even though I love him, I'm thinking about changing it once I'm older. I do like 'Uzumaki' rather than Monaka. Although, I need to get to know my real dad before I make that decision.

ODG: What does Monaka mean?

Shinachiku: It's a dessert or something? Um… I meant to ask Dad what it means, but, he kinda… died…

Q: What is your favorite food that isn't ramen?

Shinachiku: A lot of things… as long as they have the ramen soup mixed in it. I don't like too many sweet things, but Ayaka-chan loves sweets. I'm sure that why she likes me… because I'm so sweet. *laughs at his own joke* Hahaha, its funny because my name is a dessert…

Q: Shinachiku, how do you actually feel about Bolt, Himawari and Sarada?

Shinachiku: Hmm… I'm just happy to have them. I don't feel as alone in the world anymore.
Bolt hates me, I can tell. He seems like an angry kid, in general, though… I won't give up on him.

*starts to speak in a high pitched voice and grabs his flushed cheeks*

My little sisters are the cutest things in the world! Sarada is such a sweet, sensitive angel, and Himawari reminds me of a cute little frog someone stuffed with loads of sugary things!

ODG: …?

Q: If you could travel back in time and convince Sakura not to give you up would you do it?

Shinachiku: Wow. I, um… if I did, would that change things? I probably wouldn't, because I wouldn't have met my dad, Ryoukan, in Suna. He's a big part of me I don't think I'd give up. Although, if I did convince my mom to keep me, maybe she and my real dad would be together? They seem like they kind of belong together. But then I wouldn't have my little brother and sisters! But, but… great. Now I'm not gonna get any sleep tonight 'cuz I'm gonna think about this question…

ODG: I smell another fanfic.

Q: What is your opinion on your step parents? Are you indifferent about them or do you have any strong feeling about them?

Shinachiku: I think my stepmother's name is Hinata? She's quite pretty, but her eyes remind me of the Kazekage's…and he's terrifying. I hope she isn't as frightening as he is. *he shivers*

ODG: Why is Gaara scary to you?

Shinachiku: I dunno… he's just creepy. He used to come around night time to talk to my father. Just appeared from out of the shadows like the boogey man or some sort of demon. And his eyes are blank and scary looking…

ODG: What about your stepfather, Sasuke?

Shinachiku: Oh… my mom is married!?

ODG: How do you think Salada came about?

Shinachiku: I really didn't think about Sarada-chan's dad! I've never met him, obviously.

Q: Who is your favourite Kage? That's not Naruto or Gaara, I'm assuming you're biased towards them.

Shinachiku: *laughs nervously* I, uh, didn't pay too much attention in school when it came to world history. You should ask Ayaka-chan. No, wait… don't ask her. She might punch you if you mention anything school related. The Kazekage is definitely NOT my favorite Kage. Well, maybe in my nightmares.

Q: What chakra nature are you? And which nature do you prefer?

Shinachiku: I dunno. I'm not as naturally talented as I would like to be at the moment, so its hard to see where my affinities lie… erm, earth, maybe? Wind? I do know that I like fire. It's super cool. *laughs at his own joke again*

Q: How would you feel if some close to you had a crush on Ayaka after talking to her once?

Shinachiku: We're so tight, a silly crush won't scare me. *looks around nervously* B-but just for laughs, um… is he really handsome? I-it would be so funny, haha, if he were like… tall and cool… do you, um, do you know who he is? Can you tell me..?

ODG: He's really tall and extremely good looking.

Shinachiku: I don't believe a word YOU say. I know you're 150% a liar.

Q: If you were to meet Tsunade, would she be "grandma" or "master"?

Shinachiku: Who is Tsunade?

ODG: She was the fifth Hokage of Konohagakure.

Shinachiku: She was? OH! Now that one I can remember from her picture! She's the one with the huge… … … eyes. *laughs nervously again* I, uh, wouldn't call her grandma. I know better than anyone to NOT piss off strong women. It only ends in pain.

Q: What names would you name your kids?

Shinachiku: *blushes profusely and twiddles his thumbs behind his back* I'm a dude. I don't think about those kind of things… but, I'd totally name them Shio, Zaru, and Negi. One girl two boys. Hopefully they will all look like their pretty mama… red hair and freckles everywhere. *spins in a circle* What a beautiful world it would be…

Q: Do you think Sakura is beautiful?

Shinachiku: I'm fortunate to have such a beautiful birth mother! I've never seen anyone with that color of hair! Some people say I look just like her.

ODG: Who are these 'some people'?

Shinachiku: … … … just. People. Random people on the streets a-and in a park… somewhere… *whispers while rubbing his forehead* I think I look like her anyways…

Q: I ship ShinAya! What would be your first date?

Shinachiku: ShinAya..? Ship? *confused look on his face*

ODG: It just means they like your relation"ship" with Ayaka and you.

Shinachiku: Oh! Oh, oh, oh! Shin and Aya! Yes, yes, I 'ship' ShinAya too! And I think our first date consisted of attacking the Kazekage and his brother… *shivers*

Q: Do you have a word you make up if you are angry or emotional?

Shinachiku: I actually have an unexplainable urge to shout weird words that just pop out of my mouth. Words like "Shabbayo" "Dattebane" and other nonsense. They just come out and I can't help it sometimes.

Q: Sometimes you have an inner Shinachiku, tbh.

ODG: *sees Shinachiku's confusion* tbh means "to be honest".

Shinachiku: I so knew that already. Um, is that a question? How did you know about the person I have in my head? Are you some kind of mind reader? That guy says things that I can't in real life.

ODG: 'In real life' is also "irl", btw.

Inner Shinachiku: SHANNEBAYOOOO! Why can't they just spell the whole words?! Is that person's house on fire while they were writing the question!? Are they missing the letters 'n eal ife' on their key boards!? Do they not have fingers and they're using their noses to type!?

Shinachiku: Oh, okay.

(Thank you for all of the questions! I will be accepting questions for any characters in my story for the next chapters, so send them to my through ask, note, pm on , or my deviantart! I will post them every couple chapters or so, so let's all have fun together. :)

CHILD OF THE LEAF. CHAPTER NINETEEN.

A few years back…

Shinachiku's team was less excited to have him with them than he would have wanted.

Ayaka-chan was a child prodigy who already could manipulate her dolls with chakra strings, and she currently held the highest grades in his class. She was a marvel among his classmates because she was the first ninja to ever come from the Kumotaka family. And… she was insanely rich.

Although they were good friends, Ayaka thought that he would become a liability to the team. She made it a point to verbalize her opinions, as she was so accustomed to doing whenever she was with him.

"You trip over air, you're weak, and you get super emotional about things. Maybe you should rethink being a ninja, Shinachiku." The redhead said, her words ringing with truth, but hurtful nonetheless.

The other third of team seven was Magire. He was the coolest kid in the academy. He hailed from the Naku clan, infamously known for their shady dealings in the course of Suna's history as mercenaries and assassins, who were not governed by any elders or Kage. All the ladies wanted to be with him, and all the men… kind of wanted to be with him as well. Or, so Shinachiku thought.

The teal haired genin never breathed a word before their teams were chosen. As soon as "Team Seven, Naku Magire" was followed by "Monaka Shinachiku", he let out a heavy, agitated," Crap." much to the delight of his fan club.

Then, there was Monaka Shinachiku.

Clumsy. Odd. Only liked ramen. Large forehead. Sometimes shouted phrases and words that he made up when he was emotional.

He had absolutely no talent for being a ninja, unlike Magire.

The next day, he heard the Magire Fan Club gushing about the silent fellow after class.

"I hear he likes Ayaka!"

"No way! Who told you!?"

"Have you seen the way he looks at her? It's obvious."

"Lucky girl! Getting his attention!"

Shinachiku possessed an inner version of himself, an identity that would say whatever he couldn't gather the courage to outwardly. That Inner Shinachiku was screaming incessantly as he heard the Naka Fan Club gossip behind him.

'SHHYAAANNEBAYO! Are you KIDDING ME!? Ayaka-chan is MINE!'

"I don't think that guy is cool enough for Ayaka-chan!" Shina interrupts the giggling girls and receives icy glares from the lot of them.

"What!? He's super hot."

"And he's got a tortured past."

"You're just jealous of Magire! He's so… mysterious."

Shinachiku sticks his tongue out and stands up abruptly, alarming the group of girls.

"He's 'so mysterious', huh? Well, I'll uncover his 'mysteries' and show you he's not as cool as you think!" Shina then angrily storms out of the class room.

Later that day, what he actually uncovered exceeded all of his expectations…

"Are you sure you can handle this mission, son?"

"I've killed before, father."

"He's… killed before?" Shina whispers in shock as he eavesdropped on the Naku family compound. It was nearly impossible to get by the dogs without detection, but luck was on his side that day. Also, very luckily, Magire had opened his bedroom window so he could hear the conversation between Naku father and son very clearly.

"After this mission… could I focus on my new team? I need to train them. The girl is good, but the other kid in the group will most likely get killed."

"Those missions are only your cover, remember that. Do not get attached."

"I know, I know. But, this Shinachiku boy, he's going to die on our first assignment, probably-"

"THEN LET HIM DIE. Your brother and sister died in that stupid war because they became attached to their teams. Don't forget our family's goal…"

"Yes, father."

"If it compromises our plan, I don't care how many others die on the way. The plan is all that matters. Say it!"

"The plan… is all that matters."

"Good, do not speak to your team any more than necessary."

"Yes… father."

The blonde genin was intrigued by what he heard. As Magire's father left the room, his foot had chosen to slip off its precarious position on the tiled roof, causing one of the clay tiles to clatter off of his perch and land with a loud crash. The doors below him burst open as Naka clansmen immediately rushed out with kunai and shuriken at the ready.

"There's an intruder on the roof!"

Shinachiku looked at the ninja below him in fear, remembering all of the rumors of the Naka being ruthless murderers and worse. Surely they would have no qualms about killing a kid who had clumsily infiltrated their compound. Suddenly, he was yanked into a nearby window by a pair of white sleeved arms.

"You clumsy idiot! Do you have a death wish or something!?"

Magire's voice was so foreign a sound to his ears. It was like listening to reeds whistling in the wind next to a rushing river.

"I just… I-I…"

"You're lucky that I was able to hide your presence from everyone here! Although, your chakra signature is so weak, I shouldn't have bothered! " Magire growls, fists clenched.

'So… I wasn't just lucky…'

The teal haired ninja closed the window quietly, then turned back to his newly appointed team mate.

"I know you heard everything we were saying. I caution you, if you value your life, and Kumotaka-san's, you will never tell anyone."

"Is that a threat?" Shinachiku says challengingly, staring up at the taller boy.

"No. This is a threat… if you let anyone know of what you heard, I will make sure every cell of your body is disintegrated in a giant explosion." Magire's golden eyes flash menacingly, causing Shinachiku to gulp as he totally believed every word that the Naku had said.

"D-don't hurt Ayaka-chan." Shinachiku says lowly in an almost pleadingly weak voice. Magire responds in a manner that Shina wasn't expecting…

…he was blushing profusely.

"I'd never hurt Kumotaka-san."

So he did like his Ayaka-chan…

Shinachiku didn't like his reaction. Not one bit.

"Listen here, you stuck up prick… I like Ayaka-chan, and she's half way to being my girlfriend, so stay away from her." He sneers, resulting in a chuckle from Magire. The chuckle turned into a violent roar of laughter that left the usually stoic ninja rolling on the floor and clutching his sides. After a few minutes, the rolling boy staggers to his feet, wiping tears from his eyes.

"Hahaha… I'm pretty sure that was the first time I've done that. 'Half way to being my girlfriend', heheh, hilarious…"

"What? That was the first time you acted like a crazy person!? I highly doubt that!" Shinachiku retorts angrily.

"No. It's the first time I've laughed."

Shinachiku pauses as the weight of Magire's words hit him. A lesser known fact about Monaka Shinachiku was, he was uncommonly kind and compassionate. He felt his heart lurch as he imagined a young, teal headed youth, silent and alone as the world noisily passed him by.

"W-well, I'm getting outta here. I probably won't tell anyone anyways because whatever you guys were talking about was extremely bo-ring. Like anyone would wanna hear about your lame conversation…" Shinachiku opens the window and tries to leap out, but his shin doesn't clear the window sill. In pain he straightens up mid leap, his head hitting the top of the window frame, resulting in him tumbling back into the room.

Magire laughs once more as she shakes his head and wipes more tears from his eyes.

"I'll show you out through the back door… heheheh…"

That day, Shinachiku had gained a rival and established an odd sort of friendship with that same person.

In the present day…

"Ayaka-chan!" Shinachiku rushes into the room with Salada at his side. He grabs her hand and puts it to his cheek dramatically. "Please, please be alright! I swear, if you get better, I will be the best boyfriend in the existence of the world to you!" Salada raises an eyebrow at his theatrics as he weeps onto the pale hand. "I will never let you go!"

"Ugh! I'm injured, not DYING!" Ayaka lectures Shinachiku as she swipes her wet hand away from his hands. "You know I hate the drama. Tone it down, Shinachiku."

Salada is surprised as he instantly changes his tune, morphing into a respectable older brother once more.

"Have you found your family, Shina?" The redhead asks in a tender voice, changing the direction of the conversation. The medic nin grins, making Ayaka's heart flutter, for she had missed it.

"This is my little sister, Salada! Isn't she adorable?" He puts his hands proudly on Salada's small shoulders, causing her to give Ayaka an uncofortable half smile. The older girl smiles at them both.

"She sort of looks like you." She gives her honest compliment, as she thought Shinachiku to be quite adorable himself.

"Uh, o… oniisan… I'm going to see mom now." Salada looks up at him, feeling slightly more comfortable in calling him brother. He nods in agreement, causing the little girl to turn and bow politely.

"It was nice to meet you, Ayaka-san. I hope you get better soon."

Ayaka grins and sits up swiftly in her bed. "I will, thank you Salada."

Once the dark haired girl leaves the room, Shinachiku excitedly takes a seat near his injured girl friend.

"I have so much to tell you, Ayaka-chan–" He begins, then is cut off abruptly by Ayaka's hand raised in front of his face.

"I would love to listen to everything you have to say, but first, there's something I need you to do…"

Her raised hand grasps his collar and yanks him up to her level so that their lips could press together in what would become their first kiss.

After a few moments of heaven, Shinachiku was released from her strong grip, his lips still puckered, making him look like a properly romanced fish. Ayaka, who's face was the same color as a tomato, turns her face away from his, afraid to meet his eyes.

"S-so… was that okay?" She blurts out, anxiously awaiting her reply.

"Mmm… wow…" Shinachiku's lips deflate, and his eyelids hang heavily on his face, his heart still in heaven.

"Can I… have another one?" He continues, dreamily, to which Ayaka responds with a snort.

"We haven't gone on a single date yet! You need to work a little harder to get another one of those!" She says firmly.

"Whaaaat!? No fair, Ayaka-chan…"

"Heehee…"

-End of Chapter 19.

–Story by ODG

If you'd like to send questions to Shinachiku or anyone from my story about anything, send me an ask or a note my tumblr or PM with your questions and they will be posted every couple of chapters with an answer from the characters! :) It's super fun! Thanks for the questions again!

Happy NS Selfie Day! You're all awesome!