Alright, so I have a bit of a problem.
This chapter is short. WAAAAY short. Too short to ride most of the roller coasters at a Great America amusement park. Too short to be used to measure the height of Taiga Aisaka. Too short to satisfy your girlfriend.
Wow, I turn into an asshole past 1 A.M.
Anyway, yeah, the chapter's really short. There's not much in it besides the aftermath of Chapter 6, and even then, with Naruto, Tsugumi, Chitoge, and Raku being stubborn as they are, they probably wouldn't even address it unless they absolutely had to.
As a result, this chapter pretty much adheres to canon completely, with a few small tweaks.
As to why I didn't just skip it, I've decided to avoid doing that. I caught quite a bit of flak for skipping material between chapters 2 and 3.
But to make up for this tremendous lack of content, at the end I've included some of the character profiles Naruto had to write for Claude. So not only do you get the lowdown on what's what, you get a brief look into Naruto's mind, and what he thinks of his friends.
Sorry if you don't think this is a fair trade of content, but it's the best I can do for you at the moment. Next chapter though, we get a ton more character development for everybody before we move back to the main story.
Oh, here's something interesting. As of recently, I've had some people commend me on my writing style.
But of course, me, being the asshole I am, decided to not just take the compliment. So now, I'm going to explain to you why my writing style is good as it is (wow, I feel like a pretentious douche typing this), despite it being so amateurish in nature.
Jokers. Wild Cards. I got them in spades. (Semi-successful pun intended) Basically, a joker is something that is introduced, but either not explained, or if so, is done very vaguely. Jokers are great when you're currently undecided on a certain story element; it's a compromise, kind of. You do introduce it, but some details are still "up in the air" as it were, ready for you to "plug-in" new info whenever it becomes relevant again, or when it's convenient.
For example, in this story, my Jokers so far have been: the incident between Naruto and Sakura, the ring, Naruto's ex-girlfriend, the bet between Naruto and Tsugumi, and the paper Iruka gave Naruto.
In the time since I've introduced these things, I've decided their functions and purpose in the story. So far, only the paper (which turned out to be a transport seal) has been "plugged", and been reintroduced as relevant. The others, I don't plan to address just yet, though I have decided on exactly what they are, and what they're meant to do.
I've actually derived this style from Komi-sensei. While he does introduce certain things, he never fully explains them, setting up for future chapters (lest, he forget about them or something). Such examples of his Jokers being:
"Jessica": Tsugumi and Paula's Senpai who lived with them at one point and said that 'Every man is a slave to boobs', Fuu-chan's real name, the shape of Yui's key, the item locked within the pendant, the object rattling inside the keyhole that broke Chitoge's key, Marika's illness, the favor Mikage asked of Honda before she left, the 'secret' Marika was hiding, and of course, the promised girl. And that's not even half of them; I didn't include super-vague introductions, explanations, or recollections.
Sure, for the promised girl, we don't know much about her. She doesn't have blue eyes, she's around Raku's age, and is portrayed with dark, long hair. Anything else is still unknown, though it has been heavily implied that Onodera's Key will be the one to open the pendant. In fact, my entire "Promised Girl" theory from a few chapters ago is based on the possible "plugs" for these Jokers.
But why am I telling you this? Well, it's simple. Yes, I plan to put in a little fun fact at the beginning of every chapter from now on (though most will be much shorter than this one), but that's not all.
Over the course of this story, I intend to address each and every one of these Jokers.
Of course, if, at the time, the Joker has no plug, I'll plug it myself. And if, as I write, that Joker becomes plugged in the manga, I will not change my fic, lest it be something completely game-changing.
Speaking of Komi-sensei, it really pisses me off with what he did to Yui.
He introduced her Chapter 115 or so, giving us small bits and pieces as to her character and her role; all we knew was that she was Raku's childhood friend, and that, despite her kind and friendly personality, she'd united the Char Siu group within a year.
From this, Yui seems like some kind of secret badass with no flaws.
And then, there were a bunch of mini-arcs afterward, leading us to believe that this was all the development she was going to receive.
But then, almost simultaneously, he shows us that Yui is in fact human, despite the fact that he had previously led us to believe that she was perfect, and couldn't make mistakes. He also reveals that Yui did not bring the Char Siu together by being a badass; quite the opposite in fact. An action that, while a funny (albeit overused) joke, has caused me to lose quite a bit of respect for both Yui and Komi-sensei.
Also, big news. Nisekoi won't be getting a dub; only subbed release.
But no need to worry, Aniplex! Josh S. and I will do your job for you! Free of charge! ...Though I wouldn't object to you paying us.
Aaaaanyway, if you haven't already, audition for Josh S.'s Nisekoi Fandub on YouTube! Female auditions end September 18 (with the exception of Marika), and Male ones end October 10 (Naruto's Birthday!).
And just for fun, if Nisekoi ever did get a dub, here's who I'd want to voice the characters:
Full List Still in Progress
Raku Ichijou: Erik Scott Kimerer
Chitoge Kirisaki: Cherami Leigh
Kosaki Onodera: Brittney Karbowski
Shuu Maiko: Sam Riegel
Ruri Miyamoto: Jessica Boone
Seishirou Tsugumi: Caitlin Glass (or Colleen Clinkenbeard)
Haru Onodera: Cassandra Lee
Paula Mccoy: Laura Bailey
Fuu: Monica Rial
Mikage Shinohara: Wendee Lee
Ryuu: Christopher Sabat
Aiba Migisuke: Johnny Young Bosch (or Todd Haberkorn?)
Honda: Elizabeth Bunch
And since the only prerequisite for Yui's voice actor being that they can't sing, I'd nominate any of the singers over at TYERecords.
OOOOHHH SNAAPP!
Seriously guys, who cares if you have ridiculously high update rates if you can't sing for shit? And I usually hate hating, but sweet cheezus, it's murder on my ears to hear you butcher all the songs I love.
(*Sighs*) Alright, rant over. Time for Chapter 7!
Himoku Lodging
Cafeteria
June 4, 2014
10:03 A.M.
(Raku)
"Oh!"
It was morning: breakfast time to be exact. I'd loaded up my tray (with American food!) and been heading over to the table with the others when I bumped into…
"…Kirisaki…" I began, "Um… about last night—"
"Ohayou, darling," she cut me off, "Make sure to get plenty of food; we have that hike later."
"H-Huh?"
With that, she walked past me, over to the girls. Stunned, I walked over to our table, setting down my tray with a small clatter.
"Hey guys," I offered, before saying a quick prayer and digging in.
The pervy duo nodded, Naruto giving me a small salute with his chopsticks.
"So… Did you and Chitoge 'kiss and make up'?" he asked, making air quotes, saying the last bit in English.
Shuu and Miyamura looked confused, not understanding the language.
"Depends," I grumbled, "Did you and Tsugumi? Because I know exactly how that first one went down."
He grunted, "...Touche."
"Wellllll, interrupting your little secretive talk…" Shuu started, "Didja' hear about what's happening tonight?"
I raised an eyebrow, "No, what?"
"After we get back from the hike," Miyamura continued for him, "...there's a test of courage they do every year."
"A test of courage, huh?" muttered Naruto, "What's that supposed to be?"
"Basically, it's a haunted house... 'Cept instead of a house, you have the entire woods," said Miyamura, swallowing the food in his mouth.
"And this is no ordinary haunted forest deal!" said Shuu, "It's boy-girl pairs. We draw numbers to pair up. And the best part of all…"
He stood up on the table, "YOU HAVE TO HOLD HANDS WITH YOUR PARTNER!"
Everybody looked over at the source of the noise as the room stopped bustling. Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly, while Miyamura slurped his juice box with a bored expression, as if nothing had happened. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, as he got off the table.
"Nothing to see here guys!" he said, "Just move along."
Slowly, the noise began to pick up again, the main topics of conversation being the crazy, perverted megane, the wimp Ichijou with the super-model girlfriend (I twitched a bit), the presidential-candidate Miyamura, and as to why someone as popular as Uzumaki hung out with them.
Said Uzumaki exhaled audibly, "Dude, you really need to control your outbursts."
He shrugged his shoulders, "Meh. Ooh, hey, Raku! If I get Onodera's number, how much'll you pay to trade with me?"
"Wh-What!? Don't be ridiculous."
…
…
…
"How about 2000 yen?"
The blond grinned widely, satisfied.
"Oh yeah, you like her, right?"
We all turned to Miyamura, having forgotten he'd been there.
"Yeah, I figured out your little secret. That, and the one about Kirisaki," he waved his hand in a placating manner, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"So the only one who doesn't know about our relationship is Tsugumi then," I sweatdropped, "Am I the only one who doesn't see that ending too well?"
Naruto quirked a brow, "Are you volunteering to tell her yourself?"
"God no."
"That's what I thought. But anyway, back on topic…" he said, "If I get Kosaki's number, I'll be sure to swap with you, free of charge."
"Same here," Miyamura nodded, "And if I get Tsugumi, I'll be sure to pass it along to you, Naruto."
The teen shrugged, "Probably for the best. Tsugumi's a total scaredy cat."
About 9 Hours From Now
A "ghost", wearing a white sheet with eye-holes cut out of it, leapt from the bushes.
"BOO!"
"AUUUGH!"
Screaming like a little girl, Naruto jumped into the girl's arms.
Present
Miyamura nudged Shuu, "And hey, if I get Miyamoto, I'll be sure to pass her on to you."
"Hm? Why would Shuu want to be partnered with Miyamoto…?" I asked.
The white-haired boy grinned, "No reason. None at all."
Meanwhile, Naruto was chuckling, shaking his head.
(Kosaki)
"...So…"
I glanced up at Ruri, who was finishing her third tray of breakfast.
"Make sure you get paired with Ichijou, if it's the last thing you do! Got it?"
(*SPLRBBBT*)
I wiped the juice from the table, "H-How exactly am I supposed to make sure of that? We're drawing numbers, right?"
"Anything is possible, if you're determined!" she said forcefully.
"D-Don't be ridiculous!"
She leaned over the table a bit with her arm, "Don't tell me you plan on going this entire trip without making a move?"
"A-A m-m-move?" I sputtered.
"Yes, a move. You share a room with him for God's sake, just jump his bones already!"
"RURI-CHAN!"
She sighed, "I don't care what you do. But if you don't make the first move, you'll never get anywhere. And remember, you vowed to show some courage, right? Work up your nerve?"
I looked down at the table in thought, as she stood up, "If I draw his number, I'll give it to you. That's double the odds. Be sure to 'Cross' your fingers…"
I giggled lightly at the pun while she picked up her tray.
"Also," she turned her head to me, "If you get paired with him, you can rape him out in the bushes somewhere."
"RURI-CHANNNN!"
(Naruto)
I sighed, for what seemed the millionth time in mere minutes. There were all kinds of food, from all over the world: a continental breakfast, I believe it was called. And yet…
'WHY IS THERE NO RAMEENNNN!'
Seriously guys! This was unbelievable! I mean, who doesn't start their mornings with hot noodles in a steaming salty broth?
I sighed again. They had a whole buffet line dedicated to it last night, but in the mornings, there was none. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Mu. Amugeosdo. Pagh—
"Somethin' gotcha' down there?"
I looked up at the familiar voice. It was Chitoge, getting fourths (or was it fifths at this point? I'd stopped counting) on breakfast.
(TL Note: In order: English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Klingon)
I smiled, offering a fist, "Hey, Chi-hime. Ready for the mornin' hike?"
She gladly bumped it, "You know it! Heading into the great outdoors on a bright sunny day with all my friends… Haaahh…"
She stared off into space with stars in her eyes.
I chuckled at her antics, "Well, you better hurry up an eat so we can shower and get changed. It starts in about two hours you know, and the group is over half female. And I know how long you girls take in the bathroom."
She giggled, "I'll try. See you later, Naruto."
"You too, Chi-hime."
(Raku)
(*Bzzzzzzz*)
(*PLLLLLLLLLLP PLLLLP PLLP PLP...plp.*)
The machine emptied the last drops of coffee into the foam cup I'd placed under the nozzle. Pouring in numerous packets of cream and artificial sweeteners, I grabbed a lid from the towering stack, taking a sip.
At this point, it was pretty much tradition. Every day before heading to school, I'd take a couple minutes to fully wake up. A coffee with two creams and two sugars.
Of course, during the day, I'd have tea… and before bed, I might have some warm milk or something. It was odd how my preference of beverage shifted throughout the day… Wonder how that started.
I took another sip, slowing stepping away from the machine for others to use it.
Maybe I just have too much caffeine in the day, and just end up crashing by the end of it. You know that stuff has a half-life? Never leaves your system, but decays and decays, 'till there's practically nothing… though it's still there.
It was just routine. Same way Naruto woke up with 5 cups of instant ramen, same way Shuu did with rice, miso soup, and last night's leftovers, and the same way Onodera did with omu-rice and ketchup…
(*Sips*)
...Haah… I can just imagine her, sitting there laughing with her family with that smile of hers. One that's like the sun peering through on a cloudy day…
"Ichijou-kun!"
At the call of my name, I spat out the brown liquid all over the floor. I pity the poor bastard being paid minimum wage to mop that shit up.
And speak of the devil… or in this case, angel…
"Good morning!" she said, "Did you sleep well?"
"Huh?! Oh! Good morning, Onodera!"
"Gk!"
A different image passed through my mind. Thankfully, she at least wore a towel from the shoulders down.
"Hm? What's wrong?" the image asked.
"...Uh...nothing!" I began walking, waving goodbye, "I-I'll see you at the assembly!"
"Oh...Okay?"
I turned away, my smile turning into a slight scowl as I covered the lower half of my reddened face with my palm.
'Shiiiit...' I groaned, 'How can I look her in the eye when I keep picturing her like that…?'
Himoku Forests
7:12 P.M.
(*BLZZZT*)
"Attention everyone!" Kyoko spoke into the megaphone, "We're ready to begin the annual Test of Courage! You ready, you hooligans!?"
"YEAH!" the class roared.
"Good! The adults'll have a niiice little drink while you all have your fun," she said, with a bottle in her hand, the rest of the staff balancing saucers of sake, "We'll leave the rest in your capable hands!"
We all sweatdropped, "Teach…"
"Hmm… Test of Courage, huh?"
"Oh right, you're afraid of the dark, right?" I remembered, "Will you be okay? We'll have flashlights and all, so you should be fine…"
"I will be!" she spat, "Besides, it's not like I'll be alone!"
"I feel sorry for whoever gets paired with you," I smirked, "Bet a gorilla like you has a total vice-grip."
"Want me to test that out on your head?" she growled.
"Please don't. You'll probably crush my skull."
(Naruto)
"Okay! Time for girls to draw numbers!"
So they did. I made sure to keep an eye on which girl got what; it was all part of our plan. Miyamura and I'd agreed: I'd get Tsugumi, Cross'd get Kosaki, Shuu'd get Ruri, and he'd get Tsubaki. I'd put Chi-hime with Ryuu Yamada (one of my and Toranosuke's friends). Yeah, he started out as one of those delinquent types, but he seemed like a decent guy as of late. Helping out his classmates whenever he could… wonder how the hell that happened. Good to know he wasn't a total perv like his friends either.
Anyway, I made sure to keep track of which numbers they each got. Chitoge got 23, Tsubaki 42, Ruri 13, Tsugumi 21, and Kosaki…
"Ahem, Ahem….A-hem!"
I glanced over at Ruri.
"Hey...so you drew Number 12, huh Kosaki!" she said loudly, "Kosaki got a 12! Kosaki drew a 12!"
I sweatdropped, 'Damn Miyamoto… Way to pile it on.'
I saw Raku tense up as reached for a number… 'Damn he must really want that 12, huh?'
"You gonna' give it to him?"
I quirked a brow, as a formed a small handsign behind my back, 'The hell kinda' question is that?'
Moments Earlier...
(Raku)
'Tch… this is it! The moment of truth!'
"Now it's the boy's turn!"
I got in line with the others, ending up somewhere in the middle, closer to the front.
'Will I get to pair up with Onodera? Wonder what number she drew...' I thought as the line moved, 'Not that my knowing will help in any way, shape, or form, but still… couldn't hurt to know...'
"Ahem, Ahem… A-hem!" I heard someone cough.
"Hey...so you drew Number 12, huh Kosaki!" Miyamoto announced, "Kosaki got a 12! Kosaki drew a 12!"
'Miyamoto!? What the...'
I composed myself, as it was almost my turn, 'That was weird. Whatever though; I got her number! Twelve, huh…?'
An image of myself protecting Onodera from monsters passed through my head. Then she'd grip my hand harder, and hug me, and-
'Whatever, that's not the point!' I collected myself, 'It's time!'
I reached into the box, grinding my teeth and shutting my eyes in concentration, 'Twelve… I know the odds are against it… but I need you! Come on Twelve!'
I finally grabbed a paper, and pulled it out of the box. As I raised it to my face, something weird happened. Like there was a small breeze or something, and the paper fell from my hand. Not that it actually happened though, because when I checked, it was still between my fingers.
It also read '12'.
…
…
"AAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!"
(Naruto)
I cleaned the blood flowing from my ears.
"Geez, Cross…" I muttered, "I did you a favor; you didn't have to blow my eardrums out."
Across the clearing, Toranosuke offered me a thumbs-up, which I returned. I set to setting up the other pairs.
(Chitoge)
"Looks like we're together then."
I looked up at my new partner.
He had spiky blue hair, kinda' like Naruto's, and wore the standard boy's PE uniform shirt with the jacket draped over his shoulder. He had a small gray earring on his right ear, and he had a face that looked like he scowled a lot.
This was Ryu Yamada. One of Miyamura's friends. How someone like him managed to get so tight with the front-runner for the President's spot on the student council, I'll never know.
He seemed to be a better guy as of recently. In fact, he was one of the founding members of the school's Supernatural Studies Club (or rather 're'-founding; we'd always had one, but all the members were seniors who graduated last year). Miyamura was in that club too, as its Vice President. The President was the class bookworm Shiraishi Urara. Also in it were Miyabi Ito, the occult-loving school pariah, and Kentaro Tsubaki the Tempura Enthusiast. How a ragtag group like that even formed, let alone functioned, is beyond me. Not that we can really talk with the way our group gets along.
What was odder was that Yamada seemed to be at the middle of it all.
Over the course of the year, Yamada'd turned from a total delinquent into a genuinely good guy. He'd reached out to Meiko Otsuka, the shy girl in our class, and helped her and her friends out with their cram school. He'd also helped Karen Kimishima (captain of the girl's archery team) in the boycotting of tearing down the old school building, disbanded the troublemaking gang of Noa Takigawa's, and a whole bunch of other things that probably went undetected. He even helped out Tsubaki (Konno) at some point too!
Like I said, he was a friend of Miyamura's, who was a friend of Maiko's, who was a friend of the Bean Sprout's, who was a friend of Naruto's. So I guess he was a friend of mine. 'The friend of my friend is also my friend', or whatever, right?
"Looks like it," I nodded, "I'm Kirisaki. Kirisaki Chitoge. Nice to meet you."
"Ryuu Yamada," he said, "Same to you."
"Oi! Yamada-kun! Over here!"
I glanced over. It was the purple haired Miyabi Ito, waving the boy over.
"A-Ah! Coming!" he looked back to me, "Sorry. Be right back, okay?"
"Y-Yeah. Right."
He ran over to her, where Miyamura, Urara, and both Tsubaki (Konno and Kentaro) were waiting.
I looked over to the others. Shuu was with Ruri-chan (hope she wouldn't break her fist on his hard skull), Naruto with Tsugumi (hope she would break his back, clinging to him), and Raku was with...
'So the Bean-Sprout's with Kosaki-chan, huh?' I thought to myself, 'Geez, look at him, fawning all over her!'
…
…
"What'll we do?"
"I don't know…"
There were voices coming from the bushes. I pushed them aside…
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Oh! It's you Kirisaki-san!"
It was a group of teachers dressed as monsters, huddled around a lantern. There was Asami Madoka (the 1A Teacher) dressed as a corpse, Seito Kuma (the 1B Teacher) as Frankenstein's monster, and… somebody dressed as a wolf.
"One of the people who's supposed to play a ghost has a stomach bug," said Kuma-sensei, "We need someone to stand in, but we haven't found anyone."
"Oh no," said a disinterested sounding voice coming from the wolf, "My stomach hurts so bad."
I sighed. No doubt about it, that was Ninjirou Fukuda, our Class' sub-homeroom teacher. He smoked a lot, and never really took anything seriously. Not even a stomachache apparently.
'A ghost, huh? Well, I'm afraid of the dark, so...' I turned away.
"Aw man… who's gonna' do it?" Kuma wondered aloud, "Now that everyone's paired up, no one will want to do it!"
"And we came up with so many good strategies too!" said Madoka.
"If there aren't enough of us, it'll mess up the timing of our scare tactics!" piled on Fukuda, as if he were reading from a script.
'Lazy ass… bet he just doesn't wanna' do it.'
"I mean, we didn't have enough people to begin with… the Test's gonna' suck this year!"
"Oh man… just what are we gonna' do?"
"...Haaahh…"
"Thanks so much, Kirisaki! You're totally saving us!"
Yep. Here I was, getting fitted for a (rather tight) ghost costume.
"Alright then Kirisaki-san!" said Kuma, as he walked off, "Time to assume positions! Basically, all ya' need ta' do is have fun, okay?"
"Here's your flashlight!" I took the object from her.
'Well...Que Sera Sera, right?'
(Raku)
"I mean… you've got so many great qualities!" I said, "I didn't mean anything weird or anything. As a friend, you know? As a friend!"
I mentally pat myself on the back.
'Nice save, me.'
'Thank you, me!'
'You're welcome, me!'
"Pair Number Twelve!" called one of the organizers, "Time to get ready!"
"O-Oh! That's us!"
I looked to her, "Shall we then? Onodera?"
"Oh, right! We're supposed to hold hands!"
There was a tender pause. That brief moment… it was like the entire universe was holding its breath, and time and space had stopped. My voice caught in my lungs, the whole world in a colossal drumroll, and then…
Her dainty fingertips ran across my skin, tentatively. My breathing hitched at the soft touch. I felt her delicate fingers gently wrap around my hand… her palm was in mine… and mine in hers.
'Onodera's hand is… soft… and warm...' I smiled lightly, 'And I can tell… that she's just a little nervous too.'
(Naruto)
"Oi, Naruto!" I turned to Yamada, who'd run over.
"Hey man. What's wrong?"
He rubbed the back of his head, much like I did.
"You wouldn't have happened to have seen Kirisaki, have you?"
I raised a brow, "Can't say that I have. Wasn't she with you?"
"Yeah, I leave for two minutes, and next thing I know, she's gone!" he scratched his chin, "Hey, there aren't any wolves in these woods, are there?"
"The only 'wolves' in these woods happen to stand on two legs, and wear masks," I deadpanned, "What the hell kinda' resort would this be if they let kids run amok through a forest filled with wild animals!?"
The boy shrugged, "Just concerned for the girl's safety, that's all. Let me know if you see her, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, got it."
As soon as he was out of sight…
I shut my eyes, the familiar sensation of Natural Energy rushing through me. I felt Chitoge's chakra signature about half a mile out.
'No time like the present, I guess.'
And I dashed into the forest.
(Raku)
"So… here we go then!"
"Y-Yeah!"
'This is the second time… I've held Onodera's hand like this...' I thought as I glanced down at our interlocking fingers, 'Wow, I'm super nervous! I'm already trembling!'
I shook my head lightly to clear my thoughts, 'Get a hold of yourself, Raku! Gotta' stay cool and collected! I may never get another chance like this!'
'Wait… I'm sweating. Shit, my hand is sweaty as hell! What do I do!?' I began (read: continued) to freak out, 'I hope Onodera isn't grossed out or anything!'
'! Huh?' I stared in surprise, 'Is her face… a little red? No way!'
'...So… is she nervous too?'
(Chitoge)
(*FSSSHH*)
(*SSSS*)
"EEEEEEPPP!"
I slapped my hands over my ears as I curled into the fetal position. Eyes clenched shut, I bore my head into my knees, the pressure likely to leave a big red mark. Dammit! Why did the flashlight have to break! Why does this damn place have to be so creepy!
'Alright… calm down Chitoge...' I thought to myself, 'I just need to think… think about something else… like maybe...'
I looked up at the crescent moon, the shape oddly comforting. Looking down, I realized; the same pattern was carved into my key.
There wasn't much I remembered about those days. What little memory I had was restored by my old diary, a few days ago…
I did remember one thing though. As a child, I'd always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Flying high, travelling to the moon… and beyond.
I'd realized now what a childish thought that was. There weren't any moon landings scheduled in the future, nor would there be anytime soon. And the thought of space: empty blackness all around you… it was terrifying to me.
I gazed fondly at the night sky, much like I did in my youth, 'Well, it is good to have dreams though.'
(*KSSS...KSSKSSSSSS*)
The sudden sound led me to whip my head around. It was just a lizard running into a bush.
I lay my head unto my knees again and began to count… just like I always used to when I was young.
"One sheep… two sheep… three sheep… four sheep…five…"
Yeah, I remembered doing this. I was a hyperactive mess back then; there was this one time I got to over a thousand, and I still couldn't calm down.
'Come to think of it… didn't something like this happen back then?'
My face lit up, 'Yeah... Yeah! I totally did! It was in my diary; I fell into a crevice in the mountains.'
'That day… I was so scared, I couldn't even cry out,' I pouted lightly at the thought, 'All I could do was sob until my lungs wouldn't function, and my voice was gone.'
'But then… after a while… that boy came to save me!' I smiled, 'He was like my knight in shining armor!'
I giggled a bit, 'That's right… whenever I needed him—"
(*FSSHH*)
"EEEEK!"
A nearby branch rustled, as a figure stepped out of the darkness.
My eyes widened, tears brimming. I remember now…what my diary said…
'August 15th: Today, I tripped and fell in a hole. It was dark and cramped and I started to cry...'
'But he came to save me!'
He stood there, in the standard blue uniform, the tails of that silly headband of his flapping in the wind. Mop of unruly hair, as if it were kissed by the very sun itself, he stepped into the clearing; into the light of the crescent moon.
'He's always comes when I need him. He's always there for me when I cry.'
He grinned, not even sweating from the run he'd had.
"You're a ghost aren't cha?" he said, "Ghosts aren't supposed to cry!"
"N-Naruto-kun!"
(Raku)
"EEP!"
"AUUGH!"
Clinging to me for dear life, Onodera and I screamed as a group of monsters approached.
"I-I-Ichijou-kun! Do something!"
"Wh-What!? Don't look at me; I'm terrible with this stuff!"
In retrospect, twelve was probably one of the worst numbers I could've drawn.
(Yamada)
"Damn… where'd Kirisaki go?" I ran my fingers through my hair, "Great; Naruto's never gonna' let me hear the end of it if she gets lost out in the woods or something…"
"Yamada-kun!"
"Huh? Shiraishi?"
The girl stood before me, offering a hand up. I reached out and grabbed it, preparing to release my grip upon standing, only to find that she'd kept her fingers clamped tight.
"Shiraishi, what are you—"
"I don't have a partner either, actually," she said, tilting her head, and giving me a light smile, "I hope you don't mind."
"No, no! Not at all!"
I shifted, causing our palms to rub together lightly. I took the sensation of her soft skin on mine and burned it into my memory.
'Well...I guess all clouds have a silver lining.'
(Shuu)
"Pair Number Thirteen! You're up!"
"C'mon, let's get going!" I said cheerfully.
The shorter girl held out a hand, which I gently took. She flinched at the contact and clenched her opposite palm… but her fingers loosened, causing the fist to droop.
"Whatever. Let's go."
We began to move; her pace was very fast. She walked stiffly, but quickly, as we made our way through the forest.
Not encountering any monsters yet, we made it to a clearing with an opening in the canopy above, the light of the moon shining through. As we passed under it, there was a light draft, and her hair swung back and forth in the wind.
I stopped moving to marvel at the beauty before me. She turned.
Piercing crystals of jade, framed by panes of glass, bore into my eyes. Her thin brow was furrowed lightly in concern; her chocolate hair swayed in the breeze like fine, newly woven silk, the 'princess-cut' she wore entirely appropriate for a woman like her.
She grew tired of waiting, "What? What is it?"
I smiled. Not one of those fake ones, or those '83's either. A real, genuine smile.
"...It's nothing. Let's keep moving."
(Naruto)
"I can't believe you did that," she said, walking beside me.
I raised a brow, "What? That I ran about half a mile into the forest without a flashlight? Please, I've done worse with my eyes closed."
She smiled, "I'm sure you have. Thanks though."
I grinned.
"Anything for you, Chi-hime."
!
It was dark that night. The moon's light was so dim, it might as well have been new. But it was still bright enough to see.
I could tell her face was red, when she leaned her head against my shoulder as we walked, our fingers already intertwined.
"I'm serious."
"Hm?"
She was smiling now. One that cut through the darkness, one that lit up the forest, one that any man would fight, just to catch a glimpse of.
"Thank you, Naruto. For everything."
I grinned, "Not a problem… Chitoge."
"BOO!"
A "ghost", wearing a white sheet with eye-holes cut out of it, leapt from the bushes.
"AUUUGH!"
Eliciting a rather unmanly sound, I leapt up into her arms.
Her eye twitched, as I laughed nervously.
(Chitoge)
9:47 P.M.
In the end, we managed to make it back in time for our turn.
The Bean Sprout and the others had already left, leaving Tsugumi alone to greet us.
"Naruto! Mistress! Where were you two?" she called, running up to us, "I was worried!"
My blond bodyguard (who I was no longer holding, thank the gods), smiled widely, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Well, thanks for that," he said, "But there was really nothing to worry about. I was fine."
She gave a half-hearted glare, "I wasn't worried about you, you moron. I was worried for the Mistress; you can take care of yourself!"
He slumped over, comical cloud of depression setting over him, "You don't have to be so cruel about it..."
"Chitoge-chan!"
I saw Kosaki emerging from the forest, running rather quickly.
"Kosaki-chan! What's going on?"
I glared lightly at Ichijou, as he bent over to catch his breath, "What did you do, Aho Moyashi?"
"Nothing! Nothing!" he grunted out, face still pretty pale, "It was freakin' scary in there though."
"By the way, Mistress!" Tsugumi walked over, leaving Naruto to talk with Kosaki and Ichijou, "We don't have school tomorrow!"
"Hmm? Yeah, so?"
"Remember you said you wanted to go looking for your first crush?" she asked, "There's no school tomorrow, so I can make the arrangements..."
I looked over at Naruto, laughing with Ichijou and Kosaki.
"Nah... it can wait."
"Oh?"
I smiled lightly, "I don't need to know... just yet."
Next chapter will have an omake!
Anyway, here are the profiles. Full list will be released gradually.
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Nickname: Fishcake (hate it), Whiskers, Blondie, Orange, The Number-One Hyperactive Knucklehead Ninja, Child of Prophecy, Hero of the Leaf, Neo Toad Sage, Mr. 9, Kitsune
Nationality: Elemental
Gender: Male
Age: 16 (Birthday: October 10th)
Height/Weight: 164 cm/60 kg
Bloodtype: B
Available Techniques: Sage Mode, Tree-Climbing, Water-Walking, Kawamiri (Limited), Oiroke, Shurikenjutsu (Limited), Kenjutsu (Limited), Fuuinjutsu (Limited), One-Thousand Years of Death, Pachinko, Hiraishin, Sensing Emotions and Presences
Restricted Techniques: Shadow Clone (and variants), Kuchiyose (and variants), Rasengan (and variants), Bijuu Mode (and variants), any Elemental Jutsu
Likes: Tsugumi, Chitoge, Claude, Johnson, Kosaki, Ruri, Tsubaki, Cross, Shuu, Toranosuke, Klein, Kakashi, Drawing up seals, Ramen, the idea of being Hokage, orange, fighting alongside comrades, my precious people, cigarettes (kinda'), really any form of alcohol, training, peanuts, pranks, my nindo, tending to my garden, working together with Tsugu
Dislikes: The time it takes for ramen to cook (you think they'd have invented a jutsu for that by now…), when people pre-judge others, being forced to do something, when people think guns are better than knives, when others harm his precious people, Shuu when he's being a perverted bastard, when people thinks Chitoge's infallible, when others diss orange, the ring, stuck-up pricks, the stuff Claude leaves us to try and get rid of
Background: The day I was born, I had Kurama sealed into my gut, at the cost of my parents' lives. As a result, I was ostracized by my village; prior to my trip with Jiraiya, I had no true formal training. Since then, I've compiled various techniques, and numerous transformations, into a massive arsenal that I utilized during the 4th War. Most of my abilities are restricted at the moment, but it hasn't really been an issue thus far. Least I have Hiraishin.
Notes: I can't believe they're making me write up a file for myself… what is this, a MySpace page?
Favorite Subjects: N/A
Worst Subjects: N/A
Favorite Foods: Any form of Ramen
Least Favorite Foods: N/A
Strong Points: Combat
Weak Points: Thinking Things Through, Emotionally Dense (Hey, what's that supposed to mean?)
Theme Song(s): Too Close (Alex Clare) Battle Theme: [Six Trillion Years and Overnight Story (Ashe)]
Quotes:
"I never go back on my word. Because that's my nindo; my ninja way!"
(During Training) "Claude, if my fingers ever work again, I've got a job for the middle one."
"You got any cash on you? 'Cause I hear that Hell pays rent in advance."
"Ramen is the sacred food of the gods; don't let anybody tell you different."
"I should plant an orange tree."
"Datte-fucking-bayo, bitch."
"I'm so fast, sometimes even I have trouble keeping up."
"The last guy who pointed a gun at me wound up with a knife lodged in his throat. Same with the one before that, and the one before that. And I highly doubt you want to die as 'just another statistic'."
"Why do I fight so hard? Well that's an easy question.
One day… a long time ago… I made a vow. A vow to keep my precious people safe. It's why I've gotten as strong as I have. To protect them.
And now… whether you like it or not Tsugu, you've earned yourself a special place in my heart. You're precious to me.
I'll keep you safe no matter what! I'll go through the deepest depths of hell and back for you!
'Cause that's my ninja way!"
Name: Seishirou Tsugumi
Nickname: Tsugu. She had a codename for assignments while she worked in the states, but she hasn't told me yet. Says it's embarrassing.
Nationality: Japanese by birth, chiefly raised in America and England
Gender: Female
Age: 15 (Birthday: March 10th)(Met Chitoge: August 30)
Height/Weight: 162 cm/48 kg
Bloodtype: AB
Special Skills/Traits: Extraordinarily intelligent; ranked 7 during last year's exam period. Practices a multitude of fighting styles, among which being Judo, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga, Kung Fu, Ninjitsu, and even techniques used by U.S. Marines. A great shot with any kind of firearm, and quite skilled with a blade. She's also fluent in over 10 languages. Often confused for a male due to her masculine name and choice of clothing.
Likes: Chitoge, Me (Hopefully) Claude, Johnson, Kosaki, Ruri, Tsubaki, Firearms, Cooking, doing her job, working with familiar faces on missions
Dislikes: Cross, Shuu, Miyamura, perverts in general, when people assume she's a boy, when a gun jams, running out of ammo, her bust, the little things Claude leaves us on a utility cart in the middle of our room.
Background: Adopted by Claude at a young age, Tsugumi was taken all over the world, learning various forms of martial arts, languages, and cultures. She earned quite the name for herself in America as a hitwoman up until she transferred here to Japan a year ago. Since meeting me, her icy, let's-get-down-to-business personality has mellowed considerably, and she's opened up a bit more, according to Johnson. She had multiple partners in the BeeHive's American branch, one of which was younger, with white hair, the other being much older, with long dark brown. The second woman, "Jessica" was her teacher whenever Claude wasn't around.
Notes: Tsugu's awesome. She can hold her own in a spar, and keep up with me in battle! Even though I'm holding back and everything, that's still damn impressive. Over the course of our missions together, I've discovered that she secretly has quite the potty mouth, from back when she was an orphan on the streets. And now she can do it in over 10 languages. But seriously, have you heard her curse you out in Binary? It's freaking hilarious.
Yeah, we live together and all, but we're just good friends. Colleagues. Partners.
...Right?
Favorite Subjects: Art, Music, Home Econ
Least Favorite Subjects: Nothing in Particular
Favorite Foods: Anything with a good nutritional balance
Least Favorite Foods: Things with poor nutritional balance
Strong Points: Doesn't let her targets escape
Weak Points: Gets mistaken for a boy for some reason, was initially poor at conveying emotion
Theme: Fearless (Morgan Berry)
Quotes:"I'm gonna' make this very simple for you. Tell me where they are now, or I'll end your pathetic existence as a man."
"I swear to god, Naruto, if you don't put that back where you found it right now, I won't cook you ramen for a month."
"...Has anyone ever told you that you're certifiably insane?"
"I can shoot the wings off a mosquito in flight from over a hundred yards away. What would be so hard about chasing you down and popping a cap in your ass?"
"Yes, I'm a woman. And you're a man. I have a couple knives that can fix that problem, if you'd like."
"I'm rather capable in first-aid. So believe me when I say that I'll shoot you, heal you right up, and shoot you again."
"He and I… we're partners! And partners stand by each other!"
"I'll get stronger. Strong enough to fight you on equal ground…
Strong enough to stay by your side."
Name: Raku Ichijou
Nickname: Cross, Bocchan/Young Master, Stupid Bean Sprout/ Aho Moyashi
Nationality: Japan
Gender: Male
Age: 15 (Birthday: May 12th)
Height/Weight: 163 cm/ 134 lbs.
Bloodtype: B
Special Skills/Traits: Rather smart; ranked 63rd during the last exam period. However, due to his weak build, he's next to useless in a fight.
Likes: Kosaki, Cooking, Cleaning, Doing things right the first time, being precise, people who treat him like a normal person, being a "man", abiding by his family's code.
Dislikes: Fighting, Chitoge, People who treat him badly due to his background, the fact that his family is Yakuza, people who don't treat women properly.
Background: Son of the boss to the Shuuei-gumi Yakuza faction. Intelligent, but a total wimp. Wants to become a civil servant with no relation to his family's business. Currently in a false relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, in an attempt to quell the conflict between their group and the BeeHive Gang. Searching for the girl from his past, with the key capable of unlocking his pendant. Funnily enough, his name is "Lock".
Notes: Cross seems like a good enough guy, despite his questionable upbringing, though he does tend to dwell on the past a lot. He mentioned something about a promise from ten years ago, but it was in passing, so I don't have all the details.
Maybe I should ask him about it. Could be important.
Theme Song(s): Rocky (The Lonely Island)
Quotes:"I just want to live a life where I graduate from an Ivy League College and become a civil servant with a civilized job."
"Man… you BeeHive guys have all the cool toys."
"I can't take it anymore! Why's my world always surrounded by violence!"
"She's my girlfriend, damn you! And I won't let anyone take her away!"
"Damn… You gotta' teach me how to do that."
"Yeah, Onodera's great. She's thoughtful and friendly… Plus she's beautiful and classy and sweet and ladylike and she has an incredible smile… she's totally the perfect girl!"
"DAAAAAMMMIIIIIT! She's so cute it's ridiculous! I WANT TO MARRY HEEEEEERRR!"
