We returned to the village along with our empty bags and tired bodies. The challenge was easy but, it took a lot of energy. Zakuro and Kyosuke were talking about what happened and how their parents would react when they got to tell them everything. I walked ahead in silence, which is exactly what I wanted, because I didn't like being bothered. I noticed that up ahead was Zakuro's father.
''Zakuro!'' Lee exclaimed youthfully as he appeared in front of his son with excitement.
''Father what are you—'' Zakuro was a little embarrassed when Lee hugs him.
''You must tell me everything while we train, let's go!'' he grabbed Zakuro by the arm and began to run.
''Sorry guys!'' Zakuro called back as he vanished from sight, great, now I'm stuck with this guy.
''Great, now I'm stuck with you.'' Kyosuke growled as if he read my mind, we walked in silence, which is good but, then he broke it.
''You head-butted me.'' he stated with a disgruntled expression.
''I believe I said I would.'' I responded honestly.
''That was a low blow.'' he stated, I shrugged and stayed quiet because honestly I didn't give a crap.
''You didn't wash your hands when you left by the way.''
''And? I just knew he was going to Kotaishi sensei and Zakuro so I hurried while you worried about some stupid dagger.'' he pulled me by the shoulder and looked pained.
''That dagger, my mother made it for me. It means a lot to me and he still has it.'' I shrugged my shoulder away from his grip but he still hung on.
''So what? She's not dead or anything, she can make you another one.'' I remarked as I slapped his hand off of my shoulder and he became angry.
''I treasure it and I will get it back.'' he said as I felt a vein on my forehead.
''Go ahead and get it back, I'm not stopping you. I'm going to the hospital, we should part ways since your house is close by.'' I was not going to walk with him to the hospital.
''I'm going as well, I know Shuuhei will be there.'' he responded as the vein on my forehead popped and I got angry.
''Then follow me, I know a short cut.'' Soon after, we walked into an alley and I pushed him against the wall with my arm at his neck.
''Why do you act stupid? You know you are smart.'' I growled as he gasped for air, since my arm was pinning him to the wall at his throat.
''What do you mean? You know I'm stupid.'' he said as he grinned.
''No, before we started the challenge you made Zakuro cry because you knew his weakness yet you apologized knowing Zakuro would forgive you anyways and you took advantage of that. When the challenge started you knew that those berries were poisonous yet you grabbed them knowing that Zakuro will worry about you and call you out. You knew Minotaurs can die with tartar sauce and so you purposely bought a jar of it and brought it with you. You pushed him out of the way when you saw Jautis come from a far enough distance to get him and yourself out of the way but when you pushed him you stayed there and the rocks fell on you, knowing that we would take you out before you get crushed and Zakuro would tend to your wounds. Now tell me I'm wrong.''
''You are wrong—'' I slammed him against the wall again.
''Do you fucking take me for a fool? I don't know what your deal is but, Zakuro will never love you.''
''No, that you are right, because the kind and gentle ones always fall in love with people like you which leaves them to wither and turn to dust when you are done with them.'' He hissed as anger filled his eyes and soon after sorrow followed.
''What do you mean by people like—''
''I know the bet you, Riku, Yoka and Tsubasa made.'' I slammed him harder against the wall and he activated his Sharingan as I activated my Byakugan.
''You fucking asshole, that's why you were complaining about your legs hurting! You were purposely slowing me down!''
''The only asshole here is you!'' he threw a fist at me but I grabbed his hand before he could hit me.
''I will make you pay for this.''
''Your threats do not scare me.'' he grinned.
''No, but Zakuro might think otherwise.''
''You wouldn't hurt hi—''
''You don't know me'' I said as I dropped him on the ground and walked away.
''Tch''
''I better not see you at the hospital today or else you'll be staying there for days.''
''If you want to hurt me so badly then why did you save me? When the rocks collapsed on me I heard you breaking the wall and taking out the rocks and when Zakuro healed me you held me and lent me your chakra, when Arden grabbed me with my dagger you wanted to save me. I saw it in your eyes… if you hate me so much then why?''
''Heh, let's just say it's what makes me a hero and that was the first step.''
''What does that mean?''
''Ambitions, praise, fame, all the things I want for myself and you… are just part of that.''
''You expect me to believe that you wanted to be recognized for saving someone you hate, just because you want to be praised?''
''I'm surprised you got part of that right.'' I said mockingly.
''Because what? I'm a coward and I'll always be in danger so you take advantage of that to put me in the dust while you take the spotlight?''
''Easiest way to getting recognized really, you see, you also have to understand that you and I are never in good terms yet when they hear that I save you despite our differences… well people like that and they look up to me because of it, just ask Zakuro by all means. A warm heart catches everyone.''
''Because they are blind and they can't see how rotten it is.''
''Haha it's a shame that only you know the real me, but it's also a good thing because no one will believe you.''
''You act all high and mighty because you are the Hokage's son and because you are popular amongst our peers but let me tell you something, you are nothing but shit. People will sooner or later see you for who you truly are and I… well let's just say I will be strong enough to defend myself.''
''You and I will never be friends.'' I said.
''I wouldn't love it any other way.'' he responded.
''I'll take my leave, watch yourself damsel in distress.'' I let go of him and he smirked at me.
''Fuck you.'' hissed Kyosuke. As I was about to hit him, a cough from behind caused me to turn around. There was a green haired four eyes. Despite looking our age, I couldn't recognize him. Kyosuke pushed me away and dashed away without his bag.
''Damn him, what do you want?'' he had a vanilla ice cream cone and it was melting in his hand, he didn't seem to be bothered by it. He licked it and then looked back at me.
''Asshole.'' he said.
''I'm not in the mood so you should scram.'' I said yet he stayed, challenging me.
''Fine, have it your way.'' I ran towards him with a Rasengan in my hand and he moved so fast I didn't notice myself hitting the floor, as soon as I looked up he slammed his ice cream on my face.
''People like you always end up alone.'' he chirped with an accent as he grabbed Kyosuke's bag and cleaned his hands on it from the spilled ice cream.
''What the—'' I started but he was gone.
[x]
"You mean to tell me that we got attacked yesterday by Shinobi strong enough to drag me from my own village undetected, while Arden Fawkes spars with someone named Reretuac and killing him during the challenge, and at the same time I get news that my son is in a coma yet all of you are alive because he got summoned away while harassing Sakura's son, and not to mention that you helped a creature in the maze, and you guys just completed the challenge because he gave way?"
"Exactly, Hokage sama" I said.
"Kotaishi when I said hold back I didn't mean hold back when the Crimson Thief is trying to woo Zakuro!"
''Hokage sama, it's well known that he will not harm a child, so I thought we could get intel from him if we played on his side of the board, though he seems to be an odd man with an interest in Zakuro.''
''You used your pupil as bait?'' he glared angrily at me.
''No, I had the situation under cont—''
''Never do that again or I'll permanently remove you from all your ranks. You are not an Anbu anymore, you are a Sensei, one who protects those he teaches. Did you forget the concept?'' He said with a stern deep voice.
''My mistake…''
''Anything could've gone wrong, do you understand how dangerous and unpredictable that man is? Never let it happen again, understood?''
''Understood.''
''Good.''
''…Any information about the ones who attacked you earlier?'' I asked desperately trying to change the subject.
''No, he was killed and to my surprise I found the other two that had escaped, I chased one of them down but, as I said, they kidnapped me. They go by Zenith and Dahv… we do not have any records of them but I will contact the other villages to see if they have anything about those two. You are dismissed for today.''
''Understood.''
''Shiberiano, I would like to have a word with you.'' he motioned behind me and I hadn't realized someone else was with us whilst the Hokage spoke with me. Shiberiano was five feet and four inches tall… the shortest Jōnin ever considering that he was twenty four years old. The hokage looked at me and I came to realize I was lost in thought; I excused myself from the room.
[x]
After my fun with Dahv, I left to the Land of Tea to pick up some orders I had placed, someone stopped me and placed a large amount of ryō in the guy's hand who had just given me my orders, he gave me a big smile and wished me a good day.
''You know, you didn't have to—''
''I did it because I care for you, and to repay you for last time since you helped me out. Tell me brother, how have you been?''
''I've been ok…'' he noticed I'm lying.
''I'm here for you if you want to talk about it.'' he says as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
''Thank you but, Em, why are you here?''
''Well, I heard what happened at Konoha shortly after I left, in fact I knew you were there and I just wanted to make sure you were alright but, I had to wait after your little fun with Dahv.'' I blushed and looked to the ground as he smiled.
''T-that did you hear?''
''Hear what? The tea party?'' he was oblivious, thank goodness.
''Never mind.''
''That boy you shot though… he's in a coma.'' He said referring to the fight I had with the Hokage and the others.
''What? He's still alive?'' I took a sudden interest but Em was worried about the boy.
''I want to heal him but I came to talk to you first, what would you have me do with him?'' he asked and I chuckled.
''I don't care. You know you can do whatever you please. You have a kind heart and whatever you do won't bother me because we are brothers, although if you don't mind, I would like to stop by the hospital with you. I'm just curious… that brat is still alive.'' he nodded and I made my orders disappear in my pocket and I left with him.
''Was he just talking to himself?'' a random passerby said as he scratched his head.
''Weirdoes these days.'' said another random passerby.
[x]
We came into the hospital bed and the boy's heart rate was slow but steady, his breathing was weak, so he had an oxygen mask on. I also noticed that the boy I intended to kill, the Uchiha, was resting his head on the bed and It was obvious he'd been here with him since yesterday.
''They are both suffering.'' said Em as he rested his hand on the blond boy's forehead.
"You gonna wake him up?'' he nodded as he worked his magic. The boy began to wake and we were about to leave, we heard footsteps so we began to hurry out. Though, there was one last thing I had to do.
''Bitch'' I wacked the Uchiha boy on the head and Em pulled me by the arm out of there.
''Were you trying to put him in a coma too?!'' said Em as I laughed.
''Though… he won't remember some of his loved ones.'' Em stated in an afterthought.
''What do you mean?''
''I completely healed him, which is exactly why he won't remember important events nor his loved ones… the mind works in mysterious ways it can never be fully healed per say. Any negative encounter he ever had with a loved one or someone he held close to no matter how big or small would be erased. Even if it was a misunderstanding… so he'll have to remember little by little. His memories are puzzle pieces now and only he can decide when to access them… if he actually wants to access them… that is why I guilt myself—''
''No Em, you did what you could, otherwise he would've spent half of his life or more in there and those around him would've suffered for far longer.''
[x]
''—the hell!'' I woke up to severe pain to my head, it felt as if someone had hit me with a sledgehammer, I rubbed it and got up to ask the nurse for pain killers but I noticed something.
''Haru!'' he moved, he moved!
''It's me! It's me Shuu!'' in excitement I grabbed his hand, he opened his eyes slowly. I then heard someone come in, it was Hinata. She had brought me something to eat and beside her was Naru who rushed in towards his brother.
''Haruto!'' yelled Hinata as she dropped the bag with food on the floor and rushed as well. She had tears in her eyes.
''Brother!'' yelled Naru.
''I'll go get a medic.'' I said barely containing my euphoria. I saw medics coming my way with smiles on their faces. I went back inside and they were all checking his vitals.
''Tell me Haruto, do you remember why you are here?'' asked one medic.
''N-no... why am I here?'' he responded in a hoarse voice, a medic offered him water and he gulped it down.
''... Well you are here because you got hit by a chakra bullet. Do you remember them?'' he gestured back at us as we smiled at Haruto. He looked at his brother first.
''I'm sorry I... I don't.'' he lowered his head, glancing at his mother and at me clearly puzzled and upset.
''I… I don't remember… why?'' he pondered longer in thought and heartbroken I spoke up.
''It's me Shuu, this is your mother Hinata and this is your brother who had just come from the challenge.'' I said while feeling my eyes heat up from the welling of tears.
''My mother?'' he kept staring at her and he was just as upset as we were.
''I-I'm so happy you are ok, I love you Haruto.'' Hinata said as she cleared her tears from her eyes with a smile.
''Thank you… mother.'' He smiled back and he looked at me briefly before turning his face to the medic next to him.
''HARU YOU FUCKING IDIOT! HOW CAN YOU NOT REMEMBER US?!'' I screamed and I noticed two medics rush into the room trying to calm me down.
''IT'S ME! SHUU! HARU I—'' I felt a light pinch on my neck and I got drowsy, causing me to faint. The medics caught me but I fell into a deep slumber.
''That should do it.''
''L-lady Sakura!''
[x]
''Dad I would really like to go home no—uwah!'' I hit the ground really hard and when I opened my eyes it was my father.
''No, we need to do 500 push-ups and run around the village on our hands 300 times! It'll be easy!'' he said as he helped me up.
''I don't think… I have… the physical strength… for that.'' I said honestly as I wheezed.
''What?! You are my son, it is in your blood!'' he helped me up and I fell back down.
''Please just… let me go home.'' I looked at him with teary eyes, he tried to avoid me but I knew he couldn't help it when I did this.
''S-stop doing that!'' I kept staring at him and he sighed.
''Fine, let's go.'' he said as he helped me up again.
''Thanks dad.''
''You know, you are strong because you were able to heal everyone in the challenge , a strong Shinobi would be in trouble if they were badly injured, especially Kyosuke. So I know, you got physical strength, besides you are Sakura's son, she's stronger than me!'' he smiled at me and I smiled back, maybe he was right.
''You think Kyosuke is a good ninja?''
''Well…'' we both laughed.
''He was scared all the time! It was really funny.'' I laughed.
''Even so, he still has the Uchiha blood, sooner or later he will grow strong.'' he said as I nodded.
I looked behind me and I froze in shock. Kyosuke was behind me looking upset, he had overheard us.
''W-wait!'' he began to run and I chased after.
''Just leave me alone Zakuro!'' he yelled as he tried to pick up speed but I caught up to him in time.
''I'm—''
''Shut up! I'm tired of everyone making fun of me all the fucking ti—''
''Just listen! I didn't mean to, I was just trying to have a good time with my dad and—''
''And what? I was chosen to be the joke?!''
''I'm sorry… but you have done far worse, you always annoy Naru and—''
''YOU DON'T KNOW THE TRUE NARU!'' he got up and ran away, I let him go and my father touched my shoulder.
''What does that mean?'' my father asked, I tried to chase him again but he was gone.
[x]
I forced my feet to carry the weight of my pain, not just of my body but of my heart as well. I didn't want to go home like this so I kept running. I didn't know where to but at this point anywhere was fine. I cleared the tears from my eyes and I stumbled to the ground, fatigued. I breathed heavily and roll myself over, facing the beautiful sunset, such beautiful warm colors made the world feel enchanted, and for a moment, I wished I were part of it.
''Great, I dropped my bag when Naru slammed me against the wall in that alley.''
At this point I could consider my bag gone forever because the worst he could do to it was light it on fire with my things in it and even that wouldn't surprise me. Out of nowhere a bag hit my face, a familiar one with the Uchiha symbol on it, could it be that Naru had finally changed? I looked up and it was the boy who had saved me, he was holding a bag of gummy worms and he had three dangling from his mouth.
''H-hey I wanted to thank you for—''
''Keep an eye on your things.'' he said before leaving, I grabbed the bag and it felt odd.
''Why is it sticky?'' he was strange but I did owe him one. I wondered why I had never seen him before.
[x]
I went to the bathroom to clean my face because it was sticky from the ice cream and the tears from earlier didn't help. I looked at the mirror and noticed that my shirt was stained from the ice cream that was smeared on me earlier. I took my shirt off and began cleaning it with water. I then zip my jacket up and place the shirt on my shoulder. As I walked out of the bathroom I noticed that the hospital was pretty packed I'm not even sure if they have an experienced medic around to help these people.
''When I see that green haired son of a bitch again I'll—'' as soon as I stepped into the hallway I stopped. My brother was in a wheel chair talking with mother at the vending machine. I smiled at him and he smiled back, his face confused still.
''Brother… you shouldn't be eating unhealthy things right now. Your body is very weak and something healthier can speed up your recovery.'' I looked from him to my mother who had a pretty weak smile from trying to contain how she truly felt within her.
''This is just a snack for now until they get me something to eat later, I don't think it can hurt. How was the, uh, challenge? Hinata was just talking about it.'' something dropped from the vending machine and he grabbed the bag of chips that had dropped down, something I had not seen in a while, he was all about keeping a balanced diet then. He quickly opened the bag and munched on a chip, a sudden disgusted expression came across his face… spicy chips.
''Ack'' he closed the bag of chips and put it aside.
''You hate spicy things, that's something you ought to remember!'' I meant it as a joke but he looked upset and at that moment I felt a sudden ache to my heart and guilt embodied me.
''I… just wanted to try it, that's all.'' he smiled, a strange sight to see since he always had a mask on.
''Ah, well what did the medics say?'' I asked.
''I have to stay for a couple more days so Hina— mother is showing me around the hospital, there's a garden in the back so I'll probably check it out tomorrow and get some fresh air while I—''
''Mother, can I talk to you for a second… alone?'' Mother was caught off guard and she seemed hesitant because she didn't want to leave Haruto alone but she nods.
''O-okay but I'll take Haruto to his room first.'' she was about to grab the handles of the wheelchair when he stopped her.
''I-I'll go by myself.'' he said as he began to head back to his room. A medic, having heard our conversation, smiled at mother and began to follow Haruto to his room while conversed with him.
''What the hell happened to him?'' I asked mother and she began to tear up.
''H-he had surgery and then went into a coma while you were gone, he's been through so much. Even Lady Sakura can't explain how he just forgot everything, she says it's best not to push him when it comes to his memory. It can frustrate him and—'' at that point… time froze, her lips moved but I could not hear any sound. I just keep thinking why did he have to go through this? He had never hurt anyone… he was a loving guy, serious, but loving nonetheless… I didn't want to see him hurt like this… I cocked my head slightly and I noticed that out of the corner I saw Shuuhei unconscious on a bed.
''What the— he's still knocked out?'' I asked as I pointed behind her.
''He was getting out of hand… he's very emotional so Lady Sakura put him to sleep for a while with her sleeping jutsu.''
''Geez, she still does that huh?'' she smiled and nodded.
''Does father know about Haruto?''
''I-I don't know, he went to interrogate one of the guys that attacked him the other day but then he was kidnapped—''
''What?! How come no one is—''
''Your father is fine, he was brought back, Sasuke went to aid him but he got bitten… Aki was here with me but after she heard about Sasuke she left.''
''We sincerely apologize but, due to the amount of people that need to get tended to by a medic, visiting hours are now over, we will be open tomorrow at nine in the morning.'' said a medic on the speaker.
''Let's go say goodbye to Haruto and head home.'' I suggested and she nodded.
''Y-yeah'' we walked down the hallway and turned to the left, there was a light flickering on the ceiling and the hallway felt empty. The last door to the left was my brother's room and as we came in he closed a book he had been reading and turned to us.
''Hey mom, hey bro.'' he said so casually, mom leaned closer to him and hugged him, he hugged her back and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed and whispered goodnight little one, a phrase I'd not heard in a while.
''I'll come tomorrow to see you after the bell challenge.'' I put my fist in front of him and he seemed confused.
''We used to bump fists all the time.'' I said and he smiled, he fist bumped me.
''Be careful on your way home.'' he said as we left the room, we walked out of the hospital and mother placed her hand on my shoulder.
''Mother? What is it?'' I asked concerned.
''W-well I was wondering if you could do me a favor?''
''Yes mother anything.'' It would most likely be to pick up my nephew.
''I have to tell your father about Haruto, could you perhaps be able to pick up Shinjiro and take him to Hanabi?''
''Yes, where is he?''
''At the park with his friends, it's almost dark so please hurry before he starts to panic.''
''Alright, I'll see you home then.''
''I'll have dinner ready.'' I rushed to the park.
[x]
I had been sitting in the waiting room, bored out of my mind because it'd been at least a good long hour since the Hokage began to speak with Shiberiano. I hear the door close and I looked to see if Shiberiano was coming out of the room, suddenly, the door closed by itself, no one had come out of it so… what the hell was that? I stood up and I felt my scarf wrap itself around my neck tightly almost choking me, I knew exactly who it was at that point.
''You left yourself wide open again.'' he chuckled.
''Did you really need to use the booth I was sitting on as a booster just so that you could reach my neck properly chibi sensei?'' I smiled.
''Don't call me that, bunny chan.'' he mocked back knowing this would pop a vein.
''Don't call me that!'' he let go of my scarf and stepped down from the booth, he seemed exhausted.
''How did it go?'' I asked as I adjusted my scarf.
''I don't want to talk about it.'' he began to walk away.
''Oh come on, it's not like they mistook you for a genin who was at the wrong site!'' he kept silent but his ears turned bright red.
''No way!''
''Shut up! They thought I was a genin and asked for the form with instructions on where I was supposed to report to!'' he was so angry fumes were coming out of his ears again.
''Calm down, I'm sure they didn't mean to mock you.'' I laughed and as soon as I had placed my hand on his shoulder he shrugged it off. I forgot he hated being touched.
''How about you?'' he asked.
''Well… I have a fairly good team, I just don't know how it'll work since two of them seem to hate each other. Which pupils were assigned to you?''
''Enzo, he's mute, he writes and draws symbols to speak with us and he also carries a pink giant bunny on his back. Akumu is a very shy girl, she seems to be close with Enzo. Now, Karasu is a hyperactive kid who was the one to think I was a genin. I mean c'mon I know I'm short but—''
''Now now, don't get too angry again. Remember, don't let the anger build up, it's for your own good.'' the red shade of his face faded.
''Our challenge is going to take place in Iwa (short name for Iwagakure) it was going to take place in Kumogakure originally but, you and I know that I can't go there. I spoke to the Hokage and now it takes place in Iwa but, since he hadn't planned to send anyone to Iwa we are pending for two days.''
''Did you mention that tonight is full moon?'' I asked concerned.
''Yes, I did… he told me that If in any case I can be excused tomorrow from the bell challenge.''
''Do you want me… to keep an eye on you?''
''It's too dangerous and I won't allow it.''
''Then what are you going to do?''
''I am going to give the jutsu Yuda taught me a try, the chakra drainer. If it leaves me fatigued to the point where I can no longer move then I'll take my chances.''
''That's dangerous! You can die—''
''I'd rather perish than find my hands bloodied every full moon and not have any memory of what had happened that night.''
''You know it's not your fault!'' I tried to reason with him but he got more upset.
''For all you know I could be killing children!'' he started shaking and kept biting at his lip to try and control himself. White chakra smoke started to surround him, his clan's trademark.
''Calm down… We are all trying to figure out how to help you, just… trust me.'' With that, he stared at me and the white chakra smoke began to disappear. After a few minutes he had returned to his original composure.
''I am leaving now.'' He said as he left… if only he knew…
[x]
'' I'm the king of the castle! '' I shouted at Deirdre and Ciaran as they looked at me defiantly.
''You are going down, you dirty rascal!'' they both yelled and began to climb the jungle gym, I ran to the other side and unsheathed my wooden sword.
''Who's going to face me first?''
''Heh, you are going down!'' shouted Ciaran as he reached for his wooden sword, we began to spar, he swung his sword repeatedly at me without giving me a chance to direct my sword elsewhere. Before I knew it, he was pure offense and all I could do was defend. He was faster than me but, neither of us gave up resulting in a draw.
''W-wait brother.'' We both looked at Deirdre as she wielded her wooden sword.
''Sis what are y—''
''I want to fight him.'' she raised her sword at me, she was timid but defiant.
''I'm not going easy on you.'' I said as I smiled.
''Me neither.'' We charged at each other and sparred again, her brother watched and cheered her on.
''No cheer for me?'' I yelled as I deflected her attack and swung at her again.
''She's my sister!'' yelled back Ciaran.
''Go Shinjiro!'' I heard a familiar voice, taken by surprise I looked back and, forgetting I was fighting, I got slashed by the wooden sword on my right arm.
''Oh no! I am so sorry I didn't mean to—'' Deirdre was worried, she dropped her sword and rushed to me.
''It's not your fault, don't worry about it.'' I smiled and she began to heal my arm.
''Hey Shinjiro are you ok?'' Naru asked.
''I'm fine, thank you though.'' The wound had healed completely and soon after my arm stopped aching.
''Where are your parents? It's getting dark.'' Naru said to my friends.
''Daddy is coming.'' said Deirdre and on cue a white haired man came.
''Shinjiro, get behind me now!'' Naru grabbed his kunai.
''Ah ah ah, no violence in front of the kids.'' the girl and the boy began to run towards him.
''What the—get away from him! He's the Crimson Thief!'' Naru yelled at my friends, they started to climb on him, he didn't budge one bit.
''Well well, what did you guys do today? Did you have fun?'' he asked the kids, the boy grabbed his arm and pulled himself onto his shoulders where he now sat.
''Pertinax puer, don't pull daddy's arm that hard.'' He smiled at the boy.
''Daddy daddy! We played a lot with Shinjiro!'' the little girl pointed at me.
''My sweet darling Dei, I'm so glad you had fun.''
''What's going on Naru chan?'' I said as the man chuckled.
"Yes, Naru-chan, What's going on?" the man said with a grin.
"T-the devil?" Naru sputtered out.
"Close" he remarked with a chuckle.
"Never mind, how'd you get past the guards?"
"the what?" he responded as if he had no knowledge of them.
"The Shinobi at the door"
"Oh, you mean the welcoming committee? I do believe they were rather, umm, busy at the moment. It was still a wonderful welcome." He looked like he was having a hard time holding back laughter.
"How are you still here, surely someone saw you?"
"Mnm…no one of any authority, just you." He was clearly enjoying this.
''Do you even know who I am? I am the son of Naruto Uzumaki Hyūga, the Hokage of Konoha, the village you are in right now. I don't expect respect for me but at least everyone knows who my father is.''
"Who now? I Thought Sasuke Uchiha was the hokage."
"I don't need this shit, First some crazy orange haired guy almost kills my brother now you…"
"An orange haired man? With a rose gantai over his left eye?" he stopped laughing and was suddenly serious.
"Y..yeah…"
"I grieve for your sanity" he spoke in a tone full of pity and walked away with his kids.
''What does that mean?'' Naru asked.
''Just pray that you don't find out.'' The man said as he disappeared with Dei and Ciaran.
''N-Naru, what happened to Haruto chan?'' I felt like crying as he let all the anger go and looked at me with a regretting expression.
''Ah kid, I really didn't want to tell you for your own good.'' He kneeled in front of me and put both his hands on my shoulders.
''He's away, in a mission and might not be back to visit you for a while. He was in such a hurry he forgot to stop by.''
''Oh! That's ok, I know he's very busy when it comes to missions. I'm not mad at him, never!'' I smiled and held Naru's hand tight as we walked home.
[x]
''That Uchiha boy is still sleeping there!''
''Calm down Mori senpai, lady Sakura said that if he doesn't wake up then we mustn't disturb him…''
''I know! But he's so selfish, there's so many people that could be using that bed and he's just—''
''Mori senpai, we need you over here!''
''Tch, let's go Nadi.'' They finally left, I peeked over the bed and over my clone, he peeked back at me.
''All you have to do is sleep there while I go see Haru.'' I whispered to him and he went right back to sleep, I stepped out of the room and had almost forgotten my goggles, I grabbed them from the desk and held them against my chest.
'This might help him remember.' I moved discreetly, if lady Sakura found out I'd be dead for sure. I turned to the hallway and saw a medic come out of Haru's room, I snuck quickly inside and I heard the door behind me shut close and lock. He was lying there, sleeping so soundly almost as if—
''What are you doing?'' he placed a kunai on my neck and I smirked, while he lay on the bed, his shadow clone was waiting for me at the door.
''You and I think alike sometimes…'' he attempted to slice my neck but his conscience stopped him.
''Why—why can't I kill you? You don't look related to me so… why?'' taken aback, I began to shake in fear, not of myself but, fear that he might really not know himself to the point that he'd be capable of tainting his hands with regret and despair.
''Because you and I share something special.'' I held my goggles up to him as he throws the kunai to the wall and with a frustrated expression he looks at the goggles.
''What are the goggles for?'' he grabbed the goggles and stared at them in thought.
''I-I've always liked you and even you knew it, but I kept denying it to the point we stopped hanging out together. You even pushed me to accept my own feelings but I kept fighting you head on without retreat… now I've gotten the chance to—''
''I did not ask about us, I asked about the goggles. What significance do they have?'' he gripped them.
''Idiot, if you'd let me finish—''
''Don't call me an idiot, I can't kill you but I can hurt you.''
''Do you think you are in any condition of making threats?'' I punched his clone and it disappeared as soon as my goggles hit the floor, he knew that he couldn't move from the bed. He was so tired that he could only conjure up one clone to protect himself when I first came in, when I knew damn well he could conjure up twenty without breaking a sweat.
''You can't move and you don't have much chakra, what can you do?'' I grabbed my goggles from the floor.
''Get to the point of those goggles before I lose my interest.''
''When we were young, you used to be bullied in the academy because… well you had a 'condition' that made it easy for other kids to pick on you every day. I was one of the popular kids and even though I didn't do anything to you, I also never really helped... But on a rainy day, you were opening up your umbrella and a kid snatched it from you, you didn't put up a fight and you walked through the rain trembling under the cold water crying… I ran, as fast as I could, I even slipped on the mud and I eventually caught up to you. I gave you my umbrella but you didn't want to accept it, you didn't dare look at me either, you didn't want me to see you cry so I took my goggles and put them on you. At that moment you looked at me and smiled, the raining had stopped and the sun shined as bright as your hair but then you realized who I was and ran away. You kept my goggles and refused to go to school for four days, eventually I came to visit you and—'' he placed his hand on my cheek and at his sudden touch I flinched, he caressed my face and I closed my eyes enjoying his touch.
''I may not remember you but… I feel uneasy towards you.'' he said.
''I've always been a bad boy'' I grinned.
''No, like… I can't control myself around you, my feelings are scattered all over and I can't decide whether I deeply hate you or—''
''Maybe this might help you remember.'' I leaned forward in an attempt to kiss him but he pushed me away.
''I'm sorry… I don't know… I'm sorry.'' He said not looking at me, shame rushed all over my body and I as well stopped looking at him, hiding my bashfulness.
''No, I'm sorry I—'' all of a sudden I felt pain in my stomach, could it be that—
''A-are you okay?'' he asked concerned while holding his arms out to me.
''For now—'' I said knowing that I have been discovered.
''Shanaroo!'' yelled Sakura from the other side of the hospital, it was loud enough to send chills down my spine.
''Shit'' I heard her stomping down the hall way, it was fast paced, which made every step scarier than the last, I gulped as the door knob twisted twice and then stopped, a sudden leg came through the door and, eventually, brought the door down. I faced her as she grabbed me by the shirt and defensively I activated my Sharingan.
''Were you sleeping when the announcement was made or perhaps were you waiting for the right moment to come bother this poor boy while your shadow clone faked sleep?'' she gripped my shirt and brought me closer to her, I looked defiantly to her face and said.
''Maybe a little bit of both?'' she made a fist with her hand a swung it at me, I dodged it and went through the window. I ran as fast as I could because this is what you would call running away for your life.
[x]
''I'm home.'' The house was silent, not that it was unusual but, there were no lights on.
''Guess everyone left… which means I can do what I want finally!'' I put gloves on and a mask.
''I will leave this house spotless!'' I took everything that was out of place and put them in a garbage bag, dirty clothes went in the laundry room so I could take care of it later, and unknown things were set on fire… for safety reasons of course. One time some spoiled food that mixed with something came to life and I had to set it on fire so now if it looks like its breathing it's going to catch fire.
''Done with the first floor…'' I began cleaning the staircases and I reached my parents room first, they are always clean but I like to re-clean. After I finished, I replaced their cleaning products with brand new ones and I sprayed a pine scent across the room. I moved onto my room, which was simple since I'm very clean, but then…
''Alright… Shadow clone jutsu!'' I made two clones and they all shuddered.
''I don't think it's safe to go in there…'' one of my clones said.
''B-but we have to—'' the other clone said.
''If I die, take my belongings.'' I said.
''Idiot, if you die, we all do!'' they both said.
''Oh no!''
''It stinks so bad and we haven't even opened the door yet.''
''I think I'm going to undo myself, I can do that right?''
''I think so, let me join you—''
''Enough! Let's just get it over with.'' I gulped and opened the door as my clones hid behind me.
''We need gas masks.''
''Don't be ridiculous.'' I said as I went inside the room we tried to take a deep breath but it was poisonous, the door behind us closed and we gulped.
''Fine, we do need gas masks.'' My brother's room was the epitome of what a thousand year old catacomb would smell like. He had always left his clothes around, he never lifted a finger to at least spray some fragrance, he was the devil but, I'd doubt even he was this bad.
''I-I think that thing over there is breathing''
''Set it on fire quick!'' I yelled.
''B-but—''
''Don't you dare hesitate! Quick it's coming at us!'' my other clone yelled.
''Ah!'' we all screamed and ran downstairs, we sat on the sofa and exhaled.
''Let's make an oath, never enter his room.'' One of the clones said and we nodded.
''Well… let's call it a day alright? I'm really tired.'' I said as they vanished.
''I wonder if Shuuhei is coming home tonight. He's an idiot when it comes to Haruto.'' I suddenly hear a tapping on the window and it became constant, as if someone was trying to get in. I gulped and I hoped that it wasn't an S-rank missing ninja who only wants to kill innocent boys like me. I took a look and I sighed, it was just a grey colored owl with a scroll on its leg, I opened the window and he stood on my arm.
''Hey little one, what do you have for me?'' I pet his head and surprisingly he's letting me do this, this is probably the only time an animal has actually taken a liking to me. I opened the scroll and I read.
''This message is for Kyosuke Uchiha, you are summoned tomorrow before sunrise at the training grounds. Please wear appropriate Shinobi attire and be ready for the bell challenge. Make sure that your teammates arrive or else your team will be disqualified.'' I finished reading the message and the owl begins to peck my finger.
''Why before sunrise? That's extremely early and unnecessary because I know they won't start until the Hokage is present and he never wakes up before sunrise.'' I said as the owl finally screeched as if asking for food.
''Huh? Oh, I guess I got a box of cracker somewhere around the house. Hold on.'' I went to a kitchen cabinet and searched around, I glanced at the back of it and found a box of crackers, I brought the owl three crackers and she looked happy. After she finished, she flew out the window.
[x]
''Ahhhhh! Doesn't that feel nice son?!'' said my father as he stretched.
''D-dad, I am sore!'' I have never run this fast for too long, it certainly won't happen again.
''Yes! That's good! Tomorrow you will be at your best!'' he said as his stomach growled.
''I'll make food. Where's mother?''
''She's coming home in an hour, she was busy all day! Especially with Haruto. Your mother is amazing, she was fast at healing everyone on the emergency room.''
''Yeah, she's amazing…'' I said as I lowered my head and walked to the kitchen. I begin to look for what to cook and suddenly I feel a gush of wind next to me.
''Mom doesn't like it when we run in the house.'' I said to my brother.
''That's why I made sure she isn't here!'' he rested his elbow against my shoulder and looked at what I was doing.
''Dinner won't be ready for a while, so you can take a seat or run around the house a hundred times.'' I said to him and he laughed.
''I'm not here for that, well sort of, I'm here to ask you how it went.''
''Oh, that, well we did good. It was in Mt. Shinwa, that cave is actually a maze in the dark. I met a lot of cool Minotaurs, an annoying rainbow ball, and… some weirdo with white hair.(Excuse you? I am not a weirdo and I am a BLONDE)'' I said as I got the rice into a pot filled with water.
''What!? That sounds amazing! We won't start the challenge until tomorrow unfortunately. It's in Suna, the Kazekage requested me on whichever team I was in.'' Sakuya said as he stood on his hands.
''Brother, get out of the kitchen. You'll dirty it with your sweat and shoes.'' He smiled and then his teeth made a small shine, just like dad.
''Fine, Oh! Who are your teammates?'' he asked as he stood normally for once, I sighed heavily.
''I am in Naru's team so I am happy but… then there's Kyosuke.'' I begin cutting up the meat and prepare the pan.
''That's good, it's the legendary team.'' He said.
''I guess so and—'' suddenly I hear something fly in, it lands on my shoulder.
''Hello.'' It was a brown and white messenger owl with a note attached to his leg. I fed him a piece of bread and he gave me the message.
''This message is for Zakuro Haruno, you are summoned tomorrow before sunrise at the training grounds. Please wear appropriate Shinobi attire and be ready for the bell challenge. Make sure that your teammates arrive or else your team will be disqualified.'' I saved the message and he flew away.
''You just got yours? It's pretty late, I got mine earlier this afternoon.'' Sakuya said as he went to set up the table.
''Yeah, I don't know why it came late but, it might be because the hokage was busy with his son being in the hospital.'' Suddenly I hear a door slam open and dad rushes towards it, he then screams.
''Sakura!'' he hugs her tightly and I hear her speak.
''That sore loser Shuuhei, he got away this time.'' She says angrily.
''What did he do mom?'' Sakuya asks.
''I chased him for a long time and then he just disappears, such a coward! He couldn't even face me in a battle.'' She says as she comes into the kitchen.
''Are you kidding mom? You'd kill him in an instant.'' Sakuya says and she laughs.
''Hey mother, I'm cooking for us today.'' She ruffles my hair and smiles, then walks out of the kitchen and sits on the sofa.
''It smells good.'' She said.
[x]
''Thank you Naru, I am sorry about—''
''Don't mention it, Shinjiro doesn't know.'' I said to my aunt Hanabi.
''Oh ok, I think he could handle it.'' She says proudly.
''He's still a kid, he shouldn't worry about things like these. Anyway, I should head home now it's getting—''
''Hey Naru!'' a familiar voice calls out to me from inside the house.
''Hey uncle Konohamaru, how are you?'' I gave him a hug and he lifted me off the ground, how embarrassing.
''Ok ok, I'll visit more often.'' I said trying to breathe.
''How was the challenge?'' he asked.
''It went well, it was at Mt. Shinwa.''
''Oh, you've always wanted to go there!'' he said.
''Yeah, that's why I know it went well.'' At this moment I gave up.
''I heard what happened to Haruto, is he ok now?'' he asks and puts me down.
''Y-yeah, he's ok, he's just having a hard time remembering things.'' I said as I fix my jacket.
''Wow, that must be hard on you guys… did you mention it to Shinjiro?'' he seemed worried.
''No, I told him he went away on a mission and didn't stop by to pick him up from the park.'' He let out a sigh of relief.
''Good, thanks Naru. Do you want me to accompany you home?'' he smiled.
''No, I can manage. Thank you though, take care.'' I walked away.
''Be careful!'' he yelled.
''Yeah, I will!'' It was really dark and if it weren't for the moon and stars I would not be able to see… unless I activated my Byakugan of course. I sense something flying towards me and I elevated my arm in front of me. It was a white owl, who had a message on its leg.
''Thanks.'' I said and he stared at me, I reached in my pocket and nothing.
''Sorry, I don't have any food.'' I patted his head and it flinched away.
''Well, aren't you nice.'' I said sarcastically as I pulled the message from the leg and he flew away.
''This message is for Naru Uzumaki Hyūga, you are summoned tomorrow before sunrise at the training grounds. Please wear appropriate Shinobi attire and be ready for the bell challenge. Make sure that your teammates arrive or else your team will be disqualified.'' I closed the message and put it in my pocket.
''Geez dad, we live together, couldn't you have just told me?'' I sigh and I keep walking home.
TBC!