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2, [Katomaru]
There was smoke, fire, a burning ship, and a girl trapped onboard. In a haze of adrenaline and fear, she shoved past the panicking crowds and dove overboard, hoping that water would be a more gentle killer. She was wrong, oh so wrong.
The water was unforgiving, cold.
Cold enough that her skin felt like dry ice against the crackling heat of her innards, cold enough that the pressure in her asthma-weakened lungs was unbearable. She fought to hold the exploding feeling in as she was dragged deeper and deeper into the never-ending abyss. She struggled to escape the greedy water's grasp, but it was futile. As her sanity abandoned her, phantom figures began flickering in and out of her vision, joining her in her descent in the murky waters.
It was a scripted battle between human and nature, and she was destined to lose. She knew that her descent didn't last forever, but it felt like eons had passed before the wavering flames of the fire-ravaged ship finally disappeared, along with the panic and her thundering heartbeat.
Finally. The end of a pathetic existence.
But that wasn't the end, far from it.
For months, it was quiet.
With her senses muted, her world was reduced to blurs of warm colors and soft sounds. For months, there was only the warmth of another human being- someone with a decisively powerful energy about her. Like a mother. Her mother. But she was sure she'd had a mother before, and that this woman was her second one.
What was she supposed to think about that?
The woman- her mother- spent most of her day meditating and tending to her garden, smears of greens and reds and oranges to her infantile eyes. At nightfall, the woman would sing her to sleep in a voice so rich and beautiful that she didn't dare move, in fear of disrupting the melody.
Those months were serene, almost magical. A mother's love had that kind of effect.
Then, the smoke.
It was back.
She screamed, cried, and thrashed, but it was no use. Visions of her death came back violently. The quiet retreat- her new home- disappeared. Instead there was the burning ship, the dirty waters of the river, her useless struggle against death...
The mother sighed as the child on her lap began bawling, but she stayed in meditation form. "Quiet, my little dragon*."
With a casual flick of three fingers, she sent three tiny shots of water to extinguish the burning incense in the corner of the spacious room.
"I will cycle more chakra through us, if that is what you want, Ryūko-chan. Our time together will be short," Another sigh. "You will leave for Konohagakure soon, to live with friends of mine. A life here with me would be boring for a such a loud girl."
My fitful sleep ended with a start.
"Shit," I breathed.
It's been awhile since I dreamed of my death.
And, until now, I've never recalled anything concerning my first year of life here or my biological parents. Both were subjects of uncomfortable glances and awkward silence for my "parents," may they rest in peace.
But now I understood their importance, and their friendship to my real mother...
Sometime during the night, I'd rolled off my mattress and ended up face-down on the cold linoleum floor. With a groan, I pushed myself onto all fours. My reflection stared at me from the polished surface below. The purple shadow around my eyes had grown over night, extending to the sides of my nose. My pupils were now completely slitted. I felt slightly nauseous.
"Quiet, my little dragon." I recalled. Long-buried memories came rushing back- chakra, so much chakra, a kind woman and her songs, and her little isolated shack.
My rudimentary alarm clock started bleating, dispersing my thoughts.
Shaking off my grogginess, I stood and put the alarm out of its misery. It was strange, not being awaken by the clamor of the orphanage boys. By habit, I still wore a baggy t-shirt and boxers to sleep. When I have extra money, I'll buy more feminine clothes. I promised myself.
Yawning, I glanced around the bedroom of my new apartment, generous and spacious by government-issue housing standards. A monthly stipend came along with my new lodgings. Although it was barely enough for food, bills, and academy materials, I was satisfied. The amount of power and independence I'd been given was extremely satisfying. Besides, I had other means to get money.
Stretching, I drew open my blinds and donned the Academy uniform. All Academy beginner students were issued the same outfit- loose black pants tucked into the signature open-toed sandals, mesh undershirt, and a short-sleeved white robe tied with a thick dark green cloth. Hopefully, I'll be able to wear whatever I want soon.
With a deep breath and a final glance in the mirror, I left.
My first impression of Class 103B was that...everyone was so. fucking. stupid.
Granted, I had a bit of a superiority complex, but this was just ridiculous. In the corner, a gaggle of girls giggled, sneaking glances to the boys in the class. Four boys were trying to unlock the teacher's desk, obviously protected with seals well beyond their caliber. Another group of kids were balancing the sharp end of kunai on their palms, screaming out random jutsu names. Do they not teach weapons safety here?
As I gawked at the sheer childishness of the class, I noticed two other vital things. All of the students wore the same beginner uniforms, and, judging by appearances, none belonged to any of the local shinobi clans.
With that in mind, I made my way inconspicuously to the back of the classroom and sat down next to the only kid who seemed slightly rational, with his face hidden behind a book-
Titled Feline Anatomy.
As if he'd noticed my blatant confusion, the kid lowered his book deliberately, revealing a surprise. On his cheeks were two faint red marks, and the tips of pearly white canines poked out from under his top lip- an Inuzuka, no doubt. However, his other features weren't so Inuzuka-like. His eyes were almond-shaped, and his long hair was pale platinum blond, tinged with blue.
"My name is Inuzuka Katomaru. You may call me Kato-kun after today if our acquaintanceship proves to be beneficial." The boy said, before returning to his book. "Who are you?"
I stared at the blond, articulate, smart Inuzuka. "Ryūto."
"Hm. Ryūto-chan, did you know that it takes approximately 24 cat pelts to make a coat?" Kato mused, tapping a finger on the page. "If we skinned all the stray cats in Konohagakure, the entire homeless population would have clothes."
Ignoring his strange remark, I crossed my arms. "I'm a boy, Katomaru-san."
Kato lowered his book, cocking his head at me.
Suddenly, he leaned in close, violating all social barriers for personal space as he sniffed. After a couple more deep whiffs, he leaned back, nodding knowingly. "Nope, your apocrine glands are definitely producing the scent of a human female."
"Keep it down," I hissed as one of the kunai-balancing idiots ran by, screeching as the rest of the gang chased him.
"I don't see the need to. Our classmates can't tell the difference. Honestly, your desire to be seen as male will hold until you reach puber-"
I stomped on his foot under the desk, prompting the boy to glare at me.
"Not here," I whispered fiercely.
"Fine, Ryūto-san." He sulked. I nodded in satisfaction.
"So," I began, changing the subject. "Is this the only third-year shinobi class?"
Katomaru deliberately ignored me for a little, reading an entire page before answering. "Why do you ask?"
"I met two Academy kids my ages yesterday, but they don't seem to be here."
"And who might they be?"
"Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo."
Kato chuckled. To my surprise, his laugh was pretty adorable- he giggled like a child, and his deep green eyes crinkled expressively.
"Of course not." He responded as his laughs died out. "This is 103B, the beginner class. The Jiraiya you're looking for is in 103I, the intermediate class. And Sakumo, of course, is part of class 103E, the elites."
A sudden realization dawned upon me; there was skill-based segregation in the Shinobi Academy. That explained why we were surrounded by a bunch of idiotic children. But...
"Why are you here? I mean, you sound pretty smart, and you're from a large ninja clan." I reasoned.
In response, Kato pointed towards the front of the classroom. I followed his finger to an official-looking plaque over the blackboard.
Requirements for Promotion to Class 103I-
1) Basic mastery of the henge, the clone, kamiwari and 1 other E-ranked jutsu
2) Able to recognize and dispel E-rank and D-rank genjutsu
3) 70% target rate for kunai and one other thrown weapon
4) Be ranked in the top 5 for class spars
5) Show basic knowledge about the history of Konoha, other shinobi nations, and the Will of Fire philosophy
"I have fulfilled all of the requirements, but I've consistently placed sixth for the last ten sparring sessions," Kato announced.
"I see," I responded, suddenly feeling very inept. The requirements seemed pretty demanding for a bunch of 8-year-olds.
"Most of the elites passed after the first three sparring sessions," Kato continued. "And the 103I kids all trickled within two months. With any luck, I'll finally beat that annoying Mebuki after the next taijutsu session and graduate to 103I."
I examined at the daunting list again, feeling slightly overwhelmed. The noisy children around me suddenly didn't seem so stupid.
"Oii, it's Ryūto!"
When lunch break rolled around, Kato took me to the roof. Or, more like Kato strolled nonchalantly up the wall, our bento boxes tucked under his arm, while I struggled up a tall tree in the courtyard, muttering curses under my breath every time I lost my grip.
The food- fried fish filets, rice, and a generous portion of porridge- was surprisingly delicious and nutritious, and the view was superb. Half of the other students were gathered at the gates of the Academy, waiting for the Orphanage children to arrive. I was listening half-heartedly to Kato's explanation about the digestive system of cats when a familiar boy vaulted over the roofs to greet me.
"Jiraiya-san," I greeted, after swallowing a mouthful of rice and fried fish.
Jiraiya's grin faltered a little when he saw Kato, who was still lecturing me about feline anatomy, but he took a seat next to me anyways. "Yeah...about yesterday..."
"It's fine," I dismissed quickly. "I'm ok now."
"No, it's not about that. What I'm trying to say is-"
"HEY, LOOK! IT'S THE ORPHANS!"
Both Jiraiya and I winced at the announcement, and I directed my attention back to the bubbling crowd of kids at the gates again. Sure enough, a large group of orphans- around 50 of them or so- were approaching the gates. I recognized a few of the faces, including Warui and Akane. The vicious whispers in the crowd grew louder, and I picked up a few of the phrases.
"...kage-sama thinking?"
"...us share with them...?"
"...they look gross!"
I bristled. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw both Kato and Jiraiya notice the change in my demeanor. However, I made no attempt to go down to the ruckus, even when the orphans finally arrived at the gates, lead by the matron.
"Go away! Go away! Go away!" The Academy kids chorused.
The orphans just stared at them, gaunt and bleary-eyed, too afraid to enter. The matron hesitated, her naturally stern expression troubled as she frowned at the belligerent children.
Where are the teachers? The administrators? I demanded internally. Why don't they just have the cooking staff come to give them the bento boxes to take away? It's almost like they're trying to give them a hard time!
"Their indignance towards Hokage-sama's decision is unwarranted and illogical," Kato quipped beside me.
"Yeah, they're just a bunch o' pussies," Jiraiya added, smashing his fist against his open palm and glancing at me.
If I had any semblance of a hero complex, this would be the moment I gloriously descend from the roof to defend my friends. But no. Doing so will just be asking for trouble- I didn't have the necessary authority to control this situation. Besides, the protesting academy kids were mainly beginners, and their insults were nothing compared to the vulgar bantering exchanged on a daily basis at the orphanage. If the orphans were to eat here for the foreseeable future, they'd have to smooth this out by themselves.
"Please move so we can open the gates, children," the Matron said, her tone level. "We're under the Hokage's orders."
There was some discomfort in the crowd.
"We know, but we don't want you here." Someone declared.
If it weren't for my mounting anger and frustration, I would've rolled my eyes. These pipsqueaks think they can override the Hokage's orders?
There was another brief standstill between the orphans and the students. Then, two kids from the opposite end the courtyard, where a large group of spectators sat on a large picnic blanket, got up.
Jiraiya whistled at the two dark-haired figures. "Oh, shit!"
"Excrement, indeed." Kato noted.
"Who are they?" I asked, squinting to get a better view.
"Tsunade-hime's friends, man. They're both elites. Oh shit, this is gonna be good! That's Hitaro Hyūga and Kotone Uchiha, Mr. Sparkles and Ms. I'll-Fucking-Murder-You-If-You-Touch-Me-You-Little-Bitch."
"Very fitting monikers," Kato agreed sagely. "As acquaintances of both, I can attest that their personalities are quite...unique."
"You're one to talk," Jiraiya snickered.
"Do you have something to say to me, Jiraiya?" Kato challenged.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sparkles and the Uchiha had reached the edge of the crowd. In a swaggering swish of his white robes, the Hyūga twirled into the air, sailed over the mob of students, and landed on top of the gate. At his display, the crowd gasped. The orphans looked confused.
"You guys heard her," He grinned, pearly-white eyes glinting mischievously. There was no curse seal on his forehead- a main branch Hyūga, then. "Go on. Leave these kids alone."
"My flamboyant companion is quite correct," Kotone drawled from behind the crowd, twirling a lick of flame around her fingers. One of the kids shrieked in horror at the sound of her monotone voice. "Leave." The flames flared, turning blue with added chakra.
The students on the gigantic picnic blanket produced a collective "oooooh" at Kotone's trick.
"Those are the elites, mostly Tsunade's friends." Jiraiya pointed towards the picnic blanket. "And intermediates trying to rub shoulders with the Senju princess."
I snorted, watching the Academy mob disperse, keeping a wide berth around Kotone as they scurried away. "So, I'm guessing Mr. Sparkles and Kotone are part of Tsunade's main posse?" Who knew there were so many politics at play here?
"Correct," Kato piped up. "As the heir of the Hyūga clan and the niece of the current Uchiha patriarch, they have close ties to the Senju heiress."
"Interesting." I commented, picking up my bento box again, contemplating.
I didn't now what drove me to do it, but shortly after school ended, I found myself standing at Uzumaki Miko's door, a large plastic bag filled with stolen underwear in hand.
Now, how did I know where she lived? It wasn't really that hard, once I found the alleyway graffitied with "STAY OUT, TRAITOR AHEAD" in bold yellow, and an arrow pointing to the sole townhouse down the way.
Before I could muster up the courage to knock, the door was opened by a tall woman decked out in sweatpants and a tank top. Her fire-red hair was tied partially into a bun, the rest trailing messily down her back. Up close, I noticed deep bags under her sharp grey eyes. She was very different from the neurotic pursuer I remembered.
"You're one of the brats from yesterday," she said, voice heavy as she examined me critically. "What do you want?"
In response, I handed her the bag.
After a long pause, she cautiously took the offered bag, untied the knot, and peered inside. Her eyes widened at the mountain of colorful lace and prints. "Well, thank you, I guess." There was an awkward pause, as Miko glanced back and forth between me and her returned clothing. "I don't suppose, uh, you'd like some tea, or something?"
I shrugged.
Miko looked slightly annoyed. "It's a yes or a no, brat. Make up your mind before I take back my hospitality."
I hesitated, but in the end, my curiosity won over my sense of danger. "Yes, please."
*a pun on the name Ryuko, which can be Ryu and Ko (dragon and little)
Thank to everyone who followed/faved/reviewed/showed general interest in this story! Also, guess who Kato is...:)