A/N: This song is Iris by the goo goo dolls. It seems like a romantic song but I mean it in a sibling way. (anything Naruto related in here is friendship currently. They're 7 right now remember? girls have cooties. Or boys. Depends on what gender you are XD) Enjoy the chappy.
Shinobu POV
Today's the day. Shinobu thought to herself as she made her way to the Hokage mansion. She had talked to Ayame the other day and found out that the only way to get into the academy was by talking to the teachers, the Hokage or being apart of a ninja clan. Since her clan was dead and she didn't technically exist she had opted to talking with the Hokage. She didn't want to enter the school incase she saw someone she knew.
She made her way to the large building but as she approached the door she was stopped by two ninjas. She had studied from the library and judging by their vests and their age they were probably chunin.
"What are you doing here?" One asked.
"I'm here to bring an important matter to Hokage-sama's attention." Shinobu replied, trying to sound as official as possible. She kept her face emotionless.
"And what would that be?" The other asked with a sneer.
"That would be classified. If the Hokage wanted you to know, he'd tell you." She replied, still emotionless but a glint of sarcasm underlying her words.
"Ugh.. brat.. Why I oughta!" He started but got interupted by the obviously nicer of the two.
"Oi! Aiko. She's given enough information for her age. It's fine, just let her in." He reasoned.
"Fine.." He muttered.
"Good day." Shinobu replied with a smirk to the nasty ninja before making her way into the building. She wasn't quite sure where she was going but she was just going to look for a big important looking door. It wasn't long before she came across one that fit the bill. Taking a shaky breath she pounded her fist into the door.
"Come in." A calm, older voice said. Shinobu opened the door and walked in, closing it quietly behind her before kneeling and bowing.
"Hokage-sama.. may I have a word?" She asked. She didn't know much about the whole kage business but she knew it was important to be polite and formal.
"My.. you don't have to bow." He said with a chuckle and Shinobu looked up in shock. "Take a seat, I was finding this paperwork rather hard on the old hands anyway." He smiled at her. He reminds me of Ojii-san.. he's so nice.. his eyes even sparkle! She thought, refraining from letting her emotions show on her face.
"Thank you.." She nodded before taking a seat.
"So what is it you want young one?" He asked, his tone holding a love she rarely heard from strangers.
"W-well.. I.." She stuttered, she hadn't expected to be able to see him so she didn't really prepare past the whole getting in stage. "I was i-informed that to register at the academy I would have to speak with you." She stammered.
"You wish to join now? It's a little later than most." He mused.
"I learn quick! I could still do it!" She almost shouted with wide eyes, thinking he was refusing her. She quickly realised she had shouted at one of the great Kages and stuttered an apology.
"It's alright. I was just surprised, you haven't come with parents either. Are they at work?" He asked with a chuckle.
"N-no.. they're dead.." She whispered.
"Oh.. I'm sorry." His eyes showed true concern. "What is your name? May I ask?"
"Shinobu..." She responded, contemplating letting him know, she had decided against it earlier. But he seemed so trust worthy.
"And your last name?" He asked, his eyes glinted with knowledge.
"I um.. do I need to tell you?" She asked, unsure of his reactions.
"Well.. no.. but it would be nice to know." He chuckled.
"Shinobu Uchiha.." She muttered looking away. He looked dumbstruck for a moment before responding.
"How is it that I don't know of you then? Sasuke was the only survivor.." He muttered more to himself.
"I'm the daughter of Mikoto and Fugaku.. I believe they told you I died at birth.." She whispered, willing herself not to cry.
"Hmm.. well I am sorry that I didn't meet you.. so you are Sasuke's twin sister? Younger in age if I recall correctly." He asked.
"Yes sir. That's true, but he doesn't know that. Nobody knows except you sir." She replied, attempting to shake the tears out of her eyes.
"Well, I apologize on behalf of the village.. that must have been terrible." He looked at her before coming around to give her a hug. She could feel warmth and love and shock. She hadn't expected this.
"Thank you.. Ojii.. uh.. Hokage-sama." She stopped herself, she had almost called her grandpa.
"You can call me Ojii-san if you'd like Shinobu. I don't mind, you wouldn't be the first." He replied with a heart warming smile. "Now, onto your entry into the academy, I'm assuming you have no former training.. so what do you know?"
"Well.. I used the library and taught myself a little bit. I know about chakra and I can perform one jutsu. I know some of the basic taijutsu stances." She explained as she got out of her chair to show him the stances she had learned from Sasuke. When he chuckled she looked embarrassed. Have I done it wrong? She wondered.
"Well, my dear, those aren't basic. Those are some of the more advanced stances. Although for learning on your own you have come far. I see no problem with you joining the school. I will inform Iruka. He will be your teacher. Now onto other matters." He replied with a smile. He never really took off the smile, it was as if it was glued to his face. She giggled at her thoughts.
"What matters?" She asked, her giggling now stopped. Confusion taking it's place.
"Well, I'm interested to know how you've been living since you were born. Where are you living now?" He asked.
"Well.. when I was younger mom would come down to the ally way where she left me and bring me food.. she would bath me and I wore pillow cases with holes in them. I slept in a big box with blankets. There was a tarp overtop to keep the rain out. I lived in boxes until I turned seven. Ayame and Ojii-san from the Ramen shop gave me a birthday card which had some money in it. They didn't know I lived in boxes but they gave me free ramen. I love ramen." She giggled before she continued. "I built my own wood house with shelves and a bed in the ally. That's where I live now. I like it there." She smiled, obviously proud of herself.
"Well you did well. I have no spare housing currently but I'll work on getting you a home to stay in. Alright Shinobu?" He asked, his grim expression turning into a small smile.
"Really?" She asked, in shock and joy.
"Yes." He grinned as the girl ran over and gave him a big hug.
"Thank you so much! Also.. does that mean I'm gonna be in the academy now..? I'll get a chance to be a ninja?" She asked, thinking it was almost too good to be true.
"Yes. You can start tomorrow. The classes start at nine in the morning. You know where the academy is am I right?" He asked.
"Yup! Thank you so much. I appreciate your time." She grinned trying to remain polite.
"No, thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you." He said honestly, waving as the young girl practically skipped from his office.
Hokage POV
I can't believe he did that.. I knew he was about power.. but never to this extreme The Hokage thought rubbing his temples. A grim expression on his features. She was very similar to Naruto. She seemed happy the moment she trusted him.
Shinobu POV
"AYAME! OJII-SAN!" Shinobu yelled into the ramen stall before hopping the counter.
"What is it Shinobu?" Tseuchi asked, smiling as he prepared a bowl of ramen for her.
"I talked to the Hokage and he was really, really, really nice! He's letting me join the academy and he's gonna by me a house!" She squealed in excitement.
"That's amazing Shinobu. But why is he buying you a house?" He asked in wonder.
"Well I used to live in a box, like I did when I met you and then you gave me my birthday present and I built a small wooden room to live in but he wants me to live in a proper house. Like with a bathroom and a shower and a kitchen!" She explained, to caught up in her excitement to notice the look of sorrow and pity the old ramen chef wore.
"Good for you Shinobu." He hugged her, giving her a smile.
"I'll let you know how my first day goes ok?" She grinned as she ate her ramen on a stool behind the counter.
"I wouldn't expect anything less." He chuckled as he gave her extra toppings.
"Ojii-chan.. what's with the extra toppings?" She asked in confusion.
"It's a special occasion. You deserve it." He grinned.
"Thanks!" Shinobu smiled before digging in.
The girl woke up bright and early at the crack of dawn. A bright smile never leaving her face. Today was her first day of academy and she couldn't wait. She could become so much stronger this way; and she'd get to see Sasuke. She raced as fast as she could towards the lake with her clothes to take a bath. She had gotten fast after several times delivering ramen with the heater on her back. It was great for endurance. Her clothes were dirty but she still had a couple of hours.
Once she got to the lake she immediately jumped into the cold water, letting the chill wake her up completely. She hummed quietly to herself as she splashed under the dock, scrubbing at the dirt in her clothes before jumping up to lay them on the dock to dry as she washed off.
"I'm walking on sunshine..wooah! I'm walking on sunshine.. Woaah!" She sang quietly, before hopping out of the water and shaking like a dog to get the water off. She quickly rang her hair out before getting dressed and tieing it up so it wouldn't drip on her clothes. Shinobu decided to put it up into a pony tail today since pigtails made her look a lot younger yet she didn't want her hair in the way of training. She shook her hair once more time to get any more water droplets out before making her way back to where the shops were in town. She planned on buying a new set of shoes along with a good ninja type outfit. One she could train and fight in without having restrictions. She only had jean overalls right now but she had a little extra money from ramen runs.
Once Shinobu reached down town she went into a story known for selling ninja weapons and clothes. She immediately made her way to the clothing section before picking up a pair of black ninja sandels. She quickly picked out two pairs of black stretchy capris, two navy blue tank tops and a shuriken holster. She ran to the front counter to buy them before running back to her ally to change and dispose of her other clothes. She attached the shurilen holster. She didn't have any weapons but it was good to have. She could buy weapons later. She took out a pair of wool gloves that she had bought when she was younger and cut the finger tips off before putting them on. That way she wouldn't get blisters or anything during training. She had plenty of gloves after picking up odd disposed ones that it wasn't a loss.
"Today, I'm going to begin training and I'm going to become strong. Today, I'm going to begin fighting for myself. Today.. I'm going to prove my worth." She repeated to herself. It was her own little pep talk. She could put on a strong face but that didn't change the fact that she was nervous and scared. It didn't bug her though. She learned recently that being afraid doesn't make you weak. There was a big difference between weak, fearless and brave and strong. Being brave and strong means facing your fears. If you were fearless you could never be brave. The only way she could be weak is if she stopped facing her troubles. If she ran, then she'd be weak.
She absent mindedly played with her gloves as she made her way to the academy. She wanted to get there early so that she could meet the teacher before there was an audience of class mates. She looked up at the building. There was a swing on a tree in the rather large yard and there were lots of windows on the side of the building. When she opened the door it creaked a little bit. She slid it shut before her before making her way through the building.
"Hello? What are you doing in here? It's not time for classes yet." A young man with a scar across his nose asked.
"Hn..." She paused, she didn't want to be rude, Hokage-sama told her that he was really nice and worth trusting... "Um.. I'm Shinobu. Are you Iruka-sensei?" She asked nervously.
"Yes. The Hokage told me you were coming. If you like I can show you around?" He asked and she nodded tentively, earning a chuckle from him. "No need to be shy. I don't bite."
"Sorry, sensei. I'm just.. not really good with the whole interacting with people I don't know thing." She mumbled, embarrassed.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it when you start interacting with classmates. By the way, this is the academy class you'll be in for the most part. The gym is the first door you saw downstairs and then most of our training is outside. Girls learn to cook and clean and arrange flowers as well but that won't be with me." He explained.
"Wait.. why just girls.. isn't that a bit unfair?" Shinobu asked curiously.
"Well.. girls are less likely to succeed during this.. so if they fail we want them prepared to live a life outside of the ninja world as a civilian." He explained.
"Oh.. well.. I'm attending as a boy then." She huffed.
"But you're a girl." He asked, curious as to why she said that.
"Not anymore. I'm gonna succeed. I don't want to learn about cooking and cleaning. I'm here to learn how to be a ninja. I refuse to learn about flowers." She scowled, bringing a smile to the man's face as he thought of a similar attitude of one of his male students.
"Are you sure you can keep up with the boys? They're often pushed harder." he explained.
"YES! I can keep up!" She screeched and then apologized upon realizing a cowering Iruka.
"Ok ok. You can attend as a boy. You wouldn't be the first." He chuckled.
"Ok.. so how much longer till class starts?" Shinobu asked, smiling now that she had won that argument. No way in hell was she playing with flowers.
"In a couple of minutes. Why don't you wait in the class room, you can sit over there." He pointed to a seat near the door. "I'll introduce you to the class once they're all here." He said before turning around to start writing about a tournament on the board.
"Oh.. um.. do you know about genjutsu? If you're attending as a boy you're going to want to look like a boy." He asked.
"Uh.. no I only know some taijutsu and one ninjutsu." She asked in confusion.
"Alright, I'll hold the jutsu for now but I'd like to keep you after class to teach it to you. It'll be easier if you can learn it." He explained, quickly performing some hand seals. She gasped as she used the reflection in the window to look at herself. She wore the black ninja shoes and gloves still but her long hair was shorter and had a bit of an emo fringe to it. She wore black baggy shorts instead of the tight pants she had earlier and when she walked she swore she felt something brush her leg. She made her way to her seat and sat down.
"A little much detail but thanks; and I can stay after school. Thanks Iruka-sensei." She smiled slightly before letting her face go emotionless. She knew there would be new people here who she may or may not trust and she didn't want to show weakness. She looked absent mindedly at her glove and played with it, not noticing the look of shock at how quickly she looked cold and heartless that her teacher wore. But he soon shook out of it at the yells and chatter of students entering the classroom. Lead by Sasuke who immdiately made his way to the back of the room and sat quietly. Now that Iruka looked at Shinobu again, she looked very similar to Sasuke, he could have thought they were siblings if he didn't know better.
"Oi, who's the new kid?" A boy with two red streaks on his cheeks yelled out, waving his face infront of Shinobu's face.
"Hn, it's polite to introduce yourself before asking about someone else." She answered monotonously.
"Inuzuka Kiba.. You?" He questioned.
"None of your business." She smirked.
"WHY I OUTTA-!" He started but was interupted.
"Kiba go sit down!" Iruka yelled at the loud boy who grumbled something about stupid stuck up boys before making his way to his seat. Once everyone was seated and quiet, well as quiet as they were going to get Iruka got their attention with a cough.
"We have a new student today. He just started at the academy and is new to all of this so don't be rude. Shinobu, could you come up here please?" Iruka asked, being careful to use the right pronouns. It's lucky I have a boy's name She thought as she slowly made her way to the front of the class.
"Would you like to introduce yourself." He asked her.
"Hn.. you already did it for me." She muttered loud enough for everyone to hear, earning a few giggles and laughs.
"True enough, anyway. This is Shinobu. Be nice and welcome he-im to your class." He smiled before sending Shinobu back to her seat, an invisible sweat drop at his small slip up. When she sat down she heard several giggles and squeals. She turned around to see what it was to be shocked by the sight of several girls looking inbetween herself and Sasuke with hearts in their eyes. Dear lord... don't they have anything better to do? She rolled her eyes and watched Iruka.
"So today we're going to hold fighting matches in a tournament mode to see how far everyone has progressed in their taijutsu. Shinobu won't be partici-"
"I'll be participating." She interupted. She was going to prove she wasn't some useless noob out here.
"Ok.. he will participate then. Everyone will fight everyone and we'll rank it to see who's at the top and who's at the bottom. So head out back to the circles." He explained. Shinobu didn't ask, just followed everyone else, trying to ignore the stares of some of the girls.
"Are you related to Sasuke-kun?"
"You're cute will you go out with me?"
"Could you tutor me?"
Shinobu finally snapped and yelled at them.
"You don't know me, ask him and I'm new here! How the heck am I supposed to tutor you? We're here to train, not to find mates. If you want to flirt with boys, go to a civilian school!" She snapped before turning back around and walking beside Sasuke. They never seemed to approach him. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, ignoring the odd temptation to hug him. What kind of twin never hugs her brother..? Not that he knows he's my brother.. this sucks and rocks all at the same time..
"Hey who's the new kid? He looked like Sasuke?" A blond asked running beside Kiba behind Shinobu.
"His name is Shinobu.. and he acts like Sasuke too.. and why are you late?" Kiba asked.
"I slept in." He replied before they both entered a comfortable silence.
"Alright everyone! Get ready. Our first match is going to be Shikamaru and Naruto over in ring one. I want Shinobu and Kiba in ring two and Ino and Sakura in ring three." He called out and different people went to different rings to watch. A girl with lavender eyes went to watch naruto and some of the Boys went to see Ino and Sakura but most people want to see the skill of the new kid. So the biggest crowd was ring two.
"To start off your match I'd like you to bow to your partner and wish them luck!" He yelled out of the chatter of students.
"Alright.. good luck." Shinobu spoke in a strong voice before bowing, recieving a small mutter of good luck and a miniscule bow.
"Three.. two.. one.. begin!" Iruka shouted. Shinobu immediately slid into one of the stances she knew from Sasuke. It seemed like the better stance to wait in, it had good balance for blocking yet was easy to move from into an attack.
"I thought you said you never learned before?" Kiba shouted in confusion.
"I did.. but I've been to the library.. they have books on taijutsu you know." She replied, not entirely true but she did learn some things from books in the library. Then adjusted them to her liking. She always loved watching the dancers at festivals and for a while she attempted to teach herself. She adjusted everything so it more resembled a dance than a fight. It suited her better.
Kiba growled before running towards her and throwing a basic punch. Shinobu saw it coming and slid to the side before grabbing his arm and tripping him to the ground with her one leg sweeping at the back of his ankles. She heard a bit of laughter and some whispering and realized she had a crowd which included Iruka-sensei. Great.. so not only am I fighting but I'm being watched? I've never practiced this stuff on anything except for air before! So lost in thought she didn't notice Kiba stand up and swipe her feet out from under her. She landed on her rear with a thud.
"Ow.. darn it." She muttered under her breath.
"It was a one time thing then. You're not so great." Kiba scoffed and Shinobu growled in return. I am strong.. you'll see! She, unlike many of the students here, had learned to evade people from running from stoor merchants and brooms along with thrown items. Dodging was easy. It was attacking she needed work with. She knew how to do cart wheels, arials and flips. Even handstands through boredum when she had nothing to do in her ally. But she never had reason to attack anyone before.
"Hn.. that's what you think." She smirked before running towards him, faking a right punch befor twirling gracefully behind him to the left and elbowing him in the back of the head. "If I were you I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatched." She smirked before going through her knowledge of wrestling as he tried to shake the dizzyness out of his brain. She quickly straddled his back and held him in a half nelson.
"Does this mean I win?" She asked, looking up at Iruka.
"Yes. Ring two. Winner: Shinobu!" He called out before instructing them to link fingers as a way to put end to the fight. It was some shinobi tradition inducing peace after battle. Kiba had rolled his eyes but still did it.
"Good fight." Shinobu smiled at him. He looked slightly shocked but she walked off before he could respond. As the matches went on she faced a couple more people. She won against Naruto who, like Kiba, fought without thinking. Shikamaru had just given up and was now eating chips with Choji while watching the clouds. She had faced Shino and another boy. She had some issues against Shino but the other boy seemed pretty easy to beat to. Now it was Shinobu against Sasuke.
"Good luck." She muttered, avoiding looking him in the eye, blocking out all sound so she didn't hear his voice. She quickly bowed before assuming her, now regular, stance.
A/N: Cliffy! Please don't hate me XD it was just getting too long. Will Shinobu win? Who knows :D I'd like to point out to those who think I'm turning her into a mary sue or something (if you are) that she has nothing but free time. She can train all day every day unlike most people. It still took her several days to get that one jutsu and I assure you she won't be a mary sue. :D Hope you liked this chapter.
