Kunoichi Syndrome: Origins

Chapter 9 Dei-chan, training and narrow escapes

Itachi and I start training together on the weekends and breaks. So far, I manage to hide any feelings toward Itachi. Sparring with Itachi keeps me from blurting my feelings. I keep training hard with Itachi. It is a new semester, my mind wonders about the scroll that was picked up on that last A-ranked assignment. Dei-chan decides to find someone who will train her in ninjutsu. Dei-chan starts having trouble asking the person to train her. Being a compassionate sempai to Dei-chan, I give her my advice.

"Listen to me carefully. Who is the one person you want to train with? Deidara, I know. So, I'm going to teach you basic Japanese mannerisms." I say carefully.

"Does that mean bowing?" Dei-chan asks.

"Yes that does mean bowing." I answer.

"That sucks." Dei-chan whines.

"Hey, do you want Deidara to with you or not?" I snap. "If you want training, then quit whining."

"Okay Ita-chan." Dei-chan pouts.

I start teaching Dei-chan basic Japanese mannerisms. Within a week, Dei-chan has complete mastery of basic Japanese mannerisms. Dei-chan begins appealing to Deidara for training. The first appeal is sadly dismissed. The second appeal backfires on Dei-chan. She wants to give up at this point. I do not let her. This leads to a fight between us.

"You're so dead Ita-chan." Dei-chan screams. "Katsu!"

A huge explosion sends me flying. I land incapacitated at Deidara's feet. Apparently, Deidara considers this Dei-chan's appeal for training.

"Clara-chan, un." Deidara says. "You've made great art, un. Forgive me for denying you the first couple of times, un. Come my fellow artist; let's start your training right now, un."

"Yay!" Dei-chan screams.

Itachi swiftly comes to my aid. He can tell Clara has knocked me out cold.

"Clara, how could you do this to your best friend?" Itachi snaps.

"Fuck off Itachi. It wasn't intentional, let them sort it out later, un." Deidara counters as he defends Dei-chan.

"Since when did you have a junior?" Itachi asks skeptically.

"Since about five minutes ago. Now go see about your girlfriend, un." Deidara answers.

Itachi flips off Deidara as he tends to my injuries. I wake up in Itachi's bedroom of all places; at least the door is open. Itachi hands me my glasses. He is blushing slightly, I can tell.

"Itachi-kun, I-I mean Itachi-san, are you feeling alright?" I ask carefully.

"I'm fine Ashuri-san, it's not like I have a fever or something." Itachi answers.

I snap into Medical Ninja mode. I place my hand on Itachi's forehead. I draw my hand back immediately. Itachi looks at me confused. Fugaku Uchiha steps in the room.

"Itachi my boy, are you blushing and how is Ashuri-san doing?" Fugaku asks.

"I'm not blushing! Sasuke, I know you are at my door! Ashuri-san is just fine!" Itachi yells unnaturally.

"Itachi's lying." Sasuke says mocking Itachi.

I throw my shoe at Sasuke, he deflects it. Fugaku just shakes his head, laughing. I transform into a familiar fiery-colored abyssian cat. Itachi pets me, Fugaku, and Sasuke leave.

"Ashuri, why did you transform?" Itachi asks.

"I had my reasons. Besides, Sasuke was plotting to set you up anyway." I answer. "Is there anything else you want to know?"

"Ashuri, what do you think of me?" Itachi asks carefully.

"Well, you're like a big brother to me. You have been at my side ever since we met. I feel so indebted to you Itachi." I answer respectfully. If only I could bring myself to say the full truth…

This time Itachi can read my mind. "Is there something you're not telling? You can be as honest as you like." Itachi chimes in.

"Let's just say it isn't appropriate to say right now." I answer quickly. Safe. I transform back into a human (with clothes on). "Soro soro shitsure shimasu Itachi-san (I must be going, Itachi.)"

I proceed to leave but Itachi stops me. It seems important. "Ashuri, I've been doing research on that scroll from that A-rank assignment. Something came up that pertains to you. It gives vague details about your fiery-abyssian cat transformation. One thing is clear. You can't use it too often, otherwise you may lose something."

I nod my head in thanks. I go to see how Dei-chan's training is going. Everything is well; Dei-chan is starting out with a bang! Literally.