A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Hugely appreciated! :) R&R
Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Matashi Kishimoto. Love him for he is Naruto GOD.
Uchiha Tales & The Face Of An Angel
"Hey Sasuke?" I asked, looking around at him. Another day of training and we were once again exhausted. Instead of tree climbing, I decided to train in other ways, such as the basics Neji showed me. I stuck to mainly Taijutsu, which I found easiest, taking all my frustration out on a thick large rock I'd found nearby to Sasuke's and Naruto's trees. My hands throbbed, my knuckles were bruised, and my whole body ached. But I still wasn't that much better. I aimed to be able to shatter, if not at least dent things with one hit. I was still too reliant on my right arm and leg and was working on building up my left side so I was more ambidextrous. It wasn't working too well, but it would in time. I hadn't got round to katana skills yet, I hadn't the time. At the moment I was focusing on building up strength into my small body.
"What now?" he mumbled, not bothering to look away from the ceiling. He was stretched out on the bed, arms folded beneath his head. We had to share she small bed, much to our annoyance. I like having room to stretch out and wrap the cover round me like a cocoon. Sasuke prevents both of these.
"Think you could lend me some clothes again?" You see I always have to forget something or other. This time it happened to be something to sleep in, so Sasuke grudgingly allowed me to borrow something off him. Shirt and shorts aren't exactly his pants but he was still a little huffy about it.
"Whatever" he replied, closing his eyes. Training wore us both out so we couldn't be bothered to care we had to share sleeping space. All we really cared about after a long day was a hot shower and a good night's sleep. Before I could ask where they were, he pointed to the chair in the corner of the room. "Hn, baka" Sasuke said, while a smirk appeared on his handsome face.
'Hn baka' I mimicked in my head as I picked up the clothes and walked out the room, journeying to the house's one and only bathroom. I changed quickly glad the clothes were so comfortable. They were rather baggy but it's not like there's a reason for them not to be. The shirt was a simple black V-neck t-shirt with the Uchiha sign on the back. Well… I think it's the Uchiha sign? The pants were simple grey and half way between the knee and ankle. They were a little big waist-wise and slipped to my hips but it was more comfortable this way. Maybe I should borrow Sasuke's clothes when I want to laze about…
"Kari-chan? Why're you wearing Sasuke's clothes?" Naruto asked confused. I blinked, suddenly aware that Naruto had just walked in. Idiot! Kari lock doors before you change!
"Forgot something to sleep in" I said shrugging. I wonder if Naruto's clothes are just as comfortable…
"Hey, hey, I'm gonna train when sensei's asleep do you wanna come?" Naruto asked. It would really help, I'm like twelve years behind after all… I smiled.
"Sure why not? When and where should we meet?" I asked.
"You've got that tree near to your window right? I'll wait there or I'll come and get you. Sakura might grass and Sasuke will just complain so we'll wait 'till they're asleep!" Naruto said. I raised an eyebrow and had an amused smirk on my face.
"Naruto, you're pretty smart" I said. Sasuke and Sakura lie! He grinned and rubbed the back of his head. I ruffled his hair. "See ya later!" I said. I walked back into my room to see Sasuke hadn't moved in the slightest.
"I'm back…" He ignored me, his eyes remaining closed. "Are you asleep?"
"No baka I'm not asleep." What is it with that guy and calling me stupid? Annoyed I crawled over him (accidentally kneeing him in the gut) and sat on the other side of the bed. I folded my arms across the windowsill and rested my head on them as I gazed out the window There was a great view of the ocean and the stars were reflected making it look beautiful.
"Hey Sasuke? Ya know that symbol on the back of your shirt, what is it?" I asked curiously. I heard him sigh which heightened my curiosity further.
"It's my clan symbol, the Uchiha clan symbol. It means 'the fan that is able to control fire'."
"Clan?"
"My clan was my family. But my clan is dead now." The boy sounded different. His voice was more sorrowful than I had ever heard it to be. Yet somewhere, amongst all that sorrow, was anger.
"So that's why you live alone" I said, knowing finally, why he stayed in an apartment on his own at such a young age. "Naruto said he was an orphan too, and that he never knew his family."
"I'm surprised you aren't asking more questions, you're usually asking me about anything and everything." I turned to look at him, surprised again by the hollow look in his eyes.
"I didn't want to be rude" I said. After all, it was probably personal to him. I mind my own business knowing how annoying it is when people pry into your lives. "It's for you to disclose to whom you see fit."
"…My aniki" Sasuke said after a long pause. "My aniki, my older brother… He killed them all" my body numbed, tensing in shock. My eyes widened as my lips parted slightly in surprise. "He killed my parents in front of me. Then with his eyes, showed me what he had done…"
"…Sasuke…" I whispered sadly. I felt my eyes burn and tears sting with sympathy for the poor boy.
"Don't go getting all upset, it's not like you'd understand. I don't need your pity" he spat, hardening and withdrawing into himself putting up defences once again. He became cold as he turned away from me, turning his back on me. "I don't know why I bothered telling you—" He stopped his body tense. I had my arms wrapped around his middle, my face buried in the back of his shirt. I wanted him to open up to me and this was the first time he had. I didn't want him to regret telling me and I especially didn't want him to feel alone.
"Sasuke… Arigatou."
"For what?" he mumbled. I smiled noticing his voice wasn't quite as cold and thankful that he didn't pull away.
"For telling me" I replied. I felt him relax slightly in my hold.
"Whatever… are you going to let go now?" Getting the hint, I let him go. Sasuke seemed to dislike any affection of any kind and he didn't seem to like being touched that much either.
"You're really warm you know" I stated as I leaned over the end of the bed reaching for my bag.
"Due to their preference for fire attacks Uchiha tend to have warmer body temperatures" he said boredly. "Why the hell are you so cold?"
"Poor circulation and sensitivity to temperature change, particularly in my hands and feet, they're like ice half the time" I replied. I reached over the bed and managed to grab my bag. After a moment of rummaging I pulled out my desired object.
"What is that?" Sasuke asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
"An Ipod, it allows you to listen to music" I explained. Sasuke was obviously confused but couldn't be bothered to go into it. I placed the ear phones in my ears and let it play the first random song. I wasn't particularly paying attention to it and just let it play into my mind and soothe me.
"Hey Sasuke?" I asked. He grunted to show he was listening. "Why do you always look out for me like when you carried me here and when you pulled me out of harms way?" I asked. He seemed like the type who just didn't care, yet he always seemed to be there for me when I needed help.
"I found you so you're like my responsibility, besides you're my team mate, that and your so inexperienced" he said.
"And there was me thinking you cared" I sighed. I'll catch up to you eventually…
"No" he said blatantly. He turned over. "I'm going to sleep, you should do the same" he mumbled, his back once again facing me.
"All right sleepyhead, goodnight Sasuke" I said, softly. Wonder how long Naruto will be, hopefully Sasuke will be asleep by then.
For an hour or so I just stared out the window, humming softly to myself with my ipod on quietly so not to wake the sleeping boy as I watched the stars twinkle in the night sky. The tree moved slightly from the light breeze, the branches lightly waving as though dancing. I heard a slight rustle behind me and looked round to see Sasuke asleep, having rolled over in his sleep to face me. He looked so peaceful; his pale skin seemed to have an eerie glow in the moonlight. His face was devoid of emotion, but it seemed softer than usual. I brushed his raven bangs out of his face, not wanting it to wake him.
A light tap from the window brought me out of my daze and I turned back to the window. A sleepy looking Naruto looked up at the window, the moment he saw my face all his drowsiness seemed to just disappear. He gestured for me to come down but I mouthed that I'd be down in a minute. I quickly changed out of Sasuke's clothes and pulled on my own. I knew he was asleep so wasn't too bothered about changing in the same room as him. Before I left I quickly scribbled a note.
列車に行く、後であるのを見る、愛カーリ
Gone to train, see you later, love Kari
I'm not exactly sure if the kanji is right, I just copied the symbols that appeared in my head. With one last look at the sleeping Sasuke, I jumped out the window and landed next to Naruto. He grabbed my hand and we ran away into the night.
The boy gently placed some freshly picked herbs into a basket. He was so feminine in appearance at first sight he seemed to be a beautiful teenage girl. His face was soft and angelic as the most beautiful of female's, and his eyes large and brown. His skin was a smooth light ivory, and his long dark brown hair slid over his shoulders. To be honest, he wasn't too bothered about being in a basic pink kimono. Sure, his more masculine side wasn't too happy but he was told it made him seem far more innocent and suspicions were far less likely when he looked like a girl and as the boy chose to believe, his master always knew best. He supposed he was just lucky he took after his mother so much. No one would guess what he was forced to do.
A small bird settled on my shoulder and chirped at me. I smiled at the sight of it, glad of the company. I was far too soft in my master's opinion, far, far too soft. I tried my best to change but it just impossible. I had inherited my mothers warm personality too, I was a younger, male version of her. The bird twittered before flying a little distance away, landing beside some other birds. I gasped slightly at the sight before me.
A boy and girl lay asleep side by side. They were both blonde, though the boy's was more a bright yellow, while the girl's was more of a deep gold, with tones of light brown. The boy was tanned, with three whisker-like markings on each of his cheeks. He wore a bright orange jumpsuit and a Konoha hitai-ate across his forehead. Even laying down he was clearly shorter than average.
The girl on the other hand, had a skin tone identical to mine, a light ivory, but unlike me, she had a tint of rose across her cheeks. Her bangs fell into her face, curving slightly to the shape of her face. She appeared incredibly delicate, only a little taller than the boy and slim from the ninja training she most probably went through. She wore mostly black, making it easy for her to blend into shadows, she also had two katana strapped to her back. Her long hair fanned out behind her, and her arm rested across the boy's torso in an almost protective manner.
With slight concern, the boy took notice of the girl's uneven breathing and the paleness of her face. They were both littered in scratches and grazes, and had identical blackness under their eyes from lack of sleep. The boy breathed deeply with a slight snore, but the girls breathing was almost silent.
The dark haired boy decided to temporarily abandon his mission of gathering healing herbs and crouched down beside the two young ninja. They seemed too peaceful to be ninja. All those horrible stories of assassinations and such seemed impossible for these two. With a soft smile the boy observed the girl and finally understood something. He had been told how he almost radiated innocence, how his soft face showed nothing but kindness and care in almost a motherly way. He could see this in the young girl, even as she slept and couldn't help but feel a light feeling towards her.
Turning to the boy once again, he could see his determination in the way he held his kunai in his sleep. The young blonde boy had most probably trained mercilessly until he collapsed where he now lay. Yet something, something seemed to be kind about the boy in a way so similar to the girl beside him. His looks weren't as gentle as hers, as he was far more masculine. But that small smile on his face showed he had a strong heart.
Hesitantly, the dark haired boy reached his hand out until it hovered over the sleeping boy's throat. The gentle light in his brown eye seemed to diminish as he looked over at their sleeping faces. The girl seemed to become slightly distressed in her sleep, her eye brows knotted together in worry and her grip on the boy's jacket tightened. I felt my heart throb in sorrow, my eyes downcast.
Oyurushikudasai… Forgive me…
My eyes slowly opened as I awoke, I grumbled slightly sitting up. Why must my aniki constantly haunt my dreams? I scowled feeling tired despite my hours of rest. I hadn't awoken, I had been too tired.
"Time to get up Kari" I said, going to shake the sleeping lump next to me, but my hand met only with sheets. I looked round puzzled. She never wakes up before me. I shook it off guessing that I had slept in. I got out of bed and went to get some clothes out of my bag when something caught my eye. On top of the folded clothes I recognised as the ones I had allowed Kari to borrow, was a piece of paper. Snatching it up, my dark eyes scanned it quickly before narrowing. Training? Is that girl really that stupid? Scowling, I quickly changed and did the morning essentials before heading into the kitchen. Kakashi was already awake, as was Tsunami and Tazuna. I ignored their greetings and simply sat down, ignoring Tazuna's 'Mr Attitude' comment.
About ten minutes later, Sakura trudged in yawning a good morning. Tsunami handed us both breakfast to which Sakura thanked her and I, being my usual miserable self said nothing. Mom wouldn't be too happy if she knew I lost my manners… My scowl deepened as I shovelled food in to get my mind off it. Why did I tell Kari anyway?
"Naruto's not here and neither is Kari. Look's like they went out all night again" Tazuna said. "Naruto the little rascal, who'd have thought."
"Otou-san! They're far too young for such things! Though, I certainly hope they're all right, I don't agree with two children in the woods alone all night, anything could happen. Kari's rather pretty as well and there are plenty of strange men around" I noticed the worried tone in Tsunami's voice. Kari was polite to her unlike me, and the young woman seemed to have gotten rather attached to my comrade. I noticed Sakura's eye's flare at the mention of 'strange men' and for a moment I thought she was going to tell us about 'That sick piece of trash that dare lay his hand's on her' all over again.
"They went climbing trees all night again. Naruto's probably lying dead somewhere from overdoing it and using up all his chakra. I can't believe he dragged Kari along too though, I mean sure she's better than she was, but her breathing's still off and her leg still isn't completely healed!" Sakura said, she seemed angry at Naruto and I had to agree I was annoyed at the idiot too for dragging Kari along when she should have been resting.
"There's nothing to worry about, Naruto may be a goofy kid but he's a full fledged ninja, he can handle himself. Besides, Kari wouldn't allow anything to happen to him, and as for Tazuna-san's comment, as er… immature as Naruto is, he would never be so rude as to suggest that to Kari. After all, nothing is more terrifying than a woman's wrath…" Kakashi said.
"Hn, Sakura's right. Naruto's such a loser he's probably lying dead out there somewhere" I said moodily. Kakashi heaved a sigh.
"Sasuke what did I just say about a woman's wrath? Kari hit you pretty hard the last time you insulted Naruto in front of her. If she knew you said that…" Kakashi trailed off looking thoughtful. Ignoring my sensei I stood up and left the table.
"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked after me. Ugh, why does she always call me that? I'm not her friend, I don't even like her. Why the hell does she use an affectionate suffix on the end of my name, it's just plain irritating. If I wanted her to call me that I would ask her to.
"I'm going for a walk" I said, slamming the door behind me. Mom always told me off for doing that. Now I've told Kari about my past I've dragged it all up again. But I know... that Mom wouldn't want me to forget her…
"You'll catch a cold if you stay out here." No I won't, future Hokage's don't catch colds. I felt a light shake to my shoulder. "Wake up" But I really don't want to. I sat up groggily opening my eyes.
"Ugh… Who're you…?" I mumbled, looking to the side sleepily, preparing to glare at the mean person who dared to deprive a great ninja of his sleep. A blush immediately rose to my cheeks. "O-oh! I… I mean hi there, where'd you come from" I said. Smooth move Naruto, this pretty girl will fall head over heels for your strength and good looks! "Ya know, what're you doing out here and all that?" I asked. She tilted her head to the side slightly and smiled.
"I'm gathering herbs" she replied. Woah! Even her voice is like an angel. She's even more pretty than Sakura-chan, though her voice is less girly.
"Herbs?" I repeated. Gathering herbs is like gardening, it's boring!
"Hai, they're for treating illnesses and healing wounds. Is your friend all right, she looks rather pale" the pretty girl asked. Friend? I looked to the side and sure enough, there lay my happy-go-lucky female team mate. A smile spread across my face. That's right; she's my friend, my best friend.
"Kari-chan? Hey Kari-chyaaaaaan, time to wake uuuup!"
My eyes fluttered open and I looked up to smile sleepily at a grinning Naruto. "Ohayo!" he cried happily, showing off that extraordinary energy that always seemed to be present. Naruto was a brilliant pillow, he was warm, soft and smelt of freshly cooked ramen. "Look, look Kari-chan! A pretty girl!" Naruto cried, pointing to the girl sitting next to him. My eyes widened slightly in recognition and my lips parted as I let out a silent gasp. "I know right! She's really pretty!" Naruto said grinning.
What Naruto hadn't realised, was that the girl, wait— no boy was in fact the tracker-nin that had allowed Zabuza to escape. Still, the guy didn't seem to have any bad intentions and from the look of it, had no weapons on him whatsoever. Weird…
"Naruto-kun it's rude to point" I lightly scolded, sitting up. Oww… I hate my stupid ribs! The boy hadn't missed my recognition with his keen eyes, but again kept quiet. Now that I looked at him, Naruto was right, he was beautiful. He looked like an angel. I felt a light blush rise to my cheeks identical to Naruto's. He had the loveliest chocolate brown eyes, overflowing with warmth. A soft feminine face with ivory skin so smooth it seemed to be made of porcelain. His dark hair was down and looked silky to the extent it could rival Sasuke's. Oh he was adorable…
"Hey, Onee-chan! We'll help you gather herbs ok?" Naruto offered. Seems we'd just developed a little crush on the same person… "You start work early, huh?" Naruto asked as he pulled a particularly stubborn herb out of the ground. He handed it to the boy and we sat down, the basket finally full.
"I like it here, it's so calm. Though I never thought I'd find anyone here sleeping in the woods" the boy replied. His voice was soft and delicate yet warm and sweet like honey. A small smile graced his lips making mine and Naruto's hearts turn to mush.
"We were training!
"Hm? Are you shinobi? Because I noticed that headband you both are wearing, or are you just making a fashion statement?" the boy asked. Naruto blushed with a grin and I mentally rolled my eyes knowing what was to come.
"You noticed that? All right! Only super cool ninja can wear these!" Naruto cried excitedly.
"Oh really? I see, that's very impressive" the boy said softly. Naruto laughed heartily, blush still firmly in place. "I see but doesn't that mean you're training for something dangerous?" the boy asked.
"I'm just developing my skills so I can get stronger!" Naruto cried proudly.
"You both seem very strong now, isn't that enough?" the boy asked seeming to become slightly depressed.
"Iie! Iie! I have to get stronger! I have to keep practicing!" Naruto cried dramatically, determination sparking in his eyes.
"How so? Why's it so important?" the boy asked softly, that sadness still hovering around him.
"I have to become the best ninja in my village so everyone will know who I am and will all respect me!" Naruto cried. "There's also a certain person that I have to prove something to!" Let me guess…Sasuke.
"So are you doing all this training for a certain person, or are you doing it for yourself?" the boy asked softly.
"Huh?" Naruto said, his face scrunching in confusion "What're ya laughin about Onee-chan? What's so funny?"
"Is there someone who's precious to you?" the boy asked, his smile having returned. I felt my heart melt, knowing the boy must fight for Zabuza because he cares about him. That, in my opinion, is the best thing to fight for. To fight for Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata and Neji…and Kita too! Maybe even Kakashi, surely to fight for those you care for is the best way to live your life as a shinobi.
"What're you saying, whadda ya mean precious?" Naruto asked. I sighed shaking my head at Naruto's obliviousness. Glancing back at the angelic boy I tried to tell him without words that I wanted to speak to him alone. I stared at him intensely, trying to send a telepathic message. It may be impossible but hey, it's worth a try! He looked me in the eye and tilted his head to the side. Maybe I should try sign language or…? His smile seemed to widen slightly as a glimmer of happiness shone in his hazel eyes. Oh he's so beautiful… Then with that, he gave a slight nod to show he understood. Judging by Naruto's puzzled grimace, he hadn't seen it.
"You see when someone has something precious to them that they want to protect then they become genuinely strong" the boy explained. Comprehension seemed to dawn on the young blonde boys face as he finally figured it out.
"Yeah I hear ya! I know exactly what you're saying" Naruto said smiling widely and glancing at me. The boy rose to his feet and picked up his full basket.
"You will both get strong, very strong. Sayonara, we'll meet again sometime. Oh and by the way…" he turned back to Naruto with that angelic smile of his. "I'm a boy."
Noticing Naruto's dumbfounded look I took the opportunity to slip into the trees. I ran following instinct, trusting myself, or should I say my inner self, to guide me to the mysterious angelic boy.