~Chapter 16~
Dreams
"I hope you've prepared yourself…to be beaten by a girl." Kinata teased him, strapping on her fighting gloves. Sasuke stood in front of her, eager. His attitude had all the cocky confidence needed to get her pumped up. She wouldn't hold back, with the exception of her ocular jutsu of course. It was their first sparring match against one another.
"If you can even lay one hand on me, I'll be impressed." She smirked at his comment. Just as she'd predicted, he was underestimating her. Or gloating…which was fine, because it only gave her a distinct advantage. She calculated her movements and the combination attacks she'd inflict. For the first part of their day, he wanted to concentrate on taijutsu. Later he had talked her into practicing genjutsu.
Now they stood on the Uchiha training ground – which was small in size compared to Konoha's main training grounds. It would do just fine for the two. They were facing each other but at a distance, waiting for the first one to make a move. Kinata patiently stood with her left palm stance, her expression neutral. Fighting put her mind in a completely different state. Sasuke took the hint, charging at her with incredible speed.
His right leg flew high in the air, almost swiping her head, but her left arm immediately blocked it. She went to jab his chest with her left elbow, making him grunt, yet giving him no time to respond as she sent a right punch to his rib – all in seconds. He didn't let it bother him, spinning backwards to throw a left low kick to her mid section.
She went to duck, having mistaken his body proportion and angle, pushing her back as she barely blocked his foot from smashing into her head, her arms crossed. That actually gave her the unintentional advantage to block his oncoming punch too, locking his right hand in the crease of her left arm and shoulder, returning a right punch of her own, knocking his balance off. It wasn't even ten seconds before his reflexes let him catch his call, bouncing up with his right arm like a spring. He dove in on her, blocking one of her kicks. He went to bring his right fist in just below her shoulder when Kinata crossed her wrists, deciding there to end their first fight.
He frowned at her mischievous smirk.
"About to finish you off," She proclaimed between breaths. He gave a snort, jumping back.
"I'll believe it when I see it." She rolled her eyes, jolting towards him. She matched his speed. She sent a high-kick, pushing chakra through her legs to her feet, gaining momentum at the last minute. As Sasuke went to block her kick, she spun mid air with her leg up, causing her kick to swing into two separate kicks, making it difficult to avoid. He inched back realizing the change and went to duck but with the rebound he was thrown to the side. Kinata didn't stop, following up with a downwards kick to his right hip, pushing his body harshly into the earth. That alone knocked the wind out of him. Kinata was on her left knee with her right leg sprung out beside her, Sasuke's still form lying underneath her.
She couldn't help but feel concerned for a split second. Kinata glanced up at his face. He was staring at her with shock in his eyes. She smirked.
"Believe me now?" She was trying to catch her breath. The immense speeds they had both showed had taken a lot of stamina. She could feel Sasuke breathing hard too. He huphed and looked away, but she had already stolen a glace at the secret admiration in his eyes. For a once, she felt an ego boost. Kinata got off of him, lending a hand, which he ignored, brushing the dirt off of his shoulders.
Despite her many years of training, she had never shown her true abilities of taijutsu off for someone she liked. It was exhilarating. He flatly complained about the double kick she'd thrown at him, grumbling about the direction.
"If you would fight like a normal person, that kick would've been useless." She glared at him.
"If you're so sure of yourself, then beat me!" The challenge in her voice made his face twitch in the formation of a smirk.
"You asked for it." Was his calm retort.
Kinata stood in line at the ramen shop with Sasuke, waiting on their order of miso soup. It was now lunch time and their much needed break from taijutsu. The Uchiha boy was standing next to her with his hands in his pockets, trying to hide his infuriated shame. The giddy girl by his left nudged his shoulders, only causing him to turn away. Kinata frowned, folding her arms.
"Are you honestly upset with me? You won two!" She finally yelled, tired of his moping and earning his attention. He had ignored her the entire time, but now he was glaring at her.
"You won five." She grimaced as he hissed this. She hadn't realized that he'd be such a sore loser.
"Shut up Kinata. I'm just warming up." He had said that after the third time she'd won. After that, he had started to take it personal. They had both worn themselves out from the last four fights. Kinata had pushed every cell in her body to keep up with Sasuke, but by the last two, she'd been so spent that he had easily taken her down. It was hardly satisfying to the raven-haired boy however. The sixth fight he'd kneed her in the stomach, and the seventh he had mercilessly punched her nose, leaving trails of blood pooling down her face. He had been so in-the-moment, and it only added guilt to his embarrassment.
She sighed, dropping the matter when their order number came up. They were in to-go cups, perfect for walking somewhere private. He led Kinata to an actual playground. A few toddlers played while their parents watched from the benches. The two sat on wooden swings, eating in comfortable silence, fascinated with the foolish kids before them toss sand around.
"So I think I'm ready for genjutsu. I'm far from the best though. It's actually my weakness." She mumbled the last part, slurping the rest of the juice from the cup. Sasuke eyed her.
"Are you hurt?" The question threw her off. His voice still sounded angry. She looked over to find his gaze still on the kids. She furrowed her eyebrows. He was awfully concerned about her welfare.
"I mean, it's nothing I can't handle." When he looked at her, his eyes were cold.
"I'm serious Kinata." She became tense, gazing into his deep onyx orbs to search for a reason as to why he was acting so intense.
"So am I. If I'm really hurt Sasuke, I'll let you know….believe it." She mocked Naruto's words, knowing full well that it would make Sasuke want to roll his eyes, in hopes of changing the subject.
He snorted, turning away from her, but he had a ghostly smirk on from her joke towards Naruto. The blonde always had to repeat himself to the point of pure annoyance, everyone knew that.
"Fine." He said, standing up from the swing. She followed suit.
"Why so worried?" She didn't want to ask it but it was strong in her mind and the words had slipped. So much for changing the subject, she thought, irritated with her mouth. He froze, but regained his composure after a few seconds. They were walking back to his home.
"I lost control in our last fight." His muttered words were cold and seemingly directed at himself. She blinked in silent realization, and he glanced away, uncomfortable.
"Ready?" He asked, shifting his position with his hands in front of him.
"Yeah." Kinata took a deep breath, bringing up her arms and forming the same sign as Sasuke.
He gave a curt nod and in seconds he had already shaped a jutsu too quick for her to follow or react to. She was instantly cast into a deeply unconscious place, her body limply landing on the ground. He swore, running over to her to pick her neck up gently. To his relief, her eyes gradually opened up. She appeared confused and dazed. He grit his teeth.
"You said you were ready." He growled. She held on to his arm for support to help raise her up into a sitting position.
"I thought I was." She mumbled. He bit back his frustrated comment, subconsciously recognizing it as a root of worry. He sighed loudly, standing.
"We should call it a day." He dryly said. She snapped her head to his taller figure.
"No. I'm fine now. I need to practice." He stared her down but she returned his gaze with just as much fierceness and stubbornness. He gave up.
"Whatever." He evenly proclaimed, walking back to his position. Kinata stood up, hiding how wobbly her legs felt. She cracked her hands and then shook off any cramps. She cleared her mind, focusing solely on his. Despite her efforts, her eyes and hand signs were no match against his.
She was brought to the ground yet again.
"Dammit!" The Uchiha sped over to her limp body again, now pissed off. He tried desperately to wake her up, but with no luck. She was breathing, but whatever visual his genjutsu had instinctively and rapidly sent her, was pushing her mentally passed the limit. He was nervous, unsure of whether he should take her inside or to the hospital. He picked her up bridal style, deciding on his house first.
If she didn't get better by tomorrow, he'd take her to see a medical ninja.
The house was unnaturally silent besides the creaking stairs that Sasuke climbed carefully, maneuvering the unconscious girl. He hadn't assembled the guest room completely for her to sleep in, having left the dirty sheets and blankets still on the guest room bed. They were supposed to finish it tonight. He skillfully pulled the door handle to his room, nudging it further open with his leg. Once in he set her gently on his bed. He took a rare moment to observe her, feeling that odd sense of déjà vu happen again…but something was out of place. He shook his head, laughing mentally at his childish thoughts.
Sasuke sat on the edge of the bed, hypnotized by Kinata's image. Her hair fanned around her, the cami had ridden up on her body, revealing a good inch of her toned skin. He could see her bellybutton. Her shorts were nearly to her crotch, leaving little to the imagination, and showing off her lean legs.
He hadn't realized it until it happened but he was turned on. He took a deep gulp, standing up to retrieve a chair. It wasn't just her beautiful physique but her relentless and bold attitude too that had his cock throbbing. He pulled it up so that he could sit by her face. He glared at his lower half, trying to will the erection away. It annoyed him. Now wasn't the time. Kinata was lying helplessly beyond his reach because of his genjutsu. Sure she had asked him to continue, but he'd gone above and beyond with his jutsu, inflicting more chakra than was needed. Sasuke had intended some resistance on her part, but she'd done absolutely nothing. He brushed his hand through his already tousled hair, trying to conclude why she'd been so defenseless; especially when he remembered her taijutsu skills.
Sasuke leaned over, brushing her hair completely away from her face. Her skin was soft to the touch. He stroked her chin and neck, not realizing his movements as his thoughts distracted him.
Poisonous fumes surrounded her, closing in on each cell, consuming her essence. She screamed in horror, watching as her skin turned to vapor, releasing the dark blood to flow around her.
It was a sizzling pain…like holding her hand on a burner and being able to move it.
Kinata's body soon became numb, in shock at the sight of her body deteriorating before her very eyes. She blinked, finally taking in her surroundings.
It only sent her body into tremors.
On the far left lay her foster families…all off them. They were not smiling, they couldn't. The skeletons of their former selves were crumbling on top of one another, with a ghostly familiarity and their clothes still clinging to them. Before her, straight ahead, stood her mother with Rin in her arms, holding her as the little girl clung desperately to her mother's shoulder. Both their faces were half melted with the other half frowning accusingly Kinata's way.
As they stared down at her, the penetrating stares began to echo two words: "Blame her…"
Out of the corner of Kinata's vision, she saw a shadow move to her right. It was Sasuke.
He was normal. He smiled at her.
She felt tears rush to the corner of her eyes from relief as she tried to stand up, calling his name.
Then his eyes turned an ominous red. He glared at her. Then he too was on his knees.
He screamed out in agony, crouching over and covering the sides of his head.
Kinata couldn't move, watching him.
Her heart was racing so much that it hurt her chest. Her throat dried.
Her adrenaline was being pushed too far.
Sasuke's skin rapidly did what hers was doing slowly.
She still couldn't move to save him.
Then a blurry image behind him faded into view. It was the Academy.
A huge pile of dead corpses sat in front of it. She could only recognize one.
The orange jumpsuit had a reputation of itself.
That was what finally triggered the hysterics. She couldn't stop crying.
She locked eyes with the Uchiha. His glare was horrifying to her. He slumped over, half-burned.
His look sent shivers down her spine. Guilty. Ridicule. Shame. It all felt directed towards her.
The young girl eventually blacked out.
Kinata jolted up, her head pounding harshly. She instantly closed her eyes, only to see the etched images of incinerated bodies. Taking a deep breath, she re-opened them. Immediately she was aware that she was now in Sasuke's room and that it was daylight, perhaps just passed noon. Obviously she had been brought here by him once she'd dropped to the ground AGAIN during training. She sighed.
So it had all been an illusion.
Somehow, in the back of her head, when she had seen her mother and Rin, she had known that. But it'd all felt so vivid…her senses had been so in tune…the reality of time in that nightmare scared her. She could still feel her body shaking slightly from it. How could Sasuke's genjutsu have had such a huge effect? Or maybe her mental state was too vulnerable at the time. She would have to practice more to overcome such a weakness.
On the battlefield, there'll be no mercy. Shinobi will take advantage of that. A grim thought.
Just then the door opened up, revealing a flushed looking Sasuke. Her heart leapt a little at his healthy body…no burns, and his eyes were apologetic versus hateful. Despite the dramatic images from the jutsu, she managed to forget them for the time being. Sasuke walked over to her bed, having mumbled a 'hey.' She began to squirm out when he stopped her, holding her shoulder gently. She gave him a curious stare. He half growled a sigh, avoiding her eyes completely. Now she was on high alert.
"What's wrong?" She sounded antsy. He still refused to look her in the eyes.
"About yesterday…" He began, but he couldn't seem to find the right words to finish his sentence as he furrowed his brows, his onyx orbs fastened to the ground. Kinata's eyes narrowed a bit, misunderstanding his uncomfortable silence.
Does he pity my pathetic attempts at genjutsu? Does he not want to train with me anymore? He can't even tell me any of this to my face!
"Sasuke, I can get better at it. That was…it was a mistake on my part. But I know what I did wrong! I'll know how to prepare myself…" She was gazing intently at her tightened hands, convincing herself of her words. She was thus unable to see the surprised and confused expression that Sasuke was giving her. He got slightly annoyed when she glanced up at the end of her 'speech' to present him with small smile.
"I just have to prepare myself. That's all." He didn't say anything at first, having been so taken back by her own personal motivation and endurance, more so because she was blaming the incident NOT on him, but herself. He shook his head, frowning deeply.
"No. I'm fine with taijutsu. Even ninjutsu. But we're done training with genjutsu." Her mouth dropped at his deadly and defiant tone. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his face randomly becoming heated as he glanced to the right.
"Look…I thought I would have to take you to the hospital. You wouldn't respond at all…"
Kinata held back her rude comment after hearing his reason. She now understood why he was hesitant to continue training…if Sasuke hadn't come to in just a few hours, she would've been in a panic, especially if she had been a part of the cause. So she dropped the subject, nodding to his uneasy figure.
She was truly thankful the more she thought about it. If he had chosen to take her to the hospital, it would've been a disaster. They wouldn't have ANY medical records or a birth certificate validating her citizenship in Konoha. They would right then take action, investigating her background and interrogating her. She grimaced at the idea of such a mess.
"Kay, but how do I enhance my defenses against genjutsu if I can't physically train? There must be another way…" She snapped her head up to see Sasuke with his arms folded and his eyebrows arched. Why always with that cocky stance? She mused to herself. Sasuke shrugged, almost in sync with her inner question. She held back a smile.
"My clan had many ways of blocking genjutsu. But they all involved the Sharingan." She frowned, disappointed. Perhaps she could ask Iruka-sensei.
"I guess it couldn't hurt asking them though…" Her head perked up at his mumbled words to himself. He was no longer paying her any attention, but was staring at the end of the bed, rather absorbed in his own mind. She let him have his moment in hopes that a productive idea was forming.
Finally he made eye contact with her, a small smirk now in place. She gave him a questioning look.
"What?" She asked curiously.
"Do you like cats?" The random question made her pause.
"Uh, yeah. I mean, I've never had problems with them before. Why?" He nodded absentmindedly, beginning to gather up some things in his room.
"Get ready then. We're taking a trip." She had no time to ask more as he took off downstairs, leaving her to prepare herself for the unknown.
She walked alongside Sasuke, aware now of his distinct composure. He really was a confident boy, his footsteps never wavering, his head up and rigid, with his eyes calculating and somber. For his age, he could be mistaken for a young adult (if his height didn't give him away as a kid). Kinata wasn't one to talk though. When she wasn't being foolish (usually because of Naruto), her age too could defy its trueness. That was when Kinata had an epiphany.
If it hadn't been for the unwanted solitude that those tragedies had caused them, they would both be silly little brats like their peers, running around carelessly, with no legitimate burdens to bare. She sighed. So loneliness and sorrow was what connected Sasuke to her. What a bond…she thought dryly to herself. At least she had somebody who, on occasion, and when he was in the mood to talk, could empathize.
She smiled to herself, reminded of her mother's words, the night she was killed.
"So…what is important in life?" She had such a naïve look. Her mother eyed her deeply, and then smiled wondrously.
"Life itself. Anyone can change the world. It will not come by power or strength, but by the ones who choose to love." She tapped Kinata's nose with her finger affectionately, in which the girl gave a cheesy grin in return, rolling her eyes.
"Love what?" Her mother shook her head.
"Master Yamamoto is right. My dear daughter asks many questions." Kinata shrugged, intently waiting for an answer. So her mother continued.
"Love continuously and unconditionally. No matter the consequences. And no matter what or who you wish to love. It is a power beyond any, and it will bring with it the chance for change and for others to endure." Kinata was quiet for a once, staring down at her mother's smooth hands, which held her own smaller hands. Orihime gave her daughter a worried look.
"I…I think I understand…"
At the time, Kinata had believed her mother to almost be lecturing her rather than teaching her. Now however, the grown girl was grateful. The love of respect to another, the love of affection, the love of connection…it really felt to the Ryukotse girl that maybe her mom had been on to something.
The two continued out of Konoha for about 2 hours until they reached a city that appeared abandoned. She turned to him, confused.
"What's this place called?"
"Sora-ku." Sasuke glanced over to her, his face blank.
"Are you going to tell me what we're doing here?" She sounded exasperated with his vague answer. It would be nice not to be kept in the dark.
"You'll find out in a minute." She let out a kid-ish 'huph' and instead scoped out the deserted area. The two didn't walk too far into the city when he walked up to an iron door sealed in the ground, up against a steel building. He lifted the side handle, ushering her to follow his lead, going down a metal ladder. Kinata glared at his disappearing form. She wasn't in the mood for secretive games. Then again, what choice did she have but to follow?
They were underground in a few minutes. Sasuke kept walking, and she stayed close to his side. They passed a banner hung up on the wall that had a symbol identical to the one on Sasuke's back. Kinata had been on her guard until she seen that. She was glad to have Sasuke next to her, because wherever they were, meant they at least trusted the Uchiha Clan. He stopped right before a curtained door, just as the space opened up more into almost a full room. He finally turned to face her. She crossed her arms, waiting for him to speak.
"My clan established a treaty, long ago, with th…" before he could explain any further, Kinata was on the ground kneeling flat with her kunai out, in attack mode. Crouching in between them was a light-brown cat, hissing directly at her. The feline had tried diving at her neck but she had the heightened sense of sound from her many years of meditating. The 'swoosh' the cat had made had been a dead give-away. Sasuke appeared furious at the animal.
"Denka. Enough. She's with me." The cat eased up at Sasuke's command and then so did Kinata, standing up, though still wary. They eyed one another, until the strange thing began to curl around his legs, purring its apologies. Kinata cracked a smirk at the scene, amused by the annoyed and disturbed expression on the boy's face.
"So the Uchiha have a pact with ninja-cats?" She summed up for him. He nodded stiffly, stepping back from the persistent furball.
"Denka, can you lead us inside? I want to discuss something with Granny-Kat." The cat stood up on its hind legs, glaring over at Kinata. The cats were typically independent and would protect themselves. It was natural for Denka to have doubts when bringing a female outsider into his home. He couldn't however disobey the last survivor of the Uchiha Clan, more so because of their allegiance. So reluctantly, the ninneko pranced ahead, through the curtain-like door. Sasuke followed with Kinata tagging behind.
Ninneko had only been tales to Kinata. She had never encountered one before, though she knew of their existence. At least now she had some idea of Sasuke's intentions. The ninja cats must have some unique defense mechanism concerning genjutsu. It only made sense, as the alliance with the visual jutsu clan would give rise to techniques such as that. She smiled proudly at her companion's back, knowing that there might be a way towards conquering her major weakness, and it would be thanks to him.
When they passed through the curtain doors, the room stunned Kinata. It was huge and deceiving as the passageways had been narrow in comparison. Meows could be heard everywhere, since there were dozens of cats surrounding them. In the middle, sitting comfortably on a blue mat, was an old lady. She wore black cat ears holding her grey hair, which poked out like a large fan around her head. She had on a weird outfit, in a bland orange with a light purple scarf going around her. Kinata could figure out why the heavy attire…it was freezing in the room. The closer the two came, the more details Kinata could pick out about the lady. She had a black cat-like nose and squinty eyes, blending almost with her wrinkles.
"Mm. Young Uchiha. You visit me on a good day. And you bring with you a gem. What is it that you ask of me now?" Sasuke bowed his head, his face impassive.
"Granny-Kat. It's been awhile. Her name is Kinata Iwatsuru. There were ways that my clan taught the Ninneko for defending against genjutsu. What were they?" The woman Sasuke referred to as Granny-Kat scanned the girl up and down. At first it made her nervous but she eased up after a few seconds. She was trying to be respectful so she bowed her head too, stepping forward.
"Nekobaa, I do not wish to waste your time. I am only searching to strengthen my mental defenses against ocular jutsu…but without physical practice. My body collapses when I try." Kinata made sure to use the formal name of "Granny-Kat," since she wasn't on friendly terms with her like Sasuke was. She also spoke with polite clarity, determined to display a composed and brave mannerism. Her head was still bent, so she was unable to see the old woman's expression. The only sound coming straight ahead of them was a 'hmmm.' After a good minute Granny-Kat spoke.
"Girl, come to me." Kinata peeked up. The lady was impatiently waving her over. Sasuke stood to the side; the only sign that he was interested in the situation was a gleam of pride in his eyes. It was more so because of how proper Kinata had appeared…he hadn't expected that. The girl sprinted over, now curious. When she stood right in front of the old crone, she was told to close her eyes, so she did.
Her body jumped when cold fingers were placed on her temples, but afterwards, she remained perfectly still. Warmth soon flowed through her nose, ears, and frontal lobe. Soon, her mind felt invaded of what seemed to be heated spirals sifting everywhere. It was over in a brief moment, where Granny-Kat sat staring hard at the girl.
"Yes. You will stand on this day here to train. You will not be a waste of my time. There is much to see that what meets the eye. I shall teach you the basics only. From there, you must learn on your own."
Kinata nodded, her face expressionless. Had the woman seen her true identity? The woman wasn't a threat, the girl could tell. She still felt wrong however having allowed leaked information become open for the Ninja cat woman, not that she had even been prepared for that jutsu…or whatever that was.
"Sasuke, you will not be able to train with this girl, ever. Not when it comes to genjutsu. It is far too dangerous." Kinata glanced behind her to pick out a confused Uchiha.
"I don't get why it would be s…" Granny-Kat cut Kinata off abruptly.
"It is not for you to know yet. The lesser be known, the better. Now, do you wish to train or not?" The young girl closed her mouth, excitement bubbling up inside her gut. She couldn't help feeling aggravated by the woman's short temper while avoiding her questions and only adding to them, but at least Nekobaa was acting kind enough to teach her. Kinata was a stranger to their kin.
Granny-Kat led them down a hall to a larger red room.
"Foremost girl, you must face your fears." Granny-Kat gave Sasuke a passing glance. The boy was focused on Kinata.
"Young Uchiha, you will leave the girl with me. Stay here in the main corridor where food and drink will be brought to you. She will be training for some hours. You will both be on your way afterwards, before the day is done." Sasuke went to say something but caught his tongue, nodding curtly while muttering an awkward 'thank you.' The two ladies left down another hall.