Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto!
Sasuke torture begins again! The results of Prank #2 in this chapter!
The next day Sasuke rushed out as normal, and Kaoru hid her smirk as she saw his pretty nails. Awww, Sasuke-chan, look at you! So pretty in pink! Have a terrible time trying to get your way out of this one!
She entered the classroom and leaned against a wall as Sasuke sat down, Naruto instantly noticing but able to contain himself at the sight of the pink nails. A girl with bubblegum pink hair shoved Naruto out of the way and a bunch of girls gathered around Sasuke, only to shriek in disgust.
"Sasuke-kun!"
"SASUKE-KUN!"
He looked up and raised his eyebrows. "What's gotten all of you worked up like I've ruined your day?"
"Pink! HOT PINK!"
He glanced down at his hands and a blush appeared on his cheeks. "What the—this is the second time! I didn't do it!"
He stood up and the girls stared, traumatized. Kaoru smirked openly as he looked down to see his shorts around his ankles, his hot pink underwear and tattoos visible to everyone in the classroom.
Naruto couldn't take it anymore, he howled with laughter, rolling on the ground as he held his stomach.
"I can't believe it…"
"Sasuke-kun…"
"…is gay…"
"This is the absolute proof…"
Sasuke yanked his pants back up, so red in the face he looked like a tomato.
Score four for me, zero for you, Sasuke-chan. (She's not counting verbal blows.) How will you recover now, since your fan club has turned against you? I'm sure even the guys have no doubts about it. Sasuke's a homo! Even when you're an adult, I'm sure most people will still think that you're a fag! This is gonna spread like wildfire through the whole village and no woman will ever, ever, ever approach you as a love interest again!
She laughed maniacally inside, although only a ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. If you ever find out who did this, I'm sure you'll try killing me at every turn. That ought to be fun to see.
She stopped when the door slid open and Iruka stepped in. She composed her face and stepped over to the center of the front of the classroom with him. She spotted all the girls staring at her with hearts in their eyes. More fan girls added to my fan club. I'm sure I won't get a moment's peace while I'm in the confines of Konohagakure no Sato, but it'll have to do. It can't be too hard to get away from mere girls who can't fly.
"Um, Iruka-sensei, who's the hottie that came in with you?" a girl asked, all the girls leaning forward, eager to know.
"Oh, I forgot. This is Uchiha Kaoru; he will be assigned to one of these teams to watch their training."
All the fan girls squealed in delight at the chance of having their dream guy watch their training.
So this will be my assignment. Kaoru snorted. I'm sure it'll be the team Naruto-kun's on. She had tied her hitae-ate so that the knot was against the hollow of her throat and the metal plate was resting along the base of her neck, her goggles in their normal place. If Sasuke-chan is on the same team, I'll have even more fun knocking him down.
Sasuke was sitting on his hands with his feet tucked under the bench, trying to keep his composure.
She listened with half an ear to the first teams, until Iruka announced, "Team Seven, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura—"
Naruto shouted, "Hooray!" while the girl next to him groaned.
"—and Uchiha Sasuke."
Naruto shook with barely-contained chuckles while Sakura looked petrified.
You should be mortified over this. It was just proven that the object of your affection is as straight as a rainbow. Who else would dye their hair, paint their nails, get tattoos and wear briefs, all pink? Next thing you know he'll be sporting a bondage outfit with a tramp stamp.
The rest of the teams were called, then after lunch Jonin instructors came to pick up their teams, and an hour after all the rest had gone, Team Seven still waited.
What's takin' this damn teacher so long to get here? I'll leave if he doesn't show within the next ten minutes.
She crossed her arms just as Sakura stood from her seat and came over.
"Iruka-sensei said your name was Kaoru, right?"
Kaoru shook her head mentally. I already see the signs. This fan girl has switched targets. If I could barf, I would. I'm not bent that way, so she'd better keep to herself. The thought of girls falling for me because of my face sucks. Why do I have to have such a face? Dammit! She nodded to the pink-haired girl.
"Uchiha Kaoru, I've never seen such a beautiful boy before!" the twelve-year-old squealed, stars in her eyes. "I'm in love!" The stars changed to hearts. "I wanna be your wife when I'm old enough!"
Good grief, this girl comes onto guys strong. I just hope she's not clingy or I'll never escape.
Sakura stretched up on her toes and Kaoru, sensing trouble, dodged and the younger girl's lips connected with the chalkboard.
Gah! She tried to kiss me! No, no, no, no, no! Not happening! No way, no how! If this girl thinks she can turn me into a lesbian, she's wrong!
Naruto coughed back a laugh as Sakura gagged on the chalk, Sasuke rolling his eyes but Kaoru could tell he was holding back a chuckle.
That was worth dodging. Why would a girl her age even be thinking about kissing a boy? I'm not even thinking about dating until I'm at least sixteen! I don't get the whole "liking boys beyond friends" thing anyway. Bleh.
She heard footsteps and turned to the door, just as it slid open and Kakashi Hatake stepped in.
Well, what do you know. This is Team Seven's Jonin-sensei?
She came over and bowed to him. She then wrote, 'I didn't expect that we'd be working together, Hatake-san. It's good to see you again.'
He bowed back and stated, "Kaoru-san, I see you've watched over my team. Very good. My first impression of these three is: slow."
The three Genin froze in shock.
The group went to a rooftop meeting place and Kakashi began to speak. "Well, since most of us don't know each other, let's introduce ourselves."
"Like how, Sensei?" Sakura asked.
"You know, the usual, your favorite thing, what you hate most, dreams, ambitions, hobbies, things like that."
"Help us out, Sensei. You go first. Show us how it's done," Naruto urged.
"That's right," Sakura added. "After all, you're a complete stranger to us, a mystery."
Kaoru turned her head to Kakashi. How will you respond? I'm the only one here who's met you, and you seemed like a nice guy.
"Oh me? I'm a person who doesn't feel like talking about his likes and dislikes. My dream is none of your business, and I have lots of hobbies. Now it's your turn. Let's start from the right."
Naruto perked up. "Me, right? The name's Uzumaki Naruto! I like Kaoru-kun, my best friend in the whole world! I hate being looked down on by everyone, and my dream is to become the greatest Hokage ever, so everyone will respect me! My hobbies are pranks, practical jokes and hanging out with Kaoru-kun!"
"Okay, next."
Kaoru was a little flustered by how much Naruto admired her that she was his favorite, even over ramen. I didn't know that being his friend was so life-altering to him. He's my favorite friend, too. I trust Itachi-onii-san the most, but Naruto-kun is the one I enjoy being with more than anything. It makes me feel happy.
Sasuke, who was kneeling with his hands tucked between his legs (which made Kaoru snicker inside), spoke as bidden. "I am Uchiha Sasuke, I like very few things nowadays, I hate being ignored and Kaoru—" He glared at her.
Why that little jerk! I oughta punch his pretty boy face in here and now!
"—my ambition is to surpass my brother someday, and my hobbies are training and solitude."
Spoiled brat, even though you say your hobby is being alone, you hate it because you have no one around to praise you. I know you wanna beat me up but if Oka-san found out about that, she'd so ground you for life. You liked being the youngest because at least you got everything you wanted save Otou-san's attention. I know that's what you strive for, to be good enough for him to say "you are indeed my child", when it's been said to me, too. It would be the final straw if when the new baby came and grew up that it would be praised before you. You might act snobbish and aloof in public, but you're insanely jealous of the attention Otou-san gives Itachi-onii-san and me. I didn't ask for it, neither did Itachi-onii-san, nor do we want it. I know you're studying me to see how I draw people to me, but with exception of you, I'm nice to everyone, honest, and people notice me because I'm unique and my odd yet good looks draw the eyes of everyone I pass. You, on the other hand, are the second born son of the Clan Head, just starting a Genin career after five years of training, are handsome but not as much as your brother because of your youth, and your bratty attitude is unattractive. It's good I took away your support at school, that should teach you that your looks, superior grades and family name aren't what truly count when it comes to having support of people. It's what's inside that counts, save when the fan girls attack.
"Young lady, you're last."
Sakura smiled and introduced, "I'm Haruno Sakura, and my favorite thing isn't an object, it's a person, a boy…" She looked affectionately at Kaoru.
Yuck. I'm not looking back.
"I hate…" Sakura shot a scathing look at the one next to her. "…Sasuke."
Naruto sniggered, while Kaoru hid a triumphant smirk. Serves you right, bastard.
"My dream is…" Sakura blushed furiously, giggling.
If I knew what she wants from me, I suppose I would be very scared. I'm not homosexual like I've made Sasuke-chan out to be.
"Well, my hobbies are shopping, reading books, and…" The green-eyed girl blushed again.
She's a silly girl, controlled by her feelings. She sure is fickle if she can have such strong feelings for me within an afternoon of meeting me.
"Kakashi-sensei," Sakura added at the end, "what about Kaoru-kun? Shouldn't he introduce himself, too?"
Kaoru looked at Kakashi, who nodded to her so she would do her part in this meeting. She took out her writing pad and wrote down what she felt was applicable to her assignment save one comment. She then turned the paper to them. 'I'm Uchiha Kaoru, my likes are my own, I dislike spoiled brats, bullies and prejudice, my dream is private, and my hobbies are too diverse to write on a single sheet of paper.'
Sakura blinked and asked, "Kaoru-kun, are you mute, or do you not like to speak?"
Naruto snorted. "He's mute, Sakura-chan. He hasn't said a word since I first met him!"
Kakashi interrupted by getting the meeting back on track. "Your first mission will involve just the members of this cell."
"What is it?" Naruto asked, leaning forward.
"Survival exercises," Kakashi explained. "This isn't like the ones during your school days, this time you'll have to survive against me."
"What kind of exercise will it be?"
Kakashi snorted.
"What's so funny, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura questioned.
"Oh nothing, it's just that if I told you, you'd chicken out."
Kaoru actually turned to look at Kakashi. What's he got planned that he'd warn them that they'd get scared and quit?
"Chicken out?" Naruto asked. "Why?"
"Out of the twenty-seven who graduated in your class, only nine will be accepted as Genin. The rest will go back for more training. The test we are about to take has a sixty-six percent rate of failure."
Even Sasuke looked shocked by the news.
Kakashi laughed. "See? You're chickening out already."
"We've been through hell!" Naruto yelled. "What was the graduation test for?"
"Oh, that was weeding out the hopeless cases from the ranks, leaving the ones with potential left."
"Say what?"
That does make sense. This test must evaluate another skill not taught as much in the academy.
"Meet at the training field in the morning, so that I can evaluate your skills and weaknesses. And don't eat breakfast, unless you enjoy throwing up." Kakashi went over to the three and held out three papers to them. "This handout shows the details of the mission. Memorize it, and don't be late!"
"Throw up? How bad is this mission gonna be?" Sakura cried.
She and Naruto took one, while Kakashi caught Sasuke's wrist and looked at the painted nails. He advised, "You should be more aware of your surroundings at all times, or this might escalate and end in fatal injury. You understand?"
The dark-haired boy glared at his mentor and glanced at the handout before crumpling it up. Sakura looked determined while Naruto looked frustrated.
It's definitely written in kanji. I'll help him learn kanji so that he doesn't have to struggle and I don't have to keep using hiragana.
"Until then, you're dismissed."
With a poof of smoke, Kakashi was gone. Kaoru jumped onto the railing and Sakura gasped.
"What are you doing, Kaoru-kun? You could fall!"
What does this girl think I am, a weak, pretty-faced Genin that has wings for decorations on my back? Kaoru rolled her eyes, and then smirked as a thought came to her. Well, she'll learn.
She dived off, Sakura screaming, "KAORU-KUN!" while Naruto and Sasuke ran over to see the angel girl's descent. Kaoru executed a flat spin before spreading her wings and landing light as a feather on the balls of her feet.
"Wow! That was awesome, Kaoru-kun!" Naruto called down to her. "Can you teach me how to do that?"
Kaoru smiled up at him and saw that Sasuke looked dumbfounded that she'd done that. She gave the pair a thumbs-up, and Naruto called to Sakura, "Sakura-chan, come here! He's okay, really!"
Sakura ran over and sighed in relief. "Don't scare me like that again, Kaoru-kun! I thought you'd committed suicide!"
Naruto laughed as Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Sakura-chan, you haven't heard about Kaoru-kun before this?"
"No, why?"
"Kaoru's an angel fallen from heaven. He didn't die from that, so jumping from a six-story building isn't nearly enough to injure him," Sasuke explained.
"Yeah, and Kaoru-kun uses his wings like a parachute!" Naruto added. "Heights don't bug him, anyways!"
"How did you meet Kaoru-kun, if both of you know him so well? Is he that popular?" Sakura asked.
"He decided to be my friend the first day he arrived here!" Naruto chirped with a grin. "He's such a great guy!"
"My experience was different, and it's personal," Sasuke muttered. "Also, he was adopted into my family."
Naruto laughed. "He sure showed he wasn't afraid of you! He flashed his fist and everything!"
Sakura gasped. "Kaoru-kun knows such a foul gesture? I thought angels were supposed to be pure and kind!"
Kaoru grinned. I am, to most people I meet, unless they rub me the wrong way. At least I didn't decide to beat him black and blue, like those kids who were bullying Naruto-kun.
The trio got down to ground level, Sakura, putting her hands on her hips as she scolded, "You won't make many friends if you're so rude to people!"
Like I need your advice, you pink-haired bimbo. At least I haven't insulted you yet for almost kissing me. Besides, don't be a hypocrite. You hate Sasuke-chan because your image of him was spoiled. I'm sure you've made no effort to befriend Naruto-kun, just like everyone else.
"Leave him alone, Sakura-chan!" Naruto protested. "He's not that way most of the time, and it's really hard to get on his nerves! Don't judge him because he decided to defend me because Sasuke was insulting me like he usually does!"
Sakura stared at Kaoru as they walked, eyes taking on an understanding beyond blind puppy love. "Kaoru-kun, you're a very nice person, aren't you?"
Kaoru nodded. Naruto patted her on the back, the happy grin on his face again.
"Then why didn't you let me kiss you?"
Sasuke scoffed, "Who would want a girl to throw herself at them when you're not even properly introduced? Besides, I'm sure the first person he'll kiss is his betrothed, when he's old enough."
Or my boyfriend, if I get one before a proper suitor is selected for me by the Council of Elders. Kaoru then looked at the sun, her eyes widening. Crap, the next clan meeting is at sunset! If I'm late, I'm so dead!
She startled everyone by spreading her wings and taking flight, Sakura demanding, "Where's he going in a hurry? Does he have a curfew?"
"No, there's a clan meeting tonight," Sasuke answered, his tone a tad sour.
"Oh, so that's what he's flying to," Naruto drawled. "He sure has big responsibilities being the newest member of a clan."
Damn straight I do! I doubt Otou-san thought about what my schedule or what my assignment was when he told me not to miss any clan meetings.
She flew straight to the Uchiha Compound and landed in front of her house, going in and taking off her sandals and putting them in their cubby hole, then running to her room to change into her yukata.
"Welcome back, Kaoru!" Mikoto called from the kitchen.
The only other girl in the family changed quickly then stepped out, just as Itachi came over to her door to alert her that it was time to go. They went straight to the meeting and as usual, Kaoru knelt behind Fugaku, but this time Itachi was beside her. He watched as she did Cat's Cradle and actually participated, which pleased Kaoru.
This is more fun than doing it alone. I wonder if I'll end up with Jacob's Ladder.
They were so engrossed in the game that she jumped when Fugaku shouted, "That is still far off! Kaoru is only fourteen and no offers of betrothal will be made at this time!"
The string fell to the floor, and she frowned. Geez! We were so close! What was that all about, refusing all betrothals? Damn it, now we have to start all over again!
"Fugaku-sama, now is a perfect time for your second son to meet a potential partner! He'll select someone on his own if left alone for too long!" one of the other middle-aged men argued. "We should start with several mi-ai right away!" A/N: Mi-ai: an arranged meeting between a man and a woman with a third party for potential of a betrothal. Just FYI for all of you!
"He is too young! He needs at least two more years to mature before any mi-ai will be set up!"
"Fugaku," one of the elders interrupted. "Why do you treat this boy differently than your firstborn? You set up mi-ai with prime candidates when he was the same age as Kaoru is now. His youth is not the problem. Tell us the real reason why you refuse so ardently."
"Look at him and tell me that you see an individual ready for marriage."
Kaoru's eyes brightened when she raised her hands, the complete Jacob's Ladder between them. Yay! I got it this time! She beamed at Itachi, who smiled back, patting her head. She dropped the string and handed it to him, so he started the game again. This is so much fun the more I play it. I wonder if Naruto-kun knows how to play.
"I see what you mean, but since he's a Jonin, being in the ninja field will make him mature quickly. It happens to all who take up this profession, especially after the first kill."
"Indeed, unless it breaks him. He is an angel, after all. He may just decide to become a medical ninja."
"There are no Jonin medics that are from our clan. He is Uchiha. He will be an elite warrior amongst all other ninjas, just like Itachi."
"If that is what you wish, Elders. If it is needed, I will send Itachi back into the field with him."
"Can you manage to do so when he's forcefully declined since he turned fourteen?"
"He and Kaoru have become good friends these past few days, so I think Itachi would do anything for him."
"If that is so, then you may proceed as you wish."
"Thank you."
This time Itachi held up the Jacob's Ladder and she smiled in excitement. I've never played many games with people, even when I was a child, even a simple game as this. I learned all the steps from a book, but no one would ever try it out with me. I feel so excited when it's done right.
Both looked up when Fugaku scolded, "Itachi! Kaoru! What are you doing when you should be paying attention to what's going on in this meeting? Act your age!"
Kaoru bowed while Itachi murmured, "Sorry, Otou-san."
"Let's go home, the meeting is finished."
I guess I missed something that has his britches in a bunch. We were just playing Cat's Cradle. What would he rather we do, sit still the whole time?
When they got home, Itachi got out some paper and asked, "Do you know how to do origami?"
She shook her head.
"Let me show you something, then."
He took the piece of paper and folded it, the square taking shape with the numerous folds. He then laid it in her palms, her eyes lighting up when she realized what it was.
A crane! I've heard these are really difficult to fold! He did it so fast, I'm surprised!
Her joy was tangible as he explained, "I want you to hold onto this as a good luck charm. I'll add one more each year that passes, to commemorate our friendship."
She hugged him and squeezed tight. He's so kind to me, how did I deserve to have such a big brother?
He mussed her hair and smiled fondly at her. "You're welcome, Kaoru-san."
Later that night, Kaoru thought about something she'd turned Naruto down about. Could I actually do it? At least with one instrument? It would be cool if I could play it for him. It is a song I want to live by. But I don't even know how to keep a steady rhythm!
She thought about which one she'd like to play, she nodded in finality. That instrument it is. I'll do anything to master playing it.
Any guesses on which you think she chose? I guess it might be obvious, if you all remember which song she's talking about.
Please review!