Author's note : Hey, hope y'all are having a good day. Here's the new chapter, sorry for taking so long!
Disclaimer : Joker-chan no own Naruto desu~ See how bad my Japanese is? There you have it, I don't own Naruto. Just the plot of this story, ne?
Inherited Will of Fire
"How do I look?" Sakura asked turning to Shisui, her hands placed on her hips in a childish way
Shisui observed her opened blue jacket, her mesh shirt, her black thigh length Shinobi shorts and even her black ninja footwear before nodding in approval, "It's good for an academy student" he informed
Sakura smiled in relief, "So my...forehead doesn't stand out?" she questioned in a shy mumble
Her bangs were obscuring her forehead and even her eyebrows, some strands falling to her eyes as she stared inquiringly at Shisui, the Uchiha merely gave her a contemplative look before raising his thumbs up with a very Shisui-like grin, "Perfect!"
"Let's go" Sakura turned around, a sudden air of confidence washing over here, "I have to pass my exams"
"You'll pass with flying colors, I just know it"
He didn't need to see her expression to know she was smiling.
It was a peaceful day in Konoha, the birds were chirping a nice melody to wake up the citizens, the ninjas were walking leisurely to the tower for some missions, the newly minted Gennin were chasing after Tora and-
"NARUTO, GET BACK HERE!"
-a poor Chunin had the task to chase down his student, the resident Jinchuriki with a mysterious (read : overpowered) heritage, Naruto Uzumaki. The blond's laughter filled the village as he expertly weaved through the alleys, in hindsight his skills could be used one day as an infiltration specialist. His latest prank being placing stink bombs all over the academy.
He turned towards the corner preparing to disappear into the crowd only to barrel into an innocent bystander, his head feeling like he crashed through a wall as he fell down, "Hey, watch where you're going i..." Naruto trailed off seeing a girl his age, pink hair, holding her nose with a teary eyed look. "Hey, anosa, are you okay?" he asked
"I-I'm fine, this d-doesn't hurt one bit" the girl assured him
Naruto gave her a deadpan look, "Suuure"
The girl gave her a half-hearted glare, "I'm fine, okay?! This doesn't hurt one bit, cha!"
"Cha?" Naruto repeated a bit bemused
"Y-yeah..." the girl was blushing out of embarrassment
"That's so stupid, ttebayo!"
"Ttebayo?" the girl repeated, her hidden eyebrows arched up as she snorted, "What a stupid tic"
"Hey!" Naruto yelled offended as the girl shakily stood up
"A-anyways, be careful next time, you're in a Shinobi village for crying out loud" the girl mumbled to him holding out her hand for him, "Not all Shinobi will take kindly to random kids like us crashing into them, they're a bit jumpy, see?" her head motioned towards a Shinobi hiding in the crowd eyeing them suspiciously, "Ninjas are suspicious of everything"
Naruto blinked at the hand in front of him hesitantly taking it, "Okay..." he mumbled like a lectured kid as the girl pulled him up, usually his peers didn't stick around him much.
"I'm Sakura by the way"
"Naruto Uzumaki, I'm gonna become the next Hokage, ttebayo!"
Ah, there it was. The wide-eyed look kids his age would give him once he introduced himself, then they'd say some mean things and walk away. It was the same thing every time, but it was nice-
"Like Fishcakes?"
-while it lasted? "Huh?" the blond dumbly asked taken by surprise
"Naruto means Fishcakes, you know the stuff in ramen?" Sakura repeated fighting an amused smile
"Uhh, yeah?" Naruto sheepishly agreed as he rubbed his neck, he didn't know that Naruto meant fishcakes until now. "And yours is the flower, right?"
"Uh-huh, though it's not very creative, huh?" Sakura asked
"Well, I was named after an ingredient for ramen, not creative either, ttebayo!" Naruto crossed his arms nodding in understanding
The two then shared a grin, albeit Sakura's was more shy.
"So, Hokage, huh? That's ambitious"
What does ambitious even mean?! "Hehe, once I become Hokage, everyone will have to acknowledge me!"
Sakura blinked at him, her eyes wide with surprise and a tint of respect.
"NARUTO UZUMAKI!"
"Oops, I gotta go! It was nice meeting you, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura could only blink as the retreating figure of Naruto, embarrassed yet flattered by the honorific used at the end of her name, "Nice meeting me?" she repeated as if she couldn't believe it.
"Excuse me little girl?"
Still surprised Sakura turned to the voice to see a ninja with brown hair, "H-hai?" she stuttered out recognizing the man as one of the instructors in the academy, Umino-sensei, if she remembered correctly.
"Have you seen a blond kid with blue eyes pass by? Naruto?" Umino asked tiredly
"Ah...that way..." Sakura mumbled pointing in the opposite direction, she felt bad...but, she didn't want to ruin her chance to make a friend. She could only flush in embarrassment as Shisui broke down laughing and saying things about her turning into a bad girl. Even Inner was amused at the fact that she managed to trick a ninja.
"I'm so proud of you!" Shisui laughed, "Who would have known you had the guts to lie to a ninja? And you actually got away with it, priceless! Man, no doubt you'll make an awesome ninja"
Sakura flushed even brighter only to jump in surprise feeling an arm slung over her shoulder, "Ha! That was just what I needed to start the day, nice work kiddo!"
"Huh?" Sakura asked dumbly as she looked at the purple haired ninja next to her
"What? You think I didn't see you were lying? I've been here the whole time" Anko winked at her
Sakura's face turned brighter than Sasuke's favorite fruit "T-that, I...uhh! S-sorry!"
Anko's laughter filtered through the streets, "I'm impressed kid, didn't think you'd be able to lie to a ninja"
Sakura looked down shyly "I d-didn't w-wanna sell him out"
"I get it, just relax, speaking of which don't you have academy?"
Sakura's eyes widened, "I'm going to be late! Excuse me Anko-san, but I've gotta run!"
Anko merrily waved at the pink haired girl who ran like there was no tomorrow, "She sure is lively!" she commented to herself as she started leisurely walking to her favorite Dango place
"I'm sorry I'm late!" Sakura exclaimed as she threw open the door to her class. Feeling everyone's eyes on her made even her ears turn red, but she kept her gaze on her teacher Mizuki.
Mizuki seemed surprised at seeing her come back after a month of absence before he smiled pleasantly at her, "You're back Haruno-chan, but why are you late?"
"I lost track of time" Sakura mumbled
"We're just in the middle of a quiz, why don't you take a seat and I'll get your papers?"
Sakura nodded speed walking towards her empty spot in the class, she dodged some stray feet and some spitballs before taking her seat. Her eyes didn't even tear up at the sight of her desk having offensive things written such as "Forehead!", "Loser" and things like that. No, she would leave this class soon enough.
"Stay strong Sakura-chan"
She smiled slightly, words won't hurt her anymore, not after what happened with Sasuke.
"Here you go" Mizuki politely said seemingly not noticing the writings on her desk
Sakura took the papers.
Her eyes scanned the questions
"This is child's play" she heard Shisui cheerily say
Nodding slightly in agreement she grabbed her pencil,
Name the First and Second Hokage.
Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju.
Which two clans founded the village?
Senju and Uchiha
Which are the four noble clans of the village?
Uchiha clan, Hyuga clan, Akimichi clan, Aburame clan. (Phew, she remembered them)
What is the village renowned for?
Will of Fire (textbook answer)
Which are the three most used Shinobi arts?
Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Genjutsu
Who is the current Hokage?
Hiruzen Sarutobi
Name three famous ninja of the village and their tittle.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, known as the "God of Shinobi"
Anko Mitarashi, known as the "Sadistic Snake Mistress"
Kakashi Hateke, known as the "Copy cat ninja"
(Sakura was glad Shisui kept her updated on the ninjas in the village)
Situation : Another village attacks the Leaf, what do you do?
Evacuate along with my class and await further instructions.
Who should become the Fifth Hokage? Fill in three names or description
(Sakura paused...she's never thought about that before. She can't write Itachi nor Shisui, both for obvious reasons, so who should she write?)
A member of the Nara clan
A member of the Hyuga clan
Naruto Uzumaki
(Shisui snickered while she smiled a bit, "So worth losing one point" Shisui commented)
What are the four ranks in the Shinobi ranking system?
Gennin, Chunin, Jonin, Tokubetsu-Jonin.
Which color blends in with the night more?
Dark Blue
What is Chakra Pathway System?
the term for the channels within the body that transfer and channel chakra. Simply put they serve the same function for chakra as blood vessels do for blood.
How many tenketsu points does one have?
Three hundred sixty one.
"Did I do okay?" Sakura quietly asked as she stood away from her class, they were currently outside waiting for their turn to throw.
"You nailed it!" Shisui assured with a thumbs up, "After all you were taught by me!"
Sakura snorted, "You have a bit of an ego problem sensei"
"Ah, being called sensei is embarrassing, just call me Shisui like you always do" Shisui winked at her
Sakura averted her gaze, "It breaks regulations if I refer to you so casually"
"Good thing no one can see me then, right little miss perfectionist?"
"Sakura Haruno!"
Sakura pretended like she didn't hear Shisui as she walked up to Mizuki who handed her a pouch. The kunai were blunt, but she was sure she could ace the little test. Her eyes surveyed the four targets in front of her as she placed two kunai between her fingers on her left hand, and then the same for her right hand. Her feet were apart as she crossed her arms in front of her, her eyes still on the targets as she took a step forward with her right feet and released.
To the naked eye it would seem like the wind itself assisted her as four sound thud echoed through the clearing in unison.
"Good job, Haruno!" Mizuki praised clapping his hands
Sakura sent a shy smile, her body language changing from confident back to nervous. "D-did I pass?"
"With flying colors" Mizuki assured
"Next up, Ami against Sakura!"
Sakura tensed, her body shaking slightly as Ami sent her a mocking smirk. She could feel herself having a panic attack,her knees felt weak as she started raising her hand to was no way she could win against Ami! Ami had been her bully for years, Ami who made her feel like crap, Ami who made her cry, Ami who was her nightmare, Ami, who made her feel so isolated and alone-
"Sakura? You okay?"
Her eyes snapped back to Shisui
-but she wasn't alone anymore. Even if Ino wasn't here with her, she has Shisui
'And me~' Inner chimed, 'It's time for some revenge!'
Sakura smiled at Shisui, "Wish me luck"
"You won't need it" Shisui assured stroking her ego
Sakura's smile turned more confident as she walked up to stand across from Ami, her eyes still on the purple haired girl. She resisted the urge to shake or hide away. She's stronger now. She has to stay strong. Her eyes surveyed Ami, she'll have to make sure to end this quickly to reserve her stamina for the next rounds. After all Sakura knew that even though her stamina was better, she couldn't go long.
Mizuki looked between the two before nodding "Start!"
Sakura immediately rushed in with a punch taking Ami by surprise, the surprise was enough for Sakura to land her fists on Ami's nose and deliver a swift kick to Ami's stomach.
"The match is over!"
Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief seeing a puking Ami, 'What just happened?'
All around her whispers broke out
"Ami didn't even last five seconds!"
"Did Forehead cheat?"
Sakura however was staring at her hands in surprise, she wasn't that strong, she concluded after a few seconds, Ami was just too weak. Yes, that's it. "Train harder next time Ami-san" Sakura calmly said surprising even herself as she turned away to walk over to a cheering Shisui. A part of her was disappointed in Ami, a part of her wanted to fight stronger people. The rush was exciting after all.
"You did it!" Shisui grinned holding out his hand
Sakura raised up her own hand to slap his, only for her hand to pass through him leaving both wide-eyed, both were too caught up in the moment and forgot that Sakura couldn't touch Shisui. It left a bitter taste in Sakura's mouth as she let her hand fell limply to her side. Both falling into an awkward silence as they waited for Sakura's next match.
"S-shisui?" Sakura finally asked after the day was over, it just felt so awkward not talking to Shisui while he followed her silently.
Shisui glanced at her, "Hmm?" though his voice wasn't as cheery as usual, he still had that still warmth.
"I-"
"Sakura-chan?!"
Sakura paused at the familiar voice turning around to see Naruto, "Naruto...-kun?" she added the honorific hesitantly not knowing if it was okay or not, she should really get a book on socializing.
"No way, you go to the academy too? Awesome!" Naruto fist pumped the air excitedly
Despite herself a smile formed on Sakura's face, Naruto's excitement was contagious after all "Did Umino-sensei catch you?"
"Hehe, nope! Thanks for not telling on my by the way" Naruto stated giving her a knowing smile
"H-how?" Sakura asked wide eyed
"I saw it!" Naruto answered
"Oh, yeah, he was hiding behind the trash can in the alley, the sneaky fox" an amused Shisui informed
'And you tell me now?!' Sakura's mind screamed as she nervously played with her hair, "D-don't mention it, seriously. I don't want to get in trouble"
"Your secret's safe with me" Naruto winked falling into step with her as they both exited the academy.
"So, when's your curfew?" Sakura asks
"I can stay out as long as I want, I mean it's not like there's someone waiting for me back home"
Sakura was mildly confused
"He's an orphan" Shisui helpfully chimed in
And suddenly Sakura felt bad about what she just said, "S-sorry, I was just curious"
"It doesn't matter, are you heading home now?"
"No, I was thinking about getting a book from the library, want to tag along?"
"Eh? Books are boring"
Sakura stopped walking, slowly she turned her head to look at Naruto with a blank look. Chuckling nervously Naruto gulped, "Are you okay, Sakura-chan?"
"Want to go to the library with me?" Sakura asked
Naruto looked hesitant, on one hand he could hang out with his new friend more, but on the other hand he'll have to read books.
"You don't have to read, just go with me?"
"Fine, now stop begging me"
'I wasn't..oh, forget it.' Sakura thought shaking her head
"That was nice of you" Shisui commented
Sakura sent him a discreet confused look as Naruto babbled on about ramen
"Naruto seems like he needs some friends" was all Shisui offered before walking away
Sakura knew that Shisui knew she couldn't follow him or call out to him while she's with Naruto. So she turned to Naruto fully hiding the hurt she felt with a small smile, nodding her head or correcting Naruto from time to time. 'Well played Shisui, but...we won't give up'
"Sakura-chan, I'm so sorry!"
Sakura gripped her bag filled with book tighter ignoring the blond sulking next to her, her twitching eyebrows the only sign that she truly was listening to the boy.
"Sa~ku~ra-chan!" Naruto tried again
"I can't believe you got us kicked out of the library" Sakura sighed deciding that ignoring Naruto would only give her a migraine, the blond was persistent after all.
"It was the old hag's fault!" Naruto exclaimed crossing his arms
"She just asked you to be quiet, it's her job as the librarian" Sakura pointed out, "But no, you had to get into an argument with her"
"Sakura-chan I'm-"
"Sorry, yeah, I know. Let's just get something to eat, okay?"
"You're not mad anymore?" a hopeful Naruto asked
"If you treat me I'll forgive you" Sakura negotiated
"To Ichiraku!" Naruto childishly exclaimed marching forward
Giggling Sakura raised her hand in a salute "Hai, Hokage-sama!"
Naruto seemed to brighten up more if that was possible
"Two bowls of miso ramen coming up!" Teuchi grinned at the two kids sitting on the stool as he headed to the back
"So what were you doing this morning anyways?" Sakura decided to ask
"Running away from Iruka-sensei"
"Why?"
"I played a prank, y'know the awful smell in the academy?"
Sakura's eyes widened in realization, "That was you?!"
Naruto grinned, "Believe it!"
"B-but how?" Sakura sputtered, "Didn't any of the teachers see you?"
"Ha, I'm too good for them"
"T-that's impossible, prove it!"
"Oh yeah? How?" a defensive Naruto asked crossing his arms and leaning in almost as if it was a threat
Sakura wasn't backing down despite her shy nature, "Next time take me with you"
"Ask I-what?" a dumbfounded Naruto asked
Gaining a bit confidence Sakura crossed her own arms and leaned towards Naruto too, "I said take me with you the next time, and I'll believe whatever you say"
Naruto gaped before closing his mouth with a smirk "Don't back down later, ttebayo"
Sakura also smirked leaning back "I won't" she assured
"Here's your order, it's on the house!"
"Really?! Thanks old man!"
"Thank you"
Teuchi waved Naruto and Sakura off, "It's no problem, consider it a little celebration for you finally making a friend"
Sakura didn't comment at that statement as she broke her chopsticks apart, looks like Shisui was right again. Then again, Shisui was almost right. Question was, how come Shisui knew that?
"Hey, Naruto-kun?" she asked playing with her ramen a bit
"Hmm?" Naruto asked not stopping as he slurped
"Do you know any Uchiha?" Sakura asked dropping her voice a bit low, she knew that any Shinobi could easily listen in, but still.
"Only the teme"
"Teme?"
"Sasuke"
Sakura went momentarily quiet before nodding, "Okay then"
"Why?"
"...just wanted to see if you knew him, but I guess I'm wrong"
Naruto didn't say anything else.
"Do you know any Uchiha?"
The ninja paused his walking opting to hide away near the ramen stand, his interest a bit piqued at the mention of the infamous clan who were now down to only two.
"Only the teme"
"Teme?"
"Sasuke"
"Okay then"
"Why?"
"...just wanted to see if you knew him, but I guess I'm wrong"
The ninja didn't stay around as he continued on his way, 'Him?' he wondered who the girl was talking about. Judging by the way te=he girl spoke in past tense the Uchiha she's talking about is dead, but still...information on the Uchiha clan is still valuable.
"Ah, you're Haruno Sakura, right?"
Sakura stilled, her hand that was about to open the door to her house falling down as she turned around, "Hai?" she asked seeing the ninja from this morning. She knew she was sweating nervously, did Naruto snitch on her? Did Anko tell Umino? Was she in trouble?
"Could you give these to your parents?" the ninja politely asked handing her a package
"Hai..." Sakura mumbled taking the package, "Thank you Umino-sensei"
"Iruka-sensei," the ninja corrected, "I think we'll be seeing each other a lot, so just call me Iruka-sensei, okay Haruno-san?"
Sakura nodded "Then please call me Sakura, and no need for the honorific"
"Alright Sakura, I'll see you tomorrow"
Sakura tilted her head to the side, "What does that mean?"