Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Red Eye
"Wow your apartment is worse than mine", I said as Naruto and I stand in the entrance of his home, looking at the dust-covered floor and furniture, as well as the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling.
"It is not!" Naruto said. There he goes getting all hyped up again. "It just hasn't been cleaned in a while". He does not take off his shoes as he walks into his apartment. Every step he makes causes a footprint in the dust to appear. Guess he really has been gone for a long time.
Naruto heads over to his kitchenette, opens a cupboard under the sink, and pulls out a bucket that is equally covered in dust and cobwebs as his apartment is. Muttering to himself about what a mess this is he uses the sink to rid the bucket of the dust and cobwebs before filling it up with tap water. He reached under the sink one more time and pulls out two old rags. "Help me will yah?", Naruto asked. He tosses a rag at me as he carries the bucket over to the center of his home, and sets it down on the floor.
I barely catch the rag as it almost lands on my face. I shrug and with my shoes still on; I go to help my neighbor. Cleaning is still better than being alone.
On our hands and knees, we wipe down his apartment. We have most of the living room clean in half an hour. But after that, Naruto starts to get bored. "Hey, Manami! Check this out", he called; pointing to something on the floor.
From my spot, I scoot over to see that he has drawn something in the dust. I blink a couple of times. "A cloud with eyes?" I asked, looking up at him.
"No!" He yelled. "That's a toad. Can't you tell by the legs?" He said, pointing at his masterpiece again.
"What legs?" I asked.
Naruto points aggressively. "Right there!" He points again to two squiggly lines on either side of the cloud.
I choke back a giggle. "You call those legs?" I asked. A laugh escapes before I could squash it.
Naruto huffs and crosses his arms childishly. "Let's see you try then", he said.
Laughing to myself I said, "alright". Putting the rag down, I use my right pointer finger to construct a puppy in the dust. Lately, I have been wishing that I could get a puppy, something that would greet me when I got back to my apartment. But I do not know the first thing about taking care of a dog, so I am stuck to being alone.
"What's that? A rat?" Naruto asked grumpily.
I shake my head. "No. It is a puppy".
He lets out a bark of a laugh. "That's nowhere close to being a puppy!"
I scowl at the blonde. "At least my drawing actually looks like an animal".
"What does that mean?" He demanded to know with his face twisted up in mock anger. I concentrate on not laughing.
By the time 2:30 PM comes around, Naruto's focus moved from silly drawings to food. Or to be more specific; ramen.
"After this fight with Kakashi-sensei is over I'm going to Ichiraku and getting a giant bowl of miso ramen!" Naruto declared as he checks his weapon pouch and I struggle to empty the leftover water from the bucket into his sink. With my arms trembling from the weight of the water, I try to raise my arms high enough to get the bucket in the sink, but it is too heavy. "When I was traveling I could never find a place that has ramen as good as Ichiraku's. I've been looking forward to this for three years!"
Why can I not get this stupid bucket into the sink? It is like I have no upper body strength. Maybe I should start doing pull-ups when I train.
"Manami?" I hear Naruto say over my struggle. "Are you even listening to me?" Naruto yelled. Idiot, can he not see that I am busy. "Oh!" I hear him exclaim before I hear footsteps, followed by a pair of hands appearing beside mine. He takes a hold of the bucket. With his added strength the bucket feels like a feather. If that is an example of a shinobi's strength, I want it. "Thanks", I said, out of breath. I wish I was as old as Naruto. Then I bet lifting that bucket would be a walk in the park. Naruto smiled before he asked, "So, Manami do you like ramen?"
What? I stare at him. Is he addicted to ramen or something? "No", I answered slowly. Immediately Naruto frowns. "Whenever my mother made it, it was always too salty". Mother liked salty foods. I do not, but I wish I could eat her ramen one more time.
Naruto scoffs. "That's why you don't like it. You've only had yucky homemade stuff!" Did he really, at his age, use the term yucky? I look up at him, taking in his disgusted expression at the thought of poorly made ramen. "I know!" He suddenly said. Naruto places his hands on his hips and leans forward. "Come with me to the fight. After, I'll take you to Ichiraku's", Naruto said, grinning.
Out of instinct, my right-hand goes to the front pocket of my shorts. That is where I keep my money. With the allowance that Tsunade gives me, I can afford to eat out. I guess that would be better than eating something brunt. Which seems to happen to anything that I can cook. Eating ramen does not interest me that much but watching Naruto's fight does. My father always said that shinobi are cunning, calculating, and fast. Naruto only seems to be fast. I want to know how an idiot fights. "Will I be in the way?" I asked.
Naruto stands up straight and waves a hand. "Nah! Just stay on the sidelines".
I smile up at him. "Okay".
"Great! Let's go!" Naruto yelled as he went running out of his door.
I follow but stop a couple of steps out the door. "Naruto", I said before he could run down the stairs. "Are you going to lock the door?"
"Oh! I forgot", Naruto exclaimed as he comes back. It takes him a minute to find his key, but only a couple of seconds for him to lock it. "Okay kid, let's go!" He said again, before taking off. Laughing, I run after him; hoping that I can keep up.
Naruto leads the way to a training field that I have never been to before. The pink-haired girl from earlier is already there. "Naruto", she greets before looking at me. Awkwardly I nod at her before jogging a step to keep close to Naruto.
"Hey Sakura-chan", Naruto said with a grin. "You remember Manami right?" He asked.
Sakura nods. "Yeah, but Naruto... Why is she here?" She asked, sounding confused. Maybe even a little put off. I guess it is a bit weird for her teammate to bring a nine and a half-year-old to a fight.
Suddenly motivated Naruto starts to talk loudly with his hands. "Manami doesn't like ramen. So after the fight, I'm going to take her to Ichiraku's, and make her change her mind!" He exclaimed as he points at me accusingly. He sure does seem to point a lot.
I try not to flinch as I take a step back. Good grief. He talks about ramen as if it is a religion. I glance over at Sakura to see an expression on her face that indicates that she is probably having thoughts that are similar to mine.
"Hey", Naruto started, abruptly changing subjects. "Where's Kakashi-sensei? How long is he going to make us wait?" Naruto asked, annoyed.
It is not long after Naruto said that when a puff of smoke appears; only to reveal the gray-haired man seconds later. "Sorry, Sorry", he said. "There was this old lady that-"
He never got to finish as Naruto and Sakura jump in with a loud, "Liar!" My eyes shift to all three of them in turns. They have way more energy than pineapple-head's team. But they are not as expressive as Neji's team. But I thought each team has four members. Why are there only three of them?
Kakashi looks at me but does not say anything about me being there. "Let's go", he said as he starts to lead us deeper into the training field. A couple of feet in Naruto and Sakura start to look around happily. I don't know why. It's just a training field. Training fields are a dime a dozen in this village.
"Wow", Naruto drawls out. This place sure brings back memories". He said as he stares at three training posts. Sakura makes a noise of agreement. Maybe I should not be here, because it feels like things are going to get emotional really quick. I stop walking to stay behind the group and shift my weight from one foot to another. I do not want to eavesdrop on their memories. I start looking around to where the sidelines for this fight might be. A distance away, I spot the white-haired man, who is sitting up on a tree branch. Tsunade and Tsunade's assistant are here too. That must be where the sidelines are. Picking up my feet I run over there as I hear Kakashi say something about someone named Sasuke. Is Sasuke their fourth teammate?
"You Again", Tsunade said. "What are you doing here, brat?"
I am not a brat. I fight the urge to yell at her. Father always said that shinobi do not yell at their superiors. And if I like it not, Tsunade is a superior. "Naruto invited me", I said as I turn around to watch Naruto and his team. The three of them are still talking, but now they are focusing on something that is attached to Kakashi's clothes. Are those bells?
Tsunade folds her arms and leans against a tree trunk. "This isn't a place for kids", she said in a condescending tone.
I turn my head to glare at her. "If you told Shikamaru to give me my weapons back, or told me what my clan's name was then maybe I would not be here", I said in a deadpan way.
Tsunade looks down with a glare of her own. She probably thinks that it will scare me. But her glare is nothing when compared to the scary men that killed Father. "You little brat!"
I stomp my left foot. "I am not a brat".
A moment of intense glaring passes; each of us trying to get the other to back off. A soft breeze blows across the training field and moves some of my hair in front of my eyes. Which makes Tsunade look like she has thin black lines running across her face. "Um, Tsunade-sama", her assistant interrupted. "They're starting". She said nervously.
In a huff, we end our staring contest and turn back to where the fight is taking place. Naruto and Sakura have fallen into offensive stances. And Kakashi is still standing in a relaxed position. Though he has straightened his headband to relive his other eye. His other eye that is red with a black pinwheel in it; like my father's eyes. My back stiffens as a wave of memories from the day the two scary men killed Father hits me. Red eyes. Crimson red eyes with black pinwheels in them. Kakashi's one eye is exactly like Father's eyes. Is he from father's clan? Are we related? My heart starts to beat faster. I may not be alone after all. "That man", I started; my voice coming out a little uneven. "That man, Kakashi, is he from my father's clan?" I asked as I turn slightly to face Tsunade. "The clan that you will not tell me about."
She does not answer. She does not even look at me. All she said was, "Just watch the match". Reluctantly, I turn forward. I should not be surprised. No one in this entire village ever gives me straight answers. unless it was Iruka-sensei answering some school-related question. I kick at the ground as Naruto starts to attack Kakashi; my maybe clan member. I will just have to wait until this fight is over. Then I will get answers, even if I have to find those answers by myself.
As the fight goes on Tsunade or the white-haired man who's sitting up in a tree will throw out comments about Naruto's or Sakura's performance. But all of my focus is on Kakashi. If we are related, what would I call him? Cousin? Uncle? He does not look anything like my father so he probably would not be my uncle.
It soon grows dark, and the fight does not seem to be close to ending. I guess this is an example of shinobi stamina. But I wish that this fight was over an hour ago. A yawn escapes from my mouth. I shake my head. I must stay awake. I need to talk to Kakashi after this fight is over. I need to know if we are family. In the end, Naruto and Sakura come up with some trick to force their sensei's guard down and win the fight together by grabbing Kakashi's bells. The other three people that I have been watching the fight with all say something positive about it, before making their way to Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi. I am quick to follow. "I've seen how you two have grown", Tsunade said as our group approaches the three fighters. We all stop a couple of feet away from them. "Naruto", She said.
"Huh?" Naruto asked.
"Answer!" Tsunade hissed.
"Oh Yes!" Naruto exclaims and stands up straighter. What an idiot.
"Sakura", Tsunade continued.
"Yes", Sakura replied seriously as she too stood up straighter.
"From here on out you two, and Kakashi Hatake will form team Kakashi". Hatake? That must be his last name. Is that my last name too?
Naruto leans forward with a curious expression on his face. "Um, what does that mean?"
"It means", Kakashi started. Naruto and Sakura turned to look at him. Please let him be family. "That the three of us will be teaming up for future missions". I thought they were already a team. I blink a couple of times. The shinobi world makes no sense. "Though unlike before we are no longer teacher and students. We will work together as fellow shinobi. Got it?" Kakashi asked, though the last part was more directed at Naruto than Sakura.
In response, Naruto makes a pleased sounding grunt. "Then Team Kakashi is dismissed". Tsunade declared.
Cheering Naruto throws his hands up into the air and comes jogging over to me. "Alright, Manami! Let's go get some ramen!" After fighting for hours, he is still energetic and keen on getting his favorite meal? I am not sure I will ever be able to keep up with my neighbor. Naruto grabs my hand and forces me to follow him as he runs in the direction of the market area. I stumble over my feet a couple of times before I fall into rhythm with him.
"Naruto Wait!" I heard Sakura yell, before hearing two pairs of feet coming after us. I hope one of those pairs is Kakashi's.
Once we reach the market section of the village we slow to a leisurely walk, and Naruto lets go of my hand. Sakura and Kakashi are not too far behind. I seem to be having some luck today. Kakashi pulls out a book and starts to read it as our small group follows Naruto through the busy nightlife of Konoha. "My, you two have grown a lot stronger", Kakashi said, sounding a little distracted. He goes on saying something else, but I miss it when Naruto's stomach growls.
"I'm so hungry!" Naruto said, placing a hand on his empty gut, talking over Kakashi.
"Me too", Said Sakura. "I haven't eaten since this morning".
"Then it's time for ramen!" Naruto yells. "Ichiraku here I come! Let's go Manami". He pushes me in front of him as he heads down the street. All I can do is try not to trip. Why is he so insistent that I eat at this ramen shop? Sakura runs next to him, expressing her own excitement at the thought of food. But what about Kakashi? I try to look around Naruto to see that he still stands from where Naruto started to run. Naruto and Sakura suddenly pause and turn around.
"Are you coming Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked him.
"Your treat, your treat!" Naruto chanted.
"Sorry", Kakashi calls. "I have to make a list of the new teams and submit them". He raises a hand in farewell. No! He cannot go yet! "So, I'm off". And he disappears in a puff of smoke.
Sakura sighs with a smile. "He said all that but I bet he just wants to read that book".
As she said that Naruto seems to gain a new thought because he hits the palm of his hand with his fist. "Hey Sakura-chan, if he's not coming then why don't we make it a date?" Naruto asked hopefully. Idiot, how can he go on a date if I am here?
Sakura looks down at me and winks. "That's fine. But you're paying for Manami and me", she said as she turns and walks away.
Naruto frowns and pulls out his frog-shaped wallet. Upon opening it, his shoulders slump. I take a step close to him to see what has made him so disheartened all of the sudden. Only to see that his wallet is close to empty. "I have my own money", I told him.
Naruto nods. "Thanks", Naruto mumbled, before he hurries after Sakura. "At least pay for half", He calls to her.
"No", was her direct answer. Did she have that planned? Sakura stalks off after saying that she is going to eat somewhere else. I hurry after a crushed Naruto as we head to his precious Ichiraku's. Naruto cheers up pretty quickly. I am starting to think that nothing can keep Naruto down.
I do not think Ichiraku's can be called a ramen shop. It is more like a ramen stand because there is no door and the seating is limited. The only reason this place cannot be considered a vendor is because the stand cannot be moved. Standing outside the ramen stand, Naruto takes a deep breath, probably smelling the air. "Ichiraku's hasn't changed at all", he said. "I can't wait". Naruto leads the way.
"Welcome", a man behind the counter greeted.
"Old Man", Naruto grins. "Don't you remember me?" He asked.
The man blinks a couple of times. " Naruto? Long time no see", the man said, truly pleased to my neighbor. "And who's your friend?" He asked, nodding at me.
"This is Manami, she just moved here", Naruto answered as we both sat down.
"I see. Well, are you two hungry?"
I nod my answer but Naruto said, "You bet! I'm starving".
The old man laughs. "Then it'll be on the house as a welcome back gift" He nods at Naruto, "and a home warming present". And he nods at me. What a nice man. But is he not afraid that giving away free meals will hurt his business? In my old village, no one ever gave anything away for free unless it was for charity. Both Naruto and I said thank you at the same time, but Naruto's thank you was a lot louder than mine.
"No", a familiar voice suddenly called out. "Today, it's my treat". After that was said, Iruka-sensei comes in and smiles at the both of us. This time, it is a happy smile; not the pity smile that he usually gives me. It must be for Naruto. "I figured you be here Naruto", Iruka-sensei said. I look at Naruto then back at my teacher. Are these two close? "And Manami is here too. How do you guys know each other?"
"We are neighbors", I answered as he takes a seat next to me.
Naruto nods affirmatively. "We just met today!" He said with a wide grin. "But how do you know Manami, Iruka –sensei?"
I turn to look at Naruto again. I think that should be obvious. I am an academy student, and Iruka-sensei is a teacher. Iruka-sensei smiles at Naruto. "Manami is in my class this year".
"Oh", Naruto said as the man behind the counter places a bowl of ramen in front of each of us. Naruto lets out a loud, content sigh. "I've been waiting for this for so long", he said as he grabs a pair of chopsticks. Iruka-sensei copies him but grabs two pairs, and hands one to me. I nod my head in thanks. Naruto gulps in anticipation. "I've dreamt of this the moment I left the village", he said.
It is just ramen. It cannot be that good. I break apart my own chopsticks and fish out a couple of noodles. With my head lowered over the bowl, I slurp them up. Not too salty, the noodles are soft, and there is an equal level of seasoning. It is good. Though it could be better if I could ask Kakashi my questions. I guess I will have to settle for the next best thing. "Naruto", I started, only to see that he is already halfway done with his bowl. He looks up at me with a mouthful; waiting. I can feel Iruka-sensei's eyes on me as well. "That man you were fighting with today, Kakashi, why is his eye red?" The perfect question, it suggests pure curiosity without hinting at an alternative reason as to why I want to know about Kakashi's red-eye.
Naruto swallows before responding. "It's called sha-"
"Manami!" Iruka-sensei interrupted suddenly. I turn and frown at him. I was so close. "It's a school night. You should head home and go to bed", he said smiling, but beads of sweat are forming below his headband. He does not want me to know about the red-eye. And it is probably the same reason why Shikamaru will not give me my father's weapons, and why Tsunade will not tell me what my family name is. Stupid Shinobi and their stupid secrets.
"Fine", I said angrily as I hopped off of my seat. I will find out their secrets eventually, and they will not be able to stop me.
"But she hasn't finished her ramen yet", Naruto complains as I walk out of the stand. It Does not matter. I never wanted ramen anyway. All the way home I kick the ground, thinking of ways that I can get answers, and making plans on how I can talk to Kakashi Hatake.