The Academy usually begins accepting new students in the spring. It's a little weird, if only because I am waaay too used to starting school in the late summer or fall. Of course, I should have probably expected this, due to the way the education system worked in Japan…that being the school year beginning in spring (April) and ending in spring (March). I wonder if the Academy lets students out for summer vacation…tch, doubt it. I'd consider that sort of thing exclusive to civilians, and if that is the case, then lucky them. I'm only speculating, of course…but it does seem pretty likely for that to happen.
Anyways, the first day of school (as I like to call it) consisted of an introduction ceremony (orientation, most likely) and then the assigning of students to classes. Since my surname began with the letter A (for awesome), I was quick to find out that I was, in fact, in the same class as Chōji, which assured me that Shikamaru would be there. So I'm pretty fucking hyped, if a bit scared that my existence in general might cause some sort of deviation (I've been screaming on the inside since I heard Naruto's name and refuse to look in his direction at all, whatsoever). I mean, nothing much really changed, as everything was going according to continuity (so far), but I was still worried about that changing…
By the way, textbooks—I didn't like them in my previous life, and I still don't like them as Akimichi Chōko (I don't think I ever will). At least I didn't have to buy them (that would fucking suck)… Man, I really missed having free textbooks, even though they can be pretty effing heavy to carry. And I know I should be listening to Iruka-sensei as he's explaining the rules, but the contents of this textbook are just so intriguing…
If only my vision wasn't so shitty (that better be a phase), maybe I could actually read it better without having to hold it so far away from my face…
"Chōko, pay attention," Chōji said.
I made a face as I closed my textbook and set it down on the desk. I focused my attention on Iruka-sensei afterwards…but not before slapping Shikamaru on the back of the head, effectively waking him up from his nap. Shikamaru lifted his head to look at me, annoyance visible on his expression. I grinned widely out of sheer amusement to the point my cheeks started to hurt (it was so very hard not to laugh). Chōji just hoped we didn't get in any trouble as he tried to keep us from getting into any fights (I don't think that's even possible, with Shikamaru being such a baby sloth).
We didn't get into any trouble (or any fights, for that matter).
Thankfully.
I don't think this world is ready for my past life's childhood antics. Of which will stay a thing of the past. No one needs a troublemaker who cuts through window screens in order to escape the house when grounded. Who throws tantrums when things don't go her way and yells, because her temper is so short and she gets so angry.
Don't need any repeats of that.
Nope…
Soon, it was lunchtime and I was really hyped up about that. Whenever food is involved, I just get so excited! I mean, it's annoying being hungry a good majority of the time (though I'm starting to suspect that part of the reason is boredom), and Mama's food is really good. She also doesn't go easy on the portions either, so that's a huge plus for me!
So I am a very happy child!
So, so happy~!
…and then I saw Naruto on his own—just watching groups of children socializing with each other as they ate their lunches. It was so strange.
So very, very strange…
It's one thing looking at this child, from so far away, so clearly (I can see him). With blond hair that reminded me of the sun (so bright and distinct), blue eyes that just longed for something not exactly tangible (I know that look), and ochre skin that just seemed so warm and so alive.
But's definitely another realizing that he's alive—he's actually alive. He's alive and he's real, because this is reality—this is all real. It's been real since the day I was born. And this child (this child) wasn't just someone I saw drawn on paper or in an animation—not anymore.
He was as real as any other person in this world.
Just like me.
He's my age…in my class…and so alone. So very, very alone…it hurts, just looking at him. It just hurts. He shouldn't be alone…
But he is…
Uzumaki Naruto's childhood was anything, but happy. It's why he grows into the person he is at the very start of the series. Pulling pranks to get attention—any will do, because it's better than being ignored. Wanting to be acknowledged by the village that turns its back on him, because of what he is.
But he's there—he's right there.
He's only a child.
But all they see is a monster.
I don't, though.
I don't…
My head hurts…it hurts.
It hurts it hurts it hurts.
Thinking so much about Naruto—what he is. What it means to get involved in his life—such a dangerous life that no one should have. I don't know much about that life, because my knowledge is so lacking. I just know that people will die. And one of those people could very well be myself.
But I don't wanna die.
I want to live.
I want to live so badly…but it's not going to be easy. And even though it hurts, to just look at him while he's like this (so alone, so alone), it would be better if I just left him alone. So nothing changes…so the events stay the same. So that the only thing I'd ever have to worry about, for the most part, is just staying alive. It's going to be difficult enough as is, anyways…
But are you okay with that?
Am I?
…
…
Should I really change events with the limited knowledge I have on this world?
Should I?
Ahaha, this is what happens when I don't think things through. Because I'm doing it at the very last minute, as I continue to stare at Naruto, looking exactly how he did in the manga whenever light was shed on his childhood. When he's crying, because of how alone he is.
Fuck, I see too much of myself in him and—oh, don't tell me he doesn't have his own lunch.
That's not fair!
That's not fair, it's not fair!
Not fair not fair not fair!
It's not fair…because my conscience isn't going to let me ignore the kid any longer. I just can't.
I can't.
Here's to me, digging my own grave… Whether or not I'll regret this decision…I probably won't know until it's too late. But for what it's worth—for what it's worth…
He won't be alone anymore.
…
…
Okay, Chōko, breathe—just fucking breathe and don't screw this up. Don't screw this up, don't screw this— "Why don't you have your own lunch?"
Dammit!
"H-Huh?!" Naruto seems to space out just as often as I do…maybe I can salvage this conversation! Oh god, oh god, oh god!
Fucking say something, you idiot!
He's staring at you!
"Uuuhhh…hi?" The heat that burns my face is all too familiar to me. Embarrassment has not been too kind to me as I was growing up in my past life. The many times I wanted to say something—or even ask a question—but was worried about making a complete idiot out of myself for doing that. Because I did enough of that throughout my elementary school years—my final years especially…children can be cruel and it's so hard to forget.
It's hard—so very hard…
"O-Oh, hello…" But it seems Naruto doesn't mind, as he returns my rather awkward greeting just as awkwardly.
My heart's pounding so hard, that it feels like it's going to explode at any second. My body's shaking, too. I'm just so anxious—so nervous. I don't want to mess this up, but…I wasn't exactly expecting Naruto to be just as awkward and shy as I am. This changes everything, because I was banking on Naruto to break the ice for me.
Just my luck!
Oh god, this is so painful and I definitely need to fix this, but I already find it difficult enough as is to just even talk to Naruto. Okay, Chōko, think…what is a good way to break the ice?
…
…
"F-Food?" That's all I can really say as I hold out my giant bento box for Naruto to see. I'm holding my breath and anticipating his reaction. I'm still shaking and I'm pretty sure he's noticed.
Naruto doesn't say anything, though. He doesn't really have to, because his stomach speaks for himself with an audible growl. He freezes for a moment, his face turning redder than a tomato. His eyes are wide and he swallows hard before he vigorously nods his head. "Y-Yeah…"
There we go!
I'm so relieved…at the same time, I'm terrified. I'm terrified that my actions could potentially have consequences, but I'm at least reassured by the look on Naruto's face as I share my lunch with him. I'm reassured with the idea that it's worth whatever consequences will come my way now.
He just looks so happy, that it practically hurts to see that smile directed at me. When was the last time the kid was ever happy? I can't leave him alone…I just can't.
I can't…
…
It's still jarring, to see Naruto acting so shy and awkward, when I'm so used to seeing him be such an outgoing and loud character in the anime and manga. Maybe it's because Naruto is no longer just a character, but an actual person (a child). Or maybe it has to do with the fact that I just walked up to him and offered him food… I seriously doubt anyone has ever done that to him (with the possible exception of Teuchi), so I must have caught him by surprise. Still, Naruto does seem very afraid that, at any given moment, I might leave him, from the way he keeps looking at me.
"I'm not gonna leave," I suddenly said.
"You're not?!" Oh my god, Naruto, stop making me have feels.
"Nope." I'm not changing my mind. I've reached a point of no return. I'm here to stay, so you better get used to it, buddy. "Now shut up and eat."
And on this fine, spring day, I made friends with Naruto. Believe it.
…
…
Chōji and Shikamaru didn't follow me when I walked up to Naruto. I didn't notice that until Naruto and I were nearly done eating. I was a little surprised at first, but then I remembered that it was normal for Chōji and Shikamaru to let me go on my own. If I wanted them to come along, then all I'd have to do was say something. That's just how it is.
I'm at least happy that I made friends with Naruto. Like, I actually made a friend on my own, with no help from Chōji. I think this is a great improvement for me…I feel accomplished.
I also managed to make it through what I considered to be the Academy's equivalent to physical education, which took place after lunch. I am so glad that Chōji and I've been training since we were three years old…It actually paid off!
It paid off!
That still doesn't mean that class wasn't exhausting…
So this is what it means to be a student…
And that's how my first day of school went. It certainly went better than I had expected. I managed to embarrass a bunch of parents who were glaring at Naruto when they came to pick up their children after school. You know, I really love being part of one of the Four Noble clans…it gives my question of, "Why is everyone looking at Naruto like that?" all the more impact.
I must use this power wisely…
But in the meantime, it sure does feel glorious to stand up for my friend! By the way, my parents were a bit surprised to find out that I befriended Naruto, but they didn't say anything. And when I told Ageha about Naruto not having his own lunch, I ended up going to school the next day with an even bigger bento box. It's nice to see how supportive Mama is of my friendship with Naruto…even more so because my father doesn't seem to mind that I've befriended Naruto.
As for Chōji, he just seems rather pleased for some reason. I don't know why, though…but I swear he was smiling when I decided to sit with Naruto instead of with him and Shikamaru. Whatever the reason is, it doesn't really matter to me, as I found a new problem with Naruto that has caught my attention.
Naruto can't read.
God. Dammit.
How the fuck does this even happen?
I think I know exactly how, but I'd rather not even think about it. It's depressing enough as is to know that Naruto goes home alone to an empty apartment each day. I don't need any more things to plague my mind as I continue to worry about the wellbeing of my own friend.
I really have my work cut out for myself, don't I? Well, that's friendship for ya! Uurgh, at least I know what I'm doing during lunchtime…
…
…
Teaching Naruto how to read should have been an easy task for me, but there was one issue making this an incredibly easy task: I am a shitty reader. Like, I can barely even make out what I'm reading in this freaking textbook. I'm not completely illiterate (surprisingly), but I still have issues reading. The bigger the text, the easier it is for me to make out certain shapes. But otherwise, it's just a pain in the ass trying to fucking read.
I put this down as me not knowing Japanese, as my brain is probably hardwired to read mainly English, a good amount of Spanish, and a little French. And I know that I was an avid reader in my past life, so I do find it rather ironic that I have a hard time reading as Akimichi Chōko…then again, I didn't pick up an actual interest in reading until I entered the third grade…
There's also the fact that I'm still waiting for my vision to correct itself, like holy shit, was it really like this for me when I was this age in my past life?
I don't know man, I don't know.
Of course, as the week went by and I continued trying to teach Naruto how to read during lunchtime (keyword: try), Chōji and Shikamaru eventually decided to join in on our reading lesson on the fourth day and let me just say, Shikamaru is a godsend.
As lazy as he is, Shikamaru is good at helping others…when he wants to (and this is why he's a baby sloth). Anyways, it was thanks to Shikamaru that Naruto was finally learning how to read. Meanwhile with me, I was still having issues reading. Shikamaru certainly noticed, having made many comments on the weird ways I read a book (the book is never in front of my face, but rather, as far away from it as possible). Though, it wasn't until the end of the week, that Shikamaru finally told Chōji something. I don't know what it was that Shikamaru told Chōji, but Chōji ended up talking to Chōza after that. And shortly right after, I got taken to the hospital and found out that I had hyperopia.
So to make a long story short, I was in dire need of some glasses because my shitty vision was so not a phase—holy shit, how did I ever even think that was a phase?!
God, Chōko, you're so stupid!
Honestly, this isn't even anything new. It's just freaking sad that it took me this long to realize something that should have been so obvious, because it was right in front of my fucking face…like literally. Then again, I've always been blind to what's in front of my face…
I'm gonna die young at this rate…
Apart from acknowledging the fact that I am in dire need of improving my sense of awareness, I am now the proud owner of a new pair of glasses that have now become part of my life as Akimichi Chōko. I picked them out myself, because at the very least, I was in control of that.
So, here I am, brown eyes now framed behind large, circular lenses. I can actually see now (holy shit, the difference is real) and I've never been better… I'm being serious, I can fucking see my own reflection now and I can read—it's a miracle!
Though, as a downside, when I got back to school the following week, I became the center of attention. The glasses really made me stand out (though, that's on me for picking these glasses specifically), but it's not that bad…at least, compared to what really sucks. Wanna know what sucks? In my past life, I never needed glasses and because of that, I was the only one in my family who didn't wear glasses…yet, my siblings and parents would add.
Fuck you, irony!
Ugh, I should have never made fun of my nephew's reading glasses…I only did it because he was bothering me! I regret everything…
Except these glasses!
But I seriously don't appreciate the number of children who keep trying to steal my glasses (god dammit, no means no!). Naruto was the exception, however…I mean, he asks first. Everyone else just grabs them while I'm zoning out and that's like hella rude.
You just don't do that to people, dang it!
Minor annoyances aside, everything was going well and I can fucking see (seriously, holy shit, being able to see is such a good!). And then I found out kunoichi classes began that day and any shred of happiness I had suddenly went out the window when I realized I was gonna be stuck in a class full of girls I didn't know (oh god, social interaction). Naruto wished me luck as we parted ways. I thanked him because I was gonna need it.
Now let's see if I can avoid getting lost.
Because god knows I get lost enough as is, without Chōji around. Like seriously, trying to get through the Academy building is like going through a fucking maze.
…
…
The very first day of kunoichi classes brought us outside, to a vast field full of flowers. I really like flowers—I just do. That is something that won't be changing any time soon and oh gosh, there are just so many types of flowers! So many colors, types, and various scents—this is so awesome!
It certainly kept my mind off the fact that I know absolutely no one in Suzume-sensei's class (personally, at least—I can see you, Hinata, Ino, and Sakura). So when Suzume-sensei sent us girls to go pick flowers, I was happy to oblige. Like, flower picking is totally my thing, even though I suck ass at flower arrangements and ikebana…
I would've gone to Ino for help (it's so tempting), but she was currently defending Sakura from Ami and her clique (ah, bullying—it never changes and it continues to fucking suck and be the bane of my existence). Well, even if that wasn't happening, I doubt I would have walked up to Ino. I don't have enough courage to talk to her just yet—I need time for that. Like…weeks, at the very least.
Being an introvert sure has its perks when you're socially awkward, ahahaha—oh god, I need help…
At least there are also perks to being alone…
Like being able to think clearly and focus on one thing—like picking flowers! Yeah…the fuck you looking at, Ami? Wait—shit! She's coming this way—no, no, no!
Go away, go away, go away—crap!
"Hey, aren't you part of the Akimichi clan?" Why yes, Ami, isn't it obvious—Chōko, now is not the time for sarcasm! "You sure don't look like it. What are they doing? Starving you?"
Oh, fuck you! "None of your business, bitch."
Shit.
"What did you call me?" Ami forced a smile, her left eye twitching slightly as she glared at me.
"N-Nothing!" Dammit, Chōko, this is why you need to think before you say crap!
"L-Liar!" One of Ami's friends, Fuki, yelled before grabbing onto my hair and pulling it…hard.
Ow, ow, ow, ow! "Let go!"
Curse this long-ass hair!
As much as I think long hair is hella cool, this is just part of the many reasons I hate having long hair. The only reason I haven't cut it yet is because Mama seems to have fun brushing and combing my hair every day. Of course, there is also the fact that it gives me a sense of nostalgia when she does that, because it's what my mother did in my past life…
The only difference, however, was that in my past life, my mother struggled with me every time she brushed my hair because my hair was a curly mess that tangled easily and I cried whenever my mom accidentally pulled my hair. Then I decided to cut my hair and ever since then, I've taken to brushing my hair…I miss my past mom and the braid she put my hair in…
Is this really a good time to be thinking on the past?
"Ow!" My scalp—ack!
Guess not!
God dammit, let go of my hair, Fuki—Fuki, god dammit, I can hurt you if I wanted to! I just…don't… "H-Hey!"
Another of Ami's friends, Kasumi, just took my glasses—that little punk! "Can't see now, can you?!"
Actually, I can, except everything close is a little blurry, but I'm not saying anything! "Give 'em back—ow!"
"If you get on your knees and say you're sorry, then I'll tell them to let go." Ami sneered at me.
Oh hell no!
"Go fall in a pit!" Fuck you, Ami! I have pride! Pride that will most likely get me killed one day…but pride, nonetheless!
Famous last words!
"Why you—!" Ami scowled. "Kasumi-chan, break her glasses!"
Hey, I just got those! "Stop!"
"Y-You're going to g-get in trouble," a soft, stuttering voice said.
Wha…is that—is that who I think it is?
Of all the things that could've happen, little Hinata trying to stop Ami and her friends from picking on me was one of those things I could have never predicted. I was honestly baffled that this little soft-spoken girl with self-esteem issues and lacking confidence could find the strength to speak out like this. Even Ami and her friends weren't expecting it. It took Ami a good minute to finally find her voice, having been rendered speechless by Hinata's sudden spike in courage.
"What do you mean?" Ami was probably aware of Hinata's status as the heiress to her clan, so she was picking her words carefully.
Clever girl…
Hinata twiddled her fingers nervously as she spoke. "A-A-Akimichi-san is part of the F-Four Noble Clans of K-Konoha. G-Getting in trouble w-with the Akimichi clan would be b-bad, wouldn't it?"
It seems upon realizing that messing with an Akimichi would get them in trouble, Ami and her friends decided I wasn't worth it (thank god) and immediately left. Kasumi had dropped my glasses onto the ground, which I was about to pick up, but Hinata beat me to it.
"H-Here you go, A-Akimichi-san," she said softly as she held out my glasses.
I blinked a few times and nodded as I accepted my glasses from her. "Th-Thank you…"
"I-It's n-nothing…" Hinata's face reddened as beads of sweat rolled down the sides of her face. "I j-just…couldn't stand them p-picking on you…"
"Still, thank you…" Hinata, you have earned my respect and I am forever in your debt. "Ahh…do you know how to arrange flowers?"
Hinata's face turned even redder. "Y-Yes…?"
"Can you help me?" The desperation in my voice was evident. I wasn't even trying to hide it—there was just no point.
Hinata nodded her head. "O-Okay…"
"I'm Akimichi Chōko!" I suddenly blurted out. "Just call me Chōko!"
Hinata was a little stunned from my sudden outburst (I'm not a quiet person), but she somehow managed to keep calm. It took her a moment before she finally introduced herself to me, "I-I'm Hyuuga Hinata…"
Somehow, I don't know how, I managed to make yet another friend…or rather, Hinata did. Frankly, I don't care because I like making friends, but I'm still shocked over the fact that it was because Hinata, of all people, defended me from my would-be-bullies. The Yamato Nadeshiko is strong within this girl…
…
"I-I think this flower r-represents us w-well," Hinata said as she held up an amaryllis flower she had just plucked.
"Shy…" That was what I recall the meaning the amaryllis flower had. "Yeah, you're right about that…but I also think this iris fits you best."
Hinata's face heated up. "A-Ah, do you m-mean it?"
I smiled at Hinata. "Yes!"
I went home that day feeling like the happiest girl in the world, because I made friends with Hinata. I honestly felt proud over what she had done (so very proud for a girl I barely just talked to), but I couldn't help but feel something was off… I mean, what Hinata had done was something that can definitely be considered a deviation, but I wasn't worried about that.
What I was worried about was something else, but I couldn't put my finger on it… It was only the very next day, in which I introduced Hinata to Naruto, that I suddenly noticed that the classroom was missing a certain pink-haired girl (I saw her yesterday…where is she today?). At first, I put it down as Sakura being absent from class…then during lunchtime, I found her and Ino eating lunch together and it took me a few moments to put two and two together.
Sakura wasn't in the same class as me.
Sakura was in a different class.
Why could that be?
…
…
I nearly threw up my lunch when I realized that I had replaced Sakura. The nausea was overwhelming and I was just so freaking horrified, because—because… Because I'm the reason that Sakura is in a different class—it's because I'm here, that she isn't. Forget about befriending Naruto—just what have I done by replacing Sakura?
What have I done?
…
…
…
A/N 4-10-16 Aaaaaaaay, got some more editing on the way, so like this chapter ended up getting longer as a result. Some things stayed the same, some things were expanded—basically, shit went down and I can't really explain it…oh, and this fic now has a tvtropes page! So yeah, that's a thing now…
So one thing I've been wanting to know is what exactly would happen if the SI OC accidentally took Sakura's spot in class. It's something I'll honestly be delving into, because I'm honestly intrigued with the scenario. So yeah, it's all thanks to Chōko that Sakura is in a different class. The thing about Chōko is this: she is literally the butterfly in the butterfly effect. My friend, ChibiFoxAI, likes to call her a symbol and Chōko might as well be one for the Butterfly Effect.
This is where I finally explain the title of this story. Chōko's name literally means, "Butterfly child," and if you put it in perspective to what her existence has already done, it has already done more than Chōko would have done on her own, directly. She is indirectly changing the events of the story just by existing. For the most part, I'll be focusing on the indirect changes Chōko causes to the storyline. Not to say she won't directly change it, but more often than not, it's going to be an indirect cause.
Aside from replacing Sakura's spot in class, Chōko has also befriended Hinata…or rather, it was the other way around. In the same way Chōko saw a bit of herself in Naruto, Hinata saw a bit of herself in Chōko. That's why Hinata did what she did.
Also, hyperopia is commonly known as being farsighted. Chōko is farsighted. She can't see things at a close distance…well, she can, but not to the extent that would allow her to read well, as shown by how she is a shitty reader. Anything involving the fine details of things is blurred out to her at a close distance. Anyways, the type of glasses she wears are the same Jade Harley from Homestuck and Touko Fukawa from Danganronpa wear. If you're wondering, those are the reasons she specifically chose that design for her glasses…yes.
Yeah, thing about me is that I'm the only one in my family who doesn't need glasses…yet (everyone in my family likes to add). So I was originally gonna keep Chōko without glasses, but then I decided to implement another element of irony for Chōko. And, to be honest, I have yet to see an SI OC who wears glasses (unless my memory is crap, which is likely) and I'd just like the chance to work with a character who wears glasses.
So basically, Chōko is now a glasses-wearing girl and if you're wondering how she managed to go through a week without noticing that Sakura wasn't in her class…when you have a one-tracked mind like her, you tend to miss things out until it literally slaps you in the face.
Also, in the Japanese language of flowers, an iris can mean noble heart, which is what Chōko was saying that Hinata has. And ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, in case any of you guys are wondering. By the by, while Chōko is pretty strong, what's keeping her from fighting back, for the most part, is the chance that she could seriously hurt someone. Be it, she's gonna eventually need to learn to get past that hesitance, but for now, Chōko's conscience is getting the better of her. That's how she ended up befriending Naruto.
And that's about it for now, I don't have much more to say except I'll keep trying to make longer chapters. I think from this point on, you can expect longer chapters…I think. It's not a for sure thing, but hopefully, it happens because I seriously want to start working on longer chapters. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, so until next time, everyone! KD out! XD