Kiba's sixth birthday was on Tanabata, which made the night out at the festival all the more interesting. Last year, it had rained on Tanabata, so the festival was cancelled. Not this time, though.
Thankfully.
Naruto and Sasuke were still competing against each other in the games, with Kiba including himself along in it. Chōji was eating and trying his best not to laugh as he watched me try to catch a goldfish. Shikamaru was being a smartass as he made a remark each time I failed (I failed so badly). Hinata was being the supportive friend she was, cheering me on each time I got so close to catching a goldfish with the poi. Neji and Shino were just watching. And Itachi…he was being our designated babysitter, because like hell anyone would trust Shisui with the responsibility.
Hell no.
After seeing me fail at least sixteen times (I'm one stubborn bitch), Neji took the unbroken poi out of my hand and pushed me aside. Less than a minute later, Neji handed me a plastic baggy containing the white goldfish he just won me.
Show-off.
I could've done it—ahaha, no. Who am I even trying to kid? I suck at the goldfish scooping game. I'm too impatient for it and I know that all too well. Hell, I'm actually glad Neji got me a goldfish…of which I was quick to name Yang. And so, apart from Shiro (who is still alive and swimming peacefully in a bowl at the Hyuuga compound), Yang is another commemoration of Neji's random act of kindness. Shisui refused to let Neji hear the end of it when it came to his attention at what the older Hyuuga had done. Neji glared at Itachi, who just smirked as he watched his cousin continue to tease the Hyuuga.
Neji kept his distance from me after winning me Yang. It was probably because he thought I was going to smack another sticker onto his forehead and I would have…but I ran out of them a few days ago and forgot to buy more. Of course, Neji didn't know that and I think I might have pulled a Pavlov's Dog on this kid.
Oops…
Ahaha, didn't mean to do that…
By the end of the night, Kiba had managed to get Sasuke and Naruto to team up against him and Shisui was still teasing Neji. The latter was nothing out of the usual, just another typical occurrence for our circle of friends.
The last event of the Tanabata festival was watching a play about the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, where two random people would get picked out to play the two characters. This year, the person picked to play Hikoboshi was actually Iruka-sensei, much to all of our surprise. And Orihime was to be played by, of all people, Mitarashi Anko. It was a pretty amusing sight, seeing Iruka-sensei acting all flustered and Anko finding the entire thing hilarious. Overall, it was a pretty memorable Tanabata…and I meant that in a good way.
A few days later, when Neji was least expecting it, I smacked a sticker onto his forehead. I startled him rather badly, as he nearly struck me in the face. Thankfully, I reacted fast enough to block his hand. He was not at all amused…but I was, even though I nearly got attacked for it. Though, since I didn't get hurt, I think I have every reason to laugh as Neji stares me down (why the fuck is he so tall?!)
And so the teasing from Shisui ensued, because he saw the entire scene and kept prodding Neji in the cheek until he nearly got punched in the stomach.
…
…
On Sasuke's sixth birthday, we spent the day training at the Uchiha compound dojo…because Shisui wanted all of us to be ready for when we returned to the Academy in the fall. Due to my hyperopia giving me a boost in improved aim, I made a rival out of myself for Sasuke. This, in turn, caused Naruto to feel jealous because he wanted to be the one to one-up Sasuke.
Somehow, I found myself in a rivalry triangle as a result of this. It's a lot like a love triangle, except you replace the love with rivalry and you get rid of a whole lot of miscommunications and drama. Add in the exhaustion that most love triangles have and you have yourself a rivalry triangle.
Shisui honestly found it amusing as hell and I was just glad that Kiba decided to opt out of this situation, because of how often he likes to get involved in competitions. At the same time, I was also annoyed because I did not want to partake in this rivalry…like, at all. Because when I get competitive, I get competitive. I will swear and persevere so hard, it's honestly a miracle that I haven't exhausted myself just yet…even though I actually am exhausted.
Plot twist: I'm always exhausted!
The thing with me is, more often than not, I get too stubborn and choose not to give up. I will eventually give up, but how long that'll take is a good fucking question, because I honestly have no idea. It really depends on how long the opposing party wants to keep it up, as I demand rematch after rematch. I might give up first…or I might just make it through with sheer-determination because the other party got tired and gave up.
Meaning I might be able to go on for days…I am that bad of a rival.
No one wants that…no one.
Why else do you think Neji would push me aside and win those goldfishes for Hinata and me? It's because he got tired of watching me fail and persevere despite my constant failings. Because he can tell I'm the type of person who will keep going until something happens—anything. Again, it's that bad and I'm honestly glad Neji stepped in when he did, because I wouldn't have given up otherwise…
I have a serious problem with admitting defeat…
Thankfully, Itachi caught on as well and brought all attention back onto himself with his perfectly accurate aim and precise skill (holy fuck, life goals!). I have a long ways to go before I get on his level, but I don't mind. I'm just glad I won't exhaust myself because I got too damn competitive…or exhaust anyone in general.
Seriously, no one needs that.
Sasuke's sixth birthday was also the day Shisui introduced me to senbon. At the time, I didn't know where he got the senbon. I was just looking over one of the metal needles, taking in its length and the cool feel of the metal against my skin. I was starting to tune out Shisui, who was explaining how senbon worked, as I continued to look over the metal needle in my hand. Then I made probably one of the worst decisions ever (come on, brain—you're smarter than that!), by lightly tapping the ends with my index finger. Predictably, I pricked my finger in the process…like an idiot.
Seriously, Shisui—why did you trust me with a weapon?!
Shisui reacted all too quickly when he saw my bleeding index finger. "Chō-chan—what the hell?!"
"I don't know!" I wailed as Shisui took the senbon from me. "I wasn't thinking!"
"I can see that—try not to get blood on these!" Shisui grimaced as he wiped the bloodied needle on his shirt. "I need to make sure these senbon are all in one piece by the end of the day…"
"Well, you should have thought twice then, before giving them to Chōko," Shikamaru said as he wrapped a green handkerchief around my still-bleeding index finger.
I puffed up my cheeks as I pulled my finger away from Shikamaru. "Oh shut it!"
"Tsun-tsun!" Sasuke suddenly yelled from across the room, before yelping out in pain after his brother poked him in the forehead. "Ow!"
"Pay attention—we're in the middle of practice," Itachi firmly said.
Naruto started laughing then…only to immediately cease when Itachi poked him in the forehead. Itachi sure knows how to deal out forehead pokes…
That are not meant to be taken lightly…
"Anyways!" Shisui cleared his throat in an attempt to bring my attention back on him. He smiled widely as he placed a hand down on my head. "I'll get you your own set of senbon one of these days, just so you can practice. And since you probably weren't listening to me when I was explaining…"
I shifted uncomfortably in my spot when Shisui said this. I let out an annoyed whine when he suddenly ruffled my hair.
"Don't worry about that, Chō-chan—no hard feelings!" he laughed. "So as I was saying…let me repeat my earlier explanation about senbon—the thing about them is that they have little killing power."
I almost forgot that my future career as a kunoichi is going to involve killing… And just because of that description, I'm honestly liking the sound of senbon. "What else can they do?"
"If you have the proper medical knowledge, senbon can be used effectively to incapacitate or even kill." Shisui chuckled upon seeing me blanch. "Of course, you don't have the proper medical knowledge…doesn't hurt to know it, though."
"R-Riiight…" I laughed weakly as I forced a smile.
Shisui tilted his head to the side as he paused for a moment to think. "Hmm…I think we have a book about that around in our library?"
Why am I not surprised that Shisui's suggesting I read that book? Fuck it—I might as well read it…but before anything, there's one thing I want to know (it's starting to bug me). "Whose senbon are these?"
At that moment, from where we all stood, Mikoto's voice could be heard as she yelled, "Where are my senbon?!"
All attention immediately turned to Shisui, who was looking rather pale right now. His laughter was awkward and his smile was rather forced. "Ehehe, oops…I guess I should have asked?"
"You should run," Itachi was quick to say.
Shisui nodded his head in agreement. "I should."
"Okaa-saaaan! Shisui took 'em!" Sasuke yelled back, showing absolutely no remorse to Shisui, who looked so visibly betrayed in such a dramatic manner.
Shisui can be a total drama queen at times…
"Sasuke, you traitor—I thought we had something special!" Shisui held a hand over his heart as he frowned.
"We did…but then you took my dango and ate it." Sasuke was a vengeful little shit.
Shisui narrowed his eyes as he glared at Sasuke, his tone turning dark as he stated, "When this is all over, I swear—you are going to pay for this."
"SHISUIIIII!" Mikoto's voice was both loud…and too close for comfort.
"Shouldn't you be running?" Sasuke smirked at Shisui.
"You little—Mikoto-san, how are you today on this lovely afternoon?" Shisui looked nervously at Mikoto and even forced a smile as he tried to play it cool.
Mikoto was not exactly in a good mood. She took one look at Shisui, taking note of the senbon in his possession, and said, "I'm giving you ten seconds to explain why you decided to take my senbon without asking."
"Well, you see…oh hey, someone's calling me!" Shisui got the hell out of dodge after that, with Mikoto closely following him as he ran out of the dojo. "Oh god, don't kill me!"
"Get back here, you little bastard!" Fucking hell, Mikoto—language!
But isn't Shisui an actual bastard?
Shut up, brain—let me have this moment! Gosh, I don't need the literal side of my head ruining any jokes being made …
I've had enough of that in my past life…
Jokes aside, there was just something funny about seeing a petite housewife chasing after a tall, teenaged Chuunin. It made more sense when I was later told that, back in the day before settling down as a housewife, Mikoto had used senbon during her kunoichi days. And because old habits die hard, Mikoto kept a set of senbon on her in case of emergencies.
As Shisui had taken Mikoto's senbon without her permission, Shisui had to endure a rather long lecture from her after she had caught him (there's a reason she made it to Jounin). Afterwards, Shisui was forced to clean out the dojo all by himself as punishment. He was not in the happiest of moods when he approached Sasuke after all of that.
Of course, Shisui couldn't stay mad too long at Sasuke—not on his birthday, at the very least.
"You better watch your back starting tomorrow, though!" Shisui threatened Sasuke, who just laughed it off.
Sasuke would soon come to regret his laughter, as, come the next day, he was given a rather rude awakening in the form of him falling into Uchiha koi pond. Shisui had gotten his revenge (as petty as it was), Naruto couldn't be any more amazed by Shisui's prankster gambit (the blond idolized Shisui), and Sasuke learned the hard way about disproportionate retribution.
Honestly, this is just another day in the life of this circle of friends…
Circle of friends, circle of friends…
About a week after that, we were all let out of the Academy for the summer. Unlike last year, we all got summer homework for our regular classes this time around (curses!). As I had mentioned once before, we weren't going to learning how to throw shuriken and kunai until fall. Because of that, we were going to be tested on whether or not we could be trusted to handle such weapons for target practice, which was scheduled to begin a week after we returned from summer vacation.
And because Itachi and Shisui had us finish all of our summer homework before anything, our summer didn't begin until after the summer festival. At the very least, the summer festival was exactly what we needed after all of that homework. However, as we were all mentally exhausted from all that work (god damn, does the Academy not go easy on its students), we ended up missing out on the fireworks display because we had all passed out on the Hyuuga compound veranda.
Only Shisui, Itachi, and Neji had seen the fireworks.
The lucky bastards…
Still, it was a pretty fun night and breakfast at the Hyuuga compound was oddly not as intimidating as it could have been (like really, with those white eyes that tend to stare into your soul). Baby Hanabi was definitely the highlight of that morning, having rolled over for the first time.
Tea ceremony practice was still a thing and Neji was still the most unnerving practice guest I ever had (seriously, how the fuck is this boy the one making me nervous and not Itachi?!). I nearly dropped the bowl full of the green tea I had recently finished mixing, because Neji had startled me. It happened as I was just passing him the tea bowl. I was rather immersed in my work and he hadn't really said anything at all…so when he suddenly said I looked tense after such a long period of silence—yeah, it caught me badly by surprise. It was all an accident, but I still could have dropped a bowl full of hot tea and scalded someone.
Ouch!
Thankfully, that didn't happen because Neji kept me from dropping the bowl. Neither of us spoke to each other until after practice was over, as Neji felt rather bad for scaring me, and I was still recovering from the fright I gave myself when I nearly dropped the bowl.
Be still, my heart!
The best part about tea ceremony practice is, after all is done, we got to eat the candy-like sweets that are served during these practice sessions. Though, unlike most sessions, Neji gave me his portion of his sweets. When I asked him why, Neji said nothing and just looked away. I guess this was his way of apologizing for nearly causing me to drop the tea bowl.
Aww, how cute—he's blushing!
I tried to smack a sticker onto Neji's forehead, but he ended up catching my hand, mere centimeters away from his forehead. He probably heard me snickering—it was a bit difficult to stay quiet, with how amused I was with his red face. Neji took the sticker from me, his hand still holding onto mine.
I stared at Neji for a good minute, my brown eyes staring into his featureless white. A small bead of sweat started to roll down the side of my face. This was becoming a rather nerve-wracking stare off. Neji seemed to have noticed, with how his expression suddenly softened. He sighed and placed the sticker onto his forehead afterwards.
"Happy?" he asked.
I would have said yes, buuut… "You're still holding my hand…"
"Oh—sorry…" Neji released my hand after that, his cheeks turning a light shade of red.
"Are you really?" Itachi was smirking. "You didn't do anything bad."
"I didn't ask you!" Neji glared at Itachi.
Hinata started laughing at that moment, and so did I. And just when Neji thought it couldn't get any worse, Shisui joined the mix. He had actually seen everything and started teasing Neji because of it.
"How precious!" Shisui laughed as he held Neji in a headlock. Neji struggled to get out, letting out a rather undignified whine when Shisui started giving him a noogie.
"Release me!" Neji protested as he continued to struggle.
Messing with Neji was just a fun thing to do when you knew how to do it correctly. I mean, he could technically end it was a well-aimed palm strike…but Neji just struggles without relying too much on force (at least, for now—he still has his limits). I'm honestly amazed at how much he has tolerated Shisui, Itachi, Hinata, and me.
Still, it's nice seeing how far he has come since the Kagome Kagome incident. I can't believe it's only been a year since the incident… He rarely smiles, but the fact that he even smiles is a milestone within itself.
Such a precious smile, too…
And like the previous year, summer soon came to an end. Classes began with homework being turned it and a review on how to handle weapons (it was as boring as it sounded). I'd never thought I'd actually welcome an exam—like ever.
But I did…and the whole class passed that exam, so target practice immediately ensued after that. The tea ceremony exam wasn't too difficult and I think it's safe to say that, by now, I have grown accustomed to sitting in seiza while wearing a kimono. All I can even say is hell fucking yes.
About damn time…
Embroidery lessons began after that and dear god, my eyes! Never have I ever had to adjust my glasses so many times before until then, and it was all so I could thread a fricken' needle. I already know I'm not going to have a fun time because of my shitty vision problems, but I'll be damned if I don't even try! I just need to pass, so I can avoid remedial lessons!
Between regular classes and kunoichi classes, I had to go from taking off my glasses in order to take advantage of my hyperopia to relying on them so my needlework can stay consistent. It was hell…but on the bright side, I was at the top of the class for my precise accuracy!
Sasuke was right behind me after that, much to his annoyance, but he dealt with it…because he and Naruto were now at it against each other, as usual, with Kiba trying to get in on it, only for Shino to start acting a bit more assertive and keeping the Inuzuka from intruding on the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke.
Hinata had to act as a peacekeeper to prevent Kiba from attacking Shino in order to establish dominance. It's funny how close the Inuzuka are in behavior to their canine companions. I think the same can apply to the Aburame and their insects.
Also, can I just say that this early Team Kurenai interaction is adorable? Though, now that I've mentioned it, all we're really missing is Ino in order to complete the Ino-Shika-Chō trio that makes up Team Asuma and Sakura for Team Kakashi…thinking of it now, is Sakura still in the run for Team Kakashi?
I have a really bad feeling that she isn't—I mean, the day she was placed in a different class should have said something, but I'm still hoping! Maybe she'll transfer to our class! Yeah, that's a positive thought!
I am so in denial…
…
During one embroidery class, I found out that Fuki had recommended Sakura to her parents and because of that, Sakura had already started medic-nin training. I wished her luck, because Sakura seems really happy about her medic-nin training and dedicated as well. She'll certainly become a valuable teammate to her future team at this rate…I like the sound of that thought.
Yeah, Sakura is definitely a valuable person…
Shikamaru's sixth birthday was, much like last year, just another typical day at the Nara compound…except Shisui was there. And Shisui was definitely welcomed by Yoshino, because Shisui knew how to worm his way into your heart if you let him. I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or a bad thing… All I know that the way he did it wasn't done with ill intentions, so it shouldn't be anything relatively negative.
…
…
I'm pretty sure the Sandaime was a tad bit pained to see that he had to pay for yet another person when he took all of us out to Ichiraku Ramen for Naruto's birthday. It was around that time that we also found out Shisui was turning fourteen nine days later. Both he and Naruto were quite happy to find out how close their birthdays were to each other.
"Birthday buddies!" Shisui exclaimed as he ruffled Naruto's hair. "That's what we are!"
"Hell yeah, dattebayo!" Naruto was smiling widely.
Naruto's birthday was later spent at the Uchiha compound, with Mikoto having taken charge of handling his birthday party. A repeat of last year's birthday party occurred, minus Naruto crying out of happiness—he was mostly just smiling and laughing. It was a good day for Naruto all-around.
And nine days after Naruto's birthday, Shisui abducted us during class and took us all out for dango—yes, he took us out during class. Iruka-sensei was not happy, but Shisui didn't give a damn. It was his birthday and for his birthday, he wanted all of us to skip school. I nearly had a freak-out because I was missing class, like holy crap, no. Take me back, dammit!
Oh god, I'm not used to skipping classes!
MY PERFECT ATTENDENCE—NOOO!
I'm honestly wondering how a fourteen-year-old Chuunin managed to successfully abduct eight children during class. He even managed to get Neji, of all people, out of his class! It wasn't even lunchtime…
How the fuck—
I'm starting to see how Shisui later got into ANBU. Speaking of ANBU, when is Itachi getting in? Wasn't he like…eleven when that happened? Well, I guess that should be happening soon, then…unless a deviation occurred. Of course, the deviation will eventually normalize itself. Just…shit be confusing.
It's bananas!
"Oh god, we are so screwed when Iruka-sensei finds out…" In the meantime, I was freaking out and oh man, he probably found out already!
"Calm down, Chō-chan!" Shisui said as he patted me on the back. "Have some dango."
"I already am…" Mitarashi dango and chadango (green tea flavored dango) are amongst my favorite types of dango. I'm at least happy I'm eating something to make up for the empty feeling that comes from skipping classes—how the hell is everyone doing so well?! Even Hinata and Neji are doing better than I am and they are model students—at least, I can only assume Neji is a model student.
Oh god, Shisui is such a bad influence on us!
Itachi, why are you not doing anything about this?!
"You know how Shisui is," Itachi replied as he ruffled my hair. "You might as well just sit back and let it happen."
I hate you, Itachi…you could at least try. Oh dango, you're my only support in this time of need.
Never leave me…
I just realized something. I never watched Clannad, the anime that all my college buddies were having feels for. Now I will never find out why they were having so many feels! And now as I eat my mitarashi dango, I'm having regrets.
So many regrets…
I'm sad to say that all I know about the anime is this fucking song about dango, or a big dango family—whatever! And now, here I am, humming the damn song…
Such a catchy song…
"That's a nice tune you got there!" Oh, shit, Shisui heard me!
"You heard nothing!" God dammit, Chōko, just bring attention to yourself in this damn dango shop, why don't you?!
"Oh, what do we have here?" Oh hell—you're here, too, Anko?! Oh, the irony of eating mitarashi dango while Mitarashi Anko is right in the vicinity—will it ever end?!
It probably won't…
At least dango is pretty tasty… "Hey!"
"I'll take that!" Anko says with a wide smile on her face as she jacks my dango. "So, care to tell me why a bunch of children are skipping class today?"
All attention immediately turned to Shisui, who just laughed it off. "C'mon, it's my birthday today!—I'll buy you dango."
"…I'm listening…" Anko said before eating one of the dango on the skewer. She pulled out a chair and sat right next to the birthday boy himself, giving his hair a light ruffle. "So, happy birthday, Shisui—how old are you again?"
"You really wound me…" Shisui feigned a pained expression. "The least you can do is pretend you remember!"
"Oh suck it up—you've been through worse!" Anko laughed as she playfully shoved Shisui.
"Don't remind me…" Itachi sighed.
It was certainly an interesting birthday for Shisui…and about an hour later, Iruka-sensei found us and dragged our asses back to the Academy after giving Shisui a firm scolding. Though, not without a little bit of teasing from Anko, whom was still laughing at the memory of her and Iruka-sensei playing Orihime and Hikoboshi in the Tanabata festival parade. Iruka-sensei went a little easier on us after that, having been a bit too flustered upon being reminded of such a memory. I could tell that Anko was having fun messing with Iruka-sensei.
…
Somehow, none of us got detention for Shisui's little stunt. Our parents weren't notified and just…this could have been worse. Immediately after classes, however, Shisui grabbed all of us and took us to the Uchiha compound for target practice. Shisui took the time to introduce me to the senbon set he received on his birthday.
"Now you have your own set!" Shisui was grinning widely, his onyx black eyes lit up with joy.
I blinked a few times. "Uh…isn't it supposed to be your birthday?"
"Well, excuse me for wanting to be a helpful friend!" Shisui huffed in a rather dramatic manner. "So it's my birthday—sure, I could keep this senbon set to myself, ooorrr…I could be a nice guy and use it to help you out since Mikoto-san has banned me from ever touching her senbon."
…
"…You're a dork, you know that?" But you're our dork, Shisui…never stop being a dork.
…
…
I'm honestly glad that kunoichi classes are still focusing on embroidery, with regular sewing on the side. At the same time, I hate it…because my eyes. Why couldn't I have myopia? At least my hyperopia makes up for itself during target practice in normal classes… I'm also doing well in taijutsu and I am honestly amazed that I have yet to break my glasses.
Let's hope I didn't jinx myself…
For all the struggle I endured with embroidery and sewing, I got a decent grade in the exam. Hard work and effort makes a difference, apparently. I keep forgetting that Suzume-sensei was also including effort into scoring.
What came after embroidery and sewing was cooking. I already knew I was going to do well in class, because Mama has already started teaching me how to cook and I was progressing well. According to Suzume-sensei, we were going to be focusing on cooking until winter vacation, as cooking was something that was both a useful everyday skill to have and a weapon, if done right. Of course, we weren't going to be focusing on the latter part until next year. All Suzume-sensei wanted to do, for now, was introduce us to the basics so we have an idea for next year.
Target practice continued in our regular classes, with our aim and throwing distance improving the more often we did it. Shuriken were added into the mix, whereas before, we were just focusing on kunai. The difference between shuriken and kunai, apart from appearance, is that kunai are larger and heavier, the grip could be used in hand-to-hand combat more readily (we haven't gotten to including weapons in sparring yet, but we will eventually, according to Iruka-sensei), and it could also be used for climbing. There was also a difference in holding each weapon, which I noticed immediately upon the many numerous times I've accidentally cut myself on a shuriken as I pulled it out of the target.
Like a dumbass!
Also, here's an interesting fact about the world of Naruto…English exists. Like, seriously, it exists…but here's the catch: It's a shinobi language. Only shinobi are allowed to learn the language and, furthermore, you have to be an Academy student to start learning the language. This is the reason why Neji, Itachi, and Shisui haven't mentioned anything about it to us until we reached the subject in class. They started helping us out the exact moment we started learning the language.
The reason why it's even taught in the first place is to have a second language to depend on in the presence of civilians, who wouldn't otherwise know what the language even is. It's also one way to officially tell the difference between a shinobi and a civilian. And to become an instructor or a Jounin, you had to be fluent in the language.
Talk about prerequisites.
That aside, guess who did well in English? If you guessed me, then you're absolutely right! For the first time, since target practice, I did better than Sasuke! Of course, I cheated in the sense that, in my past life, English was one of the languages I grew up speaking, with Spanish being right after it. Though, while English was easy to learn (for me), I had to be freaking careful about it because it was a language everyone in class was learning.
So I had to purposely flub a few parts in order to make it seem as if I wasn't completely fluent. To everyone else, I was just a fast-learner and I wanted to keep it that way, because the last thing I needed was unwanted attention. It probably helps that, as Academy students learning the language, we're allowed to get help from our families and connections, assuming they are shinobi. This is where it paid to have friends who came from shinobi families if one wasn't born in one. Naruto was certainly doing well to an extent as a result of his many connections. It also probably helped that Iruka-sensei was helping him out as well…
One of the things I learned is that it wasn't uncommon for shinobi who have already graduated from the Academy to sometimes stay behind just a little longer in order to improve their English. In certain cases, shinobi who stay longer at the Academy are usually those who are placed in the Genin Reserves, which usually happens when a class has an uneven number of graduates.
Uneven graduates make it difficult for the formation of teams, which is why the Genin Reserves exist, for keeping potential Genin reserved until an available team is found for them.
It was certainly a lot of information to retain, but it somehow stuck with me. And up until the day we graduated from the Academy, English was going to be a language we were going to be learning. Naruto was annoyed, Shikamaru considered it troublesome, Chōji was concerned, Shino was calm and collected, as was Hinata, Kiba was just irritated, Sasuke had potentially met his problem subject, and I was just going to be having to watch myself from now on. This is definitely going to be a fun six to seven years…
…
November soon passed and December brought us to Hinata's sixth birthday. Most of it was spent passing nine-month-old Hanabi around. And when she wasn't being held, she was crawling on the tatami mat floor. Shisui had a fun time trying to get Hanabi to say something, as Hanabi, for a nine-month-year-old baby, was a little behind on speaking skills…in comparison to Hinata, who was six months old when she had said her first word. Of course, everyone is different, Shino argued, which is honestly true.
That still didn't stop Shisui from trying to get his name to be the very first thing Hanabi will say. From there on, it turned into a bit of a game to see if anyone could get Hanabi to say anything at all. And when Hiashi decided to check up on us, to make sure we weren't corrupting his precious baby girl (the other one—the nine-month-old baby whose name meant fireworks), Hanabi finally spoke…
And guess what it was that she said?
"Nawu!" Hanabi exclaimed, her tiny hands flailing around as she reached out to a spiky-haired blond. "Nawu-nawu!"
Immediately, all attention was on Naruto, who was blushing as Hanabi reached out for him as she called for him in the best way a nine-month-old who had just started speaking could. Hinata placed Hanabi onto the floor, where she was quick to crawl all the way over to Naruto, who was just stunned that something like this was even happening. Hanabi tugged on Naruto's shirt a few times before Naruto found the courage to pick her up.
Hanabi squealed as she loudly exclaimed, "Nawu-nawu!"
"N-Naruto," Naruto found himself correcting Hanabi. "Naruto."
"Nawu-to," Hanabi repeated in the best way she could. "Nawu-to…"
Naruto smiled nervously and sighed. "Close enough."
"Nawu-nawu!" Hanabi went back to calling Naruto the name she had been referring to him by. It was probably easier for her.
Hiashi had stayed a moment longer to watch Naruto as he handled the nine-month-old baby, who kept calling the blond-haired boy's name every few moments or so. Afterwards, Hiashi left, saying nothing whatsoever to us. Hinata waited a few minutes before suggesting that we all teach Hanabi how to say father.
When Hiashi decided Hanabi had spent enough time with us kids and walked into the room to pick her up, Hanabi was babbling, "Tou-tou" to him. It certainly caught Hiashi by surprised and I'm honestly amazed that none of us laughed…
We all did laugh once we were sure Hiashi was out of earshot when he had left the room with Hanabi.
Best…sixth birthday…ever!
It was certainly one we weren't going to be forgetting any time soon and that was freaking awesome.
…
…
The New Year came, with last year's events repeating themselves in how Naruto spent it at the Uchiha compound, where I'm pretty sure he and Shisui set off a number of pranks on the older Uchiha. Sasuke was certainly laughing as he told us what happened the day we returned to the Academy for classes. Naruto looked smug, Shikamaru seemed amused, and Chōji was wondering how Naruto managed to get out in one piece. Hinata had been listening intently, as had Shino, who had a small smile on his face, Kiba was honestly impressed, and I was wondering just how Shisui and Naruto were even capable of pulling off so many pranks in the first place.
How the frick did Fugaku not put an end to it?
Did he secretly enjoy them? It certainly seems like it from the way Naruto and Shisui got away with it all.
"Shisui-nii is the best, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned widely.
Shisui-nii…?
That's new…
I guess they're that close, huh? Ahaha, that's good to hear. I hadn't been the only one to notice the addition Naruto had made to Shisui's name. Shino had picked up on it as well and even asked Naruto about it. All Naruto did was blush as he rubbed the back of his head and grinned as he usually did. He just seemed so happy.
And when we were all invited over the Aburame compound for Shino's seventh birthday, Naruto seemed even happier, what with the greenery surrounding all of us. Naruto always enjoyed visiting the Aburame compound. Shino had picked up on Naruto's interest in gardening and had gotten the blond a couple of potted plants for his sixth birthday. Naruto always makes it a habit to mention the condition of said plants to Shino, much to Shino's amusement. I could tell that Shino was happy.
Shino's seventh birthday had been a pretty memorable day, full of helping Shino tend for the greenery surrounding the compound. It wasn't boring—in fact, it was rather relaxing. I would have enjoyed it, had I not been worried about one thing.
Shino just turned seven years old…soon, the rest of us, with the exception of Neji, Itachi, and Shisui, would be turning seven as well. Along with that, Itachi would soon be turning twelve…
Time was running out and unless a deviation had occurred, then in less than two years, the Uchiha Clan Massacre will occur.
I initially thought I had two years, but the truth was that I had miscounted…I had an extra year, so three years in total. Or at least until Itachi turned thirteen. Still, will the extra time do anything at all to change events that have yet to come? Or will that be the point of normalization?
I don't know…
I just don't know…
…
…
…
A/N 4-18-16 Have some more edits, as I try to recover from the massive amount of feels I still have from the fact Homestuck has ended! Still waiting for that damn epilogue! ALSO, NEW SHIPPING POLL IS UP, SO MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A VOTE!
3-23-18 EDITS STILL GOING ON AND THE SHIPPING POLL HAS BEEN UPDATED AND THERE IS NOW A STRAW POLL ON IT FOR THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE AN FF ACCOUNT. You can find it here: /15336561 (just put it after the strawpoll dot me)
So, despite the fact that I was distracted by playing Pokémon Omega Ruby (saving Alpha Sapphire for later), I somehow managed to finish this chapter so fast. Yeah, go figure…but seriously, if you don't hear anything from me in a couple of days, it's because Pokémon is taking over my life…THAT, and I still have a week left of finals to go. Wish me luck, everyone!
Oh, and the thing about English…yeah, one thing I've noticed is that English is never usually brought up, despite the fact that I have clearly heard Maito Guy yell out, "DYNAMIC ENTRY" in English…in the original version. So I decided, what if English is a shinobi-exclusive language? I think I recall reading that Kumogakure has techniques that are in English or something? Ehhh, my memory is failing me right now, but yeah…English be a thing. It's used to separate civilians and shinobi. It's basically code for shinobi.
And the whole, "Jounin having to be fluent in English" just comes from, once again, Gai's "DYNAMIC ENTRY!" Yeah, blame him for that. I just needed a reason to explain Gai…ahaha.
Genin Reserves are a thing, which usually puts graduates in reserve in case there isn't a team ready for them to be placed on. Usually meant to counter the problem of uneven graduates, like, say for once instance, only one person out of the entire class managed to graduate. You can't create a team out of that one person, so you just put that person on reserve until an actual team can be made.
Sakura is like six-years-old and is already training to become a medic-nin. Just because she's started training won't mean she won't make it to Genin…no, it just means Sakura will already have medic-nin training by the time she makes Genin, thus making her an extremely valuable member to her future team…and I honestly like the sound of that. Honestly, I like the way Sakura is developing, here.
Shisui and Naruto are close, Anko made an appearance in this chapter, Hanabi said her first word, and Chōko (like me) can't do math sometimes. Remember how she said that two years wasn't a lot? That was supposed to have been three, so that's one extra year Chōko has, but it still isn't a lot of time…and even then, remember how things eventually even out? More time might be even worse, if you think about it.
So I hope nothing was too confusing, because the entire English thing took me some time to think out, like seriously. I'm honestly proud that I'm at least trying to tackle it.
Now before I give a shout out to reviewer #40, I'd like to say something to reviewer pseudo41, who I was unable to reply to because they had disabled their PMs. You can choose to skip it if you wish (just follow the line break) or read it at your own discretion.
pseudo41's review on chapter 4 reads:
Must your character bitch and moan so much? It's been three chapters of nonstop complaining. And her fixation on her fast metabolism is either incredibly overblown or must be chakra-magic related to avoid simple conservation of energy. It seems like such a waste to have a well written and novel premise focus on such a whiny repetative character.
I won't lie…Chōko is a whiny character who complains a lot, but there is a better way to word that instead of saying, "bitch and moan"…I'm not mad, I'm just saying that it could have been worded better. And I know that she was repetitive at the beginning, but now…it's been a while since Chōko has complained about her fast-metabolism and part of the reason for it is because she has friends. She is preoccupied instead of having nothing to do.
Of course, this review reply might be a waste of time since I doubt they've even made it this far into fic, but I just want to put this up here…just in case. Again, I'm not mad, I just wanted to put it out there, just in case.
AS for another reviewer, this time, a guest reviewer…again, I'm not mad, but I DO want to put some attention to this. Their review on chapter 1 reads:
first persons not a very good choice when for readers it's a make or break pov and si are given a rough time especially when you went with the drap olf death birth childhood play by play. show not tell is the most common piece of advice but the one most fanfic authors could stand to learn is if it isn't relevant skip it.
Part of the reason I picked first-person is because of Chōko's ADHD. It's pretty damn difficult to portray it outside of first-person. And, to be honest, I don't really care about the "make or break" thing involving POV. I don't really get it, to be honest. I just want to write this story because I'm having fun and it keeps me writing (it also eases the stress of college). Now the whole "Show, not tell" is something I might have issues with…THAT, I understand…I try to avoid it, but…it would be nice if I was told where exactly I was telling and not showing instead of just mentioning it. It would've have been helpful.
That aside, shout out to Mirae Desciderium for being reviewer #40! And to everyone else who reviewed, thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
I guess that's it for now…I apologize for the length A/N, but I just wanted to get some things out. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Until next time, everyone! KD out! XD