V2 ch 1
A new beginning! Friends! Enemies! Which one is it?
Takeru Uchiha thumbed through a book as he sat at the table. He was seriously bored out of his mind. This was the worst Christmas ever. His grandparents weren't able to make it this year. Not only that, but he had gotten into trouble with Kurenai Sensei about his goofing off. His classmates made fun of him and no one supported him in anything.
Girls only talked to him about his dad and the guys despised him. He had no friends in class at all. Takeru felt alone. He hid it by goofing off to get attention. Any kind of attention was better than none. He tried his best to hide his problems from his mom and dad.
Takeru knew about his father's past. His mom had tried her best to keep it from him and not let it affect his life. However, he carried the last name Uchiha and it was recognized by everyone in the Hidden Leaf Village. It was even known in other villages by some people. Whether his parents meant for it to happen or not, Takeru carried the burden of everything his father had done in the past.
Despite the way things were, Takeru did not hate his father for who he was, or what he had done years ago. In fact, it made him want to protect his father more. It was his choice and he didn't want his parents to find out about it.
Takeru turned the page. He wasn't really reading the book. He wondered when his father was going to be back. The presents lay under the tree and he hadn't bothered to open any. It was pointless when his father hadn't returned. They always cut the tree together and spent the entire week preparing for the holidays. "When is dad going to be back?"
Izumi looked up at her son. "Honey, he'll be back when he walks through the door. Don't worry so much." She stirred the mug in front of her, trying to pass a smile to Takeru. He wasn't buying it. "When he and the others get back, we'll all celebrate. We're not the only ones who are missing a loved one right now. The village of a whole comes first before personal gain."
"It shouldn't matter. We always do stuff together," Takeru said annoyed. He placed his hand on his forehead, rubbing out the tension and frustration. "Forget it," he said calming himself down.
"Wow. Someone has bent up aggression. Is this a new feature available with your personality, or can I trade it back for the model we had before?" That got his attention. Izumi eyed him. "So, want to talk about what's bugging you, or are you going to deal with it alone?"
Takeru got up from the table. He walked off. In a matter of moments there was a slam from one room to the other. Izumi sipped her cocoa. "Yeah, he's Sasuke's alright. He could, at least, cut me some slack for the holidays. It's hard being that boy's mother."
Takeru looked about his dark room. It was a plain room. There weren't any pictures he favored, or special items. All he wanted for Christmas was his father to be back. A friend would be nice, too, but who was he kidding? Takeru sighed as he looked out the window. There were clouds in the cold night sky. A few more hours and Christmas would be officially over. Where are you, Dad? He flopped onto his bed. If he woke in the morning and Sasuke was back, Takeru would be thankful.
Takeru walked the village, his eyes downcast, and hands in his pockets. His father wasn't back. No one had returned. Some of the villagers had started to worry because the Hokage was with the group.
A few children were out playing with their gifts, but the streets were fairly quiet. Everyone was spending the day with family. Takeru had refused to open anything. He had even stormed out on his mother. It was totally out of character for him. He knew it wasn't her fault, but she was the only one around for him to take it out on. Izumi was not ignorant to the fact that there was something wrong with Takeru. She had tried to pry slyly into matters a few times, but he had countered her on every turn.
"Hey, Uchiha! Your dad didn't go nuts and turn on everyone, did he," yelled a boy he didn't recognize. Takeru was used to the taunts. He ignored it. It wasn't his father's fault for everyone being gone. They were on a mission for Lady Tsunade. It was important. Just like his mother said, the village came first. He walked to the bridge. It was one of the few placed he could go where no one would bother him. He stared into the water, watching his reflection ripple and swirl with the flow of the current.
Saori Nara sat on the couch, her knees up to her chest. She didn't feel like celebrating the holidays. A few of her gifts had been opened, but she wasn't in the mood to mess with them. Saori simply stared at the floor.
"Sulking won't make your dad show up," she heard a low, calm voice say. Saori turned her head. Standing in the doorway was one of her uncles. They were visiting her mom from the Sand Village. She turned away from her uncle. He sat down next to her, his mood emotionless, eyes looking ahead, and no sound of concern in his voice. "I'm only telling you the truth. Shikamaru may not be back yet, but that doesn't mean something is wrong."
"I guess you're right," Saori said. "Although, you could have worded it better." She watched him. He was so reserved. It wasn't in Gaara's nature to show emotions.
Temari came in taking off her coat. She brushed the snow off. "There's no word on any of them. Lady Tsunade won't send a scout because of the weather. She said to be calm and patient." Temari looked at her daughter. "Saori, don't give up on your father. It takes a smarter person to outwit him. He will be home."
"They should have been back a long time ago, Mom. It's been two weeks. The Sound Village isn't that far away. Something has happened. Not just to dad, but everyone," Saori said. Most missions took a few days – not weeks. The village couldn't risk sending out their top ninja for weeks on end. War was always a possibility between the neighboring villages. It was all about power and protecting one's own. One village could plan something against another unsuspecting village, and no one would be the wiser until it happened.
"Saori, I told you not to doubt your father. If he heard you talking like that, it wouldn't boost his confidence," Gaara said matter-of-factly.
Saori swore if the sand that protected her uncle had a flaw, she was going to find it. He was really getting on her nerves. She knew he was right. He normally was. There was a knock at the door. Saori knew who it was before her mother answered it. Grandpa.
Grandpa Nara stood in the doorway goofily smiling at Temari. He had started drinking some time before noon and his face was red. "Hey there, my beautiful daughter-in-law! Happy Holidays! Is my son back yet," he asked with a slurred voice.
Temari let her father-in-law inside. He was defiantly drunk. "No, none of them are back yet. We don't know what could be taking them so long. Lady Tsunade told us not to worry."
Grandpa Nara was trying to fathom what he was being told. The alcohol in his brain was swirling with his thoughts. "Is that so? Well, Shikamaru and the others can handle themselves. They've proven that quite a few times in the past."
"Well, if even his own father isn't worried, then you shouldn't worry, either," Gaara told his niece.
"There isn't too much Grandpa worries about," Saori said. She wanted to know what was going on. "I'm going out for a bit." She put on her coat and shoes. Everyone was trying to take her mind off of it, but it only made her more focused. She was too much like her mother in that department. There is a reason why they're not back already. Did something happen to the Hokage? Has dad been injured? It doesn't take that long to gather herbs!
Saori punched a wooden pole. Snow fell off of it onto her head. Her teeth chattered. It was going down her shirt! She had to get it out. It was too cold! As she flapped her shirt and jacket she heard a calm, emotionless voice out of nowhere say, "I've heard of a rain dance, but this is the first time I've seen a snow dance."
Saori looked around, her eyes twitching. There was no one down this road but her and a dog. It wasn't the dog. Where was the voice coming from? "Oh, come on. I'm sure you can find out where I am. Maybe I'm camouflaging myself," came the voice again. Camouflage? Saori held her hand in front of her body, making a hand pose. "Release," she said softly. The street changed to reveal a tall guy with spiky black hair standing a few feet from her. His hair was oddly frosted at the ends, face covered. Saori noticed his red eyes, lanky appearance and unnatural calm nature. Genjutsu. He was using it to conceal himself.
"Ah, so you did figure it out. I wasn't sure if it had been taught yet in your training. Good job figuring me out," he said pointing to himself.
"Why would you use Genjutsu to hide on a deserted street anyway," Saori asked. "Everyone else is with their families."
"Not entirely true. I'm not and neither are you," he said. "Now, why is that?"
Saori's eyes got big. "You're awfully forward." She turned on her heels walking away from him. Who does he think he is? I don't even know his name. He's older, for sure. What an odd guy.
"It's too quiet. I can't even go to my favorite places because they're all closed," Saori said as she sighed. She heard the bubbling and flow of the river that ran through the village. Good grief, how far have I walked? Isn't that Sasuke Sensei's son? He looks sad. Saori walked onto the bridge slowly watching him. The boy didn't look up. "Hey, you're going to catch a really nasty cold if you don't move around," she told him.
Takeru lifted his head to the girl. He stared at her blankly trying to figure out who she was. She had blond hair and blue eyes. The tips of her hair were dyed a bright pink. Who did he know like that? She was older and wasn't in his class. She's probably only speaking to me because of my father. He turned away from her to stare back into the water.
Saori frowned. "I'm Nara Saori," she said trying to make conversation. The boy glanced at her. She could tell he had been out here a while. His red nose and cheeks were a dead give away. "You're rather cautious, aren't you? I don't bite, I promise," she said smiling at him.
"Why are you so persistent," he asked not looking at her.
Saori walked closer. She took her jacket off and put it over the boy. "Well, by the looks of it, someone needs to be." Saori brushed the snow out of his hair.
"Uchiha Takeru," he said softly. He pulled her coat tighter around him. Takeru was so depressed and deep in thought, that he had been ignoring the cold. His skin was pale and frozen.
"My dad and yours are friends, aren't they? We should become friend, too." She watched him eye her. "You have a stubborn streak about as wide as that river." Saori was rather truthful. She didn't believe in sugar coating anything to anyone.
"You're only talking to me because of my father," Takeru shot back. His anger was starting to boil. He was tired of people associating him with his old man. He was his own person, but no one saw that. They only saw Sasuke when they looked at him.
Saori narrowed her eyes. She grabbed a handful of snow and rubbed it in his hair. He freaked out, hopping around. "Perhaps that will cool you off," she said smartly. "You're a cute kid, don't get me wrong, but you're too young to be sassing me." She stuck her tongue out at him as he glared at her. "So are you going to be mad for a while?"
Takeru didn't know how to react to this girl. The expression on his face was one of hurt and confusion. The fact that he was teased at school was apparent in his reactions. He was standoffish and reserved because of it. Not knowing how to handle Saori, or her sudden interest in him, made him feel cornered. He threw the jacket onto the ground and took off.
Saori ran after him, swooping up her coat. "Takeru, wait!" She was trying her best to catch up to him as he took off, but he was getting away. Real intelligent Saori – now he hates you! I can't believe he's that fast! "Takeru, I didn't mean it!"
Takeru could still see her trailing behind him. He was slightly scared of this girl. She had more confidence than he had, he could see that. "Leave me alone," he yelled back at her. He had to lose her!
Saori blinked as she saw Takeru's physical form double – then triple – then there were ten Takerus running down the road. Oh, no! The Shadow Clone jutsu! I didn't think he had mastered that yet! She formed a hand gesture in front of herself, "Shadow Clone jutsu!" Two can play this game! I've got you now, kid!
Saori had already mastered this particular jutsu. However, she still had to find out which one of the clones was him. It's time to split up. Saori was probably expecting his clones to turn down a few streets so he could get away. Takeru had one up on her. He smirked. His clones took off in several different directions.
Saori watched as Takeru's clones turned down a few streets and a few shot into the air. He was trying his best to get away from her. Just to be fair, she sent her clones after his in the same directions. Which one is him? I don't know enough about this kid to know where he'd go! She ran down the streets tackling each clone until they fell over into the snow and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
The clones that had taken to the roofs were harder to catch because they had more ground they could cover. Saori breathed hard as she fell into the snow. All of the clones were gone. None of them had been Takeru. "Man, none of them were him. When did he get away?" She flopped onto her back breathing hard.
Takeru slowly lifted the lid to the trash bin. "Well, that was easier than I thought." While Saori had been cloning herself to follow his clones, Takeru had already disappeared. He knew she'd take the bait as persistent as she was. The teasing and relentless picking at school had taught him to improvise a few jutsus. It allowed him enough time to get away from an opponent who was stronger, or more advanced in his training.
Takeru walked the rest of the way home keeping an eye out for Saori. Luckily, he never saw her. Oh, no. I forgot I lost my temper with Mom earlier. Takeru took his shoes off as he cautiously entered the house. It was pitch dark. "M-mom?" There was no answer. He gulped. "D-ad?" Takeru didn't like this.
Takeru froze. Someone was in here. He could feel it. He cautiously padded his way down the hallway, listening. Takeru heard movement. He immediately threw himself up against the wall, edging himself towards the noise. It was coming from one of the spare room down the hall. Were they being robbed? Takeru popped open the case around his leg. He withdrew a blade. Whoever was in there was fixing to get surprised.
He put his hand on the knob of the door and gently clicked it open. Takeru saw a tall figure standing in the dark on one side of the room. Whoever it was was searching through the closet in the room. He felt the weapon in his hand. Takeru swallowed. "You picked the wrong house!" He threw it at the burglar.
The burglar turned around sensing the attack. A stream of water came out of nowhere protecting the burglar's body from the blade. Takeru watched as the blade was caught in the water, slowing down its movement drastically. The weapon dropped to the floor. "Takeru Uchiha," came the annoyed female voice.
"M-mom?" Takeru was in trouble again. "Why are you in the dark?" He flipped the light switch. He tried again. The light was out. "Oh, that's why."
His mother approached him and bopped him on the head. "Yeah, that's why." Izumi replaced the light bulb then flipped the light on. "You're a paranoid kid. I was trying to find an extra futon in here and rearrange some of the things in the room in order to get ready for company."
Takeru tilted his head. "You're looking for an extra futon? Who's showing up?" He looked at his mom as she reached into her pocket. She took out a small scroll. "Who is that from?"
"I got a note from your father. He'll be back in a few days. We're receiving company, so I need you to be on your best behavior, Takeru. Your father and the others ran into some trouble in a village a long way from here. That's why they're late in returning. They're all fine and are trying to get back before the New Year. The weather is playing a huge factor."
"Mom, who are we having over," Takeru asked. His family was reserved to outsiders. The only people that stayed with his family were his mother's parents. Since Takeru had no friends, no other children his age visited.
Izumi looked at him. She had no idea how Takeru was going to take the news. Most of the time, he was resentful and not accepting to change. She sighed. "Your father is bringing back a kid around your age." She watched his confusion. "From what Sasuke wrote, he and the others rescued a girl who was outcasted by the village they were in. So, instead of leaving her there, she's coming here – to be with us."
"A…. g-girl…?" Takeru had never been around girls. A girl from another village was staying here? As in living with them?
Izumi watched him. "Takeru, when she gets here, please be calm. She doesn't know us and we don't want to frighten her. Can you promise me?"
"Why should she be scared of us," he questioned his mother.
"Well, she's kind of like you. She doesn't trust strangers. Your father mentioned this girl has been on her own for three years. Like you, she has never had a friend, nor had someone care for her. Don't be so surprised, Takeru. I'm your mother. I know why you get in trouble at school and why you do things on your own. Your father recognizes it, too. We don't want you to suffer; nor do we want this little girl to. Can you understand our decision in allowing her to stay here," Izumi asked him.
Takeru nodded slowly. "I understand. I promise I'll be have." He looked away. His father was bringing back a girl his age. Would the girl resent him like everyone else?
Izumi could tell he was in thought over it. He needed time to sort things out. She walked by him placing her hand on his head. I really hope he can make friends with this girl. Takeru can't go through the rest of his life being alone. Sasuke doesn't want him to re-live his life- and neither do I.
Takeru slid to the floor. A girl was going to be here. A girl his age would sleep here and be in this room. I wonder what she looks like. What is her name and where did she come from? He brought his knees up, cradling them. His father would be back by the New Year. That would give him enough time to settle with this new addition to the family.
The New Year meant new resolutions; new beginnings. Maybe it would be better if he changed a little. His parents were worried about him. Takeru didn't want them wasting their energy on him anymore. He was going to have to start facing his enemies soon. The Uchihas were not 'push-overs'. It was time to push back.