V 2 ch 7
Onari's training begins!
Sasuke walked the street with is hands in his pockets. Onari was following him looking around constantly at the people and buildings. He refused to let her cling to him like she normally did. He needed her to walk with confidence. Until she knew how to get to the Hyuga compound, Sasuke would walk her there.
He glanced behind to see Onari chewing on her sleeves. She was nervous about being out in the open. Sasuke and Izumi had chosen to keep the girl at home until she had adjusted to them and trust them. It would have been pointless to have her interact with others so soon.
Sasuke stopped. Onari was so busy watching everyone else that she ran into him. She gasped and flung back, lowering her head. He turned around and kneeled in front of her. "Onari, no one is going to hurt you. You won't be alone until you're familiar with the area. You have to understand that I'm not punishing you. I need you to learn to protect yourself. That's why you're spending today training with Neji."
Onari tilted her head. "Neji," she said quizzically. Her mind tried to recall who that was. She had been living in Konoha for several months. In her mind, faces and names were swirling and meshing together.
"I see you've forgotten who that is. Well, it's no wonder. We've been throwing a lot of words at you. You'll recognize him when you see him again," Sasuke said. He reached up taking the sleeves out of her mouth.
They continued walking until they finally arrived at the gate leading to the Hyuga compound. Sasuke and Onari walked through. Neji was already expecting him. The man with long brown hair stood with his back to them. He was instructing his son, Eiyu, to punch with more force. Sasuke stopped and waiting until Neji was finished.
Onari clutched to Sasuke's side as she peered around his form. In front of them was a tall man with long brown hair. He turned slightly to overlook his shoulder. Onari's mind flashed to a man who was walking in front of her, passing in the crowded street of the snow village. It was the man who had saved her and taken her to Sasuke.
Neji Hyuga turned around fully. Standing behind him was Sasuke Uchiha and a very curious girl with raven hair. The girl was calmer than what he had remembered. Her eyes were not as wild and were even intense as she looked at him. She wasn't running away from the unfamiliar surroundings, either. "Good morning, Sasuke. How have you been?"
Onari shot past Sasuke and ran towards Neji happily. "Neji Hyuga," she said as she jumped at him. She put her arms forth and wrapped them around his waist in the mid-air tackle. They both fell to the ground.
Sasuke was so embarrassed. He knew she would remember who Neji was when she saw him, but lunging at him, surprised the both of them. "Onari, it's impolite to jump people; especially when it's your trainer."
Neji looked down at the girl who was hugging him. He petted her head. "I'm glad to see you're well, too. You knew how I was the moment you saw me, didn't you?" Onari nodded. He was kind of taken aback by the affection emitting from the girl.
"Father, who is that girl," Eiyu asked. His serious gaze fell upon her. The girl sat up at the sound of his voice, her eyes watching him. As she looked upon him, he noticed her shoulders were shaking. She's afraid of me.
Sasuke was keeping an eye on Onari. She had just noticed Eiyu. Eiyu was watching Onari just as she was watching him. The girl wasn't running away from the encounter. Sasuke was impressed. She was doing exactly what Neji had instructed her to do when he first met her. "Always look a person in the eyes to learn who they are."
Eiyu didn't understand who the girl was, or why she was there. The silence seemed to edge on. He raised a brow at the girl. She was still shaking, her eyes wide. "I'm not going to hurt you," he said.
"Perhaps if you tell her who you are, she'll feel more at ease," Neji said.
"I'm Eiyu. Who are you," Eiyu asked. Why was there so much caution needed? And why did that girl have eyes like targets?
"Tell him who you are, Fire Bird," Sasuke said. "Go on." He watched Onari clutch to Neji. "He can't get to know you unless you tell him your name. If it makes you feel any better, Eiyu is one of Neji's sons."
Onari swallowed. This boy was Neji's? He had long hair like his father's – even the same expressionless face. She tilted her head. His eyes told her that he wasn't a bad person – maybe a little stern, but that was it. "Onari is… Onari," she said softly.
"Why is she speaking in third person," Eiyu asked, not moving.
"Onari is still learning proper language," Sasuke said. "It's going to be interesting instructing her. For the past few months, she's been learning through pictures and instruction. Try to go easy on her, Eiyu."
"Father, is this the girl that came back with you when you were on your mission with the Hokage?"
"Yes, she's the same girl. Starting today, Onari will train here. Until she's ready, she cannot attend training with the other children," Neji said.
"That's something that has me concerned, Neji. Onari can't read. I don't see how she can take the written exam portion of the Academy finals," Sasuke said.
"Well, we can only continue to try with her. There's going to be obstacles to overcome. Onari is capable of listening and taking instruction – to a point. We still don't know if she's had prior training by someone, do we?" Sasuke shook his head. "I'll do what I can for her. I promise." Training Onari was going to be mentally exhausting. Sasuke and Izumi had made progress with the girl. Some was better than none at all.
"Alright, well, I'll see you later, Onari," Sasuke said. Onari turned her head around. She was always with him, or Izumi. He needed to know how she would react staying with Neji in an unfamiliar place. He wanted her to do well – to succeed, but first, she had to get over her anxiety issues like Takeru.
"Onari, don't chase Sasuke," Neji instructed. He needed to know if she would listen to him from the get go. She turned her head back to him. Onari's facial expression told him she was upset. "I understand this is the first time you've not been around Sasuke, or Izumi."
"Sasuke leave Onari," she said withdrawing a little into herself. She let her hair fall, shielding her eyes. Her hands were playing with her shirt.
"No, he didn't abandon you. He left you to stay with me – to learn new things. I can't teach you what Takeru, Eiyu, or Kandai know unless you let me."
"Neji want Onari be like Takeru?" She looked up at the man. Was she going to finally be able to challenge the boy properly? She wanted to be seen as an equal – even though, Takeru was more advanced and had side training from his father.
"Not exactly like Takeru. I want you to be you. Onari will earn what techniques work best for her and how to approach certain situations. However, in order for you to achieve that knowledge, we must first overcome your anxiety and abandonment issues. Until that time comes, we will not practice any real training. Understand so far?"
Onari tilted her head a few times. "Onari wait. Neji say Onari no ready. Onari learn what Neji say. Correct, Neji?"
"Good girl. You can understand some of what is ay. Let's see how much trouble you have with others. Eiyu, go get Kandai please. We're gong to try an exercise with Onari," Neji said. He stood up and signaled for her to do the same.
Onari tilted her head. What was Neji up to? She watched Eiyu walk back outside. He stood next to his father. Another boy walked out that looked exactly like Eiyu, but his hair was tied back like Neji's and not loose. Onari didn't understand. The boy stood next to Eiyu.
Neji was impressed with Onari, so far. She was so curious to why Kandai looked like Eiyu that she wasn't afraid. She was more interested in trying to figure out why there similar. "Onari, you've met Eiyu. Now you can meet Kandai. Eiyu and Kandai are twins," he explained.
Onari pointed at the other boy. "Shadow Clone jutsu? Like Kiba and Uzumaki?" She watched Neji shake his head. She was stumped. The boys were the same, but weren't?
"No, they are twins, Onari. Twins look exactly alike, most of the time. However, they are two different people. Kandai and Eiyu have different personalities and interests. Kandai isn't a copy." Onari was constantly moving her gaze from one boy to the other. "Kandai, say 'hi'," Neji said.
Kandai smiled at the unusual girl. She was studying him rather hard. He was used to being looked at when he was with Eiyu. Twins were common in the Hyuga clan. "Hi, Onari," Kandai said still smiling at her.
The voices did not match between the two boys. Eiyu's voice was non-emotional, like Neji's. Kandai's voice had feeling in it. Kandai's voice was also lighter than Eiyu's. They were two different people. Two people she didn't know. Onari was nervous now. She knew nothing about these guys. Were they like Takeru?
"Onari, do you play games with Takeru," Neji asked. Onari nodded her head. "Okay, well today, I want you to learn to play games with Eiyu and Kandai. I know you guys don't know each other. The challenge is to approach each other." Onari seemed to be taking in what he was saying. She was a bit wary about his sons. "Can you guys help her with her anxiety for a little while?"
"Sure," Kandai said. He didn't mind. Onari seemed shy towards them, but she was alright. He actually liked to help others. It wasn't going to be that bad because they would play games to help her interact.
"If she's afraid of us, how are we supposed to get her to come closer," Eiyu asked. Onari was rooted where she was at. Her hands were fidgeting with her sleeves. The anxiety she had was noticeable. "Father, is she afraid of everyone like this?"
"Onari, try to let Kandai touch you. That's what I want you to overcome right now," Neji said. "Kandai, approach her slowly and pay attention to her body language. I don't want you to scare her." Neji sent Kandai off first because he was the most patient. It would also distract Onari from him walking off with Eiyu.
"Eiyu, come with me," Neji said. They walked around to the other side of the building. Neji could see Onari moving away from Kandai's advances out of the corner of his eye. She was alright for now.
Eiyu looked up at his father. His father was thinking before he spoke. He waited until his dad kneeled in front of him. Neji never looked down at his sons. "Father?"
"I need you to understand where Onari is coming from. If I tell you what I know, you cannot let it escape your lips, Eiyu. Rumors are hurtful to a child that is trying to find his or her place in the world. I want the best for you and Kandai – like every father does. Yet, I am concerned about Onari, too. She is coming from a horrible life." Neji looked into Eiyu's eyes the entire time he spoke. "I do not want to upset you or Kandai by her being here. Are you alright with knowing what kind of person Onari is?"
Eiyu glanced at Onari. She was actually standing still as Kandai put his hand out to her. Kandai was instructing her to try and touch his hand. "I want to know. She seems why. Usually shy people tend to be the strongest in a fight." At least, that was his reasoning.
"Onari was found in a village a long way from here. She was on her own scrounging for food and avoiding people. We found out her parents had died a few years ago. No one was willing to take her in, or have anything to do with her. There was a man in the village who tried to control Onari due to her hidden talents.
Onari is a fast learner like you, Eiyu. She watched through body language and gestures. In saying so, she picked up a few basic fighting skills learned from Shikamaru while we were there. She was separated from him when they were attacked by snow ninja while hiding out on a mountain. Onari ran all of the way down the mountain to the village below until she found me. I rescued her.
We had to rescue Shikamaru from the snow ninja of that village. The man that wanted to control Onari went after our entire group. The singled out Sasuke and took him out. This caused Onari to retaliate. The girl was bent on protecting Sasuke while I, Shikamaru, Naruto, and Kiba fought off the man's men.
The man summoned a large snow beast to finish us off. The beast attacked Onari as she attempted to guard Sasuke. That is how she got the scars on her face. She distracted the beast when she used the fire jutsu on it. It didn't end there. To end the battle, Onari summoned a phoenix called Akaihi. The phoenix attacked the beast and drove the snow ninja out of the village. She did all of this when she was wounded. After everything was said and done, Sasuke agreed to take her in and give her a home. We are trying to train Onari so she can learn to protect herself and those most important to her." Neji stopped. Eiyu's mouth was slightly agape.
"That girl is capable of performing a fire jutsu and a summoning jutsu without any prior training? Is she picking up on the techniques instantly," Eiyu asked. He was baffled. It meant underneath that shy persona, Onari was a genius.
"Onari isn't like Kakashi, the Copy Ninja. She can't copy a jutsu. She learns it just like everyone else – through trail and error. I'm not entirely sure how she did the fire jutsu after a few tries. It's a more advanced technique."
"Father, you said she can summon a phoenix, correct? Phoenixes are known for their healing powers and fire usage. Perhaps the reason she mastered Sasuke sensei's technique so quickly is because of the phoenix she is able to summon," Eiyu said.
Neji was proud of Eiyu. "I haven't thought about that possibility. It could very well be true. I wanted you to know where Onari is coming from so you could help direct her."
Eiyu was compelled to what amount of training Onari could endure. He wanted to find out how fast she was and how hard she could hit. He turned his gaze back to Onari and Kandai. Onari was running from Kandai again. "I've got a lot of work ahead of me."
"Cheer up, Takeru. You act like you've lost your best friend,' Izumi said. Her son was staring at the table, playing with his food. She looked to Sasuke.
"Have you and Onari gotten that close in the past few weeks," Sasuke asked. His son stopped playing with his food. Takeru looked away, as if he was more interested in staring at a spot on the floor. I guess they have. Ever since that little match of theirs, Takeru has been going out of his way to get Onari to notice him. I never would have guessed he would be the one to, purposely, act clumsy, or get in trouble to get a girl's attention. Sasuke chewed on his toothpick.
"I know," Takeru said calmly. Ever since they had sparred, he had made an effort to see Onari every day. He didn't care how tired he was, or what he was in the middle of – he had to get her to look at him; notice him. Onari was his best friend; At least, he though of her as so.
"Why don't we go shopping for a while? We haven't been out of the house but once since Onari arrived. It's too nice of a day to spend it moping about," Izumi said. She nudged Sasuke gently.
"Shopping would be good. We can get something different for dinner tonight, too. I'm tired of having the same vegetables with the same combinations," Sasuke said. He was only trying to play along, but it landed him a pop on the back of the head from Izumi.
"Yes, Sasuke, that's a wonderful idea. And while we're out, I can look for new outfits for Takeru and Onari to train in. we can all shop for something we like," Izumi said too cheerfully.
Sasuke turned his head towards her. "You're laying it on pretty thick, Izumi," he whispered. Her big happy smile froze and her eye twitched.
Takeru moved his gaze to his parents. "I already know what you two are up to," he said. They both looked at him blinking their eyes. "I know you guys are trying to take my mind off of Onari. How can I protect her if she's not here," he said looking away again.
"Is that what it is," Izumi asked. "You're worried she'll get injured while she's with Neji?" She watched her son shake his head. "What is it, Takeru?"
"I promised to protect her," Takeru said softly. "Dad said promises are just like oaths. The only difference is whether you swear with your head or your heart." He had promised with both – and meant it. There was something about Onari that drew him to her.
"That's right. I did say that. I'm glad to know you're growing up and taking responsibility, Takeru. I'm proud of you. Onari has to learn to protect herself. It's nothing against you. You can't always be by her side. There may come a time when she has to defend you, in return," Sasuke said seriously.
Takeru looked up at his father. There will be a time when I may need her? He thought of himself as more advanced and tougher than Onari. Would a time possibly come when she would surpass him, or be on his level?
"Guys don't always save the girl," Izumi said. "Sometimes girls do save the guys. You shouldn't narrow your thoughts over the matter. Never be blindsided by fake realities. You're still learning just like Onari is."
"Come on," Sasuke said. He got up and ruffled Takeru's hair. "Let's go shopping. We may find some stuff for you and Onari."
"Hey, what about this shirt? It would look cute on Onari," Izumi said holding up a pink shirt. Takeru scrunched up his face. "What's wrong with it? I thought the color would be cute on her. It has pockets on it for concealment."
"It's pink, Mom. Onari likes red. It's also sleeveless and she can't show her arms," Takeru said. Izumi put the shirt down. He seemed to have taken the wind out of her sails. "Mom, you can get her some night clothes that are… cute," he said forcing the last word out. He wanted to go wash his mouth out.
"Oh, here are some cute blue pajamas for Onari! She can wear these for vacations. Or maybe I like the purple ones better," Izumi said. She started sifting through the clothes and rambling at the same time.
"Takeru, your mom's in her own world. Let's just try to enjoy ourselves while we're out," Sasuke said as he tugged on his son's sleeve. "She doesn't know we exist right now – so it's fine."
Takeru walked with his father. He glanced at a few of the shops in Konoha. Particularly, he didn't want, or need anything. I wonder what kind of training Mr. Hyuga has Onari doing. Dad said he requested to train Onari before they came back. The Hyuga clan is serious about their training routine. Eiyu and Kandai train as much as me, if not harder.
"Takeru, why don't you pick out a 'Welcome Home' present for Onari?" Sasuke looked down at him. "Don't be like that. You can get her whatever you want. Although, I don't really know what she would like."
Takeru titled his head like Onari. "She's hard to figure out. I know she likes challenges and games. Dad, she's never had anything of her own, has she?"
Sasuke looked straight ahead. He sighed sadly. "No, I don't believe she has, Takeru. I have this feeling Onari's parents were on the run. I wish I knew from what."
"Maybe I can get her something she'll use, or something," Takeru said. He had no clue to what Onari liked. He hung his head. Even though they were living under the same roof, Takeru's relationship with Onari was not as strong as he would have liked.
"When you see the right item that is perfect for her, you won't have to ask yourself if it is. You will just know. It'll hit you," Sasuke said. He hoped he was helping. "How about I go buy some things for dinner and we meet up later. Just take your time. It'll come to you." Sasuke waved at his son and departed.
The thing that is perfect for Onari has to be something she would like. I don't know what that is. I've never had an in-depth conversation with continued to walk the road, his hands in his pockets. Onari was a girl. Girls liked girl things, but Onari liked boy things like training, learning, physical challenges, and showing off. He was so confused.
"I don't know what to get," Takeru said to himself. The more he looked at the shops, the more his head started to hurt. Onari had only left the house once with them a few weeks ago. He wondered if she had spent her time looking at the shops in the snow village.
"What could possibly have you looking like that on a day like this," a calm voice asked.
Takeru turned his head and looked up. Standing with his hands in his pockets and watching him, was Ryu. "I was wondering when I'd see you again." He watched Ryu's eyes widen.
"Why is that? I'm not popular by any means," Ryu said. He moved out of the way of an elderly couple. Why was this kid interested in him?
"You don't think too much of yourself, do you," Takeru asked.
Ryu averted his eyes. "Is that all you wanted to say to me – after all of this time?" what made him so popular with Sasuke sensei's kid? He glanced back at the dark haired boy.
"No, not really. Sorry. I wish I knew what to say to you. You seem to run when you hear something you don't like," Takeru said.
"So… you're worried I'll run from you," Ryu said. "Now why would a kid like you be interested in what I have to say? I'm not anybody in particular."
Takeru looked away at a few items on display in a shop closest to them. "You're older and more experienced than me, Ryu. You can't make me believe that what you have to say isn't important in some shape, or form."
Ryu was suddenly nervous. Did someone tell Takeru to say that? The more he looked at the boy's expression, the more he disbelieved what his head was telling him. This kid was seeking him out, but why? "Takeru, look, the only experiences I have are in hiding and running. It's what I do best."
Takeru honestly thought Ryu was putting himself down on purpose. "You're an idiot," he said seriously to Ryu. "Just because you don't have any faith in yourself, doesn't mean I don't."
Ryu's outlook on his situation, changed slightly. What Takeru had said, slapped him in the face. This kid hardly knew him, yet he was trying to be Ryu's driving force. He smiled under his face mask. "The Uchihas are something else," he said softly.
Takeru turned his focus back to Ryu. "Huh?" Ryu shook his head. "No, what did you say?"
"It was more for me, Takeru. So you don't think I'm a loser, or a waste of time. You're the third person to emphasize that." Maybe I should listen. Just maybe..
"Who are the other two?"
Ryu smirked as he looked straight ahead. He shifted his feet. "Your father and my mother." It meant more coming from Takeru. Takeru was younger and still a boy. The kid talked with sincerity when he spoke, unlike an adult. "So what are you shopping for?"
"Oh. I forgot why I was here. Onari went to train with Mr. Hyuga today. Dad suggested I get her a 'Welcome Home' present. And I have no clue what she would like," Takeru said depressingly.
"Ah, so it's your sister's first day of training," Ryu said. "I thought you were an only child." He looked at Takeru. The boy raised a brow.
"Onari isn't my sister," Takeru said. "My dad took her in. She lives with us and she's my age."
Oh, this is too much. Ryu got a mischievous grin on his face. "So you have a girl living at your house that's your age. How often have you tried to peek in on her?" Takeru's eyes were wide and he was blushing. Ryu lifted his hand up to his mouth so no one else would hear. "Come on, Takeru, you can tell me. Is she cute?" That did it. Takeru came at him swinging.
Ryu moved back swiftly dodging each and every attempt of Takeru's as his hands stayed in his pockets the entire time. "You're such a hothead, Uchiha," he said laughing as he turned to avoid a swift kick at his side. "I think you want to peek at her," Ryu said, taunting more.
"Ryu, you bastard! I have not," Takeru said. "I mean, I do not! I'm not a pervert!" He went for Ryu again only to have Ryu hold him at bay with his hand on his head. Takeru was swinging, but he was only making contact with air. Ryu avoided every effort of his with ease. Takeru stopped. He was panting. He wondered how fierce Ryu's offensive attacks were.
Ryu kneeled so he could look up into Takeru's face. "Calm down, Takeru. I was only teasing you. Besides, if you had attempted such a cowardly thing, Sasuke sensei would have broken your legs," he said still smiling.
"He probably will eventually," Takeru said under his breath. Onari was meant for companionship. His parents would surely flip out if things changed.
Ryu cocked his head. "Well, don't take it to heart. I'm harmless. Let's see if we can't find something nice for your friend. There has to be something in Konoha that will suit her."