V 3 ch 6

Never underestimate your opponent!

"Alright this is your official first training session with me. Today we're going to be training with Shikamaru's team. It's a good idea to familiarize yourselves with another team's skills and flaws. It increases the chances of holding off an enemy and also guarantees less screw ups," Lee said. He looked from Eiyu to Saori and to Takeru. "I know you guys are friends, but don't hesitate to take the other person seriously when training. It isn't wise to ease up on someone because you know them. A ninja is responsible for completing his or her mission successfully. We can't let our emotions get in the way when doing our job. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sensei," the three students said.

As if on cue, Shikamaru Nara came walking towards Rock Lee's team with his own. He held up his hand as he smoked a cigarette, his eyes moving from each person that was sitting on the log waiting for them. "Sorry we're late, but Gin got distracted." He stood still as his team lined up.

"She saw Idai," Areku said rolling his eyes. He didn't know what that girl's infatuation with Idai was. He wasn't sure he approved of his father taking the boy under his wing. Areku was jealous, actually. He gritted his teeth.

Gin blushed embarrassingly. She apologized a few times. Why did Areku have to tell on her? She didn't want the whole world to know she liked Idai. Gin noted the way his voice sounded when he spoke about Idai. I don't think he likes him at all.

Kandai waved to Saori. "Hey, Saori, think you have gotten better in your training since the hot springs?" He smiled at her kindly his white eyes watching her.

"You bet," Saori said as she hopped up. It wasn't just Areku and Kandai she wanted to impress. She wanted to impress her father, too. Shikamaru raised a brow at her enthusiasm.

Eiyu and Takeru just sat looking at each other. Takeru wondered if Eiyu was going to fight his twin. Eiyu was a more serious fighter than Kandai. He was afraid Kandai would give in to Eiyu. He supposed that's why Lee sensei wanted them to get to know each other's training styles. Ninja didn't stay in a team when going on missions. They often got split up and paired with others for a job.

Shikamaru looked at Gin. He had promised to turn her into a strong opponent. If she got easily distracted over a boy then what else was she going to be distracted by? He knew she had problems with her confidence. Shyness was not something doable by ninja standards. He was going to have to push her. "Gin is up first," he said. Gin looked at him in shock.

Rock Lee looked down his line of combatants. Who was he going to send against Gin?Shikamaru is challenging Gin to not limit herself. So I will do the same. "I will send Takeru to fight her," he said. The black haired boy stood up.

Gin stood in the training ring looking at Takeru. Takeru's main jutsu consisted of using fire at his opponents. How was she going to beat him? Plants burned in fire. She swallowed hard. Shikamaru told them to begin. Gin was hesitant. Was she supposed to come at Takeru first?

Takeru had to do it. He knew he had to. Gin was always shy at the Ninja Academy. He was going to have to break her out of her shell, or Gin was going to be doomed in her training. Takeru ran at her with his arms out. The girl stood in front of him with wide eyes. "Gin, you're supposed to defend yourself!"

Gin snapped out of it. Takeru was fast. She moved her body back as he came towards her, redoubling her footwork and shifting her weight to get out of his front assault. She took off running away from him. Takeru was chasing her. Gin started to perform hand seals at the same time Takeru was moving his hands. He was trying to nail her. Gin had to prove that she could defend herself.

Takeru's hands stopped on the sign for 'tiger'. "Fire jutsu," he yelled as he ran behind Gin. He said it loud enough for her to be aware that he was right behind her. Takeru took a deep breath, held it, and let it go. A large stream of fire erupted.

Gin went to the ground as fast as she could. She covered her head. A large stream of fire was being projected. She looked up to see the flames licking the space where she had been seconds before. Takeru was not holding back. Gin started to form hand seals as quickly as she could. Takeru was not going to let her recover so easily. He was a Uchiha. Gin had to concentrate hard. She didn't want Takeru to know what jutsu she was going to use against him.

Takeru kept his fire stream as active as he could. He wanted Gin to muster up her strength and fight him. Just as he was running out of air to keep pulling off his jutsu, a huge tree shot out of the ground in front of Gin. The tree was a massive oak. It grew in size and thickness reaching to the heavens as Takeru's fire was blocked. I'll be damned. She came up with a solution to protect herself.

As the tree grew, Gin got to her feet. Alright, Takeru. You may think I'm shy and that I can't defend myself, but let's see what your fire jutsu can do against nature. She hopped into the tree. Gin looked down at him. Takeru had no idea she was directly above him. His fire soon stopped. Takeru had run out of breath to pull it off. Gin closed her eyes. "Please, Mr. Oak, I beg of you guide me with the courage I need to defend my opponent," she said softly holding her hands in front of her body, concentrating.

Takeru looked around the base of the tree. Gin wasn't there. "If she's going to hide, I'm going to quit. It's supposed to be a training session." He turned around to look at his team and Lee sensei.

Eiyu stood up. He pointed at something in the training circle. "Takeru, you idiot! Don't take your eyes off of your opponent," he yelled at his comrade. Takeru's head flipped around at the worst possible moment. The tree that was in front of him was alive. A huge branch swooped down and swatted at him. Eiyu watched in painful horror as Takeru went flying to the other side of the circle. Takeru's body rolled and slid on the dirt.

Gin breathed out slowly. She didn't mean to hurt Takeru. He laid on the ground his form not moving. Oh, no. What have I done? I didn't mean to hurt him. She watched as Lee sensei and Shikamaru sensei came to the edge of the circle trying to see if Takeru was moving at all.

Saori came running over, too. She looked up at Gin. Gin was watching them in horror. The tree branch that hit Takeru was massive. Gin wasn't as weak as they all thought she was. "Takeru, get up! You can't let a piece of wood defeat you! Get up!" She watched Takeru's arm move. He was slowly twitching. "Did she only knock the wind out of him?"

Shikamaru was watching Takeru. "No, she hurt him. I don't know how badly. He shouldn't have taken his eyes off of her. Gin uses plants a lot to make up for the physical strength she lacks. Imagine getting hit with a house, Saori. That's exactly what Gin threw at him. I think she was trying to prove that she's capable of defending herself against him."

Gin sat on the branch, her hand moving up to muffle her sounds. Takeru was injured. She had done it. She hadn't meant to. Takeru wasn't getting up. His arm was moving, but that was all. Gin watched as Lee sensei hopped over the ring to check on Takeru. "Please, be okay," she said softly as a tear escaped her eye.

Lee bent down to examine Takeru. The boy had blood coming out of his mouth. "Takeru, look at me." Takeru weakly turned his head to look up at him. "Where did the branch make contact?"

Takeru felt terrible. His abdomen hurt worse than anything he had ever felt before. He coughed spitting out blood. "Daises shouldn't hurt this badly," he said trying to make light of the situation. Lee looked down at him baffled to why he would wish to joke at a time like this. "It… hit my abdomen," he said gruffly.

"Is he alright," Shikamaru called. Saori was watching Lee sensei and Takeru quite intently. Eiyu and Kandai were looking at them, too, but Areku was looking up into the tree, his eyes focused on Gin.

"I have no idea. His abdomen was hit hard by the branch, but I think it scrambled his brain. Takeru said that daises shouldn't hurt that badly," Lee yelled back to Shikamaru.

"Oh, he's an idiot," Saori said. She crossed her eyes. Boys were something else. Then again, it was Takeru, after all. Maybe Takeru is saying that so Gin won't feel so badly. I don't know whose going to end up with him, but she's going to be a lucky girl.

Lee bent over and hoisted Takeru up onto his back. "I didn't think today's training was going to be this intense. I guess you're going to the medic, Takeru."

Takeru grumbled. "Why did I have to get beat up on the first day? Especially by Gin Akimichi?" His father was going to scold him for not paying attention. It was the most important rule in ninja training. Younever look away from an opponent – no matter who it is.

"I'm going to go ahead and call it, Lee," Shikamaru said as Lee walked over with Takeru. "Gin wins this round. Although, she doesn't seem to be too happy." He looked up to see Gin hiding her face on the bark of the tree, her back turned towards them. "Could someone please go get her? We'll take a break before anyone goes in next."

Eiyu got up. He supposed he could go get her. He walked into the circle. Gin was crying. That was obvious. He climbed into the tree. "Gin, Takeru's not hurt that badly. You can come down." He crouched beside her. Eiyu could see the tears dropping onto the branch.

Gin kept her face hidden. "I didn't mean to hurt Takeru. I only wanted him to realize that I'm not as weak as everyone thinks I am. Everyone thinks I can't defend myself, Eiyu. I may not be physically strong as everyone else, but it's not everything. Shikamaru sensei said brains take more ability than physical strength."

Eiyu reached up petting her brown head. "Yes, that's true. It takes brains and physical strength to pull off jutsus of any kind. Some opponents are nothing more than brawn without brains. Others are more cunning and harder to get past. He is teaching you well. He's a good trainer, but… you shouldn't let it bother you when you win, Gin. Winning means you've done your job."

Gin turned around to look at him sadly. "Is Takeru going to be okay? I don't want him to think badly of me. I only wanted him to dodge the branch. I didn't know he was going to turn around like he did."

Eiyu nodded slowly. "He'll be alright. I think he's more worried about what Sasuke sensei will say regarding his lack of focus. Takeru made two bad decisions. One: he doubted your abilities. Two: he got distracted. Those are things you should never do when facing someone. You should always respect your enemy for their training and abilities. It helps you to learn and makes you grow stronger."

"Eiyu, do you think I'm dangerous," she asked shyly. She watched his confusion on the subject. "Using plants to do the work for me is cowardly. That's what some of the girls said about me at the Academy. They also said it wasn't natural for me to have that kind of power over nature."

"Those girls were idiots," Eiyu said. "It takes more focus to use the materials around you than it does to use the ones you are already given. Who can I use for an example?" Eiyu had to think a moment. "Ah, I know who. Look at Daiya. He harnesses electrical currents in his body right?" She nodded. "Well, the abilities he possesses are often associated with storms. He's able to use the natural elements around him and increase his power against an enemy. That's why he carries those metal rods in a case on his back. The metal rods he uses helps him direct the electrical currents and increases his attack distance. He can also use the metal on a person, or in a surrounding area to help pull off his attacks. Do you know of anyone else who is like that?"

"Hire uses mud that she finds in the earth to help mold her Minotaur," Gin said remembering. "It's some sort of creature that comes out of the ground to attack her opponents. It helps take the blows of an enemy and also distracts them long enough so she can plan her next move."

"Yes, that's correct, but who else can use something found in nature," Kandai said as he flipped over above Eiyu and Gin. He smiled at them as his long hair came down tickling Gin's legs. "Nature isn't all flowers, minerals, water, or air."

Gin blushed. Kandai was slightly teasing her. She looked up at him as he smiled at her. "Kandai, you're teasing me," she said looking away.

"Yes, I am," Kandai admitted happily. "I was wondering if you were going to catch onto who I was talking about." He laughed at her. "Idai uses sound to move an opponent back, or stop them from advancing. I've seen him use the swords he carries on his back before. He's really good." Kandai stopped as he noticed Eiyu's unhappy face. "Eiyu, please don't hold a grudge against him. He was only trying to get away from me. He was kind of protecting Gin."

Gin's eyes widened. She had forgotten about how Idai had hoisted her up and carried her as they ran from Kandai. She didn't know why Idai had done it, but he had tried to save her from Kandai coming in contact with her. At the time, Idai had viewed Kandai as a threat. "Kandai, is your arm still hurting you? I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to get away on my own. I think that's why Idai decided to help me."

Eiyu turned to face Gin again. "Gin, we don't think you're weak. Knock it off with that. We just want you to do the best you can for yourself. That's what friends want. If we didn't think you had any right to be a ninja, we wouldn't talk to you at all. We'd simply ignore you or let you stay depressed."

Kandai smiled a little. He was embarrassed at how direct Eiyu was. "I think Eiyu is trying to say that we don't like to hear you putting yourself down. He also means that if you want to reach your goals, you need to try harder – that's all."

"Are you three going to play 'Monkey in a Tree' all day, or can we train some more," Saori yelled to them. What were they doing up there? She tapped her foot impatiently. "I'm waiting!"

"We're coming, puppet girl," Eiyu said. He had picked up the nickname from Ryu. By the looks of it, it wasn't a welcomed nickname with Saori. She was stomping the ground.

As the three of them came off of the tree, the tree cracked. Eiyu and Kandai watched as the tree went back into the ground, reversing itself from its large form to that of a seedling once again. "So that's how you get rid of it," Eiyu said.

Gin smiled at him. "I didn't throw any seeds to use. Takeru's fire wouldn't let me move, so I managed to find one seedling in the ground around me. I had to think quickly, so I used what I had."

"That's quick thinking," Shikamaru said to Gin. He tapped the side of his head. "It's always important to use this when you think you don't have a chance against someone. Too bad Takeru didn't use his."

"Isn't that the child's blessing," Areku said as he stood with his arms crossed. "Takeru still thinks like a boy instead of a man." He rolled his eyes.

"That's not such a bad thing," Shikamaru said looking at his student. "Kids shouldn't grow up too fast. We place too much emphasis on becoming an adult sooner than remaining a child for the time allowed."

"I like Takeru. He has a good heart," Kandai said in Takeru's defense. "You shouldn't speak ill of him, Areku. Takeru would never hurt someone unless they became his enemy. He doesn't believe a person is capable of being cruel, or having those sorts of intentions."

"That in itself is part of Takeru's gullibility," Eiyu said. "We've known him for a long time and he's still a kid at heart. I know he's not old enough yet to understand. He has no idea the kind of cruel people that are out there. We'll all have to face them. That's why we train."

Shikamaru nodded. "That's right. No one knows what the future holds. The future is an uncertain thing. The reason we train is to protect each other. Always find something meaningful in life and hold on to it the best you can. If you let it slip through your fingers, it seeps into the ground and is never found again."

Saori looked up at her father. Is that why her father was always scolding her when she was being too pushy, or demanding? Was he trying to protect her? Was Saori that out-of-control with herself? Saori looked away at the training ring. "I guess I can go next, but I can't use Rose. Ever since Daiya fried her, her mechanisms aren't working properly."

"That will teach you about seeking revenge on someone," Shikamaru said turning into her father once again. He looked at her seriously. "You shouldn't let Ryu get you so easily. You need to have more self-control, Rascal."

"He likes her," Kandai said chirping to the opportunity. "That's why he picks on her." He looked at Saori smiling. "Boys are stupid like that. He's only doing it to get your attention. He might not know any other way to get a response out of you, Saori."

Gin wondered why Kandai was saying that. Did Ryu actually like Saori? They had fought at the hot springs quite a few times. She looked at Saori.

Saori looked at Kandai oddly. "Ryu doesn't like anybody. He's a loner. He prefers it that way. He only mildly talks to Takeru. "She started to think back to how Ryu had been approaching her lately. It was partly Saori's fault. She had first met him and wondered about him and was only trying to get to know him because he seemed... mysterious. Saori's face flushed. Did she like Ryu?

Shikamaru pushed Saori into the training area. "Go train with Kandai. You two can use this opportunity to understand how the other works." He didn't know if he was prepared for Saori dating. She was his baby girl. Shikamaru sighed as he watched his daughter stand in front of Kandai. I don't know if I'm able to handle the mere thought of Saori hooking up with Ryu. That boy is so unattached from everything around him.

Kandai smiled at Saori as he stood in front of her. "How are you going to fight me without Rose? You're a puppet master," he said. He watched Saori ponder for a moment.

"Just because I can't use Rose doesn't mean I'm at a disadvantage," Saori told her friend. "Rose is a ninja tool just like any other. I have other tools." She smiled at him slyly. Kandai was underestimating her. Didn't her dad just explain that that wasn't a wise move?

Kandai Hyuga ran at Saori with his arms behind him. When he came within range of the blond haired girl he moved his right arm out, swinging it towards her body, his palm face up to push her back. He wanted to see Saori could avoid the side hit.

Saori smiled as she saw Kandai coming at her. This was going to be an interesting demonstration. She knew his moves before he executed them. He and Eiyu fought pretty much the same. That was the problem with twins. Saori Nara smirked as she moved her body to the right suddenly to avoid his hit. Kandai kept punching at her with each of his palms. Saori dodged each hit. She flexed her hands out sending her chakra strings towards the ground. Kandai was not paying attention to her hand movements. He was too focused on trying to hit her body.

Kandai found it only fitting that Saori was as fast as her father when it came to avoiding a frontal assault. He turned his body, rotating as a blast of chakra came out in a whirlpool. Saori didn't expect that to happen. He watched as she came off of her feet and slid on her back.

Saori swore under her breath. Maybe fighting Kandai was not going to be that easy. However, her chakra strings were still in the ground. She shot them towards Kandai. The chakra strings moved through the earth then came rising up under Kandai's feet. She tensed her fingers, spreading them out causing the strings to latch onto Kandai's legs. "Got you now," she said. Saori pulled moving her arms back. Kandai's legs were pulled out from underneath him. He went to the ground and fell backwards.

Kandai was on his back before he blinked. His head hit the ground. For a moment, he blacked out. It was long enough. Saori was on top of him in a second, her kunai drawn and aimed at his throat. He blinked. She was taking it seriously.

"Sorry, Kandai," Saori said apologetically. "Unless you know how to get out of this without getting your throat slit, I win this round." She watched him just stare at her.

"I suppose you're right. I mistook you for being at a disadvantage without Rose. I didn't know you could still use the chakra strings," Kandai said. Saori moved back withdrawing her kunai from his throat. "Fair is fair. You win."

"He gives up too easily," Areku said. He was watching Kandai stand up. Saori was moved back, her weapon retrieved and put back into its proper place.

"He should have turned slightly and kicked her in the side," Eiyu said. He wasn't happy with his brother, either. Kandai had the bad habit of letting his opponent get the better of him. He glanced at Areku. "I suppose it's our turn."

Areku and Eiyu stepped into the training area. Areku was unarmed for the most part. Eiyu knew Kiba sensei had Akamaru for a companion and to help him fight in battles. He wondered why Areku didn't have a canine yet. "Areku, why are you fighting alone?"

Areku found the question odd. He raised a brow at Eiyu. "There isn't a dog available yet in our clan for me to choose. None of the females have had puppies. My dad is supposed to take me, eventually, to get one. I don't know when though. Why are you asking?"

"I just thought it was odd that you didn't have a pet, or companion like Akamaru yet," Eiyu said. He watched as Areku stayed poised. Eiyu hadn't meant anything by it. It was just that having an animal as a partner was a strong advantage.

"I assure you I can fight without a partner," Areku said lowly. He didn't know if Eiyu was taking him seriously or not. Areku narrowed his eyes. He went running at Eiyu throwing two kunai at his training partner. Eiyu threw two shurikan at the kunai. Areku watched as his kunai were deflected by the shurikan.

Eiyu moved back sliding as Areku came at him, his claws out swiping the air where Eiyu had been momentarily. Areku was strong physically like his father, even though, he didn't rely on it. He was the type of guy to rely on his head as well. Eiyu had to do something about avoiding Areku's razor sharp nails.

Areku came at Eiyu again. He lifted his left arm swiping an upper cut towards Eiyu's face. Eiyu moved back as expected. Areku twisted his body to the right, placing his hand on the ground as his legs came up. He started to rotate his body, his legs spread out to kick at Eiyu.

Eiyu tilted his spine backwards to avoid Areku's kicks. It was harder considering the other boy was coming at him as fast as he was. Eiyu had to move his legs out of Areku's arm reach and avoid the attempted blows at his face.

"How is Eiyu going to keep avoiding Areku? He's awfully fast," Gin said as she watched Eiyu get hit by one of Areku's kicks. Areku righted himself upright as Eiyu went flying. Gin gasped. Eiyu slid on his side away from Areku.

"Still think I need a partner," Areku said challenging the other boy. "I'm fine without a canine. Imagine what it would be like if I had one though." He ran at Eiyu. He wasn't going to let the boy get up. Areku threw a kunai at Eiyu's leg.

Eiyu saw the kunai coming. He had to react or it was going to get lodged in his leg. He placed both of his hands on the ground and then twisted his body insanely fast. Eiyu started to force his chakra out as he came off of the ground. The kunai that Areku had sent towards him was forced back. It clinked on the ground. "Nice try, Areku. Maybe you shouldn't underestimate me, either."

"Eiyu deflected Areku's kunai," Gin said amazed.

"That's the specialty our father teaches us," Kandai told her. "It's something only the Hyuga clan knows how to do. I wish I was as good as Eiyu."

Shikamaru bopped Kandai on the head. "Stop wishing and start doing. You give up too easily, Kandai. If you're going to be on my team, you must try the best you can. If you have a problem with strength, we can adjust that, but it won't be tolerated next time you fight in a training session."

Kandai blinked at the hit from Shikamaru sensei. He supposed Shikamaru was right. Why should Eiyu be better than him? Brothers often competed for their father's approval. Eiyu was recognized because he was stronger, not because he was older. Kandai was older than Eiyu by a few minutes. He watched as Eiyu and Areku called it a truce. They had been training most of the day with the other team. The day was getting late.

"Alright, you guys. That's enough for today. I'm going to go ahead and dismiss all of you. Lee probably won't be coming back with Takeru. He's probably going to be escorted home," Shikamaru said. "Gin, stop feeling bad about it. For the last time, it wasn't your fault. Takeru was not paying attention. It was his fault. You did what you were supposed to in order to outthink an opponent. You guys keep working hard and you'll reach your goal of becoming a Shinobi."

The teams split and everyone started to walk home. Saori looked up at her father as they walked to their house. She thought her dad was pretty cool, despite him being as laid back as he was. Saori smiled a little. Shikamaru reached up and pressed her head to his side as they walked. It doesn't matter how old I get, I'm still his baby. She liked that most about her dad. "Say, Dad, when we get home do you want to play a quick game of chess?"

Shikamaru looked down at her. "Chess isn't a quick game, but if you mean play until dinner is ready, I can do that." He petted her head absentmindedly before withdrawing his hand. "Your friend Gin sure took to heart what she had done to Takeru. She needs to be more worried about her training. I know she lacks confidence in herself. We need to try and push her a little," he told Saori.

Saori looked away. "Gin's always been like that. I think she's holding back a lot. I think she's afraid of hurting someone critically, or what others may think of her. She ought to be proud of the talent she has. Gin's a smart girl."

"That she is, but she needs to learn when to go for it, too," Shikamaru said. "I'd hate to see her hold back on an enemy and for her to get seriously injured. It's not just herself that she needs to protect. She needs to protect her team. I don't think she realizes that."

"Probably not," Saori said sulking as she sighed. Gin has to try harder, or dad is going to recommend she takes extra training from someone else. I can't exactly see Gin taking direction from Sasuke sensei, Lee sensei, or Kiba sensei. She'd be scared to death of Sasuke sensei. He's very direct. Lee sensei wouldn't match with her because she lacks strong taijutsu and force. Kiba sensei would probably encourage her, but he has Idai and she'd be distracted. It's a no-win situation. Gin has to do better for herself. I don't want to see her fail.

Eiyu glanced at Kandai as they walked to the Hyuga compound. "What are you thinking about Kandai? Usually you're talking about something," he said to his twin. Kandai was in thought, looking at the ground as they walked.

"I got in trouble with Shikamaru sensei," Kandai said softly. "Father won't be pleased." He didn't look at Eiyu. It was embarrassing that it was that noticeable that he wasn't trying hard enough.

Eiyu glanced at his twin. "It's not like you to get in trouble, Kandai. What did you get scolded for?" He watched Kandai avert his eyes totally, looking to the left as they walked down the road. "Kandai," Eiyu said forcefully.

Kandai sighed. Eiyu wasn't going to let him get away with avoiding the subject. "Shikamaru sensei scolded me for not trying hard enough. He said that if I wanted to be like you, that I needed to stop giving up so easily."

"Who said you wanted to be like me," Eiyu asked. He watched as Kandai looked at him a moment then looked away again. Kandai was walking slower than him. Eiyu had never seen his brother depressed before. Kandai was always so happy and calm.

"I did. I see how father looks at you," Kandai said. "He notices how hard you try. I'm not anything like you. I'm a different person. I want to achieve my own goals, not what is set for us." He didn't know what Eiyu would think of him saying something like that.

"Kandai, no one is asking you to do what they want. Father wants us to try hard and do what we have to so we can meet our goals. He isn't telling us what directions to take. I don't know why you think that. And I'm not sure why you admire me. I only train as much as I do because I have nothing else to do. You're well liked with the other students and they enjoy your company. I'm alone for the most part. No one understands me. At least, don't despise me for that, Kandai."

Kandai looked at Eiyu. Eiyu was walking with a sad face. He had caused his brother to open himself. He didn't know how painful it was for Eiyu. Kandai didn't realize Eiyu wasn't well liked. He thought Eiyu stayed by himself because he wasn't willing to get to know anybody. "Eiyu, didn't you have fun with Ryu, Daiya, and Takeru?"

Eiyu pondered. "I guess I did. All we did was talk a bit other than running from Hire." He didn't know what Kandai was getting at.

"If they didn't want you around, they wouldn't have spent time with you. I know Takeru is on your team, but Ryu and Daiya aren't. Takeru seems to be making friends with a lot of people and getting everyone involved with each other. He normally only talked to Gin, Masaru, and us at the beginning."

"It seems Takeru is wiser than I thought," Eiyu said. "I guess I could take my nose out of my book for a while and interact. It wouldn't kill me." Kandai smiled at his brother.

"Sorry for the intrusion, Ms. Izumi. Takeru had an accident during training today," Lee said as he took his shoes off at the entrance. He was carrying Takeru on piggyback. Takeru was embarrassed for sure.

Izumi looked at her son. "What did you do to yourself?" She watched him blush and turn away. "Takeru?"

"I didn't do it. Gin did," Takeru said. He didn't know what his mother was going to say.

"Gin? Gin Akimichi? The little shy girl from the Ninja Academy," Izumi said bewildered. "She beat you up?"

"Not exactly," Lee said as he stepped up. "Gin and Takeru were training together today. Gin tried to get away from Takeru's fire jutsu and formed a tree in the middle of the training area. When she did, she disappeared into the tree to surprise Takeru. Takeru turned around at the wrong moment and Gin swatted him with the tree's branch." Lee walked to where Izumi was pointing. He went into the room to drop Takeru on the bed.

"Ah, I see," Izumi said. "So a girl got you, Takeru. What would your father say about you ignoring an opponent? You know better than that." Takeru wouldn't look at her. He put his pillow on his face to hide. "How badly is he hurt?" Izumi wasn't exactly pleased with him either. They had taught him to never look away. It meant life or death in a fight.

"The branch hit his abdomen. He is heavily bruised, but there are no serious wounds," Lee said. "Takeru, I would advise you to take it easy, but that is for Sasuke to determine. He may not let you get by with what happened."

"I don't think he will," Izumi said. "Takeru's been training with me since he was able to comprehend the techniques. Sasuke took over when Takeru was five. There is no excuse for sustaining an injury such as this."

Lee nodded. A dark headed girl was peeking around the corner. He turned his full attention to her. The girl's hand was holding onto the doorframe, her yellow eyes watching all the while. She was very quiet. That is an unusual girl. "Hello," Lee said. The girl moved back quickly. He watched as she peeked around at them again.

Izumi looked up. "Onari, you don't have to be scared of Lee. He's Takeru's trainer. You can stop hiding around the door," she said softly.

Onari moved around a bit. She stood in the door far enough away from Lee. After all, she didn't know him. Onari looked at Takeru. "Takeru hurt?"

"Yes, he has a hurt," Izumi said choosing words the girl understood. "Don't jump on Takeru today. He'll scream like a baby."

Lee watched as Onari tilted her head left and right. He wondered why this girl spoke like she did. He was curious, but not enough to question Izumi outright about Onari.

"Takeru baby," Onari repeated.

Takeru took the pillow off of his face. "'Ri, I am not a baby," he said through his teeth. His mother just had to choose those kinds of words with Onari. Now Onari had picked up teasing. Great.

Onari lifted her finger. She pointed at Takeru. "Takeru baby boy. Takeru Izumi baby," she said smiling at him. Onari giggled her cute little laugh. He couldn't exactly move to do anything about it. She had the upper hand right now.

Takeru flopped back. "Thanks, Mom," he said sarcastically. Onari was still laughing at him.

"Oh, I forgot," Izumi said pounding her fist into her hand. "Lee, Onari is the girl we took in. She doesn't speak a lot of Japanese. That's why we have to choose what to say to her. It's a bit of a chore to get her to understand. I should have told you that from the beginning." She looked at his confused face.

Lee put up a hand. "It's alright. I kind of figured it out by listening to her talk. She talks really fast. I wonder why that is."

Onari looked around the room, her eyes darting everywhere. She was taking in everything around her. Her head flipped around as the front door opened. Sasuke was home. She ran off to greet him. As Sasuke took his shoes off, Onari tugged on his sleeve. "Sasuke, Takeru baby. Izumi say Onari no jump Takeru."

Sasuke raised a brow. "I'm guessing Takeru is hurt. At least, that's what I think you're trying to say." He walked with Onari to Takeru's room. He found Izumi talking with Lee. As soon as he entered to greet them, Takeru looked away ashamed. "What is this about Takeru being a baby?"

"Takeru got injured during training today. He looked away and it seems Gin Akimichi wounded him," Izumi said crossing her arms. It was not something to be proud of. Ninja never underestimated their opponents.

"I should be going," Lee said feeling the tension in the air. He waved to Izumi and Sasuke. He was going to say 'goodbye' to Onari but the girl darted down the hall to avoid him. He watched as she went into her room, but peered out to watch him leave. It will be interesting seeing how she interacts with the others if Sasuke can get her to do so.

Sasuke walked towards Takeru. He was still averting his eyes. "Takeru, look at me." Takeru shyly looked up at him. "As long as you've been training with me and your mother, you know better. The wound you sustained ought to teach you a lesson. You'll be allowed to remain in bed for the time being, but if this happens again, you will walk it off." Takeru grimaced. He must be in a fair amount of pain. I could make him endure it, but he needs to think about why he made such a poor decision.

"Onari, stop peeking in the room," Izumi said catching the girl. "Just for that, you can go outside to the garden. I'll train you until it's time for dinner. Baby Takeru won't be playing any today."

Takeru stared at the wall as his parents left the room. He was deeply ashamed at himself. It could have been much worse if Gin had made the tree apply more force, or if she had chosen another plant – such as a cactus. Gin could use any plant she wanted to aid in her fights. That was something he had forgotten about. She was a handy teammate for the others on Shikamaru's team. "I'm an idiot," he said softly.

Takeru slept for a while to work off some of the pain he was feeling. He wasn't able to get up for dinner so he had to wait until everyone was finished to eat. It was part of his punishment. He wasn't getting any special treatment from his parents. They were not happy with him.

Onari crawled towards Takeru's bed. He didn't even hear her come in. She balanced a tray of food on her head. Onari took the tray off and put it on the sheets. Takeru wasn't paying her any mind. She cocked her head at him. He was staring at the wall. Onari moved over to be in his view. "Onari better see than wall," she said looking at him seriously. Takeru looked at her sadly. "Takeru sad?" He didn't answer. "Takeru baby?" Takeru ignored her. Onari reached forward touching his face her eyes looking into his. "Izumi Sasuke no mad Takeru. Izumi Sasuke sad Takeru hurt. Takeru listen. Takeru look. Takeru take care Takeru, yes?"

Takeru wondered how he was one of the few people that understood the girl in front of him. Despite her broken speech and broken dialect, he understood every twist, every turn, and every dip that she issued to get her point across. He reached up to touch her cheek. They had gotten rather close in the past few months. Takeru played with her every afternoon and had bonded with her. Yet, Onari wasn't like a sister to him. She was something unexplainable. He didn't know what though. "Yes, Takeru has to take care of Takeru and Onari," he said softly.

Onari tilted her head at him. She leaned her cheek into his hand watching him. She was trying to figure out what he meant by him saying he was going to take care of her. "Takeru Onari baby?"

Takeru smirked. "No, 'Ri. You're mine," he said softly as he propped himself on his elbows. Takeru leaned towards her. Onari stayed remotely still as he kissed her forehead. The girl closed her eyes. He knew she didn't understand. And if his parents ever caught on to understanding, he was a dead man.