V 5 ch 2
OtoMori
"I want Onari to go with us," Kandai said as he petted the girl's head thoughtfully. "She's been training as hard as we have. Father, can't you talk to one of them about it?"
Neji Hyuga looked at his son. "Onari isn't on one of the teams, Kandai. She isn't allowed to train with you guys. The Hokage probably won't allow it."
"But Father, we're taking a trip for the summer. We're not training at all. How can Onari be expected to work with everyone if she doesn't know us," Kandai asked.
"It isn't my decision, Kandai. Twelve students are enough for four trainers to watch. Onari doesn't understand a lot of our language still. She will be a burden to everyone around her," Neji said. His son frowned looking at Onari. "I know you want her to go. It can't be helped."
"Where Kandai go," Onari asked.
"We're going on a trip with our teams again. Shikamaru sensei says it's to reward us for our hard work. Last time, we went to the hot springs," Kandai told her. Onari tilted her head trying to understand what he was saying. Father is right. Onari doesn't understand anything I'm telling her.
"Shikamaru take Kandai hot springs. Kandai reward vacation," Onari said in her broken dialect. She understood more than she let on. "Onari miss Kandai go Shikamaru."
Kandai looked at Onari with wide eyes. "You understood most of what I said." He turned around to look at his father. "Father, she understood me!"
"She listens very well. Her language is broken – kind of difficult to understand. It's a problem for those that are not used to being around her. Onari will get there. It takes time," Neji said. He turned his head to see Eiyu walking towards the house. "Have you learned where your team is going for this trip?"
"That seems to be in debate the choices are Hansinoto village for its tranquil atmosphere. It was suggested by Gin. Another choice is Yatano waterfall suggested by Gai sensei for swimming. The last choice is OtoMori. It's another village, but it is having a moon festival from what I understand. Ms. Hinata suggested it," Eiyu said.
"Your teams are going to have fun and relax. OtoMori would be a rather nice place to go. I wasn't fortunate to be there for the festival a long time ago. It knocks away Hansinoto village. It's peaceful, yes, but not suited for kids. It's mainly for romantics and shoppers," Neji said. "Gin was probably swindled by Ino to mention it. Ino's family does business with a few gardeners there."
Eiyu was watching Kandai. His brother was holding onto Onari's hand and swinging it. Eiyu kept his gaze focused on her fingers. He wished he was able to tell Onari how he felt, but she wouldn't understand. He looked away sighing. "I'm going to go pack," he said excusing himself.
Eiyu packed his clothes into his back pack. As he did, his mind stayed on Onari. He closed his eyes thinking heavily about all of her training sessions with them. She was improving greatly for a girl who had never known martial arts before. His father was right about her. Onari was a genius. She had learned to copy a few of Eiyu and Kandai's moves merely by watching. He knew she partook in extra training sessions with Takeru's parents when she was able. She was constantly pushing herself. Eiyu opened his eyes. He felt someone's presence behind him. "What is it, Kandai?"
"Onari not Kandai. Onari is Onari," she said tilting her head as she watched him. "Why Eiyu quiet?" He turned around to face her before his eyes fell away. "Eiyu no want vacation?"
"It's not that," he said as he resumed packing. Eiyu closed the back pack. "Isn't it time for you to go home?" He tensed.
Onari wrapped her arms around Eiyu's chest from behind. She laid her cheek on his shoulder. "Onari go with Eiyu and Kandai. Izumi no home." She smiled. "Sasuke get Uzumaki say 'yes'."
Eiyu blushed as he turned again to acknowledge her. "The Hokage is giving you permission to go? How-How is that possible? You're not on a team," he said. Onari only looked at him in return. "Onari, do you… want to be my um… partner for the trip?"
"Onari follow Eiyu?"
"Well, sort of. The trainers pair us with another person for safety reasons. I'd be responsible for you," Eiyu told her proudly. "You'll meet other son the trip you don't know yet, too. Just stick close to me. I'll look after you."
Kandai came running to his brother's room. "Eiyu, the trip has been decided! We're going to OtoMori! Ms. Hinata got everyone to vote on it!" He stopped. "Oh, I guess Onari told you she's going. Ms. Izumi is taking serious training from the Hokage. She won't be able to watch Onari. Everyone's outside. Come on, Onari," he said lifting her to her feet. "Sasuke sensei brought a back pack for you!"
Onari went outside to see all of the trainers with their teams. There were a number of children she didn't know. Onari became shy. She hid behind Kandai watching all of them. The kids were excited about leaving for OtoMori. How far away was this place?
Kiba approached the house. He saw Onari hiding behind Kandai. "Hey, Sprout, how's it going? Did you forget about me these past few months?" He watched her head pop up.
"Brother Kiba," Onari said happily. She ran out from behind Kandai and jumped off of the porch towards the man. Kiba caught her as he tottered on his feet. "Kiba go Onari?"
Kiba gave her a toothy grin. "Yeah, I'm one of the trainers. My team is going on the trip. So is Shikamaru's." Shikamaru waved at Onari. "You know a few of the students already from what I've heard." Onari was looking around. "You've played with Areku before, haven't you?"
Areku turned his gaze to look at Onari. "Hello, Onari. Do you have a partner for the trip?" He watched as she pointed her finger at Eiyu. He was walking out wearing his back pack. "Ah, so you are paired with one of the twins. I need to find a partner." Areku looked around at the kids who were already paired with someone else.
"Areku, why don't you pair up with Daiya," Shikamaru said. He looked at the boys. "You two haven't worked together before nor spoken. It would be good for both of you," he said watching Daiya tense as Areku Inuzuka walked over. "He's not going to hurt you. Areku is very smart and loyal. He won't hesitate to help you."
Areku could tell Daiya was uneasy. He had been the same way with Takeru on the first journey. He held out his hand. "Hello, Daiya, I'm Areku from Shikamaru's team. I'm Kiba's son." He kept his hand still as Daiya lifted his own. He withdrew his hand several times before he finally shook Areku's. "I'm your partner now. I promise to look out for you and hope you do the same."
"Does everyone have a partner," Rock Lee asked. There were a few students who were by themselves. They were eying each other. "Takeru, you can partner with Yanagi. Hire, you're going to be with Idai." The two kids looked at each other with wide eyes. "That leaves Masaru. You will have to pair with one of us."
"Can I be with Uncle Sasuke," Masaru asked. He watched the dark haired man nod. Masaru practically ran to him.
"Shikamaru, you're up for the announcements," Lee said.
Shikamaru whistled for everyone to look at him. He waited until they were quiet. "As always, you guys need to listen to me before we go. Starting off, we have a new person with us. She's not from the fire country and her language skills are not on our level. I will give everyone a warning: Don't assume that when someone doesn't understand words to the full extent, that he or she is not able to comprehend what you mean. Body language plays a huge part in cultural diversity. I want everyone to say 'hello' to Onari, Daiya's sister."
The kids all turned around to look at her. Onari tensed. They said hello and she went behind Eiyu on contact.
"She's also shy," Shikamaru stated. "I believe Onari was given permission to go on account of Takeru's mother taking special training from the Hokage while we're away. From what I hear, Onari's skills have greatly improved. She is somewhat close to being on you guys level. Not bad for a kid who's only had several months of hard training."
"She's only been training for a short while and she's on my level," Hire said bewildered. She looked at the girl. Onari was looking back at her. "If you're that good, prove it."
"Hire, I wouldn't challenge her. Onari takes it rather seriously. We don't have time for you to instigate your superiority over someone," Eiyu said. He narrowed his eyes. "Back off."
"Hire, stay where you are. You don't have to go on this trip," Sasuke warned. "If you want to fight Onari, you do it on the training grounds."
"Are we finished with the setbacks," Shikamaru asked. "I wasn't finished." He watched Ryu and Saori move to stand near Eiyu and Onari. They were backing Eiyu up; Not only them, but also Areku, Daiya, and Takeru. They were guarding Onari. Hire scowled as Shikamaru flicked his cigarette. "Guys, pay attention. We're going to OtoMori for a few days to enjoy ourselves. As always, this trip is a privilege. Your behavior reflects the hidden leaf village. If you mess up, or act inappropriately, you will answer to the Hokage and not be allowed on further trips. It is not debatable.
OtoMori is a very long way from here. It'll take us almost two days to reach it. We'll be camping outside unless we find an inn that will accept us. I want you guys to be mindful and alert. A ninja never lets his guard down. We also need to work on teamwork. Even if someone is not paired with you, you need to look out for everyone. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes, sensei," all of the kids said.
Sasuke turned to Onari. "Firebird, what did Shikamaru say?" He needed her to repeat what she understood. The girl was furrowing her brows trying to sort out the words.
"Brother Shikamaru says listen, look, be nice, and repeat," Onari said.
Shikamaru smirked. "That's about the majority of it. You're a smart kid. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Alright, everyone say 'bye' to Neji."
"Bye, Mr. Hyuga," the kids said.
Neji waved at them as they started to leave the Hyuga compound. "Have a safe trip. Eiyu, take care of Onari." He saw them off until they were out of sight. Neji sighed. He was getting a break. He decided he was going to take the longest bath he ever had in celebration.
Takeru glanced at the others around him. Everyone was getting along so far. He felt bad for Idai though. He was paired with the worst person ever. Takeru frowned. Hire was constantly glancing at Onari. If she even tries to hurt Onari, I'll get after her.
"Takeru, are you excited about the Moon Festival," Yanagi asked. She knew he was watching Hire. "Ms. Hinata said it's wonderful. We'll get to stay up all night!"
"I know I should be, but my mind is wandering. This is Onari's first trip. She doesn't understand our language to the full extent. She can be very frustrating. I don't think I approve of the looks Hire is giving her, either."
Yanagi turned her gaze in that direction. Eiyu was narrowing his eyes at Hire. "Eiyu won't let Hire touch Onari. I know you're worried. You're close to her. Instead of worrying about what she doesn't understand, concentrate on what she does."
Takeru smiled a little at Yanagi. "I guess you're right. Yanagi, how come you keep watching Daiya?" He caught her blushing. "You like him, don't you? It's all over your face."
Yanagi looked at Takeru with wide eyes. He knew? Her heart thumped in her chest.
"Whoa, you really do? I was only teasing," Takeru said as he watched her look away. "I'm not going to tell him. That'd be mean. You need to tell him."
"I can't tell him. I don't even know when it happened. I probably started realizing it when I found out he had lost control of his kekkegenkai. Saori has been giving me advice. I just don't have the courage to confront him. Daiya is cautious of everyone he's not in any position to listen to me. We've rarely spoke," Yanagi said sadly.
"Daiya rarely speaks to anyone. He's afraid of everyone around him. Just approach him on his terms. You have to pay attention to his body language. Dad had to give me advice about him, too. Daiya rarely gives me a chance to be near him," Takeru said.
"I'm sorry, Takeru. I know it's not easy. I don't have any siblings either. I spend a lot of time with my dad because of it. I once asked him why it was just me and he told me that sometimes things work out better that way. Mom is busy at the hospital when she's not home. Her job is very important. I don't like to bug either of them. It's not fair to have a whiny daughter," she said smiling.
"Yanagi, they love you. I know they do. They'd want to hear what you have to say," Takeru told her. "My dad is always busy, too. He still finds time to listen to me."
"Yeah, I know. I just don't want mine to know I'm unhappy. I have to be strong for us," Yanagi said. She kept her eyes on the path ahead. They were walking down an old trail. She wondered if they chose this route for a reason.
Masaru looked up at his uncle. The man was walking solemnly with the others. Sasuke was holding his position at the back of the group. "Since I'm your partner, it means I have to look out for you." Sasuke turned his head to look down at him. "I've improved even more since we've had our training. Kiba sensei taught me some new moves," he said proudly.
"We'll see, Masaru. You better hope an adversary doesn't bother us while we're away. If you think Manda is a challenge, you won't be able to handle another whose skills are not known. Not everyone is able to use a summoning jutsu. It takes a lot of focus, chakra, and training. I only want you to enjoy yourself. I'll look after all of you," Sasuke told the boy.
Ryu walked silently next to Saori. His relationship with her was steady. Every so often, he rubbed his thumb on her hand. Saori would look up at him and blush. And every time she did, his heart flopped around. Ryu was starting to feel protective of her – she was his. He found himself checking the area around them a lot. He was paranoid about someone ripping her away from him.
"Ryu, calm down. You worry too much. Our trainers would know if someone was out there before we would. Try to relax," she said stealing a kiss on his cheek. Ryu blushed.
Hire was finding it hard to stop eying Ryu and Saori. She wasn't aware that he had gotten the nerve to ask out Shikamaru's daughter. Hire felt jealous and angry. She had known him longer. Why did he pick that girl? She's three years younger than us. Is that what it takes? She stuck her nose into the air. Hire didn't approve of Saori at all. She isn't good enough. That girl doesn't have what it takes to make it to the Chuunin level. I'll show her I'm better than her.
Idai hated being paired with Hire. The girl hated everyone around her. She tried to prove it to them all that she was better. He figured she was like that because of insecurities from an unknown source. He glared at her. The look she had on her face told him she was thinking about something, or someone. "Just what are you up to," he said lowly.
"Don't you worry about it," Hire snapped at the white and red haired boy. "In fact, don't talk to me. You're beneath me, you little runt. What kind of kid gets kicked out of his own village as a boy? What did you do?"
Idai gritted his teeth. "SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME! I DON'T OWE YOU ANYTHING!" Idai unsheathed one of his swords quickly. Just as he did, he was grabbed by Kiba. Idai kicked his legs as the man picked him up. He yelled in utter outrage. Kiba forced him to drop his weapon.
"What did you say to him, Hire," Kiba shouted. He kept his hold on Idai. The boy was fighting him for all it was worth. The children around them had stopped. They were staring at all of them. "Idai, calm down!"
Sasuke stepped forward. "Hire, come here." The girl walked towards him with difficulty. She had a hard time meeting his gaze. "What did you say to him," Sasuke asked slowly. The girl wouldn't answer. "Whatever it was, it wasn't appropriate. Your trail ends here. Shikamaru wasn't speaking for the sake of hearing his own voice, earlier. You're going back to the village along with Idai." The boy wouldn't look at anyone.
"Sensei, that's not fair. He wouldn't have reacted if Hire hadn't said something to upset him," Yanagi said defending her team mate. She froze as Sasuke turned his hard gaze upon her.
"Yanagi Lee, I don't tolerate defiance. They were going back. Fighting is not allowed amongst the teams. Turning your own weapon upon a fellow ninja is cause to be excluded from the groups," Sasuke said raising his voice. Yanagi turned to look at Idai.
Idai closed his eyes. Kiba was still holding him in place. If he was off of the team, he had no existence. Would he be banished from the village because of it?
Daiya walked to Idai. He knew how Hire was, but what Idai had almost came close to doing, worried him. He lifted his arm to put his hand on his best friend's head. "Unless you tell them what she said, you're going to appear as guilty as she is. What did she say to cause you to be so furious that you'd risk being banished from the teams?"
Idai answered Daiya softly. "She said… I… I was beneath her. She asked me… what I had done to get thrown out of my village."
Ryu glared at Hire. "Did you really say that to him? You did! What kind of trash spits forth insults like those to someone who has sworn to look out for you! He's not beneath anyone. You have no right to say anything to him!"
Daiya grabbed onto Idai. His friend was vulnerable with everyone watching. "I don't think pairing him with Hire was a good idea."
Sasuke crossed his arms. "So let me get this straight… Hire says something cruel and insensitive. That isn't a cause to place judgment on the value of someone's life. I have no choice but to escort you both back. Daiya, let go of him."
Idai walked numbly to Sasuke. The man waited until he passed before he started to follow him and Hire. Idai had let Hire's taunt cause him to explode rashly. Now he would have to answer to the Hokage. His father was going to be furious.
Yanagi sniffled. Idai was her friend. She wanted him to remain with them. "Kiba sensei, can't you say anything," she asked.
"It's out of my hands, Yanagi. He drew his sword at her. It doesn't matter if that girl started it. Enemies use verbal taunts to trap others into doing what they expect. Idai fell for it," Kiba said.
"If sensei can't do anything, can't we do something," Masaru said looking at Yanagi. "Teams are like family. Idai is on our team. It's not Kiba's job. It's ours."
Yanagi swallowed hard. It wasn't easy to challenge Sasuke Uchiha, or make him listen. She knew how strong the man was. But despite her nervousness over it, she started to run after them. I won't let him take Idai. Idai isn't physically weak. He has a bad past that is constantly weighing him down!
"Where is she going," Eiyu asked.
"She's challenging sensei," Ryu said.
"Isn't that… unhealthy," Areku asked as he watched her gain on them.
"It is, but not impossible. I do it often. You can always challenge someone. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Yanagi's going to have to defeat him here," Ryu said tapping his head.
"Wait, sensei," Yanagi shouted as she ran to them. Sasuke stopped. He turned around half-way to acknowledge her. "Haven't you all taught us that our teams are like our family? If Idai goes back, we all go back. Even though I wasn't involved, I'm standing up for him because he pushes himself harder than us to get where he is. Idai is constantly taunted by others because he's not from the fire country. And despite the fact that he shouldn't have raised his sword at her, Hire says cruel things to everyone. She doesn't have the courage to face us in the training ring so she uses verbal threats to push us down to her level. I'm not on her level and neither is Idai. We're under Kiba sensei's care and the main thing he has taught us is to be loyal to each other. I'll stand by Idai no matter what decision you make on his behalf. If he falls, we all go down with him," she said. Yanagi held her breath. She had stood up to one of the toughest trainers on the teams. She kept her gaze matched with his.
"That's a very interesting argument. You have major guts when it comes to standing up for someone. It doesn't change what either of them did. There will be punishment involved. If you're serious about this 'all for one and one for all' business that you display so well, you and Masaru can take the punishment, too," Sasuke said as Masaru approached the last bit.
Masaru wanted to sulk. Sasuke's punishments were no laughing matter. Ryu and Hire took them occasionally. He toughened up and balled his hands up. "We're ready," he said seriously. "If it prevents Idai from being thrown off of our team, then we'll take whatever you throw at us!"
The Sixth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, smiled as he watched the scene play out in the crystal ball at his table. He smiled. That boy has some spunk. And I'm glad to see he's able to stand up to Sasuke. It's not easy, is it Masaru? I was right when I placed you and Yanagi with Idai. You two will have an impact on him. Naruto smiled a little at his son. Yanagi needs more confidence though. I'm also worried about the aggression seen in Idai. It was rash. I really hope the kids can help him. I'd hate to see Idai slip into the darkness that calls him. It's been this way since he's arrived. Naruto watched as Idai's body posture changed. He was being submissive. He was afraid of the kids around him, for the most part.
"Why are you defending me," Idai asked softly. He looked at Masaru and Yanagi. "Now you're in trouble like I am."
Hire rolled her eyes. "If you're going to send me to the Hokage, I'd rather be on my way. It's pathetic having to listen to babies whine," she sneered.
"We're not whining. We're doing something you don't understand. Maybe it's because you've never had a friend, Hire. I think that's why you're cruel. You're hiding something and keeping it in instead of letting others help you," Masaru shot back. He saw Hire's eyes change. Had he pinpointed the real reason? She turned away from him.
"Idai, you may go back to your team," Sasuke said. "However, you're under close watch. I'm pairing you with Areku and Daiya. If you put one toe out of line, I'll
know. Hire, you're being paired with Yanagi and Takeru. If you utter one harsh word to either of them, I'm resigning as your trainer. I'm at the end of my rope with you."
"Wait, I thought we were going to be punished," Masaru said.
Sasuke smirked. "Oh, you will be. I just can't do it right this second. You four are holding up our progress. We've been delayed long enough. You'll receive your punishment soon enough."
"What do you think happened," Saori asked. They were coming back with Idai and Hire. "Did he let them get away with it?"
"Sensei doesn't let anyone get away with anything. He's not letting them off of the hook. Whatever Yanagi said changed his mind. He's only delaying their punishment," Ryu said.
"Sorry, Takeru, I have to be punished by your dad," Yanagi said with an embarrassed smile. Hire was right behind her. "I apologize in advance for whatever trouble or discomfort I cause on this trip. We have to take Hire. Idai is going to be paired with Areku and Daiya."
Takeru glanced at Hire. "If it keeps anyone from having to answer to Masaru's father, I'll do it," he said hopelessly. He made sure Hire caught his gaze. "Behave, Hire. You're supposed to enjoy yourself."
Hire raised a brow at Sasuke's son. He was odd. He wasn't too displeased with the fact that she was now paired with him. Hire walked quietly with her new group. She wouldn't look at anyone.
Idai was walking with his head downcast he stayed close to Daiya. His mind kept reflecting on how fast he unsheathed his swords. Why did I do that? I've never aimed it at anyone less I had a reason. What does Daiya think of me now? He's the only real friend I have. Is he going to hate me? He closed his eyes.
Areku glanced at Idai. He grabbed his arm and yanked him towards him. Idai looked at him in alarm. "It's better to keep your eyes open to see the path before you." He pointed to the stump Idai had almost run into. "Idai, I'm sorry about before. It's not my intention to jump down your throat before knowing the facts."
Daiya rubbed his eyes. He felt someone watching him. "I'm not tired." He turned to see Eiyu Hyuga watching his every move. That was unexpected. Eiyu didn't like him. "What is your interest in me?"
"You have the tendency to throw someone off when they are concerned about you. Don't mistake my concern for assuming you're inferior. I can be mindful of the others around me," Eiyu said in his defense.
Onari watched Daiya give Eiyu the same expression he gave everyone. Her brother didn't approve of being called out. She walked over to him and kissed him quickly on the cheek before he decided to mouth off. "Eiyu no hurt Daiya. Eiyu look Daiya for Onari. Onari love Daiya." She put her hand on his head. "Daiya no want Onari?"
Daiya's eyes softened. He put his arm around her to hug her from the side. He walked with her quietly. Onari was an unusual sister to have. He understood everything about her even when others didn't.
"Gin, when we get there, do you want to compete in the Lotus Competition with me," Kandai asked.
"What's that," Gin said.
"I forgot to mention that," Shikamaru said. "I suppose it would have helped to do a little more research on it before we agreed to go there. Oh, well. Kandai, can you tell everyone what it is please?"
"Hey, can I have your attention," Kandai said looking at everyone. He blinked. "Whoa, I didn't think any of you would actually listen," he said smiling.
"Kandai, get to the point," Areku said.
"Oh, sorry. There's going to be a competition at the
Moon Festival. It's called the Lotus Competition and it's the best one! It takes place close to midnight. If all of you want in, you're more than welcome to participate."
"You're not telling them what it entails," Eiyu said. He shook his head. "It's a competition that involves hundreds of fake lotus flowers. They are turned upside-down in a pond. When the announcer signals for you to go, you have to run to the water and grab a lotus flower. When he signals again, you can choose to keep the flower you have, or trade positions with someone else. At midnight, we turn them over. Some of the flower will have mini prize scrolls attached. Others will be different colors or patterns. If you get a lotus flower with a color, or pattern, you have to search for the other person who has the same one as you. The announcer tells you what you get to share with someone else. Basically, everyone wins something. It's just that some of the prizes are better quality."
"What are the small prizes," Masaru asked. He was really curious. He liked games a lot.
"I think Ms. Hinata said they ranged from coupons at the restaurants to dates with the person you with. You can also turn in the flowers if you don't want the prize you get. I think she said in return you get to eat somewhere for free," Kandai said. He turned to Gin. "If you participate in the competition, you might win a date with Idai."
Gin blushed. She looked at Idai. He was still handsome when he was sad. "I'll do it!" Everyone looked at her. Gin shrunk back blushing badly.
"I'm defiantly in," Rock Lee said. He pointed at Sasuke. "Sasuke Uchiha, I challenge you at the Lotus competition! I will not lose to you!"
Sasuke twitched his eye. "It's supposed to be for lovers you spandex wearing idiot." All of the students were laughing. "However, if you think you can beat me, I'll prove you wrong."
"Those two act like old men who have tried to beat each other at Shogi for the past fifty years," Hire said out of nowhere. Takeru busted out laughing at her. "What?"
"That's pretty much how Dad and Sensei act when they're around each other. They're always trying to out do the other," Takeru said. "It was odd when we were little because me and Yanagi had to watch them hold these ridiculous matches."
"Takeru, you're talking too much," Sasuke said embarrassed.
"Here's some more wood," Areku said as he threw it onto the pile. They were near a small village off of the main road, but there wasn't an inn willing to take in so many students, nor a room to accommodate all of them. They were going to have to camp out. Some of the kids didn't mind but others haven't done it before. "Gin, no one's going to harm you out here. The trainers are taking turns keeping an eye out."
Gin sat on the ground looking around. It was getting dark. "I've never been camping before. I've never left the village unless it was wit our team, Areku." She looked up to see Rock Lee watching her. "Sensei, are there wild animals out here?"
"Don't worry about a thing. Nothing gets past me. We are all looking out for each other. Who would dare to attack seventeen pairs of eyes?" Lee dumped his pile of wood. "At this rate, we're going to have a bonfire."
"I thought that was the idea," Masaru said. He looked at the large pile. "It's almost as tall as I am. Idai, you don't have to be so depressed. You weren't forced to go back." Idai glanced at him before looking away. Masaru walked over to Daiya. He leaned down. "Hey, isn't there something you can say to him? He listens to you the most."
Daiya was surprised to see Masaru concerned. "There's nothing I can say to comfort him. What he did was wrong. He has to settle it with himself and overcome it."
Masaru sat next to him. "I suppose you're right. Still, if it was me, I would have acted the same way. Hire is always taunting us. She's been doing it a lot more since you've been gone. She says ill things to Idai and puts down Yanagi's abilities."
"She's insecure. You can't let someone like her hold power over you. You guys are the only ones that can make her stop. I had a bad vibe about her the moment I met her," Daiya said. He watched Onari move back as Lee lit the fire. The wood started to crackle. Onari moved towards it. "Onari, don't play with that. If you get too close, it'll singe your hair."
"Onari use fire. Fire same? Onari no scared," she said pointing at it. Daiya shook his head at her. She went over to him. Onari started to pad his vest down in search of food.
Daiya turned his head. "Onari, what are you searching for?" She started to put her hands in his pockets and pulling them out.
"She's totally fondling you," Masaru said blushing.
"No, she's searching for food," Daiya said. He grabbed her wrist as she started to unclip his vest. He growled a warning at her. "It wouldn't be in there. My vest is off limits," he said lowly. Onari tilted her head.
Idai whistled. He held up a pear. He waved it at Onari. She immediately went for it and took it from him. As she nibbled on it, he petted her head. "Don't be mad at her, Daiya. She doesn't really know how to ask."
"I wonder when they're going to get back," Gin said as she looked at the village in the distance.
"They will be back soon enough. They're probably putting as much as they can into their back packs," Lee said as he jerked a thumb at the pile of clothes on a sheet.
"I was going to ask about that," Areku said.
Kandai came back laughing with Takeru and Saori. "They put a wet, cold fish in Kiba sensei's pants!" He dropped his back pack.
"Who did," Lee asked.
"Sasuke sensei and my dad," Saori answered.
"Kiba was running off at the mouth about how cheap they were being. They decided to purchase a lot of small things we could carry instead of large quantities that lasted," Takeru said catching his breath. "So Shikamaru sensei held onto Kiba with his shadow possession jutsu in order for Dad to put a fish down his pants." He tensed as Kiba threw down his pack. The man found a water bottle, grabbed a shirt, and took off.
"That's not going to do any good, Kiba," Shikamaru said smiling. He puffed on his cigarette. "We've got plenty of food."
"Where'd he go," Sasuke asked as the kids all brought their bags over.
"I'm assuming he went to wash the smell off," Lee said. "You two are a bad example fro the students. They're supposed to be learning how to get along."
"We do get along. We don't fight," Shikamaru said. He
looked at the students. "Let that be a lesson to everyone: Running off at the mouth will leave you feeling like a fish out of water." Most of the kids laughed.
"I heard that Shikamaru," Kiba said angrily. He threw his shirt down. "And the last laugh is mine! I used your water and Sasuke's shirt!"
The kids froze. They moved away from Kiba, scrambling. Sasuke and Shikamaru were approaching Kiba slowly. "Guys, now is not the time," Lee said as he got to his feet. Kiba was standing his ground.
"Bring it on," Kiba challenged. They both came at him fast. Kiba brought his arm back to swipe at them. As Kiba brought his arm back around, Sasuke came into full contact first. He sneered as he attempted to swipe his claws at the dark haired man. As he did so, his arm was forced back and held. Sasuke was also being held back by a foot that came out of nowhere. Not even Shikamaru could move. The other small foot they saw was forcing him back as well. Kiba looked down to see yellow eyes watching him.
Masaru's mouth dropped. "She stopped them from attacking each other." He pointed at Onari. The girl was eying Sasuke and Shikamaru, "Is she really that strong?"
"That girl is incredible," Lee said. To take on a Jounin at Genin level was foolish. Yet, Onari had no level and was holding off all three of them. He watched as Sasuke grabbed onto Onari's ankle. The girl pushed Shikamaru back with her foot, rotated her body and brother her other leg up to side kick at Sasuke's shoulder. The man's arm came up to block her kick.
"Now, where did you learn a move such as this one," Sasuke said seriously.
Onari held her serious gaze. "Onari watch Sasuke and Izumi. Onari change move." He let go of her ankle. She dropped to the ground.
"She's exceptional for changing someone else's moves to benefit whatever she's trying to pull off. Onari has been working with me and Kandai experimenting. We aren't as quick as she is to come up with our own moves," Eiyu said.
"I can't believe we were stopped by a kid," Shikamaru said.
"It's because you're both acting like one," Areku said seriously. They stared at him. "The truth hurts."
Shikamaru took a drag on his cigarette very slowly. "Say Sasuke, Areku's kind of challenging us, isn't he?" He looked to the dark haired man with a playful smile.
"It sounds like it to me," Sasuke said as he looked at Shikamaru.
Areku looked from one of them to the other. He had no
idea what was going on. They were walking away from Onari and his father towards him. They were moving awfully slowly.
"Areku, you idiot, run! They're tag teaming you," Ryu yelled as he went for the boy. He grabbed him around the waist and took off. He glanced over his shoulder wishing he hadn't. They were right on his tail! Ryu skidded on his feet trying to lose Shikamaru. He was more afraid of Sasuke.
Areku didn't know what to do. He looked at Ryu. The Genin was hailing serious tail. "Are we supposed to fight them? They're not using any techniques against us."
"No! If you use anything against them, they'll come back at us stronger! I can't fight Sasuke alone much less when he's paired with someone else! We just have to avoid them!" Ryu picked up the pace. He could run faster than Sasuke if he was determined enough.
"Shouldn't we help them," Kandai asked. He looked at Kiba and Lee. They were both watching Ryu dodge Sasuke. Shikamaru was coming at him from an angle. Areku freaked and Ryu skidded reversing his trail.
"They're not going to hurt them. I think they're toying with Ryu and Areku. We should eat. They'll get tired soon," Lee said. He sat down checking the provisions. Lee and Kiba both cooked the meat and fed the students. Shortly, Ryu returned being carried by Sasuke. Areku was being carried by Shikamaru. "You two are ridiculous," Lee commented.
Shikamaru sat Areku against a log. The boy slumped over and fell onto his side. "I guess I wore him out more than I thought." He ruffled the top of Areku's hair.
"Shikamaru, what'd you do to my kid," Kiba asked as he came back with several students who were carrying camping equipment.
"He's just tired, Kiba. We only chased them," Shikamaru said. Areku was fast asleep.
Sasuke sat on the ground with Ryu leaning against him. He looked down at him. Ryu was trying to stay awake. Sasuke placed his hand on his student's head. Ryu looked up at him tiredly. "Nice job. We couldn't get our hands on you. Sometimes, even trainers need to let loose and remember what it was like to be your age."
Ryu smiled under his face mask. "Heh. Sensei, can we play again," he asked sleepily with his eyes closing. Ryu felt Sasuke lean back so he could rest on him.
"Yeah," Sasuke answered. Ryu was fast asleep. Half of the students had fallen asleep after dinner. The other half were laying out sheets for everyone to sleep on. Sasuke watched as Lee laid Takeru down. His son rolled over and moved closer to Daiya and Idai.
"I'll take the first watch," Kiba volunteered as he lifted Gin. The girl stirred a little but went back to sleep. He put her on a sheet by herself.
"Yanagi, it's time to go to bed," Saori said shaking her friend's shoulder. "You can lay with me, Eiyu, and Areku." Her friend got up and crawled over to the sheet where she plopped down.
Kandai crawled next to Gin. He yawned hard. "Hire, you can sleep with us if you want," he said tiredly. The dark headed girl shrugged and threw herself next to Kandai. Pretty soon, even Shikamaru lay next to them. Kandai watched Sasuke signal for Onari to lay down with him and Ryu. She lay down, but with trouble. She wasn't familiar with Lee and moved so close to Sasuke that she was to the point of pushing him off of the sheet. Kandai smiled as he closed his eyes. I like camping with my new family.