V5 ch 5

The Otomori Festival continues!

Idai glanced at Masaru as they leaned against a building. The night was pressing on. Parents tugged their children along as street venders called out about their sales. Masaru had remained quiet for some time as he stood with Idai. The Hokage's son was deep in thought as he stared at his feet. "What's bugging you? You're normally as excitable as I am."

Masaru couldn't look Idai in the face. He sighed as he shifted his feet. "I got into an argument with Takeru," he said softly. He crossed his arms. "I'd rather not talk about it," he said cutting Idai off.

Idai glanced at him. "I wasn't going to pry, Masaru. Instead of sulking, I'd worry about me kicking your butt at tag later," he said smiling slyly. Masaru looked at him at that point. "If you can't keep up with me during training, how do you suppose you'll catch me in an event?"

Masaru frowned. "You're also three years older than me, Idai. I'm a little more mature than you," he said straightening his posture. "I don't go around taunting someone else."

"More mature than me are you…?" Idai put his hand on the back of Masaru's head. He pushed the boy's head forward and held it. Masaru started to yell at him to let go. "For someone that's talking about being more mature than me, you sure don't have the strength to back up your mouth."

Masaru gritted his teeth. "Let go of me, Idai! You're being a jerk!" Masaru moved back once Idai let him loose. He raised his arm to hit Idai. As he did, Idai moved back to stick his tongue out at him. "You're so immature!"

"Who's more mature, Masaru? The guy instigating or the one following the instigator," Idai said as he laughed. He moved away just as the blond haired boy came at him. Idai grinned as he twisted his body to avoid Masaru. The boy fell over. Idai kept a hold on his legs.

Masaru started to drag Idai on the ground. "Idai, you idiot! People are staring at us! Get off of me!" He rolled over pushing at Idai.

Idai grinned as he let go only to jump Masaru head on. The boy yelled as Idai tackled him. "What's wrong Hokage boy? You can't take it? Quit acting so stuck up. You're acting as if you don't know how to have fun."

"He doesn't," Takeru said as he located the both of them. Masaru instantly averted his eyes from Takeru's gaze. Idai sat up slightly confused. "You still can't look me in the face?"

Masaru sat up crossing his arms. "What do you want, Takeru? Why don't you go spend your leisure time elsewhere? Get lost."

Idai came in between Takeru and Masaru. He had his arms out to stop them from coming into contact with each other. He looked from one to the other. "What is going on with you two? Neither of you have fought before. Masaru, there's no reason to be rude." Idai pushed Takeru back. "Takeru, why are you so angry? Will someone tell me what's going on? Now, if you please," he said sternly.

Takeru looked at Masaru with a hurt expression in his face. "He doesn't like my brother. He tried to get me to hate him," he said softly. "I don't like you, Masaru. You can't be happy for anyone. You're selfish."

Masaru clenched his fists. "You're blind, Takeru! I guess you'll find out the hard way about people! They're all liars! No one means what they say, or appreciates anything! You're just like them!"

"Shut up! You have a sister and your father doesn't leave the village like mine! I like Daiya as my brother! Just because you don't like him doesn't mean I want to follow the same train of thought as you!" Takeru tried to hit Masaru square in the jaw, but it was blocked by Idai's shoulder.

"I really don't understand what you tow are quarreling about. I'm only a bystander. It seems Masaru is jealous of Daiya. You're reading him wrong, Takeru." Idai turned his gaze on Masaru. "You need to choose your words more carefully. Takeru is thinking you don't want him to be happy. Your concern is being viewed the wrong way. Daiya isn't taking away any attention Takeru needs from his parents. He's actually giving Takeru more attention. See, Daiya needs Takeru and Takeru needs Daiya. They both don't have anyone, without the other. Is that what you want deep down?"

Masaru looked away as Idai's words got to him. "No, I didn't think of it like that," he said softly. "I'm sorry, Takeru," he said as he apologized. "I'm going to go ahead and wait for the event." He walked around Takeru.

Idai looked at Takeru. "You really care about Daiya, don't you? You were prepared to fight for his honor just now. Doe he know about Masaru's feelings regarding him?"

"No, and I'd rather he didn't. Daiya doesn't deserve a spoiled brat's approval," Takeru said with disgust. "Masaru is the first to talk about someone that is different from him. I know he was aggravating Onari last night because her eyes are different. That was enough to make me mad."

Idai rubbed his shoulder. "You hit pretty hard when you're angry. Are you sure you and Daiya aren't really related?" That made Takeru smile. "Where is lightening bug, anyway?"

"I left him with Kiba and Onari. He should be fine. He slept for a while, so they took him to get something to eat." Takeru watched Idai rotate his shoulder. "Idai, wasn't Masaru mean to you, too, when you first joined the team?"

"Hmm? Yeah, he was. He was talking about me to Yanagi. In fact, I think I remember him hiding behind her as if he was afraid of me. Sound-nin don't have very honorable positions with the Hidden Leaf Village. Who knows what he was taught, or what he has heard around the company of the Hokage. I don't blame Masaru for what he hears. It influences his beliefs. Both of you are the youngest in the teams. And in saying so, you two are still learning.

I try to teach Masaru how to be quicker, but unfortunately, his temper gets in the way. It blind sides his thinking. You're much like your father, Takeru. You stand your ground when someone close to you is being threatened. You need to control your timing a little better though. Coming at Masaru from the front, is not wise. It will get you nailed. He works with that large Shuriken on his back; so his arms are stronger than yours." Idai lifted Takeru's arm sleeve. He tsked. "Such a shame. The Uchiha kid has chicken arms. We need to tie on some weights at this rate."

Takeru blinked. "I don't have chicken arms... Chickens don't even have arms, Idai. Why are you on my back?"

Idai smiled at him as he put his arms around Takeru's neck. "This is a new form of training. It will help with your arm strength," he said smiling.

Takeru turned his head around. "You just want me to carry you to your event." He wasn't buying it. Idai was heavier than him. He was struggling to keep a hold on him.

"Why, Takeru, what kind of person do you take me for?" Takeru just stared at him. "And that's exactly what it is! Mush!" Idai kicked his sides like a horse. "Mush, Uchiha! I did the same thing to Masaru, Takeru, don't think you're excluded."

Takeru sighed as he started to carry Idai. "That's what worries me. This better work or I'm going to get you."

"It can't be any worse than your brother," Idai said smiling. He ruffled Takeru's hair. "At least, I'm not making you jog like I made Masaru."

Kiba sat at a table with Onari and Daiya. He crossed his arms and looked around at the night scenery. Star lights hung high overheard the entire area. People were gathered around eating snack foods and drinking tea. Various painted cloths of constellations were hanging around the tables. "You're still groggy from your nap, I see. The stew should help you wake up."

Daiya yawned hard as he rubbed his eyes. Takeru had only let him sleep an hour before he was rudely awakened. "I want to go back to sleep," he said softly. He tried to lay his head on the table, but Kiba stopped him.

"Sorry, Daiya. Sasuke said you had to rest only for a little while, before we got you up. We can't let you over sleep. Your body has to adjust to its endurance level. Out in the field, you might not be able to rest. Staying in a place too long makes you vulnerable. Come on, sit up," Kiba said coaxing him to do so.

Onari tugged Kiba. "Brother Kiba, Onari more?" She showed him her empty bowl.

"Yeah, I can get you more. You must be hungry with all of the running around you've been doing. Daiya, eat." He pushed the bowl at him.

Daiya slowly stick the stick into the stew. He ate it slowly, his body not wanting to do its normal functions. He was so tired, he kept closing his eyes. Daiya felt as if his body was shutting down. He ate a few pieces of stew before his hand dropped the stick. Daiya's hand hit the table as his head fell forward.

Onari turned her head. "Daiya," she called. He was falling asleep whether he wanted to, or not. "Kiba, Daiya," she said pointing.

Kiba turned his head back into the kid's direction. He caught Daiya before he went face first into the bowl. Kiba arose from his chair. He crouched to look up into his face. "Daiya," he called. The boy was sleeping hard. "Dammit, I don't think this idea of Sasuke's is going to work." He lifted the boy out of the chair. Kiba waved to Areku as he saw him pass the small area. His son was walking with Hire, from Sasuke's team. It was something he thought he'd never see.

Areku and Hire both walked over. "Hi, Dad. I would ask if you're enjoying your evening, but it doesn't seem to be too enjoyable. Is Daiya having problems again?"

"Not like before, no. He's exhausted. Sasuke told me to let him rest, but he had to get up and remain so. Daiya was only awake for twenty minutes before his body gave out," Kiba said as he looked at the boy in his arms. "Can you watch Onari until she's finished eating? I don't want her wandering off."

"Yeah, no problem. We can sit with her for you. Take care of him," Areku said as he and Hire sat at the table. Onari was stuffing her face with bread.

"Sasuke sensei, I managed to get some," Saori said as she returned with the smelling salt. She handed him the glass bottle. Sasuke waved it under Daiya's nose. Saori watched as his head moved.

Ryu sat near Daiya watching. Kiba had found them at Heaven's Café earlier. The waiter came close to refusing Kiba to enter because he didn't have a reservation. Sasuke had to meet Kiba at the front in order to find out what was wrong. If Daiya can't force himself to stay awake, he's going to be a huge burden on us when we start taking more advanced missions. There won't be time to assist him if an enemy is on our tail.

Sasuke waved the bottle of smelling slats under Daiya's nose again. "Daiya, you have to get up. We can't let you sleep like this." He shook his shoulder. Daiya whimpered. "Sorry, you have to get up now." Daiya opened his eyes. He was annoyed at being disturbed. Sasuke made him sit up. Daiya pushed at Ryu's hand when Ryu tried to comfort him. His shoulders were tense. "Daiya, stop acting like that towards Ryu. He hasn't done anything to you."

"He's grouchy when he wakes up, isn't he," Saori said. Daiya had a hurt expression on his face because he was being forced to wake up. He was moving away from Ryu with his head lowered. "Daiya, the event you're in is coming up soon. Don't you want to participate?"

"I want to go home," he said. Daiya shook his head trying to get himself to shake off the fatigue. Izumi let him rest if he was at home. In fact, she made him lay down. Sometimes he minded others he didn't. "I can sleep at home. Why can't I go to bed yet?"

"It's a festival. It's also not that late, Daiya. You have to adjust for the sake of your team and yourself. It's not all about you anymore. It's about the others around you," Sasuke said as he placed is hand on his head. "If something were to happen to someone on your team because you couldn't defend yourself, how do you think it would make them feel?"

Daiya looked at Ryu. "Is that why you chose to help me earlier? All of those times? It was because you're the team leader. You're afraid to get in trouble with Sasuke."

Ryu shook his head. "No, I help you due to how I place you amongst the others, Daiya. You're my friend, first. You're my team mate, second. I told you this before. Don't doubt me so easily."

"If you keep pushing Ryu off, you'll never know the truth," Saori said with a soft smile. "I know you second guess everyone. I expect you to, but we're not out to get you. We like you and want to do things with you."

Daiya looked at his feet. "I'm scared of people, Saori," he admitted very softly. "They're cruel and have never given me a chance."

"Sasuke sensei gave you that chance," Ryu said as he leaned forward to look at him. "Idai has never been cruel to you as a friend. Neither have I. You're stronger than you realize, Daiya. Regardless of what we could do to you, you have the ability to electrocute us first. Lightening is faster than a kunai or a shuriken. You're stronger than us. You just have to realize it."

"Daiya, why don't you go watch Idai compete? You should be there to cheer him on," Sasuke said. Ryu stood up with Daiya. "I'll see you later. Our event's up after that one. Go have fun," he said waving at them as he walked off.

Idai waved at the group approaching. He missed a swing from Masaru before he leaned over and kicked the young boy on the rear. Masaru slid in the dirt. Idai bounced over to Daiya, Saori, and Ryu. "Did you guys come to watch me beat Masaru?"

"I heard that, Idai," Masaru yelled. He went running towards him. Idai moved to his left, stuck his right arm out and grabbed Masaru as his right leg kicked Masaru's legs out from under him. Masaru fell onto his back. "Ow," he said. He looked up to see Daiya watching him with a blank stare. Masaru tensed. He kept his eyes on him as he sat up slowly. He moved away, scooting.

Idai watched Masaru out of the corner of his eye. He was protective of Daiya. If Masaru had said anything foul to him, Idai would have decked him. His serious posture relaxed. He smiled happily at Daiya. "I see Sasuke sensei woke you up. I can't wait till we team up against Kiba sensei and your dad."

"You guys are doing the Star Lantern search together? See, if you hadn't of participated in the pie eating contest, we could do that even together," Saori said as she looked at Ryu with a pouty face.

"And what would Takeru say about you wanting to ditch him," Ryu asked. "At least we're pairing up for the Lotus Competition tonight. Idai, are you and Daiya doing that event together, too?"

"No, I'm paired with Masaru for that one. Daiya promised he'd do it with Takeru." Idai noticed Daiya was playing with a chain around his neck. It slipped into his vest. "It looks like someone gave you a present," he said as he smiled at him. "Where'd you get the necklace?"

Daiya lowered his head. He hadn't realized he was playing with it. "T-Takeru gave it to m-me," he said nervously. "H-He doesn't want Dad to know."

Ryu put his fingers on the chain. He lifted it slowly out of Daiya's vest. On the end of the chain was the Uchiha fan with a lightening bolt in the middle. Sensei might get angry for the clan symbol being altered. It's Sasuke's decision whether he adopts Daiya, or not. I don't know what his thoughts are about him. During training, he treats him the same as each of us. Sasuke is confusing me about it. Ryu let the chain go. "I won't tell sensei. It's not my place to. Just be careful about letting him see it. Takeru might get the back blow for altering the clan symbol."

"But he was only trying to include Daiya in their family," Saori said. She watched as he clutched the symbol in his hand. "Sasuke sensei wouldn't punish Takeru, would

he?"

"Alteration of a clan symbol is much like defacing it. It

can be seen as a shameful gesture, or the union of two houses. Sadly, sensei is the last of his clan, other than Takeru. Takeru doesn't know any better, but that's no longer an excuse," Ryu said.

Idai hugged Daiya unexpectedly. "Don't let it worry you," he said softly. "We won't let Sasuke sensei get a hold of Takeru. We'll set up camp elsewhere and go on the road as entertainers if we have to."

"Idai, your juggling hasn't improved," Daiya said rather seriously. He gave him a serious look. His thinking was nowhere as crazy as Idai's.

Idai lowered his head sulking. "Why'd you have to bring that up, Daiya? My hand-eye coordination is off."

Saori smiled. Daiya and Idai got along pretty well for opposites. "Idai, they're signaling for everyone who's in this event to come over."

Idai turned his head. He turned back around to look at Daiya just as serious. His friend raised an eyebrow at him. "Paybacks are rough," he said as he grabbed Daiya's face. He blew two loud raspberries on his cheeks before he took off for the event.

Daiya stood in his wake with his body tense, shoulders raised and cheeks flourished. Saori was lightly laughing. Ryu ruffled his hair.

"The rules for this even are as follows: Tag only on the back, arms, legs, or torso. There is to be no rough play, or hard hits. When I blow the whistle, you all are to avoid each other. Last person standing wins," the announcer for the event said. He blew the whistle. All of the contestants were off.

Idai avoided three older guys who were chasing him. He skidded to his left then to his right and repeated the pattern. One guy jumped at him, but Idai moved back quickly. The man fell to the ground and was tagged by someone else. Idai laughed. "Hah! You couldn't avoid someone if you wanted to!"

"I wouldn't be boasting so soon into the game," Shikamaru said from behind Idai. The white and red haired boy leaned back to look up at him. "Hi, Idai. Enjoying yourself so far?" Idai tensed. "Gai has taught you about mockery, hasn't he? I thought so…" Shikamaru took a puff on his cigarette. He blew it out slowly. People were running around them tagging others. He lifted his arm and smacked Idai on the arm. "See you later," he said smirking.

"Aw, Idai should have run instead of letting Shikamaru sensei get him," Ryu said disappointed in the boy. "The even just started." He sighed.

Masaru Uzumaki chased a girl around that was near his age. He was set on tagging her. The girl squealed as she ran through the crowd. People were running in all sorts of directions. "I'm going to tag you!"

A tall boy came out of nowhere at Masaru. Masaru moved around to avoid his attempted hits. "Hey! What's your problem?"

"You stay away from my sister," the boy said threateningly. He began to chase Masaru around the others. "Let's see how you like it!"

"What kind of an idiot signs up for tag if they don't want to be chased? Give me a break," Masaru said as he formed hand seals. Two copies of himself popped into view. They started to move around him in order to confuse the older boy. "Hey, I wonder if you can figure out which one I am," they all said in unison. They took off through the crowd with the boy chasing them.

Kandai jumped over two people who had started fighting. He tagged both of them as he went past. "Sorry, he said smiling at their surprised faces. Kandai stood still. He waited. Sure enough, four adults were coming at him with determination.

Kandai let them get into range before he shot his arms out spinning his body and turning in a 360 degree circle. He hit each one of them with precise martial arts movements. "Better luck next time," he said proudly.

Shikamaru grinned as he chased Areku. "Where are you going, Areku? It's just a game. You're making it harder on yourself," he said as he started to get within an arm's length of the boy.

Areku stopped quickly. He leaned his body to the right and tagged Shikamaru on the back as he went past. "Sorry, sensei, Inuzukas don't give up so easily," he said. He ran off to tag the others. It wasn't a problem of avoiding those that were after him. He knew where they were by sight, smell, and hearing.

The crowd was beginning to get slimmer each minute. Masaru avoided the guy who had been chasing him quite easily. One of his clones had tagged the boy. However, his clones had also been tagged by others and were now gone.

Masaru looked around the area. He tensed as some guy came rolling in his direction. He avoided him by jumping at the right moment. Masaru looked back to see Areku with his arm out. Oh, man, if Areku hits that hard, I'm in trouble.

Areku gave Masaru a toothy grin like his father. "Where are you going, Masaru?" He started to walk towards the blond haired boy smiling. Masaru started to run. Areku was after him in seconds. He skidded as Masaru did and kept after him.

Kandai popped a boy lightly on the back as Masaru zoomed past him. Areku was after his cousin. "Oh, that's not good. Areku's faster." He felt something hit his shoulder. Kandai looked up to see a girl smiling at him. He found himself blushing. Her hair was short, and pulled over one side of her face to hide her brown eyes. She smiled at him with a wink.

"Paying attention would not be one of your strong points," she said to the ninja boy. She wondered why he was staring at her like he was. She leaned towards him. He was an inch shorter than her. "Am I so stunning that you can't take your eyes off of me?"

Kandai smiled back at her. He was honest and

truthful. "Yes, he said to the girl. She blinked. "I'm Kandai Hyuga. Who are you?"

She smiled at the friendly boy. "Nozomi Sosogiguchi.

You might want to get out of the event. I disqualified you, Kandai Hyuga." She ran off to tag an older girl who was tiring out.

Areku didn't fall for Masaru's clone trick. "Honestly, Masaru, as if I can't tell which one you are!" He chased the real Masaru as the boy tried to whip behind him and tag him. Areku twisted his body as he came off of the ground. He tagged Masaru on the back so hard, he went flying.

Masaru rolled on the ground. He sat up slowly rubbing his side. Areku hit hard, alright. "Man, Areku, you didn't have to bruise me!"

Areku straightened his posture. "Sorry, a ninja strokes

on instinct." Areku took off to tag a few others while Masaru and Kandai left the event. He successfully succeeded in tagging everyone out. He breathed hard as he put his hands on his legs. People watching the event clapped their hands as a man congratulated him on his skills. The man handed Areku a carved mask in the form of a wolf's face. He walked out of the even tiredly. As he the crowd parted, his eyes fell on Hire. She had been watching him take place in the event. He stood for a moment looking at her. "Hire, are you stalking me?"

Hire looked away as she stood directly in front of him. "Yeah, Areku, you can call it what you will," she said in a strange joking manner. She reached forward to put her hand around his wrist. She tugged him along. "Come on; let's go get you something to drink."

Idai bit into his cotton candy. He blinked as he ate it. It was sticky and sweet. "Hey, I like this stuff. What is it called again?"

"Cotton candy," Saori said. She watched him look at her with a huge chunk in his mouth. "Idai, hasn't Gai sensei ever taken you anywhere?"

Idai looked down as he swallowed. "N-no. I'm normally not allowed to be in um… large crowds by myself." He twirled the stick through his fingers. Suddenly, he didn't fee like eating anymore.

"Why aren't you allowed to be with others? You're fourteen, aren't you?" Saori watched as Idai refused to look at her. Did I say something wrong?

Daiya walked with Eiyu and Onari. He noticed something was bothering Idai. There was a heavy awkward silence in the air. He turned his gaze on Idai. Idai's body language was tense and withdrawn.

Onari crawled past Daiya on all fours. She stopped in front of Idai. He was staring at the ground. Onari tilted her head. "Idai why quiet…?" He blinked, his eyes shifting to look at her. Onari swayed her rear at him like a cat wanting to pounce.

Idai slowly reached his hand towards her to rub her head. He smiled at her softly. "No reason," he said trying to take the attention off of himself. He knew Daiya was watching him.

"Onari, it's time for my event. So let's go," Eiyu said rather authoritively. He felt odd being in the type of company around him. He was used to being by himself, or training.

"Eiyu, you're taking the whole 'partner' thing a little too seriously," Saori said blandly.

"My father told me to take care of Onari while we're here. She's still under constant training and learning. Besides, Daiya's in the same event as I am. He can't watch her right now," Eiyu said as Onari leapt at Idai. "Onari, that wasn't polite."

Onari towered over Idai smiling at him. "Idai take Onari place?" He tilted his head at her. She pointed off into the distance where people were playing games at some of the booths. Onari sorted through the words in her memory. "Onari game." She sat up rubbing her head with both of her hands in frustration. "Onari pl-ply game Idai with." She shook her head at the incorrect dialect. "Idai pl-play game w-with Onari."

Idai sat up. He hugged her lightly. "Okay, we'll go play some games while Eiyu and Daiya go to their event. Saori, are you coming?"

"Yeah, why not? I'll beat you at the goldfish game," she said. She stood up grabbing onto Onari's wrist. "Wish them well, Onari. They're up against Sasuke sensei and everyone in the village."

"Daiya and Eiyu be good," Onari called as Saori tugged her down the road.

"Well, you heard her. 'Be good', Daiya," Eiyu said as they started to walk off.

"Shut up, Eiyu. Leave my sister's vocabulary alone," Daiya said. He narrowed his eyes.

"The next event that is taking place is the Blind Man's Bluff. All participants who are taking part need to check in at the gate," the announcer for the event said loudly. He went through the crowd calling everyone over.

Sasuke stood waiting as he saw two youngsters come running towards him. It was Eiyu and Daiya. He rolled his shoulders. "I was wondering when you guys would show up. The event starts in a few minutes."

"What exactly are we supposed to do," Daiya asked as he watched two boys playing around. Most of the contestants for this event were males. He moved back against Sasuke suddenly when the announcer came walking by with a few others following him.

"I'm not sure if this event is suited for you, Daiya. To play this event, you must be able to not flinch when another person darts at you. If that person succeeds, you're out. It's kind of like playing chicken. I don't want you to be startled by someone. Are you up for it," he asked. Daiya nodded slowly.

"You have to have the mindset that you're stronger than the person you're up against. If you can't set your mind on it, everything else falls out of place," Eiyu said. "You're stronger physically than most, from what I've seen, but it's noticeable you aren't sure of yourself. Step up to the plate and stand your ground, Daiya. You need to be the mountain now – not the tree that is easily torn down."

Daiya pushed his back into Sasuke more. Eiyu was very sure of himself. He knew who he was and what he had to accomplish. Daiya had always been trying to survive before. "I-I don't know how to do that," he said softly.

"You need a reason do you? I thought you were smarter than this. Don't you have a sister and brother now who need you? You're the oldest at sensei's now, right? Onari and Takeru won't know the correct path to follow unless they have guidance. If you're the mountain that stands firm in what's right in your beliefs, they'll follow your example, to be blunt," Eiyu said. "Stop being afraid of strangers and adults. You're just as much of a threat as they are."

Daiya looked up at Sasuke for reassurance. Eiyu was firm alright. Was it possible for him to be the same?

"If you have something you want to change, or something you want to remain the same, you must fight for it. There are people who will try and take away your hopes, friends, family – and your life. You need to learn this now. You must fight for yourself, Daiya. Eiyu is right. You're stronger than you assume," Sasuke said. He placed his hand on Daiya's shoulder. He turned his head. "We're fixing to go in. I wonder how they're going to do this event."

As they showed a man their charms, they were led to an area where they had to stand in a line. The ones behind them were led to stand in front of them in another line, fifty meters away. The announcer stood in the middle of the group and shouted to where everyone could hear him. "This event is the Blind Man's Bluff. It is similar to tag and the game chicken. The person standing across from you is who you are up against. Each person will run straight ahead at the other person. Keep your course and stay straight. The object of this game is to get to the other side and avoid your opponent by using a move against him. You may choose to bluff your opponent by getting him to make a move against you. If your bluff is called and your opponent does not make contact, he is out. Simple and short: To get to the other side, you must make a hit."

Eiyu crossed his arms confidently. He snorted. Those adults have nothing against me. They're up against a Hyuga. He smiled. "Let them come. This will be interesting."

"It's only a game, Eiyu. Try to have a little fun. Don't hurt them," Sasuke said as he smiled slyly at the boy. Eiyu was very competitive for his age. It was no wonder Rock Lee had made him the team leader.

Daiya looked from Eiyu to Sasuke. He wanted to prove to them that he could go up against another person. He wondered if a pair was going to move while another pair was going. Would they have to wait until each pair went? As he thought about it, the announcer blew a whistle. Everybody started to run at the same time. He hesitated, but forced his legs to move.

Eiyu was more skilled than the guy he was up against. He tilted his body to the left quickly as the boy tried to hit him on the arm. The announcer called his opponent out. Eiyu made it to the other side successfully. He looked to his left. Daiya and Sasuke had also made it over. "Good job," he told Daiya. "This will also test your endurance. It looks like we're going again," he said as he sped off.

Daiya slid on the dirt as he turned his body to the side. His right arm went out to keep himself from falling over as his opponent tried to bluff. Daiya lifted his right leg and kicked the boy on the back. The boy didn't think he was out and went after Daiya. "Get off of me," he yelled as the boy jumped onto his back.

"You didn't have to kick me! That was unfair! You ignored the proper rules of engagement," the boy said angrily.

"Hey, you there! Get off of that kid! Yantana, get off of that boy," a man wearing one of the ceremonial robes said as he pulled the boy off of Daiya. "You're out son. Stop being a poor sport."

"He kicked me! He was only supposed to hit me with his hands," Yantana argued. He glared at the ninja.

Daiya clenched his fists. The words Eiyu and Sasuke had spoken to him earlier had empowered him. "Stop acting like a spoiled brat and get out of the event! If you want me to hit you, I'll knock a few stars in your eyes!" The boy narrowed his eyes at Daiya in return. "If you have something to say, spill it." Daiya's hair spiked out as the electrical currents went through his hair. His body was tense.

The man wearing the ceremonial robes grabbed Yantana by the collar. "There is to be no fighting during events. Both of you are disqualified," he said. The boy in front of him gritted his teeth. He kept his hold on Yantana.

"Daiya, that's enough," Sasuke said as he approached the commotion. The event was being held up. He gave the boy a stern look. "Go find Ryu and the others." Daiya hesitated as he contemplated Sasuke's words. "It wasn't a suggestion. Now, Daiya." Daiya walked out of the event angrily. He glanced at the boy who had started it all. "If you're going to pick a fight with someone, I suggest you know your opponent. He was fixing to electrocute you." Sasuke walked back to this position in line.

Eiyu crossed his arms. "Perhaps I shouldn't have spoken earlier." He hadn't figured out that Daiya would actually listen to him and Sasuke.

"No, it's fine. Now he's starting to stand up for himself. It should get interesting. Daiya's also beginning to realize he's a lot stronger than he gives himself credit for." The announcer called for everyone to resume. "Alright, Eiyu, we're up again."

Eiyu ran straight ahead at his new opponent. The older man he was up against, swung at him, but Eiyu moved back swiftly. He sure is persistent. He blocked a direct hit at his face. Eiyu came back as he activated Byakugan. He punched a few of the man's chakra points. The man fell over.

Sasuke moved his body to the side as a large man tried to swing at him, also. He took the man's arm and held it as he brought his leg up. He kicked the man in the side hard. The man groaned. Sasuke watched as the man held his side. He ignored the pain on his opponent's face as he moved across.

"This is getting interesting," Eiyu commented as they went again. He glanced at Sasuke. It seemed the man was just as competitive as he was. This is going to be very interesting. Let's see what these villagers can do. He smirked.

"Look at how many toys I won," Idai said proudly. He put them on the table in a large pile. Yanagi smiled at him. She picked up a stuffed cat. Idai petted the top of Onari's head. "Onari won the goldfish game."

"Wow, you've got a really big bear, Onari. Did you win it for anyone in particular," Yanagi asked as she kept playing with the cat in her hands. It wore a small bell around its neck.

"Onari win bear for Takeru," she said as she put it on the table.

"Yanagi, you can have the cat if you want it," Idai said with a smile. She got embarrassed. "Don't be so embarrassed about it. I'm not keeping them." Yanagi hugged the plush cat.

Saori walked over with a stuffed animal she had won. It was a large alligator. Daiya was with her. He was angry, too. "Well, does anyone know where Ryu and Takeru are?"

"No, we haven't seen them for some time. Daiya, what's wrong," Idai asked. His best friend looked away not answering. "Daiya..?"

Saori sighed. "Sasuke sensei told him to find Ryu. He got in trouble at the event. Seems some kid jumped on him and he tried to fight him." Daiya's hair spiked again. Saori reached over and put her arm around him. He was very tense. "I know the other guy was out of line and you had every right to swing at him, but if we get in trouble while we're here, we won't be allowed out of the village again," Saori said lowly to where only he could hear her. She smiled at him softly as he untensed and looked at her. "Besides, if you want to get him back and not get caught, you have to be less direct and sly about it."

Daiya looked at her seriously. "The wheels are turning in your head. And… you're hugging me."

"Yes, and I'm not so bad huh?" Saori kept her arm around him. He seemed to be pondering. "You need to be more social. Our intention isn't to hurt you. We like you."

"You're honestly not afraid of me being able to electrocute you," Daiya asked. His body was well charged due to his anger. He watched Saori shake her head. "Aren't you afraid because I'm different?"

"Mm, no. I'm not afraid of you, Daiya. I'm afraid for you.

I worry about what will happen to you if you remain so closed up. We don't want to cause problems for you. We're trying to get rid of them."

Everyone watched as Daiya turned all of a sudden to hug Saori. Saori blinked. "Was it something I said?"

"So the next event is Hunter. It sounds a lot like playing Murder, Ryu said as he looked at the sign. "Gin, you should win this even easily. All you have to do is run and avoid everyone. You never know who the Hunter will be. Don't trust anyone."

Gin looked at the walkway they had to walk down. It

was roped off. The woods were dark. "So there will be someone who is going to try and get everyone out."

"That's pretty much how it goes. You can't trust anyone. Not even Takeru," Ryu said as he jerked a thumb in Takeru's direction.

Takeru smiled at Gin. "I think they pick someone once everyone shows up. I think it'll be fun. Areku, Hire, and Yanagi are all signed up with us. It's almost time to go in."

"How much do you want to bet that sensei won the last event? He cheats, you know. I should have gone to see how Eiyu's Byakugan faired against the Sharingan," Ryu said with a smile.

Takeru closed his eyes sighing. Others were starting to approach the pathway. A man unhooked the rope. He called for all participants to walk down the path who were involved in Hunter. "Dad's competitive. Eiyu's no match for his training. Alright! Ready, Gin?"

"I guess so. I'm nervous, Takeru. These guys look serious about it," she said as she watched the men smirk at her. Gin tensed as a few started punching their fists into their hands. Takeru put his arm around her and glared at the larger males.

Ryu waved Takeru and Gin off as they walked down the path. This event wasn't allowed to have spectators. It helped limit the chance of the 'Hunter' being revealed. "Do your best, Gin! I'm rooting for you!"

"We need to hurry! The event is gong to start!" Hire ran with Areku and Yanagi. She grabbed onto Yanagi's wrist and pulled her along. "Run as if an enemy is on your tail! They close the path in one minute!"

Areku skidded on his heels with the girls following him. All three of them lifted their charms at the man who minded the pathway as they shot past him. The man blinked. "Hire, we have to stop being late for everything."

They made it just as everyone waited in a large group.

Yanagi panted hard. She waved to Takeru and Gin as they approached. "Your dad beat Eiyu at Blind Man's Bluff," she said as she caught her breath. "Eiyu was determined, but I think Sasuke sensei was more skilled."

Gin noticed Areku holding Hire's hand. Had something happened while they were away? She smiled. Was her best friend able to get past Hire's defenses? Hire seemed to be less threatening now.

A man wearing a deer costume walked through the crowd. Everyone stopped to look at him. More deer started to appear. Hire watched as the deer mingled for a little while. Suddenly, a deer stood on its hind legs, brandishing a bow and arrow. The man shot the arrow out into a space of the crowd where no one was standing. The deer started to run away from the participants with the hunter chasing them.

"Welcome one and all to this year's event of Hunter," a woman said loudly through the night. "This event will test several things from each of you: your physical strength, reasoning skills, trust in each other, and ability to decipher who the hunter is. The gentlemen going around are handing out scrolls. Do not open them as of yet. Your job is to avoid each other. If you are caught by the hunter, you are disqualified. The hunter who is chosen will have a red mark in his or her scroll. As the hunter, you are to seek out each person in the even and say 'Caught you. You are not to have physical contact with anyone. There is to be no hitting, kicking, or other forms of poor sportsmanship. This even has a time limit of thirty minutes. If the hunter cannot get everyone out, the hunter loses." Everyone booed. "You may now open your scrolls. Do not let anyone see what you have."

Takeru opened his scroll. It was blank. If he didn't get the red mark, who had it? He looked around. Everyone had already looked at their scrolls and closed them. The men, who were coming around, took the scrolls back. The whistle blew and they were off. Takeru ran up a tree using his chakra. He took to the shadows.

Gin ran away from the crowd at high speed. She was more afraid of someone sneaking up on her. She quickly hid in a large bush, her ears listening.

Areku heard the footsteps around him stop. It seems whoever the hunter was, was already in motion. He took to the trees instantly. His guard was up. He sniffed the air a few times. Damn, there's too many scents shifting around to know which one of them are close.

Hire wondered where the others were. She had her

back against a tree. The silence through the woods was starting to bother her. Everyone was hiding. If no one moves, no one will win. She exasperated.

Yanagi Lee crawled on all fours towards a boy who was standing, listening. She approached him from behind slowly and cautiously. She stood up. "Caught you," she said with a smile. The boy jumped. She touched his cheek with red paint. It signaled he was out of the event. "Sorry," she said as she ran off.

Takeru wondered what was going on. He stayed low to the branch as he crawled out onto it. He tilted his head, listening. The gold earrings he wore, clinked. Takeru whirled around as he heard the sound of a drop. A man who had also been hiding not far from him fell from another tree. Whoever it is, is close. He waited. The quietness was getting on his nerves. "Where are you," he asked softly.

"Right behind you," Yanagi said as Takeru flipped his head around. His eyes were wide. She was hanging upside down. "Caught you, Takeru Uchiha," she said with a smile as she placed a red mark on his cheek.

Yanagi dropped. She flipped over in the air, landing on her feet like a cat. "It's only paint, Takeru. It's not real blood. I think I'll go after Hire next. Areku's a bit of a challenge."

Hire put her ear to the ground, listening for any footsteps coming in her direction. She had thought about summoning her Minotaur, but he was primarily for defense. She watched as Yanagi poked her head around a bush. What is she doing? Yanagi was looking around frantically.

Hire waved at her from the dark. "Yanagi, what are you doing? You'll get caught sticking your head out!" Yanagi started coming towards her, her eyes darting around. "Oh, come on. It's not like we're on a mission," Hire said as Yanagi stood next to her sighing as if she was relieved.

Yanagi turned her head, her eyes shaky with fear. "Hire?" Hire raised a brow as she looked at her. Yanagi touched her cheek, leaving a red paint mark. "Caught you," she said as Hire tried to swing at her. Yanagi moved back giggling. "Now let's see if I can catch your boyfriend!"

Hire blushed, her eyes going wide. "He's not my boyfriend!" She stood with her heart flopping around in her chest. Is… he?

Gin wasn't moving. If she did, she knew someone would see her. Gin had an idea. She formed hand seals in front of her body. "Chain link," she said softly. She opened her eyes. Appearing all around her were glowing chainlike threads that went from each plant around her. She lifted her hand to touch one. "How many people are still in this event?" 6. "Are the ninja with me still playing?" Yes. Gin formed the faces of her friends in her mind. "Out of these people, who can you still see?" Areku and Yanagi's faces flashed in her mind. She opened her eyes. Everyone was out so quickly. Gin remained where she was. Whoever was catching everyone was skilled.

Yanagi struck out two others since she had tagged Hire. Alright, Takeru gave himself away. Hire fell for the innocent act. Areku can sniff me out, which is a bit of a problem. However, I'm sure I can find a way to get him. Gin, on the other hand, hasn't moved since the event started. She may be a challenge. She can use the trees to strike at someone and I believe, gain insight on her opponent. Okay, Areku is first. Gin I'll have to think about. I'm running out of time. Yanagi started to cut foliage off of the bushes.

Areku narrowed his eyes. Time was running out for the event. His eyes looked around as he sniffed. Areku started to move through the woods cautiously. Was the event over? He hadn't seen anyone in a long time. How would they know if everyone was out?

Areku heard a few leaves move from behind him. He turned around. There was no one there. He didn't smell anyone's scent on the wind. It's not an animal. Someone's out there. I know it. He walked through the forest looking for any signs of another person. Where are the other participants?

"I know you're out there. I can't catch your scent, but I know you're watching me. Instead of lurking through the shadows, face me," he growled.

"Why, Areku Inuzuka, you're just as impatient as Masaru," Yanagi said as she formed out of the tree from behind him. She touched his cheek. "Caught you," she said with a smile.

"Yanagi? You're the hunter? When did you learn genjutsu," Areku asked.

"My dad isn't the only one who trains me, Areku. My mom is known for getting out of genjutsu traps. So, in saying that, she'd have to be familiar with it, right? Anyway, I still have to get Gin out," Yanagi said as she waved. There was only five minutes remaining in the game.

Gin ducked to the ground. The link she had with the trees broke. So far, she had managed to avoid being caught. She wasn't sure who the hunter was in the event. Gin was aware time was running out. She froze as a scream went through the night air.

Was that…Yanagi? Gin almost stood up, but the event wasn't over. She had to hold it together. She was a team leader now. Gin swallowed hard. I can't let someone defeat me this easily. I have to give it my all.

Yanagi frowned. Gin hadn't fallen for the trick. She looked around. There was no sign of her anywhere. A loud bell sounded throughout the area. Yanagi swore. Time was up. Gin had won. "Darn it. Gin, you beat me! You can come out now!" There was no movement. "Oh, man. She thinks I'm bluffing her. Well, I better get Areku." She walked off to the front of the area to find Areku.