V8 ch 5
The beginning of our lives
Several weeks later….
Ryu lifted his backpack onto his shoulders. He checked his vest carefully for scrolls and made sure he had everything he needed. He turned around for a brief moment to look back at his room. It was a simple bare room with a small twin bed. There was a desk in the corner that he rarely sat at. Ryu preferred to sit on the bed to write his jutsus onto his scrolls.
Ryu turned around to step through the doorframe. He made his way out of the apartment not looking back. Today the students began the journey of their lives. Soon the Chunin exams were going to begin.
Neji and TenTen stood at the steps of their home looking over their twin sons. Kandai and Eiyu had grown up since they started training on their teams two years ago. TenTen was fussing over them the only way a mother could. Neji placed his hands on the top of the boys' heads. "Look after each other and your team mates. Now is the time to make your mark on the world."
TenTen waved at her sons as they turned around to walk out of the Hyuuga compound with their backpacks. She felt saddened that they were leaving, but a mother's love for her children was eternal. She hoped Eiyu and Kandai grew with each other and the experiences that they faced ahead.
Saori Nara yelled at her father to hurry up. She threw Rose onto her back then straightened her clothes. "Dad, come on. It's time to get this show on the road," she said with a grown-up voice. Saori shut her door hard before she went running down the hall. "Dad," she yelled again trying to get her father's attention.
Shikamaru zipped his vest up. He padded himself down to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything. Just as he whirled around to check his room again, he suddenly found the pack of cigarettes he knew he couldn't be without. "Hold your horses, Rascal." He felt Temari kiss his cheek. "Take care of yourself while we're gone. Wish us luck."
"Luck is for dragons," Temari said. She hugged her husband hard. "I wish you both a safe return," she said instead.
"Saori, at least say 'goodbye' to your mother and Chame," Shikamaru said as he hoisted his backpack.
"Bye, Mom! Don't let anyone beat you up, Chame," Saori said more to the effect of a warning than a confidence booster. She pulled her father by the hand out of the door. Saori was excited to visit another village- even if it was the Mist Village.
Gin smiled as she met Idai outside of her house. She turned around to wave at her parents before she left. Gin reached for Idai's hand after they were out of sight of her house.
Idai leaned over as they walked to kiss Gin's
temple tenderly. He felt her lean into him slightly. Once the exams started, they would all be competing with each other for dominance and respect. Idai hoped he and Gin wouldn't face each other in the exams. He already knew if it came down to it, he'd have to knock her unconscious to keep from hurting the girl he was in love with.
Forfeiting wasn't an option.
Areku smirked as he put a strawberry hanker chief around Ichigo's neck. The pup made her comments regarding it. "It's not that flashy. What if you meet someone that sparks your interest, Ich?"
Ichigo doubted that. They were going to kick some serious butt. She wanted to be feared. Making friends was not part of the Chunin exams in her eyes.
Kiba complained about Kashira fussing over him. "Kashira, I'll be fine. This isn't the first exam I've led students to. Worry about Areku." He made a face as his wife tried to be romantic all of a sudden.
Kiba's face turned red as Kashira let her shirt fall enough to where he could see cleavage. "The boy is right there!" He pointed to where Areku had been standing.
"Parents are gross," Areku said as he started to walk off. "Dad can catch up later." Areku grumbled as he heard loud noises coming from his home. He started to pick up the pace the moment he heard Kiba yell in surprise followed by a huge crash.
Masaru Uzumaki brushed off his clothes. He clipped the two large shuriken he used onto his back before leaving his room. Outside, he was met by his father and a few of the guards. "Are you really going to the exams with us?"
Naruto adjusted the Hokage hat on his head. "It's part of my duty as the village leader to meet with the other village leaders when the competition starts. It's a very important event."
"How many leaders are going to be there?" Masaru crossed his arms. The ANBU stood around his father acting as a strong defense. We aren't even out of the village yet.
"All of the village leaders will gather at the Mist Village. They are bringing the best of their teams to compete. It's not only about showing skills, but also survival. Everyone is going to make their presences known. A lot of the teams were turned away from the exams this year. They weren't able to stick with the rough training routines I incorporated over the past several months. I wanted all of you to have the chance of coming home," Naruto said to where Masaru understood.
"Do ninja die every time the exams take place," Masaru asked not sure what he had gotten himself into.
"Yes. Lots of ninja die when competing against each other," Naruto answered. "They lose against each other, as well as, the environment they are up against. Your guard needs to be up the moment we leave the village, Masaru. Sabotage has been known to occur."
Masaru nodded his facial expression becoming tense.
Yanagi hit the wooden pillar outside with several bilateral arm punches. She stepped back once she was finished to examine her hands. Yanagi reached into her back pouch to wrap her bruised knuckles. I have to keep pushing myself. I four team is going to overcome the obstacles we're about to face, I must do everything I can, to win.
Lee whistled for his daughter. "Yanagi, it is time to go. Take your training out on your opponents." He turned around to leave the training area.
Yanagi bent over to get her bag. She took one last look at the pillar. I'll snap you in two when I get back.
Takeru watched his brother bandage his torso and arms. He got off his bed to walk over to him. "Daiya, are you going to be alright?" He saw the look his brother game him. "I mean, are you prepared for the exams?"
"Of course I'm prepared," he said to-the-point. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Daiya had stopped being Takeru's equal some time ago. Lately, he had turned into a dominating older brother.
"I-," Takeru closed his eyes. He didn't know what Daiya would think of him. He shook his head. Takeru grabbed his back pack. He marched out of his room. It wasn't long before he saw Onari waiting at the front of the house outside. He knew she was watching him behind the mask she wore. "I couldn't tell him."
Onari reached her arm out to stroke his cheek with her finger. "Takeru, Sasuke and Izumi were against him attending. His heart is not better. This could be the end to Daiya's stubbornness."
"He's an adult, Ri. That's the way he's to be portrayed at his age. Daiya's not a child. He won't understand me saying something like that," Takeru said in his own defense.
"When are you going to tell him, Takeru? Actions will be more demanding when we get to the Mist Village. Daiya is a tough guy, but he listens when you speak softly," Onari said. As if on cue, Daiya exited the house.
Daiya stood more as an authority figure away from Onari and Takeru. His mind was in a 'no bars held' frame. The exams were to be taken with sheer determination and force. He wanted to prove he wasn't an abomination.
Sasuke soon met up with the kids. The air seemed to be heavy outside. He noticed Daiya was standing away from the other two. Takeru had something on his mind, too. Sasuke didn't want to interfere. Whatever it is, they'll have to settle it on their own. "Start moving. The other teams will beat the main gate soon."
Takeru took one last look at his home. His mother had said 'goodbye' to all of them earlier that morning. She was upset that they were leaving. It was hard for her to except the fact that all three of them were growing up.
"I would like everyone to go ahead and get with their teams," Naruto said. The ANBU were standing behind him on guard. "Look at each of your team mates. The two others in your cell will be helping you to survive. Once the exams start, your trainers will not be allowed to interrupt the matches. You must fight for each other, as well as, yourself.
Your trainers have been given confirmation to enter the village at certain times on a specific day for registration. Each team will leave separately to take a different route to the Mist Village. You will not see each other again until you are opponents at the exam."
The students stared at each other. This was it.
Training days were over. They were all going to be separated. "Say your farewells to each other now," Naruto said giving them the chance to transition.
Yanagi approached Saori slowly. She looked at her best friend. "Take care of yourself," she said hugging her hard as her eyes closed. "Keep an eye on Daiya for me."
Daiya stared at the pink haired girl. He cupped her face in his hands as he kissed her on the forehead tenderly. He closed his eyes, breathing her in. Yanagi tried to suppress her feelings, but he felt them. "Look after her, Idai," he said not taking his eyes away from her face.
Idai reached his hand up to mess with Daiya's hair. "You don't have to ask. I always look after her." He felt Gin clasp her hand with his. "Make sure Areku and Ichigo don't get their butts kicked, okay," he said with a light smile.
"I heard that, Idai," Areku yelled as he stopped saying his goodbyes to Saori.
Takeru jumped on Ryu's back. He hugged him hard around the neck as he hung his head. "Ryu, I'll see you again, right?"
Ryu blushed at the sudden attention from Takeru. He rubbed the boy's head fondly. "Yeah. Now get off of me."
Eiyu was fine with the situation. He was surprised when Kandai hugged him though. "What has gotten into you?"
"We've never been apart from each other. You're my brother. Shouldn't I be worried I won't see you again," Kandai asked as he stepped back.
Eiyu didn't show any reaction to what his brother said. For twins, they were total opposites. He was a recluse while Kandai sought attention. Eiyu figured his brother was worried about his own securities. Eiyu wouldn't be there to protect him anymore. Kandai was going to have to protect himself.
Onari pushed Takeru at Daiya. She wasn't letting him bail out now. "Tell him, Takeru." Daiya raised a brow as he watched the both of them. "Daiya, listen to Takeru."
"Listen to what? He's quiet as a mouse – something I've never seen before," Daiya said. Takeru was embarrassed about something. He was staring at the ground. "Whatever it is, say it. Everyone's gone back to their teams."
"I-," Takeru stopped. He shook his head. Onari pushed him closer. "Ri, I can't. He's not going to understand!" Takeru yelped as Daiya grabbed his shoulders. His shaky eyes met his brother's.
"Stop wasting my time. Grow up and say it, Takeru. You're not a child anymore. The second we leave, you'll be an adult," Daiya scolded.
"I… love you," Takeru said to where only Onari and Daiya heard his words. He saw how shocked Daiya was to hear it. "I told you a long time ago when… you were still as innocent as me. But neither of us are like that anymore. I know when we leave here, things will be different. For now, at this moment, I love you, Daiya. You're everything I could want in an older brother. Please be careful," Takeru said as he turned around with Onari. They went back to their team.
As soon as everyone was calmed down, Naruto called the teams in order that they would leave. "The first team to leave is Rock Lee's team." The team moved to the front. Naruto signaled them to depart as his hand came down. "Go!" Everyone gasped as Lee's team flashed then vanished with speed. "The next team to leave is Kiba's team." Kiba's team moved forward.
Yanagi swallowed hard. Her heart was racing. She didn't have the heart to turn around to see Daiya. She had to be a strong woman from this moment on – for him and for herself.
Idai moved his hand to clasp it with hers. "I'm next to you, Yanagi. Take a deep breath. Ryu will watch over him. Calm down," he said softly.
"Go," Naruto commanded. Kiba's team took off from the village. "Next team to leave is Sasuke's team." The team approached the gate. "Go!" Sasuke's team took off. "Last team to leave is Shikamaru's team. Go!" Shikamaru and his team exited the village on their course to the Mist Village.
Ryu flew through the trees with his team. They were following Sasuke through an unknown route to the Mist Village. Ryu glanced at Daiya. It was his responsibility to watch over him. He had promised to keep him safe. Ryu caught on to how Daiya acted as of late. It concerned him to a point. I can remember when he used to be afraid to take direction from me. Now he listens without an argument. Is this the right path for him? Was I being selfish about going to the Chunin exams? Ryu saw how focused Daiya was. I feel like I'm making a bad decision.
"Sensei, how long will it take us to get there," Saori asked.
"A few days," Sasuke answered as he touched down and leapt off a branch. "Keep your eyes and ears open. We aren't the only ones headed for the exams."
"What do you mean," Daiya said thinking his dad was referring to the teams that had just left the village.
"It'd be a shame if a few teams didn't make it to the docks. That's where we're headed. We warned you there was sabotage," Sasuke said.
"Oh, great," Ryu said sarcastically.
Ushi Sarumara from the Demon country moved his green eyes around. He smiled as he flicked his cigarette aside. "Time to play," he said as he leapt off the branch. Unlike some of the teams on the journey to the Chunin exams, his team had split up. What fools they are. It only makes them more of a target when they travel in packs.
Ushi stopped to form hand seals. Once the combination was completed, he touched the branch. Light shinned brightly throughout the area as the metal wolf he used on his targets showed itself. Ushi picked at his teeth. "It's time to play, Bansho. New Genin are dying to meet you."
The metal wolf turned its shiny head. Its long razor sharp metal hairs moved in the wind. Bansho sensed a new group coming towards them. It leapt off with its master to devour the Genin.
Yanagi Lee brought her leg out in a straight kick as the foreign ninja came towards her. She spun around unleashing a swarm of kunai at him. Yanagi's eyes widened as the man poofed to appear over her head. Her eyes drifted up to see him coming down on top of her.
Idai forced Yanagi to the ground as he shielded her from the man's shuriken attack. Idai brought out his word and rotated his wrist. He deflected the weapons from hitting her. It was the least of his problems.
Kiba and Masaru were fighting a large frightening wolf that appeared to be made of metal. The beast bit through a small sapling to get at them. Kiba pushed Masaru back as the bottom of his ninja shoe sent the wolf slamming into a tree. "All of you – go! Your concern is to get to the exam!"
Yanagi ducked as a kunai went over her head. She threw herself to the ground as Idai was forced back by the foreign ninja. She scrambled to get out of the way as Idai fought to keep the guy off of him. Yanagi froze as a metal head came around a tree to look directly at her. The wolf bared its teeth. Her eyes went wide.
Masaru threw his large shuriken at the branch over Yanagi and Idai. It sawed through the wood as if it were paper. Masaru grinned as the branch fell onto the metal wolf, slamming it onto the ground. "Don't underestimate me!"
Yanagi narrowed her eyes. She got up to turn on her heels. She ran directly at the guy who was fighting Idai. Yanagi tackled him from the side. "You're out numbered!" She punched him hard in the stomach as the man attempted to kick her. Yanagi blocked it. She hit the guy on the middle of his back with full force. The man was not staying down. He was back up moving his arms, twirling, to strike her.
Idai rotated both of his swords together. He turned his body to throw the wind at the guy as he went for Yanagi. Idai watched as the wind forced the man to be thrown out of their area. Idai breathed hard. He turned his head to glare at the wolf. It was trying to get out from under the heavy branch. Idai started to make his way towards it until Kiba called after him.
"We're done here. The best thing we can do is get out of here. He may not be alone. Idai, leave it," Kiba stressed. He waited until the team re-grouped before they took off.
Rock Lee guided his team safely through the area until they were in close range of a small village. "We're stopping here for the night. It'll be unwise to move any further," he said as they ran swiftly to the village. "I'll see if there is a place for us to stay." Lee walked off to find a resident or inn to take his team to.
Eiyu placed his back against the wall of a building. He sunk to the ground. "He's pushing us as hard as he can to get us there. Is there really ninja out there who are trying to stop us from reaching the exams?"
Onari crouched next to Eiyu. She placed her hand on the side of his head to push him towards her. Onari leaned her head on his. "Eiyu has not chased Onari enough to be concerned about chasing Lee this far."
Eiyu blushed. "You're embarrassing me," he said trying to avoid the way he was feeling. Despite him being comfortable with his new situation regarding Takeru, he still harbored feeling for Onari. Maybe it was wrong of me to break up with her. I shouldn't have let my ego get in the way.
Takeru patted Eiyu on the head to distract him. "Hey, what village is this anyway?" He was becoming slightly jealous of how at ease Eiyu was with Onari.
Eiyu glanced up at him. "How should I know?" He straightened his posture to where he wasn't leaning against Onari anymore. Eiyu finally stood up. "Let's go find Lee."
"He told us to wait here, Eiyu," Takeru said as his team leader started to walk off. Onari turned her head to look at him before she soon followed Eiyu. "No one ever listens to me," he muttered under his breath.
Eiyu glanced around the village at the people. Some of them were avoiding his gaze, or were staring. "I suppose there aren't a lot of ninja who come through here."
"Where could he have gone? This place isn't that big. It looks like a normal farming village," Takeru said as he moved out of the way. A man carrying hay went past him. Takeru looked ahead to see Lee walking towards them.
"I thought I instructed you three to wait where
you were," Lee said.
"It was Eiyu's idea to walk off," Takeru said placing the blame elsewhere.
"And whose idea was it to follow him," Lee countered. Takeru didn't seem to have a come back for that one. "Next time, I expect my team to listen. Now is not the time to be pointing fingers, Takeru."
Takeru stayed silent as they followed Lee to a hut on the other side of the village. A young woman stood at the front of the house. She appeared as if she were waiting on them.
"This way please," she said as she led the kids into the back of the shop. Shigeko gestured for them to follow her down a certain hallway to avoid being seen by customers. She issued them into a bare room. "We normally use this area for our stock to replenish the store. However, it will act as a temporary bedroom. Please be gone before you are noticed," she said as she exited the room.
"Friendly, wasn't she," Takeru said as his team stared at the bare room.
"It's to be expected. We're not wanted here. Ninja must have a negative effect on this village," Eiyu said. He looked out of the window. There were a few people walking past. "It's a quiet village. There isn't really anything exciting that goes on here."
"We should eat and lay down. It would be wise for us to leave as soon as twilight is upon us," Lee said taking the rations out for their journey.
Gin Akimichi led her team through the large open area of a field. They split up as they headed off to be less of a target. She formed hand seals as she darted around. "Chain link," she said as green strands glided from her fingers to the surrounding tall grass. Gin formed the images of her team mates in her mind. Who else is here?
The grass pulled up the image of a form she could barely decipher from its surroundings. It was a ninja who was able to camouflage his body in the grass. Gin stopped in her tracks as the images of two others entered her mind. Where are they?
The two images she had just received were on the outskirts of the field, waiting. The one ninja who was hard to see was moving through the field, searching. Gin had to warn her team. She opened her pocket to take out several seeds. Gin formed hand seals to get the seeds to grow into small plants which blossomed blue flowers. She picked the blossoms off the plants.
Gin Akimichi took out a kunai to write a warning on the petals. She cast the petals into the wind as it blew over the field. Gin kept concentrating using her Chain Link jutsu to get the plants to find her team mates. The petals were guided by the plants once they drifted down into their reach.
Areku skidded on his heels as he sniffed the air. He caught the scents of others in the field that weren't on his team. The boy with long hair crouched low to the ground, his feet and hands moving quickly around the plants. His father had taught him how to track. There was someone ahead that he couldn't see. The plants looked different to his slit eyes. Their color was slightly darker in certain areas. Areku darted quickly to his right to come around the area. Just as he did, the colors in the plants changed in all directions. He narrowed his eyes as he threw kunai at the discoloration.
Domeda Hiranuma bent his body to avoid the kunai. He wondered how he had been detected since his body was able to camouflage itself with his surroundings. No matter, he suspected he was to be found out eventually by other ninja. Domeda took out a long metal rod. His thumb touched the side of it to open the slots holding numerous slender spikes. Domeda smiled to let the boy see his teeth.
Areku signaled Ichigo to get back. The ninja was remaining camouflaged to keep his movements hidden from Areku's eyes. The only thing they could see was the weapon moving through the air as it started to tear apart the plants. He moved back quickly ducking his head and rotating on his heel as the ninja came at him with extreme speed. Areku moved his arms up to block a strike at his chest. The weapon tore through his sleeves. He gritted his teeth in pain as blood was drawn.
Kandai moved swiftly through the field. He could
hear Areku fighting someone. Byakugan! Kandai's face muscles tensed as his Kekkegenkai was activated. His vision shot forward to see Areku fighting a weapon that no one was holding. What the..? Kandai reached into the case on his leg to take out several shuriken. He threw the weapons at Areku. As they spun through the leaves hacking them off, Kandai formed hand seals. He poofed into a log in order to come straight around next to Areku.
Domeda whirled around to block the shuriken with his weapon. He wondered how many other ninja were choosing to travel in the field. Domeda turned around to strike the boy with his other hand. There was a ninja with long hair moving towards him. Domeda turned his body to miss the open palm hits on his chest.
Kandai missed his primary target, but he settled for getting the individual's arm. He quickly hit the chakra points on the man's arm. Areku signaled Ichigo to attack as well. Ichigo leapt with her mouth open at the man's arm. Kandai had revealed the arm once the chakra was blocked. Soon the ninja appeared. Ichigo growled as the man tried to shake her off. She bit harder keeping her hold on him.
Areku and Kandai tag teamed the ninja who thought he was going to stop them from making it through the field. They both whaled on him until he was yelling in pain. Areku gave the man a right hook so powerful, that he was knocked off his feet. He dusted his hands off. "How'd you know I was fighting?"
Kandai lifted the petal out of his shirt. "Gin
sent me a warning. I guess you didn't get yours. She knew there was someone out here waiting for us."
"So where did she and Shikamaru sensei get off
to," Areku asked.
Kandai pointed to the edge of the field. "I don't
think he was alone. They went to handle the other two who are waiting at the edge. He seemed to be the toughest out of his group."
"Yeah, well, team mates are supposed to fight together – not separate. I guess wherever they came from, they didn't learn that valuable lesson in their training," Areku said. He signaled Ichigo to stop kicking dirt at the ninja. "We need to catch up, Ich. He's not going to be getting up for a while."
Gin and Shikamaru had finished typing up the two ninjas who had been waiting for them. They looked behind them with their weapons drawn as Kandai and Areku emerged. Shikamaru turned his back to the ninja who were shouting at them to be freed. He signaled for them to take another route to the docks. Shikamaru suspected the team that had tried to ambush them was going to seek them out. The team took off in a straight direction from the field. When they were far enough away, they turned their route several times to confuse anyone trying to follow them.
Ryu sat near the hollow tree with his eyes and ears open. He held a kunai in one hand as he focused his Genjutsu. Behind him, his team slept soundly on the ground. He wasn't entirely sure if they were being followed. Ryu wondered if the other teams had had problems since leaving the village. Just in case, he was masking the tree to make it seem solid. He heard movement behind him. Ryu glanced quickly to see Daiya rubbing his eyes. "Go back to sleep, Daiya."
Daiya yawned hard. He turned his head to watch Ryu sitting at the entrance. "How long are you going to guard us?" He was incredibly tired. Sasuke had kept them moving since they left the village. Daiya knew his father and trainer was trying to keep them from running into trouble, or being seen.
"As long as I have to. My job is to guard my team. If you don't get the rest you need, your body is going to give out. Go back to sleep," he stressed again as fireflies moved through the forest.
Daiya reached his hand forward to touch Ryu's knee. He saw the older boy move his eyes towards him. "Do you think the other teams have run into trouble?"
Ryu knew Daiya was asking a lot of questions
because he was concerned. Takeru and Onari were on Lee's team. Daiya wasn't able to watch over them. Another factor was Idai and Yanagi were on Kiba's team. He had no way of knowing how far they had gotten, or if anything had happened. Then again, Ryu wondered if Daiya was simply worried about himself. He lifted his hand to place it on Daiya's back. "It doesn't help to worry. The teams still have Jounin with them to protect them. Now, go back to sleep," Ryu said moving his hand to place it over Daiya's face. He closed the boy's eyes.
Ryu turned back around to look out at the vast darkness in front of him. They had been fortunate enough not to find other ninja along the same route. Sasuke seemed to know a lot of hidden routes that other ninja didn't use. The man was intelligent as well as quick in actions to respond to his environment. As soon as twilight came, they would be off again. Ryu hoped they reached the docks without a problem.
Onari darted her eyes as she leapt from branch to branch. She sensed they weren't the only ones on the same route to the docks. Her ears picked up the movement of several others who were headed in the same direction they were. She stopped on a branch as her team went ahead. The wind blew through the trees. Whoever it was, was trying to use the wind as a sort of decoy to their whereabouts. Onari wasn't buying it. She formed hand seals quickly.
Onari's vision shot up from her body to scan the area around her in a three hundred and sixty degree revolution. She could see four others moving quickly off to her left. Onari's head cocked to the left as if the three were a bunch of idiots she was regarding. She turned on her heels. Onari decided to go after the four by herself. She leapt off.
Areku sniffed the air as the wind blew with his team moving through the area. They were getting close to the docks. The breeze sent salty air to his nostrils as well as the scents of a lot of people. "There's more than one team waiting at the docks. Should we continue to go ahead?"
Shikamaru nodded his head as he led his team in the direction of the large boats. "Once we reach the docks, we'll be safe. Extra precautions have been taken. There are more guards from our village ahead."
"You mean the ANBU have been sent out to make sure we get there," Kandai asked.
"No, not exactly. A few ANBU are guarding the Hokage. The others must remain in the village to protect it. Let's just say a lot of Jounin are interested in finding out who arrives at the docks. They have been sworn to protect the teams approaching," Shikamaru said as he saw the masts of the boats starting to appear over the trees.
Gin's hair flowed behind her as they found their way to the docks near the sea. She touched down on the ground to witness the waves of the sea beating against the shore. "We made it," she said with a smile. There were Jounin from the Leaf Village standing around to meet them.
"Congratulations on making it to the docks that will take you to the Water Country," a Jounin with short gray hair said. He approached the team slowly with his hands on his hips. "You are the 5th team from Konoha to make it here."
Kandai looked around. "We are? Which other teams have succeeded in getting this far?"
Shikamaru tilted his head to the right. "Take a look, Kandai. You know whose on that team."
Kandai turned his head to see his brother and Takeru Uchiha watching him. He ran to his brother with a smile on his face. "Eiyu, your team made it here before us. Where is the rest of your team?"
"Lee sensei went after Onari," Eiyu said with a bit of annoyance in his voice. "We don't know where she is. She was with us one minute and gone the next. Honestly, being on a team with her is driving my patience," he said as he glanced at Takeru as if it was his responsibility to watch over the girl.
"I'm glad you made it," Kandai said as he ignored Eiyu's serious tone. He placed his hands on his twin's shoulders. "Mom and Dad will be happy to know we made it this far."
Eiyu glanced at his brother. He didn't know why Kandai was touching him. Eiyu moved his hands up to remove his brother's hands. "You're embarrassing me," he said before he walked off to look at the docks by himself.
Takeru saw the sadness play out on Kandai's face. He moved his head to where Kandai could see him. "Kandai, Eiyu doesn't mean it. He's just…"
"Don't cover up for him, Takeru. Please, don't cover up for him," Kandai said as he looked into the Uchiha boy's dark eyes. "I know Eiyu doesn't particularly care for me. He's a very serious person. I'd like to get to know him better, but he's always been distant from me. Ever since we were little, I've watched him from afar. So it's alright if he still doesn't want to be near me."
Takeru stood up straight as he looked over at Eiyu who was moving from boat to boat with his head in the clouds. "I want to say Eiyu doesn't know how to be a brother. But you've given him every opportunity to do that. It's his choice to get to know you, Kandai. Daiya's not my real brother. He's a complete stranger. We're not even the same age. And at times, he does revert back to being untrustworthy. Yet, he tries to get to know me, or figure me out. I wish Eiyu was the same with you." Takeru walked past Kandai. There wasn't much he could say to the Hyuuga boy. He knew Kandai and Eiyu for a long time. They were always an odd pair.
Takeru walked towards the rest of Team 4. He looked up at Shikamaru as the man smoked his cigarette. "Onari took off again. What kind of techniques did you teach her up in that mountain," he asked about the snow village where the man had helped rescue the girl.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. He grumbled. "Onari's always had ideas of her own. I only taught her to run when her life depended on it. Perhaps your father taught her something," he suggested as he bent down to look at Takeru.
Takeru raised a brow slightly confused. "Dad only teaches her to defend herself. Mom's the one who teaches her to go after…," Takeru paused. He sighed. "Mom has taught her to go after what she has to. I thought it was only at the dinner table."
"Well, looks like you overlooked something," Shikamaru said as he stood up. "Wherever she went, she had a reason. If Lee went after her, he'll find her. All you have to do is look for the trail of groaning bodies," he said much to Takeru's disgusted look.
Rock Lee shot through the trees scouting for his student who had left her team. Of all the times for that girl to part from the group. Where could she have gone? His dark eyes kept focused on the area ahead of him as he kept moving. Onari was starting to act rashly in her decision making. He didn't know why the girl had decided to leave her team when they were close to the docks.
He saw a flash of light appear off to his right. Lee headed in that direction to find out what was going on. As he got near he heard the breaking of large branches as it echoed throughout the forest. Lee stopped on a branch. Down below was his student crouched with her hand hovering over the branch she had just broken with her strength. His eyes drifted to see a small red phoenix fly through the air quickly towards Onari. The bird's tail left traces of fire flakes through the air. It landed on the girl's shoulder.
Onari looked up to see Rock Lee standing over her head on another branch. She turned her gaze back into the abyss. If the male she had attacked decided to get up, she was going to knock him down even harder. Onari's guard was completely up. She was afraid and worried she would encounter Gekido or some of his men. However, it was surprising that she had not seen the man since she was a child. Yet, her fear dug deep.
Akaihi opened his beak to sing sweetly to Onari
in order to get her attention. When she turned her head to look at him, he raised his feathers. Onari was focusing too much attention on the ninja she had defeated. He wondered what else was on her mind.
Rock Lee noticed how tense his student was. He jumped down to her level. "Onari, it is unwise to have left your team. They are already at the docks waiting for the next vessel to head out. What has you on guard?"
Onari stood with Akaihi perched on her shoulder. "Ninja was tracking Onari's team, Lee." She held up a small humming bird. Its lifeless body revealed red dye dripping from its beak. "The red dye is sugar that lures the bird to its owner. Its how he was controlling it to scout us out. It told him how many of us there where and what direction we were heading in. Onari does not trust those she doesn't know."
Lee took the bird from Onari. He examined it before he chunked the lifeless form into the open. "You should have warned your team. It's never a good idea to leave the group. Have I not taught you this?"
"Onari is capable of protecting herself. She has to look after Takeru and Eiyu," she said with mild defensiveness. Her head turned to look back out at the trees. She wondered if anyone else was going to be stupid enough to try and spy on them. Onari hid a lot of her understanding from her team and the others around her. She knew what it meant if Gekido got a hold of her. It wasn't just the phoenix he was after. It was her. The heaven's scroll upon her skin was the last link to summon the celestials of legend. Onari had passed the links onto Takeru and Ryu for various reasons.
Takeru was the boy she was in love with. He had befriended her greatly over the past two years. Onari owed him for his kindness, as well as, becoming her first real friend. She could see Takeru's face in front of her smiling as she learned to eat new things and have new experiences with his family. She owed it to Izumi and Sasuke, who had both trained her on the side, to protect their sun. That is why she had given Uso the choice of testing Takeru. The dragon was the noblest of the four celestials. Uso would do everything in her ability to protect Takeru from harm.
When Ryu Yuhi had been dying, Onari opened the connection to Shogai. The turtle was as unyielding as Takeru's best friend. Ryu was a strong guy who, despite his non-caring attitude, displayed the very foundation Takeru stood on to succeed. Without Ryu to push Takeru, by example, the boy was not going to be of much use to Onari.
Saori Nara had gained Josei on her own. The tiger sensed Saori's fighting spirit in the midst of a crisis. It was not Onari's choice to include Shikamaru's daughter in the web Gekido had woven. If Onari had had her way, she would have given the tiger to another – Daiya, or possibly Eiyu. However, what was done, was done. Saori was now included with her boyfriend.
Onari suspected fate had a strange way of playing out when one's life was in danger – or seen as a destruction force. If Gekido got her body, Onari would not be able to stop him from claiming the other three who had a celestial. The phoenix is required for the ingredient to the cycle of life and the cycle of destruction. All he had to do was get his hands on Akaihi to start a chain reaction. The other three who had celestials wouldn't back down to protect each other, thus the cycle of destruction would begin.
As long as she and Takeru formed a union, the cycle of creation existed in peace and harmony. Without Takeru, Onari was lost. The dragon and phoenix must cooperate, or everything falls apart. There won't be war with the lightening country as long as I breathe. I will protect Takeru if it means defying my trainer, Sasuke, and my brothers. Her yellow eyes glanced back at Lee. The man had his arms crossed.
"We need to head back before the boats leave us. We will discuss this later when we can get a hold of Sasuke," Lee said with sternness. He knew Onari would not regard him as an authority figure. In training, she only followed Takeru as an example. She never regarded him as a Master, or someone who knew any better than her. What a stubborn girl…
Ryu, Daiya, and Saori fell to the ground as they made their way out of the forest surrounding the docks. Saori rolled over breathing hard with Daiya next to her. "We made it. We finally made it," she as her kept beating out of her chest.
"We've been going all day like there's a mass of ninja on our tails," Ryu commented. He lifted his hand to take his glove off. Ryu glanced at Daiya. The boy was breathing hard with a certain look of unpleasantness on his face. Ryu put his hand on his team mate's forehead to make sure he wasn't cold and clammy. He's alright. For now, at least.
"It looks like my dad and Lee's teams are here, too," Saori said straining her head before she rolled over. "I didn't think we would meet at the docks. I thought we would all meet at the Chunin exams when everyone was about to start."
"Our boat leaves in a short while. You all can rest for now," Sasuke said resuming his trainer attitude. He was making sure Ryu was still tending to Daiya. Sasuke didn't know how long Daiya was going to last at the exams. The opponents and situations were going to be unlike any he had experienced before. All he could hope for was that Saori and Ryu were near him in case danger was near. He walked away.
Sasuke signaled out his son sitting next to Kandai Hyuuga on a few crates. Once he had made his way over, he placed his hand on his son's head to get his attention. Takeru turned his head, not expecting him to be there. "Hi. I see you all made. Where's Onari and Eiyu?" His eyes searched the area for the two missing from Team 9.
"Dad!" Takeru hugged his father around the mid section. "Onari went off on her own, again. Lee had to go after her. Eiyu is being a mole," he said. "I think he's off somewhere looking at the boats more closely."
"Takeru, we're in public. You're not a child anymore," Sasuke said giving his son a certain look to make him let go. "I expect you to act like an adult from here on out."
"He's still your little boy, isn't he," Kandai asked with a smile.
"Kandai, where's your team," Sasuke asked rather
embarrassed with a sweat drop.
"Hah! I beat you to the water," Idai said as Masaru chased him down the dock. He heard Yanagi calling him and Masaru back. Idai turned around to see her waving at them. "What is it now?"
"It's time for us to leave. The other teams have already came and gone. We're the last ones to show," Masaru said jerking his thumb. They started to walk together to head back. "Are you nervous about going to the Mist Village?"
Idai glanced at Masaru with his orange eyes, his long red hair flowing in the sunset breeze. "No. Is there a reason I'm supposed to be afraid of a bunch of secretive ninja?"
"I don't know. They are quite the ruthless type. Any of my dad's men who have gone up against them have lost their lives," Masaru commented to Idai. "I wouldn't take them lightly, Idai. You never know what you're going to be up against."
"And they don't know what they're up against," Idai said with a cold hearted voice. "I'm not all sunshine and joy anymore, Masaru. You have no idea what I've gone through since I left. And in saying, you don't' know what I can do."
Masaru only looked at Idai rather strangely. His friend's face had a certain sinister expression on it. He knew Idai had been holding back a lot of things since they had rejoined as a team. Masaru wondered if the time would come if he'd be up against Idai in the exam. He didn't want to fight Idai, but there was always that hidden surprise awaiting them.
Yanagi grabbed Masaru and Idai's hands as she turned around to lead them to the boat they were getting on. "It's time to go, you two. Kiba sensei has already gotten us clearance to board. You know who left before we got here? Lee's team was ahead of us. It seems Onari left her group again to run off. It delayed them."
"You overheard that, didn't you," Idai asked as he blushed at Yanagi holding his hand. He wondered what would have happened between them if Daiya had turned Yanagi down from the start. Idai had secretly liked Yanagi when he had been put on the same team as her. It wasn't just Masaru who had a fondness for her. She was a very bright girl who meant a lot to him. Yanagi managed to keep everyone on her team going; not to mention Daiya.
"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. I heard one of the Jounin here talk about the teams that had left. We are the last team to leave, but I think it's funny that out of everyone who has left, Lee's team was ahead of us," she said as she felt Idai grab her hand a little hard. Yanagi's eyes opened wide. She blushed and looked down at his hand.
"Sorry," Idai said softly. He was glad Masaru wasn't paying attention to his slip up. Idai tried to play it off as they neared the boat. "I thought I saw something in the water."
Yanagi turned around to look at him. Idai was staring hard at the water in the sea. "What did you think you saw?"
"A shark. I've never seen one before. Maybe we'll get to see one before we get to the water country," Idai said as he smiled at her with his eyes closed.
Nice save, Idai. Masaru sulked as he shook his head. He knew Idai better than his friend knew himself.
"I've got all of your bags with me," Kiba said as the kids approached. He was lugging all of them on his shoulder. "When we board, don't eat anything for a while. I don't want sick students this early into the voyage," he said as he walked with them up the ramp.
"I've never been on a boat before," Idai said as he looked at how massive it was. "How many people do you think this thing can hold?" He was amazed at the large sails. The boat was starting to move away from the docks.
"I'd say a comfortable hundred," Kiba said placing their bags down. He turned his head to see Yanagi and Masaru leaning over the side of the top deck near the steering mast. "You two be careful!" Kiba couldn't help going after the two curious kids.
"They're alright," the captain of the boat said as he steered the large vessel. "Curiosity never hurt anyone. You can tell it's their first time being on the open sea."
"Yeah, but curiosity gets a ninja killed," Idai said under his breath. "Kiba, can we eat now? We haven't had anything since this morning. There's nothing on our stomachs to make us puke," Idai yelled.
Kiba rolled his eyes. "Say that a little louder, Idai. I don't think the entire crew heard that," he said sarcastically.
"Ryu, are you feeling any better," Saori asked as she rubbed his back. Ryu was hunkered over the side of the boat with a sick look on his face. She wondered if she had stopped throwing up. "It's been a while since we've been on a ship like this. And the water's a little rougher at night."
Ryu groaned as he closed his eyes. It's worse with my eyes closed. He opened his eyes again to see a bowl of rice topped the veggies and meat in his face. Ryu's eyes widened.
"I saved you some dinner," Daiya said. He watched Ryu push the bowl away only to vomit more. Daiya tensed at the sound of it.
"I don't think that was wise, Daiya," Saori said as he tilted his head. "It's no wonder Yanagi likes you so much. You have cute dumbfounded qualities like Ryu," she said with a giggle.
Daiya blushed at what Saori had said. She was comparing him to Ryu – someone he highly respected. "I-I do-do not!"
Ryu slumped to the deck. "Daiya if you don't take that bowl back, I'm going to chase you all over the boat till we get to the water country!" Ryu glared at him. He had been sick for so long that he was annoyed to the max about it.
Saori watched Daiya lower his head. He walked away from them. "Ryu, he didn't know you were still sick. He was only trying to be nice," she said touching her boyfriend's pale face.
"He needs to use his head more," Ryu said avoiding the concern in her voice. "Sasuke isn't too happy about Daiya participating. The run we had earlier took a toll on him. Haven't you noticed he's been below deck since we boarded?"
Saori hadn't really noticed it. She thought Daiya was trying to get some alone time with Sasuke. "I haven't been paying too much attention to his body gestures. I'm sorry, Ryu."
"You need to help me keep an eye on him. I won't forgive myself if he doesn't make it," Ryu said. He felt he was the solely responsible for Daiya's welfare.
Takeru sat next to Onari as the ship bobbed up and down on the open sea. He watched the men move about across the deck. Eiyu was busy learning how the ship worked. He had been talking to the shipmates a lot since they had boarded. "Where did you go earlier? You took off from the team, Ri."
Onari was wondering when he was going to bring it up. She glanced at him. He was handsome in the moonlight. "Onari sensed a ninja following us for some time. She had to go and take care of him before he signaled others to get involved."
"So instead of telling us, your team mates, you went off on your own. How is that solving the problem, Onari? We're in this together," Takeru said turning his head to where he could see her face. The mask she wore was hanging on the side of her head. "You're supposed to trust us – trust me."
"Onari is sworn to protect Takeru. Takeru does not understand what he will have to face if Gekido shows his presence," she said stressing her words. Takeru's eyes narrowed. He was turning angry. Onari moved her body back.
"I know why I chose to link to Uso. Don't tell me this, now of all times, that I should have backed out, Onari," he said in anger. "What are you hiding from me?" The girl's eyes didn't waver from his, but stayed focused. "You are hiding something. You're always hiding things from us! Not just me, but dad, mom, Daiya! Don't you care what happens if you don't tell us?"
"Onari cares more about Takeru than Takeru realizes! That's why Onari has kept it hidden for so long! If he knew what she did, he would have cast her out," Onari yelled loudly enough to where the crew around them stopped for a second.
"Cast you out? You don't know how I feel about you," Takeru said in a hurt, angry voice. "If you think that sort of thing in your head, maybe you should have stayed with Eiyu!" Takeru got up quickly to leave her alone. He couldn't be around her when there was tension in the air. He knew she was up to something. Onari was always watching and waiting for something. The way she trained surfaced in his mind. He crossed his arms and stared at the dark sea. It's always been about her training. Every step she has made has been in preparation to fight someone else. I thought she just wanted to be near me – part of our family. I can't believe her!
Eiyu approached Takeru slowly. "Takeru, I know this doesn't mean much coming from me, but Onari was trying to catch up to you so she could be on a team with you. When we trained with her at home, she was always telling my father how she wanted to be like you." Takeru turned his head to regard him. "She comes from a completely different world than ours. We have families who protect us and love us. Ninja train to fight. Isn't it alright if Onari continues to train and fight with us – whatever her reasons?"
Takeru turned back around. "That's not what I'm angry, Eiyu. She chose to trick me into linking to the celestial dragon to benefit her quest – or whatever it is. I'm not a fool! My father didn't raise one!" He gritted his teeth not wanting to speak to Eiyu any further.
Eiyu placed his hand on Takeru's shoulder. "No, you're not a fool. You're a very smart guy who has shown that girl more compassion and understanding than a lot of people. You can't let the walls she has keep you outside."
Onari sat on the highest wooden pole she could get on. The sails moved around her as the ship tottered on the sea below her. She let her leg hang off the pole as she wiped her eyes. Akaihi was watching her sadly. "Onari did not trick Takeru, Akaihi." She stared out into the darkness of sea and stars.
Akaihi moved forward on the pole his feet clacking against the wood. He didn't want her sad over an argument. She needed to keep her head focused. Akaihi cooed sweetly as his feathers erupted in flames. He blew out smoke rings to get her attention.
Onari lifted her eyes to see the phoenix blowing smoke. "What are you doing? The crewmen might think the mast is on fire."
Akaihi turned around in a circle as he blew a large smoke ring. He leapt off the wooden pole to fly through it then back to her. Onari was trying to suppress a smile. Akaihi blew fire out to the right side of his body. His eyes got wide as if he were afraid then bailed down the pole, blowing fire in the other direction to run back towards Onari. He did this a few times trying to get her to laugh.
Onari caught on to what he was doing. The phoenix was acting as if he were scared of the fire flames being left behind. She smiled moving her hand in the air. The phoenix approached to where she could pet his head. Flames licked across her fingers, not harming her. "Defuse, Akaihi. Onari isn't sad anymore. Takeru will get over it, as brother Daiya says."
Akaihi defused the flames around his body. He lowered his body to where he could look up into her face. That's my girl.