V 9 ch 1
The Truth Prevails
Izumi Uchiha opened the door slowly to her son's room. They were both sleeping hard, bodies entangled in the bed sheets, faces downcast. She tip toed into the room as to not disturb either of them. Takeru was laying close to the edge of his bed, arm hanging off. Daiya was in a fetal position with his pillow fallen to the floor. Izumi retrieved it, her hands moving over it admiringly. Her head turned to glance at Daiya. Regardless of his situation, they had had to honor his decision. Izumi found herself afraid for her sons – afraid for the outcome of the Chuunin exam in one month's time.
"Takeru, it's getting late. You've had enough time to rest," Sasuke said rubbing his shoulder. His son stirred, but relaxed back into slumber. Sasuke sighed. Takeru's endurance should be greater than this with all of the training he's had. He picked Takeru up out of the bed preceding out of the room. His son merely laid his head on his shoulder, body hanging limply.
Onari yawned hard rubbing her eyes. She stood in the hall watching Sasuke carry Takeru towards the large tube. "Sahskey," she said in her usual pet name for him, "Daiya's sick." Onari had woken to go to the small bathroom only to see Daiya pass her running for it. He had slammed the door loudly. That's when she had to get Izumi.
Sasuke hurried carrying Takeru as if he were a small child. He could hear Izumi talking softly to Daiya through the door. He leaned against the wall, his head tilted as he listened in trying to not make his appearance known. Surviving the Crux Tower had been his team's biggest challenge. Next, was the single battles at the Mist village. His brows furrowed trying to understand what was going on in there.
Izumi rubbed his back comfortingly trying to reassure him. Daiya's body remained tense, twitching a few times, but nothing came back up. "I'm right here," she said softly. Her eyes watched him intently, motherly instincts on high alert. His breathing was calming down. "Is your throat burning?" He nodded slowly. "Sasuke, can you bring a glass of water," she asked. Her training allowed her to hone in on others approaching without warning.
Sasuke glanced at Onari out of the corner of his eye. "Firebird, take Takeru and put him in the large tub in the bathroom." She perked, hopping towards him at the chance to be naughty. He came back with the glass of water by the time Takeru was rudely awakened. Tapping on the door, he stood still as Izumi opened it to get the water from him. Daiya was sitting on the floor with his arm around the toilet, face lowered. He exhaled. "I don't want you competing next month."
Izumi looked at him with a serious gaze. "Sasuke, you know as well as I do that he cannot forfeit. He's been overworked for a straight week. The single battles are one-on-one. He needs a month of rest before he can go back," she said in denial that Daiya's body was merely stressed out.
"Izumi, everyone has their limits. This is his. No one can protect him the moment he enters to fight. I cannot stop it. Ryu won't be able to shield him," Sasuke said trying to make her understand. They had depended on Ryu to overlook Daiya throughout his training since he was diagnosed. Ryu was the only one who could calm Daiya into reason when his temper boiled over.
Daiya spit the water into the toilet. "Stop fighting," he said hoarsely. "Ryu's protected me long enough. I have to know how far I can go. I won't let this defeat me! And I won't let anyone stand in my way," he said angrily as he slammed his fist onto the rim of the toilet. His parents only stood there silently watching him with concern and worry. Daiya put his hand to his forehead, moving his bangs aside. "Can I be left alone now," he said, hating the words that escaped his mouth. Izumi rose to give him time to himself. The door was shut.
Saori laid her head on Ryu's leg as they relaxed against a tree. The autumn breeze was blowing softly through Konoha as she and Ryu took a much needed break for themselves. "I'm glad Sensei gave us a week off," she said, her finger playing with his pants. She yawned. It felt good to be home.
Ryu rubbed the back of her head with his hand. His mind was elsewhere. They had survived the Mist village exams – yet, he felt his time as their leader was coming to an end. Ryu didn't hear Saori asking him a question. She turned her head calling him several times. He finally snapped out of it. "Huh?"
"I asked who you were fighting when we go back to the Mist Village," she said.
"Akinori Kase from the Demon Team," he answered mildly.
Saori sat up. She crossed her legs, her hands going behind her body so she could lean back. She lifted her leg to where her toes were moving against his abdomen. "You're awfully distant. Are you worried about something?"
"I'm getting too old to be on a team," Ryu said. Everyone his age was already moving on to higher ranking missions with the Jounin. "After the Chuunin Exams, I want to advance."
The news shocked Saori. She was so used to taking direction from him. "You've always been our leader. Daiya won't regard another's authority. No one else has the patience with me that you have."
Ryu put his finger on her lips. "I can't protect either of you anymore. You don't need my orders on how to react to a situation. It's time to put everything I've taught you into action on your own." He lifted his hand moving her bangs aside. "I'm tired of being held back."
Saori's expression changed, her eyes dropping. "I'm sorry you feel that way," she said softly. Why hadn't she noticed it before? Sasuke gave them their morning agenda, but Ryu had always been the one teaching them – unless it was material he wasn't familiar with. He didn't need Saori and Daiya tagging along after him.
"Saori, that's not what I mean," he said lifting her chin. "Neither of you need me to baby you any further. You're both able to stand on your own feet."
"I don't want to leave your side," Saori said disappointedly.
"No one said you had to," Ryu said as he leaned closer to her. "Sasuke showed me an old picture of my father when we got back to the village. He used to be an ANBU – a high ranking Jounin. I want him to be proud of me," he said his eyes softening. "If he had known about me, I'm sure he would have-"
Saori kissed him through his mask. She remained close to him her eyes looking up at his. "I'm sure he would have enjoyed your antics," she said finalizing his train of thought with her own. "Speaking of which, my dad laughed pretty hard at you when you got Sasuke sensei last."
"I thought your father disapproved of me," Ryu said pulling back. He usually felt the man's eyes on him whenever he was in close proximity of Saori. "He acts as if I'm going to do something harmful to you."
Saori giggled. "No, quite the contrary. He knows how serious I am about you." She decided to change the subject. "Ryu, how come you don't have Kakashi sensei's surname?"
Ryu wasn't used to his father's name being verbally expressed. "My parents weren't married, for one. And, he died not knowing about me. I guess she thought I would be in a worse situation," he said speaking of Kurenai.
"I don't know," Saori said pondering. "Ryu Hatake. It sounds powerful to me."
"It's not possible to change my name. There's no one from his clan left," Ryu admitted. There had to be some way to honor his father. Ryu took the hitate off his arm. He tied it around his forehead then crooked it over an eye.
"Um, what'd you change it for," Saori asked a bit confused.
"Sasuke said Kakashi wore it this way," Ryu said. He turned his head a few times to see the world as his father had once seen it. "His depth perception was probably nonexistent," he said with a laugh as he took it off. It was hard to distinguish how far anything was.
"Ryu," Saori started to scold," Leave your dad alone. He's not exactly here to defend himself."
Onari jumped on Eiyu's back as he walked down the road. She placed her hands on the top of his head steadying herself as others passed them. "Eiyu, let's go see what that is," she said pointing at the banner hanging over the shops.
Eiyu caught a few adults staring at them. He became utterly embarrassed at Onari's child like behavior. "I don't mind, but we're not kids anymore, Onari," he said raising his arms to lift her off. "What would Takeru say if he saw us like that? I have respect for his relationship with you."
"Onari still likes Eiyu," she said softly as she touched the ground. She wasn't in love with him, but Onari did love him. Eiyu was a loner type who had let her into his secluded world. She clasped her hand against his tightly.
"Onari, don't," he said trying to get her to stop. She threw herself at him hugging him hard. Eiyu's heart ached. His hand came up to the back of her head. "Please don't make me do something I'll regret. I want nothing more than to be with you." He pushed her away. "If you don't understand the boundaries of friendship, perhaps we shouldn't hang out anymore. It's wrong for us to be together. You're supposed to be with Takeru."
"Eiyu and Takeru are Onari's favorite people," she said with sadness.
"And we are both overprotective of you and in love with you! I wouldn't approve of him being around my girl – as he wouldn't approve of me," Eiyu said blandly. "Dammit, I hate this feeling. The mere sight of you confuses me." He placed his hand against his face. "I need to go." Eiyu left her in the road as he walked on ahead. He had let his frustrations get to him.
************************************************** ********
"Hey, what's gotten into you? I only asked if you wanted to go to the Fall Festival! Ri," Takeru shouted at her. He saw Onari bunch up her shoulders. "Every time you go out with Eiyu, you come back angry and take it out on me!"
Onari turned around angrily. The mere mention of Eiyu's name set her sights on the culprit who dared to utter such a word around her. "Takeru can go with Eiyu!" She ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Takeru had had enough. Marching straight to her door, he started pounding on it with his fist. "Onari, I'm not putting up with your temper! I don't deserve to be your punching bag! Get your butt out here right now! Onari!"
Izumi popped her head around the corner. "Wow, he's starting to man up," she said as Sasuke stood behind her – also looking. "Should we stop him?"
Sasuke watched Takeru continue to yell at Onari through the door. "No, he'll get enough of it when his testosterone backfires on him." The door to Onari's room opened suddenly. A small dresser came through landing on Takeru, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor.
Onari stuck her head out of the room only to yell," Stupid Takeru!" before slamming the door once again.
Takeru forced the dresser off his body. It crashed to the floor leaving him on his back, groaning. "I should only be pursuing ninjutsu," he said as a much needed afterthought.
************************************************** ***
"Daiya, you don't look ridiculous. There's nothing with what you're wearing," Sasuke said through the door. "Everyone's wearing traditional clothing to the festival. Takeru and I have ours on."
The door opened slowly. Daiya came out to make sure he wasn't being told a lie. Sasuke stood wearing a gray yukata with black stripes. Takeru was wearing a black yukata with white cranes for the design. "I look silly," he complained about having to wear the clothes.
"No, you don't," Sasuke said. He sighed once he saw Daiya's appearance. Daiya had the yukata crossed the wrong way – and it was obvious he had thrown it on. "Daiya," he mildly addressed," It's a mess."
Daiya blushed as the yukata was fixed by his adopted father.
Takeru saw how embarrassed he was. He snorted. "He did the same thing to me," he said as Daiya's face turned red.
Izumi coaxed Onari to come out of her room. "Onari, no one's going to make fun of you. You look very pretty." Izumi was wearing a light blue kimono with white flowers in her hair. The kimono was etched in beautiful gold, pink, and green patterns.
"Everyone's having self-confidence issues this morning," Sasuke said parting from the boys. He walked into Onari's room to see what the trouble was. His eyes widened a little. It was one of the rare times he had seen her dressed with feminine grace and beauty.
Onari stood staring at herself in the mirror, her eyes fixated on her face. Izumi had put her hair into a ponytail littered with ribbons and flowers adorning her hair. She wore a red kimono harvested in multicolor birds. Around her waist was a yellow obi. Upon her lips she wore makeup. Onari turned around to look at Sasuke. Did all of the girls her age dress this way?
"Are you ready to go?" Onari turned around hiding her face on his yukata. She's embarrassed. Sasuke rubbed the top of her head gently. "Onari, you're growing up. And you look very beautiful," he said sincerely.
"Sahskey," Onari said trying to hide herself even more with her arm against her face to mask it. She was flushing badly. Her heart thumped nervously in her chest.
"What's taking so long? I've got a bet against Ryu that I can catch more goldfish than he can," Daiya said. He burst into the room to summarize the situation. "Onari, you look fine. Takeru won't care what you look like. He's only interested in games and eating." Onari lowered her arm. She stepped away from Sasuke, the fire lit under her feet. She began to run towards him. Daiya turned around hastily shouting, "Time to go!" His feet skidded on the floor as he rounded the corner to avoid his sister.
Sasuke put his hand through his hair. "I still wouldn't have said that to her." Even if it is true.
Ryu smiled as he caught his sixth fish in a minute. Daiya was shouting at the goldfish to stay on the rice paper. "Pay up, Uchiha. You lost," he said holding out his hand.
Daiya hated the goldfish game. He slapped five ryo into Ryu's hand. "This is a baby game," he said throwing the handle down.
Ryu stood up smirking. "If you knew you weren't good at it, why'd you take the bet?" He pocketed the ryo.
"Uchiha don't back down from a challenge," Daiya said picking up on Sasuke's fair attitude about his clan. "No matter how stupid," he muttered. He heard Ryu laugh. Daiya was hit on the back several times hard and meaningful. He frowned as Ryu led him away.
************************************************** *****
Onari tilted her head as she looked up at eight long ropes tied to the top of a thirty foot beam. She tugged under Takeru's arm, pointing. "What kind of game is it?"
"I think you race to the top and win a prize," Takeru said. "Onari, that game is mainly for the guys. Besides, you're wearing a kimono." Onari lifted her kimono as Takeru stepped back to cover his eyes, appalled. She was wearing her ninja pants underneath it. He pinched the space between his eyes. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Onari wants that," she said tugging Takeru along to the prize table. There were three prizes up for grabs: a wooden bento, shuriken and kunai in a small box, and a tanto. Her finger pointed to the tanto. It was a short sword with a wooden handle.
"You don't know how to use it," Takeru said watching her trying to touch it, until the man behind the table told her to leave it alone. "It's a close combat weapon. You normally have no problems stopping a person from far away."
Idai threw his arms over Takeru and Onari his head poking between them. "Hey, do you two ever stop fighting," he said with a smile. "Onari can compete if she wants, Takeru. It's more fun when she's around."
Takeru threw Idai's arm off his shoulder. "No one asked your opinion," he said crossing his arms. "Why are you here anyway?"
Idai turned his full gaze on Takeru, his posture straightening as he took his arm off Onari. "Same as you. I'm here for the festival. Who's got a bug up your butt, Takeru? You're so unhappy," he said making a face.
"Takeru is jealous of Eiyu," Onari said bluntly as Takeru whirled around to give her one hell of a look. She turned her head, not looking at him. She thought it was far fetched to be concerned over Eiyu. After everything they had been through together, Takeru still didn't fully trust her.
"You've got to be kidding me," Idai said as he regarded Takeru with a brief look of stupidity. "Onari can be with who she wants. Your jealousy isn't going to help matters. It's only going to persuade her," he said. Takeru was now staring at the ground. Onari had turned on her heels to walk away from the rope competition. "I thought you wanted to participate," he yelled after her. She only shook her head. Idai landed his fist on the top of Takeru's head. Takeru crouched to the ground holding his skull in pain. "You're such an idiot!"
Kandai blinked his eyes. He had unknowingly picked the wrong time to approach them. Idai stood up, focusing on him as he stood motionless for a moment. "I'm sorry. Did I interrupt something?" Kandai sensed the uncertainty in the air.
"Takeru is jealous of Eiyu," Idai said taking the right attitude with Onari. He crossed his arms annoyed as if he was Takeru's older, more responsible brother. "She's with you, moron. I don't know why you have to be so bossy!"
"It's probably because he knows Eiyu's still in love with Onari," Kandai said gently. Idai turned to him a bit surprised. "Onari was my brother's first love. When that happens, a person tends to not forget the other person – no matter how things ended, or what transpired."
Takeru grit his teeth, his hands turning into fists. "Why is he still in love with her," he shouted angrily. "Dad brought her home for me," he said his voice cracking. He turned his head quickly to avoid catching Kandai's gaze.
Kandai's eyes softened. "So that's what it is," he said in a caring concerned voice. "I don't think Eiyu has the intention of taking Onari from you. He knows what she means to you – he feels the same about her, but… as a Hyuuga his respect and pride are keeping him at a distance. He knows that if he let his heart overrule his head, it would make him look bad."
"Takeru," Idai said placing his hand upon the boy's shoulder. "You really think Onari doesn't love you? She puts up with you – which is more than I can say for anyone. Most of the time, that girl has the patience of a monk. You need to stop putting obstacles in front of her. Her training is enough for her to handle."
Takeru raised his head, a frown on his face. "I've been alone all of my life until she came," he said quietly. Now he was embarrassed how he had brought attention to himself.
"Yes, I know. All of us have experienced that," Kandai said confirming it. "I admit that I don't have a lot of friends. Saori's about the only one besides Gin whose spent time with me outside of training."
"And you know I didn't have anyone until Masaru and Daiya stopped blaming me for where I came from," Idai said. "Now you're making me feel bad." He punched Takeru on the head again with Kandai watching them with wide eyes. "Idiot!"
Takeru crouched again holding his head in tears.
Yanagi Lee threw the ball as hard as she could at the tower of bottles. It bounced right off them, ricocheting around the stand. The man behind it ducked for cover, yelling. She smiled a bit nervously. "Sorry," she said.
Ryu pushed her aside nudging his hip on hers. "Your method is a tad manly," Ryu said just enough to make her mad. Yanagi punched him square in the arm. He laughed as he bounced the ball in his hand. "And you hit like one, too."
Saori slammed her foot on Ryu's as she snickered. He flinched, his eye twitching. "It's not nice to boast before you succeed. Throw the damn ball," she said forcefully.
Gin smiled. She was enjoying hanging out at the festival with her friends. Idai had gone off to see if he could round up anyone else they knew. Gin watched Ryu lazily throw the ball. Instead of going straight at the bottles, it soared through the air slowly, until it fell about two feet from Ryu's outstretched hand. Gin busted out laughing.
Saori shook her head in disappointment. "How in the hell can you throw a kunai and not throw a ball?" The man behind the counter was also making comments about Ryu's lack of motor planning.
Ryu put his finger in the air to gain silence from the three girls watching his disastrous accomplishment. "A kunai is a straightforward weapon that cuts through the air, dicing the molecules around it. A ball, on the other hand, barrels through the air, parting the air molecules from it."
Yanagi pressed the palm of her hand against her forehead – a reaction she had picked up from Daiya when encountering Ryu. "Ryu, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. That doesn't explain why it fell straight down as hard as you threw it. It should have hit the bottles!" Yanagi tilted her head. Ryu was stuck in the same pose, not moving. "Uh," she started, her finger going to poke his shoulder. Her finger went straight through him. As he poofed, she and Gin moved back with a squeal.
Saori turned around quickly, her eyes catching sight of him. She pointed out in the crowd as her spiky haired boyfriend ran from them. "There he goes! After him!"
Onari sat by herself on the wall overlooking the festival. People where happily moving past her with their families. Her yellow eyes stared ahead, trying to not focus on the parents instructing their children how to play the games. A couple purchased a sticky bun for their young daughter. Onari looked over the girl's features. She was a cute little girl having her first taste of a sweet treat. What she wouldn't have given to be at a festival with her parents – to feel that sort of happiness with them. As her eyes started to well up, a candy apple came into her view, along with a hand offering it.
Onari looked up and over to see Ryu watching her with his red eyes. He appeared to have been there for a little while. His hand shook at her a bit with the candy apple trying to get her to take it. Onari took it from him slowly, her fingers wrapping around it. She licked it a few times trying to figure out what the coating was on the apple. Then she bit into it, her teeth coming into contact with the red coating. It was defiantly sweet.
Ryu felt sorry for her. Onari was alone during a joyous time of celebration and fun. I wonder why Takeru's mouth keeps getting him in trouble. He rested his arm on his raised knee as his other foot dangled over the wall's edge. Ryu glanced back at her. Onari was merely eating the apple, her eyes staring ahead. "Are you thinking about them," he asked.
Onari stopped eating. She recoiled holding the apple against her kimono. Onari lowered her head looking at the ground. Her fingers loosened around the handle of the candy apple. Ryu's hand shot forward to catch it before it hit the ground. Onari clutched her knees, eyes closing. The memories of her parents were starting to fade. Their smiles – their touch- all of it was escaping from her.
Ryu lifted his hand putting it on her other shoulder. He leaned towards her, pressing her side to him. Ryu breathed in and out, his exhalation fluttering the top of Onari's head causing the hairs to react. "I'm sorry you lost them," he said sincerely. "But we don't stay lost forever. All of us eventually find each other again."
Areku slid on the dirt with Ichigo running after him as he turned around the small wooden pole in the ground. Takeru had caught up to him, turning at the same time. Areku grinned showing his fangs as he shot forward sprinting. "See you later, Takeru!"
Takeru narrowed his eyes, focused on catching Areku in the race. "I'm not going to be looking at your back much longer!" He lowered his body, putting his arms out next to his sides. I can't let Areku win! If I can win this race, I get the prize!
Lee shouted at the top of his voice, "Keep going Takeru! You're gaining on him!" He put his arm into the air so Takeru could see him through the crowd cheering the two racers on.
Temari Nara stood next to her son cheering the boys on. It was the first race and they had been paired together. "Move it, Areku, he's gaining on you!" She clapped her hands encouraging her daughter's friend to step on it.
Hinata Uzumaki stood behind the prize table. "My, they are really trying to beat each other," she said with a smile. Takeru and Areku were now neck in neck. Both of the boys were eagerly trying to push their legs to keep moving despite the fatigue now hitting them.
Sasuke leaned against the table as Takeru closed his eyes sprinting with all he had in order to finally pass Areku. "Well all be damn," he said. Hinata turned to focus on where he was looking. Takeru threw himself at the white line, going across it before Areku. "He actually beat him."
Takeru rolled over panting. He didn't hear the announcer say who won as he tried to catch his breath. "Who… Who won..?" He sat up, his head swimming. Stars cascaded in his vision.
Lee pat Takeru on the back hard. "Good work, Takeru! You beat Areku," he said with a thumbs up, smiling at his student. "This calls for a celebration!"
Areku coughed as Ichigo barked at him angrily. "I did not let him win, Ich!" Ichigo complained outright how Areku had gotten soft over the past year. She demanded he leave the festival and go train.
Takeru was helped up by Lee, who escorted him to the prize table. "He did a great job, didn't he, Sasuke," Lee said a bit too excitedly. Hinata had her hand over her mouth to hide a smile – and also a laugh. Sasuke wasn't looking at his son yet. Lee sensed the silence emitting from Sasuke, so he patted Takeru hard one firm time on the back before going elsewhere.
Sasuke looked at his son as the next race started between two competitors. "Takeru, where is Onari?" He had watched them leave from he and Izumi earlier that morning. The only time Onari left his side was if they had fought, or if Eiyu was around. She didn't trust too many of the kids on the teams.
Takeru averted his eyes. "I hate how observant you are," he said quietly. He had to come clean. His father knew everything anyway. "She got mad at me and walked off."
Sasuke looked up at his son, his hands behind him on the prize table. "And what did you do to get to her this time?" It was becoming a pigheaded habit of his son's lately. Takeru's mouth was starting to run off constantly; Which was a huge change because normally he didn't voice anything – he just let it happen.
"I didn't want her competing in the rope contest. She kind of told me I was jealous of Eiyu, too," Takeru said as Hinata went to sign up a few more people for the race. He closed his eyes before the hit came. It was the third fist coming into contact with his head. Takeru's hands didn't even make it to comfort his poor skull. The pain was intense. He grit his teeth, his fingers turning into claws. Sasuke was too fast for him.
"We've had this discussion before about how you treat her," Sasuke said looking down at his now crouched son. "Your mother went after you the very first time it happened. Remember when that was? It was back when Onari ran away from the village. It was a problem for those of us who had to go scout for her. Your mouth is getting to be too dangerous for your own good."
Takeru sweatdropped. "I'll go find Onari to set things right," he said fearing his father's gaze upon him. Takeru stood up, but not before Sasuke landed a hard hit upon his head. His fingers twitched, teeth grit in pain. I deserved that. He whimpered slightly as he turned away from his father, not even making an attempt to rub his head.
Sakura stood amongst the crowd of people overlooking the cooking contest. She closed her eyes inhaling the savoring scents. Rock Lee was standing next to her – also enjoying the competition. "I believe they're selling the dishes and we're supposed to vote on which one's the best over there," she said pointing to a table in the middle of the booths. There was a woman standing behind it with a voting box in front.
"What should we get? There are eight booths to choose from," Lee said scanning the patrons. A lot of people and their families were being drawn to the area by the scents drifting through the air. He heard his name being called by Yanagi. He turned slightly to lift his hand waving at her so she could see him amongst the crowd. His daughter had been hanging out with Saori Nara, her best friend, all morning.
Yanagi and Saori pushed through the crowd to get to her parents. "I thought you'd be here. You like food," she said with an adoring smile.
"Yanagi, how come you're not hanging out with Daiya," Sakura asked in a concerned tone. Her daughter was glued to him as much as Saori. Not that she minded, of course.
Yanagi had been enjoying herself so much she had forgotten that Daiya was at the festival with his family. "I don't know where he is. Didn't he hang out with Ryu earlier," she asked Saori.
"That was early this morning," Saori confirmed. "They played the goldfish game. It seems Ryu beat him rather easily at it," she said expressing disappointment.
"Daiya doesn't have patience to play that," Yanagi said matter-of-fact.
"Well, why don't you find him and your friends? We'll treat you all to the taste testing from the booths," Lee said giving her a big smile. Yanagi became so excited, she hugged him around his mid-section.
Takeru put his arm around Onari's shoulder as he leaned in to her. "Ryu gave you a candy apple earlier, huh," he said attempting to draw her attention elsewhere. Onari nodded. "Ri, I'm sorry I was a jerk before." She turned to look at him. "I'd rather you ask Mom or Dad to train you in weapons before you go buying them."
Onari extended her wrist, closing her fingers. A quick shank noise and the ninja blades Eiyu had designed came out. She wondered why Takeru was doubting her understanding of combat.
Takeru stared at the ninja blade. "Ri… you actually wore those under your kimono?" With her hair done in a twist and makeup on, Onari looked more like a lethal doll. Takeru busted out laughing. Onari turned to him completely in surprise. He kept laughing as he held onto his stomach. "I love you, Onari. You're cute," he said.
Onari blushed at how expressive Takeru was being in public. "Takeru thinks Onari is cute with her weapons?" Takeru was still laughing, but it was lighter now.
He reached up as he leaned towards her placing his hands on her cheeks. "You're cute regardless," he said landing a soft kiss on her nose. "I love your personality. Every day with you is an adventure."
In that moment, she forgot about her parents – and Eiyu. This was what attracted her to Takeru. He openly drew her in without trying – or deciding the consequences. Onari suddenly hugged him, her cheek pressing hard on his collarbone.
Takeru almost fell off the wall he and Onari were sitting on. "Onari?" He lifted his hand to place it on the top of her head, careful not to mess up her hair. His eyes softened as he relaxed, enjoying the attachment for the moment.
Hinata handed out the last prize to the last contestant. The rope climbing race had met with a success. She lifted the wooden box off the table shaking it gently. Coins jingled inside. Naruto will be so happy when I hand this over to him. There's enough to help put it to good use.
Hinata bowed thanking the other ninja who had manned the event. "Thank you for all your hard work," she said. "There's enough to help the students at the Academy."
Goro chewed on a piece of a twig, his eyes staring at the Hokage's wife. He wore a dark green hooded outfit. The hood sheltered his face, covering his head. Scratching his goatee, he glanced at the container. There was a piece of parchment seals on it to prevent anyone but the Hokage from opening it. "How much is in there," he asked in an uncaring attitude.
Hinata smiled nervously. Goro was a strange sort of person. He was fifteen-years-old and refused to work on a team. He had left the team he was on years ago to pursue higher ranking missions to benefit he and his sister, Nijina. They were twins who lived on their own in a house on the far east side of Konoha. Their parents were long gone – having been killed returning to the village. Grandparents had raised them, but they died three years ago. "A little less than what you assume and a bit more than not enough," she said teasing him.
Goro rolled his eyes, his mouth opening. That is not what I meant. The twin hung on his lip, dangling towards the ground.
Montaro slapped him on the back several times with a loud smirk. "Haven't you ever been told it's impolite to ask a lady how much money she has?" He winked at Hinata.
Goro pulled his hood down more to where his eyes couldn't be seen. Only his chin and goatee were visible. "Forget it," he said turning around to shuffle off. Weirdos.
Neji Hyuuga approached Gai who was eying the various dumplings at the booth. He waited patiently to answer the questions his old trainer had about the choices. "If you're unsure, you could get one of each for him," he said speaking of Idai.
"That's true! You always know what to do in a predicament! I'll take one of each!" Gai handed over the ryo as Neji gathered the dumplings into a basket. "Ten-Ten has the best dumplings in Konoha!"
"I know. She had to return home to make more this afternoon," Neji explained why he was managing the stand alone. He gave Gai the basket. "Just have Idai return the basket to Kandai or Eiyu."
"So no one's seen him since this morning," Sasuke gathered as he sat on a bench eating.
"I have Yanagi searching for him," Lee said setting his bowl into a trash bin. "No idea where he could be. He stays glued to her or Ryu, usually."
"I could scout for him," Areku offered leaning against a building. "Ichigo and I don't mind." It didn't take a keen eye to determine Daiya was acting out of character.
"It's alright, Areku. He'll turn up. Yanagi knows all of his hiding spots," Sasuke said. He furrowed his brows remembering the morning Daiya fell ill. Could it be possible he's sick again and is trying to hide it? He looked up to see Ryu walking angrily towards him. "What now," he said to no one in particular.
Ryu clenched his fists growling. "How paranoid are you and Ms. Izumi?" Ryu narrowed his eyes, steam fixing to pour out of his ears as if he were making coal.
"Did Suiren bite you," Sasuke asked mildly. His mind wasn't on Ryu's welfare, but it would be troublesome if she had. The snake was poisonous.
"Whose Suiren," Areku asked in turn.
"She's Izumi's water moccasin," Lee answered in a teacherly tone.
"She tried!" Ryu wanted to land his fist right on top of Sasuke's head with nothing minimal of blunt force. "Who in the heck is going to be foolish enough to step inside the Uchiha compound?"
Areku and Lee both pointed at Ryu straight faced. "You were foolish enough to step inside the compound," they said in unison.
Ryu whirled around yelling at both of them. "No one asked you!" He went after Areku hitting him on the back. It was wasted effort ton Lee. He'd never catch him. Ichigo bit his pant leg, holding on with a snarl.
Sasuke watched Areku get put into a head lock. "Ryu, why did you go to my house?" Areku was loosened and dropped to the ground instantly. The motive soon returned in his student's eyes.
"Huh? Oh. Daiya was asleep. I found him there," Ryu said as he pulled Ichigo away from his pants. Sasuke rubbed his temples. "What?"
"I bet after you left him he went straight home," Sasuke said. "He's getting fatigued sooner." He crossed his arms leaning back. Sasuke closed his eyes.
"What can be done for him," Lee asked wanting to take charge. His daughter's happiness was at stake. Lee saw Sasuke shake his head.
"Sakura has checked him numerous times since we found out about his heart. It has something to do with his kekkegenkai. That's all we know," Sasuke said. Truth was, he was unsure about what to do. They couldn't stop the electrical currents flowing through Daiya's body. They were part of him. To stop them, was to stop his chakra.
Idai shot his fist into the air excitedly. "I got it! I got it!" He jumped around like a little kid congragulating his success on hitting the targets. The kunai were lodged firmly into the middle of three targets standing fifty feet away.
Diaya wasn't fully embarrassed at Idai's exploits – not yet. However, when the man handed his best friend the large stuffed elephant, Idai kept rubbing his cheek on it. "Idai, isn't that… for Gin?"
Idai moved the elephant away from Daiya as if he were trying to snatch it. He gave him a dirty look. "No, it's mine! I won it. My elephant!" Idai pressed it to himself like a baby guarding its only toy.
Daiya put his hand over his mouth covering the large smile that was spreading across his face. He wanted to laugh until tears came out of his eyes, but it wasn't like him to display emotions around others. I wouldn't change you for anything.
I finally found him! Yanagi ran to Daiya practically jumping him. "I've been looking for you all morning. We haven't played any games together," she said running two fingers down his jaw line.
Daiya turned his head quickly to kiss her fingers. "I'm sorry, 'Nagi," he said using her pet name out loud. "I didn't feel well." He was hoping to avoid her concerns. The one thing he hated was to cause Yanagi to be sad.
Yanagi looked over Daiya's shoulder distracted for the moment. "I though Idai was with you?" She looked around the area until she saw Idai peering at them from behind a tree. He was watching them skeptically – like they were plotting against him.
"Idai, no one's going to take that stupid elephant," Daiya yelled.
Yanagi laughed as soon as Idai stepped out from behind the tree guarding a stuffed animal. She bent over placing her hands on her legs, head hanging. "I love him," she said still laughing at her team mate.
"And if you give it a name, I'm ripping the stuffing out," Daiya shouted. He watched Idai's eyes widen. Idai put his arms around the elephant and fled the scene in a hurry.
Yanagi laughed even harder, closing her legs. "He probably named it while watching us," she said. "My sides are hurting," she giggled.
"He's such an idiot," Daiya said with a frown.
"Yeah, but you wouldn't have him any other way," she said finally calming down.
Naruto held up his hand greeting Neji as he approached the dumpling booth. Ten-Ten moved around hastily putting dumplings into baskets for orders. "You two have everyone talking about these," he said with a smile.
"Ten-Ten's the one who makes them. The boys help, but I don't have influence in their design or contents," Neji said rather straightforward. He took ryo from another customer quickly putting it with the rest in a pouch.
He's always so serious. Naruto put his hand to the back of his head. Oh, well, Neji's never going to change. He noticed Eiyu showing up with more dumplings on a wooden cart he pulled. Hm. I wonder why he's not out with his friends for the festival?
Eiyu set the cart down carefully. He peered over the edge of the booth at his busy parents. "Mother, I have the extras," he said quietly. Eiyu knew she hadn't heard him when she bolted to get more baskets from the other side of the booth. I know she's busy, but she didn't even notice me.
Instead of wasting his time, Eiyu began to unload the cart. He tried to keep himself busy – not thinking about his loneliness. As he moved around his parents, they didn't seem to know he was there. Eiyu went back to the cart placing his hands on the poles. He glanced at his parents. Eiyu's eyes went straight back to this path, head lowered. He carried the cart back to the compound amongst the bustling crowd.
"Hey, what are you guys doing," Yanagi asked Masaru and Kandai.
"He's trying to win a fish for Niru," Kandai said turning around halfway in his crouched position next to Masaru. "He's not having any luck though." Kandai glanced at Masaru yelling in frustration. "He's impatient," he whispered to Yanagi.
Masaru punched Kandai hard in the shoulder. "Shut up. I can get it. I will get one!" Kandai just stared at him.
"Well, we were going to write autumn wishes and tie them to the tree at the Academy," Yanagi said. "Would you like to come? Kurenai sensei put up a table to tell fortunes."
"Sure," Kandai said eagerly. Masaru wasn't too much fun to hang out with. It gave him a chance to get away.
"No, thanks. Fortune telling is pure nonsense. I make my own path. I don't rely on wishes," Masaru said waving them off. He went back to the goldfish game.
"Suit yourself," Kandai said shrugging. He walked off with Yanagi. "What are you going to write for your autumn wish, Yanagi?" He watched her blush badly.
Yanagi bit her bottom lip. "You would ask me, Kandai. It's embarrassing," she said trying to deter him away.
"No one's around but you and I," Kandai said with a smile. "It's not in my nature to tell on others." Kandai sensed Yanagi's powerful gaze on him. His smile twitched.
"You have to swear," she said jumping in front of him, her hands up in prayer. "I don't know what anyone would say. Besides, it's foolish," she said looking away having doubts.
"Oh. So it's Daiya related," Kandai said seriously. Yanagi hopped around her head moving to see if anyone had heard. He laughed. "Yanagi, you're overreacting. I promise not to tell anyone on pain of death."
That seemed good enough for her. She had never known Kandai to betray anyone. "I want to marry Daiya and have his children."
Kandai's face turned red. "Wow, you've decided that already? How do you know you want to be with him for the rest of your life? People change when they get older."
Yanagi shook her head. "I know Daiya despite every obstacle he's ever thrown, or put in my way. It's been a challenge figuring him out. He's not the reserved guy that everybody thinks detests others. He's afraid of others hurting him – that's why he remains a wall that no one can burrow through."
"Yeah, Eiyu's the same way," Kandai stated. "He's heavily in love with Onari, but he won't fight Takeru for her. He let her go; already deciding she had more of a life with him."
Yanagi didn't know Eiyu very well. She figured no one but Onari did. Still, as she and Kandai continued to walk, she realized Eiyu had separated himself from everyone. In a way, he was much like Daiya.
Onari tied her scroll upon the tree's thin limb, her fingers carefully going over it. She stood back to admire the paper that was fixed with the rest. Yanagi was on the other side tying hers near Takeru's. They were being awfully secretive to what theirs was. Onari's wasn't exactly a secret. It was more of an understanding she wanted to happen. She had written that she wanted Takeru and Eiyu to one day be at peace with each other. Whether that happened, or not, determined on the both of them. Yet, she figured they were still rivals in love and war.
Onari felt someone place his hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Daiya smiling at her gently. "Where did Daiya put his," she asked. He pointed high over her head to a particular branch. It was farther up in the tree than anyone else's. "Why all of the way up there?"
"Because bigger wishes need to be closer to the sky," Daiya said hugging her with one arm.
"Daiya, Onari knows what 'Chuunin' stands for now," she said. But before he could ask, or anyone could correct her, she began to explain her own understanding of Japanese language. "Nin is short for 'ninja'. 'Chuu' means to 'kiss'," she said putting her finger in the air as a language teacher.
"O-On-ari," Daiya said trying to get her attention with his hands raised.
Ryu had stopped talking to Idai when he heard Onari's master of language degree come into focus. He tilted back on his heels, his head turned. Onari's understanding of anything usually led to something one hundred and eighty degrees away from the actual truth.
"Once the exams are over, we'll all be Kiss Ninja," Onari said with a smile, her eyes closed. "Although, Onari does not understand why we would want to be Kiss Ninja. Is that a level we're supposed to reach for something important?"
Takeru's mouth just opened, stunned. Where does she come up with all of these solutions? His eye twitched.
Ryu couldn't help himself. "Yes, it's called a 'honeymoon'. It happens when you get married," he put his leg out in front then stepped quickly to avoid Daiya nailing him.
"A honeymoon?" Onari tilted her head. "What does a Kiss Ninja do on a honeymoon? The moon is way up there," she said pointing in the sky.
"I thought Mom had a talk with her," Daiya said as he shook Ryu with his fingers tightened around his throat.
"Sh-She did," Takeru said softly. "But… Onari's still a child in that department," he said embarrassed at how Yanagi was asking him personal things in his other ear. "No, we haven't!" He looked at Yanagi quite bewildered.
"Well, I'll explain it to her," Idai volunteered. He didn't seem to get what the big deal was. "It's only going to be problematic if no one tells her." As Daiya fought with Ryu, he walked right up to Onari and whispered what one does on a honeymoon right in Onari's ear.
Takeru whirled around, but he was too late to stop anything. "Idai! Don't tell her!"
Onari's eyes became so wide, she stood stiffly staring at the scrolls tied to the tree limbs. That's what happened on a honeymoon? It didn't have anything to do with being a Chuunin. Her mouth felt dry, face flushing as her heart raced a little. When Takeru came into the picture trying to tell her not to listen to Idai, her body twitched. She pushed Takeru back so suddenly, screamed, "Onari does not want Takeru to touch her!" and ran away from the group down the road.
Takeru laid on the ground with his arms out, near his head. Ryu, Yanagi, Daiya, and Idai just stared at him. "Why don't I just focus on Ninjutsu?"
Saori and Kandai returned with an unusual expression on their faces. "Hey, what is this about being a 'Kiss Ninja'? Onari's yelling it all the way down the road," she said. The others just looked up at her, not answering.
"I take it, it's another one of Onari's misunderstandings," Kandai said to sum it up. No one moved. It must be a big one, because no one's bothering to explain it just yet.
Takeru stood up with a grim look on his face. "I'm going to the training grounds. I need a new focus on my life," he said as he walked off.
"Is he alright," Saori asked.
"He'll be fine," Ryu said with a salute. "Onari's a bit confused over Japanese."
"Don't say it so lightly," Daiya yelled at him.
"But… it wouldn't have been so bad if Idai hadn't of told her," Yanagi said. She watched Takeru stop in his tracks. Now Idai was getting harshly glared at by Takeru and Daiya. "Did I say something wrong?"
Idai turned around the moment he was being chased. "Thanks, Yanagi! I'll get you back later!"
"You get back here," Takeru and Daiya yelled after him, but Idai was flapping his arms trying his best to become a bird in order to get away.