The academy buzz is the same as the first day one year ago. Parents, students, and teachers… all preparing for the new year.
"See you later tonight," Ami says, and I try to forget how GIDDY she was this morning…. I am pretty sure a giddy Ami is a dangerous Ami.
"See you then," I say, shaking off the feeling with a little mental mantra that it is none of my business who Ami terrorizes on her own time, even if I feel a little responsible as I was the one who helped get her interested in poisons, to begin with.
She makes her way to her class, and I make my way to mine. I wonder if Suzume sensei will finally be interesting now that she will start to really teach about chakra. It's supposed to be the same class, so I know the way. I see the first years looking so lost. It's rather cute. Still, I move past those thoughts and head for the classroom.
When I get there, Suzume-sensei is at the door ushering the kids in. "Hello, Suzume-sensei," I say, ready to walk in, but her hand stretches out, bumping my chest and stopping me.
"Sayori-san, you've been moved to a different class." I blink once, then twice. Do I have water in my ears or something? I thought that she just said… wait she did say… but no one changes classes! Ever!
"Huh?" This is my brilliant reply as Suzume, with ever the impassive face, adjusts her glasses.
"You've been moved to Daikoku Funeno's class. It's the next floor up." Suzume informs me clinically, and I hesitantly nod. Ok… that's ok. "Iruka-sensei, can you please walk Sayori-san to her new class?" Suzume-sensei says, not waiting for a reply. As she walks into the classroom as Iruka scurries out.
"Follow me." Iruka instructs with a smile that seems a little melancholy. I don't pay much attention as we walk upstairs because… well, isn't Daikoku the current teacher of…?
The door opens, and I suck in a sharp breath. Main cast alert! Yep, this is definitely THAT class. "Daikoku-sensei, this is Sayori-chan." Iruka introduces me, pushing me into the doorway. Ami's eyes fall on me first in confusion and then shock. In fact, EVERYONE'S eyes are on ME. Each person seems to have a different reaction to this odd event…
"Ahh, yes, the transfer, Hokage-sama has told me much about you, Sayori-san. I think you will fit right in." Daikoku says, and I nod, not really thinking as whispers spread like wildfire through the room and my mind. What does the Hokage have to do with this?!
"It's nice to meet you, Daikoku-sensei," I say with a slight bow as my eyes scan over the room. Choji looks excited, smiling widely. Shikamaru seems bored, but his head rests in his hand instead of fast asleep on his desk. Kiba looks curious, tilting his head the same as Akamaru. Ino and Sakura look plain shocked. Sasuke has his eyes wide and looks slightly pale. Ami looks conflicted and wary, while Kasumi and Fuki look murderous. Shino looks completely neutral. Hinata looks nervous. Naruto, on the other hand, isn't anywhere to be seen.
"Please take your seat." Daikoku says, and I nod and wave at Iruka, who turns to leave just as a ball of bright blond hair brushes past him.
"Sorry I'm late, ya know!" Naruto exclaims his shirt is on backwards, his hair is a mess, and he looks slightly out of breath. "My alarm clock wouldn't work, and then a teacher said the room had changed, and well…" Naruto begins to ramble, his arms moving wildly.
"That's no excuse!" Daikoku roars, and Iruka looks… he looks a mix of disgusted and appalled. Disgusted with Naruto and maybe appalled by Daikoku? "Take a seat, Uzumaki-san." Daikoku says, crossing his arms and glaring disapprovingly at Naruto.
"Fine!" Naruto yells out, frustrated, stalking back to the middle seat next to… we'll actually be next to Hinata, who turns bright red.
"H-how was your summer N-n-aru-to-kun?" Hinata stutters softly, but Naruto doesn't seem to hear her like at all, just grumbling to himself.
Eavesdropping proficiency has risenX1
Eavesdropping Proficiency Level 49
Ability to listen in on others conversations without them knowing you are listening. Range 0.1m per level, 100% accuracy. -10% accuracy per additional 0.1m. Current ability range 4.9 m
Ah.. that explains it. Sort of, man, Naruto is so clueless, isn't he? He wants a friend yet doesn't even seem to NOTICE Hinata at all!
I move, trying to find a seat. Choji smiles, so I sit beside him, between him and Shino and directly behind Ami.
"What are you doing here?" Ami asks in a whisper turning around.
"I got transferred," I tell her simply, and she now seems to copy Naruto grumbling about how of course, I would be transferred.
"That is very odd. Why? Because transfers are extremely rare past the first year." Shino says, adjusting dark shades. His dark hair is held back in a stretchy headband that seems a little like something people would wear in the sixties mixed with the shades… Well, he looks like a kid playing dress-up.
"Well, I was." I state to him, finding his eyes after a second through the shades.
"Alright, students, welcome back to the academy. I trust you all had a productive break. You are going to want to take notes on this." Daikoku says, and I then remember that this class has academic lessons in the morning. I take out my notebook and ink and begin to doodle, half paying attention, but if I play it right, I can make it seem as though I am a dutiful student until that gets boring, that is…
Painting Proficiency level has risen x1
Painting Proficiency Level 26
Ability to paint what you want in a neat and organized fashion. Your skill improves per level. The speed of painting increases 2% per level. Current ability painting speed increases 52%
I groan as Daikoku begins the lesson. Haven't any of these teachers heard about maintaining student engagement in the lesson?