Charlywood Presents: A Naruto Fanfiction
Grey/Label
Label 09: Bearing The Burden
… . … . …
The invasion plans, or lack thereof was 'need to know' for a reason. Saving Hayate's life had given the Hokage enough reason to let him in on the threat Konoha was staring down the barrel of. While Sarutobi and his advisors read him in on the situation concerning Orochimaru's plans, Konoha's venerable leader admitted to not knowing in what capacity Kori could help or be involved.
As such, Sarutobi hadn't given him any immediate directives concerning the invasion counter plans as of yet, but promised Kori he and the elders would consult with Shikaku Nara and get back with him later about how he could best be useful to their strategy.
It turned out that Anko had been straight when she slipped him a little information about Orochimaru's plans. She said the Hokage didn't have a clear cut plan for preventing or even countering the threat Orochimaru presented, but that was understandable. Sarutobi had been at the helm for a long time and more than that he'd had not one, but two legendary shinobi to learn from. Anyone else would be hard pressed to handle the situation as calmly as the third Hokage. Old sensei had something over on the Sandaime and Sarutobi wasn't the confrontational type so they'd likely be playing defense no matter what.
Hayate's efforts paid off beautifully despite the unfavorable results, something that everyone was grateful for, and just as much so for Kori being in the right place at the right time to ensure Hayate's survival.
Kori was grateful for the praise, the Hokage and his advisors had spread the praise on pretty thick. Hayate, the cool breeze of air that he was, thanked him graciously for the help. He would've gotten a big ego boost from the praise of the Hokage's administration and another ninja bowing to him in thanks. That part of him was all but dead, he'd actually forgotten what it felt like to be genuinely thanked.
In the end he just hoped he helped their strategic efforts. For his part, he could only think of wanting to make sure that Sarutobi didn't get himself killed dealing with Orochimaru's revenge thirsty ass. He'd feel only too at fault if events went that far left.
Kori sighed as he arrived in Rin's office with help from Anko and a shunshin from the Hokage's office after the meeting was wrapped up. Briefly thinking back on it he'd probably missed a few points distracted by the pain in his shoulder. That jutsu wasn't fully balanced and his body wasn't healing as it normally should.
Rin looked up, only briefly surprised to see Anko entering in the middle of her office. The look was soon gone when she noticed Kori leaning supportively against the younger kunoichi. She raised herself from her desk with a defeated sigh and made her way over.
"Easy," Kori rolled his eyes tiredly as Anko unnecessarily warned Rin, her posture becoming slightly defensive as the medical kunoichi made her way over. "It's-."
"I got it," Rin interrupted before Anko could get further in her statement.
Anko growled under her breath, narrowing her eyes at the older kunoichi while holding back an annoyed sneer. "Just go easy." She bit out anyway.
Rin's hand became surrounded by a familiar green glow as she narrowed her eyes silently, pointedly ignoring the purple haired woman.
Kori didn't understand the animosity between these two. He knew why, he just didn't understand. Anko wasn't the caring type, meanwhile Rin was…Rin but add him to the equation and their normal tendencies skewed a little. Both were well meaning, but Rin thought Anko had a negative influence on him and Rin showed it where she'd usually keep to herself. Meanwhile, Anko thought Rin was a nosy, goody-goody and let it be known when she'd normally mind her own business.
He really just tried to stay out of it and not entertain it. Doing anything more than that would be unwise.
The matter was put out of Kori's mind as a warm, heavy cloaking feeling washed over him, his eyelids growing heavy, and his vision becoming hazy with the sedating effect of Rin's numbing touch. Barely able to stand on his own, Kori felt himself being held up by both women as they collectively helped him over to the couch in her executive office, and made him lay back.
Rin cut away a portion of his shirt around his right shoulder and began feeling around the swollen and inflamed area of his shoulder.
Anko smirked at Kori as she stood aside watching, folding her arms in a nonchalant manner that lifted her large breasts beneath the opening of her trench coat. "Must've been a long night, I don't think I've ever seen you this exhausted." Anko said knowingly as he lazily rolled his eyes at his senpai's cocky ass demeanor.
"Bitch." He mumbled, shifting his gaze to Rin as she removed a small pack of surgical tools from her medical coat and removed a clean scalpel from its sheath. Meanwhile Anko laughed in amusement at Kori's weak jab at her.
"Don't move and please…silence." Rin sighed in annoyance at the banter happening over her shoulder. With a smooth and easy hand she cut into the light bronzed flesh of Kori's shoulder just below surface level. A single trickle of blood leaked out and was quickly wiped away. The hidden layer of snake flesh beneath human skin was revealed. Rin quietly examined the silverish-brown diamond pattern closely as the snake skin shifted under her gaze.
Rin breathed out slowly, her expression one of relief edged by subtle concern. "Well there's no surprises except this snake skin beneath has further attached itself to your musculature, but-.
"We both knew that was going to happen eventually." Kori said gruffly, bringing Rin up short.
"Quit," Rin softly slapped him on the head. "Yes, it was expected, but it's happening at an accelerated rate. Kori opened his mouth to speak again, but Rin spoke over him. "Don't even bother, just tell me what you've been doing."
Kori huffed, but didn't respond. Rin didn't comment on his silence, already frowning with displeasure as she cut further into the snake skin around his shoulder until she could see the natural muscle hiding beneath it all. She had to use more force than was previously required to get through.
"Can't be helped, master." Kori said slowly, blinking blankly as he finally decided to answer. "Hinata, she-."
"Don't you dare blame your responsibility for that sweet, innocent girl as an excuse for being reckless. She's definitely not asking you to do anything you shouldn't." Rin snapped as she put away her medical tools into her coat and examined the damage as she activated the Body Mapping technique to thoroughly analyze the damage to his shoulder. "...And besides, that's not the reason you're here now." She added knowingly.
Anko's laughter followed Rin's annoyed response. "She's got you there." She said, taking a peek over Rin's shoulder to see her handiwork, immediately feeling a little squeamish for doing so. Not because she'd cut Kori's shoulder partially open, but because the sight of Kori's snake flesh beneath it all caused a small but growing response to the seal on her neck.
Anko's hand unconsciously went up to lightly rub at her neck. "Ehm…I-I got some business to take care of. This morning's little ordeal caused an all hands meeting." Anko shrugged and headed for the door. "Anyway, best to be honest, Ko. Girl sounds like she means business. Don't be too hard on our guy, huh Rin-chan? See ya!"
Rin mumbled something about 'uncouth' in response to Anko addressing her so familiarly while Kori narrowed his eyes as Anko disappeared in a trail of smoke. "Pft, running away. So much for the fearsome Snake Bit-Ow! Yo, wha!-" Kori jerked, blinking back tears when Rin thumped him over the forehead with more than a little chakra reinforcing her finger.
"Nevermind about her. If I were you, I'd focus more on the woman here. The same woman who understands your altered physiology...". Kori frowned curiously as he shifted his focus back to Rin. Unsure what she was alluding to he looked her up and down with suspicion.
Rin simply continued, winking at Kori in a manner that was eerily similar to how he winked at others. Kori's frown deepened, not at all liking the extremely skewed pleasantness filling her eyes, or the matching smile. "~Oh, sweetheart, you know…the same woman who has her fingers in your shoulder right now." Rin's voice was so acidically sweet, and the air around her growing dark to offset the display, that Kori couldn't help the intense and involuntary shudder that crept up his spine…followed by another…and another.
On the fourth attempt Kori managed to shove down the chills. He stubbornly huffed and turned his head away from his master, mumbling something incoherently in response to Rin's threat.
"Sorry? What was that?" Rin further exaggerated the sweet tone she was affecting, her fingers threatening to dig into his muscle.
"ALRIGHT! Alright, chill. I said it was…pure chakra manipulation…that…did this damage." He sighed out.
Rin shook her head as the threatening air around her immediately disappeared and she smiled genuinely. "I already knew that, Kori-kun. I just wanted to see if you tried to lie. And I also want to know why getting a straight answer from you is like pulling teeth? And you do it knowing I couldn't-wouldn't know without you telling me." She sighed. "Hold on… and take a breath." Rin said softly as she suddenly lifted and angled his arm up and to the side, taking a stronger grip she popped his shoulder back into place.
Kori tensed, biting his lip as he grunted in pain when Rin popped his shoulder back into place. "Got…damn…" He gasped out.
"Oh, don't be a baby. You hardly felt that. Anyway, even with the damaged bones there should have been significant healing by the time you got here. And I'm certain the reason for it is because of cellular damage." Rin explained. "So, this is what your straight chakra techniques are getting you when you haven't fully mastered them."
"No louder message than wiping someone from existence with a technique that destroys on a cellular level. I'm working on the part where that damage doesn't isn't reflected on the user. Right now it's at about 0.003%...I'm getting it there." Kori explained tersely. He could feel Rin's ire was genuine, she never did appreciate his recklessness. It was a small percentage for sure, but she always looked at the big picture, such as, "what would happen to him over a lifetime of using such techniques.
This also wasn't his first offense where jutsu and cellular damage was concerned. He was very well tuned into his body and figured it was something like that, but he'd honestly been hoping that it could've been something else. "Damn…" He muttered quietly.
"I'm beginning to wonder why I even bother any longer?" Kori closed his eyes, remaining silent as Rin began scolding him. "You're my precious student, I hope you believe me. I don't appreciate how you always make me worry and I'm honestly beginning to believe you don't respect me as your master. I'm only the woman who pieced you back together, took you under her wing against the advice of pretty much everyone." Rin's frustrated disappointment was obvious to Kori's ears. "The only good that came from doing that was that I found out who my real friends were."
"So, if you don't respect me, at least have respect for yourself. Your recklessness isn't unlike Tsunade-san and that alone is troubling." Rin added, his flesh stitching together under her skilled, chakra covered hand. "I'm finished." She sighed, tracing her hand over the repaired area of skin. Not a blemish was found and the inflamed swelling was also gone.
Rin nearly pulled away before pausing as his hand suddenly crossed her line of sight. She blinked, watching warily as Kori's hand gently caught her stigmatized cheek, making her gasp quietly in surprise. Kori found her skin pleasantly warm to the touch as Rin thought the same about his hand.
Ever so slightly, and almost instinctively, her head leaned into his calloused, great hand as surprise further etched across the brunette's features. While this moment could've been mistaken for one of romantic passion– truthfully it was a gesture of platonic romance to the master from her student, who hoped she would accept it. And Rin's faint blush was just the sort of sign he'd been hoping for.
Kori didn't blame Rin for her surprise, it was only natural. A year ago he distanced himself from her after she recommended that the Hokage restrict him from leaving the village. She also mandated psych sessions for insubordination on a few missions.
She did it because if he backtracked, he would be tortured and interrogated, and put to death for two counts of treason, one count of espionage, and one count of imminent threat to Konoha. Previous charges for his actions in covering for Orochimaru , but continued anyway.
This would usually be where Kori told her to mind her own business and that he was single for a reason, but the vibe was different now than before. "You know how this works, Kori-kun. So, while I got you on the couch…how do you feel, what do you think you're feeling, and why?"
Kori had the awareness to look guilty when Rin turned unapologetically professional despite his previous times telling her off. He was too tired to bother with that song and dance now, especially as he'd always known she only had his best interests at heart. "What I think is…I'm feeling my conscience biting me in the ass. Or rather, I'm forced to weigh the pros and cons of my decisions. Since Sandaime-sama made me responsible for Hinata's rehabilitation and later standing up for the girl with her father, my past seems to be asking me to resolve past conflicts. At least, it seems that way, as if…I can't truly do right by the girl if I don't." He sighed.
Rin reached out and pat Kori on his head and brushed her fingers through his braided locks as Kori blinked at her, his heart thumping hard within his chest with anxiety for what Rin would say. Her opinion, more than anyone else's, mattered to him besides the Hokage and Anko. "I think you're finally being honest with yourself…and with me, you would do well to spread that honesty around your circle. There's just one thing, can you honestly say you've come to terms with your mistakes? Knowing you made mistakes and settling them are two different things. I think your Hyuga charge reminds you of someone you disappointed and you want to protect her from the same darkness you let consume you." Rin moved to rise to her feet. "Come on, stand up."
"What, why?" Kori blinked in question, but still stood up with her all the same as the woman pulled him up with her by his arm.
"Because, our impromptu session is done and you have a student to teach. I won't bother telling you to take it easy with your shoulder, you know your body, and you wouldn't listen anyway. I also have a pile of paperwork to finish and you're taking up my time. All I have to tell you is to stop fighting yourself, because you already know what to do." Rin giggled as she began pushing him to the door. "Also, women don't find pity parties attractive in men, no matter how talented."
"Wha-, but…-." Kori didn't get any further than that and assisting his escape. As such, she became personally invested because she'd take it personally if she failed in the endeavor.
Kori released the breath he'd been holding as he grinned, relief filling his eyes. "Thank goodness." he chuckled to himself, but it didn't last long as he moved on. "I just figured out who Hinata reminded me of in their disappointment and it was you all along. The only difference is that Hinata thinks she's gotten good at hiding it." He thumbed her skin lightly as he cupped her cheek. "I apologize, really. I'm ready to admit I was wrong, but don't ask me why it took so long. Just please, don't look like that and say such things."
Rin didn't move, afraid that if she did she may wake up from a dream. She was completely taken aback, not by Kori's words, but his honesty and sincerity. A quick second passed where she saw his face, younger than now, when she first met him after the fallout of the 'Orochimaru Situation'. She remembered how genuinely apologetic his eyes had been then, and when she blinked it was gone, replaced by the older features of the young man before her.
Kori removed his hand and sat up on the couch, leaning forward against his forearms as he placed them over his knees. "When Hinata was assigned to me, she just made me realize how much growing up I had to do, how far I had to go. And I apologize, Rin-shishou, because I do…" He trailed off, growing silent.
Rin blinked, still surprised by Kori's sudden turnaround. She knew he was being sincere, something she'd only witnessed once before when he'd implored her to take him on as her student and further his medical knowledge. While that had been a breakthrough, she'd never gotten past the defensive wall he put up around himself. "Do what, Kori-kun?" She asked, placing her hand over his in a supportive gesture.
"I do respect you…as my master and more." Kori shook his head. "I never wanted to give you a hard time. I realize now you were just trying to be a good master, caring for her student. Until meeting Hinata-chan I didn't know what that meant or what that even looked like, I really mean it. And now, I just hope I'm doing right by her like you did right by me." He stared at the carpeting of the office under his worn ninja shoes, his usual arrogant and confident tone nowhere to be found in his rugged voice.
"Kori, look at me." Rin said as she keyed in on the fact that he wouldn't look at her. When he didn't move, she raised her hand to his chin and turned his head to make him look at her. She hesitated when she saw the wounded look in his eyes. "I believe you and I know you mean well, so what's wrong?"
"I'm all mixed up, master." He answered, taking her hand away from his chin, and holding it in his large hand–his hold communicating to Rin that he needed her guidance. "I don't know why!" He exclaimed fiercely, making the woman jump a little– taken back by the sudden rise in his voice.
Kori took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, not having meant to yell. "And then Kurenai, between her forcing the issue, unresolved history, and…last night." He coughed, but Rin caught his meaning. "I could freaking tear these 5-Year Braids out!" Pure frustration showed itself as he pulled on his twisted strands. An overstatement though, he wasn't about to rip out the hair he'd let grow half a decade to ruin a signature look he'd slaved over. "…I'm just not sure what the right thing is for me. Which is fine, I'm a ninja. I'm used to everything not being clear and obvious, having to use my intuition, but now everything seems more clouded than before."
Rin sighed, shaking her head but beginning to smile. "My, you are foolish, but you're my foolish student and I have to admit, I don't dislike the brutally honest you making an appearance plus it feels good for a master to still be needed by her student. You just need to take a breath and a moment to yourself. You're not the little confused teenager I met years before. I know that you know the difference between right and wrong…" Rin paused, hesitating
Rin shook her head, smiling wide with amusement as she cut him off with finality. "Take care of yourself and make sure you do right by your student for however long your time together lasts! Doctor's orders!" She then closed the office door on him.
Kori tried to speak, but she closed the door right in his face. He heard it lock soundly. And that was the sound of a warning telling him that if he went back inside he'd regret it.
/Labels/
Kori found his way back home to his apartment, deciding to take a few hours to eat and rest a bit before he linked up with Hinata again— Songbird was likely to be finished on his end. He was unlocking the door to the apartment when another door, a few down opened, and a blonde head poked out, catching Kori's attention. "Well, well…what's up, kid. Shouldn't you be out training? The finals are right around the corner and you'll be feeling that gametime pressure, for sure." He smirked easily.
Naruto huffed, stepping outside. Kori could see the tears, rips, and dirt of his attire. "You're right, but honestly I feel like I'm not improving all that much!" He exclaimed, sounding more than a little upset.
"Funny that," Kori crossed his arms and leaned against the door jamb. "Ain't you training with a living legend?" He chuckled at the frustrated look Naruto gave him when he mentioned Jiraiya of the Sannin.
"He let me sign the toad summoning contract, taught me how to summon toads, but he's a pervert. I had to use my Oiroke no Jutsu to get him to focus because he wouldn't stop peeking long enough. Besides that it's been working with…" Naruto trailed off, blinking with realization. "Um, the jutsu I found in the library like you suggested.
'Damn…' Kori sighed internally, almost wishing Naruto had let it slip. If only the villagers' big mouths was enough of an excuse to talk about the Kyubi with Naruto, because he could help the kid with a few of his theoretical methods. And there was little chance that blaming it on feral Konoha villager's would be reason enough. There was something that Hashirama Senju had keyed onto concerning the Bijuu that others didn't care to know or weren't smart enough to notice. Something that Kori was certain he had discovered from some of Orochimaru's research that had been left behind.
"Oh yeah?" Kori grinned widely. "I vaguely remember a certain blonde brat giving me doubt about my advice. Now, what was his name again-..."
"Alright! You were right, I admit it damnit." Naruto bit out in a huff of breath. "Thanks for the help, I guess." He admitted, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
Kori shrugged, standing straight. "No worries. I'm glad that someone was helped." He was rolling his eyes in the next moment as Naruto just stood there, his body language screaming at him there was something more he wanted to say. "For the log's sake, out with it kid." Kori huffed.
The blonde looked up, an uncertain smile appearing. "There wouldn't be anything else you could help me with, would there?"
Kori bit his lip in thought. He really didn't have the time, honestly. He was completely focused on Hinata these days. Naruto also wasn't his student and beyond that he couldn't be certain that the Hokage would appreciate his efforts. It could be misconstrued as mettling with the village's jinchuriki. In the end, he shrugged it off and decided he could at least do something.
"You might as well come in. I only came home to get a bite to eat and clean up," He was still wearing the top that Rin had cut up before healing him. "Still, I am interested in hearing what kind of sensei Jiraiya of the Sannin is." Kori waved the kid in.
Naruto finished wrapping up his last couple weeks covering his training with Jiraiya, and the things he'd been doing on his own with the jutsu he'd gotten from the library. The blonde seemed a little miffed that the jutsu wasn't more impressive stuff.
"I get it, kid. You want a game breaker." Kori stopped laughing at Naruto's nickname for Jiraiya and the entire story surrounding this 'Oiroke technique' that he had the blonde show him. It was some pretty dark shit when put into a tactical light because that was no illusion. Pointing to the Kyubi would've been a convenient and ignorant excuse as the reason and he was certain that was all Naruto's doing.
Putting the thought away for now, he gathered his braided hair together and pulled them back into a ponytail as he snapped a rubberband around the tail end and picked up one of the cups of ramen he was sharing with the teen. "Although you already have one…" Kori muttered before taking a bite of the noodles.
Naruto blinked, having never heard the phrasing before. "A…game breaker," the blonde's face scrunched up in thought. "Is that something I'm supposed to know?"
"Nah, just another way of saying you want an edge. Or a trump card." Kori shrugged. "It's a real comfort for a ninja to have a technique, a skill, or a method to fall back on under pressure. A way to guarantee your life or get you out of a jam. Like your buddy, err teammate, Sasuke and the Sharingan," Kori coolly explained, correcting himself mid-sentence at Naruto's frown. "The Sharingan has more than a few. Or like the Three Sannin, summons on their own are a sort of trump card if used well. Besides that, Jiraiya has Fuinjutsu and obscure techniques unique to him, Tsunade Senju has her signature medical techniques, and my former sensei, Orochimaru, has a few tricks up— what's wrong?" Kori asked warily..
Naruto was now looking at him as if he'd summoned Manda. Kori blinked with realization a second later and smiled. "…And you didn't know that, which is a surprise honestly. I'd heard you had a small run in with that guy." He said more to himself than Naruto.
"A small run in?! He tried to kill me with his snake! And he sealed off my chakra!" Naruto exclaimed angrily, a growing look of betrayal entering his eyes. The older shinobi felt a small stabbing sensation in his heart at the look in Naruto's dimming blue eyes. "So, you-you summon snakes too?" The blonde boy asked, obviously still a bit shaken by the experience.
Kori shook his head. "I don't summon snakes, hell, I don't even have a summoning contract. By the time I came around, Anko had already signed the snake contract and while she wouldn't have minded, it's traditional that only the first student signs. He taught me other…things" Kori said elusively. "Matter of fact, a lot of ninjas don't have and won't find summons of their own, so consider yourself blessed that Jiraiya let you sign his." He shrugged as he saw Naruto was still tense.
"I get it, but just…ease up a little, kid." Kori sighed patiently. I'm not as cruel as my former teacher and my time with him wasn't long either. "Besides, you survived. Neji Hyuga should be no problem for you. Orochimaru, dear old "sensei", is a super narcissist and doesn't know how to hold back…actually scratch that, he doesn't believe in holding back. The man could teach like a professor, but when he got hands." Kori shook his head. "None other than Orochimaru understands how the human mind works, to turn a person against themself, make them fight themself, weaken themself…that stuff about jutsu is a lie. The Sharingan is supposed to be the ultimate mental weapon, but I'm not sold on that. Anyway, he loves using psychological tactics to get in the head of his opposition before breaking down his opponent." Kori took a calming breath as he looked up at Naruto. "Even his personality is a show to heighten mental drama. It's not fighting him that you remember, it's his antics during that you remember most. Am I right? Shedding skin, the tongue, his…eccentric wordplay and mannerisms, the use of snakes…his morbid laughter."
Naruto began breathing heavily as the fight replayed in parts as Kori's voice seemed to fall into a lull, hypnotizingly exotic in tone. A bead of sweat fell from his eyebrow as his anxiety increased, and then…Kori clapped his hands and it was all gone as quick as it came. The blank, dimmed appearance of his blue eyes filled with light again as Naruto inhaled a sharp breath. "Wha-what?"
"Yeah, I thought so. Sorry, that was just a simple Genjutsu meant to play on someone's memories, whether good or bad. You'll be fine in a moment. Drink this." Kori said as he pushed his glass of water over to Naruto as he continued while the boy drank down the water in a single go.
"Now, whatever you think about Orochimaru, who he is, what he does. It's nothing to do with me…or Anko, for that matter. At least not anymore it doesn't. That dog ain't gone hunt, get me? Considering the Hokage loves Anko-senpai like a daughter, he genuinely cares about her. He looks out for her too, a lot like you. Hell, no one else besides you can just barge into his office whenever he feels and I mean no one."
Naruto considered Kori's words as he remembered both Anko and Kori helping him at different points. The biju host nodded in thought, "I guess you're right, sorry." He returned to sheepishly eating more of the ramen the man was sharing with him. "What about you?"
Kori blinked, eating down more of the ready made ramen before speaking to form a response. He couldn't fault the boy for fearing Orochimaru or anything he touched, because he was a ninja that merited being feared. "What about me, kid?" Kori sighed, choosing to play ignorant.
"You mentioned that crazy lady– I mean, Anko-san and me when you spoke about the old man. Didn't he help you too?" The blonde asked curiously. Kori smiled but it didn't reach his eyes and Naruto silently keyed onto the fact it was a fake smile. He had the same look when he used to practice fake smiles in the mirror.
"You ain't ready for that story yet. I'll just say that he's the reason I met Rin-shishou and Sandaime-sama is a large reason she chose to become my master. So yeah, he helped me. As far as details go, maybe another time."
"Oh! She's really really nice and has those cute marks on her cheeks." Naruto turned red and covered his mouth not having meant to say that much.
Kori laughed heartily at Naruto's statement, "Boy, you ain't never lied." He said in agreement, reminded that Rin was only single because Kakashi was an elitist asshole that backtracked his relationship with Rin because of her involvement with him. Principles, he said. If Kori had anything to say about it, he'd reveal some truths about his time on Team 7 that weren't so pretty. Orochimaru had access to files he shouldn't, not just from Konoha, but most ninja villages, and the man hadn't been hesitant to give him access. Plus, he'd left a lot of files behind that Kori had personally kept for himself that none knew about. So, he could spread some rumors. He didn't out of loyalty to Rin and the third. Kakashi loved to pontificate about rights and wrongs for being as two-faced as he was.
Putting that aside, other interested men thought her out of their league without bothering to try, but Rin wasn't vain so really it was their loss, anyone else was actually intimidated by her status as Konoha's best medic– second only to "The", Tsunade Senju.
Honestly, if Rin ignored the unwritten rules of Master-Student relationships and intimacy, Kori would only have eyes for her. She was not just a good mix of his type of woman, she was the perfect mix.
'Rin-shishou would definitely give me gorgeous and talented children.' He thought, his body warming at the idea before a random image of Hinata came to his mind's eyes. He was surprised at the mental comparison the thought caused, and he quickly pushed aside the image a beautifully smiling Hinata. 'Stop. Why am I thinking about this?' He asked of himself as he made himself focus again.
"You got good taste, kid. She's likely the kindest, most sincere woman you'll ever meet. It definitely doesn't hurt that she's pretty, just don't piss her off. That girl can be hot blooded when she wants to." He grinned wolfishly as he played off the shock to his mind. "Anyway, it's about time I get going or Hinata's gonna kill me for ghosting our training." Kori picked up the several empty cups of ramen the two had eaten over the last hour during their talks and tossed them in the trash bin.
"Oh. How is she?" Kori could almost see the question marks above his head as he slowly remembered who Hinata was.
"She's good, improving. I think this is the most focused she's ever been." Kori didn't let Naruto's temporary cluelessness bother him since the boy seemed to remember her after all. "She's likely to be back with her team after the exams. Still, I can't believe her own cousin tried to kill her."
Did Hinata really have a chance with the boy?' Kori found himself slightly upset on Hinata's behalf when he recalled Hinata telling him that Naruto was obsessed with a girl that had no interest in him, but maybe it was for the best. She didn't realize it, but she was basically a "Fan-Girl". One dedicated to her ninja career, for sure. And that's likely what kept that label from being applied to her, but on its face that's what she was where Naruto was concerned.
Kori mentally sighed. 'The heart wants what the heart wants…' Kori internally told himself. He remembered his younger days chasing after the older Kurenai for years, thinking her more sophisticated than other girls. Meanwhile she pined after Asuma and he eventually got over it. Associating with Orochimaru definitely had its perks, but even with other kunoichi showing interest in him, it was kind of sad it was because he had been a student of the man. He could now say it wasn't worth it. Simply sleeping with a woman he wanted after all the years spent obsessing over her was not a prize to him. The woman had likely only done so because she was emotionally vulnerable that night.
Now with Hinata, Naruto was one of her initial reasons for wanting to improve, besides her father and for herself but that was the problem. Kori couldn't know in what order she put those reasons. He just honestly hoped Hinata's feelings toward the boy had been curved some. He could say she had changed a great deal since he first met her, so that was a plus.
Where she once blushed at the very mention of the blonde's name and almost any suggestions he made early on, her present focus was dedicated to becoming a better ninja, and not letting her father down, keeping her position as Hyuga clan heiress, and how long her time with Kori-sensei would last.
It was interesting and concerning how unaware Naruto was of Hinata's presence and previous affections. Kori reminded himself to find out if the girl was still consumed with the blonde boy– because as of right now he could only see it ending in disappointment and heartache.
"Oh, um…what about–." Naruto's boisterous vocals crashed through Kori's thoughts like a brick through a window shattering glass. He quickly cut the boy off.
"I'm thinking. You're pretty strong already, if not a bit reckless and impatient. You need to work on your strategizing and if you learned those techniques out of the library. That said, I can only help you so much before I step on the toes of Jiraiya and Kakashi, no matter how little you feel they're helping you." Kori said mindfully.
A sudden memory struck him hard right after he said that.
"We aren't family…"
"Hinata, if you pull Neji, forfeit."
"More main house–branch house, bullshit."
"Stay with me, Princess!"
"-Ey! Are you alright, Kori-sensei?" Kori's vision returned from the foggy encumbrance of unbidden memories as he discovered Naruto standing over him.
He frowned to find himself on the kitchen floor, thinking that had been random as hell.
His family had what could be called a 'clan trait' that involved memories, deja-vu, and intuiting the future. The last of which, he mostly lacked, but his sister was very strong with it and was a major reason he took interest in Genjutsu.
His family lived outside Konoha's walls now, and a few of them had even relocated to Hidden Cloud as a minor result of the "Hyuga Affair" fallout. Anytime he did get to see her in Konoha, it was usually to warn him about a probable future event that involved him. She'd more or less been right about Orochimaru and Anko, but not since. Anyway…
"Well, why the fuck am I on the floor?" He grunted, feeling his sore shoulder scolding him as he climbed his way to his feet. 'God, I've never been hit that hard by any memory before,' he thought to himself, the experience shaking him a little due to the unfamiliarity.
"You started mumbling to yourself and then you just kind of…fell." The blonde said, scratching at his blonde hair. "It was hella scary the way your eyes just rolled into the back of your head like that." The blonde mumbled to himself while Kori shook off the uninvited experience.
"Geez, thanks." Kori rolled his eyes. "I guess I'll be fine. Anyway, what's your elemental affinity?" He asked, changing the subject. He then began searching the utility drawer in his kitchen and finding a brush and ink. 'Okay, Rin-shishou, that was definitely not my consciousness.'
"Wind, but-."
"Hold out your hands, palms up. I'll tell you what you need to know. Personally, you shouldn't need this for Neji Hyuga. He gets high on his natural talent so he's raw ego, untempered. He underestimates his oppo and his ego grows with every success. So, rely on this for tougher competition." Kori explained as he started inking the first seal on Naruto's right palm and then started on a second, different looking seal on his left. "And if anyone asks about this, and they will, you give them my name, and don't show anyone anything. If they care about it so much, they can come talk to me."
"Got it! But, what sort of seals are these?" Naruto asked, watching the work.
"I'm using the 'Enclosing Technique' here, to give you a little edge. It can be used to store weapons, jutsu, even a person. It'll activate when you manipulate wind chakra. If you're truly interested in this…get your Ero-sennin to show you some beginner fuinjutsu. I'm sure you could think of a few ways to motivate him. Alright, so here's how this thing will work—."
/LABELS/
Uchiha just like police, last week the pack got intercepted
And I'm makin' big investments, flexing, got a large selection
Caught a play inside the tower, caught a play inside the trenches
Gettin' money, forget them ninjas, they play, and I'ma up it, ninja
They don't want no smoke, we gon' roll 'em, they know we fire shit up
They just want the prices, we got it, this shit here high as fuck
I be catchin' plays in the daily, I'm havin' clientele
I should change my name to the fourth the way I'm havin' flash
A smooth, uptempo and jazz-like tune played loudly throughout an empty Konoha stadium as Songbird swept a hand through long hair, bereft of a microphone as his voice projected easily over the music and throughout the open air arena. A clear, blue sky overhead was filled with visible stars despite the brightness as he crossed the elevated stage.
Hard times, but we prevailed, spent years manifestin'
'Nother day, another lesson, took it all as a blessin'
Put it all in my craft, it took me to another level
Shit got tricky, took a deep breath and got creative
I remember vividly, y'all ain't really see the vision
But never did complain 'bout that, I was on the mission
Did a play inside the tower, elevated, movin' different
Takin' calculated risks, check the scale, its still in the kitchen
It was five in the mornin', I was up, couldn't sleep
And if I didn't get that money then my son wouldn't eat
And look, I finished school that ain't keep me back from the streets…
He stopped midway through his lyrics beginning to cough a little as the music abruptly cut and his surroundings dimmed before slowly fading. They were returned to the backyard of the house as he took the hand towel from his shoulder to cover his mouth. As he looked at it, a few blood specks were dotting the cloth as he sighed.
"You're taking a break, you've been at this since morning." He looked to see Jaime with a glass of water in hand as the Rhythm style area of effect technique broke around them and the light returned to her eyes. The jutsu's influence fell off of her. He didn't say anything as he took the glass and started drinking the water. This was why he was usually better known for shows and music. He didn't have to rely on infrastructure, expensive props, or burdensome equipment to put on a show, his voice and the genjutsu woven into his lyrics did that for him. Rhythm style was capable of many things and it allowed him to weave complicated, multi-layered illusions into his words over a large area. Just as it held entertainment value, he could just as easily cause a brain aneurysm just as well.
He was fine with retiring from the ninja experience, but still a ninja at heart he'd never gotten the answer to his one true challenge. Rhythm Style versus Sharingan, sound versus sight, straight up Genjutsu, which would win? Well, he was unlikely to find out now. The Sharingan would have an edge, of course, but he didn't doubt a way to victory if the opportunity had ever presented itself.
"How's your chakra?" She asked, running her fingers through his hair and moving the strands from his face before receiving a kiss to the cheek from Songbird in return.
"It's fine, as usual." Seeing the look in Jaime's eyes, he sighed. "Long break after this one and I'll get it looked at. Promise." He said before coughing huskily a few more times. "It'll be fine." But when Jaime didn't comment, he paused and looked at her with worried eyes. "You sure you want to find out?" He finally asked.
"Yes and you're going. How could ignoring it be better than knowing?" She asked, crossing her arms.
He just shook his head. "I never said it was, but we'll do it your way, love. I promise" Songbird's voice fell to a mild whisper as he stroked Jaime's cheek with the back of his fingers gently. Jaime took his hand into hers and kissed his knuckles affectionately.
"I know, I believe you. I'm just worried." The motherly woman said, closing her eyes and enjoying the moment while they had it. As usual the kids nearby burst into childish teasing and shouts at their display.
The sounds outside filled the backyard, echoing into the house. While Jaime helped Songbird with his preparations and everyone else enjoyed the free entertainment, Hinata was inside, in the kitchen, meditating on her thoughts and feelings before she found herself with Kori again.
Hinata let herself sit alone at the breakfast table after helping Jamie clean the kitchen behind an oversized household. She needed the time to think to herself, so much so, she'd put off the extra lessons Songbird offered her, allowing the young man to focus fully on rehearsing for the Chunin Exam finals events he'd been scheduled for. All but one event had been gruelingly planned out with the village's help and contribution. A club show the night before, a walkthrough with dignitaries of the Elemental Nations the morning of, the finals opening ceremony, and an intermission performance.
The excitement around the house because of it was invigorating, but Hinata wasn't able to let herself be distracted by it.
The mid-morning light filtered through the windows casting a gentle glow around her. Despite the peaceful ambiance, her mind was consumed by turmoil, focused on what she learned about Kori's past the night prior– her heart aching from the source of her evolution thus far. Before Kori came along she could never have imagined the progress and the speed with which she achieved said progression before him. Meditating on that and more at a kitchen table was probably the most unorthodox thing she'd done to date, but she simply didn't feel like moving.
She could feel 'it' and see 'it'. The name for the burden of uncertainty, the once-clear path before her now shrouded in, not darkness, but shades of grey. Doubt. Hinata knew she couldn't sit idly by in silence without risking being hurt if she didn't stand up to him and speak her piece.
It wasn't the feeling of shock she felt wrapping around her like a cloak of thorns. As a ninja and more than that, as a Hyuga, she'd been trained and well prepared to withstand such immediate reactions despite what others would've thought about her.
Instead it was something deeper, a sense of betrayal that gnawed at her heart. She couldn't help herself, to her knowledge Kori-sensei hadn't betrayed her, but that he kept the ugliest part of his truth from her…rubbed the heiress wrong. Maybe because, while she hadn't realized it until now, she had been starting to see Kori as more than her teacher, more than her mentor, and more than her healer. How much more she wasn't certain, she just knew it was…"more". She felt more for him and she wanted more from him, to what end…she just knew her heart beat "differently" when she thought about and was around him.
Kori had confided in her about his experiences and time with Orochimaru, but now that she had the missing piece to a bigger picture, she almost felt like she didn't know the man. The reality of Kori's past weighed heavily on her, casting a pall over their relationship.
Perhaps she had been foolish and naive to not have expected something like this. At least, the old Hinata would've felt that way, but the present Hinata was aware that Kori-sensei had played with her innocent and trusting nature by choosing not to be more forthright. Maybe if she had just asked and it wasn't like she still couldn't, for clarity's sake.
Still, she felt a little hot-blooded about it because there was no excuse. Kori freely admitted to his involvement with Orochimaru only a few days into their meeting. So why hold anything back unless he meant to.
She tried to reconcile his actions by acknowledging that Kori looked up to Orochimaru with the same trust she held for her own mentors, Kurenai-sensei and even her father…and now, him. Kori was sharp, she thought. He'd have to have been if half the things she heard about him were true. She couldn't reconcile someone of his mental sharpness and acuity with letting himself be led down a path that caused pain and suffering to those he claimed to care about. Plus Konoha as a whole. So much so, even she was seeing and experiencing the effects of those past mistakes all these years removed from the event.
Then it came to her. "Maybe…he hadn't let himself be led so much as he allowed himself to be taken where he wanted to go?" Her eyes widened open at the possibility. If that were true, then how much of his story was fact versus an act?
She had trusted Kori so deeply implicitly. She thought he was her steadfast ally, her close-friend, her mentor, and her…something else, something more, but what?' One true friend, his right hand, confidant, co-conspirator, partner in crime? But, no, none of those fit.
As Hinata continued pondering her doubt only increased. What were his motivations presently, for the future, and where did she figure in? Was he leading her down the right path, or setting her up for failure and disgrace? As Hyuga heiress, she couldn't let it stand if that was even a little bit possible.
Kori didn't even have a Ninja Way and she was afraid of what he might say if she asked, because the worst thing he could say would be to say nothing at all. It seemed her best bet would be to confront him and ask him just that.
One question, one answer would tell her everything she needed to know.
Despite her best efforts to rationalize these feelings, Hinata couldn't shake the nagging sensation of uncertainty that plagued her heart. What did her father think? He had to know about Kori's past, but obviously he found something he liked about Kori to have allowed their association.
Such matters were vital, not only to her father, but the Hyuga as a clan. She balanced that with the fact that she hadn't seen any signs of deception or manipulation in her time with Kori, but how could she be sure? Not all things were obvious and seeing what was underneath was a philosophy pounded into every ninja's head since their 1st year Academy year.
After a heavy sigh, Hinata pushed aside her cold, untouched breakfast plate, her appetite non-existent. The road ahead seemed fraught with obstacles and uncertainty more than before, and she couldn't help but wonder if their bond would withstand the trials ahead. Especially once she confronted Kori. But she was patient, she wouldn't confront him right away. She would wait until a good opportunity presented itseld and then she'd pounce.
She knew she would have to eventually, because she knew better than to stand silent. She refused to be invisible any longer, especially after realizing how far that had gotten her when she was still crushing on Naruto. This time she wanted to be heard, to be seen… She, so very much, wanted Kori to see her, to really see her. And she was sick and tired of being seen through instead.
So, with a heavy heart Hinata reaffirmed in herself that she must confront Kori, especially when it concerned their standing as a couple…
Hinata blushed briefly, why had she suddenly thought to apply that word? She shook the feeling and the thought away as she thought of how to best seek the truth and clarity she so fervently craved for from him. And her needed continuation of their relationship, the circumstances that preceded it and the future. Hinata was certain Kori would play a part in hers for the foreseeable future. And she wanted him to.
'What would that look like, I wonder?' Hinata asked herself.
Despite knowing that Kori favored her and treated her delicately, and with understanding– something she'd required during a time of healing and transformation, the prospect of facing him still filled the hopeful young heiress with a small amount of apprehension. She worried her bottom lip at the thought that Kori would see it better to distance himself from her.
She reaffirmed Kori-sensei's lessons– which formed the foundation of who she was becoming, and settled herself once and for all. That was when she heard the signs of Kori's arrival at the kitchen entrance and her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his arrogant and boisterous voice from down the hallway.
"Aright, let's get to it!" He grinned widely.
/LABELS/
The marketplace hummed with energy that was nearly electric as Kori and Hinata weaved through the labyrinth of stalls and throngs of people over the day of an extended weekend together.
Hinata allowed her gaze to sweep over the colorful arrays of familiar displays with a keen eye to hide away her glances at Kori-sensei. She made certain her body language gave away nothing, just as he'd shown her, and her posture exuded a very fine layer of confidence previously unfound and difficult to read– That part came naturally. As did the fact she felt unbothered by the increased presence of foreign ninja and visitors to Konoha being sighted as the Chunin Exams grew nearer. At the start of those exams, it had, although she never voiced it.
"Whoo! Good day, Konoha!" Kori called out boisterously over the crowded, outdoor, wholesale district to which he received some cheers from ninja and civilians alike. There was a few disagreeable retorts and at least one return of "screw you, Kori!" that followed, but overall it was mostly positive.
"Sheesh, who pissed in his cereal, huh?" Kori turned to Hinata with a grin and a shrug.
All Hinata could manage was endless giggles at the older ninja's behavior and the results of it. Before word spread that he'd helped Gekko Hayate, she was aware the response could've been much much worse. She chalked it up to Kori simply receiving his 15 minutes for the deed.
'Honestly, I needed that.' Hinata thought, still fighting off her laughter. The angry response mixed with the lively cheers truly sent the humor home for her. 'Goodness, that was hilarious.' She thought, finally collecting herself as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"There's truly no pleasing everyone, am I right, Princess?" He blinked at his mistake, beginning grin apologetically toward Hinata, but the girl cut him off, surprising him.
"Hai, sensei. There is not." Hinata smiling pleasantly. "And It's fine so long as it's you. And you don't say it to tease me like a little lost, naive girl like before. Agreed, Kori-sensei?"
Kori nodded, smiling at Hinata a bit more before looking ahead again.
Hinata stared at him a little longer, until she was certain he was being honest before looking ahead again. "Then it's fine. You just better protect me from anyone else taking advantage." Hinata giggled freely behind her hand. "It's a special thing between just us. Just believe me when I say I'll have a nickname for you soon enough though." Hinata narrowed her eyes at him, smiling brightly.
"Hai, hai, anything you wish mistress." Kori gave Hinata a mock bow while walking only to receive a light jab to his arm for the trouble.
Hinata sniffed, putting on a feigned air of pretentiousness. "Ara, be a gentleman, sensei. Not suggestive. I'm a young maiden after all, what would people think?" Hinata asked, her arm raised to hide her all but her eyes behind the wide, long sleeve of the lavender and black battle kimono she'd chosen to wear for the day. It was just one of another variation in her clothing as she figured out her own clothing sense, at least until she found something that stuck. She was beginning to believe the simpler, the better.
'She's taken the clothing advice to heart after Miss Jaime got her into her boudaire. Hinata looks cute in damn near anything, which ain't a bad problem to have.' Kori thought, taking in her budding figure in the kimono. The cloth fit where it should, was flexible, loose, and airy where it needed to be. And the black with the lighter lavender hue provided an edge that didn't make Hinata appear as innocent as she usually did. Kori decided he would test if she held that edge or if it was just the fashion. As it stood, she was breaktakingly cute in the vibrant, yet heavily subdued coloring of the dyed fabric.
"Ain't this invigorating though? Oh, sunny day…hey, maybe we do some shopping later if you're up for it. Ain't treated myself in awhile. Anyway, sure looks like everyone's feeling the buzz of the finals closing in. Might have to put in and wager some cash, too." Kori remarked, his voice easily audible above the lively chatter of civilians and the refrains of merchants hawking their wares and supplies.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd viewed Konoha through the lense he was looking through now. Before, he'd always thought that he'd simply grown used to life in Konoha, that he'd become spoiled by Konoha usually being 'just so', perfect weather, and all.
Presently however, Kori was more preoccupied with Hinata. The girl was different today. He wouldn't say she was subdued, quite the contrary, she seemed more engaged, delighted even, and more pleased. About what? He couldn't know. Yet something seemed, not off, but different about the heiress since they'd met up. A good kind of different.
He expected Hinata to confront him after her experience in the 'Memory Theater' dojo. But she was focused on the day. The quiet girl was always serious about her training, that wasn't new. Nor was her curiosity about the possibilities, or her hunger to know more.
Answering her questions and nurturing that curiosity was what convinced him to invest in her for real. He only hadn't because he wasn't sure she truly wanted to and that's how her files kind of read. He was certain that progess could be at risk if she refused to confront him and if she didn't, then he would be forced to engage.
Hinata nodded as her lips curved into an observant smile, tilting her head to take in some of their surroundings. She hummed with a hint of amusement. "My, well I missed you too, sensei. And somehow it was only one day." Her voice was flitted with amused sarcasm. Kori heard her clearly, cutting his eye at her thoughtfully. He guessed he shouldn't have been surprised she could read him now, he'd only been mercurial when it came to certain topics.
"...And yet," Hinata continued, "someone was late today. Is this what 'being missed' means?" Hinata pretended to ponder the question as she playfully cut her eyes at Kori.
"Uhmm?" Kori ad libbed, tilting his head at the girl in open awe of Hinata's retort. He'd thought he prepared himself enough for the unknown turnabout of Hinata's possible change, or "evolving", as Songbird always called it.
Kori didn't remember Songbird's change being as extreme when he'd found the Rhythm Style scroll. Bird had always been talented, always about the art of song, and had confidence despite being extremely introverted. He also possessed a stutter, had stage fright, and was pretty shy. Afterwards, anything that could be seen as a detriment was gone.
He was the main reason Kori brought Hinata to the guy, between the stutter and his former shyness, Kori was near certain Hinata would be a good fit and she was definitely worthy of inheriting his technique. As to what extreme Hinata would change couldn't be defined, and before that she'd already been changing in her own right as her confidence grew.
Even knowing that, the fact she was acting like an odd mix of a wild card, noble, uwu girl was beginning to throw him off. As a guy, he'd admit that it was interesting in ALL the right ways, but if one of those three didn't win out eventually, he was going to be in some serious trouble.
Kori chuckled at Hinata. "I apologize, my student. I had an eventful morning, I'll explain it all later. no need to distract ourselves before work." he conceded, falling into step beside her as they continued their walk through the bustling marketplace.
As they trekked through the crowded thoroughfares, Kori and Hinata found themselves pulled into spirited conversation, their easy banter leading into laughter and playful teasing. Hinata's confidence shone through as the pair navigated the maze of stalls with ease, and Kori found himself thoroughly fascinated and impressed by the further evolution of her character.
He allowed Hinata to take the lead when she made a spirited remark about an area nearby that she wished to show him. A place good for their training day. Her keen instincts guided them towards the location. In the midst of the chaos and commotion, Kori found he really didn't much care about her when they originally met. The difference in her now was more interesting.
The way she moved with purpose and grace. Instinctual, rather than practiced drew his eye, and her attitude now stood out, rather than being that of a bystander. In the moment, Kori could tell there was something else, something new. Not quite foreign, but not quite familiar either.
He felt an unexplainable magnetism due to her presence. One that hadn't been there before. Utter poise, subtle naivete, and youthful wonder put together in her bright, pale lavender eyes.
He had to wonder if it was on purpose. She had already been far different than before. She was making him want to be the best version of himself, a part of him that was likely long gone, and now a shell of the former was all that was left.
Hinata caught Kori staring curiously more than once and Kori didn't bother pretending not to notice Hinata's furtive glances. Their presence together shone brightly through the street. Villagers and shinobi alike departed around them with subtle nods and greetings in response to their aura. A noticeable beacon amidst the frenetic energy of the marketplace.
Shared words between the two danced into reality, carried away on the breeze of another fair weathered day in Konoha as the afternoon sun bathed the marketplace in a warm golden glow while Kori and Hinata shared stolen moments alone, their bond naturally deepening every second.
In that fleeting instant of time and space, amidst the daily grind and the hustle of the world around them, they stood apart in their own world. An easy solace was nurtured between the two, their deepening connection becoming a hidden source of strength and comfort for harder times ahead amidst the chaos to come.
Despite this, an inner turmoil, undetected by Kori's keen senses, continued to gently rumble beneath the surface of Hinata's calm, pragmatic nature.
As Kori and Hinata finally escaped the marketplace, the two unhesitatingly dived straight into an intense training session.
Hinata didn't lead him to a rarely used or little known–well hidden training ground around the village. Much to Kori's silent amusement, she guided him to an area little more than one mile outside of Konoha proper and deep within a piece of forestry. It turned out to be a small, secluded area with a large enough clearing beneath a canopy of trees featuring a distinct waterfall and small lake nearby.
Kori's amusement soon turned to one of curious interest as Hinata blushed deeply the entirety of the way to the area. He got a strong feeling that she was holding onto some secret that concerned the area, but he didn't comment on it, even as her cheeks glowed.
'Why does she seem embarrassed?' Kori asked himself as he lead her into their stretching routine and kata warm-ups. "Alright then, lets get started and remember-."
"Yes, sensei. Breathing and chakra rotation, I know." Hinata cut him off, her eyes closed in concentration as they proceeded. Kori didn't say anything more after that, slightly surprised by the petulant tone in her response.
/LABELS/
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest with the waterfall nearby resonating calmly nearby in the background of their efforts.
Any side plans for the day were cancelled as Hinata voiced her wish to make their day one entirely devoted to training. Kori didn't argue, understanding why, today hadn't been a good day for Hinata so far as their training went. She seemed distracted early on and then discouraged later, but despite being sore and beaten, she hadn't relented. Kori was barely to convince her to break 15 minutes for a small lunch. As such, he respected her wishes and continued to push his cute charge harder as the day progressed into the early evening.
As Kori and Hinata continued their rigorous drills. The air crackled with tension as they entered another sparring match. Their movements were equally fueled by determination and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Hinata's brow furrowed in concentration and frustration as she executed another series of precision strikes, her movements fluid and just as precise. However, she lacked the heightened level of fluidity she desired. Frustration further simmered beneath the surface, boiling over with each failed attempt to meet Kori's exacting standards.
With a sharp exhale, Hinata halted mid-motion, falling out of her rhythm. As a result, a chakra powered slap met her cheek for what felt like the hundreth time that day, causing her to collapse a few yards away from Kori's position.
Hinata's cheek stung as her frustration finally reached its boiling point. "This is impossible!" She exclaimed, poundering at the grass beneath her. Her voice tinged with anger as she pushed herself to her feet and immediately got in Kori's face. "No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to meet your expectations! Nevermind my own!"
Kori's expression remained lazily impassive, eyelids low over his gaze as he took her in steadily. As he did, he regarded Hinata with a mix of understanding and resolve. "I know…it's difficult, Hinata, I never told you it wouldn't be." He replied, his voice easy going but firm. "But you're gonna have to be the one push through these challenges and your own limitations if you want to grow stronger. Ain't nuthin' changed about that, Princess."
Hinata's fists clenched at her sides, her frustration bubbling to the surface as she struggled to contain her emotions. She wanted to cry, but she shoved the emotion aside, still– the frustration and anger remained. "But it feels like I'm not making any progress!" She protested, her voice trembling. "And I'm tired of constantly falling short of what's expected from me!"
'...This freaking girl.' Kori thought, briefly looking off the vulnerability in her eyes. He breathed out a sigh as his gaze softened, a flicker of empathy crossing his features as he looked back to her and reached out to place a reassuring hand on Hinata's shoulder firmly. "I understand how you feel, Hinata," he said, his voice gentle but resolute. "But growth doesn't come without some struggles. You have to go through that shit. You have to trust yourself and actually believe that you're capable of overcoming any obstacle. Any one sliver of doubt will absolutely chip away at any progress."
Hinata's shoulders sagged with the weight of her frustrations, her resolve faltering as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She couldn't help it and she feared Kori's response for giving in to feeling sorry for herself again. In that moment of vulnerability, she realized that her anger stemmed not from Kori's expectations, but from her own fear of failure. She guessed she hadn't put it behind her after all.
With a deep breath, Hinata met Kori's gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Kori-sensei," she whispered, her voice laced with humility and remorse. "I know you only want what's best for me. I just... I'm scared that I'll never be good enough."
Kori's expression became unreadable as his heart swelled with compassion. Before he could talk himself out of it, he silently pulled Hinata into a gentle embrace. Hinata's eyes widened as her head met his chest, having expected the scolding that usually came from showing weakness.
"You are more than enough, Hinata. But you also have to believe that." He murmured, his voice a soothing balm to her troubled soul. "You can lean on me, I'm not going to give up on you. Then together, we'll face whatever challenges come our way, one step at a time. That's all we can do."
Hinata sniffed, soft tears stopping as she let herself be embraced, resting her head against him as they stood in the middle of the forest.
Awhile later, Hinata sat cross-legged on a weathered bench, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers among the fading hues of the sunset. Kori settled beside her, the subtle brush of their shoulders igniting a spark of warmth that danced along her skin.
For a long moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their shared experiences hanging heavy in the air between them. Kori watched Hinata from the corner of his eye, marveling at the delicate curve of her profile, the softness of her features illuminated by the fading light. He didn't bother worrying about what happened before, frustration got to the best of them, and she'd be fine by tomorrow. He'd just have to chalk today up to the being part of the game.
"Beautiful, huh?" Kori murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper as he gestured towards the vibrant canvas painted across the sky.
Hinata's lips curved into a gentle smile, her gaze softening as she turned to meet Kori's eyes. "Yes, it is," she replied, her voice a melodic echo of the tranquility that surrounded them.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, the world falling away to leave only the two of them, cocooned in their own private sanctuary. Kori felt that unfamiliar warmth blossoming within his chest again, it'd been happening a lot lately even as he ignored it. It was a feeling he couldn't quite name but one that felt strangely comforting all told.
Unable to resist the pull of the moment any longer, Kori reached out, his hand finding Hinata's with a tenderness that belied the strength that lay beneath his touch. Their fingers intertwined, creating a connection that transcended words, a silent promise of understanding and support.
As they sat together, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, Kori realized that in Hinata, he had found not only a student but a kindred spirit, a soul whose presence filled the empty spaces within his own with a warmth and light that he had never known he needed.
And in that quiet alcove, beneath the fading hues of the setting sun, they found solace in each other's company, their hearts beating in harmony with the rhythm of the world around them. Tomorrow was another day but for now, both would have to confront the uncertainty and find the strength to face whatever challenges awaited the two on the path ahead.
/LABELS/
/ Lyrics borrowed & modified from: Larry June - Orange Album - Song: Intercepted
/ Reviews appreciated…