A/N -This is a series of short snippets of Hotaru's first year. It's a little long, but I hope you enjoy. The next chapter will be in a similar style, basically finishing off her academy days and to the graduation exams. Please let me know what you think of it all!
The First Walk
The sun was barely up when Shikamaru found himself standing outside Hotaru's home, a mixture of curiosity and reluctant obligation stirring within him. His father had asked him to escort Hotaru to the academy, mentioning that Itsuki was away on a mission. Shikamaru knocked gently on the door, waiting patiently until it opened to reveal Hotaru, her eyes hidden behind the usual dark blindfold.
"Shikamaru?" Hotaru's voice was steady, if a bit surprised.
"Yeah, my dad asked me to walk you to school today," Shikamaru replied, scratching the back of his head. This was incredibly troublesome for him to deal with. "Hope that's okay."
Hotaru hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That's fine. Thank you."
As they walked through the quiet streets of Konohagakure, Shikamaru tried to engage her in conversation, but Hotaru remained reserved and serious. The morning air was crisp, and the village slowly came to life around them. Vendors were setting up their stalls, and the chatter of early risers filled the streets.
"So, how's training going?" Shikamaru asked, hoping to break the ice.
"Intense," Hotaru answered curtly, her grip on her wooden staff firm.
"Yeah, I can imagine," Shikamaru said, searching for another topic. "Do you like the academy so far?"
"It's fine," she replied, her tone unwavering.
Shikamaru sighed internally, realising that getting her to open up would be a challenge. They continued in silence, the only sound being the tapping of Hotaru's staff against the ground. Shikamaru glanced at her occasionally, noting the determination in her posture.
"Do you always train this hard?" he asked, trying once more.
"Yes," Hotaru said simply. "It's necessary."
Shikamaru nodded, respecting her dedication but still frustrated by her stoicism. After a moment of silence, he decided to try a different approach. "You know, Hotaru, you don't always have to be so serious," he said in a lighthearted tone, a small smirk on his lips. "I mean, it's okay to smile once in a while."
Hotaru's expression remained unchanged. "I only do what's necessary."
Shikamaru chuckled softly. "You sound like an old man. We're just kids, you know. It's okay to lighten up a bit."
Hotaru paused, considering his words. "Kids don't get to be kids anymore. We're being trained to be soldiers."
Shikamaru's smile faded slightly as he realised the weight of her words. "I guess you're right. But still, it's important to find moments to enjoy life, even if it's just a little."
Hotaru nodded, though her serious demeanour didn't waver. As they approached the academy gates, Shikamaru hoped that their shared walks might eventually build a bridge between them.
Teamwork Exercise
Later that day, Iruka-sensei gathered the students in the academy's training yard. "Today, you'll be paired off to complete an obstacle course," he announced, his voice carrying over the chatter of the students. "One of you will be blindfolded, and the other will guide them."
The students murmured among themselves, excited and nervous about the challenge. Hotaru stood calmly, her blindfold already in place, her expression as composed as ever.
"Ino, you'll be paired with Hotaru," Iruka continued, looking over his clipboard.
Ino stepped forward, looking a bit uncertain. "I guess Hotaru will be the blindfolded one, right?" she asked, her tone hesitant.
Iruka shook his head with a small smile. "Actually, Ino, I think it would be a good opportunity for Hotaru to guide you."
Ino blinked in surprise but nodded. "Okay, let's do this."
They moved to the starting line of the obstacle course, which was filled with various challenges: low beams to crawl under, hurdles to jump over, and narrow planks to balance on. Ino was blindfolded, and she held onto Hotaru's shoulder for guidance.
"Trust me," Hotaru said quietly. "I'll guide you through."
Ino took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, I trust you."
Hotaru led Ino through the course with remarkable precision. She used her heightened senses to navigate the obstacles, instructing Ino to crawl under the low beams, step over the hurdles, and balance on the narrow planks. Despite a few stumbles, Ino quickly learned to trust Hotaru's instructions.
"Step up... now down. Watch your left," Hotaru directed, her voice steady and clear.
Ino followed her directions carefully, her initial nervousness fading. "You're really good at this," she said as they neared the end of the course.
Hotaru paused, remembering her walk with Shikamaru a while ago. His words echoed in her mind: "You don't always have to be so serious."
With a hint of a smile, she replied, "I guess I've got the experience on my side." Her tone was deadpan, the joke delivered with her usual seriousness.
Ino blinked, unsure how to respond. She laughed awkwardly, not sure if it was meant to be a joke or just Hotaru being her usual direct self. "Uh, yeah, I guess so," she said, glancing at Hotaru.
There was an awkward silence until Hotaru added, "Thank you, Ino." She offered a very small smile, which seemed almost out of character.
Ino relaxed, figuring that Hotaru just wasn't great with social interactions. "You're welcome, Hotaru."
The exercise not only showcased Hotaru's skills but also built a small bridge of understanding between her and Ino. The other students watched in awe as Hotaru and Ino completed the course, their teamwork evident despite Hotaru's usual reserved nature. Iruka nodded in approval, pleased with their performance.
As they finished, Ino pulled off her blindfold and looked at Hotaru with newfound respect. "You were amazing, Hotaru. Thanks for guiding me."
Hotaru nodded, the small smile still present. "You're welcome, Ino."
Ino joined her two friends, Shikamaru and Choji, glancing back at Hotaru as she sat down by herself. She reflected on the strange interaction at the end. It was odd to see Hotaru try to crack a joke, even if it was delivered in her usual deadpan style. Ino couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and confusion but ultimately saw it as a step toward understanding the enigmatic girl.
"Hey, Ino, how did it go with Hotaru?" Shikamaru asked, noticing her thoughtful expression.
Ino shook her head slightly, a small smile on her lips. "It was... interesting. She guided me through the course perfectly. But then she tried to make a joke, I think."
Choji raised an eyebrow. "Hotaru? A joke?"
Ino nodded. "Yeah, it was really strange. She said, 'I guess I've got the experience on my side,' but she was so deadpan. I couldn't tell if she was joking or just being serious."
Shikamaru chuckled. "That's Hotaru for you. She's not exactly the most social person."
"I guess she's trying, though," Ino said thoughtfully. "It's just... different."
Choji nodded. "Well, it's good that she's opening up, even if it's just a little."
"Yeah," Ino agreed, glancing back at Hotaru once more. "She's not easy to figure out, but I think there's more to her than we see."
Shikamaru took a thoughtful look at Hotaru, noting her solitary demeanor. "Yeah, there's a lot of layers to her personality, even if the exterior is hard to unwrap."
Choji and Ino nodded in agreement, the three of them reflecting on their enigmatic classmate as they watched her sit alone, seemingly lost in thought.
Intervention with Naruto
During a break, Hotaru noticed a group of kids being mean to Naruto, pushing him around and calling him names. She felt a surge of anger and stepped between Naruto and the bullies.
"Leave him alone," she said firmly, her voice cold and commanding.
The bullies hesitated, sizing her up. One of them sneered, "Why should we listen to you? You're just a blind girl."
Hotaru stood her ground, her expression unwavering. "Because it's the right thing to do," she replied simply.
One of the bullies, emboldened by his friends, decided to test her. "Let's see if you're as tough as you act," he said, swinging a fist towards her.
Hotaru moved with a swift, practiced grace, easily sidestepping the punch and using her staff to deflect the blow. She then stepped forward, her staff poised defensively. "I won't warn you again," she said, her tone icy.
The bullies faltered, exchanging uneasy glances. They recognized that Hotaru wasn't just talk; she had the skills to back up her words. One of them muttered, "Fine, whatever," before they all scattered, leaving Naruto standing there, looking both relieved and surprised.
"Thanks," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head. "But I'm used to it."
Hotaru's expression softened slightly, though it remained serious. "You shouldn't have to be. People fear what they don't understand."
Naruto nodded, appreciating her words. They sat together on a nearby bench, and Hotaru offered quiet reassurance. "You're stronger than they know, Naruto," she said softly, her tone carrying a weight of sincerity.
Naruto smiled, feeling a warmth he rarely experienced. "Maybe we can be friends?"
Hotaru hesitated but then nodded. "Maybe."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Really? That'd be awesome! Most people don't want to be friends with me."
Hotaru remained calm. "I don't judge people without knowing them first."
Naruto grinned. "You're different, Hotaru. I like that."
She gave a small nod, acknowledging his words. "Thank you. Just remember, you're not alone."
Naruto looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Hotaru. That means a lot."
The bell rang, signalling the end of the break. They stood up and walked back to the classroom together, a silent understanding forming between them.
Shogi with Shikamaru
One afternoon, Hotaru sat alone under a tree, enjoying some peace and quiet. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. She took a deep breath, savouring the tranquillity.
Shikamaru approached her, carrying a shogi board. "Hey, Hotaru. Want to play shogi?"
Hotaru looked up, intrigued. "I've never played before."
"I can teach you," Shikamaru said, setting up the board. "It's great for strategic thinking."
Hotaru agreed, and Shikamaru made provisions for her to play despite being blind. He explained the layout of the board and the movements of each piece, guiding her hands to familiarise her with the game. He placed small tactile markers on each piece so Hotaru could distinguish them by touch.
"Shogi is all about strategy and planning ahead," Shikamaru explained. "Each piece moves differently, and the goal is to capture the opponent's king."
As they started the game, Shikamaru noticed Hotaru's intense focus. "You really take everything seriously, don't you?"
Hotaru paused, noticing the rhetorical question, but also wondering if she should reply with something.
Shikamaru hummed thoughtfully. "You know, you could loosen up a bit. We're just kids."
Hotaru shook her head. "Kids aren't kids anymore. We're being trained to be soldiers."
Shikamaru sighed, moving a piece on the board. "I guess you're right, but it wouldn't hurt to find moments to enjoy life, even if it's just a little."
Hotaru remained silent, focusing on the game. Shikamaru watched her carefully, noting the tension in her posture. "I'm just saying, life is about more than training"
Hotaru's expression softened slightly. "You wouldn't understand." She said with a small sigh.
Shikamaru moved another piece, giving her time to think about her next move. "Maybe. Maybe not. But whatever, I just want you to know that you're not on your own."
Hotaru nodded slowly, appreciating his words, but she knew they didn't hold much weight to them. After all, they barely knew each other. "Thank you, Shikamaru." She said, finally.
They continued playing in silence, the game serving as a bridge between their vastly different perspectives. Shikamaru found himself admiring Hotaru's dedication, while Hotaru appreciated his easy going nature and strategic mind. At the very least, she thought to herself. She could learn something from him that would help her in the future of her career.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the ground, they finished their game. As silent as it was for the most part, the time together wasn't awful. Hotaru was vastly different from the passionate and fiery women that Shikamaru was more used to in his life.
"Let's do this again sometime," Shikamaru said as they packed up the board.
"I'd like that," Hotaru replied, very simply.
They stood up and walked back to the village together, a silent understanding forming between them. The game of shogi had been more than just a game; it was a step towards building a deeper connection.
Hotaru's Solitude
Despite her interactions with her classmates, Hotaru often found herself sitting alone during breaks. She preferred the quiet solitude where she could reflect and maintain her focus. Her reserved nature and intense training regimen left little room for casual friendships.
One day, she was sitting under her usual tree, enjoying the peace and quiet. She heard footsteps approaching and recognized the familiar, lazy gait of Shikamaru.
"Mind if I join you?" Shikamaru asked, his tone casual.
Hotaru nodded slightly, not looking up. "Sure."
Shikamaru sat down beside her, leaning back against the tree. "You know, you don't make it easy for people to approach you."
Hotaru's expression remained impassive. "I prefer it that way."
Shikamaru chuckled softly. "Figures. But you might want to consider letting people in a bit more. It wouldn't hurt."
Hotaru was silent for a moment before responding. "Why does it matter to you?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "It's not just about being friends. Eventually, we're all going to form teams, and understanding each other will be important. Trust is a big part of that."
Hotaru tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "I understand the importance of teamwork. But it's not easy for me."
Shikamaru nodded, understanding her reluctance. "I get it. But having comrades can make things easier. We don't have to be best friends, but knowing you can rely on someone in a tough situation is important."
Hotaru's expression softened ever so slightly. "Maybe."
Shikamaru glanced at her, then back up at the sky. "You know, my dad always says that even the best strategies can fail without the right people to back you up."
Hotaru remained silent, her mind processing his words.
Shikamaru continued, "And from what I've seen, you're really strong. But even strong people need others. No one can do everything alone."
Hotaru sighed softly. She knew he was speaking the truth, but she had been alone for as long as she could remember. Itsuki was her only source of companionship, and even he was away for long missions most of the time. She had grown up, learning how to take care of herself and not needing anyone's help to do so. She understood the importance of teamwork but, from her observations with Itsuki, learned that you could still work as a team without being buddies that knew every intimate detail about the other person.
"Besides, if you keep everyone at arm's length, how will you ever know who you can really trust?" Shikamaru added, once again trying to fill the silence with some words of wisdom that he had also learned from his own father. "Just… consider it. okay?"
Hotaru nodded slowly, her mind racing with thoughts.
"Change takes time," Shikamaru said, as he leaned back and looked up at the sky. He wasn't sure if any of this was being taken on board by Hotaru, but he could see her potential and didn't want her to end up like Itsuki. Sure. he was strong, had the village's respect, but his life was sure to be lonely.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the leaves rustling gently above them. Shikamaru's presence was calming, and for once, Hotaru didn't feel the need to be constantly on guard.
After a couple hours passed, Shikamaru finally got to his feet, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn. "I best get home anyway. My mum will chew me out if I get home too late. I'll see you around, Hotaru."
"See you, Shikamaru," Hotaru said, raising her hand in a simple wave.
As Shikamaru walked away, Hotaru felt a strange sense of comfort. His words had given her a lot to think about, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, she might be able to balance her work life with a couple of friends.
