Andrew snuck back into the care home as if he was always there to begin with and reached the common area, the place where everyone slept, cooked and played.
"Hey your back, food will be done in 5." As Andrew opened the door and finally entered a voice rang out from the opposite side of the room. There was one person who didn't shy away from him but no matter how hard Andrew tried to push him away he always kept coming back.
"Why do you talk to me? Focus on yourself."
"That's no way to treat a friend." He smiled across the room emanating a glow that drew people to him.
"'Tch' We're not even friends so go fuck your self." Andrew refused to even look him in the eyes but he knew his type. The kind of person that wants to get along with everyone but as soon as they get some bad press he cuts them off like a wolf trying to survive. He refused to let himself get close to anyone. They all treated him like shit, no worse than that. They ignored his existence but now that he's showing potential they want to get on his good side.
Andrew slumped down into his sleeping bag feeling the countless stares and chatter amongst the others at his return. He just turned away from them and closed his eyes to a peaceful slumber.
"Hey, let's do that."
"Yeah, he thinks he's tough. We'll show him."
There's a lot of pests buzzing around this time.
Andrew had to get used to staying awake whilst sleeping as during his march as part of the supply unit Le-Clerc lot's of unsavoury people showed their hostility towards him not just in their backtalk slander but in their actions as well. Sometimes he would wake up to find human faeces in his sleeping bag.
"Hey, leave him alone."
"And why should we."
"Because we're friends!"
"Well, he sure doesn't seem to want any."
"Well, I will be his friend. Just you wait."
"'Ugh' Fine! Let's scrap our plan."
"You didn't have to do that." Andrew spoke up, he knew who defended him and didn't like it one bit. He couldn't admit that though.
"Yeah but violence can only get you so far." Andrew turned around just to be met with that stupid smile. He couldn't stand it but it made him want to smile as well.
"Go to hell."
"I'll wait for you then."
"Sure sure, whatever you say." Andrew got out of his sleeping bag and ate the food his self proclaimed friend made for everyone. It wasn't half bad for what little ingredients they were given.
"Where do you go everyday?"
"Who's asking?" The self proclaimed friend tried to bring up small talk but to no avail.
"Me." The kid turned his head in confusion, his expression innocent and pure.
"Why?"
"Curiosity, It's been on my mind for a while and I want to get closure to you."
That damned smile.
"Do as you like, It's not like it will affect me." Andrew turned to look away, the brightness being emitted from that kid is something he can't withstand.
"Yay." The kid began to run through a list of things he should take with him as if he was about to go on a field trip.
"I'm ready." The self proclaimed friend had a backpack full to the brim with tools and food for a full night out.
With his back turned Andrew just walked off without a word. It was like that the entire time as
they snuck out of the care home.
"Your bad luck."
"Well it's not exactly my fault we were almost caught."
"Not almost, we were caught and it is your fault. You and your stupid rattling bag."They were in the forest on the outskirts of the Hidden leaf village where Andrew had first begun his isolated training sessions but this time he had unwelcome company.
Andrew still had his back turned as if he wasn't acknowledging his presence.
"What first?" The kid ecstatically ran up to Andrew to be met with a shrug.
"Do what you want. You're not my problem."
"You say that but you helped me escape from our tail."
"All you did was follow me, I did nothing." He refuted the statement not wanting to be associated with him. Andrew found his smile and ignorant purity annoying. It compelled others to stand alongside him but in reality they were like puppets playing to his tune, popular kids are always the hardest to deal with with their overconfidence and constantly surrounded by others as if they were his bodyguards. It was even more annoying that although they were being used they were happy.
Andrew began his own training creating shadow clones to spar with and do their own training. At most he could create four at once.
"Wow, that's impressive." The kid was in awe but Andrew considered this to be simple work after mastering it. Every shinobi could use it so he wasn't special because of it.
"Stop with the sarcasm and leave me be."
"Why are you trying to get rid of me?"
"Why are you trying to get close to me?" Andrew answered a question with a question. He didn't particularly like anyone and every person he met had a hostile attitude towards him at their first meeting. His supposed allies, his enemies who took him in, the villagers all stared at him with resentment only holding back due to the protection and orders of the Hokage and other resentful shinobi.
"Because, we're friends." The self proclaimed friend's smile grew wider as if he stated the obvious.
"I have no need for friends, they only serve as a weakness." Andrew was always alone, despite training with his master and living with kids his age from similar backgrounds he felt alone in a world of his own. No one can exploit him if he is the only one in that world. And here was a Kid trying to break in.
"If I get stronger to be your equal, can we be friends then?"
"Do what you want." The kid's attitude immediately changed from lightful cheeriness to a new seriousness as he planned out what to do next.
All throughout the day they both trained. The self proclaimed friend tried to bring up small talk during their breaks for food and training but they didn't utter a single word since their last conversation. The silence lasted throughout the night as they snuck back into the care home to sleep.
The next day Andrew woke to be met with idle chatter amongst the children. It wasn't unusual but this time it seemed more energetic.
"What's happening?" Andrew got out of his sleeping bag and quickly woke himself up.
"Apparently the Hokage is visiting today! Isn't that great!" His self proclaimed friend excitedly turned to Andrew who merely shrugged.
"Do I have to be here?"
"Of course. Everyone was ordered to stay as the visit is important."
"Really? What a pain." Andrew was already thinking of ways to get out of this responsibility. Seeing this his self proclaimed friend interrupted his thoughts.
"You better stay, we were all told to keep a closer eye on you with your escapist record." Andrew turned to him and pondered.
"What's your name?" It had been on his mind for a while but he never asked as he never thought it would be necessary but after yesterday's proclamation his view changed ever so slightly. Maybe he should know who is trying to get close to him so he can keep them at a distance. That's it, it's not for any other reason than being aware of who wants to use him so he can avoid those situations.
"You mean we've been friends without knowing my name!" The kid looked taken aback, dramatically so and Andrew sighed at this.
What have I gotten myself into?
"If you want I could call you brown head or freckles."
"That's just my characteristics."
"Wow, you know such a big word." Andrew spoke sarcastically trying to get this done and over with like a chore.
"I'll have you know my name is Aozora." The kid said his name with confidence only to be let down by the reaction of his company.
"Cool, freckles." Andrew wasn't paying attention anymore. He lost interest while thinking of how to escape once again.
One of the Shinobi guarding the facility entered and ordered them to get into a line for the anticipated arrival of the Hokage.
Entering was a fairly old looking man with a pipe in his mouth, he looked too old to be running a Village but his hat and robe said otherwise.
"Now now, there children. No need for such military formations to greet me." The old man chuckled, lightening the tense, palpable atmosphere surrounding the room. The statue like shinobi eased their guards and the kids looked around, whispering to one another about what might happen.
"As you may know there has been a lull in the fighting so we are finally able to send you to families." An assistant spoke, standing just behind the Hokage but giving the details of the visit.
"The heads of the respective clans have each chosen to look after each of you as a show of good faith. You will be sent to your respective families as such."
A list was being read out and kids stepped forward one by one.
"Next for the Hyuga clan, Aya, Isamu, Aozora and Haruto. Please step forward. The Clan representative shall take you to your new families."
A wave goodbye came from freckles, the only one to give him a goodbye. Andrew wasn't phased by the lack of interaction between him and the others who he had lived with just moments before but Aozora seems conflicted between excitement and sadness at the separation of him and his friend as he departed what was once his home, albeit only for a few months. But it had grown on many of the children and the goodbyes were all filled with various emotions.
All that was left was him and two older children and one younger.
"Finally you four shall go to the Uchiha clan." The Hokage spoke, finally putting the exhaustive list down.
"Your representative will be here shortly."
The two older children were left to talk amongst themselves while the younger kid was acting meekly. she was probably scared to be in an unfamiliar environment after adjusting to this one. Not to mention her friends had gone to different families. It was none of Andrew's business to get involved but the Hokage thought otherwise walking towards her. The Hokage couldn't help but be distracted by the kid's wandering eyes and worried face.
"Hey there kid. What's your name?" The Hokage kneeled down to get to equal height starting with a simple question to get the conversation flowing.
"I - It's Emi" The girl answered between sobs and sniffles and the Hokage took out a handkerchief to wipe away the teary eyes.
"Emi, you'll be fine. Trust this old man as I say you couldn't be in better company." He turned towards Andrew who was minding his own business before he was brought up in the reassurance.
"After all this young man will be there to help you. Right?" He gave a smile at Andrew who couldn't get out of the question. It was rhetoric with the answer being straightforward yet he hesitated. He looked into the young girl's ocean blue eyes and short blond hair. He wanted to deny his involvement but he simply looked away before answering.
"Do what you want." The Hokage smiled at Andrew again, unnerving him as he became suspicious as to why he had become involved in an affair that wasn't his to begin with. The Hokage stood up and gave his departing words wishing them all good luck with their new families as he left.
"Take good care now." He left only for someone new to appear holding the door open for the Hokage before entering.
"Sorry I'm late." A shinobi entered the room. They had the Uchiha clan crest and their customary black hair adorned by the red eyes followed by battle scars and a brown robe. The familiar appearance struck Andrews' memories.
Karasu is the representative!