13 • Hide N Seek? More like Dodgeball
The past year has been...tough, to say the least. My training has increased, both physically and chakra-wise. It's not much, just the opening of all my tenketsu. It's extremely difficult and painful. It's like trying to knock out just one specific brick in a brick wall. I've only opened 50 out of all 361 points. My control is pretty good, surprisingly. I wasn't expecting to retain that from canon-Sakura. In lieu of this though, Dino wants to start me on a genjutsu-medic path.
I'm not particular on what path I go into. I just want to be a somewhat jack of all trades. Though I've hinted at prioritising speed and flexibility, especially in my spars. I don't think of myself as a front liner. But I want to be able to stand on my own if it comes to that. I know for sure that canon Team Seven was a front line team. They were heavy hitters.
Dino probably already thought of this since my taijutsu training has increased. As in much more spars and fighting with those much older and skilled than I. He's also added kenjutsu to my training but I think that's more mandatory than anything. Everyone knows that ANBU always has swords and at least knows how to use them.
Also, I don't think I have the imagination needed for genjutsu. I guess I could always use what I know from being Anna but well...yeah, creative I am not. Right now I'm just learning the theory behind it all and how to recognize one. Once my chakra training increases, I'm sure it'll move on to dispelling them and making them. As well as masking my presence. I'm already somewhat starting on that.
Stealth training is the worst. I hate it. I'll be taught several different ways of hiding and suddenly I'm just expected to know how to do that shit! And if I get it wrong or not to their satisfaction then I have to start running away from the kunai flying at me. Like what the fuck! What's worse is that I'm tested during my days out too. I'll be ordered to initiate a game of hide n seek and my watcher for the day will test me on how well I hide. If it's not good enough then I get grazed with shuriken. I hate how good a motivator it is! I can't always pull excuses out of my ass on why I'm scratched up. Especially not in front of the Uchiha's two geniuses.
Shisui has already been on my case several times before but now Itachi is in on it too. Worse still is that some-fucking-how Mikoto was pulled into this shit! Thankfully she just sees me as a child that's a little independent since their only parent isn't always around. Thinks I'm prideful or some wack shit like that.
As it is, I've gotten pretty good at hiding and have taken into teaching the three little brats, especially Naruto since he needs it the most. They think it's all just good fun, that I'm just telling them my secret to being a good hider. I don't bother correcting them nor do I acknowledge Sushi's questioning, curious gaze.
I've also been ordered to better my ties with the civilians which I quite frankly find confusing. I can only guess that it's to improve my acting. I'm not a nice person. I know this. I can be an asshole most of the time, I am an asshole most of the time. But I'm also one of the few with the most experience dealing with people and showing emotion. Or it could just be that Dino wants me to be able gather intel from unknowing civilians. I honestly don't know and it's fucking frustrating.
Either way, to a good handful of civilians I'm known as the sweet, happy, adorable, always-glad-to-help, pink-haired little girl. To the little brats I'm known as their brave, bad-mouth, good natured friend. To Danzō I'm the lost, cautiously trusting asset.
If this keeps up, I might just have a mask for every new set of people I meet. I can kind of see how the Little Doctor went mad and lost himself. Though, unlike him, I always have something to fall back on: Anna.
But these are depressing thoughts and I'm not particularly feeling down or depressed tonight. No, just annoyed and very angry.
I had just gotten back to the house after a long day of playing and lying (I still have a limp from the previous day's training but no ready excuse to my various twitching). Only to find Kizashi on his way out for a mission. I straightened defiantly under his steely gaze.
"You're free for tonight," he had sneered quietly. "Danzō-sama has an important meeting and doesn't have time to babysit."
I narrowed my eyes but let him walk past me silently. It was only once he was out of sight that I looked to where I knew my watcher was. I rose in brow in question and not a moment later they appeared in the tree for me to see. They nodded in verification before disappearing again. Bastard.
I nodded to show I understood but stayed standing in front of the house. It wasn't like I could go back to Camp. The watcher would have already taken me if that was so. And I don't exactly have a room in the house, just the basement. Nothing for me to do there. So I took to exploring Konoha to get a better layout of the place. It was only sunset, so people were still milling about.
I waved and smiled at civilians I knew and others I didn't. I pickpocketed when I could. I asked for directions to various places I know exist (the Academy, the Cemetery, the Yamanaka Flower Shop, the Akimichi restaurants, etc.). I made sure to steer clear of any shinobi I saw and recognized. It wouldn't do to get caught by the more experienced ninjas.
I was walking by the park when I had gotten the feeling of deja vu. I turned to look, confused and wary. There were only families leaving the park so I took to the shadows and made my way in. My gut fell with dread and I stiffened. I always trust my gut instinct.
I wrapped my arms around myself, bringing my hands closer to the knives strapped at my hip. Hunching my shoulders slightly, I glanced around. Turning my head this way and that, I widened my eyes, shivering. I wonder how my watcher is taking my performance of a scared, lost child.
I pushed my way past some bushes, noting it's the clearing that the brats and I always play in. It's close to the park but far enough that the brats' laughter can't be heard and we wouldn't be disturbed. I stopped to look around more, the sense of dread growing. What could possibly set my mock spidey-senses off?
There's a sound, behind some bushes across the clearing, suspiciously sounding like a sniffle and hiccup. I nearly groan in dismay. Don't get me wrong, I like helping children - really! But come on! Why is it that every child I come across is in distress of some sort!? Honestly, at this rate I'll have an army of children by the time I enter the academy. Well, if I do have an army of children, then at the very least I can make sure they turn out to be competent shinobi. Or is that not morally okay? Would it be wrong to raise a tiny army? But I mean isn't that what the village is doing already?
I shook my head, filing away the thoughts of a tiny army for another time. I straightened a little, hands still near my knives, as I carefully pushed my way through the bushes. And to my surprise, there sat a familiar little blonde. I took a moment to look around before making my way over.
"Little Blonde?" I called softly in confusion.
His head snapped up in surprise before turning away to wipe away his tears and snot. I took that moment to walk closer and sit next to him. He stopped crying but couldn't get rid of his hiccups. I grabbed his hand in mine as I waited for him to calm down. Naruto is a very physical child, which is understandable since he doesn't get a lot of physical affection. I always indulge him when he wants a hug, Hinata does as well since she's the same. Sasuke does so reluctantly after I had to explain to him why Naruto always asks for hugs. That was one tedious explanation because I'm not supposed to know about his neglect and abuse.
He clinged to my hand tightly as his breathing evened out and his hiccups slowed. Then he looked up at me again, "S..Sakura?"
"Hi," I murmured. "Wanna talk about it?"
He was silent for a moment. "Got kicked out," he whispered, looking and sounding scared. I pulled him into a hug.
And that brings us to now, that is why I am annoyed and beyond angry. I always knew - I know that canon Naruto had his own apartment but I never thought it was because the fucking orphanage kicked him out. Those motherfucking, piece of shit, should rot in hell, bastards! Screw them and their family!
Fuck, what am I supposed to do? I am not letting Naruto stay in the streets and I am not waiting for Hiruzen to realize Little Blonde isn't in the orphanage. I would drag him to my place but I don't know when Kizashi is supposed to return and there isn't a guest room, just my nursery and his room and the basement, but that's bloodied. I could drag him to the Tower and demand that Naruto be given living accodemnations, but I'm not in the mood to argue with the Old Monkey.
It was getting darker and colder despite it being the month of June. The Academy is to start in the next few months, it'll be the class of the clan heirs and little ol' me.
I sigh at the turn of my thoughts, looking down at the silently distressed blonde in my arms. We could always make our way over to Sasuke's. I'm sure Mikoto would be more than happy to take Naruto in. There's no way I would be able to stay, not with me basically being at Dino's beck and call.
"Want to go see if Mikoto will allow a sleepover?" I softly ask since I can't really make him do anything. "We can always go see the Old Monkey about getting you your own place." Best to lay out his options, wouldn't want to make him feel trapped.
He shifts but doesn't look up or speak. I let him stay quiet, simply patting his head in comfort. It seems we're going to be here for a while. At least he's wearing a jacket and pants, instead of his usual green shorts. I look up, searching for my watcher. He appears across the clearing, in the tree. I almost don't notice him which I suppose is the point. I'm always forgetting that Little Blonde has his own watchers. My watcher's movements are quick and as soon as he finishes, he's gone.
Three hours. That's how long he told me I had. I hold back a sigh, instead look through the trees before staring at the darkening sky. Won't be long till it's completely dark out.
"When the sun shine, we shine together," I whisper absentmindedly under my breath. It's oddly fitting of the situation, if I really think about it. But I won't. "Told you I'll be here forever," I continue, trying to remember the words and work the tune. "Said I'll always be your friend," I look down to see Naruto curiously looking up at me, eyes red-rimmed. Huh, he was crying again, I didn't even notice.
"Took an oath, I'ma stick it out to the end," I offer him a smile, idly taking note of the tension slowly bleeding out of him. "Now that it's raining more than ever," I poke him teasingly, eliciting a giggle from him even as he looks confused. "Know that we'll still have each other."
He grins up at me, eyes tearing up again. I almost don't catch him when he tackles me in a hug. I fall back, wincing lightly as I remember I still have bruises. Naruto is crying into my shoulder, his hold on my shirt tight. I blink up at the night sky, carefully patting him on the back in comfort.
"So," I whisper once Little Blonde calms down, "Sleepover with the Uchihas?" He nods but doesn't move to let go or get up.
This is going to be a long night.
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
We eventually got up ten minutes later. I take the lead, moving through the shadows and blind spots, with Naruto clinging to my hand and shirt behind me. Glancing back, he has his head down, shifting away when someone gets too close. I hold back a sigh and squeeze his hand in mine reassuringly.
I take this moment to pickpocket various people we pass. I only take what I can, never too much from one person. It baffles me slightly, how easy it is to steal from these people. You would think that by living in a ninja village they would...I don't know...be better at protecting against theft. It grates on my nerves, how well things are. There hasn't been a fuck up since .. well, yesterday actually. Huh. It feels too long.
Finally pulling up towards the Uchiha Compound (this place is like across the village, it's really fucking far!), I tug the two of us to the shade, out of the compound gate guard's view. I turn to Little Blonde, shifting my free hand through my pant's pockets. If there's any good thing about Dino and his band wagon, it's that the … uniform (can it be called that? Everyone does wear the same thing after all) has pockets - not the knuckle deep bullshit from Before with Anna, but the type of pockets men would have.
With my free hand, I grab around at the various things I stole and pull it out. Without warning or preamble, I stuff it all in Naruto's pockets. He shouts in slight surprise, not having paid attention. He doesn't move to stop me though, much too confused from the look on his face.
"My gift," I say as I place the last of my stolen goods in his pockets, "from me to you."
He blinks, bewildered. I turn back around and pull us towards the gate before he can say anything. The guard notices us immediately, raising an indifferent brow at us. I raise one right back. I don't stop my stride or break eye contact.
"Visiting a friend, won't take long," I wave, walking right past him. He twitches slightly, and I can see him turn to look, or grab, us. I don't take the risk, quickly taking off and pulling Naruto with me.
"Hey!" I hear him shout behind me.
"Sakura?!" Naruto shouts surprised but begins running with me.
Glancing back, I can see the guard start to give chase. Which is just rude, we're only going to visit Little Duck. But whatever, I can play another round of Hide n Seek today.
"Hey, Little Blonde," I say, dodging several people walking. "Let's play a game, what do you say?"
"Game?" He questions, jerking away from someone in the way.
"Race ya' to Little Duck's. And whoever gets caught loses," I answer, pulling him out the way of someone else. "Ready!"
"Wait!"
"Set! Go!" I scream, pulling him forward and pushing him in front of me. He stumbles, but doesn't question it and takes off as soon as I let go of his hand. Good.
I grin, twisting around to look for our pursuer. He's on the rooftops which is totally unfair. I call foul play!
"Hey! Dumb fuck!" I shout, waving my arm to catch his attention. His head snaps towards me, away from looking in Naruto's direction. He snarls. I flip him off, sticking my tongue out at him like the adult I secretly am inside. "Can't catch me you little shit!"
I don't wait to see his reaction. Instead I turn and shoot down the road, opposite to where Naruto ran off. This was supposed to be a day off but I'd sooner become an angel than let some random asshole make Naruto's day even worse. On the bright side, this is great training. Who doesn't want to learn how to run with a limp? What fun!
Who knows, maybe if I do well then my Watcher can tell Dino and I can get a real day off. I doubt it, but it's nice to imagine.
I skid around a corner, stumbling just slightly as I twist to get out of the way of the old man I almost run into. He shouts but I don't hear it, too busy thinking of my next move. Which becomes pointless pretty quickly as the gate guard lands in front of me.
"Motherfuck!" I grunt, skidding to a stop just a few feet away from him. I grit my teeth as my leg twists, making my limp even worse. Fucking wonderful. "It's not nice to surprise a lady, you know?"
"Brat. You're coming with me," he states, glaring at me.
"It's also not nice to ignore a lady," I sneer quietly, straightening up. I quickly eye our surroundings, taking in the amount of people watching and whispering.
"Why'd you chase me?" I ask, pulling a confused and wary face. I'm six, sue me.
"You ran," he responds like I'm an idiot.
"Yeah because you were chasing me," I huff, looking at him incredulously. "I mean, if some stranger started running towards you, wouldn't you run too?"
He sneers, not bothering to respond and walks up to me. He grabs me by my arm, pulling me along with him.
"Hey! Let go! What the hell!" I scream, frustrated. This is not a nice day. Not at all. No siree.
"Sakura-chan?"
I twitch, mouth clamping shut your bite my tongue and stop myself from screaming profanities. I turn my head to see Mikoto standing just a bit down the road. Her brows are furrowed in confusion, eyes flickering between me and the guard. She walks closer and I can see a bag hanging from her arm. Must have been shopping then. Behind her, Little Duck and Little Blonde peek over.
They wave.
The nerve of them.
I've taught them well so far.
Mikoto makes her way over quickly, turning to talk to the guard. I tune the conversation out, much too tired to really pay attention. I'll need to be leaving soon. The walk from the park to here took a lot out of my three hour time limit.
I blink when my arm is let go. Looking up, Mikoto is looking at me in exasperation which is odd because I've only known this woman for about two years...damn, has it really been that long?
"What are you two doing here, Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun?" She asks, Sasuke nodding along with her, looking at us in confusion. Naruto looks sheepish while my eye twitches.
"Sorry for the trouble," I begin with a sigh. "Just came to drop Little Blonde off for his sleepover with Little Duck." Sasuke rolls his eyes at his nickname but quickly scrunches his nose in confusion.
"Sleepover? Sasuke-kun, you didn't tell me you were having a sleepover," she says, surprised and only slightly disappointed.
"I didn't know!" He quickly defends himself. I'll need to talk to the brats about lying soon.
"I can explain," I quickly cut in, seeing her expression. Her brow rises as she waits. I look over to Naruto, silently asking if I could tell her. He shifts but doesn't try to stop me.
"Naruto needs somewhere to stay tonight. He got locked out," I lie simply.
She narrows her eyes, probably seeing through my lie which is fair because she's an adult and is more than aware of Naruto's treatment from the village. She doesn't call me out on my bullshit though and gladly takes Naruto in. She turns to me, probably going to ask if I'll be staying.
"I gotta go," I say plainly, "Kizashi has a mission so I need to be at the house before dark."
She accepts my excuse, waving me off. I shout my goodbyes, quickly running off. It's kinda disappointing how easy that was. But whatever, I don't even know what I was expecting. And even if she did see through my lie, it's not she can do much about it.
"Shit," I curse, taking in the position of the sun. I don't think I'll make it back in time. "Fan-fucking-tastic."
Well, I was due for a fuck up anyways.
Wonder if Dino will even get today's report since he has some "important meeting". Which I should probably be more concerned about. Damn.
Shit really isn't going my way today, is it?
ʕ •̀ o •́ ʔ
So this chapter took a while. It's pretty bad but I was rushing it since the next chapter is the Academy! I'm excited for that.
Any suggestions on what sort of fuckery Sakura will get into on the first day?