Standard
disclaimers apply...
Unfortunately, I am not Kishimoto, I don't own the characters. I am
just borrowing his characters to have some fun,
I won't make any money out of this =^^=
Hello everyone and thanks for showing interest in my work.
I
am not very satisfied with the first half of this chapter, anyway, I
hope YOU like it.
I am not a native speaker, so if you find slips in grammar or
vocabulary, you may keep them =^^=
On to the story:
A Shinobi's Love
Chapter 2: The Handsome One
Deep inside, Ume felt relieved and she noticed she had been holding her
breath. It was done, she was hired and there was no way back. Her
brother stood up and with a last nod into the round, they left the room
together.
Inwardly she prepared for the discussion that was sure to follow, she
hadn't informed Ibiki beforehand and he wasn't amused at all. On the
surface she presented her genuine smile that could melt ice-cubes...
but her brother wasn't an ice-cube and had never fallen for it. She
tried her innocent winks.
"Have the losses been great, Ibiki?"
His answer, given through clenched teeth, assured her that he didn't
appreciate her decision to come back.
"Yes, we need every available trained ninja in this delicate situation."
One wouldn't assume they were siblings as they wandered down the long
corridor side by side. The forceful, heavy-built, scar-faced dark man
and the delicate, aristocratic, feline woman beside him. Upon a second
look one could guess, but there was no obvious similarity.
She tried another tactic to evade a discussion and to ease the awkward
atmosphere cracking a smile.
"You even hired me."
"This isn't funny, Ume." Even from the distance between them, she could
hear him grinding his teeth. "You were the most reasonable shinobi who
has shown up until now. I never doubted your abilities."
If she was the most reasonable shinobi who had shown up until now, the
situation was desolate indeed, Ume concluded.
"Thanks."
Though he had never mentioned that he trusted her, she felt relieved
that at last her skills were accepted by him.
He lead her to the equipment room and she picked up the jacket,
headband and gloves. She placed the headband on her forehead, she
wasn't very fond of the latest fashion to wear in all thinkable and
impossible places. It was supposed to protect the forehead though it
was more decoration against a serious attack, it could serve its
purpose against a light one.
When Ume was dressed and they were on the way to her new apartment, her
brother came straight to the point he was holding back from the
beginning.
"I am not approving your being here, nee-san."
At least he wasn't trying his psychological skills on her, knowing it
was pointless. Ume had prepared for this exchange since she had stood
in front of the recruiting commission and had noticed him among them.
"I didn't ask for your consent, nii-san."
"I just wanted you to be sure about my standpoint."
As if there had been a misunderstanding only for the split of a second.
If her brother was the one deciding over her profession, she would be
married by now, stand in a kitchen and would have a bunch of children
brawling around her. He wanted her to be 'safe' and not taking part in
dangerous missions. She made no efforts to hide her dismay.
"It is crystal clear, Ibiki."
From endless exchanges they both knew insisting wouldn't lead them
anywhere, and she could foresee what would come next. Another hot topic
discussed fruitlessly.
"You should see to get rid of this tattoo, it gives you away too
easily."
Almost defensive, she laid her hand in an unconscious movement over it.
"Never in my life. I don't want to forget and be reminded of my
origins."
"You should think of your safety first and not stick to the past."
She was aware that it gave her away easily and that it was traitorous.
On the other hand, she kept it always covered with clothes, everyone
who wanted to see it, had to kill her first. And after she was dead
there was no need to hide it anymore. This had always been her
conclusion to persuade herself and her argumentation against Ibiki. Too
many remembrances were bound with it, and Ume admitted she was too
sentimental to get rid of it.
"Mother..."
"I am fairly aware of what mother said."
How often did they have this discussion already? She had stopped
counting, it was pointless, she should try to reveal something about
her future instead of dwelling in the past.
"Do you know to which team I'll be assigned?"
"No, not yet. But I'll see to get you a safe job."
It was just too typical for her brother, she could feel her blood
pressure increasing.
"I didn't ask for my safety..."
After a few seconds she regretted her outburst, it could be worse then
being safe, she admitted. She needed to ease the situation, or the long
awaited reunion with her brother would be spoiled by their little
differences.
"...as long as I don't get under your command I can handle every task."
His lips curved into a grin, she had to admit, he looked creepy with
it. Assuming that every delinquent proposed when her brother changed
into this mode, Ume couldn't contain her giggles.
"You aren't in the position to decide, nee-san. I wouldn't trust you
with my job at the moment either. You need more practice, you need to
do teamwork in the field."
At last she was spared of her brother's command, but she couldn't help
but being indignant over his 'trust'.
"I've survived on my own for a long time."
With his serious expression again, Ibiki turned to her.
"If YOU want to be killed, it is none of my business, it is your own
decision. But *I* vowed to protect this village."
Ume bit her lips.
"Thank you very much for your confidence in me."
"I trust you, Ume, I would trust you with my life. But here you aren't
a lone warrior, you are vulnerable." He hesitated a second. "And I am
not sure how you'll react when Uchiha Itachi shows up. I hope you'll
remember where your loyalty lies then."
Ume felt all blood leaving her face, she had thought to have concealed
this part of her life well.
"You know about him?"
She forced herself not to blurt out 'what do you know about us?', she
wouldn't receive an answer.
"Yes, but I didn't inform the others, your secret is safe with me." He
wasn't appreciating her choice, she could tell from his frown. "He is
even some years younger then you."
But more mature then many of the men of her age she knew, she added
mentally.
She felt a burden been taken from her shoulders, but upon his next
words, she stiffened again.
"But if he returns and you try something stupid, I'll have to
interfere."
"Thanks for being considerate."
Cold irony swung in her voice, but Ibiki pretended not to notice.
They had reached her apartment, and before leaving her, he squeezed her
shoulder in a heartfelt way.
"Welcome back, Ume. Please take good care of you. I'll keep an eye on
you and use my influence to get you in a trustworthy team."
Quickly she shot a glance around and as nobody was visible, no hidden
presence near them, she hugged him.
"Thanks, Ibiki. Take good care."
She watched him heading back until she couldn't spot his heavy body in
the crowd anymore.
After a short rest in her apartment - there wasn't much left for her to
do until afternoon - Ume decided to use her time wisely and to get to
know her surroundings. During her years as an oi-nin she had avoided to
accept a task that brought her near Konoha. The scare memories she
recalled from her youth weren't helpful either. One thing above others
that Ume hated, was being trapped in an unknown area, having no clue
which way to choose to escape.
Her mindless wandering through the village while memorizing the
streets, junctions, buildings and shops had one positive side-effect:
she found a ramen shop and jumped at the occasion to satisfy her
hunger. She had been given an advanced payment which couldn't be better
invested then in her grumbling stomach, nobody needed a hungry shinobi.
The only annoying point about her meal was the incredible noisy and
pert brat arriving only a minutes after her and pestering her with
narrations of his latest adventures. Not that he was unfriendly, she
felt from the first moment that he was good-hearted. But there was
something unnerving her even more then not knowing her surroundings: a
good meal deserved to be eaten in peace and SILENCE.
Since it couldn't be helped, she endured the constant babbling about
his adventures, becoming Hokage, surpassing someone called 'Sasuke' -
wasn't it Itachi's brother? - and his latest lion-hearted deeds without
muttering one response.
Naruto... yes, Uzumaki Naruto that was the name of the boy with the
blond hair and the trademark cheeks. The one with the fox demon sealed
inside him. At last he had finished his two bowls of ramen - Ume hadn't
finished her first yet - and excused himself enthusiastically saying he
had to go training. Relieved, Ume followed his retreating form with her
eyes until she couldn't spot him anymore. Not that her dislike was
personal, it was her already mentioned dislike for having to talk while
eating and her own impotence dealing with children in general and brats
in particular.
She spent the remaining hours to the evening - when she would be
introduced to the remaining shinobi of this village - to engrain the
streets she had memorized before. Sooner or later this would proof to
be useful, she had no doubt about it.
When it was about time for the introducing, she headed for the building
that was supposed to be the residence of the Hokage. For now it hosted
the village's council, which had taken over the Hokage's tasks as long
as they found a new one.
A pretty fair number of the remaining ninja was present and it seemed
as if she was the only recruit for this day for she was the only one
standing beside the council. She had been told to memorize the ninja
for they didn't want to introduce anyone, she was expected to recognize
everyone from description. Not a wrong assumption: she had profiles of
every jou-nin ranked shinobi in every village and would recognize most
of them. One had to be prepared when working as a independent oi-nin,
she had always paid attention to be up-to-date.
Mitokado stood up and cleared his throat to get the attention of the
gathered crowd. Instantly the murmuring stopped and all attention
focused on the long desk with the council behind it and Ume standing
beside it. Ume couldn't help to feel nervous with so many eyes fixing
and judging her.
"I want to introduce the today's recruit to you."
He turned to her.
"Morino Ume."
Upon the mentioning of the name, a murmur rose and Ume noticed that the
attention divided also to her brother who was among the crowd. His jaws
tightened upon being suddenly the unwanted center of interest together
with his sister, she could see it even from the distance.
"She'll be assigned to one of our teams to compensate our loss. She
worked as an independent oi-nin for the past years as you all might
have heard. We are confident in her skills and that she'll
complementing our missions. Unfortunately she is the only recruit for
today."
Mitokado took her aside.
"We are not sure yet to which team you will be added, it depends on the
job and your abilities. We will decide it later this evening."
He made a few more announcements that didn't concern her and Ume used
the time to observe the gathered crowd. Most of the jou-nin she
recognized: there was her brother, Asuma to name two prominent ones.
Even Kurenai was present, Ume had recently added her to her list.
Though some were missing, she couldn't spot Maito Gai and Hatake
Kakashi. Judging from the descriptions she had, they should be easy to
spot, that could only mean that they were on a mission.
After a few minutes, Mitokado finished and motioned her to leave.
Silently Ume nodded her content and retreated. For the first time in a
very long time she would be able to spent an evening alone without
paying attention to be discovered and ambushed. It was pure luxury, she
could read and go to bed early, not caring to have to organize her
food. Almost feeling happy about her decision she headed for her
apartment.
******
Once again he smiled for her, his
sharp features softening, it was a rare sight reserved for a few chosen
ones, she was one of these privileged ones. His black hair was gathered
in a low ponytail, but upon remembering how it fell loosely over his
shoulders and how soft it felt, she shivered. His tenderness while he
touched her...
All of a sudden something was going
wrong. She could see his features hardening, his eyes focusing on
someone behind her. Was there a threat? For the split of a second she
could see a figure reflecting in his dark eyes before the sharigan
appeared. Roughly she was pushed aside.
'Stay aside, Ume.'
It wasn't him talking and he hadn't
shoved her aside. His sharigan were fixing the other figure, they were
fighting, Itachi was using his illusionary techniques. Ume quivered
from the hostility and coldness between the adversaries. She could feel
the suffering from Itachi's blurred opponent, she couldn't recognize
him... or her.
She had to interfere, to stop...
Itachi?
But she was on Itachi's side, she had
always been and she had no intention to change it.
'Itachi, please, stop it!'
'You dare to tell me what I should
do? You are going to far, Ume.'
His red eyes glowed in the dark, even
through the thick fog, she had a bad feeling about it, she shouldn't
have opposed Itachi. He divided his attention and approached her.
'NO! RUN AWAY UME! Leave here!'
Realization seemed to strike Itachi,
his eyes darkening as he took her sword.
'You betrayed me, Ume.'
'No, no, NO...'
She heard herself screaming.
Could sweat was running down her face, her whole body shook as she set
upright in her bed. Bed? Where was she? It took her a few seconds to
recall the happenings, her being part of Konoha.
Slowly her breathing was calming down.
Itachi was't here and he would never harm her, no, he wouldn't. He had
never harmed her.
Still haunted by her nightmare, Ume fell back in a restless sleep.
******
The alarm-clock beside her bed woke her with its piercing rattling
sound. Instantly she jumped on her feet and slammed the nearest weapon
handy on it. She needed a few seconds to realize where she was, it was
an apartment... she was holding her sword in her hands, the sheath had
a new scratch... and the annoying clock was ruined. Who needed clocks
anyway?
Yes, she remembered everything. Yesterday she had signed a scroll,
agreeing she would protect Konoha and its inhabitants with her very
life. And this was the room she had been given.
Relieved not to be ambushed, she fell back on her bed and fell asleep
within a second. She had never been one to stand up early, in the
morning her brain wasn't working at all. She couldn't even remember why
she had set the alarm-clock. Before the disturbing thought could
prevent her falling asleep again, she focused her mind on more pleasant
things.
A tea being prepared for her, an opulent breakfast, a warm bath in the
hot springs here in Konoha...
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
Some water was dripping down from the spring into the hot pool, the
water relaxing her muscles.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
Frowning, she stirred in her sleep. The water-drops couldn't be so
loud, something was wrong about it.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
The water surely was persistent, finding their way through the stone,
the drops getting larger and louder.
*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*
No, this wasn't water. Slowly it sank to her mind that someone was
knocking on her door and shocked she sat up, remembering why she had
set the alarm-clock. She was supposed to be picked up by her team and
to start her new job.
What a fantastic start, she jumped up and ripped the door open.
"I am coming."
Her vis-a-vis hadn't expected such a vehement welcome, it was a man as
she noticed in the blink of a second before he jumped back, stared at
her - his eyes nearly bulging out of its sockets - and tried to stop
the fountain of blood coming out of his nose.
Something was wrong with her, Ume realized, the cold sensation of the
morning air awaking her fully. It dawned her what was wrong and quickly
she slammed the door shut again. She was as naked as on the day she was
born. Being used to sleep in wilderness, she had decided to go to bed
without clothes, enjoying the freedom of not having to spent the night
in worn clothes.
What a wonderful way to get to know her comrades she would be stuck
with for the next mission. Hopefully she wouldn't have to deal with him
during too many missions, she would die out of embarrassment every time
she faced him.
"Just a second and I am back."
She shouted through the closed door.
"Yes."
The poor guy outside probably had the morning of his life and she had
disgraced herself. Quickly she jumped into her clothes, attached her
weapons and grabbed a few dabbers, she owed it to him.
As she opened the door the second time, he had found his composure -
still trying to get his bleeding nose under control. She noticed blood
spilled over his clothes and handed him the dabbers.
"You can clean yourself and I can wash your stuff in my apartment."
She had time to eye him closer, if he wouldn't look so... bloody, she'd
say he was handsome. Brown hair bond in a high ponytail, hazelnut brown
eyes, and a scar over his nose giving him a bold appearance. He had
been present yesterday's evening, she remembered him standing among the
others, he had been one of those catching her attention for she didn't
know him. That could only mean he wasn't one of the jou-nin of this
village, or maybe he just got promoted.
"No, thank you, we have to hurry. We are already late."
Late? Why could they be late? This was supposed to be their mission,
wasn't it? It couldn't hurt to introduce herself and to find out his
name.
"I am Morino Ume."
"Nice to meet you. My name's Iruka."
He didn't dare to look at her again, she assumed it wouldn't do his
blood pressure any good.
Being patient had never been one of Ume's virtues.
"Thanks. Don't you want to inform me where we are going and what we are
supposed to do?"
Startled, he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Didn't they tell you?"
Irritated, Ume nearly bumped into him, she had been told several times
that she would be briefed by her 'team' - if one could call one one
ninja of unknown rank and her a 'team' -, hadn't she?
"No, you were supposed to tell me."
His explanation made her blood run cold.
"You'll teach together with me at the academy. Some of the teachers
have been assigned to teams and we need replacements to take care of
the children."
Ume felt all her blood leaving her face, she was almost fainting.
Teaching? Spending the day with... noisy kids? Her worst nightmare had
come true. Was this a foolish plan of her brother to torture her and
make her giving up? No, he wasn't THAT crude, supposably he just wanted
her to be 'safe'. If spending her day with over-energetic brats could
be called 'safe'. Most likely she wouldn't even survive the morning.
"Is something wrong?"
She must look awful judging from his concerned expression, she started
to like these soft hazelnut brown eyes, he truly cared for others.
She'd like to see these eyes filled with determination and murderous
intent, she was sure that he was deadly when it got serious.
She shook her head to get rid of the thought, she was in serious
trouble. NO way she would show her weakness, she was strong, she'll
survive the academy and see to get a mission. Soon. VERY soon.
Though her voice had to shake suspiciously, she had to answer.
"erm, no. This is just so... unexpected. I wasn't informed beforehand."
Someone would have to pay for that, so much was sure.
"Good, you can accompany me to my first lesson and then take over for
the rest of the morning. It is the first class, they just joined the
academy."
Despair began to clench her chest, she was barely capable of speaking.
"No problem."
Ume cracked a smile, and knew she failed, the glance he sent her was
too dubious.
And indeed, when she observed him handling the class, she had to admit
he was a good teacher. The pupils listened to him - more or less - and
respected his authority - more or less -. An old habit surfaced: she
began curling strands of her hair around her finger, nearly stabbing
herself on her poisoned needles. This would have been a show for the
class, she cringing on the floor, taking the antidote. The perfect
start in front of the class. Ume reproved herself for her panickiness
and her lack of control, this would only make it worse.
Obviously the first lesson was over, Iruka waved her to come down, she
hadn't paid attention at all.
"Well, class may I introduce your new teacher to you, Morino Ume."
Cold sweat caused by her panic run down her back, nevertheless she
noticed that the name Morino caused some respect. Unfortunately only in
a very small, selected part of the class. The majority sensed her
awkwardness for sure, children had a sixth sense for weak spots in
teachers.
"Ha, you don't look strong, I don't want to be taught by you."
Great, one boy who had been rebellious already with Iruka had jumped up
and was pointing at her. Konoha-maru was his name, she recalled, the
deceased Hokage's grandson, a pert blighter/cub. Her train of thought
had taken a second too long, a murmuring arose and Iruka rose an
eyebrow already. She had never said that was able to handle teaching,
had she.
"Look, Konoha-maru..."
She wasn't capable of penetrating the arousing rumor with her voice.
The first wet paper-ball came flying towards her, she managed to dodge
this one, but not the next ones.
At the end of the lesson, the pupils had left for the break, she was
covered from tip to toe with little paper-balls and colored dots.
As she noticed Iruka's smile, she crimsoned in the most possible color.
"I never said I was good with teaching."
"This was a disaster."
A hysterical laugh escaped her throat.
"I am really sorry, Iruka."
"Let us see how you handle the next two lessons." Two more? She felt
near a panic again. Upon her shocked expression, his smile softened "If
you don't improve we'll have to get you another job."
There was still light at the end of this dark, long tunnel... she
couldn't finish the train of thought for the returning children stormed
over her. Now her shirt and trouser was ruined as well.
Two hours of torture later, Iruka, barely containing a laughter,
dragged her to the village's council.
"With respect, she needs to be given another task. I don't see she'll
get used to teaching."
With almost shocked expressions, the council's members eyed Ume from
tip to toe. Her hair was in a complete mess, one eye was blue, the arms
of her shirt were ripped of and one part of her trouser was missing. In
addition to that she was covered with the paper-balls and color-dots,
she knew she locked like being in the worst possible life-threatening
situation, barely escaping with her pure life in the last minute. And
that was exactly how she felt.
Mitokado fished for a file.
"I think you are right. We have a team going on an important mission
tomorrow. I'll inform them to pick you up and brief you."
He motioned them to leave and upon the door closing behind them, Iruka
laughed from the bottom of his heart.
"Unbelievable that you are such a reputed oi-nin."
His amusement indignated her, she had to admit.
"Being a oi-nin doesn't automatically qualify for taking care of
children, you know. There is a little difference."
He still was amused.
"I had a very entertaining morning."
At last she would be spared from further teaching. She couldn't help to
join his laughter, making her realize her grumbling stomach. From the
corner of her eyes, she glanced at him. Indeed, he was a nice man, it
couldn't hurt to get to know him better.
"Wouldn you mind joining me with ramen?"
"It is my treat."
She added upon noticing his hesitation.
"It would be a pleasure."
She had misinterpreted his hesitation, he just didn't seem to be used
to eat with friends, less being invited.
As they finally had their ramen bowl in front of them, Ume felt
relieved to have asked him. She was getting perfectly along with him,
both making jokes about their day and receiving stares from curious
passerbys. They must make a strange pair: Iruka with his bloody clothes
and Ume with her ruined and stained ones, both laughing heartfeltly.
Yes, this was the best day, Ume had had for a very long time, when they
parted, Ume made sure to meet him again when she was back from her
mission. She had found a first friend in Konoha, her decision seemed to
have been right.
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TBC......
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Started:
June 6th 2004
Finished: June 28th 2004
Edited: July 4th 2004
First posted: July 5th 2004
A/N:
I am so predictable... I am sure you all noticed where I am heading.
Despite this, I hope you liked it and that you will be waiting for
another chapter =^^=.
And I do hope I didn't mix up names and characters... not to mention
English grammar and vocabulary =^^=
It will take some time for the chapters to come out, I am working on my
RuroKen-fics as well and I have a life *laughs*. Anyhow, I hope you are
waiting for more, thanks for your patience and for reading my
blabbering.
Next chapter: The Competitive Genius.... hopefully it will be longer
then this one =^^=
I think it is pretty obvious what I am aiming at *SNIFF*
As I already mentioned, I am not as deep into 'Naruto' as I am into
'Rurouni Kenshin', so please be gentle.
Jaaaaaa naaaaa,
Mara