41. Adorably Annoying

A DOUBLE UPDATE MY KAWAI LITTLE GENIN!!

Yeet

A fan edit of Akina Senju Uchiha by my friend YooTip. She's amazing and I'm so happy to receive fanart!!

She looks fucking adorable and precious and this is so so much like how I imagined her to be except her hair is slightly red.

Almost wanted to give her a good life. 

Almost.

Honestly wondering why I even asked you guys that question in the previous chapter. 

I mean its obvious. XD

Haha my best friend was reading this and she demanded me to tell her the killer and the whole plot since I changed it a bit.

She wants to kill me and she pities you guys.

Lol on with the story.

Enjoy Reading! 

<3

Btw guys this chapter is NOT edited because your author is feeling super duper sleepy so I just posted it.

Lemme know if there are any mistakes/ typos in the comments and I'll fix it.

Ughh editing old chapters is 'SUCH A DRAG'!

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

I grimaced at my reflection in the mirror. 

Dark circles.

Stress lines (very faint ones)

And

A pale skin.

If I didn't know better, I'd have mistaken myself for a vampire who hasn't drank blood in days.

Aka Edward Cullen's female counterpart.

I turned to Itachi sitting on the bed.

"So, any hints?"

"I have one. However, you won't like it."

I groaned. "I hate it already. Now tell me."

"Meet your team, and maybe you'll understand."

Oh this little bitch is gonna get it from me.

"And there's no other way around this?" 

He sipped his tea.

"Itachi, I'm talking to you!"

A magazine page was flipped.

"Isn't this your item? Why am I suffering for it?"

He ate his dango silently.

Giving up, I transformed into the girl from yesterday and left the room.

The faster I find it...

I walked towards the training grounds where I had a feeling Team 7 would be.

the faster I can leave...

Suppressing my chakra to one of that of a civilian's I saw my team in the middle of the training grounds.

I slowly placed my hands on the trees and observed them.

Sakura was talking to Sai and Naruto was asking Yamato something. 

Kakashi had his head in his book and my eyes drifted slowly towards the last member of my team. He was catching a kunai by throwing it in the air, observing those around him.

His eyes twitched and he turned to look in my direction.

I gave a small squeal and hid behind the tree.

His sensing is good.

My heart thumped loudly in my chest and I swore softly. 

I can't face them now.

As I took a step in the direction where I came from, a voice stopped me and-

"Who the hell are you?"

My heart skipped a beat at his dark voice.

I looked up, terrified to see Sasuke on top of the tree where I had been hiding.

He was glowering at me.

"I- How did you notice me?" I asked him stuttering slightly.

He got a cross look and glowered down at me. He jumped down.

"I'm a ninja. Looking at you, you're either a civilian... or a spy."

I gasped.

A spy?! Well he's not wrong..

"I-I am not a s-spy."

"We'll see about that." He grabbed me roughly by the arm and dragged me out of the woods. I blushed brightly for when I felt all of Team 7's gazes on me.

OhGodohGodohGodohGod...

I gulped.

"She was spying on us." I landed roughly in the middle of the team.

Sakura glared at Sasuke, mistaking my panic at being here as panic of being caught by a ninja.

"Sasuke, she's a civilian! You know how interested they are in our training."

"I-I told you already shinobi san that I'm not a spy." I muttered slowly, scared for my identity.

"Hn." He turned away.

I don't know about that, Sakura.

It was left unsaid in the air.

Naruto who had been gazing at me for a while now with his brows scrunched, a slight scowl on his face as he leaned towards me, sniffing.

"Are you a dog? Why are you sniffing me?" I asked sort of offended.

Wait a minute.. sniffing...

Sense of smell..

Kakashi...

ninken...

HolyShIT

Kakashi knows?

ActNaturalActNatural..

I peeked a glance towards Kakashi. He was already gazing at me with a small amount of interest and he took in a deep breath.

"Oh its you dattebayo! That girl we met in the ramen shop yesterday!"

"Dickless, just how dumb are you again?" 

"OY YOU PALE FACED BASTARD SHUT UP!"

I turned to Naruto.

Act calm.

"Wh-which pale faced bastard again?" I pointed slowly towards Sasuke and Sai.

"This one or- or that one?" I had a small grin.

NOT THAT CALM!!

Sakura lost it, doubling over. Naruto gave me a small pat on my head.

"I like you!"

"I-I like me too."

Kakashi sniffed.

Red Alert!

He sniffed again and he was furrowing his eyebrows.

It was nice knowing you, Death. Its sad I have to meet you again.

He turned to me. "You aren't a part of this village?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Hm. You.. smell like someone I know."

Should I...??

I have to...

"Oh! I meet a lot of people during our travels. It could be that you know someone."

He nodded. "Have you made any friends during your travels?"

"Its really none of your business."

Kakashi sighed and scratched his head. "Well, I think you encountered a rogue nin."

"A rogue nin? All of my friends are very kind!" I defended myself.

He stared at me levelly. "Maa, it can't be helped."

"Hn. I feel like I've seen you somewhere before." Sasuke was giving me a scrutinizing glare. 

"I think I should leave. My brother must be looking for me." I finished lamely and made my way out of the circle.

I had barely walked a few steps before Sai called out for me.

"You are walking very silently. Almost like.. you were trained this way." 

I looked down at my feet, my back facing them.

He's way too sharp. They'll catch up in no time.

It was one of the first thing shinobi learnt in the Academy. 

You're either quiet or dead.

"Trained?"

"Yes, like kunoichi trained." 

I turned around and Sai gave me a fake smile.

My eye twitched. "Have you ever attended Kirigakure's school for civilians?"

"No."

I marched up to them and thrust my finger into Sai's chest.

"Kirigakure is a dangerous place. For merchants, ninjas and civilians alike. Kiri does not have a good reputation and its not safe for anyone. Especially women and children with a kekkei genkai." I hissed at him.

"So excuse me to have some light training of a genin so as to protect myself from perverts and bandits."

With that, I used my chakra and created a small water bullet which hit a rock, making it crack.

"That is the only jutsu I know along with bare minimum taijutsu, so excuse me you pretentious assholes but then I need to leave now." I let out an angry aura.

Not KI, but enough anger to show that I'm pissed.

"Does that answer your question, hm, you paled faced bastard?!" I growled at Sai.

He nodded. 

"I notice that you are angry. Did I say something to offend you? I merely stated what I observed and it set you off." 

Sakura bowed. "My team and I would like to apologize for asking you uncomfortable questions."

I gave her a slight nod and turned to walk back.

"O-oy grey haired stranger!" Naruto called out for me.

I bit back a curse.

Leave me alone dammit! 

I made up that lie on spot and I need to breathe properly again.

"What?"

"You mentioned that you travel a lot and have met a lot of shinobi. Then, you also said you have a couple of friends too."

I nodded. "Yes, what of it?"

"D-do you perhaps know... no never mind it." Naruto broke off, a sad look on his face.

Sasuke looked away, a frown and a glare etched onto his face.

Sakura balled her hands up into a fist.

Sai turned to them. "She's a traitor."

Sasuke snarled. "She isn't. She's done everything for a reason and I will not stop resting to find out what it was."

I took a step back.

Naruto picked up Sai by the collar. "You teme! Shut your fucking mouth before I injure you."

"Why don't you try dickless, emo?"

I took another few steps back.

"SHANNARO!" Sakura held Naruto by his head and threw him away before punching Sai to oblivion.

I turned around.

"Don't you say a word about Akina when you don't know her, Sai!"

I began running.

"I knew Akina well. She was my comrade for a while. Kira."

I ran even faster until their voices died out.

Why?

Why do they trust me?

What's happening?

I'm confused..

I leaned against a wall, panting for breath as rain finally started pouring in Konoha, drenching me completely by the end of a few minutes.

I didn't cry, for I didn't have the strength to.

I turned to the side to see a small robin perched in the cage, whistling.

Its beady black eyes stared into me and I saw myself.

A caged bird, with her wings clipped.

"You want to be free, don't you?"

The bird chirped and I turned to see the shopkeeper busy, counting his money.

I channeled my chakra and placed him in a light genjutsu before unlocking the gates holding the bird captive.

I had a small smile on my face.

"You know, no one can help me for I've been caged. But at least, I can help you." 

It twitched and spread out its little wings to fly. 

It was happy and my heart felt lighter, somehow knowing that I could help one life at least. 

Lost in my thoughts, I jumped at the sound of thunder and rain started to fall heavily. 

The civilians screamed and ran for shelter but I stepped closer to the rain, still under the shade and put my hand out.

Small droplets of water fell on my hand and a cold sensation washed over me.

Taking a few steps further, I closed my eyes to savor the feeling washing over me.

I snapped my eyes open.

Not in front of everyone.

Then, I began running towards my place.

"Oy you loser, where are you taking me?" Sasuke grumbled. 

"Its a secret!"

"Oof-"

"Oh there's a tree there. Look out!" I said cheerfully.

Sasuke let out a small noise of annoyance. "If you're making me wear a blindfold, at least navigate me properly damn it."

"Ah but where's the fun in that?" 

Dragging him through the trees, I removed his blindfold and a beautiful scenery greeted him.

"How did you find this place?"

I winked at him. "Its a secret."

"A future ability thing?"

I hesitated. "Not exactly. Its my place to reflect on myself. Every time I come here, it fills me with positive vibes and energy."

"Hn. It... looks beautiful." 

"It wouldn't kill you to smile, ya know. I'm not gonna judge you or anything."

He let out a small laugh, a twinkling gaze of adoration in his eyes as he looked at me and my heart skipped a beat.

"We both know you're going to tease me about it later."

I smirked. "You know me too well, Sasuke."

Picking me up by the waist, he twirled me around and I shrieked in surprise.

"What did I do to deserve you?" He smiled.

I melted.

"You.. were there for me and you understand me, my pain." I said softly and we shared a passionate kiss.

"You charming bastard." I smacked his arm lightly.

"Its a deal with the sharingan eyes, something you lack." He laughed.

"Oy! I'm charming too-" 

"Sure you are."

"- I mean why else would you blush earlier whenever we talked to one another."

He poked my forehead. 

"Because, you were adorably annoying."

I giggled. "That doesn't make sense."

He shrugged. "It does. You're just too dumb to see it."

I missed the mischievous glint in his eyes and picking me up without a warning he threw me into the deep lake.

"AGHH SASUKE! I'M WET NOW!" I gave him a mock glare as I came out from under the lake to stand on its surface instead.

He gave me a lazy grin.

"Hn. That's what-"

"-she said." I finished his sentence for him, a wide grin on my face.

I wiggled my eyebrows. "Say, have you been reading my books lately?"

He gave me such a disgusted look, I wanted to laugh.

"No, its because you say it so often."

"Ah yet Naruto still doesn't understand it." I shook my head in disappointment.

"You're gonna be the death of me, Akina. You're too perverted."

"Then at least we'll die together because you will be the death of me too. I can't handle your emo ass!"

Blinking myself out of the flashback, I started slowing down my pace and after crossing a few trees, I reached my spot.

I stood at the edge of the lake, the scenery exactly how I left it as.

It was a deep lake in the middle of a bunch of trees in Konoha. 

The trees surrounding it were evergreen and a gentle breeze swung by.

The only difference now was that the silent, calm notion of the lake was ruined as raindrops fell on it heavily, disturbing it.

I removed my shoes and took my first step into the lake after three years.

A calm, cooling sensation washed over me and I brought down my other leg.

After taking multiple steps, I reached the middle of the lake and reveled at the feeling of cold droplets fall on my face, refreshing me.

Closing my eyes, a sudden hum came over me. 

After a while, I began singing the lyrics.

https://youtu.be/z4gSWMEz4Nc

(The lyrics won't make sense much unless you listen to it. Its a Korean song called 'Sea' by BTS. The deep meaning of the song will be mentioned later.)

I don't know, I don't know

If I'm feeling the waves right now, yeahI don't know, I don't knowIf I'm being chased by the sand wind, yeahI don't know, I don't knowIs this the sea or the desert?Is this hope or despair?Is this real or fake? shit

(Where there is hope, there is always hardship) x4

My legs started moving in sync with my arms as my eyes closed.

But why is there this fear in between the happiness?Because we know too well that this place is really a desert

I don't wanna cryI don't wanna restNo, who cares if we rest a little?No no noI don't wanna loseIt's always a desertI told you everythingThen I'll just be more depressed

Where there is hope, there is always hardshipWhere there is hope, there is always hardship

I gasped loudly for taking a breath and smelt the fresh dirt and rain.

A faint memory of my time on Earth filled me.

"Its not my fault!"

"You stupid girl, of course it is. You shouldn't have been born!" She sneers at me and it feels as if somebody destroyed my heart.

"Your fucking father and that-that whore had you. You're just a damned bastard you hear me!!" She roars loudly, using words that an innocent six year old shouldn't be hearing.

Tears well up in my eyes.

"You're a mistake, you're his mistake, but to protect his damned fame as a politician we have to shut it and deal with your sorry ass."

Tears ran down my cheek and heavy sobs racked my small body.

"STOP CRYING!" She raised her hand and I cried harder in fear.

I opened my eyes slowly upon not feeling any impact as she stared at me with disgust and pity.

"I can't hit a child. My conscious won't allow it. But, maybe we can salvage something here."

I sniffed quietly trying to stop my tears.

"Yume, stop crying."

I stopped instantly, fearing to invoke her wrath again.

"Do you want me to love you?"

"Y-yes please."

She smiled and patted my head.

"First lesson. Whenever you see that whore of a mother once a month, disrespect her as much as you can. Hate her and mommy will be proud. Understand, Yume?"

"Y-yes mommy."

"Good. Now then, you should know emotions make you weak. They suffocate you and cause you pain. Do you want to get hurt?"

I shook my head.

"Then stop sniveling. Learn how to use people and throw them away because they are trash. You can only count on yourself in life and me, no one else."

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Yume?"

"Can I trust you? Are you sure?"

She smiled and her expression never looked deadlier. 

"Of course you can."

Where there is hopeYou know, you knowYou know, yeah yeahWhere there is hopeYou know, you knowYou know, yeah yeah

Ocean, desert, the worldEverything, the same thingDifferent nameI see ocean, l see desertI see the worldEverything's, the same thingWith a different nameIt's life again

Where there is hope, there is always despairWhere there is hope, there is always despair

We need to be in despair, for all our hardshipsWe need to be in despair, for all our hardships

As the song reached its climax, hot tears made their way down my cold face and I opened my eyes to see everything blurry.

I lost myself..

But when there's hope, there's despair.

Hope....

Despair.....

I felt at peace with myself and for that moment, I felt normal.

The masked man destroyed me.

Broke me. 

And my team joined me back together again with mere words.

They trusted me.

They believed me.

And most importantly, they didn't hate me.

I felt rejuvenated, fresh and ready to take on the world.

It was enough of running away like a coward.

Enough of crying.

Enough of moping around.

I smiled lightly, strength returning to me.

My family isn't my weakness.

They're my strength and my cause of living.

The very least I could do was return the favor by saving the world.

For Sasuke

For Naruto

For Sakura

For Kakashi sensei

For Mirai

For Seijuro

And..

For Itachi

Because, if the masked man bothered me again..

I'll kill him.

Or at the very least...

I'll go out with a bang.

"Bang!" With a war cry, I kick the door to our room open. I didn't have my transformation on anymore.

Itachi sends me an exasperated look.

"Have you found it yet?"

"Nope!"

He went back to closing his eyes, taking rest.

"That doesn't mean I haven't cracked the dumb code."

"Hm, keep talking."

Closing the door behind me, I sat down next to him on the bed.

"P-E-H-O.. peho. Now, if you unscramble the words, it says hope."

He opened his eyes with a serious look.

"Hm. Maybe its a coincidence?"

"Or maybe its not. Why would you make me search for something you lost? And it is invaluable. This can not be bought."

He didn't answer anything, yet he continued to observe me quietly, a curious glint in his eyes.

"I see that you've changed."

I was taken aback. "I haven't changed."

"You seem more sure of yourself, more confident. You're practically glowing."

My eye widen in surprise.

"I didn't notice that, Itachi."

"Hm, we're done here. You cracked the code."

"Wait a minute, you brought me to Konoha just so I got my hope back?"

He nodded once.

"Well, it was a torturous method, however I can't deny that I didn't need it."

"Your training will improve in no time."

I gave him a shy smile.

"So it would seem."

Explanation of the Song 'Sea'

By comparing the sea and desert, they are comparing the two opposites- hope and despair by saying one can't exist without the other.

'When there is hope, there are trials' this means that you face struggles everyday, but you need to overcome it- not give up.

Akina remembers this song from Earth and remembers her memories which I will throw some light on eventually.

This song was her trigger and so was that memory.

She fought for herself on Earth, so why did she give up now?

When facing negative moments, we shouldn't be mad, but instead, accept these moments as part of the most beautiful moment in life as well as the cause to our happy moments. 

This is why the lyrics describe the desert as a beautiful Namib desert.

In the end, all hard work will pay off and they will become successful.

My dear kids...

My exams are starting this Friday and I won't be able to update this week or the next because... well for obvious reasons.

So I'm sorry y'all have to wait.

But if possible, I'll update a mini chapter around 2000 words or so if that's fine with you?

Lemme know if you want a double update after my exams get over or a small 2K chapter only this week.

I suddenly feel a 1000 times more self conscious now because damn.. that's a lot from all over the globe! 

Even from Japan. 

Lol they must be thinking how I literally butchered the whole anime series of Naruto and made everyone so OOC because frankly, I feel the same way.

It was a BAD idea to check this because I'm extremely nervous now. 

Like.. I just don't want to disappoint you guys and things were easier with less views.

But that doesn't mean I appreciate you guys because I really, really do! 

Even the silent readers!

Big ass reveal.

So y'all know I'm Asian right?

I did mention it in the comments once and haven't really said it but..

I'm from India.

Lol 

(feel awkward asf rn)

Q: Where are you guys from?

I'm out!