Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 15 - Opening new doors ( Chapter 15 )

A Girl Named Yama

 

Author: XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from `Naruto'. The only thing I own is my main character, Umari Yama, and maybe some unrecognizable characters that you may see.

 

Brief Summary: A girl finds herself dumped into Hatake's bed one day in a different world to deal with an emotional Sasuke, a hyperactive Naruto, a flirty Genma and lazy Kakashi. And of course, to deal with all the glory of life in Konoha to boot.

 

Notes: Valentine's Day Special! Enjoy! Sap? Check. Fluff? Check. Read on!

 

Yama's sharingan is available to be seen at the following link:

 

http://www.geocities.com/xoxsilverdragonxox/AGNY/Yama.html

 

Last Chapter:

 

Yama's return to Konoha didn't make so much of a fuss after all. Which isn't to any surprise, since she did exactly go all out and make friends. Now, after recovering it turns out her rash decision on jutsu's cost her, her eyesight. And why is her sharingan active when she's using no chakra? And what's with the conspiracy about the Uchiha clan and Konoha? There's more than meets the eye in this world… It's time to hit those books soon, Yama!

 

Warnings:

 

Hints of Shounen Ai. You'll see it once you get to it. Just a small snippet. Nothing that would send you little buggers (homophobes) running off screaming in disgust. :3 In other words, there's no kissing, no hand holding involved. You can think of it as a friendship, if you so choose. Seeing as this story is rated `M' be expecting a bit of language now and then.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Chapter 15 - Opening the doors

 

Drip. Drip.

 

Gloomily, I stared out the window, staring outside blankly. I could hear the snow. The snow was coming down rather hard, pelting at the window and slamming against the concrete floor outside. It was pretty much... hail, I suppose. I could hear the trees outside groaning and creaking with discomfort.

 

I sighed for the umpteenth time and tried not to go crazy. I had been sitting inside for the past 2 hours, with nothing to do. The day had started off really nice— it had been sunny, I can tell you that. I had felt its warmth while sitting by the window that morning. That's when Sasuke burst my little bubble and said clouds were coming in from the east.

 

And then hail came down.

 

And trust me, standing outside in the rain? That's fine... but in hail? Not such a good idea.

 

'I like rain better...' I thought unhappily. I stood up suddenly, before meandering on up the stairs after a brief check to make sure I wouldn't trip over anything. I had gotten used to not using my eyes now. But once in a while Naruto thought it would be funny to try and get me to fall. Feeling my way along the walls, I reached the first door on the left and walked past it— Sasuke's room. I entered the second room on the right.

 

Standing there for a bit, I sighed again. What the heck should I do? I couldn't even do all that much… I'd watch TV, but… uh… you kind of need eyesight to do that. I cocked my head slightly. There was no more pounding. Had the hail stopped? I made my way towards the window and opened it. Yep, it had stopped.

 

It was about time too. I had been awake since 6:00 A.M. (Which conveniently, was what my alarm had been set to for some reason) And that was mainly because I couldn't sleep with the hail banging on the roof all night. How Sasuke slept through it, or how anyone slept through it was a miracle.

It was also because I had a bad dream. It was one of those dreams. Those dreams simply meant dreams that detailed memories. Memories of back when I used to lived in Konoha as a kid. Memories of… everything. Memories of knowing things I shouldn't know. Like knowing how Orochimaru was going to be launching an attack during the Chuunin exams. Stuff like knowing how Sasuke would—

 

You know what? I'll just stop thinking now.

 

Since the hail stopped, maybe that means that Sasuke would be able to meet with his other team members now. Yea, just Sasuke. Usually I'd be going to train with Iruka by now… but things were a little weird after we had returned from the Wave country. First, it was because I had ended up with the sharingan; therefore the Hokage thought it woul be better for Kakashi to train me. We had done that, but I had also still trained with Iruka… because I liked training with him. Secondly, I hadn't been able to train for a week and a half because of the injuries I had obtained from my little detour through Amegakure.

 

So nowadays I ended up not doing anything. Sometimes I usually ended up going with Sasuke now and then to just meet his team. On the days I didn't I usually just stayed cooped up inside until someone came to drag me out. Usually Naruto or Sakura came to drag me out. Sometimes Kakashi did too.

 

And of course… I wandered outside whenever I felt lonely. Sasuke's house tended to do that to you. I don't really know why. It just wasn't… cozy enough maybe.

 

I threw my hands up into the air, "God! Is there anything I can do??!!"

 

Hearing a disgruntled noise behind me, I turned around and sensed Sasuke. Had I woken him? Opps. I had forgotten that he was sleeping... still... Yes. Sleeping. It was about 8:00 A.M. No, Sasuke wasn't a morning person, trust me, I know that.

 

Why was he usually the first person that arrived at the bridge? Well... considering his Team… There was Naruto... bah, what's to explain? The kid thought anything before 12 PM (that's when the ramen stand opens, remember?) was early!

 

And of course, it drifts down to Sakura, well, she's up early, that's definitely true, but imagine the time she takes to get her hair perfect, clothing perfect, and make-up perfect, just for the day. Or maybe that's just what I think. For all I could know, she probably refuses to get up in the morning because it tears her away from those 'lovely' dreams of hers...

 

And... Last but not least... there's Kakashi. Pffft. What's to say about him? I can say no more.

 

'Lost on the road of life...' Yeah. What an excuse... I paused. I wonder why he really is late every morning. He doesn't sleep in... I know that... I've been to his house a few times to check on him when he got too late. All that I met with was an empty house with the only living thing being plants. Or sometimes I would bump into his roommates - Gai and Genma.

 

So, now it all comes back to Sasuke. So, can you see why he's not a morning person?

 

"Sorry, Sasuke." I murmured, reaching out and ruffling his hair. I felt his hands push me away and I didn't needs eyesight to know he was glaring at me. I raised my hands in a surrendering motion. "What? It's already messed up." I grinned and ruffled his hair again, earning a glare. I briefly wondered what level the glare was at. Yes. Sasuke's glares have been awarded with Yama's judging on the level of coldness. And you can sense them without eyesight too! I had thought of the scoring system waaay back when we were in the Wave country.

 

Level 1 was something between the cross of a glare and a smirk. In other words, his mouth was twitched up into a smirk but his eyes were narrowed and cold.

 

Level 2 was a regular glare.

 

Level 3 was a regular glare again with ice cold eyes. Level 2 only had narrowed eyes.

 

Level 4 has all the attributes of level 3 plus the visible movement of a vein twitching.

 

Level 5 has all the attributes of level 4 with clenched fists and gaze that could burn a hold through you.

 

Level 6. I haven't seen this one face to face yet. I was usually gone as soon as I saw the signs of the Glare level 6 approaching. Signs like a vein twitching madly as well as the change in Sasuke's aura. It's hard to describe but trust me, once you feel this aura; you'll know when to run. Besides, I would say it's a good thing to run, considering the amount of destruction that usually followed after a Level 6 glare. There haven't been any recordings of a Level 7 or up glare though. I think I'm glad for that. And when the day comes when that high level of a glare is measured, I hope I'm far, far, far away.

 

I heard Sasuke make an irritated noise in the back of his throat, before I heard him move into the hall. A few seconds later, water was heard running. He was taking a shower.

 

I shrugged indifferently and trudged down the stairs. It seems that all I had been doing lately was going up and down these stairs, finding nothing better to do. Oh well, more exercise for me. I might as well make something for him to eat.

 

Then I stopped, Sasuke doesn't really eat in the morning... Oh well. I'll just make something small.

 

I edged my way towards the counter and touched the smooth top until I hit the rice cooker. I touched the warmth button lightly. Yep, it was ready. Then I opened the refrigerator, taking out a plate Sasuke had told me he had placed on the top shelf last night. It was salted salmon.

 

I rubbed my hands together. Time to make… food.

 

That's sarcasm, in case you didn't notice. I'm not much of a cooker... I'm more likely to burn things, or set the stove on fire than cook things right.

 

I paused. I had tried to make the damn things earlier that week, and ended up making a mess of the whole kitchen, since I hadn't seen the bits of rice and seasoning I had spread all over the counter. After a while I had gotten used to it… but…

 

Oh well. Sasuke can clean it up later.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

A few minutes later, I heard Sasuke stroll into the kitchen, and I merely nodded lightly from where I was sitting, enjoying an onigiri. It wasn't perfect, but it was edible. At least I didn't burn the house down.

 

Sasuke was silent for a few seconds. Then he spoke. “Is that eatable?" Oh, did I forget to mention that Sasuke knew about my cooking skills?

 

I raised a pair of chopsticks I had been using earlier to cook the salmon, "If you don't want to eat it, fine, go make something else to eat,” I said sullenly. So much for trying to make him 'feel' better, since I had woken him up and all.

 

I didn't hear him do anything, but after a while I heard saran warp being crinkled. I grinned. He had grabbed one after all. I got up and took two steps towards the sink and washed my hands.

 

By the time I was wiping my hands on a cloth that hung beside the cupboard, I heard the trash can open and something was tossed inside. I blinked.

 

"At least it didn't kill me," I heard him comment, "Like last time," he added. I heard the smirk in his tone.

 

I sweat dropped. Aww... not that again... And that was back when I still had my eyesight.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

"Okay!" I said cheerfully, clapping my hands together, staring at the recipe Sasuke had given me before he had left for training, "This can't be too hard, right? I mean, cooking can't be all that hard!!"

 

It was a recipe for Nikujaga.

 

I stared curiously at the recipe I had written down earlier as Sasuke had translated for me:

 

Ingredients:

 

Potatoes

Beef or pork; thin sliced

Onion Sugar

Soya sauce

Japanese katsuo soup stock (benito)

 

I blinked. They didn't look like things that were hard to cook...Well... Let's have a look at the preparations, shall we?

 

Preparations:

 

1. Cut the onions and potatoes into 2 by 3 centimeter pieces.

 

2. Cut the sliced meat into five by four centimeter pieces.

 

3. Fry the potatoes, onions, and meat in a frying pan.

 

4. After about two minutes add water. Everything should be more or less covered in water.

 

5. Add two tablespoons of soya...

 

I droned off, nearly falling asleep. Aww damn! I couldn't even stay awake! Maybe I shouldn't have let Shikamaru drag me into playing Shogi last night...

 

Letting out a yawn, I set the recipe on the counter and turned around to open the refrigerator. Sasuke had said all the ingredients were in there... Retrieving the onions, and turning around to set them on the table, I froze.

 

I tapped the counter. Something was missing...

 

I talked to myself, "Okay... I will turn around... and then turn back to the table... and what ever is missing... will be here..." True to my word, I faced the refrigerator again. I paused and turned back around.

Nothing. I groaned.

 

My eyes grew wide with realization as the recipe sheet was gone.

 

I groaned and began to search frantically around the table, around the counter, even to the point of dragging myself into the living room to see if it had gone in there. I rose up, after checking under the couch. Why the hell would it be under the couch? What was I, stupid?

 

Darting back to the kitchen, I got back just in time to see the familiar white piece of paper stuck on the window ledge, blowing wildly in the wind. Oh... yeah... I probably forgot to mention that it was quite windy outside today...

 

The window just happened to be blocked by the sink and I reached over, making a futile grab for the harmless little piece of paper. It must be laughing at me. I could hear its little voice in my head already.

 

'Hehehehehe! Can't catch me! Because I'm the ginger-' I froze in utter confusion. Was that... was it just about to say gingerbread man? Pushing the thought aside like discarding garbage, I dove for it again, only to watch in dismay as it floated away in the wind.

 

"Aww... crap," I muttered, staring at the lone onion on the table. What was I suppose to do now? I briefly thought of the plan of just making ramen and saying I didn't feel like making anything else. But that wasn't a good idea, because Sasuke had given the recipe, specifically asking me not to make ramen.

 

I think it was because he had been treating Naruto to it for a few days in a row now...

 

I opened the refrigerator. Okay... let's go with my awesome memory then!

 

I dug out the pork, glancing at it suspiciously. This was in the recipe, right? I then dished out a radish. Was... this in the recipe? I scratched my head. I didn't... really... remember...

 

Oh well. I tossed it into a basket in the sink to wash. You're going in there now!

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

By the time 6:00 P.M. rolled around, I was nervously glancing from the covered dishes to the door. I wasn't even sure I had cooked it right. Maybe I should've stuck with the ramen...

 

The door opened quietly and Sasuke entered, slipping off his shoes, "Tadaima..." he muttered softly. I rubbed my arm nervously.

 

"Okaeri." I rambled back quietly. I glanced back over towards the kitchen table, running a hand through my hair nervously. Sasuke gave me a startled look, seeing me on the sofa, sitting there, just waiting for him.

 

"Hn..." He masked his face, before making his way to the kitchen, glancing briefly towards the covered dish, "You made supper," he murmured. I shrugged, walking into the kitchen behind him and taking out two rice bowls and two pairs of chopsticks, before filling them carefully with rice.

 

Sasuke uncovered the dish, before nodding, "It looks good..."

 

I almost fell to the ground in relief... maybe I did cook it right!

 

Handing a bowl towards my younger brother, he readied his chopsticks, settling down in a chair across from mine, "Itadakimasu," he uttered.

 

I nodded to him, washing my hands in the sink, and finishing off the dishes. Might as well. After drying my hands off, I turned, dropping into the chair I was in earlier.

 

Just before I was about to take a spoonful my own food, I heard a choked sound, and I glanced up to see Sasuke turning a bit green around the edges. My eyes widened as he bolted up the stairs - probably towards the bathroom.

 

I sat there, chopsticks poised, before carefully lowering mine and taking the dish and dumping the entire thing into the trash. I knew it was too good to be true.

 

Hearing sounds of retching; I carefully stirred a cup of herbal tea I had made earlier. Well, might as put this to use. I ambled up the stairs, carrying that cup.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

"Hey! I didn't kill you... just... made you... eh..." I trailed off, flushing, before raising an index finger and pointing it in his direction, "You're not going to tell anyone about that, you got that?" I grumbled.

 

I heard him laugh quietly. "And pass off the chance to see Kakashi get food-poisoning? Nah, I don't think so."

 

I paled slightly, "What are you talking about now?"

 

Sasuke didn't answer, but heard him start to move towards the front door. That's when I realized that it was probably almost 9:00 AM. The others should be there already. Sasuke was already later than usual.

 

"Wait!” I called. “Sasuke!" Grabbing the basket full of food and making my way as quick as I could towards the front door, I slid on my sandals, and I flinched as I heard the door slammed shut in my face. Startled, I pushed opened the door, made sure that it was locked, and raced after Sasuke, letting the door slam shut behind me.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

"What were you talking about?" I demanded moodily. I wanted to know what he was talking about! Oh well. Screw it.

 

I could heard Sasuke doing his little stomp thing beside me as we continued down the street. Yes, he does a little stomp thing. You wouldn't notice it normally but I think I've been around him for too long. I twitched and stumbled a bit. I felt an arm grab my shoulder and steady me. I turned my sightless gaze towards my right. Sasuke had steadied me.

 

Just as I was about to thank him, he decided to open his mouth to just piss me off. “You're very clumsy.”

 

I glared at Sasuke, trying not to give into the urge to push him into the bushes to our right. Oh. I shot a wave of chakra in that direction. Correction. The rose bushes. What other kind of bushes would give off a million little pricks when I pushed chakra at it?

 

“Sasuke…” I said in a warning tone.

 

Sasuke continued to ignore me.

 

I could tell we were getting closer to the meeting point now— I could hear the trickling of the stream. And Sasuke was still being his little irritable self. Finally in exasperation, I chose to keep my mouth in a thin, unsatisfied line and crossing my arms, pointedly looking away from him. It wouldn't matter anyway— I couldn't see where I was going. I knew that Sasuke did flare his chakra slightly. I think people around me have started to do that. If they flared their chakra I could sense it and follow them rather than constantly using my own chakra to send out waves.

 

"...."

 

But despite his consideration, I think it's time that Sasuke learned to love roses. With a cat-like smirk (:3), I oh-so-casually shoved Sasuke to the right (where the damn bushes were), adding a boost of Chakra for extra effect. As I heard him smash into the bushes, a string of curses followed him, and I heard another voice interrupt my snickering.

 

"Did we interrupt something?" I frowned. It was Kakashi. I could even sense Sakura and Naruto up ahead. That was strange. Usually they arrived right after we did. We were late today?

 

I blame Sasuke. I can't exactly look at a clock… (For obvious reasons) so my conclusion is that Sasuke took longer today for some reason.

 

I said nothing, feeling rather wary. There was some rustling in the rose bushes, but I ignored it. He can get out on his own.

 

“Ohayo!” I heard Naruto yell out. Wait a second… I kind of froze in half-shock and turned towards Kakashi's chakra.

 

"You're here?" I asked in disbelief. Usually he would arrive around quarter to 12 or something like half past 11, if we were lucky. Sakura usually caught up on her snoozes while Sasuke and Naruto would spar while they waited. Once in a while I would push Sakura towards the sparring pair. She had to get stronger somehow, right?

 

Just then, I heard more rustling and I think Sasuke clambered out of the bushes. My neck prickled. I would believe that that was probably Sasuke's glare aimed at me. Woo. I heard Naruto snickering slightly and I managed a slightly lopsided grin.

 

"Ohayo, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura's voice called. I heard Sasuke grunt in return. “So… Kakashi.” I started slowly. “What's with being on time today? Did you finally find your way on the path of life?” I teased gently. Hearing rustling to my left, I turned my head slightly to hear Kakashi's muffled (as usual, because of his mask) response. “Something like that.”

 

Naruto snorted, "He's been here since 7 this morning," he mumbled, "Or so he claims! But I think he's just bluffing." I made my way closer towards their chakra signatures—slower this time, because Naruto likes to play little tricks and sat down where I usually sat— the bench beside the stream. I placed the basket beside me.

 

"He's been here before we were," Sakura's voice remarked. "I arrived here around half past eight, expecting him to arrive later, like he always does." Mmmm... This group seemed unexpectedly different today... But it may be because of my condition— even if I was kind of okay with the situation now, they still continued to tip-toe around me like I was made of glass. I'd never talked with them about it, so they probably thought I was going to explode at the mention of my eyes.

 

"Seems like the Uchiha siblings are having a bit of a squabble?" a lazy voice murmured, "Any reasons as to why?"

 

I wisely chose to remain silent, letting the others draw their own conclusions, except for Sasuke, that is. He knew why I pushed him. One, because he was being a prick. Two, because he wouldn't answer my questions. And above all; three, to humiliate him (because that's what siblings are for).

 

"Well, doesn't look like anyone feels like talking today..."

 

My eye twitched and I felt a twinge in my right eye. Whoa. I closed my eyes slightly and opened them. I jerked my head in surprise. Oh, it was gone. I had seen a flash of light for a second there.

 

"I told you guys to be here at 7," Kakashi commented. Well, apparently he hadn't noticed my `moment.' "And that brings up another topic. I won't be training you anymore. Your training's been switched to another Jounin." My eyebrows rose slightly. I assumed he was talking to me. It was probably switched because of my eyes.

 

I chose to ignore him and pointed out an important fact. He hadn't answered us yet, "But you're always late."

 

“Anyway, we don't have a mission today. Instead, today we're going to…”

 

I stopped listening. If he was going to ignore me I could ignore him as well. I blinked slowly. Maybe I'll just go and bury my head in those dusty scrolls again. It's kind of what I had been doing for the past week. I couldn't train anyway. I hadn't looked at much yet though. I had only just started searching for information at the Academy library. I hadn't even stepped foot into the Uchiha library or Hokage one either. But despite that I had actually found a rather informative scroll on blindness caused by intensive light. Nothing useful yet though. All I've learned are the same things that the doctor had told me already. It would come back on its own. How much longer would I have to wait?

 

A hand shook my shoulder and I jumped.

 

“Woah. Are you all right, Yama-chan?” It was Naruto. I sat up straighter. “Ah… I'm fine. You just startled me a bit. “Oh… okay.” He replied. “Well I was just trying to tell you that we were about to head off. Kakashi wants to train us near the mountains today.” I nodded and stood up.

 

I must've stood up too fast because I felt all the blood rush to my head. And there it was again! That flash of light! I felt a small spark of hope lightly up within. Was my eyesight coming back? I must've looked like an idiot to Naruto right then. I was kind of just standing, slightly bent over and holding my arms above my head. I think it was my natural defense position or something.

 

“Yama!” I twitched. It was Kakashi.

 

“Um…” I started slowly. I blinked slowly. I saw a little bit of brown… and green. I looked up. A grayish blur stood in front of me.

 

“Are you all right?”

 

“Err…” I started slowly. “I think my eyesight came back or something.”

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I twitched, blinking slowly as the medic-nin slowly inputted chakra into my eyes. “Relax.” She said. “Your eyes are a little weak and sensitive right now, but the chakra should help it adjust.” True to her word when she stopped a minute or so later, I blinked and everything was clearer. No more unidentified blobs!

 

I lowered my eyes slightly. Sasuke was standing in the doorway. I could see him. I blinked at him slowly again. He was wearing a black shirt, the Uchiha fan on the upper right sleeve. “Hey.” I said softly. He stepped closer but was acting a little too wary for my tastes. I held out an arm. “What's wrong?”

 

Sasuke touched my arm, but was still staring into my eyes. He hadn't even made a sound yet. I let out a groan. “Oh man, what's wrong with them now?”

 

One medic gently steered Sasuke towards the left and out of the way as another medic handled me a flat round circle. “Hold this over your left eye.” I obeyed. “Now, can you read the characters on the far wall there?”

 

…

 

Um… did someone forget to inform these guys that I couldn't read very well? I hesitated but told the male medic. He blinked at me in surprise but told me to read what I could. All right then.

 

I focused my right eye and read out the characters, from right to left. “Dog. Apple. Can't read. Flower. Don't know the word… Don't know, don't know. Tree. Can't read.” The medic stopped me. “That's enough.” He paused and told me to switch eyes. I did. And the process started all over again. Just in case you're all confused, when I saw can't read, I mean I can't read the character. It's all blurry… and I can't see it. If I say I don't know… obviously I don't know what character it is. I can see it find but I don't know what the word is.

 

After I finished reading the fourth line, the medic took the disc from me and turned away to scribble away on a clipboard. I blinked at him. Something was definitely wrong. I had 20/20 vision before. Perhaps it was still my eyes getting used to the sight? I haven't used it in about a week and a half, after all. The medic turned to me and handed me a bottle. I blinked at it. “Eye drops.” He explained. “Sensei will be in here to talk to you in just a moment.”

 

I tensed at that. Was it going to be the same one as last time? Did I ever mention that I hated doctors?

 

The two medics left and I was left alone with Sasuke. He was still staring blankly at me. I motioned for him to come closer. He did. As soon as he was within hitting range, I curled my hand into a fist and bopped him on the head lightly. He twitched. “Oi, what's wrong?” Sasuke finally sighed and rolled his eyes, picking up a hand-held mirror on the table beside us. He held it up for me.

 

I felt my own eyes widen—saw them widen in the mirror. My sharingan was still activated. Both my eyes were red, with 2 commas in my left eye and no commas in my right. But… my sharingan's not on. Not on as in I'm not using it, my vision is like my normal eyesight—it's not fucking on!

 

That's when the doctor walked in. He glanced at me briefly, a flash of recognition in his eyes. All I recognized was his chakra. I hadn't seen him last time—no eyesight, remember? He was actually really young, to be honest. I had expected doctors to be old and wrinkly. This one definitely wasn't old. “Umari Yama. I believe congratulations are in order. After one week and a half, your eyesight has returned.” He picked up the clipboard the two medic-nins had left and I watched as his green eyes scanned the paper. “However, it looks like your injuries were not without repercussions.” He raised his gaze slightly. “Your vision is no longer perfect. It's been damaged. The good news is that it will not deteriorate anymore, since this is not a natural event. But it seems like your left eye will no longer have 20 vision. Your right eye does, however, does, which is a little odd.” He paused and I allowed him to examine my eyes briefly.

 

I watched as he pocketed his little flashlight and set down the clipboard. “It also seems like the injury has left your eyes… permanently in that… state.” I gaped at him. Was he serious? How was I supposed to use sharingan then? “Your ability shouldn't be affected by the injury at all. It merely means that when you turn on your ability your eyes will not change.” He managed a lopsided grin. “Too bad we can't see your original beautiful eyes anymore.”

 

All I managed to do was run my hand down the side of my face. Great. I can't change them? I might as well be telling everyone who sees my eyes; Hi! I'm a Uchiha! Come kill me now!

 

I narrowed and I lifted the mirror Sasuke had gotten me. I pushed chakra into my eyes. I raised my hand slowly. I could see the red wisps of chakra. My eyes hadn't changed. Sighing, I released it. Again, no change. Still those red eyes stared back at me. I slumped slightly. What a disadvantage to have.

 

The young doctor merely gave me a brief smile. “But with that, it seems like you've made a full recovery. Just remember to use those drops twice a day and rest your eyes the minute they feel tired. That will improve the time it takes for your eyes to get back to regular usage time.” I thanked him and he left the room. Jumping to my feet, I wobbled briefly, but managed to right myself. It was then that the Hokage himself walked into the room.

 

I managed a short bow. “Hokage-sama.” I straightened slowly. I was still a little unused to using my eyes. He gave my eyes a brief scan and sighed. Sarutobi puffed at his pipe. “So you've regained your vision.” I opened my mouth to explain but he beat me to it. “Asami-san has explained the effects to me earlier.”

 

Seeing Sasuke walk out the room quietly, I brief wondered it the old man had given the boy some sort of signal to leave. “I've had a few of my Anbu set up a perimeter around this room already.” He said quietly. “It seems the news of the female Uchiha have reached the ears of the elders already. I had hoped it would not be so quick.” I felt myself tense slightly and a uneasy feeling began to grow in my chest. “However, they were convinced to leave you alone since you were proclaimed as blind.”

 

Well I'm not blind anymore now. Will they still come after me?

 

“But it seems that is not the case anymore. However, the fact that your eyes remain the way they are now gives us an advantage.”

 

I shot him a strange look. “May I ask how, Hokage-sama?” Sarutobi gave me a slow smile. “Why, by proclaiming that your eyes are injured and cannot use the sharingan, of course. We have test results showing that your eyes remain in that form but no chakra is being used. Therefore all we need to do is report that your sharingan is damaged.” He paused. “On that note, I need to ask that you refrain from using your sharingan at all costs, unless absolutely deemed necessary, Yama-san.”

 

Twitch. Not use it at all? Well… I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I hadn't used my eyesight in a week but it may be harder than just saying it. “I'll… try, Hokage-sama.” Before I had lost my eyesight I had been training with Kakashi. We had been using the sharingan quite a lot. It may be harder to not use it than it looks.

 

The old man gave me a smile. “Good. Now then, I have some news to bring to the elders…” he winked at me. “You are dismissed. Good luck with your training. Ah, I believe Kakashi has already informed you that you have a new Jounin trainer?” I nodded. “Well, that trainer will meet with you as soon as he has time.” The Hokage left the room. I saw a flash out the corner of my eye and knew that the Anbu had followed him.

 

I sat there fore a moment, just staring at nothing in particular. It had come back. I felt myself beginning to laugh hysterically. It came back. I was crying now. Hard, heaving sobs. I heard the door open and close and I looked up through blurred eyes to see my younger brother. He was staring blankly at me. “Sasuke!” I managed to garble out. “I can see!” I tried to wipe the tears away with my sleeve, but they just kept coming.

 

After the intense couple of days without my eyesight and very close giving up, it had come back. I stared blurrily out the window at the sun. I thought I would never see it again. I felt Sasuke sigh and wrap his arm around my shoulders and pull me close. I managed a short half-laugh, half-sob and burrowed my face into his black top.

 

I don't know how long I was sitting there, my face in Sasuke's shirt but after a while he pulled away. He managed a gruff phrase. “Are you done now?” I rubbed my eyes. That was Sasuke language for `are you okay now?' I managed a nod and sniffled. After a few more moment where I tried to make myself presentable, I looked up.

 

“Where is the rest of your team?” I asked curiously. Sasuke merely gave me a quiet glare and replied, “They're waiting at the bridge.” He grumbled. Of course, that's where we had left them in the first place. I blinked my left eye slowly. The medic had placed eye drops in it earlier because it had been dry but it was starting to itch again. It was probably from all that crying. I tried to ignore it and pocketed the bottle that they had given me. I was supposed to use it twice a day for the next little while. Something about letting my eyes getting used to be used again or something.

 

As we exited the hospital, I said a few goodbyes to the nurses up front. I had recognized them chakra signatures from back when I was still staying in the hospital. All I could hope was that I wouldn't be seeing them anytime soon. Hospitals are… icky.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

When we arrived back at the bridge (after stopping several times because my eyes had started to be a little wonky), Naruto and Sakura were sparring nearby with Kakashi watching them. I watched as Sakura threw up her leg in a roundabout kick and miss Naruto by a few centimeters. Naruto retaliated with a low uppercut and managed to graze the kunoichi's chin, blowing her back several meters.

 

I merely gazed at them curiously. I had never actually watched Sakura spar before. She was more of the type to sit by with a few books while watching her two teammates go at it. And she wasn't bad. She was probably better than me. Taijutsu wasn't my strongest point. I didn't have the power to match most ninja. But then again, kunoichi's were usually built differently than male ninjas.

 

At my arrival, Kakashi called out to the two and Naruto stopped in mid-kick. He spotted me a brightened. “Yama-chan!”

 

This time I let him bowl me over. “You can see again!”

 

I managed to pat his back awkwardly. “Yeah, I guess I can.” He stared up at me. “You're eyes are freaky.” He said pointedly. I rolled my eyes. Yes, they look freaky. So what?

 

“So what's the diagnosis?” Kakashi asked casually, leaning against the red railing of the bridge. I paused. I think it was better if they knew what the rest of the town knew. The less people who knew, the better, right? Besides, I think I was pretty good at keeping secrets now. I had so many I couldn't even keep track of them anymore. “Well… my eyesight isn't 20/20 anymore.” I said sourly. Sasuke managed a huff at that and I glared at him. “Um… my eyes will stay like this.” I pointed to my red eyes. “And my sharingan's damaged.” I paused. “… I can't use it.”

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly and narrowed into a glare. “You're lying.” He gritted out. I grimaced. I knew he wasn't going to take this well. “It's fine Sasuke! It's not like I had gotten used to using it or anything…” I trailed off.

 

He still glowered at me.

 

Kakashi sighed. “Well there goes all our hard work for training your sharingan.” He mumbled. I managed a short laugh. “Sorry.” He waved it off. “Well that's fine. I suppose it can't be helped. All right then, should we get down to training then, you three?”

 

“I brought some food for all of you,” I interrupted suddenly. I motioned towards the basket I had left on the bench earlier. I gave Sakura a look, silencing her next words, "You probably didn't eat breakfast- on a diet again aren't you? That's not good for you, Sakura." She flushed, "And Naruto, you probably woke up too late and just threw on some clothes and rushed here, am I right?" Maybe this'll get Sasuke's mind off of my… sharingan.

 

"I did not! I just—!" Naruto broke off when a loud rumbling noise sounded from his stomach. Naruto turned red, "Eh... never mind..."

 

Kakashi let out a low chuckle and Sakura laughed. Even Sasuke's mouth twitched slightly, the signs of the beginnings of a suppressed smile. That's when I noticed the few leaves and a rose in his hair. My mouth twitched. Was that from earlier? When Sasuke noticed my stare, he scowled back at me.

 

All right then. Guess he's still a little pissed off at me.

 

I pointed to my basket questionably, "Anyone want some?"

 

Sakura helped herself and Kakashi even snatched one, before disappearing and appearing in a tree nearby, his infamous book open once again. Naruto grabbed one, biting into it cheerfully after a loud cry of 'itadakimasu!' Sasuke grudgingly picked up one cautiously, as if it were to blow on him any second. I gave him a look. "You already had one this morning. This one's made the same way, bud." I said dryly. He glared at me. Oh. A level 2.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

A couple of rice balls and squabbles later...

 

I couldn't help but feel my mouth twitch at the sight on the ground. Sakura had run off to a nearby washroom, leaving Sasuke and Naruto with me. Sasuke was sitting on the ground, a rice ball in hand. He was staring off at Kami knows what. Naruto had polished off the last rice ball in the basket and was now staring longingly at the one in Sasuke's hand. That and he had added the infamous puppy dog look in his eyes. I wish I had a camera...

 

Let's see how long it'll take before Sasuke caves in, shall we?

 

Three seconds later...

 

Sasuke twitched and glared at Naruto. A level 2. Not bad, Naruto. You haven't gotten on his nerves all that much, even with all that staring. In response, Naruto's face twisted into a kicked puppy look.

 

Twitch. Poor Sasuke.

 

It took about another second before Sasuke pointedly looked away, holding out the rice ball towards Naruto. In the next second, the remains of it were in Naruto's mouth. Sasuke's face held a slight blush and I grinned as he pulled the remaining roses in his hair and tossed them carelessly beside Naruto before looking away again, as if he didn't care. But we all know differently, don't we?

 

And if you didn't look closely enough, you wouldn't have seen Sasuke's eyes slide back to Naruto, head never moving, as if watching for Naruto's reaction. But I was watching… and I saw.

 

Naruto took one look at the roses and grinned, giving Sasuke a wink and a few whispered words.

 

There was a sound of a throat being cleared and then Sakura was back, walking across the bridge towards us. Kakashi leapt down from his tree.

 

"Back to business," Kakashi said with a hint of amusement now present in his voice. I raised an eyebrow when Sasuke gave Kakashi a glare but stood up. Kakashi gave him a leveled headed stare but said nothing. Kakashi was probably annoyed because he was interrupted and couldn't get his message across faster. He had wanted to say something earlier but I had interrupted him. My guess was that if he got the message passed onto his students faster, he could get back to his book...

 

Figures.

 

Kakashi impatiently handed his three students each a white form, "Hmm… I just remembered so I guess we're not doing any training after all. This here is your guaranteed entrance form into the Chuunin Exams." I saw Naruto's eyes widen in delight, Sasuke's eyes narrow slightly in anticipation and Sakura's lips tighten, as she fiddled with the edge of her dress nervously.

 

"Yatta! Finally something interesting!" Naruto shouted, "Something to do!!!"

 

"Che..." Sasuke scanned the sheet from top to bottom. "Chuunin exams, eh?"

 

Sakura clutched the piece of paper tightly, her eyes scanning the sheet as well.

 

"Ahhh, but there's a catch..." Kakashi smirked, raising one finger, "You all have to enter together,"

 

The three teenagers stared in disbelief at their sensei. Sasuke's eyes darted towards his pink haired teammate, before narrowing slightly. Sakura met his gaze, before her eyes shot to the ground. Mmm...

 

I had a feeling that Sakura didn't want to enter the exams... pfft, scratch the feeling - I knew she didn't want to enter. Her behavior right now was enough to prove that. But why? While she was sparring earlier she seemed to be almost on par with Naruto. But then again, I had only managed to catch the tail-end of their spar.

 

Kakashi shrugged, "Enter as a team and you shall get in. If not, don't count on them letting you in. Well, that's all I have for today. They start three days from now, so keep up on the good training!"

 

"Matte!" Sakura raised her hand in alarm, "You're not going to train us?"

 

Kakashi gave her an apologetic look, "Sorry, Sakura, I have to deal with some other matters. Of course, you could always go and train with Gai-sensei, if you wanted to. Maito Gai, for those of you that don't know who he is," he added at his students' confused faces, "Yama knows who he is, so ask her if you want."

 

Sasuke grunted and Naruto fumed, pointing an accusing finger at Kakashi.

 

"You never train us seriously!" he huffed, glaring and sticking out his lower lip, "Lazy..."

 

Kakashi let out a low laugh, "Ahh, but you have to learn to fend for yourselves... ne? Back to another topic, I still need to talk to you, Yama."

 

I nodded, before turning to Sasuke, "Speaking of talking, you still haven't told me what you meant by this morning's comment..."

 

I should've known that bad news was to come, considering the devilish smirk Sasuke now sported on his lips, "I was simply saying that something... special...is going on between you and Kak - Omff!!"

 

A second later, Sasuke was on the ground, the empty basket of food over his head, "No more." I muttered. I was half talking about the food and half talking about him saying nothing more. What, was he no longer mad at me now? I think Sasuke has a minor bipolar problem.

 

Sasuke removed the basket, smirking at me, "I am only saying that I have no objection to—" The basket was now once again on his head. My right eye twitched. If he does that again…

 

"And I am simply trying to give you the implied fact that your words are not welcome," I retorted, crossing my arms and glaring at him, daring him to say anything else.

 

"... Whatever..." What a typical Sasuke reply.

 

"So... what's this about?" Kakashi flashed and appeared beside me. I said nothing, hoping that he would get the impression that - well - nothing was going on.

 

"You said you wanted to talk to me—" I stopped, suddenly realizing something. Peering around curiously, I found Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura gone. Disappeared without a trace. Even my basket, in fact. I frowned in desperate confusion. What—?!

 

"They wanted to give us privacy." Kakashi said smugly. I saw a kunai in his hand. He was casually swinging it around his index finger.

 

"Did you threaten them silently?!" I exclaimed incredulously, "You threatened your own students?!"

 

Kakashi said nothing, but gave me a strange look, "That has nothing to do with what we're supposed to discuss..." he drawled slowly. I sighed and stood up to lean against the bench.

 

"Oh yeah, you were supposed to tell me what you were about to say that other day..."

 

Kakashi snorted, "You have to tell me what's going on between you and Genma," I fought the urge to roll my eyes. This guy... Did he honestly believe I had anything to do with that guy? Sure... he was cute and everything... but... not exactly what I would call boyfriend material, especially considering how he hangs onto your every word... until another pretty lady walks up. Then you'll find you can't even hold his attention even if you were butt naked. Well actually, I haven't tried that before, but I'm not going to any time soon!

 

"You tell me first."

 

"No," Kakashi retorted, "You first."

 

"You."

"You," Kakashi slipped his book into his pocket, crossing his arms as well and stepping closer to me.

 

"You," I snapped, crossing my arms stubbornly.

 

"Me,"

 

"Me—" I stopped myself. Too late, "You tricked me!!" Kakashi gave me a tilted look, before laughing.

 

"Classic."

 

"What do you mean by that?!" I grumbled. Kakashi paused briefly, his eyebrow quirking.

 

"What I mean is that you fell for something classic. I see little kids using this method on each other."

 

"Are you implying that I'm a little kid?" I stated plainly, uncrossing my arms, eyes glittering with curiosity. Kakashi shrugged.

 

"No. You are simply assuming that. You are assuming that what you said is something that was implied because of the statement that I had said before." All this was said in a quick manner and I stared at him in confusion. I had caught the first couple of words. The rest just confused me. Kakashi had a way with words. He could confuse the hell out of me very well.

 

I stared at him for a few seconds, making an attempt to process what he had just said, "Must you always make things so complicated? Or do you just find fun in confusing me?"

 

"I will have to say yes to both of those. Now, explain to me what's going on between you and that player of a ninja." Kakashi miffed.

 

"Mm..." I smirked evilly. I was going to have so much fun with this... "Wellllll... I'd say that I went out when he asked me out... around... I don't know, sometime ago, I don't really remember. We went to a bar... had a few drinks... talked a bit—"

 

"Get to the point,"

 

"Impatient little bugger aren't you? Patience! Sheesh... Anyway... where was I? Or do I have to start from the begi—" I drawled slowly, inwardly laughing at the expression in Kakashi's eye. For someone so lazy and uncaring he sure had a passionate side. Strange man.

 

"You talked a bit at a bar." He interrupted. His eye was still half-closed in its usual position but I could tell he was trying to hide his curiosity.

 

"—Oh yea... Anyway, after that we stopped at his house and—"

 

"You didn't do anything did you," Kakashi's eye was accusing as his gaze sharpened to a glare.

 

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, I stayed all night and he's one hell of a kisser—" I started sarcastically. That's when saw Kakashi glare at me.

 

"You what?!!" he seethed. I sweat dropped. Okay… apparently he had missed out terribly on the sarcasm.

 

"You want me to repeat that?" I teased, "Or should I describe how he did this-"

 

At that point, Kakashi had turned around and was beginning to form hand seals, "I'm going to kill that litt-" I panicked at the point. Opps. Guess I went a bit too far. Well... at least I knew that he cared... From his reaction, I guess maybe he cared a bit. Okay. Maybe more than a bit. The guy was possessive/protective!

 

I hurriedly placed a hand on his arm, "Matte! Kakashi! I was just kidding! Take it easy will you..." Kakashi froze, and turned his shocked eye to me.

 

"Just kidding?"

 

"Yes..."

 

"No jokes?" he pestered, arms lowering slowly.

 

"Yes!" I cried out again, "You can't take a joke, can you?"

 

Kakashi hrmpped, and I removed my hand from his arm, flushing slightly- I had forgotten to remove it.

 

"Now, tell me what you were going to say."

 

Kakashi hesitated, "I don't think I should, considering that you tricked me."

 

"Hey! You tricked me before, remember?"

 

"Mmmmm..."

 

I growled inwardly. Come on! He couldn't just leave me in the dark like that! Why that little -!

 

"Fine,"

 

Yes!

 

"I meant what I did that other night."

 

I felt my nose twitch slightly and all I could do for the first few seconds was stare blankly at him. What night? Wait… Let me think… Night… night… The last time we had been together at night was… before I was abducted by my insane little brother. My fingers twitched. Oh. Oh.

 

He meant… that night.

 

When I glanced back at Kakashi cautiously, I found that he was staring at me. I averted my gaze carefully. I don't know how comfortable he was with staring into my eyes. I know that there had been other people who avoided my eyes… mainly because they were red now. "I meant what I did that other night... in your house. It wasn't for nothing you know..."

 

Ummmmm.

 

I felt my mouth open slightly but nothing came out. In all the excitement I had forgotten all about that event. And forgotten all about the fact that he had been expecting an answer. I was actually surprised that he had managed to last this long without confronting me about an answer actually.

 

And to tell you the truth… I had thought about it a few times.

 

But I still didn't have an answer.

 

To be continued…

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 19, 2008