Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ In Love With A Ghost ❯ Chapter 5 - Surprise! ( Chapter 5 )

Notes: Well, it seems like everyone's wondering if you 'pour water onto the ground it' can it really feed ghosts, and stuff. Well, actually, that's how my Mom does it, (old tradition and all) and so... I just kind of follow her belief. Sure, everyone has their own opinion so I'm not saying that this will work.

 

Last Chapter Summary: Ahhh... The wonders of old folk tales and lore! It seems that our Juri now has a way to get revenge on Kakashi... with a teacup! And some water, of course. When will Juri get rid of the annoying -ahem- pest?

Where's bug spray when you need it?

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

In Love with a Ghost

… A Naruto fan fiction

 

In Love with a Ghost © SilverDragon

Naruto © Kishimoto Masashi

 

Chapter 5 -

“Surprise!”

 

I stifled a yawn, watching and nodding as Teuchi (the old man at the ramen stand), showed me how to make the ramen. There is a reason why the Ichiraku ramen stand had the best ramen in town you know! Of course... this included me having to sign a contract… saying that I won't ever sell out this recipe... in other words, kind of like, blackmail material. I had arrived a little earlier, and he had been briefing me on material ever since.

 

"All right then! Let's see how you do on your first day here now. We might as well open the stand now," Teuchi glanced briefly at the time, "It's almost twelve - it wouldn't hurt to open earlier. I did give you keys, right?"

 

"Yes. I'll go open it," I answered, walking out the side door of the ramen stand and around to the front. You see, the ramen stand had a metal, retractable front cover to prevent people from wandering in when it was closed.

 

Carefully, removing the keys from my pocket, I knelt down, unlocking the lock and slipping it off, before pushing the entire thing up. I winced at the weight and let it rest on my shoulder. This thing was a lot heavier than it let on!

 

Mentally counting to 'three' and the minute I hit 'three', I maneuvered the shoulder around, catching the cover with both my hands and pushing it all the way up, before reaching up on my tiptoes and trying to reach the rope that was there. I needed... almost... so close...

 

Suddenly a hand from behind reached over my shoulder, and expertly tied it, right in front of my eyes. No sooner had the hand appeared, it had disappeared and I found the heavy weight of the cover gone.

 

I lowered my hands, turning my head around, only to be staring into white eyes.

 

Wow... A Hyuuga... I didn't seen much of them... they were so quiet and reformed. I didn't know much about the Hyuuga clan. All I knew was that they had the 'white' eyes and that they were a very powerful clan and very respected. I really didn't know anything else...

 

The boy... err... Man? He looked about Team 7's age... maybe even older. Well either way, he was probably younger than me and he was still taller than me. Damn I hate being short. He had long, dark brown hair that was tied near the bottom tip. Around his forehead was a Konoha Leaf forehead protector and he wore a simple white and black hakama.

 

As I thought about it… he didn't look too bad either... but... too young for me. A calm expression on his face, I at first thought he was an old friend of my father - Hyuuga Hizashi.... but... he had disappeared a long time ago. I hadn't seen him for a long time.

 

"... Thank you?" I said in a small voice. For some reason, he had the same impact on me as Hizashi himself had… maybe it was the eyes... It was like he could look right into my soul...

 

"Hn," With a small, barely noticeable nod, he had turned and continued on a walk that had been interrupted because of me.

 

"Wait!" Should I ask him? But... it might be kind of rude...

 

He stopped, but didn't turn around.

 

I hesitated, and even though he wasn't turned around, I could almost swear that he was watching me.

 

"Do you know Hyuuga Hizashi by any chance?" I blurted out quickly. Might as well get it over with. I saw him visibly tense up and I regretted my question. Maybe I should've kept my big mouth shut.

 

There was no answer, and I could hear clanking as Teuchi started preparations for the different things he would need.

 

"None of your business," the male retorted. He started to walk again, and this time, I let out a small miff of frustration and stomped my foot.

 

"Hey! I'll have you know that it's perfectly my business considering I kne-!"

 

I was cut off when I heard a woosh and felt a breeze. I blinked and a low voice was beside me, "What did you say?" I could feel another body beside me, and it was making me more nervous by the second. Slowly, I tried to inch away from Hyuuga that was now beside me.

 

A hand landed on my left shoulder, gripping it in a very solid grip, "Answer me,"

 

"... uh... which part?"

 

I met his eyes and visibly flinched at the coldness in there.

 

"Fine...” I squeaked. “You mean that part when I said I knew Hyuuga Hizashi?"

 

His eyes narrowed, "How do you know him," he hissed, grip tightening around my shoulder. I roughly shrugged his hand off.

 

"Um… None of your business," I finally shot back. First this guy doesn't answer my question, then he harasses me, and now he threatens me! Why should I answer him after all of that?

 

"...." A few seconds later, I found myself rammed up against the ramen stand side wall.

 

"You will tell me... or you will-"

 

Trying to struggle free, I found that he had left one of my hands free, and taking the advantage, I wheeled my hand around, slapping him on the left cheek. He grew rigid, seemingly stuck in a shocked stupor.

 

"Let go of me!" I yelped, before bringing up a knee and - Darn... he blocked it with his free arm, glaring at me. If the guy had the power to kill people with just one simple glare, there would be so many dead people on the streets.

 

"How do you know-" he started again, only to be cut off by yours truly.

 

"If you let me down, I'll tell you!" A few seconds later, I was lowered to the ground and I rubbed my neck gingerly, trying to ignoring the flash of pain that responded in turn. Ouch.

 

The man had his arms crossed, blank eyes staring at me impatiently.

 

".... I never knew him personally..." I muttered finally, "I only knew that he was one of my father's friends-"

 

"What was your father's name," he cut in rudely. My eyes narrowed. It wouldn't hurt to have some manners you know. Besides, what did me knowing Hizashi have to do with him? But then again... He was a Hyuuga... he had to be related to Hizashi somehow, right?

 

Hesitantly, I answered, brushing my hair from my eyes, "Hatayama -"

 

"-Takai." he finished.

 

I stared at him.

 

He stared at me.

 

And we pretty much ended up started an unintended staring contest. Well... guess who won?

 

Around 2 minutes later, I blinked, wiping water from my eyes, and turning away, mumbling `weirdoes and their white eyes' under my breath.

 

"Oi! Juri! Where are you?!" Teuchi's voice drifted out from the now open stand.

 

Cursing at slacking off on even the first day, I brushed by the Hyuuga, heading back around to the side, freezing at his voice.

 

"Hrmp. Haven't changed at all, Juri,"

 

Ever so slowly, I felt myself turn around, wide eyes fixed on him, "What's that suppose to mean?" The wind picked up rustling his long hair. A smirk was fixed on his face, and time continued to pass by us as he only stared at me, not answering.

 

He cocked his head and I shuddered at the familiarity.

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

"Juri! Come here!"

"HAI! Tou-san!" A ten year old version of me bolted down the wooden stairs, slowing to a stop at the bottom. In our kitchen sat my mother, my father, and three other unknown figures. But their white eyes gave away their clan.

 

It was the Hyuuga clan. Even I knew that.

 

My father motioned towards me and timidly I whittled over towards him - where he was sitting by the kitchen table, two other Hyuuga adults sitting there as well. When I looked closer, I also spotted another figure, smaller than I was, beside the older Hyuugas'.

 

I blinked for a few seconds, taking in the long, dark, brown hair, pale eyes, and stiff posture. That kid sure looked... well... too formal...

 

"Ma, Hizashi-sama, this is my only daughter, Juri," my father placed a hand on my back, drawing me closer, "Juri, pay your respects to Hyuuga Hizashi," I bowed respectively - knowing from earlier experience that the Hyuuga family was very much respected among the citizens of Konoha.

 

Hizashi's lips twisted into a dim smile, "She looks just like her mother - and she has her grandmother's eyes," My brown eyes narrowed curiously, before they lowered slightly to the young boy from before.

 

I heard an amused laugh from Hizashi, "Well, I suppose you're anxious to meet my son? This is Neji—he's five years old right now. Neji, this is Juri,"

 

"Hi Neji-kun!" I chirped. It was nice to meet a new friend!

 

Neji only grunted, eyes focusing on me blankly. I only paused in confusion. Not very social, was he? He cocked his head at me.

 

My eyes raked up and down his height. Man, was he ever short!

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

Then it clicked.

 

".... you're... little Neji... Little Neji-kun?"

 

He scowled at me, "I am not little." I made a little 'uh huh' noise, before Neji turned, starting to walk away again. Well he's got a point; he's taller than me now. I think about half a foot taller actually.

 

"Wait!"

 

He stopped, once again, head turning slightly.

 

"...." I paused. Why exactly did I call him? Talk about deja vu.... well... not really - I had done the exactly same thing a little while ago, telling him to wait and all. I fiddled nervously with the edge of my white and red casual kimono, "... don't you want to talk? Catch up on a few things..?"

 

Neji raised an eyebrow, "We never talked before."

 

I glared, "Is it too late to start?"

 

He didn't answer, only stood there, staring at me with blank, white eyes.

 

"Aww damn it! You're even more of a pain than Kakashi to deal with!" Not realizing my mistake at saying the 'dead' ninja's name, I turned with a huff, ready to go back to work.

 

"... what did you say about Hatake?" his cold voice cut through the air sharply. This guy needed to relax! I should introduce him to something called a `hot springs' sometime... or maybe get someone to give him a massage...

 

Opps. I rubbed the back of my shoulder, turning around, and an innocent expression on my face, "Uh... did I say Kakashi? Oh... I meant... er... Makashi?" I tried. I don't even know if there was a person with that name - I just made it up on the spot... Hey! It sounded like Kakashi... you can't blame a girl for trying.

 

"You called?" a voice beside me caused me to let me to let out a shriek, falling sideways onto the ground unintentionally. My eyes slowly focused and the blurring faded as I saw Kakashi standing in front of me, looking rather tall (considering the fact that I was now sitting on the ground - not by my own choice, of course).

 

Neji gave me a strange look, and didn't bother to ask if I was okay or not - cold hearted bastard...

 

From the looks of it... Neji couldn't see or hear Kakashi... Then how come the Hokage and his team were able too? Genma and Kotetsu as well... what was going on? Who was playing around with this situation?

 

"..." I decided to let Neji go before -

 

"Yoshe! I want a miso ramen today, old man!"

 

"Coming right up!" a familiar voice answered, "Juri! Where are you?"

 

"Crap!" I cried, flashing to my feet, before bolting around the side, giving Teuchi an apologetic look, "Gomen, Teuchi-sama - I met an old friend I hadn't talked to in a while... while I was out back,"

 

He gave me an understanding nod, "Don't let it happen again. We have customers," I nodded quickly, jogging over towards the left side of the ramen store - the exact opposite of where I was with Neji before - and entered through a door there, before snatching an apron hanging on a hook by the wall.

 

Walking towards a cupboard, I opened it, revealing several bowls, dishes, etc. Bringing out several of them, I set them on the counter, watching attentively, trying to ignore the stares I was getting over the counter outside, as Teuchi poured freshly cooked ramen noodles into the bowl, as well as all it necessities (of miso).

 

He nodded at me, and I wordlessly placed it right in front of—

 

"Oi! I know you! You're the girl Kakashi-sensei was with!!"

 

—Naruto. I think whatever god is up there hates me.

 

Beside him sat another boy—wearing a Chuunin vest. He looked half-asleep and was watching me thoughtfully, "Oi, Naruto. Kakashi's gone - don't tell me you're going crazy. I don't want to drag you to Tsunade-sama again..."

 

Naruto scowled at him, "I'm not goin- mffffmfff!!!"

 

I planted a huge grin on my face as I stuffed Naruto's face with ramen noodles, "Yeah! There you go! Eat up, Naruto-kun!!" I gave the other boy a bright smile, "He just needs a little encouragement! Eat up before it gets cold!"

 

After a few futile attempts, Naruto finally stopped trying to talk and focused on eating his ramen. I sighed in relief - thank god that he seemed to love ramen... That was a close call.

 

Speaking of which - I froze when I saw Neji now sitting down beside Naruto. The ninja stared blankly back at me and I watched as Naruto paused briefly, "Hey Neji! What're - gulp - you -slurp, gulp- doing... -slurp- here?" he said between mouthfuls. Guess he'd changed his mind and decided that eating was more important than talking.

 

Oh, so they know each other?

 

I gave Neji a long look, completely forgetting about the boiling pot of ramen noodles to my left, my gaze focused on the Hyuuga adolescent. A few seconds ago, he was about to leave... and now... he was sitting here like he had all the time in the world.

 

As Naruto continued to ravish his lunch, as Neji continued to sit there letting the question hang unanswered in the air. As people walked by, talking and laughing, I heard a familiar voice drift through the air.

 

"Ma... Naruto... have you seen Juri-san around here?"

 

My eyes widened and I dropped down behind the counter. I know, I know... I was just talking to him a few minutes ago... but I thought he had left. Well, guess not - he was still here.

 

"Eh... Kakashi-sensei? Is that you?" Naruto's confused voice filled the air and I heard another boy scold him.

 

"Naruto! Do you really need to see Hokage-sama? Or maybe a medic-nin?" an alarmed voice spoke, "Kakashi's not here anymore..."

 

I closed my eyes tightly, hoping to god that Kakashi wouldn't find me here. It... it wasn't like I didn't like him or any- all right, so I didn't like him too much. I admit to that. In fact, I think that wherever he is, trouble follows.

 

That vase incident... Kotetsu-san starting to make moves towards me... waking up late that one day and getting fired... (Okay, so maybe it wasn't really his fault... but he was the one who caused Ichi to be in so much distress! And then I had to spend the whole night with her... so I'll still blame him for that one). Hmm... What else... well, there's also the fact that my parents are starting to keep a closer eye on me now (I was starting to think about moving out because of that too!).

 

He really wasn't a bad guy altogether, but not the type I... was used to getting attention from. And I had a feeling that bad things would happen if I kept hanging around him.

 

"Ah, there you are,"

 

I froze. He... he knew where I was...? Awww, shit.

 

'Well, why not? You were just staring eye to eye with him a few minutes ago!'

 

"Er... " Nervously, I stood back up and I was now staring eye to eye - okay, I was staring at his mouth. Whatever, so I was short, "What are you doing here?" I covered up lamely. He raised an eyebrow at me, crossing his arms and giving me a look.

 

"Looking for something,"

 

"Looking for what?" I hissed, shoving him into the back room, not wanting the customers to be staring at me, watching me talk to myself.

 

"Hey! Ka-" I heard Naruto's voice, cut off by the now closed door.

 

"...." We were in the back room. Here; pots, pans, dishes, and the latter were kept - along with a small coffee room. Well, technically, it wasn't a coffee room - Teuchi didn't like coffee. He said it was bad for your health and it stunts your growth. It was more of a break room.

"Well?" I looked up at him, confused, "What were you looking for?" His tall frame seemed to tower over me, as he focused his serious gaze on me.

 

".. Looking for something to do..."

 

There was something that was off with his behavior today. Usually, he would've said something that deserved a smack by now... but... he hadn't.

 

"Are you all right?" I barely managed to conceal the hint of concern in my voice, but I guess that with every choice made - there was a consequence.

 

And guess what?

 

"Why of course something's wrong! It seems like Kotetsu-san is still asking about you... and of course, like the kind gentleman I was - I gave him your address and phone-"

 

BANG!

 

Eye twitching, I walked out of the back room, pan clutched in hand. I left Kakashi on the ground, a lump now growing on his head. Serves him right. But my mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly. I preferred this teasing Kakashi more than the brooding Kakashi.

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

As night approached, I sped up my walking speed, wanting to get home as soon as possible. I didn't like the chill in the air, the darkness due to the new moon, nor the relatively quietness of the market street.

 

I had just got off work, finishing up in the kitchen washing up. After bidding Teuchi good night and farewell, I had decided to walk home as fast as possible. And that was a good idea, because my mother was probably wondering where I was. I'd never worked night shifts at my other jobs before.

 

But then... I had something urging me... begging me to walk through the forest.

 

And I had the inclination not to. Why?

 

Well, because of the last encounter I had, and what came out of it. Now I had an annoying little ghost following me. What would happen if I took another shortcut? Would I gain another ghostly friend?

 

But, giving into my stupid little urge, I veered off the street, whistling softly as I shoved my hands deeper into my pockets. There was a bit of a chill in the air. Brushing a tree branch aside, I followed an old path, marked by orange flags. This path led to a training ground. My house lay just beyond that training ground.

 

The street I was on was probably safer, but... but I liked to walk in the woods once in a while. But walking at night was definitely not a good idea. The trees look tall and ominous. I didn't even know why I was walking through it now if I hated it so much. Call in intuition.

 

I let out a little jump as an owl hooted.

 

"Heh, he..." I trailed off, letting my soft laugh hang. Maybe I should walk back... Yeah, let's turn around, shall we? The thick, tense air and silence was starting to get to me.

 

"Why are you out so late at night?"

 

"AHHHHH!" I jumped eyes wide, pupils dilated. And from a tree beside me, a figure jumped down. It was Kakashi himself.

 

"Don't scare me like that!" I backed up a few steps, leaning against a tree and trying to calm the adrenaline racing through my veins. Then I peered at Kakashi closely. Something was... different about him tonight.

 

Maybe it was the look in his eyes... maybe it was this feeling...

 

"Why are you out here?" I asked suddenly. He gave me a wink. I blinked at him a couple of times. It was really dark out, and only a nearby streetlamp provided light.

 

"I could ask you the same," he retorted. I glared at him, stalking up to him and slapping his arm.

 

"I was out here because I just got off work!" I snapped, "And I bet you don't have as good as a reason as that!"

 

Kakashi's eye crinkled, "Ah, so you do work there? Well..." My face visibly paled. I could practically hear the wheels turning in his head. Oh my...

 

Wait a second.

 

I slapped his arm again. He gave me a strange look.

 

I repeated the gesture. The look on his face started to look amused.

 

Again. He was now annoyed.

 

Just when I was about to do it again, he snatched my hand up, stopping me from repeating the action, "Stop that!" My eyes widened. So, I wasn't going crazy... I could feel the warmth radiating off his hand...

 

Staring at him in wonder, I dimly remembered how he felt before. He wasn't warm before... instead, I remembered it clearly. His skin used to be cold to the touch. Now... it was amazing and heatedly... warm.

 

"You're warm..." I muttered.

 

"Yes..." Kakashi gave me a strange look, before realization set in. Abruptly, he jerked his hand back, "You should get home..."

 

"Wait... why is your hand warm?" I asked curiously.

 

"... It was like that before..."

 

"No, it wasn't,"

 

"Yes, it was,"

 

Kakashi didn't answer and disappeared in a swirl of the wind, "Hey! Kakashi!!"

 

A few seconds later, he reappeared in front of me, "What?!"

 

I crossed my arms, and tapped my foot, "I'm waiting,"

 

"Oh, fine..." he let out a defeated snort, "I'm human tonight. Happy?" I gave him an indefinite look, stating that he was obviously insane.

 

"You're a ghost..." He turned away from me, hair rustling lightly in the wind and began to walk. Falling in step behind him, I perked my ears up, listening as he began to talk.

 

"Well, so I lied. Technically, I'm not a ghost... I found this out after Orochimaru-"

 

"Orochimaru? Was that the leader of the sound?" I piped in.

 

Silence.

 

"...."

 

"I guess you could say that," Kakashi said dryly, "Anyway, as I was saying... Orochimaru came out, seeking me and plainly explained what had happened to me. The jutsu he used on me... it only separated my spirit from my body - we're still attached though," He stopped walking and out of nowhere, I saw him flick his finger on something in midair.

 

Using light from a nearby streetlamp, I watched as something flickered, moving up and down. A thin piece of string.

 

"See? I'm still connected to my body. But I don't know where it is. It's a curse he placed on me. I take on the form of a ghost for the rest of my life, unless there's a no moon out - like tonight. The new moon is when Orochimaru's jutsu seems to fade, just a bit, allowing me to be human, despite me not having my body,"

 

I let out a small squeak. I had no idea. The look in Kakashi's eye was now cold, anger. Whoever this Orochimaru guy was... he certainly had Kakashi as one enemy.

"But my friend... Ichi, she said that she was the one who saw your body at the hospital... you were dead!" I protested.

 

"Oh, that? That wasn't me,"

 

[i.n.l.o.v.e.w.i.t.h.a.g.h.o.s.t]

 

Revised August 28, 2008