okanloll

[okanloll]

Hello ⋆ටᆼට⋆

Managed to finish this finally lol. By the way, thank you sm to all the likes? Like I know it might not seem like a lot but they really do help push me to write. I don’t know just the thought of someone enjoying my writing just gives me the serotonin to huddle up on my bed and get this done lollll. Anyways enjoy xx

Moonlight…

Chapter 2

3100 words.

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

The hot summer heat that engulfed the whole estate was roasting me alive in the study hall as I was trying to get these goddamn scrolls of ‘the virtues of the Hyuga’ done by the end of the hour. I had already procrastinated my punishment issued by Hiroshi long enough and if I wouldn’t finish these in time…didn’t even want to think about it.

The only problem was that I couldn’t focus for the life of me. The crumpled paper of the former Origami was sitting at the corner of my desk, right in my field of vision. It was intoxicating me to say the least. I couldnt keep that crumpled paper away from me for more than an hour.

“Always keep your stations tidy-“ I was immediately snapped out of my daze as the supervisor of the study hall abruptly snatched the piece of crumpled paper away and was casually going to walk off.

Without even thinking I grabbed the himo of her hakama and pulled it. I realized the horror of what I had done way too late. She turned around with absolute dread etched on her face. Eyes narrowed, Byakugan out, palms already raised and me on my way to another punishment.

๛

After a hundred gentle fist strikes at wooden dummies and 20 laps around the estate with obstacles designed to only be avoided with the Byakugan I was now sitting in the infirmary, for once, getting my hands and eyes bandaged. I could honestly live a blind life at this point considering the amount of times I had to wear these bandages.

The door of the infirmary swung open as someone hurriedly walked in. Both me and the nurse were startled by the brutal entrance of the person.

“Again?!” The person shrieked and I realized it was Kagura. Of course it was. The nurse gave her a judgemental look because of her mannerisms but couldnt do much else since nurses didnt have the authority to reprimand us.

“Kōhi this is like the fifth time in two months, you can go blind by this rate.” She spoke worriedly and I smiled slightly to show my appreciation for her. “I’m fine. I’m getting used to it at this point.” I spoke and stood up from the examination table, nodding at the nurse as I reach out my hand to Kagura for her to guide me.

She took it without a question, grabbing ahold of my hand with her surprisingly much rougher and calloused ones. She had always put so much effort into her combat training to the point that she had once even been recognized as the current best combatant in our class.

Speaking of recognition…

“Hey aren’t our scores for the junior examinations out by now? Let’s head over to the examination hall to see-“ I was saying while absentmindedly playing with my himo when she abruptly halted, causing me to bump into her. “Kagura- what the hell?”

I asked quickly and she spoke up in a panicked tone. “Shit! Kōhi! I forgot to hand in the assignment on Tanketsu points!” I tilted my head and raised an eyebrow, which was mostly covered by my bangs. “Wasn’t that due two weeks ago?” I asked with the slightest of judgement. She rolled her eyes unbeknownst to me. “They gave me some more time since I aced the combat examination that day.” She spoke again and I furrowed my brows when I realized her tone was a bit raspy. “Are you sick? Why do you sound so..rough?” She coughed. “It’s probably just a minor cold, it’ll go away, anyway you can hold out for a couple minutes on your own right?” She asked and had already let go of my hand. “Yeah it’s fine, I can’t do much like this anyway.” I replied with a short sigh and she hummed as a reply. “Alright I’ll come find you in a bit.” She then rushed off, her loud tip toeing pulling out a mild chuckle out of me.

I moved my head around for bit, looking around blindly. Well what now? I couldnt exactly go finish the scrolls, nor could I find the way to the study hall. I let out another sigh and sat down at the edge of the engawa, deciding to enjoy the soft breeze that had taken up awhile ago.

After only two minutes I felt a hand on my shoulder. I was surprised for a second that it brought me so much comfort. I reached up and put my hand on it, feeling the same callousness…although this time slightly more- burly? I assumed that it was Kagura again and looked up to her face in her general direction. “That was quick. Did no one catch you sprinting like a madman?” I asked with a soft smile and the hand clenched. Like quite hard to be honest. It made me furrow my brows in slight suspicion. “Uhh are you okay? Why are you not speaking.” She didn’t answer. “Kagura?”

“Come to the river when you get better.” I reeled back slightly. Did her voice get even raspier? “Are you seriously thinking of going to the river again? And whats with that voice-?” I spoke up, still under the impression it was her. I mean who else would put their hand on my shoulder. Didnt have any other friends and the adults don’t do that. I was going to speak up again after she didn’t reply but I was quieted by her removing her hand entirely. Suddenly I felt a strong breeze sweep through and I spoke up once more. “Kagura?” In a more worried tone this time. No answer.

Just when I managed to stand up I heard some footsteps running towards me. “Ahh! Sorry for taking so long!” That was Kagura. That was definitely her. The rasp was like it was before and she still had that tone in her voice I knew so well. She panted slightly, stopping right in front of me. “Sorry, did I keep you waiting for too long? I had to search for it first, my room was a mess.” She huffed out a laugh and then perked up. “Why are you looking at me like that? Hey, are you actually mad?” I raised a hand to stop her from talking. “No, no— you just startled me is all..” I swallowed a lump forming in my throat and huffed out a rushed breath. “Ah. Alright— wait did you make that? Damn while being blind? Thats just talent.” She giggled afterwards and by the sound of he shifting movements it seemed as if she bent down to grab something. “What?” I asked obliviously after a moment and she replied quickly. “This Origami.”

I froze. Immediately tensing up. “W-what.” I struggled to say. “Yeah it’s an Origami. You didn’t make it?” I didnt reply, way too focused on the fact that he… It had to be him right? The voice, his hand. I mean— the fucking Origami! Was he playing with me? Why does he want to meet me? Fuck that, how does he even know he has this effect on m— why does he even have this effect on me.

“…ōhi. Kōhi!” I startled. “Jeez, are you sure you’re okay? Im telling you, they keep going too hard on you.” She asked with slight worry etched into her tone and I took awhile to reply, opting to just shake my head. “And you’re red too…okay, let’s get you to your room, you’re obviously not feeling well.” I shook my head quickly. “N-no! I’m fine— can you drop me off at the infirmary though?” She hesitated and then answered. “Why? If you are feeling bad just say so.” She grew slightly frustrated, I could basically see her slightly puffed out cheeks. “I’m fine. I just want to ask something.” She sighed after a moment and then nodded. “Alright, alright. Come on.” She put her hand on my shoulder and started guiding me.

Oh yeah it was definitely him before.

After taking way too much time reassuring Kagura I was fine and she could leave only for her to barge in anyway we entered the infirmary. The nurse, better know as Miss Hana spoke up in an annoyed tone. “What now? I just treated you.” She said and walked closer, already starting to inspect me. “I’m sorry— but I was wondering if we could somehow get these off faster?” I started and then Kagura spoke up. “That’s what you’re here for?” She questioned and Miss Hana replied very quickly.

“Absolutely not. You should’ve thought of that before straining your Byakugan that hard. Our eyes are our most fragile organ, and as a Clan who’s most valuable weapon is our Doujutsu we simply cannot be this reckless.”

She spoke with finality in her tone already making her way to the door to lead us out. I glanced in Kagura’s direction and then walked over to the exit with a short sigh. As Kagura prompted to follow me she accidentally stumbled over the leg of the examination table. She managed to catch herself on the shelf but caused some scrolls to land right onto her head.

I turned around when I heard her grunt and spoke up. “Kagura— you good?” I walked towards the ruckus. “Yeah, yeah- sorry Miss Hana I’ll-“ when she bent down and wanted to pick up the scroll she froze.

When she abruptly halted I reached out and managed to put my hand on her shoulder. “Kagura?” Before she could say anything I was pushed back by Miss Hana and I heard her snatch the scrolls off the ground. “Look at the mess you’ve made! Leave now before I-“

“You’re practicing foreign Jutsu..” she interrupted her with an uncharacteristically soft tone and I could hear the gasp of air rush into Miss Hana’s lungs.

It was strictly forbidden for any Hyuga to practice foreign Ninjutsu, Taijutsu or even literature for that matter. The Hyuga regarded their teachings and techniques as the highest and most elite form of ninjahood and were extremely prideful in them, so if you were to do such a thing…you’d be labeled as an outcast forever, and not only you, your family aswell.”

Kagura spoke up again after Miss Hana went quiet. “I managed to read a bit. It said something about ‘medical ninjutsu’. “ I raised both eyebrows, she continued. “That’s…a completely foreign concept, the Hyuga have never used Jutsu to heal, if you were to be fatally wounded in battle then it is just seen as blatant proof that you simply weren’t good enough to survive.”

Miss Hana managed to stutter out. “L-look, it just caught my interest. I just read up on it a bit..” she tried to argue but Kagura spoke up again. “Doesn’t change the fact that you’re committing a crime.” She said and both of them went quiet.

“Can you heal his eyes?” Kagura asked after a moment of silence. I was taken aback by her request, realizing immediately afterwards that it wasn’t a request, it was a threat. Blackmail, if you will.

Miss Hana didn’t reply for a good two minutes, the three of us just standing still tensely.

“Yes.” Miss Hana finally muttered out, her tone strained and full of frustration. Kagura guided me to the table and then took a step back. Miss Hana came closer and stood right in front of me. “This stays between us.” She said quietly and placed both of her hands onto my face.

It felt as if you jumped into a cold lake on a scorching summer day. A cool feeling swept through my temple as the lingering strain on my eyes kept lessening by the second. When she removed her hands and gingerly took the bandages off the former swelling and red area around my eyes had disappeared. I looked around at Kagura who was looking at me almost in awe, Miss Hana taking a few steps back only to do the same, probably shocked by her own accomplishment.

I got down from the table and nodded at her. “Thank you.” I said, not only showing appreciation for her gesture but also a small apology for basically blackmailing her. Kagura only huffed out a small scoff and then opened the door. “Well I definitely know who will be treating me from now on when I get hurt.” She teased as I pulled her along, ignoring how she stuck out her tongue at Miss Hana and gave her a little wave.

As we got out and walked along the engawa I looked around, testing out my vision. “It isn’t a trick or something. It’s actually healed. This is— revolutionary!” I said in awe as Kagura shrugged. “I always knew she was sketchy, turns out she was hiding a giant secret.” She said and started smirking. “More importantly…why did you even want her to treat your eyes” She finally asked the question I was hoping to avoid and bent over to get a look at my face.

“You’re going to be quiet, got it? One word about this and I’m using you as a training dummy.” She only giggled as a reply and I furrowed my brows.

“I’m going to meet him.” I said afterwards quickly.

“Him?” She quipped.

“Him.” I replied.

“Like, him - him??” She questioned again and I rolled my eyes and just nodded.

“He said to meet at the river around night time..” I informed her hesitantly.

“What if it’s a trap?” She asked the most obvious question.

“What if it isn’t.” I said after a moment of silence, a small blush creeping up to my cheeks.

She started laughing loudly. “Oh my.” She caught her breath. “You like him-.” She tried saying as if it was the most casual thing there was. “I don’t.” I immediately interrupted her. “That’s not- possible. I wouldn’t. Who even would? And I can’t even if, hypothetically, there was a…life where me and him were something , it’s not in this one. And I don’t like him like that anyway so-“ I stilled when I looked back at Kagura who was holding back her laughter, her cheeks puffed out.

“I hate you.” I said and rushed past her. “No wait! Let me help you get ready!” She quickly called after me while following me

“No!” I argued back with a progressively reddening face, only looking back at her when I reached my dormitory and let her in with a roll of my eyes. “Brat.” She sticks her tongue out.

๛

I peeked around the entrance door, four guards. Must’ve upped the security after the escape of that Uchiha. ‘Escape’, that’s what they chose to call it. As if the Hyuga would admit they let a valuable source of intel get away so easily.

I activated my Byakugan, looking through the stone wall to get a clearer vision of the situation. There was no way I could get past them. I Needed a diversion again. Good thing Kagura helped get completely loaded up with ninja tools. I looked through the many Shuriken and Smokebombs. It wouldn’t be enough. They must’ve gotten orders…and also punished for letting their guard down the last time. I spotted a paper bomb right after that thought. I’d never actually used one but it was as the name suggested. A bomb. I swalllowed thickly, hyping myself up inwardly as I attached the paper bomb to a Kunai with a thread and engraved my chakra in it. Basic junior ninja tool training, good to know I can still do it.

I leaped on the stone wall, at a safe distance from the guards, they weren’t looking towards me. I reeled back my arm and used all the strength I had to fling the Kunai into the woods, fast enough for them not to notice and strike a tree.

I raised two fingers up, forming a chakra link between me and the paper bomb.

爆 (baku)!

A quick explosion rang out from the forest, the guards quickly grew alert.

“What was that?! Are the infiltrators back?” One of them asked and another spoke up. “Doesn’t matter who it was, we are taking them out.” He stated bluntly and all four of them rushed into the woods towards the sound of the paper bomb.

I sprinted towards the lake faster than I ever had before, rushing into the woods and leaping from the protruding roots, onto the branches of the trees, glancing back once to see that no one was following me. I sighed out a breath of relief as I was about to reach the last tree that had grown on the edge of the riverbank.

Suddenly a rough voice called out behind me.

八卦空掌 (Hakke Kūshō!)

The moment I registered the words in my head I immediately turned around and covered my face and upper body with my arms. A heavy gust of chakra knocked me hard into the last tree. I only had enough time to force myself onto my knees and look up just to see another figure coming down on me with a raised Gentle Fist, aimed right into my head. I didn’t have time to retaliate nor to dodge. Just as I covered my face for another blow, this time a much more painful one, a much stronger gust of wind rushed through the forest. I tensed up as I felt heat radiating with it from beside me. It was only until I lowered my hands and saw the trees scorched and completely off their stumps when I finally let out the breath I was holding involuntarily. The Hyuga who was aiming for me was gone. I looked down the branch I was standing on, somehow still intact. I immediately looked away. His body was scorched and mangled. Only when I looked to the side did I see two pair feet standing right next to me, facing the calamity.

I looked up hesitantly, meeting the blazing red eyes of Madara Uchiha. We didn’t exchange any words. It was almost as if we were communicating with our eyes.

He extended a hand towards me. I looked at it in caution and then grabbed it firmly, accepting his help to stand up. As I got up I met his eyes again, not making any effort to let go off his hand. It was so warm and comforting. And considering the absolute natural disaster this man had just caused it was weird even thinking that.

I snapped out of my daze when he tilted his head, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly. I reeled back a bit, not letting go of his hand.

“I was right.” He spoke up, his tone reverberating through the area.

“What..?” I questioned immediately, too out of it to process anything he was saying.

“You’re eyes do look even more beautiful under the Moonlight.”

He said while his eyes turned back into a calm Onyx color instead of the harsh red of the Sharingan.

That was enough to sweep the branch right off under my feet. Literally.

[okanloll]

Moonlight… Chapters:

⁜ 𝙾𝙲-𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. (𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍.)

⁜ Moonlight - Prequel.

⁜ Moonlight - Chapter 1.

⁜ Moonlight - Chapter 2.

⁜ currently being written…

[okanloll]

⋆ටᆼට⋆

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚕. 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 <\𝟹 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚝𝚠.

𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍.

2600 words.

Moonlight…

Chapter 1

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

56..57..58..5-9?..

My bandaged hands trembled, the soreness reaching up all the way to my torso as I attempted to catch my breath, only to receive a harsh strike to the back of my neck with a slim stick.

Did I really believe that i could get away with dirtying the Hyuga name? There is no way they would just leave me alone after I was brought back by an Uchiha, on his back too to add on to it. It’s disgraceful to say the least.

I struck the wooden buddy one last time, not being fast enough to retaliate the oncoming wooden arm and ended up falling down for the 5th time that hour. I had to start over now. This is torture but who am I supposed to even complain to? Government? Doesn’t exist. Higher ups? No contact. Quite literally Hell on earth.

“…pathetic. This dummy is used for training Juniors. You will be nearing senior in the next moon cycle and you can’t even hold out for mere 10 minutes. How do you expect to—“

I shut out the combat educator. Formally known as Hyuga Hiroshi. He’s been a pain in my ass since I was just a child. Always fostered and put more care into the training of his favorites more than in mine. I usually just nod absentmindedly whenever he starts his monologue about how much of a waste I was.

I get snapped out of my thoughts when he suddenly clenches my jaw and looks me dead in the eyes.

“Keep. Them. On.” he said threateningly, I gripped his hand as hard as I could, only ending up hurting myself more from all the bruises that were battered on to them from the training.

I forcefully activated my Byakugan, the strain on my eyes felt like hell incarnate.

“Good. Youre finished. You will keep your Byakugan on for another hour and then return to your dormitory. I want five written scrolls of ‘the virtues of the Hyuga’ by tomorrow.” He stated unapologetically and then turned around, leaving me on the ground in the stone garden.

As I felt frustration and the feeling of injustice fill me, the person I would direct it to in my mind was already clear as day to me.

“…fuck you, stupid Uchiha.”

I slid my door open slowly, exhaustion etched upon my features. I saw a figure rush up to me as I walked in. I squinted my eyes to make out the identity as good as I could, but all I could see was fog right now.

“Oh my..- shit! That looks like really bad Kōhi. The iris almost looks like it’s cracking..” I felt relief rush my body as i recognized that quirky voice and sighed as I sat down as soon as I stepped into the room.

“God it’s all that Uchiha’s fault.” I started grumbling as Kagura had already gotten out some cloth to bandage my eyes. “Did he really use you for funds? Bastard.” She murmured vulgarly, concentrated on not putting too much pressure on her ministrations.

“And he was so slick with it too. I genuinely thought he had good intentions..” she quieted for a bit and then hesitantly added. “Well— he did save you from that hole…I just assumed you went back without me and didn’t even bother to check around. You most likely would’ve been stuck in there for—“

“Oi. Don’t defend him.” I said and tilted my head towards her general direction. “We hate him now. He’s a jerk.”

“We?” She quickly interjected.

“We.” I replied and scoffed at her.

After a brief pause we both huffed out a laugh.

“I’m not going to lie I am curious to what he looks like.” She said after awhile. “Like..I was only able to see his retreating form as I ran towards the gate when I saw the guards with you.”

I attempted to roll my eyes, hand immediately moving up in pain. “Don’t. Just imagine him as..a toad, A-an Oni!” I argued with her and she groaned. “Okay…but was he…attractive?”

I retreated my neck to showcase my disturbance. “No. Average at best…” I stated first and after she didn’t say anything I added. “Well.. he— he had nice bone structure. Very uhh…healthy.”

Unbeknownst to me she smirked wickedly. “Doesn’t sound like a toad to me.” I attempted to smack her hand but hit the ground. “Out!” I whisper yelled and she rushed out giggling. I shook my head. Tch. Attractive? Yeah right. My left foot.

I picked at the last pieces of rice in my bowl idly while Kagura shamelessly went to get her third bowl. I looked over at her returning form with a mountain of rice in her bowl.

“We have combat training in an hour. You will feel heavy if you eat all that.” I said to her scoldingly, pointing the chopsticks into her face.

“Shh. Keep your eyes on your bowl, thank you.” She retorted dismissively.

“How are your eyes by the way? Do you think we need to bandage them again?” She asked after a short pause to swallow. “No it’s fine. I’m used to the stinging at this point. The only downfall is that my vision has been worsening.” I started but quieted down after some commotion caught my attention in the wooden makeshift canteen. Someone was thrashing and making a lot of noise. An intruder perhaps? Or a new prisoner for questioning?

I lifted my head as high as I could, catching a glimpse of long, black, disheveled hair and a plain dark violet robe.

Was it…? No it couldnt be. For what reason even? The Hyuga know not to mess with the Uchiha for no reason. Maybe..an issue of pride? Did their ego get cranked up that bad after one of their own was saved by an Uchiha from a shallow bear trap?

Whatever the reason, I had to talk to him again. The urge was almost painful. I needed not only answers but also some closure about…everything.

I looked over at Kagura and gave her a quick nod. She was confused at first but when she turned around and pointed her vision towards the commotion aswell she immediately rushed to finish her bowl. Both of us quickly got up and made our way through the tables in a polite manner to investigate the situation ourselves.

We peek around the corner to see two adults forcefully dragging a struggling boy about our age, maybe slightly older into the wooden hut on the other side of the estate, the so-called interrogation room.

We’ve only seen the outside. Just a plain wooden temple. Nothing too eye catching. I looked over at Kagura and gave her the signal. We looked over at our Geta lined up on the ground right in front of the engawa. Just as we were going to head out we noticed a big problem. One guard stayed outside the interrogation room with a clear view towards our direction. They probably knew some of us ninja in training might get curious and come out early to try and get a peek.

“Shit…he’s looking right this way.” I said to her and she started scratching her head. “What are we going to do? He needs to leave.” She said and took another glance at him.

I shook my head at her comment. “There are other ninja in there anyway. We won’t get far. We will need to wait…shit but we don’t have much time because of combat training..” I realized and sighed. “Can you look inside?” I asked and motioned over at her eyes.

She closed them and then opened them again. Veins lining her cheekbones around her eyes.

“It’s sealed off. Understandably, everyone here does possess a doujutsu that basically undermines the complete existence of walls.” She half-joked and I nodded with a huff.

“Let’s…meet up later in the evening. If it’s taking this long to get anything out of him then they will probably keep him here for awhile.” I said and we retreated back inside quietly.

๛

We leaped across the roofs of the many buildings scattered around the estate, landing behind the hut of the interrogation room. I gave Kagura a glance to make sure she was ready. She tucked a strand of her curly, dark ginger hair behind her ear and nodded in confirmation quickly.

We decided one of us would stay outside to notify if anyone was approaching. I went inside as quietly as I could, veins flexing across my cheekbones as I activate the Byakugan to see if there were any guards inside. Since the seal only worked from outside the building there was no issue in scanning the inside.

I froze in my spot as the chakra network of two individuals appeared in front of my eyes. Right around the corridor. The one on the far left didn’t resemble a basic, standing anatomical structure, leading me to the conclusion that they were most likely sitting down. The other was was standing completely straight.

It was obvious which one was the guard. I gave one quick glance behind me and then took out a Kunai. I had to time this perfectly. That Hyuga was most likely highly trained considering they put him as the sole guard. I had to throw the Kunai into the far left wall next to him, quick enough for him to at least glance at it, best case scenario turn towards it. Just enough for me to..

I turned the corner while simultaneously throwing the Kunai at the wall. He turned his head, quickly growing alarmed. Only a second passed. When he turned towards me, he caught my gaze with his own Byakugan. It was too late. I was already too close, my sole focus being on his chakra core at his stomach, completely ignoring his tenketsu points. Two fingers raised and flexed with my own Chakra.

One single strike.

-

柔拳, Jūken!

-

And he was out. I tried to stay calm as I felt the anxiety catching up from the absolute treason I was committing. To ignore the gnawing feeling of regret I looked over at the prisoner, fully expecting to see Madara, already thinking of what to say to him about his the stunt he pulled about a week ago.

That wasn’t Madara.

Well, to be honest he could’ve been if I hadn’t completely engraved his features into my mind…for whatever reason. His face was slimmer, his eyes a bit rounder and his hair slightly longer than Madara’s. I felt frustrated I was able to discern between Madara and this young man’s similar features but couldnt berate myself any further when he spoke up with an obvious husk in his voice. Most likely from the torture.

„Who the hell are you supposed to be now.“ He basically spat, his eyes narrowing on my form. I fumbled to reply due to his intense gaze, opting to grab the wooden bars that had caged him into his cell. „Shit..what now—„ I looked around and then spotted the Kunai at the wall I had thrown. I quickly pulled it out and started stabbing and slicing aimlessly at the hardwood. „Fuck.“

I cursed outloud and was going to continue my hopeless efforts until he managed to stand up and come closer, opening his hand and requesting the Kunai. I gave it to him after a moment of hesitation and took a step back.

One slice of the kunai was enough for him to cut down the hardwood. He didn’t waste any time to force himself out of the opening he had created, only offering me a single glance before bolting around the corner and outside. I ran after the shock had settled and saw Kagura peeking inside with an incredulous look on her face. „not even a goddamn thank you? You’re right, he really is a douchebag.“ she grumbled after I quietly closed the door behind me and we leaped back onto the roof and started running back to our dormitories.

„Wasn’t him. He looked similar though, to some extent.“ I spoke up after we landed in front of the engawa. „Oh so we risked getting executed for a total stranger. Great. I’ll see you in my next life then.“ I shoved her curly head away lightly. „I just wanted some answers…and that guard is out cold. I doubt he’ll remember anything.“ she went through her hair with one hand and then rolled her eyes. „For our sake, let’s hope you accidentally killed him.“ she said bluntly and then made her way to her room, raising her hand nonchalantly while walking off.

I swallowed thickly and entered my room aswell. God I really didn’t think this through.

๛

tap tap tap tap.

I startled upwards from my futon and looked at the small window next to the door. Two sharp eyes were glaring 𝚘����𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 and straight at me.

tap tap tap tap.

The figure continued tapping and it sent absolutely chills through my body. I got up, swallowed thickly and then took tentative steps towards the window. The eyes didnt leave my form. I couldn’t see who it was from the dark but ultimately froze when it’s eyes went from black to a stark red. I froze on my spot.

Could it be..? I grabbed the handle of the window and gathered enough courage to slide it open in one swing. And I did, only to find no one there. I peaked my head out and looked around, no one in sight. I was terrified to say the least. Just when I was going to close the window again I noticed a small piece of paper on the foot of the window. It was folded into an Origami. I perked up when I saw the familiar form of the paper. The Hyuga training of the kids involved folding these paper cranes to not only hone their craftsmanship but most of all their coordination skills with their hands.

I leaned through the window and grabbed it, treating it gently. I looked around one last time and closed the window.

I sat back down on my futon and looked at the Origami, admiring the immaculate technique. Whoever had done this was definitely good with their hands. I then noticed a speck of black on it. I furrowed my brows as I touched that peculiar spot and realized it was ink. I folded the Origami back into its former shape and was taken aback to see it was a short letter…if you could call it that.

“… thank you for freeing my brother.

Does this make us even then?

❀."

Oh. I crumbled the paper. more on accident. Was that a flower? Probably a drop of ink. Yeah…but- he wrote this. Madara did. He was outside my window too. I felt my heart start to beat faster, heat rushing to my face. I immediately blamed the rather horrific aspect of this whole ordeal. It was creepy to say the last, no?

Yeah. That’s why my heart was basically beating out of my chest. Absolutely.

That night I barely managed to sleep after making sure I let out all of my frustration into my pillow.

….What is happening to me?

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

[okanloll]

𝙾𝙲-𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

⋆ටᆼට⋆

𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎: 𝙺𝚘̄𝚑𝚒

𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚊me: 𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚐𝚊

𝙰𝚐𝚎: s𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝟷𝟼, 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛.

𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢: 𝚂𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟶𝚝𝚑

𝙴𝚢𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛: 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎

𝙷𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛: 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚗

𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍/𝚜: 𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚐𝚊 𝙺𝚊𝚐𝚞𝚛𝚊

𝙻𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚜: 𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕, 𝙺𝚘𝚒 𝚏𝚒𝚜𝚑, 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚜, 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚢, 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎, 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍 (𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 friend, 𝙺𝚊𝚐𝚞𝚛𝚊)

𝙳𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚜: 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚍, 𝚏𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚜, 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚜, 𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚢 𝚞𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎, 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚕𝚊𝚗

𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢:

- 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛 '𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚐𝚊'

-𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚢, 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚋𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚗, 𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚎...𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚢𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜.

-𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍. 𝚂𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚢 𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚝.

𝙰 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚏𝚒𝚝 𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚌𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜.

𝙰𝚛𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎. 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚢, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚜𝚝.

(𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑, 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛. 𝙵𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚒𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎.)

(…I am working on chapter one.)

[okanloll]

𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘! ⋆ටᆼට⋆

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 prequel 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚎 𝙾𝙲 𝚡 𝙼𝚊𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝚄𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚑𝚊 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗. 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝙺𝚘̄𝚑𝚒 𝙷𝚢𝚞𝚐𝚊.𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚛𝚊 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙸𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚖. 𝙱𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚍𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚙𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛. 𝙵𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚜 '𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟶' 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚕𝚘𝚕. 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚎𝚟er 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚙𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍!＼(￣▽￣)／

2600 words.

Moonlight…

(Prequel)

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

Silence.

Utter silence was mandatory in the Hyuga estate during almost all hours. Conversing? Just a tone above a whisper. Walking? Softly, without stomping or clacking your footwear. Even while bathing you had to avoid splashing around the water.

Graceful - Resolved - Unapologetic - Efficient

Those were just some of the many important virtues taught among the Hyuga.

Today was no different for Kōhi as he carefully let his brush flow across the paper, making sure not only his writing but also his posture was exemplary. The Hyuga clan were never quite secretive about their strict and … rather unforgiving principles. Every single day was an examination, starting at the age of five and leading up to your deathbed. The moment you learn to interpret the information will also be the one in which you will understand your privilege of being born into one of the most prestigious clans there ever was.

⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜ ⁜

Kōhi POV

A single tear of sweat threatened to roll down my forehead from the sheer amount of concentration I was going through. It wasn’t metaphorical nor an exaggeration calling every day an examination. There were secret examiners in every class, every day. They take notes on each of the students and their progress, give briefs on their work ethic and if any lucky few catch some attention they could get recommended to be.. promoted.

With a loud gong the class was dismissed and everyone placed down their brushes, not daring to stand up nor look up from their papers.

“dismissed.” quick and straight to the point like always. The head of the education department of the Hyuga clan spoke in a strict but soft tone as I and the other students in the manner taught already at a very young age stood up slowly. Head down, shoulders straight, arms above your stomach. With a simultaneous nod we formed a practiced line and walked out of the room. The moment I left the room I let out a quiet breath of relief, non-audible to anyone except for my best friend Kagura who was walking right behind me.

“Did it feel more serious this time or was it just me-“ she tried whispering, only receiving a quiet, worried glare from me in return. When they were allowed to finally disperse they immediately bolted to the stone garden across from the Hyuga Academy, sitting down on a rock each and then finally calming their tense shoulders.

“It definitely was. Did you see Sensei Tsubasa? She was basically holding her breath the whole time.” He said, unconsciously untying his kaku obi and tilting his head idly.

“She was shitting bricks. Fuck that, a whole house.” she said and started snickering as he he stifled the quiet chuckle trying to escape his lips.

“Serves her right. My hand is still red from last week’s scolding..” I said, slightly twitching the right corner of my lip to mimic a resentful expression while rubbing the top of my hand. “Do you think it was today..? Like, yes, I know they said ‘pray to every god there is that you even have a seat in this class..bla bla bla..but- what will happen if they don’t see us fit?” I asked trying to ridicule the situation to the best of my capabilities. It was quite literally the only coping mechanism mildy effective in this hell hole.

Kagura shrugged absentmindedly and quipped “what does it matter? We are from the side branch…it’s already set in scroll on who will be promoted and who won’t.” she said and let out a scoff afterwards. “The best thing to do for us is to just pass the basic examinations so we can at least fight in the war.”

I gave Kagura that same empathic frown I’d been offering her ever since we were children. I knew for a fact Kagura wasn’t as passive as she was portraying herself to be, she had dreams. All Kids do…or did.

I shook my head and sighed, tying my obi back around my waist neatly. I stood up and looked over at the garden walls.

“Should we head down to the river? The heat isn’t making all of this much easier.” I attempted to cheer her up. The moment she heard ‘river’ she was already up and rushing ahead.

“Race ya!” She said in a rare cheerful tone and started ‘running’, if you could call it that, outside and away from the Hyuga Estate.

I followed briskly, also picking up the pace only when making sure I was outside the premises. I ran after her silhouette, dipping and leaping over protruding branches and roots while calling after her playfully.

Just as I made a leap over a large stump and landed on the soft grass, the solid ground beneath my Geta were no longer there. I couldn’t even look down nor process the situation as I let out a quick yelp before falling into the bottomless pit of darkness…or at least that’s what he thought it was, when in reality it seemed to be a common bear trap.

I landed a bit awkwardly onto my left foot and groaned, looking up at the still leaves on the trees.

“Kagura?” I yelled her name, not wanting to be too loud since being found by a Hyuga member in such a state would be…I don’t even want to think about it.

After calling for her for a couple more times as loud as I can without being- well - actually loud, I slumped down on the damp earth under me. I brought my knees a bit closer to my chest and rested my head on my knees, my gaze landing on the wall of dirt in front of me.

Now you might be thinking, what kind of ninja can’t get out of a simple hole? I’ve actually seen it done many times by my peers, teachers, parents, just anyone really. Walking on walls. One of the fundamental skills of a Shinobi. Sadly one that I quite literally am dogshit in. In order to pull off this technique you simply need to gather and control your Chakra on the soles of your feet and retain it there…my problem is exactly that. Chakra Control. I’ve never been good at it, and it’s not exactly a secret either. Always a step behind everyone at the lectures, always having my parents be criticized for their failure of a child, talk about childhood trauma.

I sighed after starting to realize that I might be spending awhile here before Kagura realizes I wasn’t following her…knowing her, that might take awhile if she already reached the river.

“Shht.”

I flinched and didnt dare lookup at the sudden noise coming from above. I felt like an idiot for having been this calm about the situation I was in. bear trap? As if. This hole was placed here to specifically capture unknowing victims from the opposing clans. Yeah, that had to be it. And of course I was the one that fell in it, idiot—

The self deprecating thoughts in my mind had been cut short by the person from above speaking up again.

“The hell are you doing in my bear trap.” Ah. Nevermind then. I gathered the courage to look up now. My sight landed on a boy around my age, looking down at me crouched down at the edge and resting his forearms on his knees.

I saw the boy’s mouth open and then close again when he saw my eyes. Partially the reason why I hesitated looking up at the noise he let out beforehand. One distinctive feature of the Hyuga were their pale, white eyes. The Byakugan. Some see it as a blessing and some as a curse. Easy to identify and capture.

We stared at eachother for awhile in silence. His dark onyx eyes were intimidating to say the least, if considering the only pair of eyes I’ve seen since I was a child were soft white ones. He was probably contemplating if he should just kill me right here on the spot.

“Come on get out of there. There are others around here.” He spoke up rather unfazed by that unofficial staring competition.

“I can’t.” I answered matter-of-factly. Realizing too soon I might have made myself look like a weak foe. Maybe he won’t even see me worthy of saving and kill me right here on the spot-

He leaped down into the hole, landing right in front of me. Yeah I was going to get murdered.

I backed away against the dirt wall as far as I could, unconsciously activating my Byakugan, which only elicits a small huff of a chuckle out of him. “You wouldn’t even know what to do with that.” He said rather unimpressed and crouched down at my feet.

“What hurts?” He asked, seeming way too bothered for someone who was doing this voluntarily.

“Ankle.” I replied barely above a whisper and let the veins around my eyes relax back into their former state.

When he looked down at my ankle and I was going to let out a small sigh of gratitude he suddenly gripped it roughly and held it up slightly. Nevermind, he was going to kill me right here on the spot.

“You fucking brute!-“ I yelled in sudden agony and he let it fall back again. “Ah, Sorry. Didnt think you’d be that fragile.”

I came down from the adrenaline the pain had let surge through me very fast because of that statement and instead felt myself get even more frustrated than before. “You grasped it as if it was hardwood. Who wouldn’t react the way I did-“

“Shh.” He shushed me. He goddamn shushed me. I wondered if I gathered enough chakra into my palm I would be able to pierce his throat with one strike-

“Get on my back, that will be easier.” I was interrupted from my homicidal thoughts when I processed his offer.

“I’m quite heavy-“ he turned around and offered me his back. Basically telling me to get to it and shut up. “Alright then.”

I got onto his back hesitantly, not exactly comfortable with being this close to or touching someone that could potentially be carrying me to my dungeon cell.

He hosted me up with an offensive amount of minimal effort and casually strode towards the opposing wall and started walking on it. I gripped his shoulders more tightly as he carried us up nonchalantly. He irritated me for some reason, which he shouldn’t because he was apparently rescuing me right now.

“Does your ankle hurt that much that you’re gritting your teeth?” He asked as he continued walking and I swallowed thickly at being exposed. “Uh no just tense.” I replied while cursing myself for being so obvious. “Do you know your way back?” He asked just when he reached the top. “Of course I do.” I retorted a bit offended but tried to edge myself to be more civil this time. “Well?” He asked, tilting his head behind his shoulder slightly. “Well what?” I replied briskly. “Well which way is it.” He said and huffed out his frustration at my poor conclusive thinking skills. “Ah- to the east.” I said and got more comfortable on his back. He hoisted me up a bit higher and started jogging ahead which caught me off guard a bit. “I should probably thank you instead of… well, being a brat. Thank you. I appreciate it.” I offered after feeling guilty for being so difficult. He just shrugged his shoulders and I smiled a slightly.

“So what’s your name?” I asked while looking behind me if Kagura was anywhere in sight. She wasn’t. Of course she wasn’t. I shook my head as he replied. “Uchiha, Madara.”

I tensed up the moment that name rolled off his tongue, cautiously looking down at his long, black disheveled hair. “U-uchiha?” I spoke with a soft stutter and he looked back at me while jogging. “Problem?” He asked with a hint of a smile. “No, not at all.” I replied quickly. Partially because I always believed prejudice is the venom of this world…and partially because I was scared shitless.

It’s not like it was a secret either. The Uchiha are one of the most feared clans to ever exist… and yet I was being saved by one with no reason to help me.

“What’s your name?” He asked after a brief silence, most likely noticing I had gone completely still. “Hyuga, Kōhi.” I replied with feigned confidence to hide my alertness. He sputtered a scoff. “Is something funny?” I asked while tilting my head to search for his face and raising an eyebrow in disapproval, not that he could see it. “Really? Did your parents hate you that much for deciding to name you ‘newcomer’?”

I furrowed my brows and spoke up quickly “no- not like that. It’s Kō - hi. Not Kōhi.” I searched for his face after explaining it and realized he had already moved on. First he ridicules my name and then just brushes it off. “You’re ill mannered.” I say to him after scoffing and looking to the side, only receiving a hum and a shrug in return.

I perked up when the estate was finally visible. I looked down at his hair, his form still hoisting me up as he walked directly towards to the main entrance. “Hey— No! What are you doing?! You can’t just walk up in there like you own the place!” I whisper-yelled at him as I fumbled to get down from his back, ultimately falling down on my back as he let go off my thighs.

“Oi.” I froze in fear as he casually called over the guard at the door. When the guard took notice of him he immediately rushed over, already getting into a fighting stance. “I found him in the forest. I want the rescue fund the Hyuga give out for finding lost members.”

I looked up at him dumbfounded. My shock turned first turned into confusion, then a surging feeling of betrayal, and then lastly fury. He used me for money. He didn’t do it out of the kindness of his heart nor any motive to become friends. That sly son of a-

The guard scoffed and I startled. He looked over at me with a judgemental gaze and then lowered it onto Madara. He turned around and gave the other guard at the gate a signal and then turned back to me. “Go inside already..” he said annoyed and disapprovingly, looking back as the the other guard rushed over with a satchel of coins.

I got up, keeping my eyes on Madara, raising my eyebrows in surprise at his indifferent features as he caught my gaze. He caught the satchel with one hand as the guard tossed it over and then turned to me promptly. “Don’t take it to heart.” He said with the slightest hint of a smirk a man could muster while looking me up and down once then turning around and retreating back into the forest.

The only thought that ran through my head was the earlier one which included my palm straight through his neck. As the guards brought me inside Kagura finally rushed over, hair damp, clothes disheveled and with a worried tone asked what was going on. I gave her a quick annoyed glance and pinched her arm. While walking back inside and into the dormitories I listened to her barrage of apologies while secretly thinking over that whole interaction with that Uchiha.

If he was only out for the money ,why did he go through all that throuble of getting to know me? Or even conversing with me for that matter. As I brushed Kagura off and sat down on the neatly made futon, I couldn’t help but think through every single detail about my interaction with him…the whole night, secretly, deep down hoping we might meet again.

How frustrating.

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