Pov: Naruto
"Hmm... let me sleep... idiot" I mumble to the man trying to wake me.
*Swiff!*
I get picked up and pced on someone's back as I awake to see the back of Kenzo's head.
"O!" I shout and hug him.
"Let yourself sleep- idiot" He retorts and carries me out the hospital and into the cool night air.
"You better? You looked all pale and bloody in the shower... and those wounds..." I ask him hesitantly.
"Pale and bloody from my body doing weird stuff again- sorry for making you worried, don't worry about anything alright- I will always be safe" He reassures me and I hug his back silently as we walk through a park.
...
"Those wounds Kenzo... they were old ones... they looked less than good O" I remind him.
He says nothing as we walk in silence.
"They weren't nothing O, what where they? Why did you have them? When did you get them? Was it when you disappeared?" I ask Kenzo who sighs.
"Yes, its nothing so stop asking alright" He says in a serious tone.
"You aren't calm today O... did something bad happen" I hold my breath and wait.
"Yes- yes it did! I cant trust anyone in this stupid vilge and yet everyone expects me to- I had a tiny little secret to protect myself and do only that, and yet everyone else thinks its their property 'obviously', why is it not fine for me to be prepared, why is it expected that I throw away my life for others- why am I even here!? In this vilge? In this pce at that rotten to the core orphanage- why not literally anywhere else on this pnet!? I can tell you why- because its boring everywhere else, I am here because most the interesting torture for me to go through is here- all I am is entertainment, all I do is train and all I do with that is fight low level scum- fight, train, fight, torture, fight, train, fight, torture- that's it! That's all I do!" He suddenly starts ranting to me and continues on until he sms open and closes our apartment door.
As I drop from his back and watch him enter the shower I look around awkwardly as the tension in the air is high.
He was... angrier than normal.
About five minutes ter he comes back out all smiles.
...
"Goodnight Naruto" He says calmly before jumping onto his bed and falling asleep.
What- what was that- he just- but-
"Kenzo!" I kick his bed and watch him shake.
He goes from yelling angrily and then super calm within five minutes? Why? What happened in that shower? I feel like I am not breathing!
"What?" He asks nonchantly.
"Are you fine?" I ask him and stare at his blindfold...
"Yes. Totally?" He asks confused.
...
"What is with you? Your angry one minute and calm the next- you have scars all over you and are in pain all the time, you fainted in the shower and lost a lot of blood-" I start to rant to him.
"Its fine- I told you, I am alright entirely" Kenzo yawns and interrupts me.
"Its not!" I yell at him.
...
"Are... you fine?" Kenzo asks.
"No! My brother is hiding secrets from me and apparently is in horrendous pain all the time" I yell back.
"I'm sorry- I didn't mean to-" Kenzo sits upright and gestures for me to calm down.
"Didn't mean to what!? Close yourself off to me!? I'm struggling to help you all the time and you never let me!!" I yell even louder.
"Calm down Naruto" Kenzo warns me sternly.
"I JUST WANT TO HELP YOU TOO!" I yell loudly.
*Trip!*
I fall back onto my butt and gulp... what... what is happening- why do I feel so scared?
"Kenzo...?" I ask in a frightened tone as he stares at me- stares...? I can feel his very worried and panicked stare.
"Naruto? Are you feeling better..?" Kenzo asks me and approaches me- I shuffle back hurriedly.
"Oh- sorry, sorry Naruto, I am so sorry" Kenzo stops staring at me and walks up to me to give a hug.
"What was that?" I ask and hug him back.
"That was... the reason I wear a blindfold, why I must be blindfolded- don't worry, I have it all under control... are you okay?" He asks me.
"I'm fine... sorry for yelling at you" I say and suddenly feel a wave of fatigue.
"You are fine Naruto... lets rest, sorry for making you feel lonely even when I am around" Kenzo apologises and we both eventually get up to go to bed.
---
Pov: Kenzo
Now I know why they call him the demon brat- his anger gave way to shifted features... a wave of demonic chakra... more importantly was the second song silently oozing from my brothers gut.
A song of rage and wrath... a song of anger and pain.
*Knock Knock*
I suppose that is the sensor ninja- or Lord Hokage... someone would have sensed that chakra.
I get up and head for the door, unlocking it I see the Hokage... I see therefore I stare.
I will find answers to my brothers dilemma.
---
-next day-
Pov: Ino
"Finally- I thought that css would never end~" I whine and stretch as I leave the cssroom.
"I know! So boring!" I hear Naruto shout out from behind me.
"Ugh- why do you even tolerate that guy" Sakura asks me and makes a disgusted expression.
...
"That was a tone harsher Sakura- what's up with you today?" I ask her.
"You haven't heard? Ino... you know 'those' rumours?" She whispers to me with concern.
"What are 'those' rumours?" I reply.
"The Monster Kenzo- you haven't heard it at all? Apparently he is doing experiments on himself and injured many in the process... they say he can turn into a freakish beast!" Sakura tells me as we walk put of school.
?
"Monster... Kenzo?" I ask worried.
"Yeah- my parents said not to go near him in case he shes out, apparently even some ninja wanted to confirm the rumours and didn't get back any answer... you know what that means!" Sakura squeals in worry.
"Monster? Kenzo?" I ask one st time with some confusion pstered on my face.
"Are you even listening?" Sakura asks with a deadpan face.
"Monster.... Kenzo... why? Why would anyone believe that?" I ask her.
"Because according to rumour its technically true- I know you cant believe everything, but if it was a lie would it spread so fast and have everyone talking about it?" Sakura asks back.
Kenzo is now a monster? Who would spread such idiotic lies? Why would anyone believe that? Is it something that happened on his C-rank mission?
Is he in need of help? What experiments could he have done on himself and why would he even try to do something like that? If it works and he is more powerful why would anyone hate him for that?
Who did he injure? Should I get him some flowers? Get well soon? Is he even hurt or anything?
"You don't still have a crush on him do you?" Sakura raises her eyebrow at me and I weakly smile back.
"What! Seriously!? Give it up Ino, he doesn't like you and all these rumours do is point out how dangerous it is to hang out with him anymore!" Sakura gasps.
...
"Ino!" Sakura squeels as I look away with a small blush.
Its not that stupid- I am pretty sure those rumours are false anyhow, no way has Kenzo gone off the deep end! And I don't mind if he is a little crazy... maybe...
"What does it matter anyway?" I retort.
"Kenzo is a monster Ino! Monster!" Sakura shouts.
"How would you know!?" I yell back.
"Everyone is saying it!" Sakura squeals at me.
*Dash*
"Ino! Wait!" Sakura yells as I run off home.
What happened with Kenzo? I have to ask Dad, he definitely knows what's up!
---
Pov: Katsuko
"I'm home" I mumble out to my family.
"Hn" My dad replies from the kitchen.
"Welcome home!" My mother shouts as well.
I look into the kitchen and see my parents are in there... they are looking at my photo for our team, Sensei, Kanata, me and Kenzo.
"Katsuko, sit down wont you? Have some tea" Mum pulls out a seat and I look around at them nervously.
"Why do you have my team photo?" I ask and grab the tea Mum hands me.
"Because of that boy- you know he is the one from the rumours, I had our neighbour over to look at it and they confirmed it- no lying Katsuko, is Kenzo on your team?" Mother asks me with concern.
"Yeah... I know you said to look out for him, but he is so kind and, and-" I try to reason up any excuse but my father interrupts me by sighing deeply.
"Katsuko- that's what horrible people do, they get you in their web and when you lower your guard they strike, that boy is dangerous do you hear? He injured multiple hospital workers- one even had to go into surgery because of him" My Father says in that deep disappointed tone.
I grip the ends of my shirt and look down with shaky eyes.
"Katsuko, Katsuko... its alright, he cant hurt you if your not on his team- just ask your sensei to repce the boy or have yourself transferred" Mother tells me.
"That's not how that works..." I reply in a shaky mumble.
"Why not? He is going to hurt you, just tell the dy to have him leave" Father spits out rudely.
"We cant force others to quit on a ninja team..." I say.
"Then transfer yourself, get a new team" Mother says and pats my shoulder.
"But... I cant" I respond helplessly.
"Why not?" My father asks sternly.
"I would get moved to the genin corps... these jonin teams are for the specially trained..." I tell them.
"So? Its not like your going anywhere else, just get a job in the genin pce now and build up from there" Father smacks the table as if saying 'And that's that!'
"Fumio! Don't say that- she can do... just fine in a team" Mother tells father.
"With your sisters swordsmanship? Yeah... sure... even ignoring that you want her with that monster?" Dad
...
The table goes silent and I hold back my tears as both parents insult me more by not saying anything... I am worthless... everyone thinks so...
"I cant..." I say one more time and get up from the table.
"Katsuko! You have to!" Mother sternly tells me.
"Listen to your mother Katsuko" Father grumbles as well.
...
I dash away from the table and rush up to my room, I climb out my window and onto the roof... I sit down hugging my sword and I cry silently into the evening sun.
....
...
..?
I watch Kenzo and his younger brother pour paint down my neighbours house... that's a good colour choice, really compliments the roof tiles...
*Sniffle*
I wipe my tears away and look at what they are doing... I watch them ugh and start to draw scary monster pictures in the paint- I have never seen Kenzo so mischievous before... huh, that's funny.
Kenzo slowly turns while ughing and waves at me, I wave back- but stop remembering that he is blind, he turns back around and continues getting paint all over him as him and his brother mess around.
...
Why cant my family be like that? How do I even approach my team to tell them I have to quit? If I do... do they all have to quit too? Kurenai-sensei said that we are a team now and need to work together for that chunin exam thing... but what worth am I on this team?
I hug my sword tighter and my lip quivers in sadness as I watch the brothers run from my angry neighbour.
---
-Next day-
Pov: Kanata
*Ssh!*
"Stop that!" I yell and duck under the kunai attack.
"Why?" Kenzo replies.
"You could pierce my head! At least attack below the neck!" I yell back and raise my hands to complete a wind jutsu.
*Smack!*
He smacks my hands down and punches my shoulder before sweeping my legs from under me.
"How... haaa- do you... haaa- always win? Where did you learn all that?" Kenzo reaches down and I compliment him as he picks me up off the floor.
"Here and there... mainly here though- why? You want to try out some after hours training?" Kenzo smirks at me and raises his brow.
After dark? Yuck, I have to practice violin at that time.
"Nope" I wave my hand flippantly.
"Well you get what you put in, so remember that next time you feel weak during a mission" Kenzo stretches and preps for the next spar.
...
Kurenai-sensei is still talking to Katsuko? What's even up with her tely?
"Oh yeah- that monster thing? You secretly a demon thing now?" I ask and ready my kunai, ninjutsu is too slow at this range.
"Monster? Its accurate... and the rumours aren't untrue..." Kenzo murmurs and juggles three kunai as he approaches.
"So.. new funky kekkai genkai? From what I know training with you, you get those all the time right?" I ask and watch him closely... very closely so he doesn't surprise me.
"Pretty much, still trying to get it down... but I learnt how to do this recently" Kenzo unches at me and drops all his kunai.
I raise my hands to block any attack and witness his hand turn very pale white, cracks appear on it and it shifts into a cw with sharp ends.
*Woosh!*
I barely dodge backwards and receive a ssh to my shirt.
...
Woah.
"Your hand... is that bone?" I ask with my eyes wide.
"Yeah- pretty cool right?" Kenzo says and he holds his wrist and visibly struggles to turn it back.
"Still working it all out though... releasing the forms are fine, just have to learn them- the hard part is turning back right now" Kenzo tells me as his hand forms back to normal human hands.
"You are a monster... badass" I mutter and smile.
"Hehehe- you aren't going to catch up to me with this new upgrade, even if you did stop pying violin" Kenzo tells me and I frown.
...
"I'm sure I could- and no, I am not doing any night training" I reply.
"Why do you love that violin so much?" Kenzo asks with an inquisitive tone.
"Reasons... at least one good one" I respond and sigh.
"Care to share?" Kenzo asks.
"...fine- It was my mothers dream for me to be successful as a musician- but I don't have her, or anyone else to rely on anymore... I needed money and the Academy was free to learn for aspiring ninja... thought I would become forever genin and save up enough to start my music career, I can still do that, just need to quit this after helping you and Katsuko get Chunin or whatever..." I tell him and let out a deep breath.
Should let him know I am quitting sooner rather than ter.
"My condolences, I have rarely heard you py the violin... but I am certain you would succeed with what I have heard" Kenzo tells me and I sit on the grass.
"Maybe... maybe not" I reply.
"Maybe not he says- you are going to have to convince yourself before others Kanata" Kenzo shakes his head and sits next to me.
"I don't know man... I love music, but I also- I just don't know, I feel lost" I let out a breath and stare off into the trees.
"Sounds like a problem- what drives your passion for music now? You mention led your mother... but that was ages ago wasn't it?" Kenzo asks.
"I.. I just miss her music- and she wanted me to be one of the best I am sure... I just don't have much leverage in what I want to do I guess, my wrists just hurt whenever I don't py long and I don't know why- so many things are happening and I didn't expect to be picked for a team... I think me and Katsuko both know that we were picked only because you needed teamates" I tell him.
"Hmm... do you like being a ninja though? The tough missions and horrible work hours?" Kenzo replies.
"I suppose I love to see people smile when we complete a mission- natural people pleaser I suppose... wish I had more than that but fights are hard and I need more practice in two completely different fields" I say slowly.
"So you cant decide on what to do huh? Would your mother disprove of you being a ninja?" Kenzo asks.
"Yeah... my mother? No not at all, she would be happy no matter what I chose in life, I just don't want to disappoint her you know..? But I am also sick of jumping into two different paths trying to find something..." I sigh and yawn as I y down on the grass.
"Why don't you test if you really want to be a ninja? Try some extracurricur training for a bit and do the bare minimum violin stuff... if you hate it then quit- simple as that" Kenzo suggests.
...
"Extracurricur how?" I ask.
"How about this, give me a week and I will get back to you with something cool to learn? A Kenzo special just for you" Kenzo tells me and I nod slowly.
A week, I can back out if I don't want to do it, that's fair enough for me.
"Alright- bets on" I nod my head resolutely and he chuckles before getting up and picking his kunai.
"Where are you going?" I ask.
"Prep for you my friend, enjoy music for your st week" Kenzo chuckles and starts walking away.
...
Prep? How? I hope I am not doing that much work that he needs a week of preparation.
I get up and sp my face- lets focus up and try it out, if not I can go straight back to practicing music like he said.
Thanks for reading :)
