Songs For The Heartbroken: That's What You Get

Chapter 3

The Academy's entrance ceremony was considered a very important affair for shinobi, maybe as important as graduation. This was because it was a child's first steps into shinobi life; into adulthood. Yes, a twelve year old was in fact a child, but not if they had graduated from the academy. Shinobi, regardless of their rank, were adults; and as adults they were expected to carry out their duty properly and being good examples for the population as representatives of the hidden village.

They were expected to be responsible with their actions and own up to their mistakes; age aside. A six year old genin had the same chances of ending up in prison (or worse, in the T&I building) as a thirty year old jonin; and that was mostly the reason why, graduating classes at the academy never exceeded the thirty people mark a year. Parents did not like the idea of their children going off to war at the age of twelve, even if peace talks had already started.

The ceremony was quite simple, with speeches from the Academy's director and the Hokage himself. Both of them had a way with words, but being addressed and encouraged by the strongest shinobi in the village, had an effect that I hadn't anticipated. Even if I had suspected both speeches would have an element of shinobi glorification and had expected it to sound a lot like brain washing, I was not prepared to receive honesty.

The Hokage believed what he was saying; he knew it to be true; he believed every single one of us would become a shinobi worth remembering, someone who would have an active role in shaping the village's future. He spoke of the dangers that find their way into a shinobi's life whether they want it or not and how many times these dangers would become sorrows, but it would be our duty as ninja of Konoha to put our personal troubles aside so as to do our job to the best of our abilities. We would become shinobi and sacrifice ourselves so that others didn't have to.

It made me high on enthusiasm and determination at the time, not that I noticed what exactly had happened, I would later realize just how well planned the academy's teaching method was, psychologically speaking. But even after realizing what they had done back then, I couldn't help but thank Kami for the words I heard that day. If it wasn't for the loyalty Konoha shinobi hold for their village, and on a lower scale their comrades, the Land of Fire would have never had been able to achieve such military strength.

When the ceremony was over, we were allowed thirty minutes before the start of classes; presumably so that we could receive some last minute encouragement from our families. Unfortunately, Shisui had been on a mission then, so as every other student talked to their parents, I sat outside the academy walls patiently waiting for the crowd to leave.

With Obito-nii gone during the war and our grandparents killed on the nine tails' attack, the only person whom I spoke with other than my brother was Itachi. But there were times, sporadic and far from each other, when my cousin's only remaining team mate paid a visit. It felt a lot like he was searching for any trace of Obito he could find, and had after a long time, found one in me. I didn't mind though, I missed my cousin, the only one who was not an outright ass with a silver spoon up his crack actually; so even if it was for selfish reasons I wouldn't push Kakashi away just yet. He was awkward and quiet in most social affairs, but I liked to think it wasn't the case with me. Yes, we were silent most times, but it was comfortable, understanding. He wanted to feel whatever was left of his team mates in this world, and I just didn't want to be alone.

"I just got back from a mission, bumped into your brother on my way back" said Kakashi as he sat beside me, having appeared seemingly out of nowhere. "He says he's sorry he couldn't be here and that he would treat you to okonomiyaki once he gets back."

I didn't answer, I knew Shisui was sorry for not being there and he tried to be there whenever his job allowed him to; but sometimes I just couldn't help being selfish. I couldn't help but wanting him to be there.