Songs For The Heartbroken: That's What You Get

Chapter 10

I stared blankly at the piece of paper in my hand for a good couple of minutes; not hearing a word of what Akira-sensei was saying. This was it, we were going to do it. Once I got Shisui to sign the permit and filled out the registration in my hands, I would be officially enrolled in that year's chunin exams. Unlike my team mates, I had to make sure the person in charge of my household signed a permit. This was due to my early graduation, and the fact that I was, at least, two years younger than the rest of the participants.

I looked up to my team mates in a daze, and then back to Sansei. Was he insane? Did he really think two twelve year olds and a ten year old could become chunin? To me, an airhead, a kid with a bad attitude and an Uchiha without the Sharingan, were definitely not promotion material. Chunin lead teams into battle; they made critical decision and were in charge of the safety of their team. At the age of ten, I wasn't sure I could bear having the blood of my comrades in my hands.

But I couldn't hide in the safety of a genin team either.

Being a kunoichi had been my dream ever since I could remember, and the thought of backing down now didn't sit well with me. I had also promised myself not to be a burden to my brother, and staying a genin would be like breaking that promise. I looked down at the registration in my hands once again and sighed. I knew what I had to do; it wasn't about being a good shinobi anymore, clan pride be damned. Someone had to have Shisui's back, and being a genin wouldn't cut it.

Taka and Hotaka didn't seem too bothered by the implications of becoming a chunin, and as I watched them listen to Akira-sensei with bright, excited faces I realized. They needed me too. The day when we would lose someone dear grew closer with each mission, yes; but when it happened I had to be there for them. Not only my team, but also Itachi, Sasuke and Naruto needed me as well. They were all pursuing or going to pursue a shinobi career, and they would need me to support them, to fight those battles they couldn't.

It wasn't about wanting to become stronger anymore, it was about having to; because if I didn't protect what was precious to me, nobody would.

"Akane-chan, are you listening?" asked Akira-sensei with a sigh.

All three members of my team were now looking at me, expecting an answer. They were looking at me intently, like they never thought they'd get to see me lot in thought. Generally, that was Taka-kun's job, so the fact that the one spacing out was me, was something new to them apparently.

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry sensei, please continue." I apologized, feeling my face heat up a bit.

The jonin continued to explain the terms under which we could enter the chunin exams. The fact that a three man team was compulsory to enroll, helped solidify my decision. I couldn't refuse to participate and deny my team the opportunity. So with that in mind, and the awareness that to be stronger meant to be able to protect others, the decision was made for me. And there was no going back from it.

...

"It's been a while..." I whispered as I let my friend in. "Haven't really seen you much since last time. How's your new team mate doing?"

Itachi took his sandals off swiftly and put them aside before stepping onto the wooden floor. It had been a while since I'd had to attempt to pick up the broken pieces his last mission had left behind. After that day, I'd expected to see less of him; I was sure once Fugaku-sama found out about his Sharingan, he'd have him train even harder than he had up until that point. That added to team practice and missions left little room for other things, so I could understand his absence. But now there he was, knocking on my door at five am ready for morning training; just as he had done so long ago.

"We are doing a quite decent job, thanks for asking." He answered as we both made our way to my back yard. "I heard you were hurt during training, I'm sorry I didn't come to visit, It's been..."