amethyst solitary (naruto u.)

peripeteia

Manaka wanted to die.

Not because her life has been an endless loophole of tragic catastrophes, no. But because planning her escape without drawing much attention to herself was an immense struggle.

Staying in a world filled with professionally gifted shinobis who don't let anything mild pass their sight without an investigation, Manaka was at a disadvantage reaching for the gates all alone. It will spark a speculation, knowing quite well once she carries her bag containing some travel essentials for survival and trudges toward the exit of the village, it'll very much likely affect brows to rise.

In addition, Tsunade has grown even more stricter than before after Jiraiya's death. The Sannin assigned an ANBU agent to watch over the chakra-less teen upon suspecting the Akatsuki might make a sudden appearance anytime soon. Manaka knew of such a thing since every time she goes out on her own for groceries or takeout, she feels like someone is watching her. However, when she comes to a halt and scans her surroundings, she encounters nothingness.

Still, thanks to Hana's keen perception, she confirmed that there was in fact a presence lingering in the air, certainly eyeing every bit of the raven-haired movements somewhere deep in the shadows. Nevertheless, the young teen was far from giving up.

She acquired a map from the library so she would at least know where she was going, placed a good supply of snacks, a spare of clothes and undergarments, hygiene necessities inside a bag she previously purchased from a store near her apartment complex and finally tried wearing a confident expression despite her body fighting the urge to crumble down from the sheer pressure.

She wanted to make sure everything was arranged properly, that she hadn't forgotten anything significant, and that she could leave without anyone noticing. Who knows how long it'll take her to reach a different village once having begun her journey?

All left on her agenda now was-

...well.

A plan to sneak out without her spy knowing.

Heaving a sigh, Manaka paced back and forth in the middle of her apartment, her arms crossed beneath her chest. She lost count of how many times she has roamed around her room whilst attempting to come up with a clever way to creep without being seen. In the meantime, Hana sat cross-legged with her elbow rested on the small wooden table and her chin against her hand, red irises trailing back and forth, watching her young doppelgänger panic in silence.

The spirit released a tired sigh for like the umpteenth time before finally voicing out after what seemed like an eternity. "You seriously need a break from your overthinking, why don't you sit down already? You've probably burned at least a hundred calories just from walking!"

Manaka brought her thumb close to her mouth and started nibbling on her nail, still in the midst of her disorderly wander. "I can't! My bag is already settled and I need to start moving before sunset. If I don't leave soon, I pretty much won't gain a chance to leave the village ever."

Hana huffed. "I don't think there's much of a choice. This anonymous shinobi won't bat an eyelash once you get spotted out in the open. He's smarter than you think."

Manaka sighed and flopped against her unmade bed. "Then what should I do? Any ideas?"

Hana hummed, standing up straight and inching near the window. She peered through the blinds, instantly capturing a shadow hiding atop a tree branch. The woman then directed her attention back to Manaka and stated the obvious. "He's definitely out there." she said, her words causing the ravenette to slump.

"But, if we were to distract him-" Manaka found herself uncoiling from her droopy posture, "-your departure might turn out to be successful."

Violet eyes widened. "How will I be able to do so?"