Team 101: Enemies of Fate (A Naruto Fanfic)

Chapter Nineteen: Ramen

I trudged back to Ichiraku's, Kakashi casually strolling about a metre behind me, reading. After around two hours of continuous questioning, he seemed to be content with his work, and finally let me leave the stables. Tanno, rather reluctantly, said goodbye, and that it was nice to meet me and that he wanted to see me again. I was quite happy with the request; there was no place quite like the stables. Naruto had supposedly been released from hospital after a brief check-up; all vital organs were intact. I wanted to go and see him, but Kakashi said that he needed to get me home before it was too dark. I would see Naruto at school, anyways, he said. I protested and argued, but he wouldn't change his mind. I gave up. I kicked up pebbles from the dusty ground as I walked, deep in thought about the life in the Leaf.

"Don't think too much, Tora, it'll hurt a little brain like yours!" Kakashi joked. I rolled my eyes,

"You know, Kakashi, if there ever was anyone who wanted to commit suicide, they would just have to go to you. Know why? 'Cause if they climbed up to your ego, and jumped down to your I.Q., I'm pretty sure it would be over very quick." I snapped back, smirking, very proud of my comeback.

"Oh...ouch. Wait-- I don't get it!" Kakashi chuckled, acting dumb purely to annoy me. I glared at him over my shoulder, sighing, "You know, 'cause my I.Q. is... Nevermind."

"That's what I thought." I muttered. Idiot. Yujin licked my ear gently, sending goosebumps down my back. I scratched her ear back, enjoying the sensation of her purring vibrations shooting through my body. If anything in the world could make me calm, it would be Yujin's purring. I continued ahead of Kakashi, enjoying the soft chirp of the crickets, and the faint clanking of bowls and laughter as I neared the town centre. Soft bubbles of light bloomed in and around the huts, as shadows of people flitted between them, "Oh! I almost forgot... The graduation ceremony is tomorrow!" I said to myself. It was nothing important, but for some reason I felt incredibly nervous. I turned to ask Kakashi something, but he had vanished. I sighed; classic Kakashi. Always gone the moment you actually need him. I continued back down the street, and turned left, walking toward the small ramen hut that emitted glorious smells. I saw two people sitting under the banner, hunched over a bowl, and immediately noticed Naruto's brightly coloured orange and blue jumpsuit. I grinned, and ran over to him,

"Heya, Naruto!" I greeted, waving. He leapt up, grinning from ear to ear, a bit of noodle stuck to his chin,

"Aiko! Hi!" He ran up to me, and threw his arms around my waist, hugging me tight. I froze up, not expecting the sudden reaction. I patted his head awkwardly,

"It's nice to see you too, Naruto..." I smiled,

"You saved my life, Aiko! I couldn't have done that if I were in that situation! Phwoar, maybe you'll be Hokage before me! I won't let that happen... I'll have to beat you first!" He chuckled, and stepped back, running back to the other person, who I assumed was Iruka. Walking over to the door, I saw Ayame glancing outside. Immediately, I knew what-- or who, to be precise-- she was looking for.

"He's gone, sorry... He just kinda left." I shrugged. She shrugged back, and pulled me in for a quick hug. Again, I froze up. Too much physical contact..

"Aww... Tell him I said hi if you see him, mkay?" She giggled, and poked my nose. I wrinkled it in annoyance, and leapt up the stairs to my room. I dumped my stuff on the floor, quickly untied my hair and let it loose, brushing it roughly. Yujin hopped down to the bed, and curled up.

"Lazy..." I muttered. Yujin mewled and attacked my toe through my socks. I cried out, and grabbed my toe, "Yujin, you little --!" I stopped, and breathed slowly, regaining control.

'That's it child... Be afraid... Be cautious... Don't offend me at all... I can kill you without even a bat of my eye... Don't step out of line!'

"Fine... But I'm not happy about it..." I muttered inside my head. The Matatabi had been talking to me a lot recently, and it had really gotten on my nerves. When I looked somewhat presentable, I leapt down the stairs. Naruto was finishing his third bowl of Ramen, and Iruka was laughing. I nodded to Iruka,

"Hello, sensei, how are you?"

"Ah, Aiko! I'm alright, more importantly, how are you? You must feel dreadful after the fall! That was incredible, what you did." He smiled,

"No, no, really I'm ok. Thank you for asking. Also, it was only my gut reaction to what was happening; after all, I couldn't let a ninja as fine as Naruto die, could I?" I smiled softly at him, and saw his cheeks and ears turn a visible shade of red as I praised him. Iruka chuckles,

"I'm inclined to agree there, Aiko! A little brushing up wouldn't hurt, here and there, but overall... I think we have a future Hokage on our hands!" Iruka looked to Naruto, who was practically a tomato convert by now. I knew how much it meant to him, and seeing him so hopeful seemed to melt my heart. I didn't know why, but I seemed to look down on Naruto as a junior... I've always felt like that, even towards kids my age. It's a problem; I end up bossing them around, and then they get angry... Not ideal. I felt better around Neji, probably because he was older and more mature than anyone else. I was probably most comfortable, though I regretted it, around Kakashi.

Ichiraku grinned at me and slid over a large bowl of chicken ramen with extra udon noodles. I smiled, and bowed my head in thanks, but declined it politely,

"Thanks for making it, but do you mind if I eat a little later? I'm not particularily hungry right now." I said. Ichiraku nodded,

"Sure thing, kid, just let me know when you are!"

"Ok, will do." I sat next to Iruka, watching in silence as Naruto asked to try Iruka's headband on. Iruka said no. Naruto had a fit. I sighed, when would he learn? My thoughts were interrupted by Ayame.

"Hey, Aiko, I made a cake, but I forgot to buy some strawberries to decorate... Would you mind coming with me to get some?" She asked, picking up a small basket and removing her chef apron and hat. Underneath she was wearing a sky blue tunic and white leggings. I nodded,

"Sure, gimme a sec." I said, and turned to Naruto, "I'll see you tomorrow, 'Kay? We're gonna smash this graduation exam!" I ruffled his hair. Naruto grinned, and stuck his thumb up.

"Believe it!"

'This kid is getting annoying... Just let me obliterate him!'

'Shut up! You wouldn't dare...'

'Hmm, oh I would... But there's something strange about him. I believe he is also a jinchurriki, but I'm not sure. Watch out for him, brat.'

'Pfft, why would I listen to you?'

'Remember what your mother said... I'm protecting you, brat, so don't step out of line!'

I sighed in exasperation. I would deal with him later. For now, I had a job to do. I waved to Naruto and Iruka as Yujin and I followed Ayame down the road.