Gone [Naruto fanfic]

#25

I scavenged the library for two whole hours, trying to find anything that could help with my predicament. In the end, I only found a handful of books that might be useful and would be able to tell me what I wanted to know.

It would have to do.

I opened the door to my apartment. Books were stacked everywhere, on the table next to the sofa, on the kitchen counter, and anywhere else whey I could find space. They were books about Earth style jutsus, chakra, human anatomy, ophthalmology, optics, and many more. Zaara complained about how heavy the box she had carried for me was because of all the books inside, but I brushed off her complaints.

I immediately walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and an apple, then sat down and began to read faster than I ever had before.

It was midnight when I finished. I read through almost all of the books about art jutsu carefully, and had practiced a few of the jutsus as much as I could. One of them I definitely needed to practice more on, one I seemed to do fine with but I didn't like very much, and the other I had mastered.

Yawning, I stretched out my tired muscles. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, and I was going to need all sleep I could get.

                       *****

BEEP! BEEP! BEEEP!

Slamming my hand down on the new alarm clock, I opened my eyes groggily. Sitting up, I tried to rub the sleep out of my eyes. I walked to the window and peeked through the blinds.

-If I didn't know what was going to happen, I would've thought today would have been a beautiful day.

*Don't waste time moping about it wimp, that's not going to solve anything.

Sighing heavily, I replied mentally.

-For once I think you're right.

*Since when have I not been?

-Hey, can I ask you something?

*Hmph... what do you want, wimp?

-I've known that I'm a Jinchuriki for three months now, and I still don't know your name or what Bijuu you are.

*I do not need to divulge that information, wimp. My business is my business.

-Well you're the one who's using my body as a 'home' and I don't remember you ever paying any rent!

*Are you trying to pull a 'Naruto' on me? Because it's not working.

-Oh come on! If we're possibly going to die, I at least want to know who the owner of the mysterious and sarcastic voice is!

*Are you really that dumb wimp? I told you before, no. N-O!

-You're too stubborn for our own good. You know that, right?

*On the contrary wimp, you are the stubborn one.

Growling in frustration, I stomped over to my closet and got ready for what was to come.

After packing my bag and eating breakfast, I headed straight for the training grounds to practice the new jutsus one more time.

I practiced, and then practiced some more. Before I knew it several hours had passed by and it was nearly noon, but I felt confident in myself and the things I had learned. I pocketed my new sketchbook, which was already half-full, and started to leave.

"That was impressive."

I whipped around, scanning the trees. I spotted Kakashi sitting on a shadowy branch of a tree nearby.

"Why were you spying on me? I didn't think you were going to be here since today was technically a day off from training."

"But that didn't stop you now, did it?" He sprang off the branch and landed at the foot of the tree, then walked toward me.

"How long have you been practicing those jutsu?" He asked, a mixture of nonchalance and curiosity in his voice.

"I don't see why that's important."

"Suit yourself." He began to walk away.

"Since last night." I grumbled under my breath. I didn't think he could hear me, but then he stiffened, and spun on his heel.

"Since last night?"

"Yeah, so? They weren't that hard. They are art based jutsu, I practically live and breathe the stuff." I insisted.

"I thought you were just unusually good at catching on to things, but that's insane!"

"And what about you? You can learn a jutsu just by looking at it with your sharingan!"

"Yes, it's called a sharingan for a reason. It was meant to do that. But you don't have one and you've never seen anyone do those!"

I could feel this was starting to turn into an argument.

"Why does that matter? Do I have to be special to be able to work hard and use my head to figure things out?! I'm sure that if anyone else put their mind to it, they could do the same!"

Kakashi-sensei heaved a sigh as he looked away. He was clearly trying to make a point, I just couldn't see it.

"Why do you even find this so interesting? I'm a fast-learner, so what?"

"I don't think you realize the magnitude of your ability. I have to use a sharingan to learn jutsu quickly, and others born with a kekkei genkai can sometimes take years to master it's abilities even though most of it should be instinct; you don't have any of those and yet you still managed to nearly get up to same level as most of them. And in a matter of months nonetheless! "

"Why is it so weird to you that I'm a fast learner? And honestly, I think this conversation is fairly pointless."

Kakashi was about to retort, but just then, a ninja appeared behind Kakashi.

"The Hokage needs you both at her office immediately." He announced gravely.

My gut twisted into a thousand uncomfortable knots, as I glanced at Kakashi. He looked back at me, his eye wide as a silent feeling of understanding passed between us.

This was happening. The Sand village had been attacked.

"We'll be right there."

The ninja nodded solemnly, then disappeared.

It was time to go.

=============================GAAAHHH! Someone help me with these feels dammit! (>o<)