Raptured ◈ Sasuke Uchiha

XXVII

Kakashi declared for us to take a break. I remained impassive, I took a very long break ever since this happened. He had dismissed us earlier since there was going to be a festival before the final round of the chunin exam. I was upset that they had forced me to forfeit but I couldn't do anything. I was in my weakest state and if I were to battle it out with another genin, I would have large chances of losing.

I glanced at Sasuke who stood up from practicing. "Aren't you going at the festival?" He scoffed in reply, crossing his arms to his chest. "Are you an idiot? Of course not. It's bothersome and It won't help me with my training."  A small smile grazed my lips. "I'm surprised to see you talking a lot of words than a few." He suddenly looked bewildered and took it in defense. "No, that's not  it." He placed his kunais back to his weapon pouch. "Sasuke, take Kakashi's words into consideration. Too much is bad, especially when it involves training. It could make you so fatigue that you couldn't barely reach the final exam." His eyebrows twitched in irritation, probably because I was right.

"Fine." We both walked straight ahead. He mumbled a few words under his breath, striding in the same pace as me. There were no words of exchange after, but we already know what we wanted to know. His hands were inside his pockets, looking from afar. Mine clutched my white sword with my right hand, a slow chatter echoed each step I took. I know this was only temporary. And soon after, you'll be chasing you're goal in successfully killing the murderer of your heart, your life, your family. As what I always hummed in mind, "There's always calm after the storm." He suddenly stopped making me look at him curiously. "Akane, what would you do if I abandon this so called bond?" I slowly chuckled humorlessly. "Why the sudden question?"

"Just answer." I sighed turning my head at the side. "We exist to co exist. One cannot simply live alone for himself. A ninja could never be a ninja without someone to protect for. A teacher couldn't be called as such without the student. A doctor couldn't be called a doctor without a patient. One cannot label himself without others. Such as an avenger couldn't be called without having someone he despises of. So Sasuke.." My lines made me feel like an old soul, that made me feel I have lived longer to see those experiences. "Even if you broke the bond, there's always a person affected by your decision. No matter how you cut yourself from the society, there are people that would take the consequences of your decisions. Cutting the bond won't help it." I saw one of his hands formed to a tight fist. "It's a domino effect." I shrugged, continuing to walk, letting him think for himself.

I woke up early than I should be, letting the sun's rays give me warmth that I needed. My hand reached out to my sword, watching it. The irony, I couldn't even implement what I had just told the raven male. Soon after, I would kill my mother's murderer as well. I had no any other goal. Although I had no recollection of memories with her, maybe finding the culprit can help me find what my reason of living was. Are you proud of me now? Mom? I thought, sliding my hands with its sheath.

Everyone was busy than usual with the upcoming festival. Merchants and travellers alike from the different elemental nations would come and watch this once in a year opportunity. Girls of my age were going shopping, hopefully finding their perfect boyfriend. Colorful yukatas and kimonos were sold from different stores. Tonight, I would wear my mom's left clothing. Maybe if I think or act like her, I could gather information from strangers about the death of my mother's clan. I suddenly cringed when I think about impersonating my deceased mother.

I was off to just walk around the village, despite of the injuries left underneath my leg. If I was going to exert mysef with using myself, I could be permanently crippled anytime soon. The wounds inside me felt small and would probably heal within the week. My eyes darted at colorful small flaglets and small stores would be opened this night. I glanced to see a boutique where Sakura and Ino went to get their dresses. I turned to my left to see Naruto's back sitting, surely eating ramen at Ichiraku's. My foot firmly planted to the ground when suddenly an old guy with long wild hair came running while a bunch of angry women followed suit. My eyes widened when his way came to mine. "Move out of the way!" He couldn't seem to stop running since he ran at a fast pace and would take more friction from his foot to stop him. "Baka! Move out!" A tall figure suddenly pushed us together, landing at the side. He quickly fell on top of me, shielding me away from the angry mob.

My eyes remained close as his hand was gripping something. "What?" My cheeks were a beet red from embarassment as the man was groping curiously. Sharingan activated, I turned to him seriously. His eyes quickly widened in realization when he turned to look at his hand. "I- I'm sorry." Sasuke said softly, letting his hand go. My arms went and hid my chest tightly. "Be careful where your hands might travel next time." I glared at him, still feeling the lingering part of his hand. He suddenly gulped, steam came out of his ears. His hand went to stretch the collar of his shirt, red marred his skin from his fault.

Sounds of slippers came soon after. "Are you guys alright?" Came the voices of Ino, Sakura, Naruto and some of the genins in our village. Concerns were clearly written on their faces. I managed to fake my awkward situation with a small sweatdrop. "I- I'm ok. I couldn't properly move my legs properly due to my injuries." The Inuzuka kid sighed, but he eyed me warily, probably smelling something going on between me and the male Uchiha.