I am a Dancer (Naruto fanfiction)

18: Irritating Frustrations

"Hirano! There you are!" Sakura exclaimed, spotting me in the crowd. I lit up and reached her in seconds, embracing her tightly. "Where did you run off to? I was worried!"

"Oh, just doing my exam," I reassured her. "Ibiki-san from the torture and interrogation force gave me an opportunity to be officially part of his team and graduate from the Academy if I could pass this test."

"Are you okay? Is everything fine right now?" Sakura asked, looking me over for injuries.

"I'm all good, thanks. I've gone through tough training, just like you guys! I'm not going to fall behind!" I said, smiling brightly at her.

"Training--? Oh. Ha. As if," Sakura snorts, crossing her arms as we walked along the street. "All we do is run errands around the village. Kakashi Sensei never teaches us anything; he's always reading his book. This is the first time we've actually been outside the village!"

"Not even Chakra control?"

"Oh, we're doing that now," Sakura waved it aside. "But I guess it's only because we had encountered Zabuza previously. In fact," she pulls me closer. "Zabuza might actually be still alive."

"What? Didn't that hunter kill him?" I asked, confused.

"That hunter might be working with Zabuza."

"Oh. I guess that kind of makes sense. It's pretty smart to have backup waiting in the shadows and save you at the right moment."

"Anyways, I've got to go now," she said, stepping away from me. "I'll be at the docks. Will you come see us later?"

"Maybe, once I complete the exam," I said, nodding. "See you then!"

"Good luck, Hirano!"

I waved back and returned to the outskirts of the village, looking for the campsite Anko had set up.

"Hey," Anko called. "Come over here."

"You wanted to see me?" I asked.

"Hirano, we have a few more exams for you to do and we'll have your results!" Anko exclaimed, slinging her arms around me. "Ready to be done?"

"Yes!" Anko slapped me on the back.

"Fantastic! See this? Take them back to Ibiki by ten in the evening," she said, pointing to the large sack. My eyes widened. The sack was as big as a rice barrel! Anko couldn't be serious--

One look at Anko was enough to remind me that Anko was most likely dead serious. I looked over the sack. "Uh, what's in here?" I poked the sack suspiciously.

"Just some scrolls, some important stuff, and the like," she said vaguely. I sighed and looked at it.

"When should I leave?"

"Maybe now. It's quite a long distance from here all the way back home." I reluctantly hoisted the sack onto my back, groaning at its weight.

"Okay. I'll be going then."

"Good luck!" She slapped me on the back, making me glare at her when her back was turned.

"Let's get this over with." I began making my way out of the village.

Ten grueling hours later, I was walking on the road towards Konoha, feeling the strain on my entire body. My arms were sore, my legs were shaky, and my breathing was uneven. I wanted to sleep, but if I stopped right now, it would be even harder to get up afterwards.

"Curse this load and whatnot," I hissed, every my face dripping with sweat. "What time is it anyway? Four in the afternoon?" Every minute that passed, the sack grew heavier.

Another hour later, I couldn't keep going much longer. I dropped the sack and crumpled to the ground in exhaustion. Anko's first test for me for this exam was a distant memory as I rolled onto my back. I panted, feeling for my water bottle attached to the side of my hip. I savored that gulp of stale water, feeling it course down my dry throat. My eyes slid shut, feeling the soreness behind the eyelids.

I sat on the ground, watching the sun setting behind me. I had no clue what time it was. For all I know, I could be in a genjutsu, losing more energy and thus, fail the exam.

"Come on, get up, Hirano!" I muttered to myself, willing my tired legs to move. "You can do this."

While I muttered encouragements to myself, a sudden flash back came to me.

Nine year old me stood on the wooden floors of a dance studio in front of a large woman. I wore a blue cropped tank top and black shorts. Sweat dripped down my face, and my hands were clutched behind my back.

"Hirano, when you do your turns, you have to spot! How many times do I have to tell you?!"

I blinked, losing the memory as quickly as it came. Then, a second one came.

"I can do this!" Nine year old me chanted, practicing in the studio by myself. "I'm not going to lose to anyone!"

Then, the large woman came back in and stared at me for a moment. When I stopped, she clapped her hands. "That's how you spot your turns, Hirano. Don't ever forget that."

Nine year old me lit up in a bright smile. "Yes, Miss--"

I snapped out of my memory. Who was that woman? My teacher? My mother? My aunt? Why can't I remember my family?!

I shook my head sharply, smacking my hands together.

No, I can't afford to lose anymore time. I'll worry about that later! I need to get to Konoha and pass this exam!

I hoisted the sack over my shoulders and got back onto the road once more. I'm going to pass this exam and leave the Academy!