Never Let Go [Hiatus]

Part II, Chapter 7- Metamorphosis

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Madara's POV

By the end of our second year, we had more or less gotten used to the intensity of our training. The drills and practice we had found to be torturous in the past now became nothing more than warm-ups, for the tough days had molded us into warriors. Through the years, we had grown and matured to be amongst the strongest in our guild.

'Oh my! Look at you, Hanami! Who would have thought you would grow into such beauty!'

We turned to see Hanami blushing in her kimono. It was the New Year and for once, Kaede had suggested we celebrate it with the locals in the village we were passing through. I smiled. I had never seen Hanami dressed up like a proper girl before. We were always training in sweatshirts and pants. To think that she could be this beautiful with makeup and pretty clothes.

I took a lingering look at her. Her chocolate brown waves fell to her waist, bouncing as she walked. But what mesmerized me most was her eyes. Her dark eyes that seemed to stand out from the blush on her cheeks and the pink lipstick she wore. My eyes trailed to her kimono. It was bright red, embroided with small sakura flowers and tied with a silky black obi. I rolled my eyes. 

'I was just wondering..' I raised my voice for the rest to hear, '... how all of you were so easily fooled by her looks. You know she's a demon!' I exclaimed.

'Oh, you mean dangerous with her bow and arrow?'

'Or her shurikens?'

Everyone knew of Hanami's unparable skill in archery and shuriken throwing. In fact,as long as it involves a target, Hanami was the person you can count on. No matter the distance or the size, Hanami never misses her target.

'Stop flattering me.. I-I'm not that good.. I'm hopeless with the sword, unlike you guys...'

'Yeah yeah yeah! Gin onii-chan! We heard you beat Kaede-sama in swordfighting! He said you were the first to beat him in swordfighting!' the kids grew excited at the topic and surrounded Gin, pleading with him to tell them more. The adults smiled and nodded their heads. Gin rubbed the back of his head, a little embarrassed at the attention he was getting.

'Ahem! Calm down, people! You haven't met the greatest of saint yet!' Hide yelled to the noisy crowd that had gathered around Gin.

'Who who who?' the kids asked, their eyes shining with eagerness and curiosity. Hide placed one foot on a rock and rested his left hand on his hips. Puffing out his chest, he lifted his head proudly and jerked his thumb towards himself.

'Me.'

It was met with silence.

'Aww! Seriously, Hide!'

'That was a good joke!'

'Thanks! I haven't laughed in a while!' someone called out.

The crowd made him the laughing stock. Even Hanami giggled beneath the sleeves of her kimono but Hide was unperturbed by the mockery.

'Don't laugh, guys! Hide's really good too! No one can compare to his speed and agility. He doesn't need flashy weapons like us. All he needs is a kunai - maybe two - and you'll be dead even before you know it.' I had just finished talking when a cry resounded within the crowd. We turned to the source and saw Hide behind a man, holding a knife against his neck.