[Chapter 31: We no Longer in Part One y'all]

"So you're training under the Hokage," I commented. In front of me, the bubblegum girl nodded her head eagerly with fist pumped up to her chest. I giggled, "Must be nice."

"She's really strict though!" Sakura exclaimed, coming to the same walking pace as me. Her hands were no longer accompanied by her gloves but with white bandages now. She smiled, "But it's just what I need to improve!"

Now you must be wondering: what kind of intro was this? Well, it's been a few days now and I was now on a schedule: wake up, jog around the village in the morning, die by Shiori's hand, do some solo d-ranked missions, and then die again but with free time. It's a bit busy, I know. But it just happened and I can't really get rid of it now.

Anyways, I just inhaled through my nose, wiping away the cold sweat from my forehead. "I don't know, at least your teacher doesn't try to kill you every five seconds!" She stared at me, in such a way that one would do when they saw someone doing the dirty in a dumpster.

"Do I even want to ask?" My friend mumbled out.

"You're already asking but eh, it is what it is." Came my reply. It is what it is, I repeated in my mind. I shed a fake tear, despite Sakura's confusion. If only this place had the same kind of humor...! I then blinked, feeling a certain rumble along the ground.

And for once, I wasn't being crazy. "Do you hear that?" The kunoichi asked, turning around only to gasp. I tilted her head, following suit only to, Huh, stare at the dusk cloud that was quickly coming at us. I wonder if that's the stampede that killed Mufasa.

"Megumi-chan, we have to move!" Sakura yelled out, suddenly grabbing my arm and dashing out of the way. Awww, I nuzzled my cheek against her hold, despite her look darted at me, she cares~! I mean, I may have almost died from the dust cloud that just ran past us at like Mach speed but she cares!

"Oi!!!" The pinkette yelled at it. From within my view, I saw it instantly skid to a stop, only to reveal the green beast himself. "Lee!"

"Ah!" Lee exclaimed with glee, running up to us with just the slightest of sweat on him. He grinned, "What are you doing here so early in the morning?!"

He was immediately met with a punch to the head.

"Cha—! Watch where you're going!" Sakura screamed into his ear. The boy fell to the ground from the force with a yelp. I giggled in amusement, releasing myself to go help the older male.

"Yes— yes..." Lee murmured, clutching his head with bandages hands.

I covered my mouth with my hand, "Sorry about that," I apologized for my friend. I then poked his cheek, "but you did almost run over us!"

"I see!" He suddenly rose up, a fist clenched. "To repent, I will add another 100 push-ups to my workout!"

Sakura, for what seemed to be the millionth time this morning, stared at him weirdly. "Isn't that a bit too much?"

I just giggled, "Well it's nice to see you well, Lee," With a hand, I twirled a lock of hair. "But to answer your question, I started doing runs every morning!"

The enthusiastic, no, youthful child then dramatically gasped, grasping my hands suddenly. Woah! "Megumi-chan, let's run together!" There were stars in his eyes, I don't even know how.

Even then, all I did was a gasp. "To the glorious sunset?!" I played along gleefully with a wide smile.

"Yes!"

"No!" Sakura objected, splitting us with furrowed brows. She then turned at me, "Didn't you just tell me that you had Shiori teaching you?"

I sagged, my arms falling to my sides, "Don't remind me...!" I whined. No offense, Shiori's fine but... Waking from being poisoned is worse than a hangover! Maybe. I don't know, I never had alcohol. Turning my attention back to the dark-haired dork, I smiled once more, "But sure, I would love too!"

And that's how I would end up suffering from having a running partner.

╹ꇴ

Genjutsu is the art of illusion.

They affect the five senses that humans regular use: smell, sight, taste, hearing, and touch. Castors utilize their chakras to manipulate their opponents' brain and nervous systems, weaving them into their own doom.

That's what the textbook said but...

It really feels like I'm going to my own doom!

Glancing at my surroundings with kunai in hand, I eased my shallow breaths. In, and out. In and out. I was crouching behind a tree, weaving my chakra together to veil myself from my attacker.

If you couldn't guess, Shi-Shi was trying to kill— I mean, train me again. But instead of working on my chakra control, I was now focusing on Genjutsu: an Uchiha's specialty.

Anyways, I relaxed my posture with an inaudible sigh, but not enough to stand unguarded. My eyes darted towards the soft sound of the wind. Was that them? My eyes narrowed, readying myself to body-flicker.

All of the sudden, a small drop of water fell down before me— they're here. I took off, dashing away as the tree behind me was instantly chopped off, falling as a long stream of floating water replaced it. As if it had a will of its own, the liquid then targeted me, surging forward with speed.

I pouted, if only it was solid.

Twirling around, I dodged its slippery attacks with fluttery steps before moving my hands into some very familiar hand signs. "Katon," A hand came close to my mouth. "Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" With a large exhale, I blew the water away with a huge fireball.

They clashed, and before soon, the air was filled with hot steam. That'll give at least some time. I noted internally. Lifting my kunai, I focused on finding my teacher. I could barely feel it, but his chakra source is coming right at me! My heartbeat accelerated faster as I sensed something moving right at me. Behind!

Twisting my back, I blocked a sendon from stabbing me. There was Shiori finally taking an appearance behind me, staring at me with slanted red eyes. My grip on my weapon grew tighter as I struggled against his. Don't let it touch you! I chanted in my head.

In my peripheral vision, I saw the pink-haired individual lifting up his leg for a side sweep. My eyes widened, pushing away his senbon to then jump. As his leg inches closer, I landed on top of it, crouching down to then fling my kunai at him.

In a quick second, the shinobi arched his back, launching me forward with his leg as he did so. I flew forward, positioning myself so that I would land my feet onto a near tree. Using that momentum, I flung myself back at him, my Sharingan activating on. With a blink, I cast a genjutsu, grabbing another kunai from my hostler.

Shiori, moved his arm, a smaller stream of water dancing around him. He pushed his hand forward, the water shooting at me. My eyes widened: I couldn't stop my flight. With a gasp, I came in and—

—Shattered like glass.

The adult's water dropped, his arm falling to his side. I was gone, and now he didn't know where. His posture fell back into a normal stance, seeming to not bother searching for me. For that, if I were to get away, he would know. The forest was silent, so silent that the soft chirping of the birds and chatter of small animals could be heard.

Thank you, Neo, for that idea. I smiled from where I was hidden. Now, I don't have that much time: should I retreat or fight? I probably should have explained further about what we're doing: it's sort of like cat and mouse but then the mouse has the chance to be done with the cat's bullshit and kill the cat. Hm... he's a higher level but they're also not going all out... But I don't wanna die...

Wait. My eyes narrowed, is he really standing there—? I sharply took a breath when it suddenly poofed, that's a—

I jumped off of the tree branch, falling as I looked up to see Shiori where I just was. I blinked, so he knew I was there! Flipping myself around, my feet landed on the soft grass before pushing off again, backflipping as the adult came down too.

He threw multiple poisoned needles at me, making me block them with my weapon on hand. I pursued forward. Clash over clash, we did not back down. I narrowed my eyes, even with my Sharingan, he's pretty fast!

Kick. Step, step— dodge! Swing— now block! Those words were yelling at me in my mind. With a sidekick to his stomach, I pushed him away to form another set of hand signs. "Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu!" I spewed out the fire, aiming at the ninja's face. Using his chakra, Shiori just guided his water at it, efficiently taking it out.

I sighed through my nose despite the new steam, why'd he have to be a water bender? I mean— it's cool but I don't wanna pass out again! Chucking yet another set of kunai, I stepped back to add more distance between us. If only arson was allowed...

I took a breath— only to find out that I couldn't. I tried to gasp, suddenly finding a cool sensation around my neck. My eyes grew widened, he still had water?! As the steam dissipated, there was a senbon right in front of me, being held by a smirking Shiori. The liquid loosened, but just enough to let me know that I couldn't escape.

I pouted, my arms falling to my side, "How many times do I need to use fire for your goddamn water to evaporate?!" I whined childishly, my back sagging slightly.

The water released itself away from me, suddenly dropping to the dirt. "The air is filled with water." He explained with quick fingers. I gave a high-pitched groan, of course, he can do that! He's freaking too OP! I dropped my ass onto the ground.

He stepped closer to me, putting back his needle. "For having horrid chakra control, little genjutsu skills, and a childish attitude," I squeaked dramatically. "You have improved significantly well."

I only paused to look at him before I giggled, "Yay! Maybe I'll someday even be able to create my own jutsu!"

"Why would you want to do that?"

"Because," I shrugged. "Naruto and Sasuke will soon create their own jutsu and I think it's cool."

"It may be 'cool' but it could very well kill you." The ninja narrowed their eyes at me, "There's no need to develop one with your skills."

I blinked, "Awwwww~!" I gushed, despite the subtle insult, inching closer to my teacher. "Shi-Shi, are you actually," I paused for dramatic effect, "Worrying about me?!"

"Hardly."

I puffed my cheeks, "You're just like Hiro and dum dum..." I commented under my breath. Never accepting my affection...

✧✧

Dear Megumi,

How have you been? I hope that you are fine, though if we are thinking this chronologically, you're at least a little down. I'm sorry that we couldn't change anything about this but hopefully, we can in the future.

You must be wondering, how did Gaara summon Riku when he doesn't have a contract. Well, I have created a sort of... special seal that lets anyone use my summoning without a contract. Oh, don't worry! They must have my permission to do so.

Oh, and please relay to Hiro that I'll be sending a vulture to him too! I don't want him to feel left out.

I'll be waiting for a reply soon. Please either burn this or keep it away in a seal. And please treat Riku well, he's a very affectionate bird!

A friend,

Kugui

I giggled at the Akasuna's letter, she somehow became formal and adorable! I hummed, tilting my head, maybe it goes down with the family?

Crumbling up the letter, I threw it up in the air, blowing a small fireball at it to erase its existence. The vulture beside me squawked, pecking at me lightly. I laughed, turning around to ruffle its feathers. "Sorry, sorry, I just had to get rid of it fast."

Moving away, I twirled a pencil between my fingers. I guess I should write back.

⁽

"I can't believe I'm saying it but I'm gonna miss you," Sakura said, looking back at the blond.

The boy chuckled, scratching behind his neck, "Oh come on, Sakura-chan!"

It was a few days later in the morning, where I stood under the gates along with Hiro, Sakura, and Hinata to bid Naruto and Jiraiya well. I just giggled, at least he didn't just ditch everyone as he did in the original. "I'm gonna miss you~!" I exclaimed childishly, rushing you to hug the adorable cutie.

Naruto immediately embraced back, laughing as he did so. "I'm gonna too!"

"Naruto-kun," Hinata called out, stepping forward. The young girl held a wrapped bento at him, a small smile gracing her beautiful face. "I'll miss you too."

The female Hyuuga was instantly brought into the hug. She squeaked. Awww, my ship is getting closer.

Releasing himself from us, the blond grinned with a thumbs up, holding Hinata's bento in his other hand. "We'll meet again and when ya see me, I'll be super strong, dattebayo!"

I giggled, stepping away to let the future love birds some space. With hands behind my back, I walked next to Hiro. "So," I dragged out the word with a smile. He darted his eyes at me. "Are ya protective-brother instincts going haywire?"

The boy huffed, albeit a little annoyed, as the grip of his crossed arms became tighter. He averted his gaze from me. "Oh, course not." He shifted his body to be away, his brows furrowing. He knows. "Look. I think we both know that Naruto's an idiot—"

"A very adoring idiot!"

Hiro stared at me before continuing. "But I know he's a good person. It's just," He gritted his teeth in slight disdain.

I giggled, peering closer to the boy in denial. "Oh, you little tsun tsun~ it's perfectly normal to want the best for her!"

"Don't call me that!" The dark-haired male shot back. I placed a hand in front of my mouth to "hide" my amusement.

"Oi, you brat!" Jiraiya near us called out. "Let's get on the road already!"

"I know, I know!" Naruto shouted back. Looking back at us, he smiled once more, though it seemed a bit forced. I hummed, leaving Hiro's side to pat the kid on the head. "He-hey!"

I giggled, lifting my hand away. "Don't worry Naruto! Us nor Ichiraku Ramen are going anywhere."

He blinked. And then relaxed. "...you'll water all my plants, right?" He questioned in a small voice.

My facial features softened. "Not just me, Hinata too!" I replied back with my smile stretching wider.

"E-Eh?!"

"Just go along with it," Sakura told the shorter girl with a smile.

"Naruto!"

"Ok!" The protagonist yelled at the sannin in an annoyed tone. Stepping away, he clutched the strings of his back and with his other hand, waved brightly at us. "I'm going now!"

"Travel safe Naruto-kun!" My adorable Hyuuga baby exclaimed back.

"You better be back soon!" Sakura added with a wave in the air.

I could only smile at them, lifting both of my hands to wave as Hiro approached my side.

And, just like that, he was gone.

Extra:

"You know what I just realized?"

Hiro besides me arched a brow, rotating his body at me. "What?"

For comedic effect, I groaned loudly, my back slouching as my arms fell. "The next few years are going to be so boring~!"

"...Why am I surprised?"