Juugo Uzumaki - Chapter 33

It was a curious thing, as Juugo lowered his arm. "Sakura?" he said, peering down as she wilted to the floor. He hadn't meant to hurt her. "Sakura? Are you alright?"

Juugo kneeled, looking her over as Iruka appeared in a swirl by her side. He glanced at Juugo, suspicion in his eyes as he crouched, asking if Sakura could hear him.

"What happened," he demanded, looking up as he moved Sakura into a more comfortable position. "Juugo!"

The others were coming, nearer and nearer as Juugo backed away. He couldn't say why, only express what he'd wanted to know.

Sakura wasn't like him, she had a family, a life of ease and plenty as Juugo let the growing crowd hide him from view.

Sakura was a pampered girl, who had once bemoaned even the thought of running.

He knew that, had seen that himself.

So why.

Why had she asked he fight her seriously?

"Sakura!"

Ino ran past, slipping through the pairs that had gathered to observe. They all seemed so fascinated, so naïve as Juugo edged towards the forest behind.

They knew nothing of the world, his life from before but a story to them, one they'd never heard.

…

He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Shikamaru walk with Chouji at his side.

They met Juugo's eye, lingering for a moment in his yellow depths. "It was an accident," said Juugo, looking back with a level gaze.

Shikamaru dismissed him, twitching his eyes ahead at the growing fiasco.

…

Juugo glared at his back, seeing them arrive as they ignored him completely.

They judged him so easily, seeing nothing but his fist and a fallen girl.

Had Juugo been anyone else. Anyone but a lowly orphan, would they still see it that way?

…

No.

They wouldn't as Juugo slipped away.

Break.

Iruka could scarcely believe it, as he shook Sakura awake.

"Sakura."

She curled on the ground, groaning as Iruka shooed the students away. "Back into your pairs," he ordered, gesturing with a hand. "You too Ino."

The Yamanaka heir looked him, clearly displeased.

"GO."

She clenched her hands, returned to Kiba. "When I get my hands on him…" she muttered, having seen Sakura fall.

Kiba was waiting for her, ready. "Not now Kiba!"

What was wrong with him, as she turned back around, seeing her friend be helped to her feet.

Juugo had hit her. Hit her hard.

"Ino, we still need to practice," whined Kiba.

She sighed, giving him a heated glare. "Practice on your own," she said, as Sakura slowly walked away.

Iruka was leading her inside, holding the doors along the way.

"Inoooo. Come on!"

She was going to pummel him, as she turned with a ready scowl.

Wait.

"Where's Juugo?"

Her eyes searched for him, checking the other pairs and those in the shade.

He was gone.

…

She'd get him later, next time as Kiba threw his fist.

Break.

Sakura's stomach hurt.

Well, her chest really as she sat with a yogurt in their classroom. "Thank you," she said again, getting a nod from Iruka who was still rummaging in his desk.

He was looking for something, sounding annoyed as he failed to find it.

Sakura opened the pot, dipping the spoon in with quivering arms. She'd noticed how that happened after exercise, at first with the running and then with Ino, who was already far ahead of her when it came to Taijutsu.

Being from a clan seemed to do that, just like Sasuke and the rest who carried their proud names.

Haruno was anything but, just a family of merchants really. It was her Grandparent that was the exception, a Jonin who'd died in the First Shinobi War.

She wanted to be like him, hoped to make her parents proud as Iruka cheered triumphantly. "Finally," he said, holding the granola bar in his hand. "Here, it's good carbohydrate."

Sakura took it gratefully. "This wasn't your lunch was it?" she asked, assuming he kept in the draw.

Iruka smiled kindly.

"Caught me," he said. "I'll get something from the lunchroom. Don't worry."

He turned away, checking the time. "I need to head back. Lunch will be soon," he walked to the door, glancing back to her. "Shall I call your parents?"

…

"No. Thank you Sensei."

She didn't want them to worry. "I'll go to the lunchroom now," she advised, quickly finishing the rest of her yogurt.

It was bad enough telling Iruka the truth, let alone her parents who'd just quiz her on it.

"Perfect. Well done today Sakura, you've improved a lot."

They headed out together, walking through doors as Iruka praised her performance. He hadn't expected much from her, not from a girl of no significant background.

But in the months since starting the Academy, she'd proved him wrong.

Attentive in class. Intelligent. Hard working, despite her initial reservations on the running.

She was one of the best now, as they came to a junction in the corridor.

Sakura waved, wincing as she munched the granola bar. "Thanks again Sensei!"

He waved back, standing at the heavy door that led outside.

"Make sure to rest!"

She nodded, turning away as the door closed with a deep thud. They were always doing that, sounding old and heavy as Sakura walked to the lunchroom, rubbing her chest which hurt terribly.

"Stupid," she muttered, annoyed at herself for pushing too far as she arrived at the lunchroom, which was busy, the older years just finishing as they left in a shuffle.

Sakura walked around them, heading for the food as her arms retrieved a bowl.

Wince.

Juugo really had been holding back, far more than she'd realised as her soup splattered into her bowl. She grabbed a spoon, thinking of the last thing she'd seen before passing out.

It was his eyes that lingered in her mind, and not just the colour but the expression she'd seen, one of… curiosity.

What he'd been curious about, she couldn't think of as she plopped at her allocated table, wondering if he'd just grown tired of her; or she'd annoyed him somehow.

She spooned her soup, not liking the thought. He'd helped her a lot before that, despite how fast his demonstrations were.

Juugo was certainly strong, probably the strongest in their class as Sakura moved her hair away.

That was, at least physically. She'd never seen him use chakra, though nor had she seen Sasuke who was widely accepted as the best.

But Sasuke was an Uchiha, it was a given he'd be amazing at jutsu when compared to her, to Juugo.

They weren't like them, always a step ahead as Sakura tilted, pondering through the steam wafting from her soup.

But Juugo was ahead though.

…

Movement at the doors caught her attention, seeing some of her classmates walking in.

It wasn't long before Ino appeared, looking annoyed as Sakura watched her pour her soup, the queue forming behind her.

She turned soon after, seeing Sakura smiling right at her.

Ino ran towards her, balancing her tray while she raced between the tables. "Sakura!" she shouted, landing with bump at her side.

"Ow."

"Sorry."

Ino touched her arm, looking her over with concern. "You're okay then?" she asked. "You collapsed. Juugo hit you didn't he."

Her mind was already made, with the latter of what she'd said meaning more to her.

"We were sparring," defended Sakura, taking a sip from her soup. "It wasn't his fault."

Ino scoffed.

"Sure," she said, not believing in the slightest as the rest of their class approached as well. "You just fell on his fist, did you?"

She shook her head. Sakura was too kind, squirming even now at the thought of dobbing Juugo in.

"Chouji, what did you see? You were watching from the shade, right?"

Chouji sat across from them, with Shikamaru not far behind as Ino waited impatiently.

"Hey," said Chouji instead, looking kindly at Sakura. "You okay?"

She nodded.

Chouji was nice as he smiled, before clapping his hands in thanks. "Itadakimasu!"

He was a lost cause now, as Shikamaru sat to his side.

Ino looked at him expectantly.

"What?" he said, gesturing with a chop stick. "You were closer."

Ino leaned forward. "Yes," she shot back, glancing at Sakura with a careful look. "But I wasn't sitting under a tree with Chouji!"

He shrugged, looking at his food.

"Shika."

Ino knew he hated that name, feeling infinitely pleased when she heard his suffering sigh. He set his spoon down. "I only saw the punch. Not what came before."

There were clouds today, far more interesting as Sakura drooped her head, rubbing it tiredly as Ino nodded. "What then?"

"Ino. Please," said Sakura, knowing Shikamaru was about to reply.

They looked at her, Chouji too. And Kiba, who'd joined further down.

Sakura would have to tell them. "It wasn't Juugo's fault," she emphasised. "He'd been going easy on me, helping me along. So I…"

She'd wanted to improve, not be babied.

"I asked him to stop holding back," she stated, hearing Ino's confused 'huh'. "Then he got me. I guess."

Sakura felt her hand touch at her chest, unsurprised when it hurt like before. There'd be a bruise there tomorrow, the worst she'd ever had as Ino shuffled near.

Her arm was comforting, understanding as the hall drowned around them. It was busy now, the tables in full swing.

"He hit you. Once?"

Sakura looked up, meeting Shikamaru's eyes as he looked right at her.

She nodded, seeing a guarded look cross his face. He glanced to Chouji, something passing between them as Ino jostled her arm reassuringly.

"We'll get him back," she said, nodding vindictively. "Where is he anyway?"

She looked to the others for an answer, who were loosely listening in.

Nobody knew, all of them having gathered to watch as Sakura frantically shook her head. "No Ino!" she said, angry at the thought. "Juugo's not to blame. It was my fault!"

Sakura was adamant, making her point as she tugged Ino's hair.

"Ah! Alright," squeaked Ino, freeing her hair from Sakura's fingers. "But if we spar, he's going down."

…

"Fine."

Sakura let the subject drop, knowing that was the best she'd get as Ino began to badger Shikamaru about joining her effort.

They wouldn't win, not against Juugo as Sakura wondered where he'd gone, finishing her soup with this thought in mind.

…

He'd be in tomorrow, she'd speak to him then as lunch whittled by.

Break.

Juugo landed in an alley, feeling better after his run through the forest as he kicked the rubbish away. He'd come quite far, circling around towards the Hokage monument as he headed out to the streets.

There were the usual people about, going from here to there as Juugo walked between them, aiming for lunch at a place that wouldn't bother him.

He passed many spots as he went, all filled with patrons enjoying their lunch at tables spilled into the streets.

They chatted. All of them of high society as Juugo saw the Akimichi crest, and others around as he felt the chakra inside the restaurants.

Juugo sighed, coming to a stop near a street that appeared empty. He looked around, being forced to turn as he saw nowhere to go.

He froze.

"Juugo?"

He heard the voice from behind, near the restaurant across the street.

If Juugo hurried, he might avoid the woman now chasing him down, walking with a will he still did not understand.

It was no use, as Juugo stopped with a muted sigh. "Miyumi-sama," he said, turning with a bow.

She smiled brilliantly at him.

"Juugo," she said, appearing perfectly pleased as people shuffled past them. "Are you alright? Where are you going?"

A man glanced at them as he passed, a curious look that matched the others milling around.

Miyumi stepped forward. "You wouldn't be skipping the Academy would you," she teased musically, peering innocently down at him. "I could escort you ba-"

"No."

She tilted, watching as Juugo smiled with difficulty. "I wasn't skipping," he explained. "It's lunchtime, I was just head-"

Miyumi clapped.

"Wonderful!"

She took Juugo's hand, ignoring his look of outrage as she held firm. "You can have lunch with me. Come on."

Juugo resisted weakly, not wanting to cause a scene as they walked to the restaurant she'd just left.

"Miyumi-sama," he tried, looking about at the tables outside as he was tugged to the door. "I need to get back, I don't have time."

Miyumi stopped, turning back with a happy smile. She stepped aside, opening the door for him. "Nonsense. Iruka and I are good friends. Now in you go."

…

"In," she said, nudging him through with a small chuckle. "My treat. Order anything you want."

She stepped around him once the door was closed, letting go of his hand as Juugo followed behind.

He pictured her triumphant smile, feeling unsettled as they arrived at a private table for two.

She'd come here alone then, for some reason as Juugo hopped onto a chair, deciding to inspect the expensive restaurant.

The tables were spaced far apart, with lights that were low and unobtrusive.

"So, Juugo," she said, settling in as she adjusted her fine robes. They had flowers on them, and large sleeves. "How are things at the Academy?"

She leant forward, looking right at him with her pale eyes. He was completely fascinating, as she noticed his reduced chakra field.

It had been bigger before, as Juugo answered politely. "It is great, Miyumi-sama. Iruka teaches very well."

She knew that already.

"Call me Miyumi."

Juugo couldn't know how much it bothered her, nor did he acquiesce on the first try. "Please, it sets me on edge."

A waiter came over, interrupting as Miyumi waved him away.

She was waiting, as Juugo accepted begrudgingly. "My apologies," he said after a moment, still choosing to incline his head. "Miyumi."

How it pleased her to make some progress with the boy, who was perhaps the most stubborn and wilful she'd ever come across.

He'd been avoiding her too. Consistently during her carefully orchestrated 'waits', where she'd force Neji to stand with her.

They gave up after a week, after Neji had refused to continue.

She hadn't given up though, as Juugo retrieved his menu, reading it intently as Miyumi only glanced at hers. "Try the Lobster," she offered, seeing him look for it. "It has an excellent sauce."

He nodded, listening only as he continued to read.

…

Miyumi was right about him, seeing as he read the items one by one, an intensity to his eyes that was difficult to describe.

There was something more to Juugo, hidden beneath what he tried to present, or that others were willing to see from the nameless orphan.

He was polite, well-mannered yet remained reserved, deliberately so in a way she'd only realised in hindsight.

He was hiding something, doing so in the things he said: or didn't say as she watched him lower his menu. "Tuna Steak," he said, meeting her eyes. "With potatoes."

Juugo liked potatoes, as did the chef at the Orphanage.

"Good choice," smiled Miyumi, waving the waiter over. "Ask for it 'well done'."

Miyumi ordered her own. "A jug of water too please."

The waiter jotted, turning to Juugo as he readied his pen.

Juugo ordered the steak, taking Miyumi's advice as the waiter wrote, finishing with a dot as he bowed lightly. "Excellent," he said. "They'll be along shortly."

He left, leaving Juugo with the task of avoiding Miyumi's probing eyes.

Juugo didn't know why he was here.

"Miyumi," he said, seeing her hum openly. "What am I doing here?"

There was a reason, there had to be as Miyumi looked at him, smiling softly while her mind pondered.

His hair was like hers. Almost. His was a little darker that Kushina's, yet they both drew the eye like no others did.

She was her closest friend, it hurt to think of her as Miyumi leaned away. "I am not the one who's been avoiding me," she said, giving him a look. "Most rude. I should think you owe me a little of your time."

Juugo grimaced, knowing she saw as he slumped in his chair.

Miyumi smiled.

"So, how is the Academy really going?"

…

Juugo should have stayed in Kiri.

AN

Some nice Sakura POV in this, pleased with how it went. I like writing Ino in this as well, she's a spoiled brat till she gets a bit older lol.

Don't worry too much about the stuff with Miyumi, she comes in much later. Just doing some foundation. It'll be great.

As ever please do check out my Pa – treon dot com / bactum

I've been thinking about what else I can provide apart from just reading ahead on there, so if anyone would be interested in subscribing but doesn't see what they want, send me a PM and we'll see.

Till next time everyone!!