«There is this transcendental, on another level!
Boy, you're my lucky star
I wanna walk on your wave length
And be there when you vibrate
For you I risk it all
All»
E. T. (Futuristic Lover) (original by Katy Perry)©{?}[This is unreal, this is a new level!
Boy, you're my lucky star,
I want to be on your wavelength!
And even when not everything's fine,
For you I risk it all…
ALL!
Futuristic Lover (translation by Leila from Makhachkala)
Clone's memories.
After creating us, the original didn't wait and ran to Sasuke. Noticing this, Momochi Zabuza just smirked and didn't even try to stop her. He must really overestimate Haku's abilities.
"You're a good one, Kakashi: sending your student to her death," Zabuza taunted with a sly smile. They stood opposite each other but didn't engage. Why is Sensei stalling?
"You're underestimating my students. Sasuke and Ariza are the smartest and strongest graduates, and Naruto is the most unpredictable ninja," Hatake praised us, and my lips curled into a smile on their own. Damn, that feels good!
"You know yourself they won't make it. I turned Haku into a real killing machine," he smiled, baring his teeth.
And I really wondered why Sensei sent my original there? He already knows Haku is strong. And in the anime, without the Nine-Tails, they would've died. Is he testing me to show all my abilities? Some kind of test?
Though his doubts about me are logical. A graduate who passed the practical at fifty percent can't get this strong in such a short time. I showed water walking and vertical surface walking, Body Flicker Technique, good Taijutsu, and just now the original showed Gōkakyū no Jutsu—the Fireball Technique. So there are only four assumptions: first—I'm a spy from an enemy village; second—I have another sensei; third—I'm self-taught; and fourth, the most interesting—I'm a secret Root agent watching the Jinchuriki and the Uchiha clan genius.
Oh, I sense my original's in for trouble… Though maybe not—it depends on this battle.
"Yes, I understand," Kakashi replied to Zabuza's question and lifted his headband to reveal his Sharingan. "They probably won't make it, so I just need to finish you quickly."
"Didn't I say the same technique won't work on me twice?" the swordsman said and formed a seal. "Hiding in Mist!"
After his words, visibility dropped to zero, and I could only listen to the sounds.
"Don't worry, Tazuna-san. We'll protect you," I decided to reassure the man, who was trembling like an aspen leaf.
I look around carefully, but see and hear nothing. Damn, we're dealing with a silent killing pro!
This is useless! Only sensory abilities left, but they can't pinpoint the enemy's location right now since chakra is coming from all directions!
I turn my head and look back into the thick fog. Nothing there, but I feel a bit more chakra. At first, it seemed like it was increasing more and more, and only when there was too much did I dismiss my doubts.
I see a silhouette running at us. Definitely not Kakashi. I quickly circle around Tazuna and get into stance.
Momochi swings his sword, but suddenly Sensei appears in front of me. He takes the blow.
A silent pause ensues. Sensei stands clutching his chest, and Zabuza his sword. He must have wounded him deeply, since a small pool of blood formed beneath him.
"Your mind is fogged, Kakashi, but entertain me more. I want to repay you with pleasure. Don't worry," he gripped his sword more comfortably, "soon Haku will finish your brats, and you'll follow them!"
"A-a-a-a-a!" Sasuke's scream came from the mirrors. "I won't forgive you! I'll kill you!" — And at that moment, all clones except me dispersed.
"And what does that mean?" the architect asked. I just seriously eyed the mirrors and turned back, where three pairs of curious eyes awaited an answer.
"Um… Seems my original's in trouble," I replied calmly, though inside I was far from calm. What happened? From Sasuke's screams, it feels like they killed the original. And the other clones dispersed. I hope the original just lost consciousness. Maybe I have enough chakra to patch her up.
"Ha-ha-ha!" Zabuza started, and his mad laughter gave me chills. "They already finished the girl! Soon you'll all croak!"
I ignored the enemy's speech and looked at Sensei, who stared at me as if I were the original. As if in justification, I shook my head on purpose. I don't even like the thought of my original doing that. Sending a clone there would be tactically correct, but morally low.
Sensei looked at me for another second and turned to the mirrors, leaving me in thought.
I'd have stood there longer if a familiar voice hadn't pulled me from my reverie:
"Uzumaki Naruto has arrived! Now everything will be fine! I'll save everyone!"
This unreliable ninja arrived loudly. Very loudly. There was lots of smoke around him, and he struck a cool pose.
Before I could do a facepalm, I had to save him. Because a second later, a bunch of shuriken flew at him, and he stood like a statue, staring at them.
In an instant, I appeared in front of him and deflected all the weapons.
"Naruto, did you come here to be a target?" At my words, he shook his head. "Better help my original."
"E-e-e… Ariza-chan?!" He looked at me confused, and I subtly pointed to the ice mirrors behind him. "Aah, got it!" He turned. "Okay!"
Um… why did he listen to me? Whatever, he'd just get in the way here anyway; let him help Sasuke there.
I returned to Tazuna, and we stood calmly for a bit longer. Then the "show" began. Screams came from the mirrors again, followed by a horrific chakra aura. It was so vile I grimaced. I never thought Kyuubi's chakra could be this aggressive. Rage boils in it. And the hatred is almost tangible.
Before, I could only occasionally sense the Fox's chakra in Naruto, and it wasn't this… strong.
In an instant, the air heated up. What's the temperature there if it's already hot here?
Suddenly, growls came from Kakashi and Zabuza's side. Seems Sensei summoned dogs. Hm… clever solution. He couldn't see through the fog or hear due to the enemy's ability. So relying on smell was smartest. Our Sensei is truly an amazing shinobi!
At the same time, we heard the sound of breaking glass. Haku flew toward us, apparently hit hard. All the mirrors shattered into tiny shards, and I saw a silhouette.
"What's happening there?" the architect whipped his head around. We didn't know where to look. Everywhere—the battle's intensity.
"Looks like they're having fun without us," I tried to joke lightly, though it wasn't funny. Unfortunately, the architect didn't get my failed joke.
Suddenly, from Kakashi's side, we heard the sound of a thousand birds, and I couldn't help looking. Is he using his signature technique?
"Oh, the fog's clearing!" Tazuna exclaimed behind me.
"Indeed…" I looked around.
The scene sharpened a bit, but Sensei's side still showed only silhouettes. We'd see nothing more if a strong wind hadn't blown and dispersed the fog. Now we know what happened.
And canon prevailed after all.
I don't get why everything follows canon?! Where are the changes? This is a parallel world!
"Screw it, no time to think about that now," I shook my head, dismissing all thoughts, and looked ahead.
Haku threw himself under Kakashi's technique, protecting Zabuza, who was held by dogs clamped into his flesh.
Momochi tried to use the moment and swung his sword. But the teacher managed to jump away, taking the dead boy with him.
While they stared at each other, I noticed Naruto on the other side, standing and watching like us.
"Naruto, where are Sasuke and the original?!" I shouted.
Silence in response. He just looked and turned away. A very bad premonition.
"Tazuna-san, let's go. If we go together, we won't break orders," I decided to act. I need to find out what happened since the clones vanished and Naruto used Kyuubi chakra.
He nodded, and we ran to Naruto. I hope my assumption is wrong!
"Naruto, stay here and cover us," I said to my comrade, but he just lowered his head.
Not waiting longer, we went on. When we arrived, we froze in horror.
"What the…" I fell silent, unable to find polite words.
Sasuke and the original lay side by side in their own blood, holding hands.
Scanning their wounds, I realized not all was lost. Both could be saved if we act fast.
"Don't mind me, you need to cry in moments like this," the man said shakily and turned away, unable to look.
"Tears won't help here, Tazuna-san. But I can confidently say Sasuke will live."
I didn't stand long and, pulling myself together, headed first to my friend, even though the original was worse off. I just can't start with her!
I knelt beside him and began examining the wounds. He has many injuries, but thank god, no ice shards in his body like the original. First, the chest with several senbon. I pulled the one from the chest cavity, then cleared blood from the lungs and healed the wound. Next senbon were in the abdominal area. One pierced the duodenum, the other the large intestine. I handled them faster and was about to move to those missing vital organs when Tazuna's voice stopped me:
"And you…" the architect asked quietly and swallowed, "…will you live?"
I looked at him, then at the original. She's lost a lot of blood, but her heart's still beating. That's Uzumaki resilience…
"Probably," I replied uncertainly and finally turned to the original. She still has a mission, so I won't let her die on the first assignment.
First, I pulled the needles from the limbs and applied tourniquets. Once done, I extracted the one closest to the heart. As soon as I did, blood gushed like a fountain. It didn't splash my face, but my hands are covered.
Damn! Must've hit a major artery! Good no one pulled these ice shards; there'd be more blood loss. I quickly stopped the bleeding, then worked on internal tissues. Luckily, the other needles missed the spine and heart. I couldn't handle that. Now just connect tissues, nerve endings, vessels, and the rest.
How well it'll heal—who knows, main thing not to leave her crippled.
But no choice.
Time to act!
Several minutes later.
"I did everything I could," I said seriously, exhaling in relief inside.
I connected all bones, muscles, and major vessels, but didn't have strength to fully fuse them.
"Is she dead?" the builder asked in a grave voice.
"No, alive, and I hope she'll live long. Also, Tazuna-san, my chakra's running out soon, but tell Kakashi-sensei there's all the needed ointments and meds in my backpack. And carry her very carefully, or tissues will tear. She also needs a blood transfusion—group B," I said quickly and clearly. Sigh, with more chakra, I'd fuse stronger, not like on snot. Hoping for her regeneration.
Tazuna nodded and wanted to say something, but chakra ran out, and I dispersed.
End of clone memories.
"I didn't think it'd turn out like this, and I'd open my eyes again," I thought, staring at the white ceiling. My head spun a bit, and the bandages pressed painfully on wounds, so I just lay still, not moving, and pondered.
I created cover for myself unknowingly, then forgot about that clone. Seems stupid, but from outside, it looks planned.
The double I left at the house wasn't idle either. After Naruto left, Gato's bandits came, and the clone fought them. But one took Inari's mom and ran. So my clone waited for Uzumaki and chased with him after Tsunami—otherwise, if he went alone, he'd probably disperse, and Naruto wouldn't know where the mercenary went.
But it ended well, and we saved her.
I exhaled in relief and closed my eyes. The sound of waves and seagull cries reached me, and sea air filled the room. All quiet and calm. Like the sea after a night storm, when black waves calm and stop crashing on coastal rocks, and the fog veiling the sky vanishes, letting rising sun rays illuminate the serene ripples with glints.
Nothing more beautiful than this moment, for both post-storm sea and post-victory feast bring peace to the soul. And a fresh view of things and the future.
Someone disrupted this harmony and entered the room. I didn't open my eyes right away—decided to listen and pretend to sleep. I always do that.
"You don't have to pretend," Sasuke said quietly and even quieter continued: "I know you're not asleep."
I opened my eyes, and bright light made me squint. For some reason, when the sun shines, my soul feels pleasant.
"How did you know I wasn't asleep?" I asked quietly and turned my head to the window. For some unknown reason, I lacked courage to look him in the eyes.
"I don't know… just feel it," he came closer, and I smelled pleasant flowers. From the sound, he put them in a vase and sat by the futon.
"How long was I unconscious?"
"Three days."
"Got it…"
Asking Sasuke to tell me what happened next, I fell silent, and my friend began recounting. Nothing supernatural—same as canon: Gato came but Zabuza killed him, and Naruto's clones with villagers gathered by Inari drove off the bandit gang.
He's great; I never doubted him.
But I screwed up. What was I thinking during the battle… Terrible concentration. I need to learn to discard past and future and focus only on the present. Otherwise, I won't go far.
Oh yeah, I should stop my stupid joke attempts; it looks… pathetic. Though it'd be better if I learn. Interesting how it works? How do people joke anyway?
Eh, whatever, hope I find books on it in the village; now better rest.
"Promise you won't do that again," Sasuke said unexpectedly, snapping me from thoughts.
"I don't want to give a promise I might break," I whispered, turning away.
He circled the futon and sat on the other side, so I had to turn away again. Can't look in eyes when I feel guilty. Yes, everyone makes mistakes—it's natural! But I don't forgive myself. After all, one who knows the future—even approximately—has no right to lose!
Every problem, like every task, has a solution. No problem without one: human mind can't fathom it, and reason always twists to find it. Even if unsatisfactory. I'm sure there was a way out of our situation leaving us unscathed. I just lacked the smarts to find it!
"Look at me," he said after a minute. And I felt warm hands cup my face. "Please, Ari."
I didn't resist anymore and opened my eyes. When focused, I saw Sasuke's face very close. His obsidian eyes looked at me worriedly, trying to understand something.
From such closeness, my heart raced fast, and cheeks seemed to blush. Why does he look at me like that?
I tried to turn over, but was caught in not-too-tight embrace preventing movement. And no strength anyway. Whole body aches from fatigue. Gently hugging, he lifted me, closing the distance between us.
"Don't leave me alone," he whispered, and I felt his breath on my face.
"I won't, but I'm scared to lose you too," scared to shivers, to the bones, and can't do anything about it. Fear swallows me whole. Thoughts of them ending up with Devourers after death drive me mad. That's my phobia, and I'm powerless.
"You won't give a promise?" he asked, knowing the answer.
"No. I can't."
"Why?" Uchiha pulled back.
"Because you're very dear to me, more than just a friend," it slipped from my lips, and I pressed them shut.
After seconds, I dared look at Sasuke.
Our gazes met, and he leaned close. We were silent, feeling each other's breath. Only centimeters between our lips. We both understood where it's going.
But we never learned who would've closed the distance first, as someone knocked on the door unexpectedly. Sasuke pulled away, and our mentor's head peeked in. He called Sasuke, who silently left without looking back.
I stared at the door another minute, then sighed heavily.
Just a little left before destroying our years-long friendship. And who'd be at fault? If I wanted it too…
***
We stand at the big gates opening to the continent; pleasant wind blows, and sea surf sounds. Many happy people celebrate this momentous day. The bridge is complete. Now everything will be fine. Mostly adults and Naruto with Inari chat, while I just stay silent and observe.
How wonderful that all bad is behind, but how sad to leave. Just days since I woke—my body's strengthened, and we must leave this welcoming land. Sensei warned we'll go slowly since my wounds aren't fully healed. Sigh, now my "scar collection" has new additions.
Many shinobi are maimed, and I'm no exception. My body's only thirteen, yet seven huge scars and several small ones. All because of my thin pale skin—any scratch leaves a scar if not healed timely.
One scar was left by Sasuke a year ago, and after it, we stopped fighting. Back then in the forest, we sparred as usual, but not just Taijutsu—with tekko-kagi and other bladed weapons. Our fight lasted long, and I lost. Due to my own stupidity.
Sasuke wanted to hit me with Fireball. As I nearly dodged, I accidentally triggered his pre-set trap. Several kunai flew at me, but I didn't notice through Uchiha's fire. One passed through the flames, superheated, and pierced my left palm.
From pain shock, I passed out instantly. Woke in Uchiha clan with bandaged hand. Good Sasuke's mom is a medical ninja. Still, I ran to doctors long after to restore my hand.
But I started getting along with Sasuke's dad. Before, he disliked me and our friendship; now neutral.
From that day, an ugly scar on my palm, hidden under glove. And from then, Sasuke refuses to fight me under any conditions.
A gaze pulled me from memories, and I knew whose. Sasuke stood nearby, looking at me. His gaze said he wants to talk aside, preferably without extra ears.
I haven't spoken to him—embarrassed and turned away each meeting; at table with everyone, avoided his side. And that's half the trouble: sometimes unexpected surges of strong emotions from nothing. What's wrong with my body, and mainly me?
Acting like a little girl, can't pull myself together. Seems I'm really in love. And that second we gazed showed mutual feelings. Can't explain—like an invisible thread between us…
"Kakashi-sensei, can Sasuke and I step aside to talk?" I asked, getting surprised and interested look.
"M-mm… sure, just not long; we're leaving soon," he scratched his head. We just started walking when Naruto and Inari's voices came from behind:
"Big sis Ariza, where you going?" Inari asked tearfully.
"Yeah, really, where you two off to, dattebayo?" Dobe frowned, apparently crying from parting too.
"We'll be back soon, Naruto. We need to clarify something," Sasuke replied quickly.
"Yes, Naruto, don't worry," I added, and using shunshin, we moved to a high tree branch overlooking the village beautifully. Leaves hid us from the world, preventing notice.
From nerves, for a second I felt watched. It worried me a bit, but I focused on Sasuke.
He stood before me, gazing so calmly it unnerved me. Seems he's serious. Heart ready to jump out and burst, legs shaking. I started averting gaze, looking anywhere but Sasuke. He's just too close…
"Ariza, please don't run away from me," he said quietly, not taking his eyes off me. I had to nod, since the lump in my throat prevented me from speaking. "I wanted to apologize to you."
For what? It was I who lied to him, smiling falsely. I can justify myself by saying I can't talk, but that doesn't make my conscience any cleaner.
"N-no need to a-apologize to m-me," I whispered haltingly from the trembling, lowering my head. It's easier for me to speak this way, and I'll find the strength to say everything. God, why do I act like a child in his presence? "It's I who should apologize to you for that moment on the roof. I wasn't offended at you then."
I'm trying to keep my composure, but all attempts fail when Sasuke gently takes my hand and squeezes it softly.
"I know you're not offended, and I don't blame you for anything," Sasuke said tenderly, and I felt him lift my chin. His face was so close that I think I blushed. I hope it's just another emotional glitch that'll pass quickly!
"You knew?" I asked in surprise, though I had my suspicions.
"Ariza, I know more about you than you think, and I even know what you want..." Sasuke smiled in anticipation, and his captivating gaze held some mystery.
"What?!"
I realized what he meant only a moment later, when I felt the tender touch of his lips on mine. Despite my heart beating even harder and a jolt of electricity running through my body, I relaxed. All sounds vanished in an instant.
Only he and I remained.
I just wanted to touch him, but contrary to my desire, I couldn't move or respond to the kiss. My head spun, and my legs could no longer hold me.
Later, I could justify it by saying I dissolved in euphoria. But in reality, I just fainted.
Now I understand you so well, Hinata...
***
Read the story months ahead of the public release — early chapters are available on my Patreon: Granulan