Of Crashed Veneers(ABANDONED)

The familiar yearly commotion was happening at the orphanage. Today was the announcement of those who passed exams. There was restless energy around some children. Even if I knew that the test was easy and probably regardless of the outcome I would have been admitted anyway, I still felt nervous.

“Now, now children. I know you are all excited, but there is still an hour before we need to be there” Matron made a futile attempt to calm everyone down.

Before they could even finish their breakfast, they were already out of the door. I also didn’t leg behind.

There was a big crowd before the gates at the Academy. Parents holding hands with their children and different groups of friends chatting excitedly with each other.

Even others from orphanage grouped in their own little cliques.

What a heartwarming sight.

Suddenly I felt so lonely.

But the whole situation felt chaotic. It is nice to observe the crowd from a safe distance, it is rather unpleasant to be in one though.

Yep, just saw two children running around like headless chickens and then rather loudly bumping into each other.

For fucks sake.

They started crying. Definitely civvies children from that were raised in the palm of their parents. Hope, that they are here as family members and not potential students.

I have found tree nearby, where I can peacefully observe from above before everyone disperses. It is not like I was in a hurry like others. I don’t have anyone to share the news with.

Oh, I see daughter of Nohara-sensei. Rei? Roy? Don’t remember her name. She is standing with some boy in orange goggles, no sensei in sight. I suppose he really is extremely busy man.

Now that I look at it. Majority of new recruits are clan children. I wonder if it was always the case or is it war, that made civilians stir away their kids from this path.

Two ordinary looking man came and parted the crowd like Moises parted the sea. Finally, results

I glanced down a bit disdainfully at students practically climbing over each other just to see the roll. I can only wait now.

Suddenly a man appeared with his son, and everyone started quietly whispering. Oho?

I channeled some chakra towards my ears and wanted to listen to interesting drama.

“Eternal Genin” “How shameful” “ Now wants his son to have the same fate”

Oh wow, they really didn’t pull their punches

But this pair was truly so bizarre looking , I almost wanted to go to the hospital to check my eyes. Because certainly it can’t be real. I am already used to all kinds of facial features and fashion choices of shinobi; it is rather unique even among other weirdos.

Two of them were wearing very tight fitting green spandex suit with colourful scarves and leg warmers. Maybe they wanted to match the terrain, we have really big forest from Hashirama trees, that’s why this place is literally called Village Hidden in the Leaves.

But what is the point of orange leg warmers and red scarves. For the autumn?

The most disturbing thing is really just how tight this spandex suit is. I see their muscles flexing with their every move. And I really didn’t want to see that. But it is my own problem, if you don’t like something just avoid it.

I don’t have a habit of judging people by their appearance, because of how often it happened to me. But this time I am judging.

This spandex suit should be burned.

I became somewhat curious about the pair though. Everyone was still gossiping about them as I continued watching from the tree.

The older man sat his son on his shoulder as the boy continued looking for his name on the list. The crowd slowly dwindled down, but they were still standing near it.

“Papa, I can’t find my name” said boy with bushy eyebrows, while river of tears was streaming down his face.

Oh, it seems he didn’t make it

But how bad can you be not to get admitted during war time, when they take pretty much everyone?

“Guy, you pulled all your heart into this exam. There is no way your efforts wouldn’t be rewarded. Your tears are hindering your vision, so wipe them off and search to your heart’s content” he rubbed his eyes and practically imprinted his face on the list.

They were going at it for 10 minutes already, it is clear that he wasn’t admitted. His gentle support is almost cruel at this point. Still, I feel jealous. I also wish to have someone, who will cheer me on no matter what.

Sigh

I dropped from the tree branch and approached the pair. They the only ones left standing there. The results were organised from highest to lowest scores. In the first place was Hatake Kakashi 410 points. The test was divided in 4 segments and the maximum you can get is 100 in each. Is he some sort of genius? I didn’t even know that you can get extra points.

 I scanned the list and found my name right in the 10 place 349 points, not that bad considering that there were 54 new students this year. I lowered my eyes to see the dead last. Uchiha Obito 220 points. I am a bit surprised that he got in with such low scores. Aren’t clan kids supposed to be smart or something? Especially Uchiha. Everyone knows that they are all perfectionists.

My rank that should have filled me with sense of accomplishment felt just empty and bitter, when I looked at their public display of affection as they were crying and hugging each other. I probably would have been extremely embarrassed if I was in his place, but I never had the luxury of experiencing something like that to begin with.

Sigh

Let’s just go training

As I was turning around, I saw the man with silver hair, the one who made me pass out the day, when I almost killed Daiki. Near him was standing the boy with the mask on his face, that covered everything except his eyes and forehead. I think I have seen him in the crowd before. He most definitely stands out among others

Ah, shoot. Should I go thank him for his help? Does he even remember me? I cut my hair, so my face isn’t even seen. He seems to be talking to the spandex duo. This conversation will be awkward, no matter how I look at it.

 Let’s just go.

“Nice to meet you. I am Hatake Sakumo.My son, Kakashi, will be attending Academy starting this year. I hope our children will get along well” he smiled warmly, and his eyes crinkled into crescents. Ah, first place guy

They were standing right at the exit. I tried to leave as quietly as possible not to attract any attention to myself.

I inwardly winced. He was just being polite parent; he didn’t know about other’s situation.

“ I am Might Dai and my son Might Guy, nice to meet you. I am afraid my child didn’t make it this year” the shoulders of the boy dropped further down

I could see him regretting even starting this conversation as he laughed nervously.

“ Ah, then maybe more luck next year” the beads of sweat were forming on his face.

“ Dad, he failed the Academy entrance exam, you can’t get in just by being lucky, only with talent and effort. I heard, that he can’t do any ninjutsu or genjutsu. He will never become a shinobi” he said it with almost bored expression on his face.

He said all of this without any malice. He didn’t intend to hurt him, just merely stated facts. Oftentimes it is these childish words that can scar someone for life and become the reason of crushed confidence and self esteem.

Sakumo ruffled his hair “Don’t be rude, Kakashi” he started apologising to them.

Kakashi snorted and folded his hands “But you were ruder than me just a moment ago. It is not a laughing matter. Come on, we need to go, or we will be late” he tugged the sleeve of his father.

I finally managed to get away from them and breathed the sigh of relief.  That Hatake kid was a bit rude, but he wasn’t wrong. If he really can’t do any ninjutsu or genjutsu, then his options are extremely limited to the point that it is easier just to be a civilian.

I heard shout behind and glanced back “Your name is Hatake Kakashi, right? Thank you for your kind words of support” he smiled and showed his thumbs up. Kakashi’s dumbfounded expression was mirroring my own.

Still, I smiled and snorted “What a peculiar guy. Maybe he will make it”

At that moment his outfit, which I previously disdained, seemed to bring out more of his boundless optimism. Not everyone can take criticism and words of discouragement as something to motivate themselves with.

I certainly couldn’t.

The flat was extremely run down, I could see chipped paint and suspicious stains on the walls, which were paper thin and soundproofed absolutely nothing. The view from the only small window in it was showing the exact same building as this one and it was so close that I could see what my neighbours were doing. Thank God, there are curtains here.

Still, I absolutely adored it, it is my flat, which I don’t have to share with anyone.

We were pretty much kicked out of the orphanage; caretakers shoved us in this flats and told us how and where to get a stipend. The only thing they have given us that can help out in the future is a cookbook with easy recipes.

Well, from now on I am entirely on my own, not that it changes anything much to be honest. Just more chores added to my to-do list.

I looked at myself at the mirror. I made quite scary impression. Mop of the hair that hides my face and bandaged arms to the shoulders. Not the most unique look but certainly not a friendly one.  I like it.

It is better for others to be scared of me, than me being scared of them.

“1 A… room 1A. This whole place is so confusing, this is definitely on purpose.”

I have finally found my class and walked in , instantly I could feel multiple gazes on me like I am some bug under a microscope. I am used to the stares already, so I brushed them off pretty quickly.

Soon the sound of chatter and laughter filled the room again. I have found an empty spot near the window at the back raw and immediately went there.

All night long today I was suffering from nightmares again. I wonder when they will stop, maybe never, just new material will be added later on and old will be forgotten.

Whatever positive feelings I had for this special day were quickly overpowered by the sleepiness, that occupied every single cell in my body. I decided that I could observe my classmates some other time in the future and nap is the most important to me right now.

 I already made makeshift pillow from my books, when suddenly whole room turned so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The man with a scary looking scar on his face came in. No nap time. How wonderful.

He started explaining our curriculum and was going on and on about rules and regulations. I suppose that they are indeed quite important, when there are clans and politics in play.

“Huff... huff… I am sorry I am late, there was that old granny, who needed ...” boy barged in the room.

“Quiet. 5 demerit points. Uchiha. Go take your place “he glared at him.

Seems like sensei is a total hardass

“Here, Obito” Nohara girl called him over.

They are pretty close, it seems. He smiled so brightly at her, you would think she told him, that he is next candidate for Hokage’s hat.

I was trying really hard to concentrate, but his voice was so damn monotonous with absolutely no fluctuations and I felt extremely sleepy. I had a hard time even keeping one eye opened.

I very ungraciously yawned.

“Now introduce yourself to the class.  You start first, mummy boy.” He glanced at me.

Everyone at once looked at me, while I still had my mouth open.  Fuck

“I am Shimizu Kaito, 5 years old. What are you supposed to say in such situations???

Emmn, my hobbies are training and reading books. Yep. That’s it” I said lamely. Everyone looked at me in stunned silence. Whatever

“Next, red head” the girl was practically vibrating with energy in her seat near me.

How can you be so energetic so damn early in the morning?

“I am Hara Akari, I have two older brothers and a little sister. I really like gardening, painting and playing flute. I dislike bugs, loud people ...”she glared at someone in the room You are pretty loud yourself« and mediocracy … Do you even know the definition of this word?  Both of my parents aren’t from any clan, but they are powerful chunin, my mother is specializing in ninjutsu and father in taijutsu. I want to be a well-rounded kunoichi myself. My blood type is AB positive, I weight 20 kg and my height is 110 cm. My dream is to become an elite jonin and make my mama and papa proud and ….”at that she blushed and looked shyly at the boy with silver hair I front of her. Hmmm? Hatake is in my class. Some girls and boys glared at her at the last admission.

The fuck? Were we supposed to tell our whole life story or something?

I scanned the room and sighed in relief, I am not the only one, who looked at her like she is retard.

Sensei had expression wishing to die.

“one said almost nothing, another said too much” he signed and massaged the area between his eyebrows. “the next one better give proper introduction” the previous girl blushed furiously like a tomato, I didn’t care much.

The boy had shoulder length dark blonde hair, which hangs around his face and senbon in his mouth.

“Shiraniu Genma. I want to be poison specialist. My hobby is reading books about poisonous herbs and creatures. My strengths are shurikenjutsu and poisons, I am not that good at taijutsu yet. My dream is to become strong enough to protect village and my friends. Hope we will get along this year.” he slightly bowed towards class. Well, I suppose it is how you do it. Though it still too much information for my comfort.

The introductions continued on, and I noticed that most of my class are either from clans or shinobi families. The only one from orphanage except me was scrawny guy, who seemed to be pretty good at cods and ciphers. Should I feel honored, that I made it in class with high potential?

 At best there are only about 5 students from civilian background, if I am not wrong.  Something about them just screams civvies. Their clothes are too bright, hair is too long, hands are not callused enough.

Bang “ …and I will become Hokage someday” said that Uchiha guy loudly hitting the desk.

Kakashi snorted at that “Well, do your best, dead last ”at which the other boy glared at him.

 Seriously wherever I see that guy, there is always some drama going on around him. Like a book protagonist or something.

Ring

“You are all dismissed” some already jumped out of the window.

I slowly dragged my body out of the building, there was a small crowd near stadium. They were all looking at someone and loudly discussing something.

“ hey, isn’t that a kid, who made such a big fuss about failing the test?”

The guy with black shaded glasses said “I know all about him, we were at the same examination room. He cannot perform any ninjutsu or genjutsu at all. The only thing he really has going for him is that he is pretty good at physical stuff ”the disdain he on his face was almost palpable .

“That may be the case, but even so he looks like he will drop dead any moment now” Shiraniu clicked the senbon in his mouth.

I finally managed to come up to the wire fence. Oh, it is the spandex guy.

He was stumbling on his feet as he continued moving forward. Attached to his back he had banner “If I finish running 500 laps, please admit me into Academy as special case”

As he neared the finish line he muttered “245 laps” and then stumbled and fell.

All children started laughing at him. I thought differently though.

He is pretty amazing; I don’t think I can do so many laps. But it is only his wishful thinking, there is no guarantee that even if he finishes 500laps, he will be admitted.

Special case. Hmmm. They are pretty rare actually. Most of them are non-combatants, they posses exceptional talent in some areas, but tend to be incapable of fighting or just plain untalented in that. I think that code boy in my class is like that. After graduation he will probably enter Cryptology Division or somewhere else in T&I. He always cringed, when he so much as seen any scene of violence. They will be taught just enough to protect themselves at the Academy and then will rarely see the battlefield. They will handle some sensitive information, that’s why they need to be in shinobi ranks. Researchers, engineers, craftsman …and so on.

Talents who are very good only at some very specific field.

All rounded geniuses are rare and can be counted on the palm of two hands. Funnily enough every member of the Densetsu no Sannin is one. All of them are absolute monsters on the battlefield, there are others, who are at their level or even higher. But there is no competition for them in their own respective fields; Orochimaru-sama in research, Tsunade-sama in medical area and Jiraiya-sama in spy work.

“Hahaha, he didn’t even finish the half. What a joke” everyone started laughing even more boisterously. I felt a bit annoyed. They all acted like they are so much better than him.

I glanced one last time at his passed-out body and turned around to go home. There were others, who did not laugh. One of them was Kakashi, who was watching Guy thoughtfully another is Nohara Rin, who bit her lip in a worry.

If nothing else I hope he will get his wish, because he possesses extraordinary spirit and determination.

Well, maybe he will be unable to bear the snide comments of others and quits tomorrow. No one knows the outcome.

The fact, that he at least tried to give his all for the sake of his dream is already admirable.

Sigh

Let’s postpone that nap and train today instead