Amaya Uzumaki POV
Most of the time, Shisui was outgoing and relaxed, but when he started "training" me for the Academy's graduation theory exam, he got much more serious.
He explained many different subjects at once, and since I already had some knowledge, I had no trouble keeping up.
I noticed that, just like me, Shisui's thinking was extremely fast and precise when it came to combat and strategy, even in theory. Maybe it runs in the family, I thought, laughing to myself.
We only stopped when we realized how late it was, and Shisui insisted I should rest since I had classes at the Academy in the morning.
– It's going to be easier than I thought – he commented while helping me put my books away – You learn and process things quickly.
– Because I have a good teacher, nii-san – I said, and Shisui smiled.
– Here – I looked at him as he held out one of his books – Take a look at this one. It will help perfect your knowledge of combat strategies and make things easier when we move to physical training.
– Thank you – I thanked him, taking the book.
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Even though I got to bed late last night and barely slept because of my nightmare-like memories, I wasn't very sleepy the next morning.
Maybe my body is just used to not sleeping well..., I pondered. I had used the time to read the book Shisui lent me and ended up finishing it that same night.
Since Kakashi wasn't up yet and probably wouldn't be until it was almost time to go to the Academy, I left early and went to Shisui's house to return his book.
I got to his place quickly, as I still had a good walk to the Academy and class would start soon. I knocked on the door but got no answer. I knocked once more, still nothing.
I looked through the first-floor window and saw no sign of the Uchiha. Maybe on the second floor...?, I wondered for a moment.
The only place that would give me a view of the second floor was from the tree next to Shisui's room. Climbing a tree in the morning, I mused, here goes nothing.
I climbed the tree quickly and without much trouble, focusing chakra in my feet and hands to help me. I stood on the branch closest to his bedroom window and could see part of the second floor from there.
Shisui's bed was unmade, suggesting he must have gotten up not long ago. A moment later, I saw Shisui himself walk past towards the bathroom, his hair messier than usual, with his toothbrush in his mouth.
He glanced briefly in my direction and went into the bathroom, but then immediately came back to his room doorway, staring at me a bit confused.
I waved at him with a faint smile, and he quickly came to the window, unlocking it so I could come in, and took the toothbrush out of his mouth to speak.
– What are you doing here this early? – he asked, not hiding his confusion.
– I came to return this – I showed him his book.
– You didn't like it? – His confused expression deepened, and I held back a laugh.
– On the contrary – I clarified – It's just that I already finished it – He looked at me surprised, and I held out the book, which he promptly took.
– Are you some kind of bookworm? – I stared at him, not getting the question – Because you basically devoured this book in one night – I gave a soft laugh.
– That wasn't my intention – I explained, and Shisui's expression shifted slightly to concern.
– You didn't sleep again, did you?
– No – I admitted calmly – But I'm fine – He let out a soft sigh.
– I wish I could do something to help you with that.
– I appreciate the concern, nii-san, but I don't think this is something anyone can help me with.
– It's not good for you to go so long without sleep – Shisui said, his voice full of concern – You need to rest, get at least one full night of sleep. Why don't you take something to... – But he didn't finish.
Just like with Kakashi, I had told Shisui some of the things I went through in the lab. So he knew I didn't like any medication that forced me to sleep, because I spent all that time in the lab being controlled by drugs.
Shisui looked down for a moment, visibly regretting even starting to suggest that.
– Sorry... – he said quietly. I gave a weak smile, went over to him, and hugged him.
– Thank you for worrying about me, nii-san – I thanked him sincerely, and he hugged me tighter.
It didn't bother me that Shisui or anyone else suggested that; after all, sleep is essential for quality of life. But I wasn't having problems during the day, so I rejected the idea of forcing my body to sleep.
– Shisui... – I called him after we'd been hugging for a few minutes and the Uchiha hadn't moved.
– Hmm... – He just mumbled.
I looked at him, seeing his eyes closed and his head resting on my shoulder. I chuckled softly at the sight.
– You're the one who needs more sleep – I commented quietly, and he agreed.
– You're so calm, it made me even sleepier – he said slowly. I shook my head.
– Nii-san... I have to go to the Academy, and you have your mission – I reminded him.
Shisui had told me, as usual, the previous afternoon that he had an early mission with his sensei and his team. So, the moment I reminded him about the mission, my brother stared at me.
– Right! – He pulled away and stood up quickly, going to get his mission clothes – I almost forgot! – I smiled weakly, watching him as he ran around the room – Can you wait a bit? I'll walk you to the Academy and explain to your sensei if you're late – I gave a weak nod, since arguing would only take more time.
– Okay – He gave a weak smile and quickly went to the bathroom.
I chuckled softly again. Shisui always manages to be so easygoing, yet he still worries about everything. I took a brief look around his room and smiled faintly. I guess I can add that to the list of things I'm learning.
Shisui Uchiha POV
I took a quick shower and got dressed, then hurried back to my room to tidy up, finish gathering my mission gear, and head to the Academy with Amaya.
No breakfast for me, I thought, feeling my stomach growl softly. Should've gotten up earlier, but this cold morning kept me in bed. I sighed quietly. Well, it's not like I'm that hungry anyway...
When I got back to my room, I tossed my pajamas into the laundry basket. I ran the towel quickly over my hair to dry it a bit and then threw it over the chair near the desk.
I grabbed my bandana and put it on, noticing my hair was messier than usual. Just the way I like it, I confirmed, chuckling to myself.
Then I went to make my bed, but saw it was already done, with my mission gear laid out on top. I didn't do that..., I pondered. Or did I and already forgot?
Maybe missing breakfast is already affecting my brain. I didn't dwell on it at that moment. I grabbed everything and hurried downstairs, where Amaya would be waiting.
– Sorry for the wait! – I said, heading straight for the hallway leading to the entrance.
– You didn't take long at all – Amaya said with her unshakable calm.
– You're just very patient and don't realize it – She gave a soft laugh.
We left the house and took the path to the Academy. My stomach was practically talking to me, begging for food. I'm never skipping breakfast again, I whined silently, placing my hands over my belly.
– Here – I looked at Amaya beside me and saw her holding a small wrapped package – I made it while you were in the shower.
The smell coming from the package made my stomach and me almost leap at Amaya right then.
– Food! – I exclaimed immediately – The gods have heard my prayers! – The redhead laughed as I took the package.
I opened it quickly, and the smell of food became even stronger. My stomach growled again, this time loud and clear. Amaya and I looked at each other and laughed.
– I figured you'd be hungry – she explained calmly – Since I usually make breakfast, I'm used to preparing it quickly.
– And this is really good! – I said with my mouth full, making Amaya laugh again.
It was only then I remembered something else I'd overlooked before.
– Did you tidy up my things? – I asked the redhead before continuing to eat, and she gave a slight nod.
– You would have been late getting everything organized – she commented – It's not a problem that I did it, is it? – Her final question was asked a bit more quietly.
I stared at her for a moment without saying anything. She never ceases to amaze me with her cute and thoughtful ways..., I thought, smiling faintly. I gave an exaggerated bow as we walked.
– You are my new goddess! – The redhead smiled weakly as I went back to eating.
As I ate and walked alongside Amaya, I watched her for a moment. She's changed so much since the first day I saw her in the hospital, I admitted.
She learned many things quickly, and anyone looking at her now wouldn't say she was raised in a lab as some kind of weapon. A cold breeze blew stronger, and a shiver ran through my body.
Unlike me, who was bothered by the cold, Amaya smiled tenderly. I never told her this, but every time I see her smile like that, it makes me feel good. I want to never let her lose that smile...
– Shisui...? – Amaya's voice brought me back to reality – Is everything okay? – She looked at me.
– Yeah. Why?
– You were staring at me very seriously and not saying anything – I chuckled softly.
– Sorry – I smiled at her – I was just thinking about my luck – She looked at me, not understanding.
– Luck? – I nodded.
– For having such a wonderful little sister – She lowered her head, smiling faintly.
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We ended up reaching the Academy before classes started, and I still had a little time before I had to meet my sensei. Even though the redhead protested about me accompanying her inside the Academy, I followed her to her classroom.
The students didn't even try to hide their stares in our direction. Although Amaya didn't show it, she didn't seem very comfortable with it.
– Shisui, I don't think... – I quickly interrupted her, knowing what she was going to say.
– Are you worried about others seeing us together? – I raised the question – Let them. Don't forget you'll soon be taking your genin graduation exam and won't have to deal with them much longer.
– I know, but... – She stopped talking, and I looked at her.
– Or is it because of your friend, Kakashi-san? – She stared at me.
– No! – she said quickly – It's just that... – The redhead stopped and sighed softly – I don't like drawing attention to myself.
– I know you're shy – I said – But you need to understand that even if you don't want to, you naturally attract a lot of attention – She looked at me – During yesterday's tests, for example. Your whole class watched you take the exams, and they were more excited about that than doing their own tests – The redhead looked ahead – Besides, you're good at pretty much everything, both in theory and practical exams – She turned her eyes back to me.
– So you heard about my tests... – I nodded and smiled faintly.
– I expected nothing less from a genius – I ruffled her hair, and she laughed softly.
The redhead relaxed her posture after that. She really worries too much about everything, I thought. Both about drawing too much attention to herself and about me. I smiled faintly. She wants to take care of me just as much as I want to protect her.
– Amaya-kun! – I heard a female voice calling the redhead, and we turned.
A girl with messy dark hair and dark red eyes came over to us. She had a cheerful expression for Amaya. She glanced briefly at me but quickly returned her attention to the redhead.
– Shall we go to class together? – the girl asked Amaya.
– Of course, Kurenai-san.
– No need for such formality! – Kurenai said quickly and smiled – Let's go! – She took Amaya's hand, and the two walked away from me.
Amaya looked back as she walked with Kurenai and gave me a look as if apologizing for leaving me standing there. I chuckled softly and waved to her, saying goodbye for now.