Youth Over Beauty

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The terrible Debu-chan.

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If there's one thing to be said for Rock Lee - it's that not everybody is as understanding as he seems to be.

While he held my hair and rubbed soothing albeit slightly creepy circles into my back, the same could not be said for my teammates.

Or my new sensei.

When Gai passed us by in a blur of dark green, he exclaimed, "Lee! Himawari! It is most unyouthful to let a little vomit stop you from completing your goal!"

If you're thinking, "What the fuck?". . .

Don't worry, you're definitely not the only one.

When Neji came trailing a bit behind Gai, his lips merely curled upwards in a snarl.

He didn't bother to address me, so much as he mumbled something along the lines of "Already holding us back. . ." as he passed.

And Tenten, her reaction was probably the most normal.

She was going a steady, albeit lazy pace.
This changed when she saw us.

"That is so disgusting!" She screeched, her pace accelerating considerably.

You'd think, as the tomboy of our graduating class, she'd have a little stronger resolve for gross things.

After what seemed like ages, my stomach was finally emptied of it's contents.

"Yogata(I'm glad). . .!" I murmured, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

The moment I'd spoken, Rock Lee jumped to attention.

"Himawari-san, are you better now?" He questioned, acting as if he was truly concerned.

I wasn't sure what to make of his behavior, so I simply scoffed.

"No, actually. With you still in my sight, there's a huge possibility that I might puke again." I replied scathingly.

"But I cannot leave you behind; it is most dishonorable to proceed without ensuring the safety of my teammate!" He protested, disregarding my insult entirely.

"You can when your face is putting my health into jeopardy, 'Brows." I retorted rudely.

At this, Lee paused.

His eyes portrayed a certain emotion that I couldn't quite place.

Humiliation, Anger? Nah, it was definitely something different from that.

It was almost like - a look of disappointment.

"If it is looking at my face that indeed does ail you, then I shall burden you with it no more, Himawari-san." He muttered finally, casting his gaze to the grass covered ground.

Even if he wasn't looking at me, his eyes still held the same emotion.

"Thanks, Lee." I replied curtly.

With that, Konoha's green beast turned tail and ran off.

Even though all I could see was his retreating form, I still felt his gaze burning holes in my form.

"Stop - Stop looking at me like that . . ."

But of course, he failed to hear.


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"I don't blame you for being you, but you can't blame me for hating it.♥~"

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Needless to say, I didn't finish my 500 laps.

Nor did I partake in the extra 300 that my team collectively decided to do once completing the first set.

After all, most senseis wanted you to run until you puke.

Maito Gai was the only one I'd ever met who would've added to that statement, "And more."

"For an Akimichi, you have the worst endurance I've ever seen." Neji spat once all of my new team was gathered around, panting heavily from exhaustion.

I had the urge to ask him if anything nice every came out of his prissy little mouth.

However, I was too distracted by the glisten of sweat off his perfect skin.

". . .huh?" I gurgled, nearly choking on the drool.

"You're right, Neji!" Gai-sensei declared, giving Neji a thumb's up of approval.

Afterwards, he whirled around to face me.

"Himawari, we'll definitely have to work on strengthening that!" He told me, smiling.

"We will?" I repeated, not looking forward to that in the slightest.

"Yes, if you want to keep up with us that is." Gai replied earnestly.

At his statement, I couldn't help but be a bit annoyed.

"Keep up with you? I did just fine keeping up with my own team." I concluded sourly.

"Until they left you behind." Tenten interjected, rolling her eyes at me.

It was her statement that let me realize what I'd unintentionally uttered.

"Oh crap, did I say that out loud?" I cursed, stomping my foot.

"Himawari. . ." Gai began gently, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I raised my gaze to meet his slowly.

"We are your team now – embrace it!" He proclaimed, stars in his eyes.

I couldn't help but shudder.

Like hell I will.

When I failed to respond, Gai sighed.

"Alright then, my youthful pupils! You have all done well today! Tomorrow, be prepared to report to the Hokage for a few missions!" He ordered, giving us a cheesy grin.

We all replied with a monotonous, "Hai, Gai-sensei." before he turned and was on our way.

And once he was out of earshot, my teammates of course turned to me.

"How many laps did you even do, Himawari?" Tenten questioned, hands on her hips.

I couldn't help but fumble under the sudden stern glances I was receiving from her and Neji.

"Uh. . .five?" I guessed loosely.

At this, I'm pretty sure their faces made contact with the ground.

"What? Man, what a waste to have Debu-chan on our team. . ." Tenten growled out.

At the familiar nickname, I cringed.

Fatty-chan. . .

"D-Don't call me that, Tenten!" I shouted, clenching my fists.

At this, she gave me an incredulous look.

"Why not? Everyone else does." She replied, pursing her lips.

She was right.

But - Tenten? She and the rest of Team Gai had never referred to me in such a way.

"Yes, but. . ." I began, my eyes darting around the area in search of a quick escape.

My gaze fell upon Lee, who looked as if he wanted to say something.

I couldn't help but anticipate what he was going to say, but instead he simply looked to the floor silently.

"But what?" Neji inquired, his eyes narrowing.

"I - I don't. . ." I began, tears threatening to spill from my eyes either from stress or down right exhaustion.

At my forlorn demeanor, Tenten's gaze softened.

"Listen, Himawari. If you don't like it, don't stand for it." She replied with a small smile.

Before I could reply, she turned to leave. This action was of course mirrored by Neji and Lee.

"Ja ne, teammate!" She called over her shoulder.

Her parting statement was followed by a cold, "Try not to burden us in such a way again," by Neji.

Lee remained oddly silent, still looking downcast.

It was a good thing he didn't say anything, because I was far too shocked to reply.

Tenten was right. Debu-chan. . .?

I didn't like it. But, no one else had ever realized that before.


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"So wear me like a locket around your throat, I'll weigh you down, I'll watch you choke.♥~"

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My journey home to the Akimichi compound was a long one.
And if I had been able to stomach any food right now, it probably would have been longer.

Honestly, there are so many good restaurants I pass by in order to get there. . .but, that's not the point.

The point is, upon finally arriving home, I was exhausted.

"Himawari-chan!"

In the time it took for me to blink, I was captured in an oxygen deprived embrace.

"O-Okaa-san, I can't - I can't breathe!" I sputtered, trying desperately to push away from her.

As if completely disregarding my cry for help, my mom merely chuckled.

"Himawari-chan, I've missed you so much! Tell me, how did your day go? Did you like your new team? Oh, I hope your day was exciting as Chouji's. . .!" Mom rambled, pressing my face deeper into her chest.

How embarrassing.

"[Mom's name]. . ." My dad called, appearing in the main hall with a gentle smile upon his chubby face.

Almost immediately, my mom released me.

"Choza, aren't you glad that our darling sunflower is back?!" Mom questioned, beaming at him.

"I am - I'm so proud of our children!" He exclaimed, pumping a fist in the air.

At his announcement, I was a bit puzzled.

Proud? What's there to be proud of. . .?

"Oh, Himawari! Go wash up, we're going to celebrate on Chouji's behalf tonight!" My mom ordered cheerfully.

"What for?" I questioned, blinking dumbly.

This time, it was dad's turn to speak.

"He's made it to Genin rank!" He stated proudly.

I couldn't help but slightly jealous at this.

"Oh."

We're going to celebrate otouto's meager accomplishment, just like we should've celebrated mine.

Why did I have to fail the Chunin exams again. . .?

"Mmm, I can't wait for Barbeque. . ." Dad muttered wistfully as my eyes lit up.

Ah, well. Who cares - I get to go out to eat again! :)

I began to head towards the bathroom only to pause as mom shouted at me.

"Oh, Himawari dear! Make sure you look extra nice, too! That Shikamaru boy and his family will be celebrating with us as well!" She told me, adding a wink for effect.

I almost gagged - again.

"You know, he's the same rank as you now! And he's such a nice boy!" She added, smirking knowingly.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her antics.

"Mom, he's like – twelve."

And more importantly, he's not Neji Hyuuga.