Konoha, Naruto decided, was incredibly boring when you had nothing to do, and couldn't go off and prank someone. He had wandered around for the last four hours, being careful to avoid those villagers and ninja that he knew to be particularly hateful.
He had thought, briefly, of seeking out Sakura, maybe even seeing if she wanted to go get some ramen, but then he had remembered that she had gone after Sasuke when she had left the classroom. So, wherever she was, Sasuke-teme was bound to be nearby. And after the way that cocky bastard had acted in the classroom, Naruto wasn't sure that he wanted to deal with the prick. When he took into consideration the queasy feelings that he still had from remembering the dream, he had decided that he would rather give up ramen for a week than be around the Uchiha.
Naruto frowned at the thought of his new teammates. It was an unquestionable fact that he hated Sasuke. The guy was so arrogant, acting like everyone else was beneath his notice. However, his feelings towards Sakura were not so clear-cut. He knew that he liked the pink-haired girl, had known it for years, but he had never thought to question why he liked her.
She was cute, he reasoned, even though there were plenty of girls that were cuter. Like that loud girl, Ino, or that weird girl, Hinata. But that wasn't it. That wasn't what had attracted him to her. There was something else, something deeper...
Shrugging slightly, he decided to give up on the mystery for the time being. After all, Sakura-chan liked Sasuke-teme (though he couldn't understand why she would like someone like that). And, as much as he disliked the other boy, the thought of fighting, and possibly hurting, someone else over a girl was even more repulsive.
Besides, he thought, grinning widely, I have more important things to think about right now.
With that thought in mind, he practically skipped down the street, eager to meet his jounin instructor.
o o o o
Two hours later, he was bored out of his mind.
The first hour hadn't been so bad. While most of the genin had left within the first twenty minutes, Iruka-sensei had had to stick around to finish his paperwork for the day. He had sat in the classroom with him, and while he had focused most of his attention on the documents he had to fill out, he had at least been willing to talk to Naruto.
Apparently, that was not a trait that his new teammates shared with the chuunin instructor, a fact that Naruto had discovered soon after his teacher had left.
While he had had a crush on her for a long time, Naruto didn't really know much about Sakura. This made conversation a bit awkward, as he didn't really know what sort of things she liked. Undaunted by this lack of knowledge, he had started regaling her with his favorite subjects, giving her a discourse on various pranks that he had played, how to best cook ramen, and had just gotten around to how great a hokage he would be when she finally snapped, telling him in no uncertain terms how annoying she found him, and how little she cared about the things he was talking about.
The three genin were currently spread out across the room, each doing their best to ignore the others. Sasuke was seated near the door, in what Naruto liked to refer to as his 'brooding position', with his fingers steepled together and his head hunched down, his expression carefully trained to reveal no expression. Sakura was nearby, leaning against one of the desks. She looked nervous, her eyes occasionally darting between her two teammates.
As for Naruto himself, he was sitting against the opposite wall, making sure not to make eye-contact with either of his teammates. While he couldn't, of course, talk to Sakura, as she had stated rather vocally what she would do to him were he to even look in her general direction, he had thought about goading his other teammate.
Peering through half-slitted eyes at the dark haired boy, however, he ultimately decided against that. While normally he would think nothing of picking a fight with someone, the last time he had even thought about doing that, he had ended up being forced to relive one of those freaky dreams. Unwilling to have a repeat incident, he merely settle for leaning his head against the wall, keeping his eyes closed as he thought about the type of missions they would be sent on.
Before becoming a genin, this had been one of his favorite pastimes(along with pranking, of course). He had often spent his time talking to anyone who would listen about how he was going to be the best ninja in the village, often entertaining his audience with tales of being invaded by other villages, and how he alone would drive off the enemy ninja.
While such proclamations were often met with indifference or even disdain, he had never given up on his dreams, vowing that he would become the best ninja ever, a hokage to surpass all others. This drive to succeed, to prove himself to everyone that had ever doubted him, had kept him going throughout the years, allowing him to shrug or laugh off all of his failures.
Yet, recently, he had begun to question that dream, wondering if that was really what he wanted. While there was no question that still craved the approval of the village, he sometimes wondered if becoming a ninja was the best way to go about doing that. He had never before considered the act of killing, of having to fight and kill his opponents. Or, if he had, he had never taken into consideration the implications of such actions, the fact that his opponents would be people with friends and families, with people who would be waiting for them, who would be hoping that they would be safe.
In the lonely silence of that classroom, it was the only thing he could think about.
His reverie was broken by the sound of the classroom door opening. Naruto's head swiveled to take in the newcomer, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sakura and Sasuke do the same.
The same thought went through all three of their minds.
This bum is our instructor?
o o o o
Naruto eyed the man before him with marked skepticism, his brain not quite accepting the idea that such a disreputable looking guy could possibly be his new instructor. He had always thought of a jounin as being somehow more intimidating, the type of person who just radiated authority and power. This guy... this guy looked like he had just finished begging on the streets.
The older man had walked casually into the classroom, not seeming to notice the incredulous looks the three genin had given him. Not that he could have noticed, Naruto silently amended. After all, that would have involved looking up from that stupid book.
Their instructor (at least, Naruto assumed he was their instructor) hadn't bothered to apologize for being late. Instead, his face still buried in his book, he had made a vague gesture with his hand, indicating that they were to follow him. Not bothering to see if they would comply, he had then started walking away, leaving the three genin to scramble to catch up. The silver-haired man had led them up to the roof of the academy, which was where they were now situated, waiting for the guy to tell them why they had had to relocate.
Gesturing for them to sit down, the jounin took his own advice, seating himself on a ledge of the building. ôOkay,ö he said, idly flipping a page. ôLet's begin with some introductions.ö
ôWhat do you want to know?ö Sakura asked, exchanging puzzled looks with Naruto.
ôHow about... likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, hobbies, things like that,ö Kakashi gestured vaguely, keeping his other hand firmly on his reading material.
ôHey!ö Naruto protested. Months of having Iruka-sensei harp on him about proper manners allowed him to immediately recognize the fact that what his new teacher had done was a big no-no. The fact that Naruto himself typically didn't follow most rules on manners was carefully ignored. ôWhy don't you introduce yourself to us first before!?!ö
ôYeah,ö Sakura added. ôYou look kinda suspicious...ö
Kakashi seemed taken aback by their accusations, taking a moment to scratch his head before answering. ôMe? My name is Hatake Kakashi. I have no desire to tell you guys about my likes and dislikes. Dreams for the future...ö he trailed off. ôWell, I have lots of hobbies.ö Apparently satisfied with his answers, he went back to reading his book.
Naruto and Sakura looked at each other again, each wondering what to make of the introduction. Though Sasuke's expression didn't change, the fact that the boy didn't immediately reply made Naruto think that he felt the same way.
Then again, Naruto reflected, it could be that he's trying to play it cool, and doesn't want to be the first to volunteer. He scowled at the thought. That would be just like him... arrogant bastard...
ôHow about you go first,ö Kakashi suggested, pointing at Sasuke. Naruto found himself grudgingly impressed that the jounin seemed to know exactly where the dark haired boy was seated, despite the fact that he hadn't looked at them once since meeting them.
ôMy name is Uchiha Sasuke,ö the boy began. ôThere are tons of things I don't like, but I don't really like anything.ö
And no one likes you, Naruto sniped mentally, though he was careful not to say that aloud, not with Sakura around. Usually when he said bad things about the dark-haired boy, the pink-haired girl got violent.
ôI wouldn't call it a dream,ö Sasuke continued, unaware of the altercation that had been barely avoided, ôbut I have an ambition. The resurrection of my clan and to kill a certain man.ö
The four of them fell into silence after that. Having said all that he wanted to, Sasuke went back to ignoring his teammates, instead focusing his eyes on the jounin seated across from him.
Who blinked, looking up from his book for the first time. ôDone already?ö he asked, his tone making it clear that the question was rhetorical. When Sasuke didn't say anything, Kakashi shrugged, gesturing for Sakura to go next.
ôI'm Haruno Sakura,ö she said, smiling slightly. ôThe thing I like is...ö she trailed off, giggling slightly. ôWell, rather, the person I like is...ö she sent Sasuke a bashful look, which he ignored, before giggling again, covering her face with her hands in an unsuccessful attempt to hide her blush.
ôUm... should I talk about my dreams for the future?ö she asked, grinning bashfully.
Kakashi nodded, though he looked a bit bemused, something that Naruto could relate to.
ôOh my!!ö she squealed.
You don't even care that he's a bastard, Naruto thought in irritation.
Sakura took a moment to compose herself, the blush gradually leaving her face. The three males watched her with various levels of annoyance.
Coming back to herself, she hardened her gaze. ôThe things I dislike are Naruto and Ino-pig,ö she said, looking directly at the blond.
Naruto slumped in resignation. Man, that's three times in one day. This girl is really mean...
Kakashi grunted, though he didn't look away from his book. ôAnd finally, the shrimp.ö
Naruto fumed at the insult, but decided to let it go. After all, once he informed them of how great he was, they'd all be sorry that they had ever disrespected him. ôI like--ö
--that natural high that came from crushing his opponents. Nothing else could quite compare with the rush that always followed. He was an unstoppable force of nature, leveling everything in his path--
ôI like ramen,ö he finished hastily, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He looked at his new teammates, scowling at what he saw. Sasuke had a condescending smirk on his face, as though he was looking at some clown that was acting for his amusement. Kakashi still had his face buried in that disgusting book of his, and didn't seem to have heard a word that Naruto had said. As for Sakura, her face had that weird expression she had worn in the classroom earlier that day, an odd mix of concern and exasperation.
Feeling embarrassed and irritated, he turned his back on them all, choosing instead to stare out at the village.
It was a sight that had always served to calm him, to make him feel better about himself. It was one of the reasons why, despite his most recent prank, he had always loved going to the Hokage Monument. Whenever the loneliness that had been his constant companion threatened to consume him, or when he had felt bitter about the villagers' seemingly unreasoning hatred, he had always gone there, spending hours just staring out at the beautiful scene that was now before him. It worked to calm him now, and he relaxed, allowing the serenity of the village to wash away his fears and anger.
ôI don't like blood,ö he admitted, more to himself than anyone else. Grinning at a sudden impulse, he spun around, swinging his arm up until it was pointed at Sasuke. ôBut what I really hate,ö he announced, ôare people who underestimate me. I'm going to be Hokage someday, so you better watch out!ö
The two genin stood there in silence for a moment, their eyes glaring at each other challengingly. Finally, Sasuke grunted, closing his eyes and turning away, his arms folded across his chest.
ôWhat kind of idiot is afraid of blood,ö he sneered.
ôShut up!ö Naruto shouted, his face going red in his embarrassment. ôI didn't say that. I'm not afraid of blood! I just don't like it! That's all!ö
Suddenly Sakura was in front of him, her face inches from his own as she glared at him. ôHey, don't yell at Sasuke-kun,ö she snapped. ôBesides, he's right. Why in the hell would you want to be a ninja if you are afraid of blood?ö
She brought her fist up, and Naruto cringed, knowing that he was going to be on the receiving end of a severe beating.
ôThis is what I have to work with,ö Kakashi grumbled, finally tearing his eyes away from his book. ôA sulker--ö --Sasuke grunted irritably-- ô--a sissy--ö --öHey,ö Naruto yelled-- ô--and a fangirl.ö --Sakura shook her fist angrily at him, her altercation with Naruto momentarily forgotten-- ôIt looks like I have my work cut out for me.ö
Gently placing the book into a hidden pocket in his vest, he regarded them all with a bored expression. Finally, the jounin sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
All three genin bristled at the implied insult, but before any of them could say anything, he continued.
ôWe'll start our duties tomorrow,ö he told them, his hand wandering back to his jacket pocket, then stopping, as though he were fighting the temptation to start reading again.
ôYes!ö Naruto leapt up, practically bouncing on his feet. Despite his earlier reservations, the boy was happy to finally be able to do missions. ôWhat kind of duties?ö he asked, almost giddy with excitement. Maybe we'll have to guard a shipment of ramen, he thought, his imagination taking flight. Or maybe protect a princess...
The jounin shook his head at the display. Beneath his mask, he was smiling as he watched his students' faces, waiting for the inevitable explosion. ôFirst, we are going to do something with just the four of us,ö he told them.
ôWhat's that?ö Naruto sat back down, an uneasy feeling building up in his stomach. He didn't like the look that their instructor was giving them. There was boredom there, but that was nothing new. But there was also an eagerness hidden beneath that, like a shark that was circling in bloody waters. He knew that expression, had experienced it far too many times in his dreams, and he knew that whatever it signified, he wasn't going to like it.
ôSurvival training.ö
He had thought, briefly, of seeking out Sakura, maybe even seeing if she wanted to go get some ramen, but then he had remembered that she had gone after Sasuke when she had left the classroom. So, wherever she was, Sasuke-teme was bound to be nearby. And after the way that cocky bastard had acted in the classroom, Naruto wasn't sure that he wanted to deal with the prick. When he took into consideration the queasy feelings that he still had from remembering the dream, he had decided that he would rather give up ramen for a week than be around the Uchiha.
Naruto frowned at the thought of his new teammates. It was an unquestionable fact that he hated Sasuke. The guy was so arrogant, acting like everyone else was beneath his notice. However, his feelings towards Sakura were not so clear-cut. He knew that he liked the pink-haired girl, had known it for years, but he had never thought to question why he liked her.
She was cute, he reasoned, even though there were plenty of girls that were cuter. Like that loud girl, Ino, or that weird girl, Hinata. But that wasn't it. That wasn't what had attracted him to her. There was something else, something deeper...
Shrugging slightly, he decided to give up on the mystery for the time being. After all, Sakura-chan liked Sasuke-teme (though he couldn't understand why she would like someone like that). And, as much as he disliked the other boy, the thought of fighting, and possibly hurting, someone else over a girl was even more repulsive.
Besides, he thought, grinning widely, I have more important things to think about right now.
With that thought in mind, he practically skipped down the street, eager to meet his jounin instructor.
o o o o
Two hours later, he was bored out of his mind.
The first hour hadn't been so bad. While most of the genin had left within the first twenty minutes, Iruka-sensei had had to stick around to finish his paperwork for the day. He had sat in the classroom with him, and while he had focused most of his attention on the documents he had to fill out, he had at least been willing to talk to Naruto.
Apparently, that was not a trait that his new teammates shared with the chuunin instructor, a fact that Naruto had discovered soon after his teacher had left.
While he had had a crush on her for a long time, Naruto didn't really know much about Sakura. This made conversation a bit awkward, as he didn't really know what sort of things she liked. Undaunted by this lack of knowledge, he had started regaling her with his favorite subjects, giving her a discourse on various pranks that he had played, how to best cook ramen, and had just gotten around to how great a hokage he would be when she finally snapped, telling him in no uncertain terms how annoying she found him, and how little she cared about the things he was talking about.
The three genin were currently spread out across the room, each doing their best to ignore the others. Sasuke was seated near the door, in what Naruto liked to refer to as his 'brooding position', with his fingers steepled together and his head hunched down, his expression carefully trained to reveal no expression. Sakura was nearby, leaning against one of the desks. She looked nervous, her eyes occasionally darting between her two teammates.
As for Naruto himself, he was sitting against the opposite wall, making sure not to make eye-contact with either of his teammates. While he couldn't, of course, talk to Sakura, as she had stated rather vocally what she would do to him were he to even look in her general direction, he had thought about goading his other teammate.
Peering through half-slitted eyes at the dark haired boy, however, he ultimately decided against that. While normally he would think nothing of picking a fight with someone, the last time he had even thought about doing that, he had ended up being forced to relive one of those freaky dreams. Unwilling to have a repeat incident, he merely settle for leaning his head against the wall, keeping his eyes closed as he thought about the type of missions they would be sent on.
Before becoming a genin, this had been one of his favorite pastimes(along with pranking, of course). He had often spent his time talking to anyone who would listen about how he was going to be the best ninja in the village, often entertaining his audience with tales of being invaded by other villages, and how he alone would drive off the enemy ninja.
While such proclamations were often met with indifference or even disdain, he had never given up on his dreams, vowing that he would become the best ninja ever, a hokage to surpass all others. This drive to succeed, to prove himself to everyone that had ever doubted him, had kept him going throughout the years, allowing him to shrug or laugh off all of his failures.
Yet, recently, he had begun to question that dream, wondering if that was really what he wanted. While there was no question that still craved the approval of the village, he sometimes wondered if becoming a ninja was the best way to go about doing that. He had never before considered the act of killing, of having to fight and kill his opponents. Or, if he had, he had never taken into consideration the implications of such actions, the fact that his opponents would be people with friends and families, with people who would be waiting for them, who would be hoping that they would be safe.
In the lonely silence of that classroom, it was the only thing he could think about.
His reverie was broken by the sound of the classroom door opening. Naruto's head swiveled to take in the newcomer, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sakura and Sasuke do the same.
The same thought went through all three of their minds.
This bum is our instructor?
o o o o
Naruto eyed the man before him with marked skepticism, his brain not quite accepting the idea that such a disreputable looking guy could possibly be his new instructor. He had always thought of a jounin as being somehow more intimidating, the type of person who just radiated authority and power. This guy... this guy looked like he had just finished begging on the streets.
The older man had walked casually into the classroom, not seeming to notice the incredulous looks the three genin had given him. Not that he could have noticed, Naruto silently amended. After all, that would have involved looking up from that stupid book.
Their instructor (at least, Naruto assumed he was their instructor) hadn't bothered to apologize for being late. Instead, his face still buried in his book, he had made a vague gesture with his hand, indicating that they were to follow him. Not bothering to see if they would comply, he had then started walking away, leaving the three genin to scramble to catch up. The silver-haired man had led them up to the roof of the academy, which was where they were now situated, waiting for the guy to tell them why they had had to relocate.
Gesturing for them to sit down, the jounin took his own advice, seating himself on a ledge of the building. ôOkay,ö he said, idly flipping a page. ôLet's begin with some introductions.ö
ôWhat do you want to know?ö Sakura asked, exchanging puzzled looks with Naruto.
ôHow about... likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, hobbies, things like that,ö Kakashi gestured vaguely, keeping his other hand firmly on his reading material.
ôHey!ö Naruto protested. Months of having Iruka-sensei harp on him about proper manners allowed him to immediately recognize the fact that what his new teacher had done was a big no-no. The fact that Naruto himself typically didn't follow most rules on manners was carefully ignored. ôWhy don't you introduce yourself to us first before!?!ö
ôYeah,ö Sakura added. ôYou look kinda suspicious...ö
Kakashi seemed taken aback by their accusations, taking a moment to scratch his head before answering. ôMe? My name is Hatake Kakashi. I have no desire to tell you guys about my likes and dislikes. Dreams for the future...ö he trailed off. ôWell, I have lots of hobbies.ö Apparently satisfied with his answers, he went back to reading his book.
Naruto and Sakura looked at each other again, each wondering what to make of the introduction. Though Sasuke's expression didn't change, the fact that the boy didn't immediately reply made Naruto think that he felt the same way.
Then again, Naruto reflected, it could be that he's trying to play it cool, and doesn't want to be the first to volunteer. He scowled at the thought. That would be just like him... arrogant bastard...
ôHow about you go first,ö Kakashi suggested, pointing at Sasuke. Naruto found himself grudgingly impressed that the jounin seemed to know exactly where the dark haired boy was seated, despite the fact that he hadn't looked at them once since meeting them.
ôMy name is Uchiha Sasuke,ö the boy began. ôThere are tons of things I don't like, but I don't really like anything.ö
And no one likes you, Naruto sniped mentally, though he was careful not to say that aloud, not with Sakura around. Usually when he said bad things about the dark-haired boy, the pink-haired girl got violent.
ôI wouldn't call it a dream,ö Sasuke continued, unaware of the altercation that had been barely avoided, ôbut I have an ambition. The resurrection of my clan and to kill a certain man.ö
The four of them fell into silence after that. Having said all that he wanted to, Sasuke went back to ignoring his teammates, instead focusing his eyes on the jounin seated across from him.
Who blinked, looking up from his book for the first time. ôDone already?ö he asked, his tone making it clear that the question was rhetorical. When Sasuke didn't say anything, Kakashi shrugged, gesturing for Sakura to go next.
ôI'm Haruno Sakura,ö she said, smiling slightly. ôThe thing I like is...ö she trailed off, giggling slightly. ôWell, rather, the person I like is...ö she sent Sasuke a bashful look, which he ignored, before giggling again, covering her face with her hands in an unsuccessful attempt to hide her blush.
ôUm... should I talk about my dreams for the future?ö she asked, grinning bashfully.
Kakashi nodded, though he looked a bit bemused, something that Naruto could relate to.
ôOh my!!ö she squealed.
You don't even care that he's a bastard, Naruto thought in irritation.
Sakura took a moment to compose herself, the blush gradually leaving her face. The three males watched her with various levels of annoyance.
Coming back to herself, she hardened her gaze. ôThe things I dislike are Naruto and Ino-pig,ö she said, looking directly at the blond.
Naruto slumped in resignation. Man, that's three times in one day. This girl is really mean...
Kakashi grunted, though he didn't look away from his book. ôAnd finally, the shrimp.ö
Naruto fumed at the insult, but decided to let it go. After all, once he informed them of how great he was, they'd all be sorry that they had ever disrespected him. ôI like--ö
--that natural high that came from crushing his opponents. Nothing else could quite compare with the rush that always followed. He was an unstoppable force of nature, leveling everything in his path--
ôI like ramen,ö he finished hastily, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He looked at his new teammates, scowling at what he saw. Sasuke had a condescending smirk on his face, as though he was looking at some clown that was acting for his amusement. Kakashi still had his face buried in that disgusting book of his, and didn't seem to have heard a word that Naruto had said. As for Sakura, her face had that weird expression she had worn in the classroom earlier that day, an odd mix of concern and exasperation.
Feeling embarrassed and irritated, he turned his back on them all, choosing instead to stare out at the village.
It was a sight that had always served to calm him, to make him feel better about himself. It was one of the reasons why, despite his most recent prank, he had always loved going to the Hokage Monument. Whenever the loneliness that had been his constant companion threatened to consume him, or when he had felt bitter about the villagers' seemingly unreasoning hatred, he had always gone there, spending hours just staring out at the beautiful scene that was now before him. It worked to calm him now, and he relaxed, allowing the serenity of the village to wash away his fears and anger.
ôI don't like blood,ö he admitted, more to himself than anyone else. Grinning at a sudden impulse, he spun around, swinging his arm up until it was pointed at Sasuke. ôBut what I really hate,ö he announced, ôare people who underestimate me. I'm going to be Hokage someday, so you better watch out!ö
The two genin stood there in silence for a moment, their eyes glaring at each other challengingly. Finally, Sasuke grunted, closing his eyes and turning away, his arms folded across his chest.
ôWhat kind of idiot is afraid of blood,ö he sneered.
ôShut up!ö Naruto shouted, his face going red in his embarrassment. ôI didn't say that. I'm not afraid of blood! I just don't like it! That's all!ö
Suddenly Sakura was in front of him, her face inches from his own as she glared at him. ôHey, don't yell at Sasuke-kun,ö she snapped. ôBesides, he's right. Why in the hell would you want to be a ninja if you are afraid of blood?ö
She brought her fist up, and Naruto cringed, knowing that he was going to be on the receiving end of a severe beating.
ôThis is what I have to work with,ö Kakashi grumbled, finally tearing his eyes away from his book. ôA sulker--ö --Sasuke grunted irritably-- ô--a sissy--ö --öHey,ö Naruto yelled-- ô--and a fangirl.ö --Sakura shook her fist angrily at him, her altercation with Naruto momentarily forgotten-- ôIt looks like I have my work cut out for me.ö
Gently placing the book into a hidden pocket in his vest, he regarded them all with a bored expression. Finally, the jounin sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
All three genin bristled at the implied insult, but before any of them could say anything, he continued.
ôWe'll start our duties tomorrow,ö he told them, his hand wandering back to his jacket pocket, then stopping, as though he were fighting the temptation to start reading again.
ôYes!ö Naruto leapt up, practically bouncing on his feet. Despite his earlier reservations, the boy was happy to finally be able to do missions. ôWhat kind of duties?ö he asked, almost giddy with excitement. Maybe we'll have to guard a shipment of ramen, he thought, his imagination taking flight. Or maybe protect a princess...
The jounin shook his head at the display. Beneath his mask, he was smiling as he watched his students' faces, waiting for the inevitable explosion. ôFirst, we are going to do something with just the four of us,ö he told them.
ôWhat's that?ö Naruto sat back down, an uneasy feeling building up in his stomach. He didn't like the look that their instructor was giving them. There was boredom there, but that was nothing new. But there was also an eagerness hidden beneath that, like a shark that was circling in bloody waters. He knew that expression, had experienced it far too many times in his dreams, and he knew that whatever it signified, he wasn't going to like it.
ôSurvival training.ö