DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN NARUTO AND I NEVER WILL BECAUSE I'M A LAZY BUM WHO DOESN'T UPDATE OFTEN!

Picture of the Sand Siblings

New Rules by Dua Lipa
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RIKO's POV
Sitting at the kotatsu table, I watch as my brother, Ranko, fills out his mission report while I eat breakfast. It's been several days since we've returned from the Land of Waves and ever since our team's been receiving D Ranked missions. I, personally, don't see anything wrong with those kinds of missions, but Naruto, he just sees them like chores.

Honestly, that kid could be restless, I think as I eat some steamed dumplings.

"So, your crush was mad at you because of the arranged marriage you had no control of? But she was especially mad because it was with the Uchiha, who you don't even like," Ranko questions with a quirked eyebrow.

I look up into his own crimson eyes, my eye twitching with annoyance.

He smirks. "Well, she's not a very bright person. Honestly, how can you like someone who gets mad for something you didn't do, or know," he asks, pointing the pencil at my face.

I release a heavy sigh. "She was jealous. Jealous that I had some potential of getting together with her crush. She let her feelings get the best of her, we're back on speaking terms," I explain.

"Yeah, but for how long? Soon there's going to be another reason she gets mad at you and it's going to hurt you. Riko, this girl, all she does is hurt you. Not intentionally, but you liking her, only brings you pain especially if she keeps liking that Uchiha boy," he tells me with genuine concern. Not with his fun attitude or smirks, but with genuine kindness.

It's true. Just watching Sakura go after Sasuke is already bringing me pain. What will happen when I watch her choose Sasuke, it'll be heart shattering, I carefully think as a frown becomes prominent in my face.

As if noticing my frown, Ranko sighs. "I know you don't want to let go of your feelings, but you need to find someone better. Someone who actually cares about your feelings. It's hard to let go, believe me, I know," he tells me, sadness evident in his voice.

I look up at his change of attitude. "Who was it? Who did you let go," I question with sincerity.

The corners of his lips twitch up as he smiles sadly. "He was actually one of my best friends. We were rivals, always trying to out-best each other. It was all fun and games, but then I starting having feelings for him. Of course I never got the chance to tell him, but I watched as his life became harder. From then on, things only got worse for him. I wanted to help, but he wouldn't talk to me," he explains with a wistful look.

"Who was it," I ask once again.

He smirks. "He's actually related to one of your teammates," he tells me with a laugh.

I narrow my eyes at him. Okay, Naruto doesn't have family. Neither does Kakashi. Sakura doesn't have any siblings. Sasuke, all his family was killed by...!

"You liked Itac-"

"Shush," he throws the pencil at me, a blush prominent on his cheeks.

I smirk, chuckling. "Oh, that is good! Do you still like him? Because if you do, that'll become a problem to my plans of setting you up with my sensei," I tell him.

"What?! No! J-just-! Leave me alone," his face flushing to a red shade.

"Ooh~! You do still like him," I laugh.

I watch as my older brother pouts in defeat, his secret revealed. With this told, I feel much more closer to my sibling. He gave me genuine advice that made me think about my feelings for Sakura. He trusted me with his own feelings, and for that, it makes me see him in a brand new light.

I smile at him, "thanks, nii-san. You don't know how much I really needed that. Maybe I will find someone who cares for me, but first I need to deal with the feelings I have for Sakura. I need to know if I actually have true genuine feelings for her, or if it's just an infatuation." I profess, looking at my brother.

These thoughts shake my heart because if I do have feelings for the kunoichi, then I need to prepare myself for the incoming pain. Though, if I don't, then I need to move on.

Why is being a teenage girl with feelings so complicated, I mentally groan.

"Well, whatever happens just remember that I'm here for you to lean on. After all, we are family and family sticks together," he states, reaching over the table to ruffle my hair.

"Thanks, nii-san," I laugh.

"You're welcome, plus I'm the best brothat you have," he announces.

Rolling my eyes, I smirk. "You're my only brother, you idiot."

"You wound me," he gasps dramatically, placing a hand on his heart. "Well, that's enough sibling bonding time for now. I need to turn in my mission report to the Hokage, see ya later," he tells me, standing up.

I give him a nod in response and watch him leave. Looking down at my plate, I pick up my chopsticks to finish my breakfast.

After a few minutes of silently eating, I stand up from the table and take my plate to the sink, washing it. Once that's done, I go to my room and get ready so I could meet the team at the bridge. Entering my room, I sidestep through my mess of scrolls, books, and more books.

Honestly, I clean my room, but why is it always messy, I question to myself.

Quickly grabbing my white utility belt, I strap it on to my waist. Next, I go to my bedside table and pick up my bandana-like-headband. Tying it on my head, do a full circle before spotting my boots, discarded next to my closet. Sighing, I kick them on before zipping them up. Standing up straight, I flatten my dress from any wrinkles.

Alright, time to go, I mentally exclaim, leaving my room.

# # # # #

After a few minutes of walking through the streets of Konoha, I finally arrive at the bridge. Once I'm there, I see Sasuke standing towards the side, ignoring everything. Next to him, at a fair distance, is Sakura, who's looking at him like he's everything in world to her. Ignoring the pain ripping through my chest, I look towards Naruto, who's glaring at the Uchiha.

Same, Naruto, I sigh. Same.

Crossing my arms, I walk over and stand next to the knucklehead as we patiently wait for our sensei to arrive. Once again, seconds turn to minutes. Then, minutes turn to hours.

Our attention is bought by a sudden poof. Mentally sighing, I turn and catch sight of our amazing sensei.

"Hey guys! Sorry I'm late, I got lost on the path of life," he tells us with a closed eye smile.

3...

2...

1..

"Stop lying with a straight face!"

"Give it a rest!"

Both Naruto and Sakura shout in synch, pointing their fingers at the Jounin with obvious anger. I watch as Kakashi's facade falls away with a heavy sigh. Dropping the smile, he turns serious, but it's Naruto who breaks the tension. 

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei! Lately all of our Team 7 missions have been too easy! I want a, you know, hot one!! Where I can shine! That follows my ninja path! And my heart like...!" Naruto exclaims with such enthusiasm, eyes burning with passion.

"Yeah, yeah. *sighs* I pretty much know what you're going to say," Kakashi cuts in, being morose as ever.

Kakashi then explains to us about our missions today. A series of D Rank missions. But as he explains, I look towards Naruto with a quirked eyebrow and notice that he's daydreaming with a grin on his face. Probably out besting Sasuke in today's assignments. I mean, ever since we've returned from the Land of Waves, their rivalry skyrocketed. It's mostly one sided, but with Sasuke being cool and collected, Naruto does everything to look cool, only to look stupid.

"Hey, Naruto, what are you doing? Let's go," Kakashi calls over, just as we take our leave.

"Oh yeah," Naruto snaps out of his imagination before running to us.

"You are really annoying today," Sakura chastises.

I scoff, "leave him be. Besides it's only natural, we've been doing D Rank missions and it's like him to want something more exciting." I explain with a nonchalant wave. Turning my crimson eyes to lock with her emerald gaze, I continue. "Heck, even I'm getting a bit bored."

And with that, I walk past her and leave her in silence. It's only fair, I mean, if I want to figure out my true feelings then I need to stop obsessing over her. I need a clear head and that requires no distractions. I need to face these emotions head on; That means I can't push aside the hurt and just focus on the happiness because that's not how it works. I need to feel every raw emotion.

And if I find out that I only like Sakura because I want her to be with me, then that's infatuation which means I need to let her go. Infatuation isn't healthy, it's obsessive. But if I actually and genuinely like her, then I need to be conscious of the incoming pain that the future brings. Because I'm setting myself up for self destruction. Heck, I set myself up since the beginning.

Of course I had to like a girl who can't return my feelings, I mentally smack myself.

Anyways, the first mission took place in the river. We were assigned to pick trash out of the water, taking out all kinds of garbage that people litter. All was going well, that's until Naruto slipped, rushing towards the raging waterfall.

While he was screaming with panic, I facepalm, sighing at his antics. Sakura shakes her head in disappointment from besides me. Though it's Sasuke who comes to the rescue, like always, and saves Naruto by using string. Throwing it around a tree's branch, he then follows Naruto down the waterfall and grabs the blonde from the ankle, saving his life.

After that, we went to the dog shelter and took their dogs for a walk. Both Sakura and Sasuke got small dogs, which was a smart choice. Me, I got a fair sized dog, a white and black husky that has vibrant blue eyes. But Naruto, he wanting to be the best, chose the biggest dog. A large, brown bulldog.

Despite that, another challenge arose against Naruto. Instead of him walking the dog, the dog was dragging Naruto. And if course, whenever a challenge rises against Naruto, things go wrong. Example, the dog walking straight into a minefield.

But don't worry, the dog came out unharmed.

It was Naruto who took the full blow.

Lastly, we went to a woman's house to help take out weeds from her garden. Not wanting her plants to be destroyed by the immigrating weeds, we dispersed around her garden and picked them out. Plants being my specialty, it was pretty easy to distinguish the weeds from her plants.

It was an easy task.

Though Naruto, who's highly competitive and determined to win in his rivalry against Sasuke, looked over at the Uchiha and frowned at his pile. Noticing the difference between Sasuke's and his own pile, he became blind to the competition. Immediately taking action, he started ripping through the garden, not even noticing that he was removing the woman's herbs. He only cared for the size of his pile.

That's where the odds turned against the knucklehead.

By the time we were meant to finish, our client noticed that Naruto ripped out her herbs. Let's just say that Naruto doesn't share my specialty with plants.

Or with clients.

"It's because you push yourself too much," Sakura chastises, supporting a worn out Naruto, who's too weak to walk by himself.

"Nope, he just had bad luck today," I comment.

"Hn! Can't you take care of yourself," Sasuke states, adding fire to the fuel.

That's all it takes for Naruto to snap.

"God damnit," the blonde exclaims, turning towards Sasuke.

But before he can actually do anything, Sakura intercepts. "If you don't calm down, I'll finish you," she yells, raising her fist in a threatening matter.

I scoff, always protecting the Uchiha. Crossing my arms over my semi-flat chest, I let the jealousy swirl at the pit of my stomach. Huffing, I throw a look of distaste towards Sasuke.

Why does she like him? What's so good about him? He shows no interest towards Sakura, so why?

I'll admit that he's somewhat good looking, but is that all? I mean, she doesn't know anything about Sasuke, so where's the attraction coming from? His personality is shit, he ignores her, so why?

"Hn, I'm leaving," Sasuke announces.

I give an overly sweet smile. "Bye," I say before turning away from him, no one wants him here!

As if noticing my obvious jealousy, Kakashi speaks up. "Hmm? Teamwork seems to be suffering lately," he comments, looking between me and Sasuke, then Naruto and Sasuke.

This peaks at Naruto's attention. "Yeah! Yeah! You're the one ruining our teamwork, Sasuke! Always hogging the spotlight, you bastard," Naruto shouts, pointing an angry finger at the Uchiha.

I soon on my heel and copy Naruto's action. "Yeah! Not only from Naruto, but also from me! What about me?! I never get any recognition, I'm always on the sidelines watching you take all the glory! It's not fair," I shout at the Uchiha, surprising everyone as I agree with Naruto. "It's time that the Kiyomi clan gets some attention," I add, eyes burning with passion.

He scoffs. "That's you, you morons. If you want me to stop making you look bad, then just become stronger than me. And Riko, if you want recognition then stop waiting for the spotlight and take it for yourself. You come from a strong clan, it's time you start acting like it," he advices.

My eye twitches. Just when I started disliking him, he gives me genuine advice. Great.

Dropping my hand, I start to ponder. Sakura likes him, I should hate him, right? But he has a point and actually gives good advice, although he's a jerk about it. So, what should I do? Hate him? Or, like him?

Why is life confusing, I question with a frown.

While I drop my hostile actions, Naruto and Sasuke just get more intense. Their rivalry growing so much stronger between them. Sparks fly around them with a new level of hostility.

Suddenly, the tension is cut by a cry of a hawk. Looking up, I watch as it circles above us, Kakashi to be specific. It's a call from the Hokage.

"Okay, that's it for today! I have to go submit this misson report," Kakashi informs, dismissing us.

"Then, I'm going home," Sasuke snaps before turning away, seeing as nothing's holding him back.

This announcement personally pokes at Sakura's interest. "Oh! Hey, Sasuke-kun, wait," she calls out, making the said Uchiha stop.

By now Kakashi took his leave to do whatever, only leaving us. From besides me, I watch as Naruto's shoulders slump dejectedly. I mean, watching Sakura suddenly rush towards Sasuke can make anyone who likes her feel rejected. Just like Naruto, my posture also slumps as a ripping feeling goes through my chest.

Is this how rejection feels like? Like your heart is being pierced by hundreds of knives? Or like having an anvil fall in your stomach?

"How about right now... we work on our teamwork, just the two of us," she asks, an obvious blush prominent on her pale cheeks.

No, I think it feels like having your heart being ripped in half before it gets stabbed by a thousand knives, then finally it shatters to billions of nonexistent pieces. That's how rejection feels like.

"You're the same as Naruto," Sasuke scoffs. "If you have time to bother me, practice a jutsu or two. Frankly, your ability is below Naruto. Honestly, I feel like Riko and I are the only ones who carry this team, besides Kakashi," and with that he walks away, totally rejecting Sakura's offer.

Can I just say that feels nice to know that Sakura's feeling the same pain as I am, I smirk at her slumped form. Let me just say this, it feels great!

# # # # #

After a pause of silence, and Naruto offering Sakura to train with him and to forget about Sasuke, she simply walks away. With a tired yawn, I stretch my arms above my head and pop the joints in my back. Sighing with relief, I dig through my utility belt and take out the black journal full of jutsus.

Reading the contents, I watch through peripheral vision as Naruto runs forward before running back, then forward again. Sighing with annoyance, I take my crimson gaze away from the journal to look at the blonde. As I lift my gaze, I notice a rectangular box disguised as a rock, following Naruto.

Do I even question what's happening, I deadpan.

"I act like I'm looking forward, but feint! What kind of rock is square and has two holes," Naruto exclaims, pointing at the disguise.

My eye twitches, really?

Suddenly, the box gleams with light before it explodes. With the explosion, a flurry of colored smoke pours out of the box. Once, it disperses, three kids are revealed coughing as they gasp for fresh air.

"I think we used too much gunpowder," one them says, making me question their common sense.

But the trio stop their actions as they notice the attention on them.

"I'm Moegi, and I'm the sexiest Kunoichi in the academy!" The girl announces, making me pale at her choice of words.

"I'm Udon, and I love algebra," the boy with glasses states, shaking me out of my shock.

"And I'm Konohamaru, and together we make the Konohamaru Squad!" The one with blue scarf exclaims as they all pose.

Is this what kids do in their free time, I ask no one.

"Oh, it's you Konohamaru. What's with the goggles," Naruto says coolly.

"Hehe! We're copying the old you, boss," the said boy informs.

Boss?

"Ahh," the Uzumaki deadpans.

"What do you mean 'ahh'?! Hey, you're cold lately, boss," Konohamaru points out.

"So, what do you want," Naruto asks them with an attitude.

"Umm, leader, are you free," Moegi asks my teammate.

"See, I told you he's cold," Konohamaru mutters to Udon, which I can hear since they're standing next to me.

I drop to their level. "Nah, he's just in a bad mood," I inform the boys before standing straight. They blush for getting caught.

"Nope, I'm training," Naruto professes.

I scoff. "You're only training so you can beat Sasuke," I call him out.

He crosses his arms and pouts, turning away from me.

"What?! But you said you'd play ninja with us today, hey," Konohamaru exclaimed.

"Haha, oh yeah," Naruto deflates, realizing that he did.

Suddenly, Sakura comes walking back towards us, in a depressive state. Her whole presence reads 'rejected'. But I guess that's understandable for her state, I mean the great Sasuke Uchiha rejected her.

I guess she now knows how I feel, I mentally smirk.

Anyways...

"Why would a ninja play ninja," Sakura begrudgingly asks.

"Hey, boss! Who's this girl," Konohamaru shouts, pointing at Sakura.

I chuckle and look at Naruto, awaiting his answer. As we're all waiting for his answer, the Hokage's grandson looks between us.

"Not bad, boss," Konohamaru comments. He points to Sakura, "she likes you, but..." the boy points at me. "She's your girlfriend!"

WHAT, I mentally shriek as my eyes widen in shock.

"Wow," Naruto chuckles. "You brats are pretty perceptive," he states with a flustered look.

Well...

My attention is brought back when Sakura throws a sucker punch at Naruto's face. The momentum of the punch sends Naruto flying back towards the wooden fence. The kids shriek at Sakura's actions while I stare wide eyed. I get that she's upset about the accusation, plus she's depressed about Sasuke's rejection, but a sucker punch to the face is a bit too much. Way too much!

"Boss!" The trio of kids cry out. "How dare you," Konohamaru shrieks at Sakura.

"Sakura, what the hell?! You can't just punch him for no reason! That's abuse," I shout, shooting her an incredulous look as I run past her, towards Naruto.

Konohamaru also shouts. "No! Leader! Don't die! You ugly bitch," he insults the Kunoichi.

That was also too much.

At Naruto's side, I help him up, checking his face for any damage. There's nothing much, just the prominent bruise on his cheek. Supporting his weight, I grab his hand and pull him up until he's standing.

"You okay, Naruto," I ask the blonde, who only nods in response.

Recalling what the academy student called her, I watch as she only gets angrier. With this, she cracks her knuckles and a deadly airs surrounds her, making chills go up and down my spine. She stalks towards us and her viridian eyes close in on Konohamaru. Once she reaches us, she raises her fist making the kid coward.

Before her fist can make contact, I catch it. "Whoa! Hey! What the hell are you doing?! You can't hit a kid? What is wrong with you?! I get that you're depressed about Sasuke rejecting you, but don't take your anger out on us," I scold her, tired with her shit. "Deal with your emotions on your own time. We are not your punching bags!"

Scoffing, I throw her hand aside and watch as she looks down, ashamed. Not even looking at us, she walks away.

But like everything today, something goes wrong.

"Damn it! That ugly, huge, forehead...is that really a girl?! Seriously, bro," Konohamaru comments to Naruto about Sakura.

My eyes widen as Sakura suddenly freezes. In horror, I stare as she turns towards us, a malicious smile on her face. She immediately runs towards us.

I glue myself to the fence as the others run off, trying to avoid Sakura's wrath. After they get at a fair distance I decide to follow them. Walking, I slowly follow them until I hear the obvious grunt of pain. Hearing that, I rush forward.

Reaching them, I spot Konohamaru on the ground, but I also notice two new people. But what I most importantly notice is the symbol on their Hitai-ate.

They're Sand shinobi. They're from Sunagakure, I think as I take in their appearances.

But a thought finally hits me with full impact.

They're here for the Chunin Exams, and they're our new competition....

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Whoo! I finally finished this chapter! 3,836 words. Sorry again, I've been an awful author for not updating regularly, but as I promised a few commenters, I will update my all my stories this week. Even if it means me not sleeping, eating, or having contact with people! I will destroy all my distractions to update my stories this week!

Anways, what did you think?

The brother-sister moment?

Ranko's crush on Itachi *wiggles eyebrows*?

Riko speaking up for the lack of recognition?

Riko dealing with her emotions for Sakura?

Konohamaru's accusation of Riko being Naruto's girlfriend?

Anyways, don't forget to

COMMENT

VOTE

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FAN!!!

ADIOS, Mis Amigos!!!

?¿ What's your favorite holiday, or celebration? And why?¿

Mine is Halloween, or Dias de Los Muetros. Why, maybe because it revolves around the dead and supernatural, and because I get wear black and not look like a murderer. I mean, I always wear black, but still... Lololol.