Chapter 7
We had a mission.
Kakashi had stopped by the market to inform me that we were headed on border patrol; we’d be gone for at least 2 weeks.
Deciding to be quick I threw my journal and wallet into my go bag before throwing a handful of yen on the counter for him while I was gone. In minutes I was out the door and running towards the academy.
It had been our day off, but it seems Kakashi had something else planned.
Usually, only chunin are placed on guard duty, but lately, more and more missions have been taking place outside of fire country. It was the Genin Corps job to pick up the slack, but I guess it is a good learning opportunity for the team.
Guard dusty was a common rotation for Chunin, the most action they ever saw was a bandit group or stray team from another nation.
These encounters rarely ever progressed into anything to worry about. I would be fine. We would be home in no time. Stopping at the Nexus building I wrote a quick note to Sakura asking her to check in on him when she could. Make sure he ate and was doing his homework.
One of the attendants smiled at me as they rolled up the note, whistling loudly to call forth one of the birds. It squealed as they tied the note to its leg before I instructed it to deliver the note to Sakura at the hospital.
It took off, causing my hair to shift slightly from the wind its wings created. I thanked the attendant before moving on.
Slipping to the academy building I headed straight for Kaji’s class. Three knocks on the door and I stuck my head in. By now this had become routine. Before I headed out on a mission I’d stop by the school to see Kaji, the teacher never seemed to be too annoyed by the interruption.
They understood that there was always the chance I wouldn't come back. No matter how low the risk was, it could happen. It had happened before.
They waved Kaji out as I waited in the hall. Kaji was getting better at not expecting the worst, but he always worried. His blue head of hair ran through the door and into my arms, holding still for just a few moments before letting go and looking up.
“How long will you be gone this time?” He asked quietly.
I smiled carefully, “Just a couple weeks, three at most.”
He nodded with a glum look on his small face. I hated leaving him, but this was for him. For Konoha. Kneeling I pecked his forehead and ruffled his hair. In return, he kissed my nose and pulled on my bag.
“Be careful and come home, alright?”
“Don’t worry about me buddy. I’ve got the best team in fire country behind me.” He smiled and nodded sarcastically at my remark. “I’ll be careful,” I whispered seriously now.
He nodded and took one last look before walking back to class, his pocket carefully filled with a wad of yen.
Resisting every urge to stay, I jogged towards the exit. The road from the gate to the academy was a relatively direct one so I took to the trees, my feet hitting the wooden planks of the bridge silently as I went.
I was the second to arrive at the gate. Sasuke stood leaning against the cracking brick of the gate with a small scowl on his face. I guess I wasn't the only one looking forward to a day off.
The gate was one of the only pieces of original architecture still standing in the village. It was old and covered in creeping vines and fluffy moss, the stones covered in layers of grime. The only part that was fully visible was the stone at the top of the archway that had the leaf symbol engraved into it.
The symbol was cleaned up once a week, a frequent mission for new Genin. It was a Genin mission our team had gotten before, but the Hokage had made sure that we never got it again after Naruto almost caused the archway to collapse.
“Sasuke!” I waved lazily.
He looked up with a small scowl that melted away into a neutral look once he saw it was me. Reaching into my pouch I pulled out my latest puzzle.
It was a small delicate wooden cube with intricate details carved into the sides. Raised movable pieces were attached precariously, each knob or wheel an important part of the cube. I hadn't been able to solve this one yet, but it was still fairly new.
Tossing it to him he caught it gently.
“Don't break that,” I told him.
“Hn,” Was my only response.
He began to fiddle with it carefully as I smiled. Sasuke acted all cool, but he was a nerd just like I was.
Walking up to the gate guards I fished my note to Genma out of my pocket, placing it on the small counter in front of them. Curiously they both looked at me and back at the small piece of parchment.
“What's this for?” The one with spiky hair asked.
“It’s a note for a friend of mine. He’s been gone for a while on a mission, but he’s supposed to be getting home tomorrow. I was wondering if you could pass it along to him for me?”
They both nodded and the one with half his face covered took out a pen and paper.
“We're not on duty tomorrow, but we'll pass it on to the next shift and make sure your friend gets it. You're off on border patrol right?” He asked.
His hand flew over the separate page quickly, his writing in messy cursive.
“Ya. Sensei said something about relieving a team on the border with Lightning.” They both nodded along.
“It’s been real rough out there lately, make sure to watch your back. Those Kumo nin are known for their speed. Something about training at a higher altitude makes them faster at lower altitudes. More oxygen in the blood and all that.”
The information provided was interesting. The idea that training in less oxygen-rich climates could improve one's stamina and speed when exposed to higher oxygen content was fascinating.
Ways to replicate the effects of high altitude training circulated in my head. Taking out my journal I wrote down a few ideas.
“That's pretty cool,” They looked up at my words with raised eyebrows.
“I guess it could be cool if you looked at only the science behind it, but you gotta remember it gives them an edge.” I nodded at the spiky-haired one.
I do have to remember that the things I come up with could have real-world effects.
“Izumo, stop scaring her!” The quieter one waved the both of us off to dispel the tension.
“Sorry, Kotetsu.”
“Moving on, who exactly do I address this to? You haven’t told me the name of your friend,” the now-dubbed Kotetsu asked.
“It’s for Shiranui Genma.”
Both of their eyes bugged from their heads comically. “GENMA?!”
Uncertainty I answered, “Ya… Do you know him or something?”
They both nodded with smiles on their faces and mischievous glints in their eyes.
“Do we know Genma?” Izumo laughed. “Of course, we know Genma, the guy practically put us through school.”
Surprised, I raised both eyebrows and leaned forward in curiosity.
Izumo looked me over carefully, making me shift.
“We heard rumours that Genma had picked up another stray, but he’s been so busy lately that we haven't had the chance to ask him about it.”
I smiled and extended my hand to them, “My name is Ahma, but my friends call me Mitsu. It's nice to meet you.”
They looked at one another before both reached out to roughly mess up my hair. I squealed in protest.
“No need to be so formal, kid.”
“Ya. If Genma’s taken a shine to you, you must be good people.”
I smiled up at them as I adjusted my hair, “Thanks, I guess?”
________
It took us 3 days of running to get to the outpost.
On the first night, we spent it in the comfort of the forest. By midnight we were all exhausted. Kakashi wasn't in a good mood so he had pushed us to run faster than we ever had before. If one of us began to lag behind he’d throw taunts and insults until they picked up pace again.
Unfortunately, I was subject to a lot of that on the journey. Sasuke got a few as well, but none of them seemed to affect him. Naruto on the other hand had the stamina to last him forever. The blond was still revving to go after Kakashi had tired out a little.
When we stopped for the night we all split up to set up camp, Kakashi checking the perimeter, Naruto getting firewood, Sasuke filling canteens. I was on camp duty which was just setting up bed rolls and picking a spot for the fire.
Fortunately for us, we didn't have a civilian with us, so we could set up in the trees like most Konoha shinobi preferred to do. We were less vulnerable to attack this way, most untrained bandits and non-tracking or sensing type shinobi wouldn't see us up in the foliage.
Taking out each of our bedrolls I used the smooth waterproof fabric that they were wrapped in to construct hammocks in the upper branches of one of the trees. Small circles were cut out of the fabric at each corner and metal trim was placed around it to reinforce it.
The fabric was intentionally a dark forest green, but most shinobi traded the green for white in the winter. It helps to blend in.
I placed the boys' hammocks close to mine, but not using the same branches so we didn't accidentally break anything off the tree. The point was to leave no trace that we were there in the first palace.
Kakashi’s hammock was a little lower down so the branches could support his weight, but I made sure it was in a well-covered spot. As much as I didn’t like him, he was important to the boys.
Rat bastard.
Inside the hammocks were our thin bedrolls and heat-conserving blankets that were designed to protect against wind and rain. No pillows, but I had learned it was best to use my sweater or Haori.
We munched on our dry and soapy-tasting rations before sorting out the lookout schedule so I went first, then Kakashi, Naruto, and finally Sasuke. Falling asleep just about anywhere in any weather was a skill. Naruto and Sasuke were out relatively quickly, but Kakashi stayed awake my entire watch.
He simply sat in his hammock double checking my every move and looking around lazily as I sensed around us from the center complex of the tree. He was insufferable. He didn't even trust me to make sure no one was around.
When my watch ended I glared at him and got in my warm hammock, my back facing him in silent disdain. He was such a prick.
On the second night, it went much like the first, but I purposefully placed the boys watched on either side of my own. By default, he was unable to stalk me the entire time I was up. He glared at me like a disgruntled child before heading to sleep. While on my watch in the middle of the night, I imitated throwing rocks at him to relieve my annoyance with him.
Petty, I know, but he deserved every imaginary rock I threw.
The third night was spent on the ground as the trees thinned and disappeared. The ground had become rocky and covered in thick gorse and short grass. It was colder here, and a little harder to keep up while running, but not by much.
You could see the sky clearly, and clouds were common, blocking out the sun.
At night you could see the stars. Back home the night sky was always covered by the tops of the trees, but not here. The mountains towered in the distance, larger than I had ever seen them before.
I spent the night dreaming of the world. What I imagined each village looked like. Not even Kakashi could ruin the mood the next day.
Naruto and Sasuke were in just as great moods as I was. We joked around and asked questions, Sasuke insisting I draw the mountains at some point while we were in the area.
Shyly I agreed.
Kakashi seemed intrigued by this development, insisting I show him my sketchbook after we settled in.
When we reached the outpost early the next day, the Chunin there let us spend a day recuperating before they planned to head out. The outpost was made up of a stone structure that resembled a medium-sized cabin with a tower attached to it. Inside was a small kitchen, a medical table, a table and chairs. The ladder led to the top of the short tower to allow for a better view over the flat terrain, the viewing point covered by a small stone dome to protect against rain.
An old manual pump well was off to the side, moss and lichen growing wildly around it. The pump looked like it would give me tetanus. Some old picnic benches sat around the barracks in a strange huddle.
A separate building in the shape of a chubby rectangle stood only a few meters away as the barracks. The doors were reinforced metal that creaked when you opened them.
Inside the walls were lined with bunk beds that looked like they hadn't been cleaned in ages. Old blood stains, mud, and strange green stains littered the yellowing mattresses. At the back of the building was a single bathroom complete with a single toilet, a small shower that ran cold, and a barely working sink.
“Well isn’t this cozzie,” I remarked sarcastically.
Beside me, Naruto snickered loudly as the Chunin showing us around, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“Ya, well no one really taken the time to try and clean this place up since the war. Most of the outposts are in similar states of– well– yuck.”
Sasuke shivered in disgust as he sat his pack down beside a bed near the middle of the room. Naruto followed close behind, choosing the bunk beside him. Setting my bag near the doors I turned back to our escort.
“That's nasty.”
He nodded in agreement before extending his hand to me, “I’m Asahi by the way, it’s nice to meet you.”
Shaking his hand I introduced myself, “Likewise. I’m Ahma, but everyone called me Mitsu.” Turning to the boys I pointed at Naruto first. “The blond knucklehead who's already out like a light is Uzumaki Naruto, the quiet one is Uchiha Sasuke.” Sasuke looked up and waved before settling down to rest.
Leaving the barracks we closed the doors behind us carefully. “Uchiha Sasuke as in the head's second son, Sasuke?” He asked as he opened the door for me as we walked into the main building.
Carefully I squeezed his forearm in thanks as I passed. Kakashi sat reading his book at the table, only glancing up to narrow his eyes at me before looking back down.
I smiled wryly. “Ya, but don't treat him any differently than you would anyone else. It sets him off,” I advised quietly.
He nodded and moved to sit on the kitchen counter as I knelt beside the sink. Baking soda and a scrub brush beside the sink immediately caught my attention. Opening the old cupboard I found a little vinegar and a fresh bottle of dish soap under the sink. A large pale sat at the back filled with old sponges and a pair of ancient rubber gloves.
Not taking the minimal supplies for granted I set them on the counter beside Asahi.
“Does this place have electricity?” He shook his head.
“No, everything is either gas or old-school candle lit lamps. Why do you ask?” He looked over the supplies curiously.
With pursed lips, I opened the cupboard to the right. Inside were a few mugs, 6 or 7 bowls, and a few old cups.
“I need some warm water for this to work.” He hummed in recognition before opening a cupboard on the other side, pulling out an old kettle.
Smiling, I took it from him and started the gas stove. The spark seemed to be broken, so I filled the kettle, setting it down over the burner before pulling out a small box of matches from my pouch.
Lighting the gas, it flickered to life quickly. Asahi watched silently as I poured a little baking soda into the pale, followed by dish soap. It fizzled slightly, turning bubbly and pale cream. Once the water boiled I poured about half the kettle into the pale before setting it down.
“Does his place have tea?” I asked. Asahi nodded and opened the lazy susan to present me with an assortment of green teas. “Are you serious?” I asked incredulously.
Asahi laughed, “This place may be bare bones, but we're not monsters!”
I laughed aloud as I picked out two tea bags from the container of Chamomile behind the mint tea. Filling up the kettle once again, I placed the bags inside with the strings outside.
Turning to Asahi I asked, “Watch this for me?” He smiled and nodded, situating himself on the counter once again.
Taking the sponge, scrub brush, gloves, and pale with me, I walked back to the barracks. Setting it all down, I opened up the large doors of the bunker-like structure, using pieces of old wood to wedge them open so the windowless place could air out.
Using an extra hair tie around my wrist I pulled the two ponytails at the end of my braids into a tight bun at the base of my neck.
Walking into the Barracks I fished the decrepit broom from the corner, the dustpan nowhere to be seen. Methodically, I moved through the room, clearing layers of old dust out through the front door before using the long stick to clear spiderwebs out of the corners.
Scrubbing the dried blood and mud off the floor, the place looked a little brighter. Less like a prison and more like a safe space.
“You really hate messes, don't you?” Asahi stated.
I nodded sheepishly. “It bugs me when people don't take care of their space, I guess it's an older sibling thing.”
He turned to me, “You have a younger sibling?”
“Ya, his name’s Kaji. He’s a real handful,” I stated jokingly.
Pulling out my wallet I showed him the picture of Kaji and I right after his 9th birthday.
“Handsome kid,” I nodded in agreement.
Moving on I went back into the kitchen for the vinegar. I poured a little into the bottom of the pale, adding more dish soap and cold water from the tap before heading back. Using the sponge I whipped down each metal frame with the diluted mixture, scrubbing the real stuck-on stuff.
By the end, the room looks a lot more presentable, but it smelt a little like vinegar. Having anticipated this I walked back inside to the kitchen for the teabags, a plate and a glass.
Placing the plate on my chosen bed I flicked a kunai from my holster, cutting the teabags open. Placing the tea leaves on the plate I walked over to Sasuke who was watching me with a raised eyebrow.
“Can you set these on fire please?” Slightly startled, he nodded.
Taking the plate from my hands he placed it in his lap. Doing the necessary hand signs he performed a tiny great fireball jutsu, the intense heat of the flame drying the leaves out and setting them aflame. Using the glass I placed it over the flaming tea leaves, effectively smothering the fire as it flickered out.
Smoke rose from the burnt leaves in swaths, the smell of chamomile and campfire filling the space slowly. Sasuke and Asahi looked on in wonder as I set the smoking leaves on top of my bed.
“That's kind of genius,” Sasuke muttered.
Smiling, I threw him a playful wink. “What do you think you keep me around for?” I joked.
________
It was cold in the morning. My breath could be seen, coming out in clouds of white as the steam froze. I’d been standing here for hours, Kakashi taking my energy the day before as a reason to make me do morning watch from midnight until 6.
A deer and a few hares had meandered through the camp, but nothing extremely alarming. They moved properly and ran away like they should when I tossed a few kunai by them lazily. My legs were stiff from standing for so long, the chakra constantly circulating through my body the only thing keeping me from hypothermia. At about 3 it had begun to rain, the constant sound trying to lull me to sleep on my feet. I could hear the boys downstairs in the kitchen, but no one had come to relieve me yet so I kept on with my lookout.
Asahi and his companion had left at about 5, stopping by to tell me they were on their way out. Asahi had taken one look at my blueing fingers and taken off his thick wool gloves, sliding them over my much smaller hands with a promise to find me to retrieve them once I was due to return home.
It was actually quite sweet.
The horizon hadn’t changed a bit beyond the small puddles and slick rock, not a being in sight for miles.
Suddenly the trap door slammed open, causing me to jump slightly, kunai in hand. Kakashi rose from the floor with a raised eyebrow.
“Eat something then get some sleep, you have watch again at 8.” Yawning, I slipped my kunai into my pouch and dropped down the ladder, barely acknowledging the infuriating man above me.
On the stove was a pot of rice, some old mystery meat rations fried and stirred into it. Yum. Making myself a bowl I grabbed a pair of chopsticks off the counter and meandered over to the table.
Naruto sat half asleep picking at his own bowl, Sasuke having finished his. He had one of my books from my pack open, flipping through the pages with a curious glint in his eye. He had always been a secret nerd.
Taking my first bite I gagged. The mystery meat never got easier to eat, but it provided the most protein in the smallest quantities so that was what we had. Picking up a piece I flicked it at Sasuke, only for him to catch it with his chopsticks as he played with them absentmindedly.
Glancing up smugly he discreetly gestured towards Naruto. With a raised brow I watched as he carefully threw the chunk.
With a small splash, it landed in his tea, the sound making his head shoot up. Glaring at the both of us he sighed and lifted the rim of the cup to his lips, taking a large swig. His eyes widened comically and he swallowed, gagging and coughing the whole way.
Settling, Naruto glared at the both of us, “Bastards.”
I chuckled and reached towards Sasuke for a low five under the table. He obliged with a roll of his eyes and a large smirk.
Finishing my food I made for my sleeping quarters. I’d try to get the smell out of a few of the mattresses before my watch and leave them to dry overnight.
The snap of a twig drew my attention, everything froze in place. Mutters drifted from the main building quietly, but for a split second, I thought I heard voices in the brush. All I could hear now was the wind.
“Everything alright?” Kakashi called down from the watchtower.
I looked up, imitating his lazy wave as I began walking again. “Ya, just my mind playing tricks on me is all,” He hummed before turning back to watch the border.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end like someone was watching me, but my tired mind supplied that it was paranoia from sleep deprivation. Yawning, I crawled into Naruto’s bed, the warmth still there.