...
The Christmas spirit was gone as fast as it came. Not even two days after Christmas that every decorations displayed in the village had been removed. Even the snow began to melt off since the winter in Konoha has always been really short. Soon enough, the spring began to show the tip of its nose.
“I swear D-ranked missions are so boring.” You walk back to the Hokage’s office after your sixth D-ranked mission of the morning with a white cat in your arms. You put the missing cat in the owner's arms with a smile.
“Thank you very much!” You stiff when the old lady gives you a hug.
“Yeah, you’re welcome.” You wiggle your way out of her arms, uncomfortable by the sudden affection. The woman gives you a smile before she exits the room.
“You did a great job today, Nora-chan.” The Third Hokage congratulates.
“Thanks. Do you have another one for me right now?”
“Maybe later, but not right now. You can go home for now, kid.” He gives you a big smile. You wave and walk out.
The cold wind of March brushes your cheeks as you walk in the streets. You’re heading towards your favorite park, not so far from where you are right now. One of the main reasons you love it so much is because you’ve never seen anyone going there. It’s almost like a hiding spot for you, somewhere where you can look at the clouds in silence. Even if you're absolutely freezing or even if it’s pouring, you can pass hours laying on the ground under the magnolia as you admire the blue sky.
Today is different though, you have the feeling like you're not alone. You let out a wave of chakra and your sensory skill confirms your doubts.
“Who’s there?”
You sit up and face the direction where you sensed someone. When you catch a glimpse of the person, your eyes widen in shock.
“You’re the boy from the Academy aren’t you?”
“If I say his name he will probably get suspicious, because I’m technically not supposed to know it. I need to be careful about what I’ll say.”
“Well, are you going to stay hidden? I found you, it's no use.” A playful smile plays on your lips. The boy walks slowly with his hand buried in his pockets.
“Wanna look at the clouds with me? They’re really pretty today.” He shrugs, but he still lies down beside you. “You already know my name, it would only be fair if you would tell me yours, don’t you think so?” You tease.
A few minutes go by as he tries to figure if telling you his name is a good idea or not. “Shikamaru. Nara Shikamaru.”
“Oh! You’re from the Nara clan, that’s so cool! I wish I had a clan, I’m sure it’s cool to have something like a big family.” You try to sound surprised by what should be new information to you and by the lack of reaction from him you assume he doesn’t suspect anything.
“Yes, but it can be such a drag. I’m the clan’s heir, so one day I will be forced to manage the whole clan.” You can see him from the corner of your eyes staring at you, but you keep your eyes on the clouds.
“I’m sure that until then, you won’t feel as if you're being forced like you say. I have the presentiment that you will enjoy it.”
“I hope.” He mumbles under his breath.
“Shika, can I ask you a question?” You feel him stiff at your side and you wonder if it’s from the nickname.
“What is it?” You smile slightly when you realize that he didn’t complain about the nickname you gave him.
“Why did people tell you to keep your distance from me and Naruto? I get that people are scared of Naruto, but why me?”
“I don’t know. At first, I thought that people despise Naruto because of his multiple pranks, but it doesn't make sense. Why would they hate you too? You never pulled pranks on anyone and their hate is way too strong toward the both of you for it to only be caused by lame pranks.” He sighs.
“Then, why did you pull the other boy away when I met you months ago?” You sit up and look at him.
He shrugs. “At that moment, I thought that running away would have been easier. If one of our senpais saw us talking to you, me and Chouji probably would have been in trouble. It was easier, for real being yelled at is such a drag.”
“Yeah, it is.” You giggle a little. “By the way, aren’t you supposed to be at the Academy right now?” His eyes widen a little when he understands that you caught him. Your giggle turns into a full out laugher “It’s fine, I won’t tell anyone.”
You both talked and admired the clouds until he had to leave. You told him that you will be at the park at the same time next week, knowing well enough that he will understand that it’s a rendezvous. You smile happily as you walk back to your house. “I might be able to make friends quicker than I thought.”
“Hey.” Your heart skips a beat by the sudden apparition of the man.
“What the heck! Are you trying to kill me Kakashi-sensei?!” His mouth arches in a sly smirk under his mask, you roll your eyes in response.
“Don’t be dramatic. If you would have paid even a little attention to your surroundings, you wouldn’t have been shocked. Anyways, I’m here to tell you that we have a C-ranked mission. You need to go to the Hokage’s office at the first hour tomorrow. Pack for a week.”
“A week?”.
He sighs. “Yes. It’ll probably take only two days at the most, but if it takes longer than supposed to, you’ll be happy to have packed more than needed.”
“Okay, I guess we will receive the information necessary for the mission tomorrow?”
“Yes and don’t be late. See ya.” He disappears in a puff of smoke as you huff dramatically.
“You’re the one to talk…” You mumble under your breath.
Without any other interruption, you walk back to your apartment. Not long after your arrival, the door swings open and Naruto bursts through it.
“Hi nee-chan!”
“No need to scream little brother, I’m not deaf.” You tease. “How was your day?” He jumps on the couch beside you.
“Great! We practiced our taijutsu and Iruka-sensei told me I improved a lot, believe it!”
“I’m proud of you Ruto.” You ruffle his hair playfully as he giggles. “I have something to tell you…”
His giggle stops abruptly, now curious as to where the conversation is going. “I will be going away on a C-ranked mission tomorrow. It will take at most a week."
“Really?” His voice breaks slightly.
“Yes, but don’t worry I'm going to be back before you realise it.” You wink.
“You better.” He gives you a tight hug.
“I see that you are very confident in my capacities.” You say sarcastically. “It’s only a C-ranked and my sensei will be with me, I assure you that I will be fine. You better behave in the meantime okay? I will leave you some money in case something happens, but if I learn that you used it to buy Ichiraku’s ramen everyday, you’ll be in deepshit.” You joke.
The rest of the evening went well, both of you went to eat at Ichiraku's and watched a movie after, during which Naruto fell asleep once again.
You wake up at 4 a.m. the next day and showered quickly. You then dress up in your go-to mission outfit, a red tank-top with a long-sleeved mesh shirt underneath and a pair of black leggings.. You equip yourself with two weapons pouches. You secure your red leaf’s headband around your waist and put your hair in your signature hairstyle, two french braids. With your black coat and a pair of boots on, you walk out of your apartment. Little clouds come out of your mouth as you exhale in the cold air. The tip of your nose turns pink whilst you walk in the empty streets.
You are greeted by two shinobis when you walk in the Hokage Tower. “Hi! I have a mission today and I'm here to receive the details. Third Hokage-sama asked me and Kakashi-sensei to come by early this morning.” You inform. Both nob and look through the pile of paper in front of them.
“You can go to his office. He’s already waiting for you.” The brown-haired man gives you a quick smile. You thank them and walk up the stairs.
You knock on the door and you hear a gruff voice. “Come in.” You push the door and step in.
“Good morning Lord Third.” A polite smile spreads across your face.
“Good morning to you too. I’ll wait for Kakashi-san's arrival before I give the mission's details. I hope he won't be too late.” He teases.
“He better not.” You roll your eyes. “Can I lay while we wait?” You tilt your head in the direction of the couch on your left.
“Of course. Make yourself comfortable.” He picks up his pen and concentrates on the paperwork in front of him. You flop on the couch lazily and close your eyes.
“I won't complain if I can get an extra two or three hours of sleep.”
By the time you're drifting to sleep, you hear the door creaks open. Curious, you open one eye.
“I didn't expect to see you here for at least another hour Kakashi-san.” The Third Hokage mocks.
“I would be a bad teacher if I made my student wait, wouldn't I?” He winks at you.
“I see you bought a clock or is it that I scared you with my threats, sensei?” You flash a playful smirk to Kakashi, earning a frown from him.
The Hokage clears his throat. “Do you want to know the mission's details or you would prefer to argue?” Kakashi and you both apologize. “This mission is a tracking mission. A missing-nin was spotted close to the border of the Land of Wind and ours. If possible, you will need to find his intention. Any combat situation will be avoided. Although, if the enemy engages the fight, you are authorized to fight back.” The old man pulls a scroll out of a drawer and puts it on his desk. “This is the information about the missing-nin. Are there any questions?”
Kakashi takes the scroll and puts it away in his pocket. “If the missing-nin goes into the Land of Wind’s territory, do we abort the mission or not?” Your sensei asks.
“Report back and we’ll decide what to do after. Now, go.” Lord Third orders.