Masks

"Hana!" 

Jolting in her stool, she accidentally smooshed the mask she was starting. Gathering up the clay in a hurry, and tried to make a new one before her mother came by. 

Standing in the doorway with her arms crossed, her mother huffed. "Don't bother Hana. You were zoning out again. What did I tell you about focusing on your tasks! These masks are important!"

Looking down at her hands, she fiddled with the clay. "I know... It's just... How can I not admire the kids outside my window?" Outside her window, she got a perfect view of the Ninja Academy yard. Oftentimes she'd see a blonde boy on the swing but by the time she got outside to go talk to him, he was gone. 

But there was a boy she was always looking for. The boy with the big eyebrows. He put on a tough face but she somehow felt that he was sad. He would be studying in a park nearby when she was shopping with her mother or she'd hear other kids making fun of him while she was working. 

"When I remember that I'll be making a mask for one of them one day... I don't know... Maybe if I knew them, I'd make them better. Get a real feel for them. You know?" 

With a sigh, her mother shook her head. 

"IF SHE WANTS TO MEET YOUNG SHINOBI, I AM HAPPY TO OBLIGE!!"

A booming voice rang out from the store front. Her mom smiled and spun to the store. Moving to wash her hands, Hana overheard the exchange between her mom and her favorite customer. 

"Good morning Maito-kun! We weren't expecting you today, we don't have the shipment of your fabric yet. You know I'll send you a hawk when your suit is ready." 

"I was just passing by and thought I'd come say hello!" He chuckled but Hana didn't believe it for a second. Her mother and Gai-sensei have had a crush on each other for about 2 months now. It was cute but she could tell they were both hesitant. 

He was the exact opposite of her late father. From what her mother told her, he was always a quiet and patient man. Being only around 5'5'', his body was also frail as he got sick pretty often. The day he passed, many shinobi came and gave their respects to him. The armor and clothing he made saved their lives many times. 

Coming out from the back of the shop, she saw Gai-sensei leaning over the counter and talking with her mother. It really did warm her heart to see her mother so happy. It was no surprise that he would capture her attention. He radiated such charisma and confidence, it's impossible to not notice him, even without his signature green jumpsuit. 

"I'll be getting 3 new students tomorrow! One handpicked personally by me! Reminds me of me when I was his age. They're just around your age Hana-chan! I can bring them here sometime next week if you'd like to meet them!" He turned to her and gave a shining grin and thumbs up. 

Taking a quick glance to her mother, she saw her smiling warmly at the man while he wasn't looking. Giving a huge smile back him, she gave a thumbs up. "I'd like that Gai-sensei! Thank you!"

If she was honest with herself, she'd admit that she didn't want to work at the shop. She enjoyed working with clay, but not making masks. The feeling of the clay in her fingers transforming into anything she wants... It was magical. 

Rolling up her sleeves, she started prepping her workstation. She hasn't seen that boy with the big brows outside lately but maybe he graduated. Suppose she should be happy for him, but can't deny that it'll feel a little lonely now. 

"Pst! Hana-chan!"

Blinking away her surprise, she didn't even realize she was zoned out. Turning to the doorway she saw Gai-sensei, waving for her to come over. Everything was ready to start the day so she walked over. 

"I brought my students! They're talking with your mother now, do you wanna meet them?" He had such a bright smile on his face, who could possibly say no?

"Yeah! Of course!" Following Gai-sensei into the main shop, her eyes widened. He was shyly leaning with his back to the counter as a girl with twin hairbuns talked with her mother. A grumpy looking boy stood near the girl. 

"LEE! STAND UP TALL! Shinobi must always show pride!" Jolting up like he was struck by lightning, he saluted. 

"Y-yes sensei!" Standing awkwardly straight, the other two teens sighed and shook their heads as they made their way over. 

Placing his big hand on her head, Gai smiled wide. "This is my dear friend Hana-chan! If you become an Anbu operative, she will be making your mask!"

The girl jumped up with amazement and clasped her hands together. "Whoa! That's awesome! When you make mine, can you make it a panda? They're so cute!" Thrusting her hand forward she smiled. "I'm Tenten! It's nice to meet you!"

Shaking her hand Hana smiled back. From behind her, the grumpy boy shrugged and nodded. "Neji. Nice to meet you." The shy boy, still standing awkwardly straight stood next to Neji. 

Bowing at a 90 degree angle, he extended his hand. "My name is Rock Lee! Feel free to call me Lee! It's a pleasure to meet you!" She shook his hand and he glanced up at her. When their eyes met, his cheeks went a little pink as she smiled. 

Finally learning the name of the boy she watched made her heart flutter. From what she heard from the teasing, he was a year behind because he couldn't use Genjutsu or Ninjutsu. Just like the boy on the swing, she wanted to talk to him. But the urge to console him always dissipated when she saw him clench his fist in determination. 

Leading the three through the store, Hana would occasionally glace at her mom and Gai. Showing Tenten all the kunai and Lee all the sparing equipment. It was clear that this team would be visiting quite a bit.