You bit the inside of you cheek, you were not expecting this. You stood there confused, disappointed and a bit frustrated. This must be what it feels like to be bitten in the ass, theoretically speaking.
The tension in the room was also unbearable, many were unsure how to proceed with the news while others preferred staying quiet. The office was filled with shinobi ranked from Chūnin to Jōnin with the exception of the Hisakage; whose patience was running rather thin.
“How Many times must I repeat myself?” Watanabe-sensei asked impatiently.
“My apologies Hisakage-sama, but I do not understand the reason for this transfer. Why not someone more capable?”
“It is simple Kasumi-san, The Leaf Village has a group that is reforming after two years and is missing a member, the Hokage personally requested you since you are familiar with them both and the rest of the shinobi of the Leaf Village. I do not see what is so hard to understand.”
“How long will I be away?”
“Until your purpose has been fulfilled or they find someone else to be a permanent replacement.”
Giving up in this futile battle with the Hisakage, you nodded and let your gaze fall on the floor.
“Come now Kasumi-san, this is an honor for our village. This is a chance to strengthen our alliance with the Leaf village.” Hisakage reasoned getting up from his seat and walking to you roughly patting your head.
“You will leave tonight, Understood?”
“Yes sir.” You said bowing.
“Good, now hurry off and gather your belongings, once you arrive at the Leaf village you will be greeted by one of their Shinobi and escorted to the Hokage. Dismissed.”
Everyone including you disappeared from the room in a mere poof. You ended up outside your house; you ran inside to gather what you needed for this journey and headed for the front of the village entrance.
The Village hidden in the Caves; your home for as long as you can remember. Legend says that its tunnels were carved by the Sacred Earth users who learned from the moles. That’s why moles were the most sacred creatures in the Cave Village. It was not caveman style though; the cave was not one big hole anymore. Now instead of soil, grass resides under your feet and the sun now reaches the village with its warm rays of sunshine. The caves roof was like on big mouth; in the middle it had a large gap letting the sun through. All the after marks of the last great Ninja war.
“I heard that you’re going to be gone for a long time, take care of yourself Tanaka-kun.” Said one of your friends who were guarding the entrance; Akira Nonada. Compared to you she was very gentle, hence her calling you by your last name and with those horrific.
“You hear right Akira-chan; I’ll be son for a long time.” You said lazily, singing out the ‘L’ in ‘Long’
“Take care of yourself.”
“I know I know, I have to get going, I have at least five hours before I get there.”
With one last Bye, you departed, Akira was the only friend you had, her personality made it easy to get along with. Also since she was the only person willing to be your friend, others didn’t bother.
This would be interesting indeed, for you never thought of living in the Leaf Village. In its entire major event’s you were there, you met the gang during the Chūnin exams also with your now deceased squad.
The five hours came and went when you arrived at the Leaf Village gates, standing Proud. A small smile found its way on your lips, you still weren’t happy about being forced to live here, but it was good to be there after two years of not visiting. Everyone; including you, grew so much you probably won’t recognize them. Approaching the gate the two guard’s men requested to see identification, you let them now you were here by the request of the Hokage and that a fellow Leaf Shinobi was supposed to meet you here.
“What is your name?”
“Tanaka Kasumi.” You said coolly as the Guard nodded his head.
“We’ve sent word of your arrival; Kakashi-san should be here in a minuet.”
Kakashi? A surprise, you haven’t seen him in two years like the others. If memory serves you right, you’d say he still reads those perverted books written by Jiraya. Thinking back you remembered one of his old habits… like being late all the time.
‘Crap…’ You swore once you realized that he was going to be late. And like usual you’d yell at him when he arrives.
‘Were is he?!’ you thought aggravated.
It has been half an hour, HALF A FREAKING HOUR. And he still isn’t here yet!
“Ohaiyo, Kasumi-chan, It’s been a while, ne?”
“YOU’RE LATE!” You yelled as you caught site of said Shinobi.
“Ahh, Still the same as always.” He mumbled rubbing the back of his head.
“It’s nice to see you too,” You huffed.
Kakashi climbed down from the tree and stood next to you, with his Icha Icha Paradise books, to your misfortune.
“Still reading those?” You pointed at the book as and crinkled your nose in disgust, even though you weren’t certain what was written in those books you still had a guess of what they were about.
“Oh, you mean this? What about it?” Kakashi questioned as the two of you began to walk.
“Don’t you find them disturbing?”
“Far from it.” He said as he dug his face into the shelter of the book. Arguing about them with his was pointless anyways; he was clearly obsessed with the books.
“So, how have these last two years treated you?” Kakashi asked breaking the silence.
“Not so good, not so bad.” You said with a noncommittal shrug, “You?”
“Same as always.”
“Like?”
“Oh the usual, beating Guy at his silly games, missing the old days.”
“As in when it was You, Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke?”
“Yes, at least it wasn’t boring with them around.”
“You know, Naruto stopped by with Jiraya-san around the time he left the Leaf Village to train.”
“I’m not surprised, Jiraya-san took him to train, I don’t know were but it seems to me they are roaming around somewhere.”
“And getting attacked by the girls because of Jiraya-san.” You chuckled, imagining Naruto and Jiraya running away from a horde of wet-towel-covered-half-naked raging women.
“I’d pay to see that.” Kakashi snickered.
“Well here we are the place of doom.” Kakashi sighed as he stopped in front of what you thought was the Fifth Hokage’s office.
“Ready?” He asked, you replied with a nod as he knocked on the door waiting for a ‘Come in’.
“Enter.” With great reluctance both you and Kakashi walked in.
“Kakashi, don’t think I didn’t hear you.”
A chill went through Kakashi’s Body as he apologized before this abusive woman would get a hold of him. The Hokage of course was none other than Tsunade, and right next to her was her assistant; Shizune with her trusty pig. And then you noticed a pink blob near Shizune, Sakura! You hardly recognized her, you knew she became the Hokage’s apprentice but you still didn’t expect to see her so soon and her looks definitely changed. She was your same height a bit paler and still those same greed eyes that were a lot like your own. Her bust however was still the same.
“Welcome to the Leaf Village Tanaka Kasumi, I hope you find your stay here very pleasant.” Tsunade greeted still sitting on her seat behind the desk.
“I hope you know why you are here. It is so you can replace Uchiha Sasuke until we can find a permanent replacement, so at the time being Sakura will be your guide until you are settled, We will also provide you with an apartment, right next door to Naruto’s, he is expected to arrive in two days tops.”
“Thank you very much for your hospitality Hokage-sama.”
“Oh, Before I almost forget!” She opened her desks drawer and pulled out a Leaf Village head band and a pair of keys for your apartment, you took them in your head and bowed.
“Thank you, Hokage-sama.” You were loss for words; they surely went to a lot of trouble of making you feel at home. You gaze met Sakura’s, she had been smiling at you the whole time, probably because this is the first time you’ve seen each other since that day two years ago, since you’ve seen anyone that day two years ago….
“You may leave now; Sakura will show you to your new home.” And just like that she dismissed you and Sakura keeping Kakashi in her office to discuss some personal matters.
The second you exited the Hokage building Sakura jumped on you and literally JUMPED on you; you almost fell face first into the concrete floor with her weight.
“Kasumi-chan! I’m so happy to see you aGuyn! You have to tell me-“
“Sakura breathe,” You chastised, “I’ve been doing fine and nothing at all has happened. Same old boring stuff.” As you began to follow Sakura; presumable to your apartment.
“You’re such a buzz kill; I thought you weren’t bipolar anymore.”
“I’m not; I’m just upset the Hisakage didn’t warn me before early this morning, seeing as he knew a week before I was told, which I will repeat again was this morning exactly five and a half hours ago.”
“Wow,” Sakura whistled, “You sure know how to hold a grudge, remind me not to get on your bad side.”
“Yeah, because my good side is so much better.” You snorted as you and Sakura walked passed a Woman yelling at her son.
“Why are you so late?!”
“I was saying good-bye to my pets!”
“But you are two hours late!”
“I have an ant farm!” As soon as he finished his sentence and you and Sakura rounded the corner you both were hunched over laughing like two maniacs.
“That was classic!”
“I know! I should use that some time.” You said as you wiped away a tear. That was probably the funniest thing you have ever heard in your entire life.
“Sakura-chan!” Came a new voice, both you and Sakura looked in the direction of the voice. Your eyes landing on a certain Bushy brows and his team mates. As he came closer he slowly slowed down as he looked over to you, “Kasumi-chan?”
“Bingo.” You winked.
“You’ve changed!” He yelled as he hugged you tightly, you and Lee were very good friends, and sadly you last saw him two years ago also. From over his shoulder you saw Guy-sensei, TenTen and Neji. Guy-sensei and TenTen you had good relationships with but Neji was a bit like Sasuke even though you are him are friends there are still certain walls which he refuses to let down.
“You too,” You patted his shoulder with your only free arm that wasn’t currently caught in his vice grip.
“Lee… you’re hurting her.” TenTen grumbled knowing Lee wasn’t even paying attention, if he didn’t have you in his arms she would have pounced on him already. Neji decided to just face palm while Guy-sensei had glowing eyes which probably meant one of his cheesy lines were coming.
“That’s right Lee, Let the power of youth explode!” With his famous flashy grin and ‘Good’ Sign.
‘Still the same as always.’ You noted with droopy eyes, resisting the urge to face palm or roll your eyes.
“All right Lee, you can let go of Kasumi-chan now.” Sakura tried desperately to get you out of his grasp.
“Lee, release Kasumi before you suffocate her.” Neji spoke up gaining Lee’s attention which caused him to reluctantly release you. When your feet hit the floor TenTen came and hugged you gently.
“It’s good to see you again Kasumi-chan.” She smiled. Neji was next, he outstretched a hand, and you took it in your own and shook it pointing a small smile. At least he had manners, and was nice. (Unlike Sasuke.)
“What brings you to the Leaf Village?” Neji inquired, releasing your hand.
“I’ve been assigned to Naruto’s team to replace Sasuke until they can find a more permanent replacement.”
“SO THAT MEANS YOU WONT BE STAYING?!” Lee yelled griped.
“Don’t yell in my ear!” TenTen backhanded Lee causing the poor boy to have a sharp twist and fall limply onto the floor.
“Looks like they made a wise choice.” Neji chuckled.
“I wouldn’t say that.” You said a bit modest, Neji always knew the right words to say around you for some reason.
“So, when did you arrive, Kasumi-chan?” TenTen interjected probably feeling a bit left out.
“An hour ago, when I arrived at the gates they wouldn’t let me pass until my escort arrived. Needless to say I waited a long time for him to arrive.”
“I’m guessing it was Kakashi-sensei who was your escort.” TenTen more stated more than asked. Kakashi of course was well known for his tardiness.
“So I heard you got promoted to Chūnin last year, Contgratz.”
“Thanks, you too. I heard practically everyone got promoted to Chūnin here as well.”
“You heard right, except for Neji though he’s a Jōnin now.”
“Congratulations Neji.” You said; Neji nodded with an approving smile. Neji was never one for words anyways…
“Kasumi-chan, I’d hate to break up this reunion but I have to take you to your apartment so I can report back to Tsunade-sama before it gets any darker.” Indeed it was in fact getting dark, the sun was about to set. You shared glances with Neji and TenTen –Since Guy-sensei was trying to revive Lee- And decided not to argue.
“Alright, see you later guys.” You walked off with Sakura with one last wave.
“It’s nice seeing old friends again isn’t it?” She said.
“It’s refreshing. I can’t wait to meet everyone else.”
“I know, I can’t help but imagine what Naruto will do once he sees you,” Of course you and Naruto were very good friends, “Probably worse than Lee.”
You shuddered to think what could be worse than Lee’s vice grip hug. What will he do? The two of you didn’t exactly part ways on the best of terms. Not in bad way of course, although it was a bit complicated.
“Here we are.” You lifted your head to meet a door, you rubbed your nose. This was the door to your apartment and surprisingly –not- Naruto’s was just next door. Perfect –much-
“Well I have to go, make yourself at home. Bye!” Sakura said goodbye and began jumping roof to roof. You felt a bit bad; you must have made her late to report to the Hokage with your little ‘Reunion’ with Guy-sensei’s team. You would have to ask her if anything happened between her and the Hokage. In the mean time you would love to enjoy a bit of your spare time that you o’ so infrequently get. You fished out the keys to the door and opened the door and looked inside. You grinned this place was way better than Naruto’s next door, when he sees this he will be so jealous.
The room was not big but it wasn’t tiny either. The Kitchen/ Dining room and Bedroom were combined, and near the kitchen was a door leading to the bathroom. The single bed was in the far right corner (to your left side.) its left side hugging the wall, with a nightstand to its right; on it was a lampshade. In front of the bed was a small chest, probably were you store weapons, even if it’s not that’s where you’d store yours. On your right side you was the Kitchen/Dining Room; it was fairly simple just like the Bedroom, a Kitchen in its right corner facing to wall to your bed. (So that means it wasn’t facing the front door it’s facing your bed on the opposite side of the room, if you still don’t understand message me, this is my first real attempt to describe a room with no pictures.) And beside it were two counters to prepare food on and a stove. On one of the counters was a mini T.V that was facing the table you think is where you are supposed to eat on, and it only had two chairs beside it. You also noticed the small rug under your feet.
You walked in the bathroom, ‘Not bad either.’ There was a bathtub with shower curtains; beside it was a simple sink and a small mirror above it and a toilet. No doubt while you’re here you will make your own modifications but there was something not right… why were they going through all this trouble to make you feel at home? You sat down on your bed and took out the Leaf Village head band, it wasn’t your size at all but you weren’t one to complain; you tied it around your left wrist. This would be something you would find out sooner if not later.
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