Lightning In The Hidden Leaf

14 - Something Never Said

"Just remember," says Iurka as he and Calista pack up for the day, "among the Hidden Leaf ninja, are comrades safety is as important as our own. If there is a chance even one of our kin is still alive, no matter how small, we go back for them. Unless instructed otherwise."

"That's a rule that I would love to live by, for a change."

He smiles at her thinking of how lucky he is to be raised in the Hidden Leaf.

"Care to walk back to the village?"

"Sure."

"So, do you know when your next mission is, or are you stuck with me for a month?"

"Actually, I don't go out on missions anymore."

"Really?" she says, her arched eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I mean, I used too. I did it for a long time but I got a little burned out with it. On my last mission, about three years ago, I was almost killed. Let's just say I was told my 'softness' got me in trouble that day. It was at that point that I was done with front line work so that's when I decided to teach. When the kids are out of school, I help the Hokkage with some of her work, such as what I'm doing with you. I think that my 'softness' is better put to use that way," he says rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, how does that make you feel? Not being on the front line?"

"Make me feel? I never really thought of that before," he says pausing to think. "I love behind the scenes work but... it does bother me that I'm not as tough as Kakashi or Tenzo or Guy. I've just accepted it though. I mean who I am," he says kicking  a rock as if it were a soccer ball.

"Well, I think we all have our own toughness. You have to be tough to work with kids or help the Hokkage... especially the one you have," she says laughing. "Besides, being tough is overrated anyways. There are lot of tough men in the world but there is something especially unique about a 'soft' one," she says mocking him with the air quotes.

He turns his flushed face away from her. "Well, I don't know about that."

"I thought you would say that."

They are fairly quiet from then on merely enjoying each other's company and soaking up the last rays of the sun as it sets behind the mountain.

"Say," says Iruka as the two of them stop outside of HQ. "You probably don't know but the village is having our firefly festival tonight. This is the end of season for our fireflies and if you stay out late enough, you get to see them swarm the sky. It's really beautiful. I'm going and I was wondering if--"

"Hi, Iruka! Calista, it's been a while."

It was Kurani. Calista hasn't seen her since the day she first came to the village.

"Hi Kurensi. What brings you in town?" says Iruka.

"I had some work to do for Lady Hokkage and thought I'd find something to wear tonight while I'm in town. Are you two going tonight?"

"We were just talking about that," says Iruka. "I am."

"Are you, Calista?" she asks when she doesn't say anything.

"Well, I don't know. I don't know much about it or the people going and I am still on my probationary period."

"That doesn't matter. Besides, it will be fun and it's a great opportunity to meet some villagers and potential comrades. You can come with us? Right, Iruka?"

"Y-yeah, for sure," he says forcing a smile.

"Well," says Calista, "If you really don't mind I guess I'll meet you tonight."

"Great! Actually why don't you come shopping with me. You're done with her, right?" says Kurenai grabbing Calista's wrist. Iruka gives a small nod and the two girls are off. Calista glances back at Iruka but he has already disappeared inside HQ.