The Light That Seeps Through the Trees

Chapter 45: Komorebi Part 2

"Himawari"

"Kenzo-kun"

Himawari and Kenzo stared at eachother neither making a move. It was as if time had stopped for them both. Himawari found herself wishing she could stay there forever but she was knocked back into reality.

"Why?" Himawari knew what he was referring to. He wanted to know why she left. Why she was doing everything.

"Because I have to" Himawari felt her heart shatter at his expression.

"No, you don't. There are other ways. You're leaving everything behind. You're leaving your brother, your aunt, Ino, your teammates, and me."

"There are sacrifices that need to be made and if I have to sacrifice my relationship with my family, I will."

A confused look passed through her face as she saw Kenzo smile, "you still consider us your family."

A blush creeped onto her face giving away her emotions. "That's beyond the point. I'm not coming back and I'm not stopping."

"I know, I know nothing I say will change your mind. All I can do is follow you and keep reminding you that you don't have to do this."

"Why? Why are you doing this? Why try and talk to me when you know I won't change my mind?" Himawari asked.

Kenzo's face softened and a kind smile appeared on his face, "because I love you."

Thump

Thump

Thump

Himawari felt her heart beat out of her chest. She didn't even realize that her hand was now resting on her chest. "Kenzo-kun."

"That's why I'm always going to be here waiting for the chance to bring you back."

"Don't waste your time. I'm not coming back. It's better if you get rid of those feelings." It took everything in Himawari to get those words out. Inside she found herself wishing for him to wait for her but she would never ask that of him.

She turned her back to him ready to leave.

"I know you and I also know those words mean the opposite. Don't worry, I'll wait for you Hima."

Himawari ran through the woods her tears being dried by the wind that hit her face harshly. Although she was crying she found her heart quite content.

Deirdre and Maemi had arrived at the place they were staying. Aiko ran out hugging both Maemi and Deirdre.

"You're back!" She then looked behind them. "Where is Hime?"

"She stayed behind to talk to a guy named Kenzo" Maemi responded.

Hayami snapped her head to them, "she is talking with Kenzo?"

Maemi and Deirdre nodded.

"Who is he?" Aiko asked curiously.

"He was one of my students and Himawari's teammate."

"Oh, I thought it would be more complicated than that. Like they used to be in love or something" Deirdre said.

Maemi, Hayami, Aiko and Homura both gave her a look.

Deirdre returned her own confused look, why are they looking at me like that?

Maemi sighed, "you know for being such a good ninja you are pretty clueless."

"Am I missing something?" Deirdre asked still confused.

Himawari arrived and Aiko immediately threw her arms around her, "you're back!"

Himawari smiled and hugged her back briefly. Once Aiko pulled back Himawari placed her hand on the top of her head. Aiko was always cheerful and lively. She always greeted them happily and with hugs.

It was amazing how she had been though a lot and still smiled so brightly.

"This is where we will be staying for now"  Himawari informed Aiko and Maemi. There two newest members.

Maemi and Aiko settled in and met up with Himawari, Hayami, and Deirdre.

"Why do you two seek revenge against the mist village?" Himawari asked.

Aiko had a sad look on her eyes as she stared at Himawari. "I'm Aiko Uzumaki. My parents were murdered by the mist village. Maemi found me and took me in a few years ago."

"I thought the Uzumaki's were no longer alive besides Karin." Hayami said.

"My ancestors managed to escape and lived hidden for years." Aiko explained.

Himawari looked at Maemi, "and you? Why do you want to be with us?"

Maemi gave an evil grin, "I just like to kill."

Himawari glanced at Maemi as she recalled her words. She knew they were a lie. The true reason was that she wanted to help Aiko. Maemi saw Aiko as a little sister.

In the two years that they had all been together they had gotten to know each other better. Deirdre was 20 the same age as Himawari. Deirdre personality was odd. She struggled to express emotions. The only emotion apparent on her face most of the time was sadness. Once you got to know her it was easier to distinguish her emotions but she often was clueless when it came to interactions.

Maemi was only 18, two years younger than Himawari. Her personality was pretty bipolar. You never quiet knew what to expect from her explosive mood. But once she cared for you she would do anything to protect you. She still remained a mystery though. No one knew her last name or where she came from.

Homura has only been with them for a few months but they already knew him perfectly. He was a pretty confident boy. He was hard working and protective of those around him. He especially had a soft spot for Aiko. In the past few months they had gotten extremely close. It could be due to them being nearly the same age.

"Who wants to eat?" Hayami asked clapping her hands to gain their attention.

"We do!" Aiko exclaimed excitedly. Homura nodded coming to stand besides Aiko.

Maemi set her weapons down, "Me too, but you're not cooking."

Hayami glared at Maemi, "my cooking is not that bad."

Maemi chuckled, "it is. We're most likely to die from your cooking than from an actual fight."

Hayami huffed crossing her arms and looking away from her, "now you're just being rude."

"She is always rude" Deirdre said also setting her weapons down.

"And you're always such a show off!" Maemi said with a higher voice tone.

Deirdre stared at her blankly, "see, always so rude."

Aiko hugged Maemi from behind holding her as she swung her fist around wanting to hit Deirdre who walked past her not giving a care.

Hayami shook her head sighing. Deirdre and Maemi always seemed to clash with eachother. The only time they managed to work together was while attacking. At that moment they could be a really dangerous duo.

"I'll cook" Himawari finally spoke making everyone stop their movements.

"Really?" They all said excitedly.

"Yes"

"Yes!" The five members yelled in happiness.