Falling for a Teacher (An Iruka Umino Love Story)

Falling for a Teacher Chapter 4

“Alright Imouto.  Promise to behave for Naruto and Sakura?”

“Of course Aneki.  I’ll be good.  Iruka’s watching me too remember?”

“I know but I’m still gonna worry about you silly.” Hikari smiles, kissing her sisters forehead.  The younger girl wraps her arms tightly around Hikari, holding her close for a few moments.

“Come home okay?” Arai asks, releasing her sister so she can stand.

“Always.” Hikari replies, hooking her pinky with her sisters, “Okay, I’ve got to go now, I should be back in about a week.  Thank you so much again Naruto.  And you too Sakura.”

“Not a problem, I’d do anything for Iruka-sensei so this is nothing!” Naruto replies, “We’ll take good care of her.”

“See you in a week!” Sakura adds, and the three wave to Hikari as she disappears into the village. 

Hikari stands at the border of the Land of Fire, assessing the situation.  She was heading to the Village Hidden in the Grass to deliver classified information between the two villages.  And now she was at the border, about to leave safety.  She leaps into the next set of trees and glances around for enemy shinobi.

Continuing on her way, she finally stops in front of the tall grass that surrounds the village.  She pushes her way into the dark area, making sure to heighten her senses.  Spinning, she raises her chakra blade, which clashes with a sword in a shower of sparks.

“What are you doing here?!” the Grass ninja spits, pushing against her blade.

“I’m here to deliver documents to your leader.  He’s expecting me.” she states, shoving him backwards and taking a defensive stance.  

“We’ll see about that.  Let’s go.” the shinobi orders and she nods, lowering her weapon.  She follows the man, another following behind her.  They lead her into the village and to their leader’s office.  “This Leaf Shinobi says that she has a meeting with you.” 

“Are you the one with the documents?” the leader questions Hikari, who nods.  “You two are dismissed.  I know the girl.”

“Alright.  We’ll return to patrol.”  

Hikari waits until the two men leave before pulling out the documents.

“So you're the girl Tsunade sent…” the leader comments, taking the papers from Hikari.

“Yes sir.” she replies, fidgeting with her chakra blade uncomfortably.  

“Alright, I only need a few hours to review these.  You may work in the training grounds if you please or look around the village, but do not cause any trouble.”

“I won’t.  I’ll return in a few hours.” Hikari promises, bowing before exiting the room. 

Hikari glances around from her hiding spot in the trees, listening for the people who were following her.  Not sensing anything, she leaps from her spot and takes off toward Konoha.  She was only a mile away, and couldn’t risk brining the people into the village.  

“Arai, are you okay?” Sakura questions, crouching in front of the little girl.

“I’m just worried…” she replies, “It’s been a week.”

“Your sister is fine, don’t worry.  She knows what she’s doing.” 

“I just don’t want mother and father to come home before she does I guess…  There’s never any food when it’s just us.”

“What do you mean?” Sakura’s eyes are wide.  This little girl was being neglected by her parents?

“Well, when Aneki is home, we always have food.  She tries to take care of the two of us.  I know that’s why she took this mission.  We need money.  She works a lot.  At the market and stuff.  Plus whatever missions she has time for.  But whenever it’s just my parents and I, we never have anything.  They go out all the time and don’t bring anything back for me.  Aneki has dried food hidden in her room for me that I can eat when that happens.”

“Your parents don’t take care of you?”

“Not really.  But Aneki does so I don’t worry too much.”

A knock on the door interrupts their conversation and Arai runs off to answer it.  Sakura follows slowly, thinking over what the girl had said.  She finds Arai in the arms of her sister, who looks tired and a little beat up but alive.  

“I missed you.” she hears Hikari whisper into her sister’s ear, “I need you to stay here for a few more days.  Mom and Dad just got home.”

“Are you sure?” Arai replies, glancing backward at Sakura.

“Yeah, I just need to figure some things out.  It’s nothing to worry about.”

“Okay…”

“Here, go get your kunai and you can show me how good you’ve gotten.  Sound alright?”

“Yeah!  I’ll meet you outside!”

The two woman watch Arai run up the stairs and Hikari tilts her head toward the living room.  The two enter and Hikari runs a hand through her messy hair.

“Is it alright if Arai stays a few more days?  I need to figure things out for us at home.”

“It’s fine Hikari… She told me a little bit about what happens at your home.  I don’t mind at all.” Sakura replies, sadness filling her emerald eyes.

“Hey, don’t worry about me Sakura.  And don’t worry about Arai.  I won’t let her get hurt.  She’s my baby sister.”

“Alright, you should go spend some time with her though.  She missed you.”

“Thanks Sakura.”