𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐘

Erin walked towards the Hokage's building, she took a deep breath.

She looked up, the sun shined brightly, clouds slowly moved along the sky.

Erin averted her towards the entrance of the building, she saw Riku standing there, waiting for her.

"Are you ready?" Riku asked her with a smile as she got closer.

Erin nodded, "Yeah." She mumbled as they began to walk up the stairs.

"I'm sure it will be fine." Riku reassured as he glanced at Erin, "You deserve it." He smiled.

Erin looked back at him and returned the smile, "Thank you, truly," She kept her gaze on him, "Not only for recommending me but for everything." Erin looked away, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Riki chuckled as she tensed up from her own words, "Erin," Riku called as Erin looked back at him, "Don't thank me." He smiled.

Erin returned the smile. She had gotten a lot closer with her team than ever before. The years that led up to this moment had been a roller coaster.

From missions, arguments, training, to pure moments of happiness.

They had all learned to trust one another. Not because they had to but because this was all they had.

Riku and Erin walked along the rounded hallway leading up to the office, "It will be fine." Riku placed his hand on Erin's shoulder.

She nodded in response, 'I worked hard. It will be fine.' Erin calmed herself down. She is rather confident, however, becoming Jonin was another step towards her goal. And she needed to accomplish it.

Riku had opened the door, Erin walked in after him, "Good afternoon Sir." Riku bowed. Erin followed.

The Hokage nodded as the two straightened up, "Erin, i assume you want to get to the matter." Said the third with a smile as he saw the glint of impatience in her eyes.

"Well," He leaned back into his chair with a sigh, "I considered the recommendation along with Shikaku Nara, the Jonin commender." He looked into Erin's eyes.

The third cleared his throat, "I had mentioned that you would be a great asset," He began, making Riku smile and Erin's heart beat to increase.

"However, Skikaku said that it would cause a commotion if we do." Erin's heart sank, Riku glanced over at her, watching as her eyes filled with disappointment.

Erin looked down at her feet. 'All of this was for nothing. Just because i am who i am.' She felt her heart clench.

"But." The Hokage spoke, making her snap her head up in his direction, "He said that you are incredible, and deserve to be a Jonin."

Erin let out a choked gasp, a smile immediately appeared on her face.

"Whatever challenges will arise, we will face." He clapped his hands together, feeling pride for the girl, "Congratulations, Erin." The third fave her a closed eye smile.

Erin turned to look at Riku with a smile. He smiled back at her, "You did it." He ruffled her hair with affection.

Erin chuckled, "I did." She smiled to herself, "Thank you, sir." Erin averted her gaze to the old man.

He gave the two a nod, letting them know they are free to leave.

Erin and Riku walked out of the office, "I am very proud of you Erin." He placed his hand on her opposite shoulder as they walked.

Erin smiled, "Thank you." She chuckled, knowing her hard work paid off.

She looked up at Riku, "What about Seiko and Kai, when will they get their results." Erin asked.