NARUTO SHIPPUDEN - LOVELIFE OF A HEARTTHROB MAIDEN

Chapter 3: Always There For The Fox

Chapter 3: "Always There For The Fox"

Six years ago, there was an american man name Dravese Nightwayne whose wife from Konoha died. Dravese decided to settle in her hometown with his ten year old daughter name Ashya Nightwayne. He also planned to open a business there. Ashya was a little redheaded girl with small pigtails. Next day after unpacking their things, she asked her father if she can go outside for awhile.

"Okay, Ash. But don't go wandering off too far, alright?" Dravese ensured her. She just nodded and stepped out.

She took a walk somewhere not very far from their new home, taking the full time to adapt the new environment. Based on observation, she thought Konoha was a harmonious and peaceful place. A young woman passed by and was selling a basket full of lollipops, her mouth watered when she saw her favorite flavored candy. Out of hunger she bought the huge round lollipop. After it was paid, when she tilted her head up, she saw a few ninjas dashing from one building to the other. Gasp of amazement arised as she watches them glided all the way to one building that seemed to be the tallest one among the others.

"Someday, I'm going to be like them." Ashya said, gazing upon.

The building had a red round shaped sign that says "Fire" in Kanji. Behind it lies a mountain that was carved of four giant stone figures of unfamiliar faces. Suddenly, Ashya was startled when somebody snatched her lollipop. She realized that she was surrounded by four teenage bullies, tossing her plastic wrapped candy to one another.

"Hey! That's mine!"she cried, could barely catch it.

One of them tossed over to the teen who first stole her candy, which seemed to be the boss of the group, started unwrapping the plastic.

"It's ours now." he laughed. Ashya tries to get it but was restrained by them. Tears were about to flow on her cheeks as she poorly stared at the teenager that was about to put the lollipop into his mouth.

"Give that back!" a voice shouted. Their eyes fluttered, searching for that source of distracting noise. Then, the teenager found a boy who looked as young as Ashya, standing behind him. His hair was blonde and messy, eyes were as blue as Ashya's but only darker and his skin was tan. He had strange whiskers on his cheeks, such a small boy to have the guts and face them. The boys grinned.

"Well, well, well.. Look what we have here: It's the freak." one teenager proclaimed. This little boy glared at the one holding the stolen lollipop.

"Give that back." he firmly repeated, pointing at Ashya. "And let her go."

She was released, however, did not retreive the candy. They seemed to be offended so their attention was brought down to him, surrounded him. The leader bent over and smirked.

"What are you going to do about it," he moved his face closer to his, "freak?"

The little boy did not answer. He just kept glaring into those sinful eyes, thinking he had no way to defend himself. But this time, he snatched the candy and quickly dashed away. Sticking his tongue out at them and chuckled.

"Catch me if you can!"

"Why you little--- Get him!" their boss shouted, who was fully irritated. They all left Ashya behind to chase after the mysterious boy who just fled with her candy. She secretly followed them. She could hardly catch them up for they were too fast. Ashya was slowing down, while the bullies were already fading away until they were out of sight. It was no use, she gave up running and stopped in the middle of a street that was crowded with villagers. She didn't know where she was anymore.

So tired and lost, ended up sitting on the ground in despair. She wished she never had gone too far just to chase after that good-for-nothing candy. Fear arised in her stomach to think that she had disobeyed her father. There was nothing left to do, except to wait until Dravese finds her. But then, the boy came back after awhile. He looked tired and sweating, panting hard to catch his breath. It was delightful to see him again with her lollipop that she'd been looking for. He bent over and quietly gave it. No word was spoken after retreiving it, except he could sense the joy in her smile.