The Wandering Warrior

The meeting in the forest

Hey guys!!

Its the author speaking!! Chapter 17 is out!! I will be skipping out Inari's past with his dad as im sure that most of you already know.

Enjjjooyyyy!!

Rin was sat down on the middle of the field as she enjoyed the fresh mourning wind and the singing of the birds. She thought she was all alone as she was reminiscing about Inari's father, but it wasn't long before she heard footsteps coming closer to her. The familiar presence she felt, made her tingle all along her spine.

As she turned her head to the left, she saw, what seemed like the most angelic boy she's ever seen. He almost seemed like a girl, almost, with his long black hair and innocent face. She looked him up and down and saw that he was carrying a basket full of herbs.

Should I pretend that I don't know him? Rin wondered. 

'Hello.' She tilted her head. 'How may I help you?'

The boy regarded her with wary eyes before replying. 'You're laying on the medicine that I am foraging for.'

'Ah.' Rin picked up a plant. 'Is this for someone? Or is it for yourself?'

'Quit the act.' The boy knelt in front of the herb and started to pick them. 'I already know.' 

Rin smiled. 'Know what?' She questioned, still feigning ignorance.

'I already know who you are, and you already know who I am.' said the boy. 'Isn't that right, Reaper?' 

'Everyone keeps calling me that.' Rin scratched her head. 'But I'm just an innocent normal girl, you know?'

'An innocent normal girl-' The boy looked up. '-Wouldn't have such unnaturally cold eyes.'

'Hmmm...' Rin looked amused. 'Well then I guess we must be very similar.'

The boy stood up. 'I'm afraid I disagree. I'm not as empty as you. Unlike you, I have something I want to protect.'

'Ouch.' Rin chuckled. 'That was a bit harsh. You hurt me.'

'I have no idea what Zabuza sees in you.' The boy stared hard down at Rin. 'But know that I will never allow any harm to come his way. Even if it means laying my life down for it.'

Ah... his eyes... so determined...

It reminded Rin of Naruto, the eyes, the stubbornness, and the determination to protect no matter what. She then wondered, what would have happen if Zabuza were to die by her hands? What would happen to this person, who would lay down his life? What kind of expression would he have then?

Rin stood up and dusted herself. 'Tell Zabuza to back down. People like you become rather empty after you lose that important person.' The eyes that Rin had, reminded the boy of the vast ocean, cold and deep with secrets. 'Even emptier than me.' 

'Aren't you a bit full of yourself?' The boy felt annoyed.

'It's not that he's weak.' Rin smiled. 'The problem lies with me, you see. I can't always keep closing my eyes and running. There are times where it's forced open.'

The boy didn't understand. Nobody ever did.

'Anyway.' Rin turned around and started to walk away. 'I hope you run because the next time we meet, I won't be so dormant. After all, I have my own obligation to that village.'

Haku's fist clenched. 'We'll see about that.'

Rin turned her head, still smiling, but the smile seemed to confuse Haku.