A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Eleven- It's Been a While... 🍋

Ino glanced at Kakashi for perhaps the 8th time in a span of 20 minutes. She first spotted his tall figure near the winter-blooming flowers that were the last of the season, as the first signs of spring found it's way in Konoha a few days before. The next time she looked, he had moved across to the succulents under a heat lamp radiating the plants with a bright red glow. After that, he had moved to the plum blossoms waiting to bloom. Every time Ino looked he had moved to a different section. Until he had found himself in front of the winter flowers again with crossed arms.
"Those are probably the last tsubaki of the season," Ino approached with a friendly smile. She leaned her nose towards the yellow center and inhaled the light floral scent. "With proper care they should last another two weeks."

Kakashi pursed his lips, a simple "Hm," was the only acknowledgement she received.
"Or the peonies. Purple is her favorite color, right?"
The shop's bell rang and with a huff, Ino glided over to the new customer.
It's been so long since I've been able to bring flowers... I want them to be perfect. He thought to himself.
His mind raced through all of the flowers he has ever given her. From the time he picked random ones from spots throughout the village, to the bouquets he purchased before her mission with King Meiji.
"There are thousands of flowers, surely there's a few I haven't given yet." He mumbled to himself. Regardless, he needed to decide quicker. As the variety of florals he smelled was giving him a headache.
"Ino," he called after the customer had left. "Do you have any tulips?"
"They're just beginning to sprout, so they're potted at the moment."
Her words gave him a new idea, one that lightened his chest as he imagined the look of delight it might give Mei.
"I'll take one. If allowed, of course." His lips curled to a grin behind his mask.

*****

Mei and Iruka were wrapping up their lunch. She was relieved to finally have the opportunity to do so, and to ask for any advice on her becoming a sensei.
"You don't have too many brats, do you? I don't know how I'll act if they all have an attitude." She slurped down the rest of her hot and sour soup, smiling in delight at the flavors.
"Nah, they're all good.... Mostly." He chuckled. "A couple pranks here and there, but all as sharp as a knife."
She nodded, trying to swipe the bill before he could. She let out a short exhale at her failure. "Let me pay for once!"
"Mmm, nah." He flashed a smile. "Maybe when you're assigned your genin. You know, as a 'thank you' for teaching such brilliant youth."

She rolled her eyes, following him outside. "At least let me buy some sweets for us. I know how bad your sweet tooth gets after a delicious meal."
He rubbed his neck. "Eh, wouldn't hurt."
On their way to grab some dango, Mei heard the cry of an eagle. She held her arm out, allowing the creature with dark grey feathers to rest it's wings. After stroking it's chest and neck, she loosened the scroll attached to it's ankle. She whispered a thank you to the creature before it shook it's wings and took flight once more.
"Who's it from?" Iruka asked, glancing at the wax seal curiously.
"My father, Meiji." She answered, immediately recognizing the insignia upon the purplish-black wax. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," he waved his hand. After Mei purchased a few dango sticks, they found a patio table to sit so Mei could read the scroll.

Dear dragonfly,

I know that you are known as the Hummingbird of your village. And while it suits you for many reasons, I have called you dragonfly since your mother and I found out she was carrying you. Now, about your predicament....
Your maternal grandmother struggled with them, she named them 'phantoms' as she would see apparitions of past memories. I know of a way to help gain control, though I would need to be there to assist. And to help keep the family secret well-guarded.
My trail has reached a stand-still. It's been frustrating, and I might have to retrace my steps. Which is a shame, I have a goal to capture him as soon as possible, preferably before your birthday next month.
I'll visit Konoha in a few weeks, and will assist in every way I can.