The Plant Kunoichi (Rock Lee x OC)

Trial By Fire

For the next three weeks Kaia explored the village every day, meeting new people, seeing new sights. She also made time for stretching and meditation.

She had so many failed attempts at even cracking a seed, Kaia had basically given up on trying any of her ninjutsu. She decided this was as good a time as any to work on her taijutsu, which she had always neglected.

Instead of going down to the training grounds and diving in, she started small with stretching and stances in the apartment.

Kakashi noticed Kaia's condition was improving so he tried to motivate her to take it up a notch. One morning when they were eating breakfast, Kakashi decided to talk to Kaia about her training regime.

Smirking under his mask, he casually said, "I see you've been working on your taijutsu lately. I don't want you to give up on your ninjutsu and genjutsu, but I think you're making a wise decision. If you really want to step up on your training, you should think about doing some training with Lee. It can be a bit intense, but it pays off.. If you think you can handle it."

She instantly furrowed her brow, but she knew she could use the help. "I can handle anything, thank you very much. But I guess he is a strong shinobi."

"Be prepared," Kakashi warned. "Lee may be eccentric at times, but he trains harder than most. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you jump in."

Kaia tried to sound determined even though she was nervous. "I will need the challenge."

The following day, she was feeling ready to give it her all. First she had to find him.

Pulling her sweater over her head and quickly braiding her hair, Kaia headed out the door.

The first place she knew to check was the training grounds, and she was right. He was in the middle of some handstand pushups. Instead of interrupting him Kaia stood by watching intently, distracted by the sweat dripping off his face, and his ability to continue at such an incredible pace.

Lee noticed her watching and jumped so he was standing on his feet.

"How are you today, Kaia? It is wonderful to see you!"

Kaia tried not to blush, she thought he was charming. She smiled at him and tried to find the right words to ask him.

"Lee, I know you're very busy with important duties, and your training, but would you be willing to train me in Taijutsu a bit? I'm not very good at it, I need to get better, and you're the best there is."

Lee's eyes grew wide with excitement. "A student of my very own? Guy Sensei would be so proud! I would be honored to help you reach your full potential in taijutsu!"

Kaia tried to convince herself this was still a good idea after Lee suggested they begin right away with three hundred punches. She had healed enough so she could push herself and that's what she planned to do . Although it sounded like it would turn out to be a grueling workout, she tried to trust Lee's process. Obviously it worked for him.

Making the mistake of asking Lee not to go easy on her, her next four months were debilitating. She pushed herself and progressed to the point where she sort of kept up with Lee during their workouts, but she still couldn't beat him in a sparring match.

Afterwards, she would go home and pass out from exhaustion. Kakashi found himself impressed by her determination to improve her skills.

It hadn't been all work and no play though, she spent plenty of time hanging out with a few of the closer friends she had made, Naruto, Kiba, Shino, Sakura, and of course, Lee.