A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Twenty- Introductions

Iruka stood at the front of the large classroom holding a clipboard at his hip. He glanced at all the faces of this years genin, a faint glint in his eyes. He had done this year after year, and the feeling of successfully passing each and every student never falters.
"Alright, you all. I've just finished my meeting with Lady Tsunade, the elders and your future senseis. Going forward, you are all officially genin. If you haven't already, now's the time to put on your Shinobi band."

A young brunette picked her band up tentatively. She observed her own reflection in the metal, the Leaf's symbol appearing at if it marked her forehead. Years of training, studying and practice has led to this moment, dreaming of when she would put on her band and prove to many that she is capable of greatness, of strength. She imagined herself wearing it in different fashions and placements but always went back to it resting across her forehead. She had no clan jutsu or even a reputation of a clan name behind her.

In fact, she would be the first in her family to become a Shinobi. The first in her family to do anything, really. Aside from working odd jobs to keep afloat and feed bad habits.
Moriko tied her Shinobi band onto her head, her chin lifting as she inhaled deeply. She had done it. But she was far from being done with her goals.
"Your senseis are finishing up their meeting with Lady Tsunade, and will be here shortly. Good luck to you all."
Iruka stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. As he walked down he noticed Meilani turn the corner, a vacant expression along her face. When they met eyes he offered a small smile, and then a hug when he got close enough.
"How are you doing?"

Mei shrugged, glancing down at the standard jonin uniform Tsunade had provided. She had spent a few days with Kurenai borrowing her clothes. And, upon learning what had transpired, Lady Tsunade offered a spare room at the Hokage residence. Along with a small advance to buy some clothing and food. And while Meilani was grateful, she couldn't help the reddening in her face or the inability to breathe steadily when she was offered help she couldn't exactly refuse.
"I'm, here." She answered. "The phantoms have gotten worse since I've started training with my father."
"Any word from Hachi?"
Mei swallowed hard, her jaw tightening.
"No, he's still MIA."
Iruka frowned, squeezing her arm gently. "He'll be alright. Maybe Pakkun can help find him."
Mei stared ahead, reflecting on Kakashi's distance the past few days.

"He's not avoiding you, you know." Iruka pointed out. "He's just giving you the space that he thinks you want."
Mei looked to the ground. "I shouldn't keep my genin waiting. I'll see you around, Rue."
Mei walked ahead without looking back. Her mind shoved away the thoughts she'd being avoiding to diffuse the nausea it left in her. She focused on the beginning of her career as a sensei, of the responsibility she now carries with being in charge of the future's youth.
It grew another kind of ache in her stomach.
The quiet buzzing in the classroom ceased when she opened the door. It seemed that a few groups had already been picked up by their sensei. Good. She thought. I'm not too early but I'm also not the last.
"Team 9, with me."

She didn't linger in the doorway to see who would shuffle down past their former classmates. Instead she waited outside, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed nonchalantly. The door slid open and out shuffled a timid boy with juniper green hair and honey brown eyes, a taller raven haired girl with purple eyes, and a familiar brunette girl that Mei remembered making eye contact with a few weeks ago outside of the Academy.

Holy crap, it's her! Moriko stifled a gasp, recognizing Mei at the same time. She remembered the whispers about her last year; The lost Princess, the toad sannin's apprentice, the 4th Hokage's protege.
"Welcome to Team 9," Meilani greeted after they reached the training fields. The day was sunny and filled with crisp spring air. The heat of the sun was tolerable, allowing Mei to feel a warmth she's missed. It was also a signal of warm summer days quickly approaching. "I'm your sensei, Meilani Uzumaki."
The brunette and green haired bow gave a polite bow, while the raven haired girl raised a skeptical brow.