Danzo punished her the way he always did.She was lashed,starved for a week and chained to the usual metal pillar. Once she was released and able to pack up, Ai did her best to stay away from Shikamaru and the others.She feared that they would be in danger if she involved herself with them.Once Naruto started going on missions her worry didn't diminish at all so she focused on training.
Most of the kids she celebrated her birthday with were more busy now that they were all on teams and had Senseis.Rock Lee ran by her apartment complex fence every morning since the party.He always smiled at her without a word.The Third Hokage usually stopped by around that time too.He would have tea with her then leave to start his daily duties.
Ai found herself strolling up to the Hokage stone heads.She would find herself looking out at the village from up top.Losing track of time.Rock Lee chuckled,
“I figured I would find you here."
Ai nearly flinched at the sound of someone's voice breaking through her peaceful moment.Rock Lee stared out at the village noticing some familiar faces at the village north gates.Ai saw that Naruto was now home from another mission.The blond was on his way to make a report with his other team members.Rock Lee glanced at her asking,
“Do you have someone that you like?"
Ai looked away from him saying,
“No..It's more like..I just want to protect them."
She put her hands in her pockets hearing Rock Lee take a few steps closer.Ai felt his hand touch her shoulder.He said,
"I see..Say Ai.."
She looked at him hearing him ask,
“Just how strong are you truly?When we spared..I could tell you were holding back..”
Ai blinked,
“I uh don't know what you mean."
The way she hugged herself and looked away made Rock Lee sigh.He said in a soft tone,
“Whatever battles you face alone…I hope that you always have the strength to deal with them.You kind of remind me of Naruto.”
Ai hummed,
"How so?”
Rock Lee spoke in an honest tone,
"You are strong like he is and in some ways not all alone like you two believe you are."
Ai was surprised,
“Uh..Rock Lee.."
He seemed to see right through her just then.He frowned,
“If you ever need someone to train with I will be waiting.No one will ever know.I must say goodbye now but I will see you tomorrow."
Ai felt her face get hot as he turned to leave.She felt something stream down her cheek.For a second she thought it was a tear but it was a raindrop from the clouds above.The Third Hokage gave her orders by letter the next morning about a new mission.She was already packed feeling the need to see Rock Lee before she left for some reason.Rock Lee was there in the park doing some stretches.He grinned upon seeing her,
“Oh!Ai how are you today?!"
He seemed like his usual self so she didn't feel on edge somewhat.She tried to smile back saying,
“I'll be gone for a bit..When I come back…If you have time I could really use some tips on how to be stronger.”
Rock Lee laughed,
"Of course!I will always be here.”
Ai nodded giving him a small smile.As she turned to leave he said,
YOU ARE READING
Shinobi
FanfictionA secret sibling of someone who will become infamous and has inherited a special ability.Works as a ninja black operative at night but is a hardworking somewhat of a loner during the day.Ai will face ninja trials of her own all while interacting wit...
