Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 28

Chapter Inspiration: Climax by Usher

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The rainy months of Konoha hit without any word on Sasuke's whereabouts. The weather turned cooler, Village damp from the rainfall that happened nearly every day. But it was a welcome, the fresh smell of rain along with the scent of the forest for those that lived on the outskirts. Since the Uchiha's departure everyone had been busy. Most noticeably Naruto, who was training for the Jounin Exam, and Mai taking on any high ranked mission possible to prove herself ready to return to the Phantom Division. Training hard to become the ninja she once was before the war. Without aid from the Chakra Strings, the damaged arm was seventy-five percent back to normal. Which was saying a lot given the trauma sustained. She was lucky compared to most, stretching the muscles and standing from the bed.

The wet morning dew clung to everything outside, a heavy fog settling over Konoha. Streets were empty, shops closed. At seven in the morning on a Sunday only a select handful of people were awake at this hour. Pulling on spandex pants that cut off at the knees, a black sports bra, and ninja footwear, Mai left the house and gazed into the thick mist. While stretching once more, her thoughts wandered to how perfect the weather was for running. She could be hidden from anyone's eye if they weren't aware of their surroundings. Plus, it was perfect because the ninja wanted to be alone. It was a good way to clear her head.

Mai started with a light jog into the Village through the deserted streets. The cool sensation of the water droplets that filled the air pushed away the growing heat radiating from her body. It only meant she could run longer, faster.

Kakashi sat outside his apartment on a rooftop with his favorite book series in hand. Eyes scanning the pages, he was waiting for the Hokage Building to open up and see if he had a mission. Having been part ANBU, it wasn't uncommon to find him up early some days. That organization usually started every day at the crack of dawn.

Something caught his attention, which made the Jounin listen intently to his surroundings. It was almost impossible to hear, ears ringing from the strain, but after a few seconds he was able to figure out what drew his attention.

Running footsteps.

Glancing over the edge of the roof, his eye scanned the barely visible street. They were getting close, coming in from behind him. Craning his head around the side of the building, the young man watched someone come into view. Kakashi noticed right away it was Mai. Sweat and water droplets covered the exposed skin, hair slightly damp and sticking to the back of the neck and cheeks, even though it was in a ponytail. Muscles expanded and contracted with every stride, clearly showing how fit and dangerous the seemingly small girl truly was.

She didn't notice him. The former sensei continued to watch as the fog swallowed her up further down the road.

"Training as always," Kakashi muttered.

The Be Fong passed by the familiar sight of the Nara Compound, thinking to herself she should stop by soon to play another game of Shogi or Go. It had been a few weeks and a part of the ninja felt... bad for not visiting. She spotted Shikamaru's spiky ponytail as he lazed about in a tree sleeping. She laughed lightly to herself at the sight moving on.

Mai carried herself through the deserted streets, taking sharp turns, and lunging over objects in her way. Konoha was basically one big obstacle course. The usual route was boring. Every so often, Mai took a new path to keep the activity interesting. She wondered where to go next. Looking up she saw the Hokage Mountain, direction changing, and rushed up the steep steps.