A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Intuition🍋

The forests' tranquility was exactly what Meilani needed at the moment. From last night's difficult mission, followed by this morning's training, to being alone the past few nights with Kakashi leading an S-rank, she needed time to focus on herself without the influence of anyone else's energy.
It was harder to meditate with the sosen nomen fighting for control, but Meilani could feel she was close to sealing it on her own. At least, seal a majority of it that allowed her to wield it better. Without phantoms spontaneously overcoming her senses. Even now, she could feel one approaching. A growing static feeling formed gradually in her mouth, and her eyes began to water more than normal. She knew it would happen soon. And when it did, she would use a combination of her father's method and her own to control it.

Hey, Mei....
Mei paused, opening her eyes and sitting up. Naruto's whisper jutsu had a sense of gloom to it, setting off her parental instincts.
I, uh.... Had a really rough day yesterday. I was training with Pervy Sage and I... I almost lost control. I think I hurt him really bad, but he won't admit it. It could be that he feels bad for pushing me so hard, but still.
Anyway, don't worry about buying me any clothes, Pervy Sage bought me a whole new wardrobe, I kinda ruined all I had. Hey, think I can convince him to visit the Isle of Dreams? From what you've told me, it sounds awesome!
I hope we can see each other soon. Even if it's a quick hi and bye on the road. I miss you.

Mei's eyes welled with tears, which she quickly patted away before sending a response.
Hey, kid. I miss you like crazy. Don't beat yourself up over Jiraiya, okay? He's a tough guy, he'll get over it in no time. I know he wants you to be at your strongest, we both do. You know, I was wondering about the Isle of Dreams as well, maybe we can plan a meetup soon. I'm hoping Tsunade assigns my team to a higher ranked mission soon, I think they're ready. Oh, crap. I can't believe I forgot to tell you, I'm a sensei now! But don't worry, that's not gonna stop me from teaching you a thing or two when you get home.
Keep your head up, okay? You got this. I love you, fishcake.

She stood up with a newfound determination, pacing back and forth until she felt the static in her mouth increase. She breathed in steadily, her chest filling with the warm summer breeze. The same breeze that increased and swirled around her loose curls. She exhaled, nodding to herself before clapping her hands together and opening her eyes.
"Rin, pick up the pace." Minato called out, watching her and Obito spar. "And Obito, stop going easy on her. That's not what the enemy would do."
Mei stuck her hands out and curled her fingers. She fought against the trembles in her hand, swallowing hard. Her eyes roamed to see a young Kakashi working on his own, and a smaller version of her and Kushina approaching from a distance. She clenched her jaw, realizing that the longer she stalled to look at their faces, the harder the phantom retaliated against her.
"C'mon," she hissed to herself. Her hands turned counterclockwise before clasping into the formation she created for this moment; Hitsuji, Tori, Inu, Ne.
"Fuck. Yes!!" she exclaimed, watching the phantom melt out of existence. She completed the rest; tatsu, uma, I. A gust of wind pushed her at all angles. In her mind, she saw a chain of her formation written in black-tinted kanji. Forming a small loop around her skull before disappearing completely. She had done it.

At least, she believes so, only time will tell.
"Working on a new jutsu?"
Mei turned to Genma, waving excitedly as he approached.
"Just finishing up one I've been working on. It's a long story. What's up, Genma?"
He shrugged, meeting her halfway.
"Lady Tsunade sent me to find you, wants to let you know that she needs to talk to you soon. Once Kakashi's back from his mission."
Her head tilted. Before she could ask why, he fished out a small jar from his pocket, shaking it gently.
"Since we both have the afternoon off, wanna join?"
Her mischievous grin gave her away, and together they walked further into the forest, where the trees became more dense.
"Did you enjoy the festival?" She asked, focusing chakra on her feet to walk up the tree he selected.
"I worked patrols, so I didn't participate that much. The fireworks were nice, though."