Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 32

2 Years Later

Many months passed and Mai became used to the Uchiha's constant coming and going from Konoha. He would never say where he was traveling to or when he would return. No longer was the ninja surprised by his sudden appearances in her home or around the Village. And the Be Fong's demeanor around Sasuke would be much different than when alone or on a mission. Shikamaru could see it when playing Shogi or Go with her on occasion. Same could be said for her teammates Sakura and Naruto. The only ones who failed at noticing were the two childhood friends. Sasuke managed to keep out of trouble since allying with Konoha those years ago. Though he still stayed clear of Kage Villages except his own just to be safe.

Naruto assumed the title of Jounin only a year prior and Team 7 held a large party in celebration of the achievement. And Sakura had assumed the title as a Senior Field Medical Ninja, where she trained newly appointed Chuunins. Sai was quiet as ever, working alongside Kakashi on many occasions when leaving the gates. As for Mai, well, in a way she still had bad habits.

It was still hard to track her down more often than they liked. And when they did, she only spoke when she thought it was relevant. No matter how hard Naruto tried to get her to talk about her travels beyond the gates.

"It's top secret, Naruto," Mai said. "You know that."

Her success rate was in the top percentile of Konoha, which was a feat in itself. Remarkable really that even with the slight handicap of the arm, that never fully healed from the war, she showed no weakness.

Kakashi tried a different approach. The war was long over. The threat of Akatsuki squashed. There was no reason to still feel on edge or guarded. He talked to her like a friend, similar to how Shikamaru and Choji may confide in one another. Yet that kind of openness was still a struggle after years of practicing the opposite. He backed off every now and then to make sure the Be Fong didn't close off completely.

There were many pieces missing to her current whereabouts. She'd return with more cuts and bruises. Though the older teen didn't show pain or acknowledge the injuries the wrappings that would peek out from under her clothing were clear indications as to her dealings against an enemy. Once Mai returned with a black eye, which meant the Be Fong's missions were becoming more and more dangerous. She was known for returning unscathed, so this was concerning. He did not like this, though the Hokage shot down his disagreement on the matter every time. And the Phantom Ninja's files were under lock and key. The only notes available to Jounin proved to be little help to determine how her mental state was coming back from the field. To be sure Mai was truly okay or this was all a ruse.

With nowhere else to turn, the Jounin visited an old friend, who sighed heavily upon his arrival.

"I know why you're here." The two of them sat at the table in the joined kitchen and dining room. "But you're wasting your time with me, Kakashi," Belva stated. "Mai doesn't tell me much of anything. Not since the war. She only comes here to train and become stronger."

The young man sighed in defeat.

"I too see the state she returns in and I'm afraid. Afraid for her wellbeing despite not expressing any concern or pain from these missions."

"Mai is usually more introverted in gatherings with the others. But at least she's not hiding in the shadows like before. The missions, being part of Phantom, Mai can't give details for what Ibiki involves her in. Social settings... She's gotten better compared to–"

"You cannot honestly tell me you believe that little act of hers." Yes, he did, in fact. "You are hopeless, all of you. Blinded by what you want to see. The Hokage has made me aware that you may have feelings towards her. Tell me, have they changed?"

His jaw clenched slightly under the mask. "That's private."

"Well, whatever you are working through, it's making you blind! Damn it, Kakashi, she's going to get herself killed at this rate. If you truly do care for her then you need to help me save her."

There was a tense moment of silence.

"Did you know that Mai is asking for these assignments?" Belva wondered. "The Hokage told me. Ibiki and her go through with these requests because no one will willingly take on half of the high-profile targets. At the rate she's moving... our numbers in the black book will be cut in half in five years' time."

"She wishes to be in danger?" Kakashi tried to understand. Belva nodded. "Why?"

"I think it gives her a purpose. Something to do to stay busy. For someone to wish to be on the road constantly and be placed in harm's way every hour of the day... it's obvious that a simple life behind the walls of Konoha isn't fulfilling enough."

"You make it sound like she's searching for something."

"Who's to say she isn't? Sadly, I believe, it's a bad habit she's picked up from a certain someone."

Sasuke, Kakashi thought.

It made sense. After two years no one knew what he was still doing beyond the walls for weeks or months at a time. Instead of settling down without the need for revenge or feeling resentment.

"Have you ever wondered that if you push too hard to make her stay it will only drive her further away and less likely to see your reason?" the Jounin questioned. "Giving space and not pushing the subject may be better."

"Speaking from experience with the Uchiha?"

Yes, it was exactly what he was referring to. Too many times the Jounin tried to keep the Genin at the time protected, away from harm. And it caused him to leave because Sasuke couldn't find a reason to stay. Kakashi did not want a repeat of the situation to happen with Mai. Even if the Phantom Ninja stated she'd never leave the Village, that a life of crime was not for her because she believed in protecting those that were innocent, one had to wonder if pushed hard enough...

"With the things she's been through and had to face we don't have that luxury to sit around twiddling our thumbs. She's cracking before our very eyes each day. I must admit she is quite good at hiding it from so many people. You can thank the Uchiha Clan for teaching her that."

Sighing on his walk back to Konoha, the Jounin was returning empty handed and without a solution. Halfway to the checkpoint a figure emerged from the trees, swinging down and slowing their descent. It wasn't hard to forget such technique and precision. Even when a mask covered their face.

"Mai."

The ninja turned, removing the item and hooked it to the weapon belt.

"Kakashi? What are you doing out here?"

His shoulders shrugged. "It's a nice day for a walk."

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"Where have you come from?"

The Be Fong had been gone for two weeks. Watching her movements as they continued on there did not appear to be any injuries on her person this time around.

"The Raikage needed to see me." The answer surprised him, having never gotten such a straight answer out of her in a long while. "Everything's been taken care of."

"Good to hear. Well, welcome back."

"Good to be back."

"How long will you be staying?"

"Until I get my new orders." Which could be any day.

"Have you ever thought about taking a vacation?"

A smirk twitched at the corner of her lips for a moment. "It's been a thought of mine..."

"But...?"

"But there are too many people who need our help. We may be experiencing a time of peace, but there are still those who threaten it."

And that was one of the reasons he admired her as the ninja wandered off towards the ANBU Headquarters to make a report. Though his calm thoughts towards their conversation shifted remembering Belva's words. Was she playing him to make Kakashi believe that nothing was wrong?