The Lost Flower of the Hidden Leaf (WIP)

Chapter Nineteen; The mission

"Boy, am I glad to be rid of these things!"

Naruto sent the okobo flying across the room and dropped onto the futon. His feet were killing him. How the heck did Katana and the other girls in the okiya wear these contraptions day in and day out? It was pure torture.

"Yeah, they're a pain sometimes," said Katana, as she sat on her knees beside him. "You did good tonight, Naruto."

"You think so?" Naruto sat up and scratched the nape of his neck, a faint hue of pink coloring his cheeks. "I got worried for a sec when I couldn't immediately get my clones to appear like I wanted."

"But you got it right anyway, just like I knew you would. And look, you're still holding your Sexy Jutsu. I know you get a lot of skepticism over it, but it was invaluable for today's mission."

"Nah, come on, Katana, stop already. You're making me blush."

"But you look so cute when you blush."

Naruto's cheeks reddened even more, prompting Katana to laugh at his embarrassment. That sound was the most amazing thing he'd heard in a long time. He'd give anything to make this moment last. Just him and Katana hanging out and having fun like they used to.    

"So, um... can I take this outfit off now?" he asked, pulling at the kimono. "No offence to you girls, but getting this dressed up for just an hour is a real drag."

"You did not just quote Shikamaru," remarked Katana with a chuckling snort.

"Trust me, he'd agree in a heartbeat."

"Not arguing with that one. Okay, sit straight. I'll remove your make-up first."

They moved a little further on the futon, so Katana could reach for her things on the vanity. Naruto gawked when all she needed to remove the make-up was just some tsubaki oil on a couple of pads. In just a few minutes, he was spotless and smelling like sweet camellia. All that stuff and time she'd needed to apply the make-up now seemed like such a waste.

"Hey Katana," Naruto's soft voice drew the maiko's attention as she put everything back in her bag, "I wanted to thank you for not killing that man. I know it was your mission, and that you'll probably get in trouble, so, um... thanks."

Katana visibly stiffened, the little flask of oil hovering an inch above her bag. The smile that'd been on her lips since they sat down wavered, and her expression even darkened in the mirror's reflection. Naruto bit his lip, cursing himself for reminding her she'd failed her task. He had no intention of letting her take the fall for it, though. If Mameha demanded an explanation, he'd stand right there with her. 

"Do you, um... want some help with your make-up?" he offered, hoping to diffuse the tension that had descended into the room. 

"I'll do mine later," she said. "Let's get you out of that kimono."

After she helped him back up, Katana made quick work of liberating Naruto from the intricate clothing pieces. The moment all the different layers were off, he released the Sexy Jutsu, reverting to a teenage boy wearing just green and yellow boxers. He checked himself out in the mirror, making sure everything was where it should be. Not that he didn't believe he hadn't pulled off a perfect Jutsu for several hours, but it was the first time he'd done it, so better safe than sorry.
While he dressed in the simple orange sweats and white shirt he'd left earlier, Naruto wondered why Katana didn't change as well. But then he remembered he actually wasn't a girl anymore and it would be highly improper. The last thing he wanted was for Katana to accuse him of becoming like Pervy Sage. 

"Something wrong?" Katana shot Naruto a sideways glance when she noticed him lingering in the middle of the room. 

"No, just," he paused and grazed his teeth over his lip, "during the mission, I asked if we could talk back in the inn. We're back, so... can we?"