The Tale of Ely Senju

Chapter 18

Ely POV

The next morning, I went to my favourite clearing and lay down on the grass. I had talked to Kakashi last night about what had happened. He said I had nothing to blame myself for, because I had warned everyone and hadn't let my two teammates down. But I still feel like I let them both down. But I also know that neither Ryoko nor Nao would want me to beat myself up like that. My thoughts wandered to what Kakashi had told me about the first big mission he and his team had been on. He was very impressed by Sakura's chakra control and how Naruto and Sasuke had worked together. He also told me about the rivalry that still exists between the two and how this has spurred them on to improve. Now the team is back in Konoha, but Kakashi said that both of them have become even worse as far as this rivalry is concerned.

I had been lying on the grass for a while when I suddenly heard Naruto's voice. 'Ely! Ely! There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you. I have so much to tell you.' The enthusiasm and euphoria in his voice made me smile. I think that's exactly what I need right now. When Naruto sat down on the ground next to me, he was already looking at me expectantly with a twinkle in his eye. 'Naruto, it's nice to see you too. How was your first big mission outside of Konoha?' 'Different than expected, but simply great. I was able to prove that I'm better than that dumbass Sasuke. The bridge that was built there is even named after me.' I had heard something different from Kakashi, but I'll let him enjoy his triumph. He and Sasuke will be something. As Ino once told me. >Naruto kissed Sasuke; can you believe it? What a complete idiot.< She was so upset about it, because she's one of the fangirls too.

'You and Sasuke have a great rivalry, but if I heard correctly, you two had a very intimate moment the day the teams were announced.' Naruto looked at me with wide eyes. 'What do you mean?' 'Mh... Didn't you have your first kiss that day?' Okay, maybe it was a bit mean to bring that up, but his reaction was worth it. Naruto jumped off the ground and pointed his finger at me. 'Ugh. I didn't kiss that jerk on purpose. I was pushed. I wouldn't even touch him with pincers. Disgusting.' I had to stifle my laughter, but when he turned round and stomped off in a huff, I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. Thank you, Naruto, I really needed that.

I then walked to the flower shop to pick up my weekly flower order. 'Hello, Mrs Yamanaka. I'm here to pick up the flowers.' 'Hi Ely, wait a minute I'll get the flowers.' 'Thank you.' While I waited, I looked around the shop. There are always such beautiful flowers and arrangements here. 'So, here are your flowers. Ino had also told me that two more white lilies should be added to the order. I have enclosed these.' 'Thank you, Mrs Yamanaka. The flowers are beautiful as always.' After paying, I headed to the cemetery and placed a white lily on Nao's grave and one on Ryoko's. Then I walked to my parents' graves and placed the rest of the flowers on them. 'Hello mum, hello dad, I've been awake again for three days now and it all feels so surreal. Was I perhaps not strong enough to protect Nao and Ryoko? Should I have been more careful? The pain is incredibly deep, and I wish I could turn back time. Will you please take good care of the two of them? I love you both. See you next time.'

When I got home, I walked into my room and thought about what I could do. I decided to talk to Grandpa Sarutobi and made my way to the Hokage Tower. I knocked on his office door and after he said come in, I entered the room. 'Hello Ely, what can I do for you?' 'I want to join the ANBU.' 'Are you sure you want to do this?' 'Yes, I'm very sure.' 'All right. Then please come to ANBU headquarters tomorrow evening and pick up your equipment.' 'Thank you.'

Let's see what awaits me there.

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