As The Apple Blossoms

The Girl Who Made

Honami had never got to see the man who spared her life again, not after all the years that had past since the Fourth Great Ninja War. She had evacuated with the rest of her villagers to Konohagakure. She stayed there until the war was finally declared finished. After that, both her and her villagers headed back home. On the way there, Honami tried to see if she could spot the man again, but to no luck.

She gave up on trying to look for him, finally realizing she wasn't going to ever see him again. Besides, all anyone ever talked about for years to come was of how two of their greatest saviors were shinobi of Konohagakure, or at least one of them was while the other was a rogue ninja that originated from Konohagakure. What she had heard though, that so many assured her was true, was the fact that both saviors had a connection to one another. A deep and complicated one at that. She had heard one of their names: it was Uzumaki Naruto.

The other was never uttered for some reason. It was probably because of the fact that he was a rogue ninja who did horrible things and no one wanted to say his name in fear of summoning the wrath of someone that rogue ninja had hurt. It was no surprise that the Uzumaki hero had ended up becoming the Hokage. At least, that's what everyone declared once it was announced that Konohagakure had a seventh Hokage. His ceremonial banquet was just around the corner, and everyone who was everyone was going, especially since it was the child of prophecy.

Why was that important though? It was important because since the time of the war, Honami had made quite a name for herself, and so she was invited to make the soon-to-be Hokage and the rest of the important people who are going to attend, a feast. She was to head there a few days before the ceremony started so that she could meet the other chefs and plan on what they were going to make. She was supposed to get escorted by shinobi of Konohagakure.

"Misaki-san," It was Reiki. "The shinobi of Konohagakure are here for you."

"Thank you, Takahashi-san." She smiled at him, making her way to where her village's leader was most likely at.

It was cold out again, so Honami buried her nose inside the scarf that was around her neck. Looking around, Honami realized that it was snowing outside. Once she arrived, Honami opened the door, warm air blasting in her face. She quickly got inside and shut the door, not wanting to let the air out. Standing with her leader, was three shinobi from the Land of Fire.

One of the shinobi men looked ridiculous; with green spandex, orange leg and arm warmers and two large bushy eyebrows. The second one was a thick man with long auburn hair. He had two red swirls on his cheeks. A bag of chips was in his hand. The last shinobi was a woman, who had long blond hair and wore purple clothing.

"This is Misaki Honami, the chef your village had asked for."

Honami bowed to each ninja, showing her respect. They followed suit and bowed down themselves. They introduced themselves as: Rock Lee, Akamichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino.

"Are you ready to get going, Misaki-san?" Ino inquired, looking at the female chef, awaiting her answer.

"Yes," She nodded her head.

They all made their way to the edge of her village, heading for Konohagakure. Instead of running up into the trees, the ninjas decided to walk, knowing a civilian like Honami couldn't handle it. It was fine with her, for she knew it as well. The two boys were in the front, while Ino walked a little behind them with Honami beside her.

"Misaki-san-" Ino began.

"Just call me Honami!"

"-what made you go into cooking?"

As she heard that, Honami couldn't help but let out a chuckle. Looking up at the sky, she answered, "My grandmother."

"Oh really, that's awesome!" Ino gushed. "She must be so proud."