Gone [Naruto fanfic]

#4

The gateway of Konohagakure loomed in front of us, the giant doors open to the world, daring anyone to step beyond.

-I'm actually here. This is actually happening!

Even after seeing the gates in the distance over an hour ago, I still hadn't been able to shake away the disbelief that fogged up my mind.

"Amira! Are you coming?" Daiki waved to me from a few yards ahead.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I jogged up to Kiyoko and Daiki, who had started to go through the gates, "I was just giving you slowplokes a headstart!" I smiled playfully.

"Halt!"

I froze as two ninja appeared in front of us. I recognized them from the anime, but I'd forgotten their names.

"Hey, is that you Daiki?"

"Long time no see Kotetsu!"Daiki clasped the ninja's hand, laughing.

"Hey, what about me?" the other ninja exclaimed.

"Oh yeah, how're you doing Izumo?" Daiki gave a friendly punch to Izumo's shoulder.

"Well at least I know you haven't changed, your punches still hurt, as usual." Izumo said, rubbing the sore spot on his arm vigorously.

Daiki laughed at this.

"And who are these two ladies?" Kotetsu looked over and me and Kiyoko.

Daiki stepped back over to us. "This is my wife Kiyoko," he said, and then gestured to me, "And this is Amira. We found her along the way here, and she's in a little trouble."

I stepped forward, taking a breath to try to calm my nerves.

"Please," I said, bowing slightly, "I need to see the Hokage immediately, it's urgent."

Izumo and Kotetsu exchanged a quick look.

"All right," he said a little dubiously, "follow me then." Kotetsu turned as if to move, but I stopped him.

"Wait!" I turned to Daiki and Kiyoko, and bowed. "You two have been so kind to me, and I owe you a lot." I straightened, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, but you owe us nothing Amira." Kiyoko gave me a hug. "Just make sure you'll come and see us sometime soon alright?"

Nodding my head, I took a step back.

"We're going to be here for a couple of days to rest and get some more supplies," Daiki explained, "So if you need anything, just come and find us."

I smiled, "Don't worry, if I ever need a sarcastic guy who's just as annoying and lovable as a brother can be, then I'll find you."

A roar of laughter flew out of Daiki's mouth.

"I love you too kid!"

"Take care Amira!" Kiyoko waved.

"I will!" I said, waving back at them as I started to follow Kotetsu.

Kotetsu and I walked in silence, reaching the Hokage's mansion after few minutes of moving through the bustling village. We walked in, going up the stairs towards the office.

"The Hokage is likely busy, so please wait out here until you're called." Kotetsu said, knocking on the office door.

"Enter." Tsunade's voice was muffled.

Kotetsu opened the door, and bowed slightly. "There's someone here to see you, she says that it's urgent."

I saw Tsunade sitting at her desk, stacks of books and papers on either side of her, and Shizune standing off to one side.

"Really?" She sounded intrigued.

"Yes, apparently." Kotetsu said, stepping aside and ushering me in.

I bowed slightly.

"What's you're name?" Tsunade asked.

"Amira." I replied simply.

"What is so urgent that you came to me directly?" Her curiosity seemed to grow slightly.

I straightened myself.

"It regards the Akatsuki."

I could feel everyone's hot stares looking in my direction. Tsunade's face did a complete turn-around, going from curiosity, to dead seriousness. She stood up abruptly.

"What do you know about the Akatsuki?!"

"In order to answer that question fully," I replied slowly, "You will have to listen to my story."

Tsunade sat back down with a thump.

"Go on then."

Within the next ten minutes, I quickly tried to explain what happened on the night at the pond, leaving out the sarcastic voice in my head, and how I came to meet Daiki and Kiyoko.

"Hmmmm..." Tsunade tapped her finger to her lips, thoughtful.

"May I ask for something?" I said, a little hesitantly.

Tsunade snapped out or her reverie. "Yes?"

I bowed again, then stood back up.

"Will you please train me to be a ninja?" My stomach was full of speeding butterflies, growing faster as my fear of rejection grew.

Tsunade looked taken aback.

"Ninja?"

I nodded swiftly.

"I might not be the most physically fit person, but I learn quickly, try to work hard, and I'm usually pretty clear headed in most situations. And I am also a little familiar with the field of medicine."

I hoped that the last part would help sway her decision a little. But it was true though, I might not know everything about healing wounds and whatnot, but I wasn't completely new to it.

A slightly surprised look came on Tsunade's face at the mention of medicine.

Shizune looked over at Tsunade, "We could always do with more medical ninjas."

Tsunade looked at Shizune, then back at me.

"Very well," Tsunade nodded at me, "We will train you as a ninja. But not just because you asked to. If the Akatsuki are truly after you," her face grew serious, "Then we will only be assisting them by not training you. You must work hard, and earn your keep, we aren't running a charity here. Understand?" Her face grew darker, waiting for my reply.

"Yes ma'am, I will do my best!" I bowed.

Tsunade sat back, satisfied.

"Kotetsu!" Tsunade snapped.

Kotetsu straightened. "Yes?"

"Take Amira to the apartments, I believe there was at least one vacant. And please let her know how we do things around here."

Tsunade looked back at me.

"We will notify you who your sensei will be by tomorrow morning, along with your training schedule, and with what will be expected of you. Please do your best to be on time for everything, and to respond immediately when summoned. Clear?"

"Yes ma'am!"

Kotetsu and I turned to leave.

"Oh, and Amira?"

I looked back at Tsunade, questioning.

"Welcome to the Village Hidden in the Leaves." She gave a small friendly smile.

I smiled back, my heart fluttering with excitement.

-I'm going to become a ninja!

=============================It's been a while since I wrote this, so I mostly forgot about what I put here.
But when I look back at it, I realize how much I enjoyed reading it. I hope you guys enjoyed it as well!
P.S. Any thoughts on the new cover?

STAY AWESOME PEEPS!