Suna's Ninja (Gaara Love Story)

1: Returning home

Author's POV

"Goodbye, everyone!" A red-brown haired girl waved to the many friends from Star Polar Dormitory.

"Have a safe trip, Akimi!" Megumi called to her.

"Yeah! You too!" Akimi left the Totsuki Culinary Academy grounds in a car that would take her to the train station. Two years ago, she came to this school, barely able to hang onto the furious school schedule, but with the help and inspiration of the other students (no thanks to the teachers), Akimi was able to learn so much more about cooking. She was even able to travel around under the Nakiri cousins who taught her the different ways of cooking and meeting with nobles they had connections with.

"Here you are, miss," the driver said, opening the door for her. Akimi stepped out, her bag in her arms. "Have a safe trip, miss."

"Thank you!" Akimi waved as the car took off, leaving her at the station. When the train arrived, Akimi stepped on with the other passengers. As the conductor came to her, about to collect her ticket, he noticed her school jacket.

"Ah, may I please check your Totsuki school ID, miss?" He asked politely. The ID card was shown, and he nodded, giving it back. No doubt, as a student of Totsuki Academy, one had special privileges. Akimi dozed off, her excitement from last night had kept her awake.

"Next stop, Kyoharu Station," the announcer called through the speakers. Akimi snapped awake from her dream state and looked up excitedly. She would be almost home! The Kyoharu Station was close to the Land of Tea, where she would ride a ship back to Konoha. She couldn't wait!

Just as she predicted, she left the station and hitched a ride back to Konoha's dock on the west side and travel back around to the east side.

Hours later.....

"I'm home!" Akimi cheered, approaching the gates. "Izumo! Kotetsu!" She waved at them excitedly.

"Look who's home!" Izumo yelled, waving. "Welcome back!" Akimi bounded over to the two Chunin and greeted them, giving them snacks she had learned how to make.

"Hi! I'm going to go, see you around!"

"Bye, Akimi!"

Akimi walked all the way to the Hokage's office eagerly, giving a knock. "Come in."

"I'm back, Lady Hokage!" She called, opening the door.

"Akimi, I see you've returned safely," she said, relieved.

"I'm not completely helpless, Lady Tsunade," Akimi whined. "I'm still Genin!"

"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, I'm pleased with your work so far. You've excelled in the study of poison, herb, medicine, and the background of various ingredients," the Hokage said, looking through Akimi's credentials. "Good work."

"Hai!"

"Also, you're having another checkup with me," she said sternly, dragging Akimi to the hospital.

After the examination, Lady Tsunade found her stomach had been overstretched. Again. "What did you do?" She growled, staring at the blemished flesh.

"I don't know!" Akimi said quickly. Lady Tsunade sighed.

"Oh well. Since your stomach isn't too bad, let's see how you fight."

"Huh?"

"Twenty laps around the hospital. Go!"

Akimi stumbled, but went running. She was slower than before, but her stamina was still strong as ever. Lady Tsunade tested the girl's physical abilities as much as she could before observing her Chakra control. As expected, after two years of barely training as a ninja, Akimi's touch had softened.

"No good. You must be better. Try again!" The Hokage snapped.

"Hai!"

Afterwards.....

"It's not good enough," the Hokage sighed. "Come back again tomorrow. I'll work you to pieces!"

"Huh? But why?" The answer was a resounding click of heels against the ground.

"What's going on?" Akimi sighed.

"Welcome back, Akimi," a voice called to her. Akimi sat up and broke into a wide smile.

"Grandpa!"

"Have you been well?"

"Yes, Grandpa! I have so much to tell you!"