Roses {Kakashi Hatake}

13. War

Team Shibi was watching from a distance as Sunagakure was preparing for war. The team was supposed to gather more information in order for Konoha to be more prepared, if Suna were to attack.

One of their biggest assets was Akasuna no Sasori, celebrated for his puppeteering and knowledge of poison. Akahana didn't like the idea of fighting him at all, yet she would do so if that was needed to protect the village.

"Aka-chan, are you scared?" Naoki asked.

"I bet everyone is," she replied.

Shibi nodded, he agreed with the girl. He might not show it, but he was on the edge about the whole ordeal, he would have loved it if it were to just stay with a minor conflict.

During the silence that had occured in the tense atmosphere, Shibi's beetles had returned, "We should head back," Shibi stated.

All three of them nodded, all of them wanting to leave the place as soon as possible.

***

"Stupid sand..." Akahana muttered as a seemingly endless stream of sand flowed from her shoe, "It gets everywhere!"

Both Isamu and Aoi were merely watching from the other side of the hall, "It's not that bad, Aka-chan," Isamu stated.

Akahana gave him a look, "It is! Not to mention, it's itchy!"

Aoi chuckled, "I know where she gets it from," he stated, knowing how much Sora used to hate sand as well. In terms of weather, he had always been hard to please; it was either too hot or too cold, too wet or to dry.

Caught up in their own conversation, both males hadn't noticed the girl moving their way. They only realised she was behind them when she let a handful of sand slip into their clothing, "Still think I'm overreacting?"

Isamu violently scratched the back of his neck, "Are you sure it's sand?"

The next day, Akahana mainly spent with Shikaku, training the majority of the time.

To Akahana's surprise, it had been his idea, but she decided to take advantage of it.

"So, how are you and Yoshino-san doing?" the redhead asked while she was punching a tree.

"We're fine," Shikaku replied, "She can get troublesome though."

"I thought you didn't like that."

Shikaku shrugged, as long as Yoshino wasn't mad at him for something - he'd avoid being around the woman at those times - she was sweet and not troublesome at all, "No one's perfect."

After their short talk, the two sparred, in which Akahana tried to turn her height into an advantage, attempting multiple attacks from underneath.

In the end, all her strategies failed against the genius, he saw through every single one of her tricks, "You're getting better, Akahana," Shikaku stated. He then chuckled, "Give it a few years and it might be a draw."

Akahana grinned, "I intend to win by then," she told the man, "You better watch out, Shikaku-san."

"Let's call it a day," Shikaku said, "Would you like some ramen?"

Akahana nodded, "As long as you pay for the both of us."

Shikaku looked down at the grinning girl, a smile appearing on his face, "How am I supposed to maintain my relationship with Yoshino-chan when I'm broke because of you?"

Akahana giggled, hitting his hips with her elbow, "No need to be so dramatic, old man."

"Who are you calling old, I just turned twenty two."