Uzumaki

Twelve

When I returned home I noticed the lights were on, I bid Shisui goodnight and made my way inside.

"Hey, you two. I didn't expect you back so soon," I join Kushina and Minato in the kitchen.

"Hey, you. We just got back from a quick supply mission. How are you? We heard about Ryko Watanabe," my mood sours that second.

"It happened so fast. I still can't explain it. I didn't sense anyone when that bolder flew. They were right outside my reach. Seconds later I sensed them all. It didn't take long to deal with, but being careless still cost us a lot. I wasn't expecting to be attacked," I respond softly.

"War is where the unexpected is born. You'll be okay Yuki. You can learn from this, this isn't on you so I hope you don't blame yourself," Minato speaks softly but sternly.

"I don't feel guilty but more disappointed that I could do more but wasn't able to do anything. More hopeless than guilty," I respond softly.

Kushina hugs me, "Losing someone at war makes anyone feel hopeless for the scenarios constantly repeat themselves, there feels like no end. Just hold on, we will find a way to peace," I nod and hug Kushina back.

"I plan to," I respond softly. Our hug ends when the doorbell goes off.

"Can you get that Yuki, it's probably Minatos' squad. We invited them over. Eiji should be with them. I'm sorry I need to run to the bathroom," she bolts upstairs.

I open the door and I see my grandmother with a bag of food, "Grandma! I forgot about our dinner. Minato and Kushina returned so they started cooking before I returned from training."

"That's all right we have plenty," Minato walks up to us. He greets my grandmother and takes the bags from her.

"We can eat this tomorrow," he smiles happily as he returns to the kitchen. I help my grandmother with her shoes and jacket and we make our way to the kitchen.

I leave her at the table to open the door as Eiji and the others arrive.

Obito announces loudly that they took forever because Eiji needed a shower. I roll my eyes and Eiji retorts training yields good results in battle he should try it.

"Oh yeah, kid," he glares at Eiji.

"Who' you calling a kid brat? You're only two years ahead of me. I can take you on no problem!"Eiji rushes to him and they stare each other down inches apart.

"Oh, you two knuckleheads" Kushina bangs their heads together; we wince for them "Knock it off, already. It's dinner time. We are having rice and curry."

I greet Kakashi and Rin, asking how they've been doing.

"My medical training has been going great! I'm pretty excited to learn more. Does your team -" she stutters to a stop before downcasting her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she mutters. I smile sadly at tell her it's alright.

"I plan to learn," I respond, "Eiji is too short-tempered to heal someone," I joke to lighten the mood.

She smiles relieved at me and asks if I've been to the new bathing house.

"A new one? Where!" She gives me all the details and we decide to go after dinner. I invite Kushina and my grandmother to join us after dinner.

After my grandmother's apple pies, everyone decides to try the new bathing house so we all make our way together. Kushina and Rin give me tips on medical ninjutsu and tell me who to talk to about getting trained for my squad.

The next day I joined Eiji and Shiso Sensei for BBQ. As I approach I realize Shiso sensei is already there with someone. Miski Udon. I make my way to the table and greet them both. Shiso sensei says he invited Miski because he has news for all of us.

Eiji makes his appearance then and we order the food before Shiso Sensei begins explaining.

Miski needs a new squad and we are short a team member now so the Third Hokage has made us Team Eight with Miski being our new member.

I was stunned into silence, Miski lost both his teammates Has he been here since? Did he just get back?

"How long ago can I ask?" I voice softly.

"Four months ago. Supply-run missions are all I'm allowed to do until I get a proper team," he speaks calmly.

Eiji and I give him our sympathies before talking about teamwork exercises. We need to know how to work together.