As The Apple Blossoms

Our Roaring Thunder

"Are you sure you don't want someone to walk you home, it can get pretty dangerous at night, espically for a civilian?" Ino inquired, standing beside Sakura. The boys were in the background wating for their teammates.

"It's fine. I'll see you all later." Before they could ask her again, Honami turned away from them and headed towards the inn she was staying at.

For most of the walk Honami was surrounded by a crowd, but when she took a sharp turn at her last stop, it was suddenly quiet. It was only a block away but for some reason that didn't soothe the uneasiness inside her. As Honami quickened her steps arms wraped around her. When she prepared to cry out, a cold blade was pressed against her neck. She froze, unable to do anything but be frightened.

"Give us your money stupid girl!" Another voice demanded.

Honami, afraid and defenseless did as the man said. She reached inside her pocket and pulled out some money. Her hands were shaking--she didn't want to die! Tears finally fell from her eyes. As the man touched the money in her hand, he suddenly dropped to the ground.

She heard a shout from behind and then the blade was suddenly removed. Honami then heard her savior speak. "Are you hurt?"

"N-No." Her voice shook as she replied.

Slowly she turned around, curious as to who saved her. Honami was surprised at who she saw. It was the blonde man from before. "It's you, the one from before!"

"I know."

"So may I ask your name?" Honami inquired, curious about the man in front of her. "I'll tell you my name first if you'd like, it's Misaki Honami."

"Midorikawa Raijin."

"Raijin, as in the thunder god."

"You know who that is?" He seemed shocked.

"Of course, why is that so surprising?"

"Raijin isn't native to the Fire Country."

"It's a good thing I'm not from Konohagakure then." Honami replied, giving the man a sheepish smile.

"You here to visit or something?" Raijin inquired, his eyebrows raised.

"Something along that nature. I'm here for the next Hokage's ceremony. I'm a part of the group who's making the food for the banquet."

"Oh really, I never expected you to be a chef. You don't look like it."

"The same can be said about you." She shot back.

"What makes you think I'm a chef. I don't recall ever telling you that."

"Back there at Yakiniku Q you said something only someone really good at cooking would know. Not many people know that, not even some well known chefs."

"You're quite observant for someone who isn't a shinobi."

"You don't have to be a shinobi to observant. That's just a trait some have while others don't." Honami was quite annoyed of the fact that people only thought someone could only be great if they were a shinobi.

Raijin bursted out laughing, not expecting someone kind to get so infuriated. "That sure got you passionate."

Heat erupted across Honami's face--she was truly mortified of her outburst.

"I didn't mean it as if being a shinobi is bad! I think it's one of the bravest things someone could be, in fact I really admire one of them!" She blathered on, hoping he didn't take offense.

"Gahaha. You're a funny one. Not to meation a weird one too." His face shone with amusement.

Honami puffed out her cheeks. It wasn't even funny! He was obviously amused at making fun of her, but even so--she couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips. Before she could join in on his laughter Honami just remember the situation from not long ago. "Thank you for saving my life. Is there anything I can do to repay such generosity."

"It was nothing." She opened her mouth to protest, but Raijin cut her off. "Really."

"Even so. I wish to repay you."

"Alright fine--show me what you can do in the kitchen."

"You got yourself a deal!"

                 £~£~£~£~

Honami watched in anticipation as Raijin ate her food. Seeing as he was either a chef or a food fanatic, Honami believed his opinion to be important. Raijin could feel Honami's eyes boring into his head. If she had any visual jutsus he was pretty sure his head would have been on fire right about now.

"If you stare any harder I'm sure even if you're not a shinobi my head will catch on fire."

"Oh I'm sorry!" She flusteredly exclaimed.

"Gahaha. I'm only pulling your leg here." He found her quite amusing. "This oyakodon is mouthwatering. You really do know your way around a kitchen."

Honami could only stare back unsure if that was a compliment or not. So far the man in front of her was not how his appearance made him out to be. He wasn't gruff, or standoffish. His laugh might have been a bit queer--but other than that he was different. The most shocking part of it all though, was that Raijin had a sense of humor; or at least showed it openingly.

"You're not what I expected Midorikawa-san." She mumbled out truthfully, staring at the man in front of her with such wonder.

"Is that so? Well I could say the same about you." He responded. "You looked so nice and sweet. Like a little timid bird; now I know you're all that plus more. You have a fire in your heart--as these Konoha citizens would say: the will of fire."

"I-I don't know about that!" She chuckled awkwardly. She wasn't sure that applied to her considering she wasn't even from Konohagakure. She wasn't a hero or anyone important: all she'll ever be is a not so special civilian.

"Then why not become someone great." Honami looked up at him in shock (had she really said that out loud?) "Even if you're only a civilian: if you choose to stay ordinary--you can still be great. Someone normal can still obtain significance."

She had never felt bad about not being a shinobi. Honami knew that while some were strong in their hearts not everyone had what it took to be a shinobi; she was a part of those. Whether it be because they were afraid of death, or didn't have the will to take a life, Honami knew that everyone was different. She had known from a young age that she was never meant to be a shinobi. It still felt good to know that there was others who didn't despise or look down on her for that.

"Yeah," Giving him a bright smile Honami continued, "Thanks for cheering me up!"

In the end all Honami wanted to do was create food for others. To share her love with those around her.