The Way of the Shinobi

Chapter 3

When I reach Seni's office, Ena is already waiting at the doorstep. I climb up the stairs, and knock on the door.

"Come in," I hear Seni's voice say from inside.

"Hi," I say as I step inside. Seni is, of course, sitting at her desk. I hear Ena walk in after me.

"Good morning," Seni replies.

"I'm done with the tour," I tell Seni.

"Good," she says. She steps up and walks away from her desk. "Now I suppose you want to know what your mission group is?"

"Yes," I reply.

"Well, I wanted to tell you alone, but since Ena so rudely decided to tag along, I guess I have no choice but to tell you in her presence." She sighs dramatically. "Your mission group is infiltration, taught by Hattori."

Ena beams at me, and I can't help but smile.

"Thank you!" I respond happily.

"Your sleeping quarters will be in the Flying Crane cabin, with two other boys from your infiltration group," Seni continues. "That is all, you may leave now."

Ena and I walk out of her office.

"Yes!" Ena squeals. "We're in the same mission group! We're even in the same infiltration group!"

"What's the difference?" I ask.

"Well, you already know what mission groups are," Ena says. "But there are smaller groups inside of them, each taught by a different person. I mean, it would be crazy to have all the infiltration students taught by the same teacher!"

"I guess," I respond.

Just then a huge, booming sound fills my ears.

"There's the lunch gong!" Ena shouts over the noise.

We head over to the Grand Hall, and hundreds of students come streaming in from other buildings. I spot a boy with a calico cat on his shoulder.

I shoved my way through the crowd, and finally made it to the tables. Ena sat down next to a small girl with brown hair who was looking down at her feet. She looked to be about eight. I gently sit down next to Ena.

"Kuma, this is Nene," Ena tells me. She must be the girl I heard Seni yelling about!

"We share a shelter," she continues. "And she's in Hattori's infiltration class too!"

"Hello," I say to Nene.

"Hi," she shyly replies, not looking up.

My plate is already filled with food. They must put the food on the plates beforehand. My stomach gives a low growl, and I realize how hungry I am. I hadn't even eaten breakfast!

I grab a fork and begin chowing down. In between bites, I talk to Ena.

"What happens after lunch?" I ask.

"I have to go to my infiltration class, since I missed the first half of training. But I think you should probably go to your cabin and move in," she replies.

"Okay," I say.

After I finish my noodles, I stand up and head out the door.

"Bye!" calls Ena. "See you at dinner!" I wave back.

I walk past the teacher's meeting place and Moonlight Hill. The sharp wind cuts across my face, stinging my eyes.

I pass the outfitters, and reach the boys' sleeping quarters. I walk among the many rows, until I find one that has a painted picture of a flying crane above it. I walk up the creaking, wooden stairs and push open the door. Inside, there are three beds, each against a different wall. They have a small set of drawers beside them.