My Brother's a Jinchūriki!

Chapter Thirty-Six- Bonds and Brokenness

Kiri held Yuuta's hand tightly and he smiled down at her as they walked and gave her hand a squeeze.

"Nervous?" He asked with a chuckle as his slate blue eyes twinkled mischievously.

She nodded slowly and pressed her lips together.

"You don't have anything to worry about." Yayoi smiled reassuringly at Kiri as she walked behind them. "Your teacher is an excellent Shinobi who served in the ANBU during his adolescence, as well as being naturally gifted with children. I think you'll like him."

Kiri glanced over her shoulder Yayoi and Yuuta nodded. "He was in mom's class, so he's got a lot of experience as a Ninja. He was my teacher, too, ya know."

"Really?"

"Really." Yuuta nodded. "He was Yuuri's teacher, too." Noticing Kiri make a face at her name, Yuuta chuckled. "As difficult as she may be to get along with, no one can deny that she's an excellent Kunoichi. Iku-sensei was the one who gave us a solid foundation, so I know you'll be in good hands with him."

"I know Iku well." Yayoi stepped up to walk on Kiri's other side. "So, if there's a problem, just let him know and he'll take care of it."

They stopped walking and Yuuta pointed at the Academy door. "Do you want us to walk you in?"

Kiri shook her head. "No... that's okay."

Yayoi smiled and knelt to place a hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you're ready to start school already? You've only been here a week. There's no problem if you'd prefer to wait until you're more familiar with the Leaf."

"Hey, she'll be fine." Yuuta mussed Kiri's hair. "She passed the entry test easily, so you don't have to worry."

"I know." Yayoi sighed and gently took Kiri's hand. "Alright, go on in now. One of us will be here to pick you up after school."

Kiri nodded and turned from them and headed into the Academy. Once she reached the threshold, she took in a big breath and only released it once she was inside. A woman helped her to find her classroom and Kiri stepped inside slowly.

The man at the desk in the front looked up from his book and smiled faintly. "You must be Yayoi's girl." He stood and held out his hand to Kiri. "I'm Iku. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard quite a bit about you."

Kiri flinched slightly and he immediately pulled his hand back.

"You can sit anywhere you like- as long as the seat is empty." He smiled again and gestured toward the desks. "Class will begin soon, so don't be nervous."

Kiri looked out at the seats, where there were only a few spaces available. "Am I... the last one?"

Iku chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, no." He looked up the clock on the wall. "Those two knuckleheads are usually the last ones in."

"Knuckleheads?" Kiri muttered under her breath as she took an empty seat in the front row. As soon as she had settled in, a pair of rowdy boys burst through the doorway, laughing loudly. Iku sighed and put a hand on his hips as he looked down at them.

"Do you two always have to act like such clowns?"

The boys laughed and scratched their heads simultaneously.

"Well," The spikey-headed boy glanced up at the clock. "at least we're not late today."

"Alright, take your seats." Iku crossed his arms and watched as they raced each other to the desk behind Kiri but stopped when they saw her.