Book 1: Dancing With Lightning [Naruto]

New Sensei

"Okaa-san, where are we going?" Hoshino asked curiously as his mother led him through the village, the Mizu crest standing out proudly on the back of her cloak, and causing the civilians to stare at them as they passed.

"We're meeting your trainer for the next stage of the exam." She replied with a small smile as they walked past the market. "She arrived just today; I have a feeling that you'll like her just fine."

"Who is she?" Hoshino asked, unable to hide his curiosity as they headed to one of the training fields and into the forest. "And... why are we coming here, of all places?"

"She requested to meet us here." Iro responded. "Look, I know that this may seem strange. But... please just trust me on this one, Sapphire." She requested gently, using her old nickname for him, one that she hadn't used since Asuka was killed.

She must really be worried, then. Hoshino thought, looking at her. "Okay, okaa-san. I'll trust you and your judgement."

She exhaled in relief and nodded as she led Hoshino through the trees, deeper and deeper into the forest. The forest was ancient. The trees thick and old, roots that were twisted. It might once have been filled with bird-song and animals that roamed. But now it was ages past its former glory. It's canopy was so dense that you could only see the occasional streak of sunlight that rarely touched the forest floor. Even its thick vines were slowly taking away the last remnants of the temple that stood in the center.

Hoshino frowned in thought. Odd place to meet... perhaps she wants to be discreet?

Then the sound of rushing water met his ears, causing him to perk up in surprise. Iro pushed aside some vines and branches to reveal the source of the sound.

From a distance the waterfall had been like a silent white stream cascading over the rocky outcrops. As they had drawn closer the noise had increased steadily until they were only a few meters away. They could no longer even shout to one another over the deafening roar of the water. Closer still they drew until they were in the plume of water vapor that hung over the plunge pool and in only minutes they were as wet as they would have been in any rainstorm. Their hair clung to their heads and around their faces, but no matter how wet they became, it could not dampen their spirits. They stood in awe.

"Wow..." Hoshino marveled. He barely heard the footsteps coming from behind him.

"Oi, Iro-Chan. I'm here." A feminine voice broke through their sightseeing and they both turned around to be face to face with a tall woman who had one hand on her hip. She had straight auburn hair that steadily flowed into a bright red color at the tips of her hair, which went down to her shoulders. Her bright amber eyes surveyed the Mizu clan members with curiosity and wariness.

She wore a cream colored short sleeved tunic with dragons stitched in sliver on the shoulders and along the sides, black leggings, brown ninja sandals, a sapphire colored cloak, and bronze wrist bracers. A tantō blade was strapped to her back.

"Akane-Sensei! Thank you so much for coming back!" Iro embraced the newly named Akane, who smiled fondly at her and hugged back.

"Ah, it's nothing; anything for my favorite student." She said, looking at Hoshino, whose ice blue eyes had gone wide with shock and surprise. "Hey there, kid."

"I... can't believe it! You're... Akane! One of the Four Legendary Sannin!" He exclaimed, bowing deeply. "Akane-Sama, it's a pleasure to meet you in person!"

She chuckled and looked at Iro, who smiled sheepishly. "I like this one." She decided with a laugh, looking back at Hoshino. "You're cute, kid. I assume that you're the infamous Hoshino-Kun, right?"