Lightning In The Hidden Leaf

9 - She's No Stranger

There is a knock on door early in the morning. Calista didn't expect to be here long so she got up early to prepare for the next step, whatever that might be. She hasn't eat yet though so she hopes whoever is at her door won't take too long. She hopes to try some local food shops.

"Good morning, Calista. It's a little early. I hope I didn't wake you," says Shizune.

"No, not at all. I've been awake for a while." Calista moves aside to let Shizune enter.

"How is the Leaf Village treating you so far? Oh, well I guess it might be a little too soon for you to make that call."

Calista puts on her hands on the window ledge and takes a look around. It's early and children are on their way to school while adults prepare for work. More and more nearby businesses open drawing in their regular costumers. Despite the business, it's still as quaint as what it was when the village was in slumber.

Calista turns around and the morning rays of light illuminate her face. "This village is truly remarkable."

She sure is beautiful woman. She will make some man happy, that's for sure, thinks Shizune as she watches Calista gaze contently out the window.

"I'm glad you like it here. We actually have a couple properties that are ready for vacancy. One is in the west end and other in the east. Lady Tsunade wants you check them out and pick which one you want today. She prefers to keep this unit open for more suitable people so everything is going to happen fairly quickly and..."

"And what?"

"Well, as per the deal that you and Tsunade agreed upon, you are on a month long probationary period which means you will have certain level of supervision. It's not just to keep an eye on you, though that's a big part of it, but also to learn and practice leaf shinobi training. You're probation supervisor will report your progress everyday Monday to Friday. Based on that report, Tsunade will decide if you can become a permanent citizen of the village. Do you have any questions?"

"I guess my only question is when do I start?"

"I love your eagerness and I'll be sure to pass that on to Tsunade. You start now. I'm not sure who your probationary supervisor but I will let them know to get your here."

"Actually, is there a restaurant near by?"

"Yes, there's actually a ramen shop down the street from here, just past the temple."

"Excellent. Can you tell them to meet me there?"

*********

Calista made her way to the ramen shop Shizune spoke of. She has already eaten her breakfast but she continues to drink a cup of green tea as she waits for whoever it is she is supposed to be meeting with. The restaurant owner greeted her with and smile and they got to know one another until he got busy. Other costumers require his attention now. She got a few casual looks from people as they try to figure out who she is. She doesn't mind though and to be honest, she is use to it. She has always been an outcast and people are innately curious in other people.

"Good morning, Iruka," says the restaurant owner when another costumer enters.

"Good morning," he says back with a smile.

"Why don't you take a seat and I'll be right over with your order."

"No, thanks. I'm actually on a mission right now but when I'm off duty I'll certainly be back for a meal."

"Very well. You do what you got to do."

"Say, have you seen a woman here who looks like she might be waiting for someone? You probably haven't seen her around the village before. Her name is Calista."