komorebi - a naruto uzumaki love story

ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ - ０５

„journey and exhaustion"

"Are you ready Mia-chan?", Sakura asks the anxious girl in front of her.

They have gotten ready for the mission. Neji instructed that Mia should be wearing a hooded cloak since her hair catches attention easily.

Both of the girls planned to meet up before going to the gates of Konoha.

"I'm alright now Sakura-chan.", Mia says calmly.

Mia made sure to turn off all the lights and that she locked her apartment door before going out completely. With that, they were off to go.

Shinozaki clan, what are they like? No one knows their personalities, skills, or hobbies. Well, that's because they have isolated themselves for how many years. But is it really possible to locate a well-hidden place?

"We're here!", Sakura announces to the two guys waiting in front of them. Turns out they were the last ones to arrive at the meeting place.

"Alright", Neji grabs their attention, "This mission is not that dangerous in particular, but we will still be careful and prepared if ever danger comes along the way. We surround Mia-san as much as possible."

Naruto and Sakura nodded in response.

"The way to the supposedly located shelter of the Shinozaki clan is about three days far. There are two villages that we can get supplies from.", Neji continues to say, "However, there are paths that are hard to cross. One of us will just have to carry Mia-chan so that we can get by smoothly."

"Understood?"

"Hai!"

—

It's been five hours since the group was traveling with no breaks. This may be normal to the three ninjas but it is new to the blue-haired girl with them. Resulting for her to become very tired from the journey. After all, they were walking for so long.

Neji was walking in front of Mia, Sakura was at her left side while Naruto was at her right. She carefully grabs Naruto's sleeve and proceeds to catch his attention.

"Hm?", Naruto looks at her, she blushes in embarrassment but she couldn't take it anymore, her legs were killing her.

"C-can we please take a break? My legs are a few moments away from giving up.", Mia says shyly, looking away from Naruto's blue eyes.

Meanwhile, the blonde boy in front of her had a softened expression, understanding her request.

"Neji! Let's take a break for a bit, we've been walking for straight hours.", Naruto says in a cheery tone.

Neji looks behind him to face Naruto and automatically understands that Mia is probably tired. She thinks he doesn't notice her quiet panting as she hides it well, but not good enough to be left unnoticed.

"I agree. But Mia-san, it is alright with you to sleep in sleeping bags? The village that I was talking about is another five hours away.", Neji turns to her.

"Of course, I am in no position to complain.", Mia explains, "Thank you for asking, Neji-san.", she says as she bows to him. Neji was slightly taken aback by the politeness of the girl in front of him.

"Alright, we'll take a 20 minute break and walk for another two hours, then we can camp."

The finally sits down as she inhales deeply then exhales all of the tired air out of her.

"I'll go refill our water, I saw a nearby river earlier. I'll be quick.", Sakura says before taking off to get some water.

Naruto sits down with Mia as he rests his back at the tree behind him.