Haurutsuki: Melting of Beautiful Snow

5. A Grand Tour

Early the next morning, Kakashi decided to check in with his new neighbours. He left his apartment and strolled down the street while reading Icha Icha Book. They stayed on the third and highest floor of their building, directly parallel to his place. He turned the corner of the building and strode towards the first set of stairs when suddenly, "Last one down's a flimsy noodle!" He heard someone yell from the railings on the third floor above. It was Ryuu bursting out his door. He then ran and jumped over the railing and descended to the ground three storeys below.

"Hey, wait up!" Miyuki said, bursting out the same door. She grabbed the railing with one hand, hopped onto it, and then sprang up into the air. Ryuu landed, crouched on the ground, and sprang up with both arms above his head. "And he sticks the landing! Next stop, the Hyuga's!" With a series of graceful twists and spins, she landed in front of Ryuu with a hand on her hip, "Seriously, Ryuu. You don't even know where that is." She eye-rolled. "Where's Katsu?" He wondered. Just then, Katsu lazily dragged his feet out the door. "You guys... That's not fair!" He whined from above. "He's right, you know. It's too early in the morning for this." She told him. "Just jump down, Katsu! You'll be fine!" Ryuu called to above.

Katsu sighed in defeat and then grabbed the railing with one hand, before lifting the rest of his body up and over it before then landing on the ground beside Ryuu. "Need I remind you; Sakura told us to take it easy until we're up to full strength. We just finished breakfast. I don't plan on losing it too." Katsu said, glaring at his brother. Kakashi had watched their landings from the staircase and began heading towards them in the courtyard with a nonchalant stride. "Aww, come on. Where's your enthusiasm, you two?" Ryuu complained. "My bed." Katsu frowned. She nodded in agreement, "Mine too. Why don't I just- Hmm?" She was about to head back to the stairs, when she spotted Kakashi approaching. Ryuu gasped in excitement, "Morning Kakashi!" He raised his head from his book and gave a small wave, "Yo." He eyes-closed smiled.

When he reached them, they all gave a polite bow. "Good morning, Lord Kakashi." Katsu greeted. He sweat-dropped. "Please, drop the 'lord.' The bowing too." She shrugged. "Whatever you say, Old man." She teasingly retorted. He gave an unimpressed stare. Suddenly, Ryuu popped up behind him, looking over his shoulder. "Hey. What are you reading, Kakashi?" He inquired as he began reading a few lines. His face instantly reddened. He slapped his hands over his eyes as he exclaimed. "WAH! My eyes! Kakashi, how could you?" He backed up blindly as he accused Kakashi. "Hmm?" She curiously wondered. Katsu bent over to read the front cover as Kakashi remained aloof. "Icha Icha Paradise... It's an erotic novel series." He explained to his sister before straightening up. "My poor mind." Ryuu cried as he returned his sibling's side. Katsu face palmed, while Miyuki burst out laughing, much to Kakashi's surprise.

"Wow, Ryuu. You could learn a thing or two reading one of those." She teasingly chuckled. "Miyuki!" He scolded. "What? It's true. You're the only guy I know who doesn't read this stuff. Right, Katsu?" She asked, glancing over at him beside her. He raised his hands up defensively, "I'm saying nothing." Ryuu cried at his side, "No man, Miyuki... Why do you always have to bring this kind of stuff up? Let's just go to the Hyuga's for the tour already."

"Hyuga's? So, you've made friends?" Kakashi interrupted. Ryuu snapped out of it, and the three nodded in unison. "Yes. I've managed to befriend a few people, along with my brothers. Hinata offered to take us on a tour of the village today. Now, where did she say she stayed again...?" She began wondering. Her brothers deadpanned, "What!? You don't remember?" Ryuu asked in shock. She looked at him in anger, "Well, it's not my fault. Katsu usually helps me with directions." Katsu face-palmed, "Can't take you anywhere, can we?" She grew red with anger and embarrassment. She then huffed and turned away from them. "Well, if it's Hinata's place you're looking for, I'd be happy to help." Kakashi interrupted. Their faces lit up. She leaned deep into his face. "Really!?" She asked with hopeful eyes. He felt himself tense up, "Uhr... Yeah. If you don't mind, that is." He answered, averting her big, sparkling eyes. She nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, thanks!" She sweetly replied. "Looks like we got lucky then." Katsu stated. "Then it's off to the Hyuga's!" Ryuu declared. With that, they were off.