The Way Of The Shinobi

Chapter Ten: Mission Success

(Mayumi's POV)

       The journey back to the Leaf Village was short and quite. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura were busy chit chatting about the scenery and recent events. I peaked over at Kakashi, who was busy reading his book. Earlier in the morning I had received a letter from my fathers advisor Jin, who instructed me to arrive at the Kaneko estate once I returned back to the village.
    

       I knew my father would not be pleased to hear that  there was a seal put on my chakra. Loosing my ability to access my Kekei Genkai put me at a huge disadvantage and made it more likely for me to be targeted by rival clans or villages. A deep breath escaped my lips as I continued to walk back to the Village. I looked up to see Sakura's green eyes inspecting me.

     "Hmm?" I tilted my head slightly as she smiled.

    "So, will you be with us for a while?" She questioned as I nodded. 

   "I guess so." I stated as she smiled and turned her head forward. Part of me was nervous to head back to my family's estate. I hadn't been home in a few months so I honestly had no idea what to expect. I felt a gentle hand touch my shoulder. My eyes trailed from the hand on my shoulder to Kakashi's face.
   

   "Mayumi, you're quite. Are you okay?" He asked, his words coated with concern. I sighed deeply and nodded, trying to play off my anxieties.

    "Yeah, I'm alright. Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, the huge gates of the Hidden Leaf Village just coming into sight. He grabbed my wrist, stopping me from walking. The rest of team seven stopped and turned to face us, confused as to what was going on.

   "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura head to the Hokage's office. Mayumi and I will meet you there in a minute." Kakashi instructed as Sasuke shrugged and continued to walk. After a few moments Naruto and Sakura followed after Sasuke, leaving Kakashi and I alone. 

   "Mayumi, something is wrong. Did you speak to your father about the seal on your chest?" Kakashi questioned me. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest as I sighed deeply. 

   "Nothing is wrong Kakashi. Why does it even matter to you?" I asked, suddenly feeling the pit of my stomach fill with annoyance.

    "You're my team mate, Mayumi, of course I care about you." He explained, causing my eyes to practically roll into the back of my head. 

    "Shouldn't you be more concerned with you're long distance girlfriend?" I scoffed, turning my back towards him and continuing my walk to the Hokage's office. 

    "Seriously Mayumi? That's what you're concerned about?" Kakashi questioned, keeping pace behind me.

    "Well obviously you want to talk. So, let's start off with that." I stated angrily as I continued walking. I reached the gates of the village in a few minutes, making sure to keep my gaze forward. 

   "Mayumi, where are you going?" Kakashi asked me as he followed closely behind me. A deep sigh escaped my lips again as I began walking through the bustling village. The street was lined with busy shops filled with customers. The sunlight danced against the roofs of the village as I lowered my arms to my side.
  

   "Not that it's any concern to you, but I'm going to see my father." I explained as Kakashi's silver eyebrow peaked up. 

  "Your father? Well, I think it is about time I pay him a visit." Kakashi spoke, his words causing me to become frustrated. 

   "Why would my father care to see you?" I questioned him as he finally stood beside me. He placed his warm hand against my shoulder, causing my face to turn a soft shade of pink.
   

    " I am still the head of the Black Ops. I normally meet with your father or his advisors once a year, unless there is a major crisis." Kakashi explained cockily, the feeling of defeat suddenly washed over me. There was no way I could get out of this. I sighed in defeat as I slowed down my pace a bit, making it easier for him to keep up. 

    "Fine. But please remember, he may be your boss but he's my father. Things are different between us." I stated, knowing that my father puts on a front when he's around people who do not belong to the clan. Kakashi shoved his hands in his pockets as we continued our walk to the Hokage's office. 

   "I know your father can be a harsh man. Do you think he will be upset with you?" He questioned. His words made my mind begin to race with questions. What will my father do when he sees me in person? I knew it wouldn't be a warm welcome, but I'd be willing to put up with just about anything if it meant the seal on my chakra was removed. I felt like I was missing a part of me when my chakra was sealed by that mysterious man.
   

   "I'm not quite sure to be honest." I answered him after a few moments of silence. Kakashi took a deep breath as we approached the large building in the front of the village that belonged to the Hokage. At the front of the large staircase that led up to the main entrance of the mansion, stood Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto. 

   "Don't worry Mayumi. I'll always have your back." Kakashi spoke softly, the faint blush that had spread across my cheeks became darker as I felt my heart begin to race. I bit my lower lip softly and adverted my gaze from Kakashi's direction.
  

    "Finally! Can we get this over with? I want to go get some ramen after this!" Naruto begged as Sakura smacked Naruto on the back of his head. Sasuke sighed deeply and rolled his eyes. Watching the three of them together caused a giggle to escape my lips. Kakashi looked down at me as I began to laughs Kakashi chuckled and nodded.

   "Yes, let's report this to the Hokage as a mission success." Kakashi stated as we all cheered and headed inside.