Additional One-Shots

Meeting Jun [Painless/S&L]

A/N: Well, the demand for this was pretty popular when I posted the last tidbit, so I decided to finish it.

This takes place before Painless, but after the events of Colorless and Smoke and Lightning. It's the story of Miki's past history with Jun and how the two met. There is the warning, however, that this story does reveal a few not-yet revealed details about Jun's past and who exactly he is. While not a major plotpoint in the books, it may bother some people to learn ahead of time, so I figured I should warn you. Oh, and the events of this are not set in stone, as Painless develops, the past is subject to possible change.

Hope you enjoy this peek at the past!

P.S. I wasn't sure about who to dedicate it to, I had two possiblities in mind, but then settled on PortgasDMaria because she seems fond of the character! :D Definitely no pressure to read this, however, because I can completely understand not wanting the spoilers. Ah, and I'm being sincere, that's hard to read over the internet, XD.

Anyways, enjoy!

“The third offered me a position in ANBU.”

Miki’s eyes stayed settled on the water flowing beneath the bridge. Kakashi stiffened, but didn’t say anything right away.

“Offered?”

She nodded.

“Offered. Said that he thought I’d fit in, but that he also thought I’d make a good team leader and that if I waited a year or two, he’d give me the chance. Said I’m still a bit young at the moment.”

“So he gave you a choice.”

She nodded once again. With a frown beneath his mask, he braced his arms against the railing. His eyes swept over the water, much like hers did. Since that time a year ago that they’d stood there and decided to be friends, they’d often met in this place. It was mostly an unconscious effort. The place held sentimental value for Miki- something that was far and few inbetween for the girl.

“Did he say which team you’d be placed in if you choose ANBU?”

Miki’s lips twisted upwards and she gave a small nod. Behind his mask, Kakashi’s expression mirrored hers as he easily picked up on where her amusement was coming from.

“Of course,” he continued with a small shake of his head. “Where else would he consider?”

Silence fell between them for a moment. It wasn’t the sort that needed to be broken, it was more of a comfortable one as they both lapsed into their own thoughts.

“Do you know which you’ll choose?” Kakashi asked eventually. “ANBU isn’t easy.”

He wouldn’t lie to her and say that he didn’t think she could do it. There was a certain darkness required for the assignment, and as much as others might ignore it, it was in her. The third must have realized that when he’d given Miki the choice. At the same time, she wasn’t controlled by it. She wasn’t like him when he was assigned- a person diving headfirst into it all.

“I haven’t…” she began, hesitation clear in her tone. “But… can you imagine me leading kids?”

He didn’t respond and she took it as a sign to continue.

“It’s not just teaching them how to be shinobi, it’s helping them grow. I’m not normal-”

Kakashi chuckled and she frowned in his direction.

“-I’ll admit it. Would it really be possible for me to help a bunch of kids? I’m not the outgoing, encouraging type,” she added, then paused, her lips twitching up. “I’m not someone like Guy.”