25 Chapter 25 : Bonds (1/2)
Ahhhhhh YEET! Esketit.
---------------
Kakashi, Kenji, and Sasuke painted the training field with divots. Flames left over from fire jutsu and blades of grass covered the land. Rei and Aya sat along a tree, watching the sharingan lesson. Kakashi insisted he and Sasuke give Kenji some pointers and start training with them. Kakashi already developed a soft spot for his students, and in the short few weeks he'd been here, Kenji had grown on him as well. He didn't want him to fall into the depths like himself. The copy ninja basically took Kenji under his wing, the Hokage approved. Minato felt it could be good for his student as well. The combat ended while Kakashi gave advice, dragging himself to the tree. Kenji and Sasuke hit it off well. They understood each other. Sasuke lowered his desire for revenge, for the moment. Family was everything to him. Kenji managed to share his revenge plan with him, so Sasuke desired to help Kenji first. Then, Kenji promised to avenge their clan together. The two boys were always seen together if they weren't home. Kenji befriended the guy, but he still held his Mist necklace tightly, everyday. No one would ever replace Hansuke. The boys plopped onto the ground with heavy breaths and strained eyes. Aya noticed Sasuke's red and Kenji's white were a pretty fearsome combo rising. Rei was a different story. She trained with her team, but she didn't really talk to Kenji. Actually, she was afraid to talk to him. She couldn't get the image on top of the Hokage monument out of her head. Kenji felt her distance, but didn't feel an obligation to act. He figured she'd come around. Aya supported Kenji throughout the last few weeks heavily. She often cooked for him and Sasuke, with Kakashi showing up after they were done. Late as always. Rei never did come. She wasn't really her rambunctious self lately. With all things considered, Kenji liked the village. The inhabitants didn't hate him, but they didn't love him either. They were mostly curious since he wasn't a regular.
Kakashi looked over at his squad with glee. ”Alright, you guys think we're ready for the mission tomorrow?”
”What is it?” Sasuke asked.
”We'll figure out tomorrow when the Hokage issues it to us.”
Sasuke gave a sneer. Kenji lightly punched his shoulder, who punched back. Aya was in a daze. She kind of wished Kenji and Sasuke would put shirts on. She couldn't tell why, but Sasuke's lean torso and Kenji's rough, but tough developing mid-section were bothering her.
”Rei? You ok?” Kakashi looked concern.
”Huh? Yeah. I'm fine.”
Kakashi eyed his student's lowering forehead.
”Just make sure the mission isn't too bad. It's the first one anyway. Many things can go wrong.” Aya glanced around. She had inched closer to everyone lately.
Kakashi reassured her. He'd do everything in his power to help the kids succeed.
The group traveled to an Akimichi restaurant, recommended by Sasuke. He heard his classmate in the academy say his family owned the place. So he wanted to try it out. Everyone mingled for a few hours. Kenji eyed Rei a few times during the session. She eyed back, trying to stop the eye contact quickly. Kakashi, being who he is, noticed the exchange.
The restaurant changed from floods of laughter and fellowship to plates colliding, near closing time. Sasuke and Rei had broken off from the group, headed home. Aya said goodbye to Kakashi, about to walk home with Kenji.
”Um. Aya... Could I talk with Kenji for a little while. I need to tell him something.”
The request caught her off guard slightly. ”Uh yeah sure.” She turned to Kenji. ”I'll go ahead and get home.” Kenji grabbed her into a hug for the first time in a while. Aya was tired of crying, but she couldn't help it. They released, and she walked home, sneaking her hand up to wipe her eyes beyond the streetlight.
”Come on.”Kakashi walked to a nearby bench and sat down, fighting the urge to read his book.
Kenji sat down beside him.