Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Life of a Ninja ❯ Chapter 5

Chapter 5

(The next morning…)

 

Keyoko woke up to a delicious aroma drifting form the kitchen. She slowly stood up, as she was still a bit sore, and walked into the kitchen. She entered to find Sasuke sitting at the table eating while Kaitoshi stood at the stove preparing more breakfast. She turned her head slightly to smile at her awakened friend. “Morning Keyoko, want some eggs?” Keyoko nodded graciously and took a seat across form Sasuke. She smiled brightly. “I didn't know you cooked, Kaitoshi.” The female Uchiha frowned slightly. “Well, we only just met yesterday. We don't really know much about each other yet.”

Keyoko laughed at her silly comment. “Yeah, I know.” Kaitoshi finished with the eggs and sat down. She set down her own plate after placing one in front of Keyoko. For the most part, they ate in silence; each of them lost in their own thoughts. Keyoko couldn't help but think, `Wow, you'd think two siblings that have been separated for the past seven years would be as gabby as chipmunks.'

The three of them finished their breakfast and placed their plates into the sink. Kaitoshi finally broke the silence. “Hey Keyoko, you wanna walk around Konoha with me today? Since you're new here and all, it'd be beneficial to you.” Keyoko's face lit up. “Sure, I'd love to! Is Sasuke coming too?” Sasuke shook his head. “Sorry, I've got a lot of training to do.” With that said he stood up and walked out the back door. Kaitoshi sighed. “I had a feeling he wouldn't wanna come. He's kinda shy around strangers too, even if they just removed a curse-mark from him. Oh well, let's go.”

They exited out the front door and began making their way down the main dirt path. The sun was just barely above the clouds; causing the sky to remain its brilliant streaky hue. Keyoko smiled and placed her arms behind her head. “It's such a beu…” She was cut off as two figures leapt out of the nearest tree; tackling them to the ground.

Keyoko's eyes went dragon as Kaitoshi's grew red with her Sharingan. Lying atop Keyoko and hugging her tightly, was a short girl, about fourteen years old, with long blonde and green hair and emerald eyes. “Yay, demon girls! Will you be my friend?” Keyoko's eyes faded back to normal. `Friend?' “Sure, sure, just get off me!” On top of Kaitoshi, was a girl closer to their age with maroon eyes and purple hair pulled up into a bun. “Kaitoshi, you came back!” Once Kaitoshi's Sharingan had faded away, she stared at her attacker in shocked realization. “Tiger, oh my god, it's actually you!” Both newcomers stood up and helped their `victims' to their feet.

Keyoko dusted herself off hastily. “Well, at least you know your attacker. So, who is she?” The purple-haired girl issued a polite bow, despite the evil grin plastered to her face. “My name is Mitoko Natsume. But everyone calls me Tiger.” The blonde girl also gave a respectful bow. “And I'm Kyra Kiramaru.” Her face, unlike Mitoko's, hadn't shifted to an evil grin. Keyoko gave her an odd stare. “Okay, now that the intros are over, would you mind explaining why you tackled me?!” Kyra giggled. “Well, I came back to Konoha a few days ago when I met Tiger. As we hung out near the border, we noticed both of your transformations. Since I'm a Jinchuruki too, I wanted to meet the two of you. But it was Tiger's idea to tackle you. So, will you be my friend?”

Her pleading smile made it impossible for Keyoko to say `no'. “Well, alright. I'm Keyoko Katara. And Tiger probably told you all about Kaitoshi, here.” Kyra nodded. “So, which Biju do you have?” Keyoko continued. Kyra grinned proudly as she adjusted her ivy grass village hitite. “I'm the host of the female version of Houkou, the five-tailed dog. Is your Hachimata the male or female version?” “Female. She has a jewel on her forehead, so that's probably the main difference,” she replied.

Tiger turned to Kaitoshi and grinned slyly at her. “So, where ya headed? The Hyuuga manor, perhaps?” Kaitoshi grew crimson in an instant. “Well uh, yeah. But I was totally gonna wait `till after I showed Keyoko around.” Kyra gave a quick salute. “I've been here quite a bit, so we can explore together.” Kaitoshi smiled worriedly, but reluctantly allowed the two Jinchuruki to run off together. Mitoko smiled softly as they faded from sight. “Aw, little Kyra's really warming up to that Keyoko. They look to be close friends already.” Kaitoshi nodded. They then continued down the path towards the Hyuuga manor. Kaitoshi couldn't wait until she'd finally be reunited with her childhood friend, Neji.

Five minutes later, the manor came into view. Kaitoshi sighed and gazed at the enormous entrance building. `I forgot how huge this place this is.' She and Tiger stepped closer until the door stood before them. She slowly raised her hand and pressed the door bell. `Bing bong'. The two of them waited patiently as the soft sound of feet shuffling was heard. A second later, the door slowly swung open.

At the door, stood Hinabi. She had grown several inches since Kaitoshi had last seen her. Hinabi glanced curiously at Kaitoshi, and then at Mitoko. “Can I help you?” She asked; obviously unable to recognize the two of them. Kaitoshi put on a bright smile and bent down slightly to her level. “Hi, I'm a friend of Neji's. I was wondering if you could call him for me.” Hinabi nodded obediently and closed the door. Her quick footsteps receded in a matter of seconds.

Both girls patiently waited several minutes before the sound of slightly heavier and slower footsteps advanced from the other side of the door. The door opened again, but a bit quicker this time, to reveal a tall long-haired Hyuuga with a no-nonsense look on his face. He brushed aside a few brunette strands to get a better look at the visitors. “What do you…” He stopped mid-sentence the second his silvery eyes fell upon the silent Uchiha. He stood frozen as Kaitoshi fought back her welling tears of joy. “I'm back, Neji. I missed you.” Kaitoshi's tone was hardy above a whisper. Neji took a step forward; almost unsure of what to do next. He quickly embraced her, so suddenly it almost scared her. She responded by wrapping her own arms around him as he held her closer. Tiger, suddenly feeling out of place, stepped back a bit. “I'll let you two catch up a bit. See ya.” She performed a few quick hand seals and promptly disappeared in a puff of smoke. Poor Tiger's departure was hardly noticed at all.

Kaitoshi glanced sadly beyond Neji. “I'm so sorry, Neji. I shouldn't have run away. I didn't stop to think all the pain it was cause you and the others. Forgive me.” Although her tone was calm, she had difficulty spitting out her words. Neji shook his head as he gazed up to connect their eyes. “No, don't ever blame yourself for what happened. If anything, I should've come to you. All this time, I cursed myself for not being able to help you, for not knowing. I blamed myself as well as everyone else for your `death'.” Kaitoshi smiled meekly. “I always wondered if Itachi's sparing me was a blessing or a curse. But now I see that it was truly a blessing because I have someone like you to be there for me. And I promise to never leave you or Sasuke again for as long as I live. I love you.”

Neji's face lost all traces of pain. He even found himself smiling slightly. “I love you too. And plus, I wasn't gonna let you leave again, anyway.” Before she could say anything else, he leaned towards her until their lips met. He placed his hand on the side of her face as her eyes slid close. She kissed him harder as their hearts seemed to beat against one another. Two long lost lovers finally reunited once again.