Disclaimer: I Don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
It's been three years since standing inside the gates of The Hidden Leaf Village. Nostalgia and a little bit of anticipation washed over me as I stepped forward to greet the guards. Izumo and Kotetsu were talking among themselves, well more like arguing about something. They sounded more like an old married couple than best friends. I stood listening to them go back and forth.
"You can't really believe that. There is no way that kid stood against the demon of the hidden mist. Kakashi had to of been the one to take that monster down. The Uchiha kid on the other hand. I can see him possibly giving the guy a fight." Kotetsu said leaning forward against their desk.
"It's going around the entire village. Apparently someone overheard Kakashi's report to the Hokage about what had happened. I'd be one of the last to believe it too."
I cleared my throat startling the two and they both turned and looked up at me. I was used to this kind of reaction. I always made it a habit to minimize my presence. One of the side effects of being in the Anbu too long. One mistake and get detected could risk and entire mission that could have devastating effects on the village. You learn to adjust. Sometimes though I forget to unmask it causing people to startle when I suddenly seem to appear out of thin air.
"Sorry about that." Izumo said standing up
"It's alright. Here's my identification and pass." I said pulling out the proper paper work from the pouch I keep strapped to my right leg.
"Let's see here," he said grabbing it out of my hand and inspecting it. "What?!" He exclaimed. Shock and surprise showing in his face. He looked at me then back down at the papers in his hand. Kotetsu stood up and grabbed the documentation out of his friends hands.
"Are you serious?" He said as equally stunned as his partner.
I gave them both a small smile and waited patiently.
"It's been, what, three years and you've finally made it back to the village, huh?" Izumo laughed finally getting over his surprise.
"With my mission over with I thought it might be good to come home. I kind of missed the place." I smiled back taking back my papers from Kotetsu's hands. "Am I good to go?"
"Yes. Of course. You should probably report straight to Lord Third before doing anything else. I'll send word ahead of your arrival." Izumo said
"No. I think I'll surprise him." I said walking away from the desk and taking my steps back into the village.
The village hadn't change hardly at all. People bustling through the streets shopping for various things. The smells of the several restaurants floating through the air. The familiar smell of Ichiraku ramen caught my attention and made my stomach growl. I'd have to stop by after checking in. I finally made my way to the Hokage's office and stopped before lifting my hand to knock on the door. I could hear voices from the other side of the door. Not wanting to interrupt I took a step back and leaned against the opposite wall. Reaching down I pulled out my book Make Out Paradise and began reading where I left off.
"Oh come on old man. Give me a mission worth having. I'm tired of chasing cats and searching for old ladies lost jewelry." A loud voice made it through the door.
"Naruto," A girl's voice called out followed by someone being hit. "Show some respect would you?"
"Come on Sakura. We already completed a high classed mission. We've proven ourselves to go on something better than these lousy missions." Naruto called out
"He's right Sakura. I'm tired of these small missions." A third voice called in
"Well if you say so Sasuke," Sakura said in a flirty voice. I just shook my head at the exchange.
The name Sasuke was one I knew. Guess it's not to unusual for people of the village to know it considering his past. I knew it for a different reason. Knew Him before the incident. Though thinking now he may not recognize me right away.
Starting to grow slightly impatient I unmasked my presence just enough to be felt by the Hokage and the jounin that also occupied the other room.
"Take the mission you can get Naruto. Each one has it's own purpose," A deep voice said. It was relaxed and calm.
"You have your assignment," the Hokage called out. "You can enter now. You've been gone too long from the village to just sit out in the hallway listening."
I smirked and detached myself from the wall. Opening the door with my opposite hand that had my book in it I stepped into the room and made my way in front of the Hokage. To my left the four previously occupying watched me closely. I looked over them my eyes studying Sasuke a little longer than the others then settling on their leader.
His messy spiky silver hair pointing up and his laid back slouched posture said nothing about his alertness. Most would think that he was slacking off but to my eyes I could find no gaps in his defense. Even among allies he never let his guard down. I smirked a little then saw that he was staring at my book in my hand. I lifted it up and shook it "It's a favorite"
Turning away from the others I looked at the man in charge "It's been a while old friend."
"It's been three years. Welcome home Shiori."