Unseen. That's how I should be, blending into the rest of the world, that one flick of paint on a covered canvas. That was me. This could make you think I was a good ninja and that I was one who always excelled in the tasks handed to me. While that isn't entirely true, it's not wrong. Average. Best word for it. I was born into a common ninja family: my name being Mieko Nakamura and my legacy is to be a ninja. One which serves the Hokage and the honourable Land of Fire. Nothing more, nothing less.

This didn't mean I couldn't try be a better ninja than the rest of my family however. Ever since I could run around I was always found trying to climb trees around my house (we weren't a clan so no estate for us!) I wasn't allowed in any training grounds due to civilian, shinobi protection laws which prohibits any non shinobi entering areas where ninja art is practiced (this is only limited to built areas that are not in the civilian districts). By any means I would find ways to be doing something most of the time it was productive, but I'm only human and a child. The small time I wasn't doing anything productive I was attending friends of the family's parties and social events. I was never a fan and would have my silent protests against it, but it was beneficial in some way, so I couldn't complain.

My Mother had always insisted that I make friends with the children of the families; it was both a way to have me be social and gain friends but also a way to strengthen bonds between the families. With my family not being a clan or noble clan, we were really lucky that our recent history had struck us with getting close to the Nara clan; a small time where a few important people of the Nara clan where protected by three of my family members when an inside betrayal happened. To us loyalty is worth more than money. Which is why the Nara's had a small advantage.

Any way these events were more extravagant than any party I could have gone to otherwise and the attire there was obviously for a friendly competition ('who can wear the better clothes!') whilst I was adorned in a cheap typical kimono. One where it's 'supposed to look real nice but actually the old lady made them with spare material she would rather trade for money. So yes I had to dress and be sociable, not the end of the world. Just the end of my childish mind for the day. The night would usually go with me sitting alone and whenever I was spotted by my mother, just say "I'm just taking a breather, all the socialising, I can only handle so much aha." This let me be on my own for these nights usually. Although this time I guess his parents got the better of him as he had to speak to me, I wasn't too sure if the guy wanted to talk at all, which I would not mind, but he did so either way.

He had a lazy expression that seemed comfortable on his face; features which were simple and analytic; the clothes he wore crafted with extreme care and precision; delicate fabric that aired importance in overpowering waves. Although the he was looking all important he clearly didn't care for it. The hair which was pointing up in an obscure fashion caught my eye, was that just a rich thing? Over the top hair... It was something that wasn't new, I had seen people with odd hair before (the Uchiha Clan was evident of that) but this was up close.

The fancy Nara introduced himself, in a routine and lazy voice giving the impression that he had done introductions more than he wanted to "Hello, I am Shikamaru Nara, son of the Clan head. I hope you're enjoying yourself tonight." It was this kind of droning which I disliked from social events. It was all talk that wasn't them. I understand that this wasn't always the case with the adults: they already like each other but for the kids. They had to get to like each other and these lines were the only guide given. I couldn't just have my opinion on parties make myself not talk however.

"Nice to meet you Nara-san, I am Mieko Nakamura and thank you for having me to one of these events I am enjoying it very much thank you." I felt as if I were in front of the pond alone reading lines like these in situations such as this. I expected this to be the end of our conversation, it usually would be. So I was perplexed when I heard him say not a farewell but a continuation of the conversation.

He looked at me and sat near by to me speaking in much less of a rehearsed tone "you can just call me Shikamaru, I am not a huge fan of being called that by people my age, feels odd. So you're a Nakamura? I think it's cool what your family did to help ours by the way, so thanks. Without those people I think my dad would have a lot more problems than he did."

Unsure with what to reply to this unusual beyond-the-usual dialogue I responded as friendly as possible. "okay Shikamaru-san thank you, but it wasn't me who did anything, my family were only doing their job to protect the more important people to the leaf. So I should be thanking you for having helped the leaf village... I'm sorry if this sounds rude but why are you still talking to me? I can't think of any logical explanation, most people say the minimum and leave."

There must have been something funny about what I said as it caused Shikamaru to smile and laugh a small amount "Lets call it even from both our family Mieko-san, as for why I'm talking to you, it's because I have to talk to someone as my parents will make me talk to random people otherwise and you seemed lonely so I decided to see if you were enjoying the party." He ended his sentence with a smile and it made me more happy about this predicament. He wasn't doing it just for the families involved, he wanted to talk himself.

I contemplated his answer before smiling and thanking him once more. With a few more moments of talking we were approached by our parents; Shikamaru's parents seemed happy at the sight of their son talking people, and my Mother clearly shared the sentiment as she was practically glowing on the way home.

On the way home I felt as if my mum thought I knew everything about Shikamaru, asking me for every detail I got from her. I think she was mildly disappointed when I told her that all I knew was that he was the Nara's clan heir and that was all. She also told me about the next few weeks: I would be starting at the Academy for children who train to become genin and help the leaf as actual shinobi. That made my day 100 times better than before, the idea of learning how to help the village in the most efficient way possible. Knowing that I'll be doing my family proud and my village proud too. I was going to sleep so well tonight.