Peace had reigned for a while now, the calm crushing the leaf village, and life was good. For the civilians. But that was what mattered wasn't it? What everyone was fighting for? What people had died for… The civilians were certainly happy, joyous even; no longer did they have to worry about their homes being destroyed by one of many enemies of the leaf. The point of the shinobi was to work in the shadows, to not be seen. And as a result, people forgot about them, the guardians of konoha that never took credit for the many life-threatening missions to protect the village. Their aim had been fulfilled, they didn't have to fight potential friends anymore. And the reward; nothing to distract them, take their mind off of the horrible things they had done for 'The Greater Good.' They were forced to remember all of the loved ones they had lost, the once forgotten memories flooding back. These were the reasons that caused shinobi to rise from their slumber, sneaking into the night, constantly honing both physical and mental skills. They tell you its preparation, you can never be too careful. But they are trained to lie, to do anything to cover up the truth, that they have lost their purpose in life. The only thing left is to stick to old habits.
This is what left her, like the others, lying awake in the moonlight, hoping that sleep would overtake soon, yet unconsciously trying to stay awake, anything to avoid the dreams. With a sigh she shifted, turning on her side in a vain attempt to become comfortable enough to sleep. Finally she decided enough was enough and got out of bed with a small grunt. She got dressed quickly and pulled her hair into a rough pony tail. There was no point wasting time waiting for something that would never return, she might as well use it productively and train. Again. Opening her window she glanced around making sure the coast was clear and then, she jumped, appearing a second later in a nearby tree. The only sound around was the distant hooting of an owl. At least peace and quiet come hand-in-hand.
Tsunade was snoozing on her desk, head on a pillow of paperwork, still passed out from her latest drinking binge. Her eyes clenched shut as the first rays of morning light shone on her face. With a slight murmur of obscene language she turned her head successfully blocking the sun. Smirking she began to drift off to sleep, that is, until she heard a whisper of 'Baa-chan' on the wind. Her head shot up.
"'Ruto?" She muttered softly to the room, deep down knowing she wouldn't get a response. That she'd never get a response. Sighing dejectedly she settled for leaning back in her chair, looking over the village. Eyes trailing over the newly reconstructed buildings as her mind replayed the battle. The fire was all around her once again. She reeled back slightly, before remembering the other person caught in this raging inferno. Ignoring the searing pain in her arm she reached into the fire, desperately searching for the hand, screaming his name. But he'd already gone. She'd failed again, lost another person she loved.
A soft hooting snore broke her out of the reverie. Finally noticing the bird, a small owl napping with its head under its wing, she opened the window and gently woke it up, calling it over. Slightly bleary eyed at first, the owl looked confused, before remembering its mission and hopping inside the warm building. With a tilted head it glanced around the large office. What a perfect place to build a nest. Still, looking around curiously at the new place, the owl lifted its leg, signifying the presence of a rather large letter. Tsunade blinked, plucking the letter from the bird's leg before patting its head and settling down to read the letter.
At many points in the letter, Tsunade could be seen raising her eyebrows in amusement. Until she got near the end and she realised the seriousness of the situation. She closed her eyes deep in thought. Much of the letter had been utter nonsense. The old fool making pleasantries, trying to make it seem like he wasn't asking for their help. Why cover it up? They were ninja, mercenaries, it was their job. Especially as this specific pickle the old man had gotten himself into would be easily solved by the ninja. Stupid old coot, with his silly wizarding traditions, always trying to sugar-coat everything. Though… he was offering to pay for the best, for a year, and it was a simple mission, she could use this to her benefit. She would agree, and Tsunade knew exactly who to send.
"Shizune!" She shouted, already knowing her assistant would be waiting, nodding in approval at the rapid entrance she added "I need you to get ANBU Fox for me. Tell her she has a year long mission, and to come see me for details"
Nodding to show she had understood her task she smiled, asking "Anything else you want ma'lady? It's nice to see you up on a morning for once. Usually you're still asleep from drinking yourself into oblivion." Shizune snickered at the responding growl, and dodged the chair thrown her way. With Naruto gone, someone needed to cheer the Hokage up.
Ten minutes later ANBU member Fox appeared in a swirl of leaves. Leaning down into a bow she muttered "You mentioned a mission lady Hokage."
"Yes, I need someone to disguise themselves as an exchange student for a wizarding school; it needs to be someone quiet that won't draw attention to themselves. This role fits you perfectly, and I'm hoping that the vacation will ease you from your grief, if only slightly. You've changed a lot since… that day." Tsunade handed Fox the mission scroll. Taking it without a word the ANBU member disappeared home to get ready and read the details to her mission. She had to be quick as she would be leaving in the morning.
Once she was ready, the young ANBU member had a hard decision to make. She would be gone for a year, most likely out of contact with her friends and family. She should go to them personally to say a heartfelt goodbye, claim that she'd miss them dearly, and promise to write them every day. But that's where the problem lay; she didn't want to do any of those things. Truthfully, her friends had been slowly moving on. It was her alone that couldn't do it, couldn't forget what had happened like it was nothing. She loved him and now he was gone forever. Of course after telling her that the feelings she'd had all these years were mutual. Shared. The bastard could have kept that to himself. She would forever wonder what could have been. Forever blame herself for not saving him when she had the chance. She would always be beating herself up for not telling him earlier. What a fool she had been. But she was getting off track… Should she go see her friends? Yes. But she was just going to write them a small note instead. At least it was something.
The next day she arrived at the gates exactly on time as usual. Following instructions she tentatively touched an old shoe and found herself spinning rapidly, barely managing to hold on to her things. Then, suddenly everything stopped. Using many years of experience she managed to land on her feet. If slightly shakily.
"Hello"
