Thank you guys for reviewing! This is the first story I've every written, so I'm still struggling with putting pen to paper. _
The red glare of the sun was starting to bled into the darkness of the night, as two solitary figures made their way down dirt filled streets. Unremarkable, unknown, and indistinguishable from any of the numerous other small villages that had popped up in the region within the last decade, it was a place outside visitors seldom frequented.
No village now was established without the protection of at least a pair of shinobis. The villagers, although not rich, slept well every night – they were one of the few villages able to afford not one, but two pairs of ninjas. This level of spending was seen as excessive by some of the villagers. It was a time of peace, the additional two ninjas were unnecessary, a waste of resources argued many. Resources that could be used to pave the streets, build a school or even help fund some of the growing number of small shops and other business. But the council established to run village affairs was adamant. Peaceful times though it may be, men's hearts are easily swayed. They felt it was wiser to be safe than sorry and so there were three sets.
As it was, there was only one solitary villager awake that fateful night. Keiko liked to start her day off right. She swept the house, prepared outfits for her husband and children, and then started breakfast all before the sun was in the sky. It was a morning routine she had gotten from her mother. Her mother had been killed in what was known as the Fourth Great Ninja War. Many civilians and ninjas died back then. It was truly a terrifying time. Even her own life was almost extinguished! If it wasn't for the ninjas, one man in particular, she would not have had the life she did now. She would have never met her husband, never know what it was to be a mother and never knew that she could love someone as she loved her children. For that she would always be grateful for the shinobi.
She grabbed the garbage bags and headed out. That was when they appeared. As they walked down her street she stood, fascinated by their appearance. The one on the right was no ordinary being. He seemed to tower over his companion with a strange aura surrounding him. Yet, it was the one on the left that really caught her attention. Could it be?! She never forgets a face, especially that of the man whom she owed a life debt to. She had tried searching for him after the war. She wanted to thank him properly, but he was gone. She was told that he was dead. But that was him! It had to be. She saw him stare at her. Did he recognize her? Could he remember saving her? It was 15 years ago, but she had to thank him. She decided to hurry across the yard but she found herself paralyzed. How was this possible? Why couldn't she move? She felt her heart beat quicken.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Keiko let out a huge scream but to no avail. No sound came out.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" she screamed again as invisible hands started to wrap around her throat. As Keiko felt her throat being crushed, she couldn't help but question 'Why'.
Loud snores filled the cabin as all the boys, excluding Mitsuki, lay sprawled over the seats.
"I can't believe they fell asleep", Sarada looked at the boys with dismay.
"Hai, I'm too excited to go to sleep now. How long until we arrive?"
"It's a day's journey, so we won't be there until tomorrow morning."
"A DAY! Now I feel like sleeping." said ChoCho dejectedly.
"It is common for human children to pass the time playing handheld games. Here, you can have mine." Mitsuki said handing over the game console Baruto had given him.
ChoCho stared at him, "You always say the strangest things."
"Thanks Mitsuki, but we actually have some reading to finish before we arrive in Suna. Might as well get an early start." Sarada said pulling out several scrolls from her bag.
"What are you reading up on?" he asked curiously.
"Chocho wants to learn some mid to long distance ninjutsu"
"Hai. You see, when hosting a party, chips are always a good snack to offer. The question is what kind of chips to buy, what kinds of flavors would your guests like? Salted cheese is my favourite, my dad is into sea weed shrimp, and Sarada prefers original. At a party, you should not just provide one kind of flavor. No! Doing that is silly. You need to provide a variety of flavors so that there is something for everyone."
There were so many people with amazing skills at the Chunin exams. After the fight with the sand kid, Chocho wondered if she would have won if she had started with a different strategy. Now, she's sure that even if she fought him today, she would still lose. She does not plan to go down that easily the next time.
"That is very wise of you Chocho-san." said Mitsuki. "I'd like to help. I can teach you my wind release technique."
"Thank you Mitsuki!"
