Although Shikamaru talked to Mirai after training, she couldn't help but to feel that she failed. She knew her mother was waiting at home, eager to ask questions about the first day of being a genin. But Mirai wasn't ready to explain her day, what was she suppose to say?
'Mom training went horrible, and Shikamaru is disappointed in me'
That didn't seem like something to tell your mother who was expecting nothing but great news. That's why going home wasn't on her mind.
Mirai walked the streets of Konoha with her head down and hands comfortably placed in her pockets. The sun was going to set soon and Kurenai had strict rules in place that Mirai was to be in the house before the street lights came on. But she already had her mind set on a destination and was going to go there no matter what. She just needed to make a short stop right quick.
The Yamanaka flower shop. A crooked smirk appeared on her face as she stared at the sign out front. The numerous stories that she heard about her dad anonymously buying flowers for her mom always made her laugh.
'Dad must've been a hopeless romantic, but at least his gestures worked. Or mom just really loved him'
A chuckled escaped her lips before she opened the door to the shop. Here an aroma of floral scents just hit her, making her take a deep breath in.
"Mirai...Didn't expect to see you here. How are you doing"
"I'm doing well Ino-neechan, I just came to get some carnations"
"White, I assume" Ino sighed dolefully. She knew that everytime Mirai asked for carnations, they were for her father. Ino tried to keep a smile, but she couldn't. She grabbed a dozen white carnations and wrapped them in a perfect bouquet, before handing them to Mirai.
"How much?" Mirai reached in her pocket to grab some Ryo. But Ino waved her hand, wanting Mirai to put her money back.
"You know it's always free Mirai."
"But I'm a genin now, it's my responsibility to pay you"
"How about this...any day you're free, you come and help me out around the shop. It's been a while since we actually hung out"
"That sounds like a deal." Mirai placed the money back in her pocket, before running out. Waving as she headed out the door.
"See you later Ino-neechan."
"See you later"
Mirai looked at the Sun again wondering if she could make it home in time. She was about twenty minutes from the cemetery and it would take her about forty minutes to make it home, that's even if she took a train.
Quickly, she managed to get on a train and make it to the cemetery. She had been coming here since she was little, so her feet would automatically take her to his grave.
There she seen a lit cigarette and knew that meant Shikamaru had beat her there.
"Hi papa...sorry if it's been a while. I just became a genin. And already I failed." And awkward chuckle left her lips as she sat down, and placed the flowers on his grave. Making sure to put distance between them and the cigarette.
"But I'm pretty sure Shikamaru told you that already. I'm sorry if I let you down...but I promise I will do my best. Kinda wish that you were here to give me your advice...maybe I'll create a reanimation jutsu that'll be effective." Mirai felt tears in her eyes and knew that there was no point in holding them in. She usually didn't cry, but for some reason she felt she needed to. She's been holding everything in, and couldn't continue doing that anymore.
"The sun is setting, and the street lights already on. Mom is going to be upset, and I'll probably be on punishment because I broke curfew. But I needed to talk to you, she'll understand." She stood up, not before gently caressing the 'Sarutobi Asuma' that was imbedded into the tombstone.
"I love you papa"