At the closing of each Academy year, everyone in Konoha would buzz with gossip, wondering who would graduate and who would be passed over.
Even the instructors could not say for sure who would become shinobi, only left to guess what skills and knowledge made one a suitable candidate and adjusting their curriculum on each new theory.
The only person that decided such things was the Oracle.
It was said they could look into a human's soul and see their future, glimpse their heart and determine if they were worthy of a bond.
Anyone could befriend a Pokemon, but only ninja bonded with them.
So every year, the entire village eagerly awaited the graduation ceremony, whispering amongst themselves about who they hoped would pass and what Pokemon they would likely receive.
If only they knew…
"I'm late!" Hikari squeaked, rushing around the room like an uncontrolled flame in an attempt to collect her clothes. "So, so late! I'll never get to Konoha in time!"
Cyndaquil yawned, stretching leisurely under the wonderful backrub he was receiving, as Gaara subtly rolled his eyes.
"You should have woken up earlier." The Jinchuriki noted, blank jade eyes turning to the Steel-type chewing on a broken kunai by his knee as the metal snapped. "Careful."
Aron chirped an affirmative, happily ripping a chunk of the handle off with strong jaws.
"And who kept me up late last night in the first place?" Hikari retorted, coming out from behind a screen while tugging the hem of her sweater-dress further down.
Though they covered her entire body, the soft cotton and dark leggings did little to hide the figure she was developing; small, but full of soft curves and strong muscles.
The silver charms on her forearm clinked merrily, each element letting out a note, as she picked up her tangled mass of earthy curls into a ponytail as usual.
"I should know better by now…" She mumbled, toeing on her boots. "You do this every year…"
Sand brushed against one hand, twisting to rub against her cheek in a caress.
"But you still go."
Heart melting at the sadness she could feel in those words, the brunette abandoned her preparations to sit beside Gaara instead, catching those averted jade eyes with soft blue.
"And I come back every time."
The Jinchuriki stayed silent, though his hand turned to lace their fingers together.
Smiling at the gesture, Hikari hopped up to press a kiss to the boy's scar, glad to have assuaged his fears for another year.
"We'll be back before you know it!" She assured, oblivious to the faint pinkness on Gaara's cheeks as she scooped up Cyndaquil and leapt onto the windowsill. "See you soon!"