Chapter Eleven – School Days

It was only two hours later before Matsuri returned but the sweat was pouring down her forehead. She looked exhausted as if she had been running around all that time without a single break. Outside the window, leaning against the wall were the raw materials needed for the roof.

"Are you okay?" Yasu asked with concern as she offered a glass of water. She knew only too well the dangers of sunstroke in this country.

Her attendant couldn't speak but took the water and smiled gratefully. The water was gone within seconds as she guzzled it down. Only when she was sure that the brunette had gotten her breath back did she continue.

"Did you manage to find out anything?"

Matsuri looked at the floor with worry. "Was she a really good friend of yours, Yasu?"

"She was like an elder sister to me," was the truthful reply. "We went through a lot together and I never got the chance to say goodbye properly."

"I've asked everyone I know and they've never heard of a woman called Shiro. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to locate her yet." The attendant looked crestfallen. "I will keep trying I swear on my life!"

"There's no need to make such promises." Yasu said soothingly. It was plausible that the old house keeper had trained under a code name. All the same she couldn't hide her disappointment it would have been nice to catch up. It would be even better to hear Grandma Rooba's input on the changes in Sunagakure. Still there was plenty of time for all that and if push came to shove she could always ask Gaara. But that was very much a last resort!

After deliberating what to do for the rest of the day the two decided to take a walk near to the academy. It was an opportunity to see the new facilities including: the lecture hall, training grounds and library. The compound was easy to navigate as it had been designed open plan and the buildings faced each other. They all over looked the circle of land they were standing in right now.

"This is the smaller training area for new recruits. The Kazekage believes that the historical grounds should be kept aside for more advanced chakra techniques," Matsuri explained. "They have taken quite a battering over the years!"

Memories of learning how to control the Mokuton Jutsu came flooding back. When Gaara had to overpower the spinning tree Yasu had created by accident. That very same tree had sent stakes of wood flying in all directions nearly impaling herself and the Kage. "Is there still a tree covered in golden sand?" She asked.

Her companion's eyes went wide, "How do you know that?"

"Oh, no particular reason," The curious visitor smiled to herself. "Shall we take a look inside?"

The students were busy listening to their respective instructors. Familiar diagrams of ninja theory were chalked on the black boards alongside puzzling questions. Yasu felt a kinship with the young ones as she remembered attending her own classes. It had been difficult trying to catch up with over five years of teaching and being the oldest student in the class. She'd gotten some pretty funny looks from the others and some of the comments had not been kind. Iruka Sensei (as always) had encouraged her to keep moving forward and stay focused on the goal. Within a year she'd managed to graduate early and join a squad.

She knocked on the door and entered. Immediately the teacher was on full alert and the students stood up in a rush. This was exactly what Yasu didn't want. How was she supposed to conduct an objective assessment when everyone was putting on a show? She bowed to the instructor and took a place near to the back of the room. Taking out her notebook she began to record.

An hour later Gaara's honoured guest hadn't spotted anything out the ordinary. The teaching was firm, friendly but fair and the children responded well to it. They had learnt how to judge the distance of projectiles based upon their speed. This was important as to successfully dodge and counterattack in battle was vital. There was a good balance of teacher talk and group discussion. Homework was given, the bell went and the students left.

After thanking the instructor Yasu continued down the corridor. She peered through the slats on the round windows designed to keep the sand out and let some air in. A group had gathered outside ready for combat training. Of particular interest was the instructor, a male with a white curtain of material masking half of his face.

"Each of you will need to choose a weapon to match your needs. It makes sense to consider what your strengths are in relation to your body. For example Hiro," A boy with brown curly hair came out of the crowd towards three tables laden with weapons. "Why don't you choose the sword and give it a try?"

Hiro was far from impressed he knew full well that he didn't have the upper body strength to weld the blade. Baki Sensei was looking at him expectantly making him feel uncomfortable. Why was he always the guinea pig?

"Yes, sir," He said grunting slightly as the full weight of the sword pulled down on his arms. He adjusted his stance to gain more balance feeling the muscles in his core wobble and shake.

"Now, I want you to come at me with the intent to kill," Baki instructed.

"You want me to what?" The eleven year old wasn't too sure about the request. He knew this man was one the oldest members of the council and had some pretty strange ideas.

"Attack me, boy!" Baki Sensei roared suddenly making all the pupils jump out their skins.

Hiro gulped before charging at his opponent full force. He swung the sword up high and then with a convincing yell brought it down towards the target. There were a few impressed gasps but this was short lived. There was an almighty clang and the sword took off into the air and landed just an inch away from Yasu's feet.

She looked down at it with interest and pulled it out the ground. Slowly she walked towards the class and noticed the same forced politeness being imposed.

"I believe this is yours," She knelt down offering the sword back to Hiro.

"Lady Leaf?" He replied not quite believing his eyes. She looked familiar, the same mischievous blue eyes and long blond hair fixed into a ponytail. She was older and more beautiful, but wearing a ninja uniform. He glanced at the beige cape she was wearing and recognised immediately the painted silk leaves from her old kimono. Her ninja headband caught the light and he could see the symbol of Konohagakure carved into the steel.

The children sniggered a little at Hiro's expense. He blushed scarlet suddenly, aware of the attention upon him.

Yasu stood up, "I apologise for interrupting your lesson, Master Baki. Please continue."