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Chapter 14 Wind
The next day Maiha was presented with two nine inch fans from Temari. It was obvious from the way the older girl had presented them that this was an important symbol, and Maiha hoped that she received them in the correct manner.
She began to learn the significance of their structure and function in Wind Jutsu. Temari worked with her closely throughout the rest of her training, pointing out errors with a critical eye. She not only instructed Maiha on how to use the new weaponry in manipulating the wind but also worked with her on jutsu strategy. Temari's mind was so analytical it amazed Maiha.
Temari may have been seen as intimidating and all business when it came to training, but over time, the two developed a strong friendship, from which both benefitted. Maiha gained mental strength and confidence from Temari, and Temari enjoyed the philosophical conversations that she and Maiha had.
One afternoon, post-training session, Temari informed Maiha of her decision to take the younger girl to the River Country. "I know that you want to get the most out of your training here in Suna, but I figured that if we go somewhere where water is a plentiful, it'll save your chakra and we will be able to train harder."
Maiha paused for a moment before nodding her head in agreement. "I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've been home. I have learned so much while I have been here." The dark-haired girl smiled.
"Learning any new jutsu would give you more knowledge than before."
"Not just the training," Maiha said, her smile growing wider, "I have learned so much from your village's culture, and I have learned a lot from you. You are so strong and confident. My real reason for leaving Konoha was so silly, that the more I think about it, the more embarrassed I become," Maiha stopped and placed her head in her hands, exhaling in annoyance at herself.
"But you're different now, I can attest to that."
"I am," Maiha continued, "and I am in your debt as well as Suna's for that. Before I began my training here I was so confused about who I was, now, I think I'm back on the right track to finding out. I was a little too protected during my life and never really found my inner strength as a woman or a kunoichi, I just followed the script."
Temari smiled slightly, "Maiha-san, you are stronger than you think. Just because the shinobi ranks are populated mostly by men doesn't mean that we girls are weaker. Being female is one of our greatest strengths. A kunoichi should never be underestimated, male shinobi do it without thinking about it and for us that is an advantage."
With that Maiha beamed. She remembered something like that from the academy. "Thank you Temari-san."
"You're welcome, but from here on out, I won't be as easy on you. We leave for the River Country at dawn. Bring your weapons and your kunoichi mind-set."
"I will not disappoint, you have my word."
During the last months of her training in Suna, Temari had taken Maiha from a near mastery of water jutsu to one that used wind jutsu to strategically increase the intensity of her water attacks.
Over time, Maiha became amazed at how much more she learnt from Temari.
True to her word, Temari became tougher in training. The older girl pushed Maiha to her limits and then beyond them. While they mainly focused on perfecting her Wind Jutsu's, Maiha also found herself studying strategies, and being more confident on the battle field.
Temari couldn't help but smile when she saw how much Maiha had changed from the indecisive, shy girl. It seemed getting away from whatever problem had plagued her in Konoha had done Maiha wonders.
On the eve of their last training session in the river country, Maiha strolled through the streets and couldn't help but smile. When she would look in the mirror she saw a different person and liked what she had become. Maiha still felt like herself but had more confidence in everything, not just in her abilities but in her identity as well. Eventually she made it to the area where she normally sat under the light of the full moon.
"It has been a year since I have had any contact with you yet I still feel so apprehensive about returning. I'm sure you have moved on and have filled the small gap that I left behind." Her mouth allowed the words to roll over her lips but her heart still ached that he may have indeed moved on without her. This caused a steady stream of tears to flow. "I have to go back, but not for me, I have a duty to my village." She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Where's that kunoichi mindset now Maiha." It was only the thoughts about him that could tear her back down to the ground again. "Oh Kakashi, will this self-inflicted wound ever be able to heal?"
Kakashi walked out of the Hokage's office with yet another mission and no answers to Maiha's status. He didn't have to leave until later in the evening so he went about his regular routine. He went to her apartment and looked up, still saw no sign of her. He made his way to the dock, stood at the end and stared out across the water. "Maiha, where have you gone? It's been a year now and I have not heard anything from or about you." It was then he decided that he had enough of this rouse. He spun on his heel abruptly and quickly made his way back to the Hokage's office. He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
He entered.
"Back so soon Kakashi?" Tsunade said.
"Lady Hokage I made a promise to someone a long time ago and…"
"Kakashi," she said cutting him off. "Maiha is not a child anymore. Do you really think you were doing her any good by playing the great protector? You may have thought you were giving her space to grow and develop on her own but that's hardly the case." He looked at her almost confused. "Think about it, her first solo mission, how did you 'just end up in the area'. It's because you were checking up on her. She's a capable kunoichi Kakashi. Her formal sensei taught her everything she needs to know about being a shinobi. That being said, she left on her own accord. I may be saying too much here but when she came to me her behavior did raise a few questions, which were answered with the information that I collected from you. I have no idea what happened nor is it any of my business but it will have to be addressed when she returns. Just as you are having trouble with the situation, I am sure she is as well. So for now let her go and let it go. She has to find her own path in this life and will return when she is ready to face what pre-empted her request for departure."
Kakashi stood silent. Tsunade had landed a powerful hit to his heart without even lifting her fingers. He knew she was right but the words still stung his ears.
She opened her mouth to speak, this time attempting to build him back up. "Kakashi, you should be happy that she has decided to grow instead of becoming complacent. It's not like you to get so caught up with things like this. Now do whatever you have to do to compose yourself before leaving for your mission this evening, I want you to return safely."
"Yes Lady Hokage," he said a bit more upbeat and he turned to leave her office. It had been an abrasive talk, but it was what Kakashi had needed to hear. She's right. I should be happy that Maiha has chosen this path. She is not a child and I shouldn't treat her like one she is a comrade. Though I miss you I will await your return.
As the morning sun rose Temari and Maiha headed for their last training session in the River Country. They were just about to their regular training area when they happened upon a battle ground.
Looking around, Maiha had to ask, "What happened here?"
"It looks like there was a battle. Over what I am not sure but these men are samurai from the Land of Iron," Temari said.
"But what are they doing all the way out here?"
"I'm sure we'll never find out it looks like they're all dead."
"We have to check, just to be sure, we can't leave them behind if they are alive." Temari gave Maiha a confused look but helped her check all the men for signs of life. "This one is alive!" Maiha shouted. "Temari-san, please provide cover while I try to heal him."
"So you can what?"
Maiha began taking off his armor so she could scan his body for injuries. After a quick scan she began to do what she could to heal him. I can do this I know I can. She was pleased to discover that her precision and strength of her chakra had increased during her training in Suna. She attributed it to the focus she needed to flatten and manipulate the wind. It had taken some time and effort but she had gotten him to the point where he was stable and they could move him back to Suna for treatment. Being that the Land of Iron was a neutral county, Suna would most likely not have issues with caring for the samurai.
"Okay let's get him back to Suna. We can make a gurney out of the materials found around here and we can drag him back. We just have to make sure that we cover our tracks so that no one follows if they are still in the area," Maiha instructed.
Temari helped Maiha and they were able to get the samurai back to Suna and transported him to the medical building. Maiha remained in the waiting room and Temari went to inform the officials of the situation and to send a message the Kazekage. A recovery team was sent out to gather the samurai's bodies and notice was sent to the Land of Iron about the ordeal.
Temari returned to the medical building and Maiha. "I was unaware that you had medic training."
"Oh, I only have a year of training under my belt. Truth is I have been so confused about what I really want to do in my shinobi life I have tried a little bit of everything trying to find my place. Medical training was one of them."
Temari's mouth curled up on one side. "You continue to surprise me Maiha-san."
The Samurai was healed fully within the week and was thankful to the Land of Sand for his life as well as the recovery of his comrade's bodies. He was also thankful to Maiha for stabilizing him in order for them to get him to the medical building as well as checking the other samurai for signs of life. Her willingness to help brought about an offer of thanks.
"Kunoichi, you saved my life, is there anything that I can do to repay you for such a noble deed?" the samurai asked.
Maiha thought about it for a minute and finally came up with a request. "Would it be possible to train in kenjutsu in your land?" Seeing his confused look, she went on to explain, "I'm on a path to improve upon myself as well as my skills. I have heard of the beliefs and work ethic of your samurai. I believe that if I was allowed to train there I would only become a stronger warrior."
"I am Katsuro, son of Mifune the General of the Land of Iron. Please allow me to invite you to our land and I will ask him directly upon our arrival about kenjutsu training."
"Thank you Katsuro-san, I accept your invitation, and hope that I will be able to train in your land. Regardless of your leader's decision, I appreciate such an opportunity."
"We will be leaving in a few days; will that give you enough time to prepare for the journey?"
"Yes, more than enough thank you."
Two days before she was slated to leave for the Land of Iron Maiha was called to have an audience with Gaara.
The red-haired Kage sat behind his desk, his pupil-less eyes were just as emotionless as the day she had first met him. They stood in silence for a few moments while Gaara studied her. Finally he spoke, "As of today you have completed your training in Suna."
She gave a small nod of her head. "Your shinobi have shown me how important a strong mind, confidence in ability and control is. Though I have become stronger as an individual I have also been reminded that being a shinobi is so much more than thinking about oneself. Thank you for this opportunity."
"I am glad that you have been able to better yourself." He replied simply.
Maiha opened her mouth then closed it before opening it again. "If I may ask you a small favor, please Kazekage-sama."
A small nod.
"If it is not too much trouble may I ask you to send word to Konoha and Lady Hokage about my discharge from Suna and my travel to the Land of Iron?"
He nodded silently, his black rimmed eyes never leaving hers. Maiha bowed respectfully, "Thank you once again Lord Kazekage-sama."
Shortly after Maiha's departure for the Land of Iron, Tsunade received word of her discharge and new destination. Tsunade smiled, "You're making quite a journey out of this aren't you Maiha."
Kakashi still wandered aimlessly about the city some days but at least his outlook of the relationship between he and Maiha wasn't so bleak. He continued on his regular routine including his new stops. He had stopped asking the Hokage about her but he would still wait a few moments after his mission briefing as well as debriefing just in case there was information about her. Outings to the bar became a little less awkward as he became a little more like himself again. It seemed that Tsunade's 'pep talk' had done some good.
However, the nights of the full moon still drew him to the dock and he couldn't help thinking about her in a deeper sense. She crossed his mind often but on these nights he thought more about the kiss in the alleyway and the way the way her eyes paralyzed him on the dock causing him to allow the incident to happen. It became more and more apparent to him that suppressing these memories would be harder as time went on without closure from her. What are you doing Maiha, are you well, how have you changed? Although he missed her, he was interested in seeing how she had grown. Tsunade was right to tell him that he was being too protective of her. Space was in fact what she needed. What they both needed. He just hoped that there would be some space left in her life for him when she came back. If she did.
"Beautiful night isn't it?" a woman's voice spoke from behind him.
It broke his concentration and he turned slightly toward the person behind him.
"Mind if I join you?"
He nodded. Kakashi still kept space between them considering that this was his and Maiha's gathering place. He remained quiet for a long while before she broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, I don't want to impose but I see you out here every so often on my walks at night." He said Not a word so the woman tried again. "Oh I'm sorry I should introduce myself, my name is Madori."
"Hatake Kakashi."
"Everyone knows who you are Hatake-san you don't need to introduce yourself to me."
"Oh, I suppose that's true."
After she broke the ice, a conversation began and they talked for a while before she realized how late it was. "Oh I have to get going, I have many things to do tomorrow. It was nice to chat with you. I'll see you around."
"Have a good evening."
Madori often sought out Kakashi when he was in the village, mostly as a tag along at first. They were seen in each other's company often leading others to speculate the state of their relationship. The pairing was odd, Kakashi was a very private person, laidback, not flashy in anyway. Madori, on the other hand was flamboyant, demanded as much of his attention as possible and was not subtle at all about going after it. But yet Kakashi still allowed her to remain in his circle of friends. She seemed close enough be considered a possible love interest and around town, considering his character, that was a hot topic. As soon as Madori caught wind of the speculation she reveled in the attention.
"Hey Sakura, you know Kakashi better than any of us what do you think about Madori?" Ino asked while the girls were getting ready to go to the bar one evening.
"I really don't know. I mean he never had anyone around him except Maiha when I was his student, of course I didn't know much about his love life then nor do I now."
"Well you have to admit she looks a lot like Maiha."
"I agree in looks but defiantly not in personality. She's so, ugh, not what I thought he would get that involved with."
"I rarely ever see them talk usually she just hangs all over him. She could just be something for fun, like a friend-with-benefits type of relationship."
"More like baggage with benefits," Tenten said with some acid.
"They say that opposites attract, so maybe that's what's happening," Hinata proposed the possibility.
"Well I'm glad she sits at the 'opposite' of the end of the table because she annoys the hell out of me," Tenten spat out as she crossed her arms.
There was a moment of silence and then they all burst out laughing knowing now that they all felt the same way about Kakashi's new 'something'.
Kakashi exited the Hokage's tower on his way home to prepare for a mission. "No answers and another mission," he put his hands in his pockets and exhaled as he continued down the street.
"Hey, Kakashi!" a voice called out from behind.
Kakashi turned "Oh, hey Genma how's it going."
"Oh you know, always busy," he said exhaling as they continued walking.
"Busy," Kakashi scoffed.
"Yeah you know it's hard to keep up with work and maintain my reputation with the ladies," He gave Kakashi a nod. "Now that you have fallen off the map I've got a lot more to take care of."
"I was never that bad Genma."
Genma shrugged and smiled deviously, "You had your days." There was a slight pause before Genma spoke again, "Speaking of the ladies, what's with this Madori girl?"
"What about her?"
"Well this is the longest I have seen you keep a girl around. As a matter of fact the only other ladies I have seen you with exclusively were Sakura when she was your student and Maiha."
Kakashi wasn't in the mood for this conversation with anyone. The mere thought of it made Kakashi lose focus.
"What's your point Genma?" Kakashi said shortly.
"Well you gotta admit Madori looks a lot like Maiha," he chuckled lightly. Genma tried to get a little more information about his relationship with Madori since it was such a hot topic.
"Madori is… an acquaintance." Kakashi had heard all the rumors and chose to ignore every one of them but was getting a little irritated with all the questioning. He liked his privacy and no matter what the state of their relationship he wanted to keep it just that, private.
"If you say so," Genma said with a shrug having an idea of what he meant. There were a few minutes of silence. "So Maiha, she's been gone for a while now hasn't she?"
The subject of Genma's small talk finally made Kakashi's attitude turn sour. "Genma is there a point to this conversation I have a mission to prepare for."
"Well then I guess we better turn around 'cause we passed your apartment two blocks ago."
Kakashi looked around and noticed that Genma was right. He exhaled.
"Got some things on your mind eh? Well you better get it straight before your mission." Genma turned to leave. "If you need to talk you know where to find me."
Sorry all had to throw in a curve here, and yes I am smiling devilishly. Chapter 15 is in the works with more fun in store! Hope you enjoyed 14.